February 2002 Swindon Link

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No. 237 • February 2002 • Circulation 22,000

itive newsforce in Swindon a n d th e s win do n wide wha t's o n g u ide

Cuts in services and tax rises

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We try to cast some clarity on a confusing situation on pages 3 to 7 in advance of two crucial council meetings in February

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Left, Will Mrs T get her fee if the grant to the Festival of Literature is cut?

Right, no more visitors from afar like Imbongi from Zimbabwe if arts funding is reduced

A year after Shaun Shirley died, little has been done to make Corton Crescent safer

Together again

There's always a warm welcome from Mr Ali and his staff at "Purton 's hidden Indian treasure"

Petition being organised calling for action

Maha v`cajcah Swindon's Atlantic rower Norman Butler from Westlea, reunited with wife Linda and baby Melissa after an 82 day journey. Photos of the Spirit of Swindon at sea on page 14.

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Southern development on show to the public A bleak photograph for a sad moment. Swindon's mayor and Toothill councillor David Cox and Westlea road safety campaigner Dawn Dolphin. centre, join Sandra and Ray Shirley, with their youngest children Jonathan and Siobhan atthe spotwhere Shaun was knocked down on 17 January 2001. Story on page 2.

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The Link Magazine • February 2002

Petition to be launched on 2 February calling for action at death crossing The police markings where the car which hit 13 year old Shaun Shirley from Toothill came to rest can still be seen faintly on the curb and a spray of flowers hang limply from a tree trunk adopted by his friends from Greendown School, sad reminders of the tragic evening of 17 January 2001 when he was knocked down after running out into Corton Crescent.

A year later, little of note has been done to make it safer, and nothing will happen until Swindon Council has agreed its budget for the next financial year.

Daily, hundreds of pedestrians and cyclists use the crossing on their way to work, to shop at the West Swindon Centre, go to school at Westlea or Oliver Tomkins, or to return home. On Wednesday and Thursday the number of crossings rises dramatically as children from Westlea School walk to swimming lessons at the Link Centre.

Now Swindon's mayor and Toothill councillor David Cox is backing a petition calling for Swindon Council to do something before there is another fatality.

Coun Cox expressed his sympathy to Sandra and Ray Shirley at a rendezvous at Corton Crescent, and said he was very disappointed that so little had been done to make the road safer for pedestrians since their tragic loss.

Two of the three major pedestrian routes to the West Swindon Centre now have lights and I am pressing for maximum safety

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measures on Corton Crescent," he said. "It is a fast road on a bend, close to the fuel station entrance, right by the Asda delivery bay; it is a very dangerous point for pedestrians and cyclists using a designated route. We need controlled lights, staggered barriers on both sides of the roads, a raised road surface to slow traf fi c and good overhead lighting. The council has to get itself organised and I will be approaching Asda to enhance the safety of this site. Let's get it right."

Swindon Council's cabinet carried out the annual review of all

the town's danger spots in December and agreed Corton Crescent was a priority for action. However with the uncertainty over next year's council budget, which projects actually get built and when is unknown.

Sandra said life stopped on 17 Helpers wanted: if you can help January last year. "How do you collect signatures on 2 February, cope with the anniversary of the or at a school or workplace, introduce yourself to Dawn Dolphin or death of someone who had his life ahead of him? Coming to Corton call her on 876680.

Crescent I s ti ll think I could stop Safer in Shaw. Two toucans to be Shaun running into the road. It's installed and make your child visbeen 52 weeks since I held my son ible with a safety jacket. Stories on in the hospital; it's getting harder page 30.

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to understand why it had to happen."

Westlea School governor Dawn Dolphin who has been campaigning with parents for greater safety on Langstone Way and Corton Crescent, and is organising the petition, said, "it is so sad that two of the three crossings at the West Swindon Centre will have been installed because of tragic deaths to children in the last six years.

"Please come down and sign the petition and help us get Swindon Council to do something to prevent another tragedy."

The petition calling for immediate safety measures at Corton Crescent will be launched on Saturday 2 February, West Swindon Centre, 9am to 5pm.

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The Link Magazine • February 2002

Will town's councillors allow arts projects to be savaged and a massacre of the library service?

Pa rt y politicians perform pre-election fandango as cuts to Swindon Dance, grants to arts projects and library closures are proposed.

There's an irony in Swindon Council's slogan: working together to make a difference.

But it's budget making time and elections for 19 seats on the council are due in May, the first in two years, and there's ferocious disagreement about what kind of borough we should live in.

Control of the future council is in the balance +I:" with seats held by f ^'^ seven Conserva-

• the closure of education and marketing services in museums, saving £89,000 and 3 jobs; • cutting grants to an unspecified number of voluntary organisations saving £170,000; • a reduction of summer holiday play schemes saving £100,000, 5 jobs;

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Over the next few pages the three political party leaders explain how they see the situation.

On 7 February the Conservative's budget inclusive of the cutbacks is put to full council, but the Labour and Lib Dems will only cut?

Which voluntary groups offer- reveal their proposals on that day. ing crucial services are to be de- If there is no agreement on council tax, there will then be serious horse stroyed?

The critical ques- trading before the final debate at tion is: will the other full council on 28 February.

These are public meetings at the parties - Labour with 29 seats on the Civic Offices. Go along and see if " r1! .,, council, the Lib the town's reputation can be salDems with 8, vaged or whether Swindon is to be against the 22 Con- become a cultural wasteland. servatives - agree the cuts and dam- Are taxes high enougr age the town's at- If asked, do you want to pay a tempts to build a 9.5%council tax rise, many peonew image? ple would say 'no.'

Minister Margaret Thatcher and former Labour Northern Ireland secretary Mo Mowlem not receive their fee for speaking at the Festival of Literature because the festival grant of only £5,500 has been

tives, 9 Labour and 3 Lib Dem to r', be contested, but not before many services could be e stripped of cash.

Working to a new government Last year the timetable, spendConservatives ing plans and 3^ sided with the Lib changes in counDems to hold coun' cil tax for 2002/ The'antics cil tax to 6.8% 03 have been set {' Two in linefo r elimih against the 9.5%, out early for pub- ` of t e city fes tival aq ;, proposed by Latto nhall stu digs i,ithe background lic comment. bour. If councillors The Conservative Party, in control of Swindon • removing grants to non-statu- had paid attention to the council's Council since October - for the first tory music provision like the much slogan, would so many people be time in over twenty years - but loved Swindon Young Musicians. fretting about the future of their Other cutbacks and reductions group, their jobs and their ability with a minority of seats, have proposed a council tax rise for next in services are being considered, to plan and deliver services?

But should we should thank year of 9.5% - about £75 on a Band affecting social services and the D property. They want to pump disabled and increasing charges at councillors for disagreeing? The £1.55 million into schools as a re- car parks, recreation centres, cem- issues are out in the open and being debated, giving us the chance suit of the disastrous Ofsted re- eteries and crematoriums Is Swindon to become a cultural to decide what kind of town Swinport on the way Swindon ran its education department under the desert? Will former Tory Prime don should be.

Labour Party.

But this will leave the council £800,000 short and a range of cutbacks in arts and library services are proposed including: Free step by step guide to buying or • closing 10 or 12 small libraries to concentrate on 7 centres of excelremortgaging your home. Tel: 0800 5960159 lence saving £200,000 and making 22 redundancies; • a reduction in the council's contribution to matching central government grants saving £222,000; • closing the Children's University scheme after summer 2002, ' WE COME TO YOU saving £26,000; We have two large AT HOME OR WORK' • closing the town hall studios and barns full of top relocating Swindon Dance, saving %/ o ,t Free collection quality furnishing £64,000; wos & delivery ENDS fabrics (often more • closing Cre8 Media Studios, savServicing & repairs ing £75,000, cutting 4 jobs; than 50 metres) which BIKE ,t No call out charge • closing the public arts service, DOCTOR are the ends of ranges.

Artscape, which organises the City Also wallpapers. All are from Festival, concerts, arts exhibitions leading manufacturers at * New cycles and sculpture commissions, savgreatly reduced prices. * New clearance models ing £100,000, 3 job losses; Why not come and see us? (l arge reductions) • cutting grants to cultural activi* Parts & accessories Sheira Brookes. Giles Green, ties such as the famed Festival of Brinkworth, Nr Chippenham.

Literature and the acclaimed Sixth Tel: 01666 510685 Sense Theatre Company, saving 9am - 4pm £100,000, one redundancy;

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But if Swindon householders were asked, are you willing to pay the same council tax as other authorities across Wiltshire?, many would say 'yes.'

Compare the council tax for 2001/2002 in other other parts of the county.

Swindon £793 Amount above Swindon

(12%) Salisbury £891 £98 Kennet £894 £101 (13%) West Wilts £919 £126 (16%) North Wilts £924 £131 (17%) Average £907 £114 (14%) Hence the 9.5% hike proposed by the Conservatives is well below neighbouring authorities.

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4 The Link Magazine • February 2002

Bad treatment for Swindon by the government

The cuts. Why? At atime when the UK economy has been booming, when the town continues to grow apace and is said to be one of the major contributors to the nation's economic success, why is it that there could be huge reductions in arts provision and grants to voluntary groups?

Confused? The Link has asked the party leaders to explain why Swindon Borough Council has such a poor financial position and why cuts are being proposed.

Taxes and cuts in services By council leader Mike Bawden, leader of the Conservative Group

Since its formation in 1997 Swindon Borough Council has received a low 'standard spending assessment' (SSA) from the government.

This is the formula by which the government allocates resources and steers local spending. Approximately 71p in every £1 spent

by Swindon Borough Council on local services comes from central government. Swindon's low SSA means the government gives the council a low amount of money to spend on local services.

Until 1999, central government

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capped Swindon's spending at the level of the SSA, which meant the government effectively controlled council tax levels and held down spending on local services.

Since capping restrictions were removed the council has spent in line with government guidelines. The result is a council tax about 14% lower than the Wiltshire average and 15% below the national average for comparable authorities. This means Swindon has about £6 million a year less than other similar councils have to spend on services.

Against this background of scarce resources, several factors indicate the need for more money for Swindon's services: • Recent national audit and inspection reports criticise the previous administration's management of resources and ability to deliver services effectively within those resources.

• Swindon is one of the lowest spending authorities for education when spend per pupil is compared nationally.

• Recent audit reports criticise the previous administration for failing to invest in central resources to support service departments.

• Key services are struggling to maintain spending within available budgets.

• A rising population in Swindon demands new schools and services.

The government's allocation of

resources for next year treated Swindon badly. The average increase in government support is 5.4%, but Swindon's increase is only 4.3%. Government support for Swindon's education and social services is well below the national average.

In cash terms, government support to the council for the next financial year is about £1.5 million less than would be the case had Swindon received an "average" allocation.

The result is a shortfall in the budget for essential services. An increase in council tax can makeup this shortfall. This requires an increase of at least 4% on top of the 4.5% increase already i mplied by the government's resource allocation. The council is consulting on a council tax increase of 9.5%.

The government has allocated inadequate money to Swindon's education services, therefore a key objective is to improve the level of local funding for schools. One way of doing this is to find savings in other service areas, so there might be proposals to reduce some services or deliver them differently.

If the government gave enough money to Swindon Council there would be little need to raise council tax or reduce services. I have asked the Swindon MPs to support me in lobbying the government for more money to help Swindon Borough Council overcome its financial problems without placing an undue burden on local taxpayers.

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Published by West Swindon Publications Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 "The Link was first published for the West e: linkmagazine@compuserve.com Swindon community in December 1978.

It i s completely independent of Link Centre www.swindonlink.com and, in fact, won a competition to name the Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Tel: (01793) 872282 Swindon commenced in January 1994."

Editorial: The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photoPrinted by benhamgoodheadprint graphs require similar authority

The Link Magazine • February 2002

The state of Swindon Borough Council Suffering a system set up by the previous government

Someone Specia

By Sue Bates, leader of the Labour Group

The current situation at Swindon Borough Council is difficult and controversial and has generated a great deal of local media and public interest.

In order to establish a full pic- the Conservative Government that ture of the current situation, we will be changed by the Labour Govneed to go back a few months and ernment, is used to calculate the revisit some key events. As read- revenue grant that all local authoriers of The Link will be aware, on 11 ties receive. It uses statistics, such October 2001 there was a change as the number of unemployed in in administration, that is, the po- the area, to arrive at a final figure. litical leadership of the council These statistics currently work changed hands from Labour to against Swindon as they assume Conservative. The Labour Group that this is a wealthy town, thereof councillors resigned from ad- fore decreasing the amount we reministration shortly after the Lo- ceive.

Also, in 1997 cal Education Auwhen Swindon thority received a became a unitary fairly damming authority, we reOfsted report. ceived a settleSince October, the ment which was council has been in £11 million less the hands of the that we were exConservatives. pecting. That had There are areas of nothing to do the council in with the Labour which the three pogovernment and litical parties have has put us at a dismade great progress advantage ever over the last few since. Most remonths through cently, the Conworking in partnership with one another to servative and the Liberal Demoachieve common aims. This in- crats groups voted through the cludes the New Models Steering budget we have been working with Group, which has involved all po- this year. litical parties as well as representaThe Labour Group of counciltives from headteachers, gover- lors and myself as the leader of nors, trade unions and the DfES in that group share the concerns of order to reach a consensus on the the community regarding some of future of education in Swindon. the budget proposals. To look at Social Services have also recently closing libraries as a way of saving received the draft report from the money rather than providing an Joint Review of the department enhanced service is not what the and there is a partnership group people of Swindon deserve. that again includes all three politiIn February, all council memcal parties and is hoping to achieve bers will be making the final decisions on the increase in council similar aims.

However, local government can- tax, which will decide the level of not always be based on a consen- services provided in the town. As sus and there are times where po- Leader of the Labour Group, I want litical beliefs play a significant role. to ensure that Swindon receives The budget proposals for 2002/03, the fairest financial settlement posas presented to the Cabinet on 19 sible in order to continue our supDecember 2001 by the Conserva- port of all the services currently tive administration, are based on a provided in the town. council tax increase of 9.5%. They also indicate that there may be sigCorrections nificant cuts to services that are Thanks to Mr Dyson from Haydon currently an integral part of the Wick for pointing out that the community in Swindon, such as r Queen's accesCre8, Swindon Dance, community sion to the throne libraries and the Literature Festiwas 1952, not val.

1951 as printed The Conservatives are blaming in the January the current Labour government for P Link. the shortfall in the finance settleAlso, apoloment. The reality is that, yes, the gies to Jean settlement is not enough. Yet, it is Goncalves, left, far too simplistic to say that it is the of the Safe Swinfault of the current central admindon Shop for istration. The Standard Spending misspelling her Assessment, a system invented by first name.

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The Link Magazine • February 2002

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Taxes and cuts in services Town needs more money

By Mike Evemy, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group

In October last year, Labour Councillors resigned from power after a vote of no confidence was passed

by Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors.

This followed a highly critical OFSTED report on the town's education service. At that time, we called for the council to be run by a joint administration of all three parties. But Labour and the Conservatives refused to work with each other, so the Tories took control.

In early December, the Government announced a £5.8 million spending settlement for Swindon

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To fully understand the town's Council. This was worse than expected and has left the Council in financial position we need to look a desperate financial situation. In back to the introduction of poll tax response, the Tories have proposed (Community Charge) in 1990. that council tax should go up by an Wiltshire County and Thamesaverage of £75 per household (a down (the predecessors to Swinrise of 9.5%), but at the same time don Borough Council) decided to cutting back on services. The new suspend payments to employees pension fund so Tory administrathat essential servtion is suggesting ices could concuts in an effort to tinue whilst keepbalance the books, ing the poll tax as blaming the Labour low as possible. government for Today we are payunderfunding ing the price for Swindon services. that decision. £27 Liberal Demomillion of the procrats agree that the ceeds of the sale of Government do not the Brunel Centre provide enough has been used to mone y to Swindon pay off this pento run our services.

Along with the other parties we siondebt. There is still £l2 million have repeatedly asked for more to pay to bring the fund back to full cash to run these essential serv- funding.

Last year, the Liberal Democrats ices, particularly schools and Social Services. Each time the Gov- proposed the council's budget, ernment has said there is no more which was supported by the Conservative Group. At that time we cash available. invested an extra £2.4 million into Education It's unacceptable that Swindon re- the education service, £2.3 million ceives only £2,043 per primary for Social Services, £90,000 to subschool pupil and £2,632 for each sidise transport on trains for the secondary school pupil. Compare elderly, a trial of kerbside collecthis with Slough, another M4 uni- tions of paper and metal to 7,000 tary authority, who receive £821 households across the borough and more for each primary school pu- spent just £26,000 to provide dog bins across Swindon. pil.

We did not make any cuts in Social Services frontline services.

The council has overspent by Liberal Democrats will be worknearly £1 million this year to pro- ing this year to ensure that the vide services for elderly people council produces the best budget who need them. There are more it can from this difficult position. and more cases where older peo- We must make more money availple have finished treatment in hos- able for our schools to give Swinpital, but without spaces in Coun- don's children a better education cil care homes, they have to re- whilst protecting those services main in hospital blocking a bed which support Swindon's spirit of and denying another needy patient treatment.

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The state of Swindon Borough Council

The Link Magazine • February 2002

7

Investment in dance could be destroyed. Town's 30 year vision threatened

By Barry Gandberg, Lecturer at Swindon College & Brunel University ble for the presentation of Health and Safety improvements many nationally acclaimed such as the installation of a new Jo Cansell, a former student at dance and theatre compa- disabled chair lift.

Swindon Dance nies that otherwise would Moving to another location P erforming with never find their way to would devastate its income, deNuno Campos of Swindon. stroy its strategic and artistic plans, the Henri Oguike lose its status as a National Dance The quality of the lives of Dance Company a very wide range of our Agency, Swindon being one of a Photo: Chris Nash community would suffer if very few towns with such recogniSwindon Dance were to tion.

Swindon's bid for a major Public close.

Our town will also have Finance Initiative bid (PFI) to the lost long term investments government to develop cultural

by Southern Arts of facilities as part of its 30 year vi£172,000 per annum, £15 to sion would be jeopardised. The £20,000 in additional grants director of Southern Arts has aland earned income of some ready stated that its support for the bid would not be forthcoming £130,000.

The Foundation for Sport if the cuts were made, therefore and the Arts has just in- seriously damaging any hopes for what Swindon Dance has to offer. vested £100,000 to refurbish the ever gaining city status.

The closure of a nationally acIt is a way that many people can Town Hall with sprung floors, communicate, express themselves showers, new seats in the theatre claimed and funded centre of exand reap the rewards of achieving and technical equipment. And re- cellence does not send out positive their capabilities and potential, cently there has been expensive signals. when all other methods fail.

Thousands of ordinary women and men have gained confidence, Swindon will become a sadder place higher levels of self-esteem and By Kaye O'Neill, a Friend of Swindon Festival of Literature found a new lease of life through Whilst understanding the huge deThe festival has several private the pleasure of dancing. mandsonSwindonCounciltofund backers like Waterstones and Swindon Dance has helped de- many projects, it would seem a Dominic Winter Book Auctions velop and produce many of the criminal act not to continue its very and is constantly looking for new top professionals that we find to- modest funding of around £5,500 sponsors. It is a hugely successful day in the world of dance and thea- for Swindon's 9th Swindon Festi- enterprise, increasing the numbers tre. They are also solel y responsi- val of Literature. of visitors to Swindon every year.

I gather the situation is so bad The town missed out on city stathat officers would not even put tuslastyear.Axingfundingtosuch Visual arts contribute to education, and forward a request for funding for an important showcase will do consideration by councillors. nothing for its image. to the whole community This year's By independent artists Toni Robinson and Gordon Dickinson stars will be no.addedsugar@virgin.net Margaret Thatcher and How can we think of reducing our alongside professionals. As comMo Mowlem already limited cultural facilities munity artists we see the overand a host of in Swindon? whelmingly positive effects that well known We are writing in response to education through the arts can writers, acthe proposed reductions to art have on people of all ages. Art in tors, poets funding which could result in the education has shown an increase and musiclosure of Artscape, the council in self-esteem, confidence, social cians. department that encourages and skills and enthusiasm to learn.

The festipromotes visual arts activity Visual language offers people val's contriacross the borough. We feel it an alternative method of commubution to the would be a catastrophe to elimi- nication which can help them curriculum natethe cultural opportunities that achieve in other areas. If Swindon Storyteller Cat Wetherall gets interactive with was a posiArtscape gives to the community. wants to become a city it needs to youngsters from Westlea School at last year's festival tive comThe council proposes to take examine the arts and cultural exment in the otherwise disasterous funding from the arts to give to periences that other cities have to education but we feel strongly that offer. While the rest of the country Bowl provide a high standard of Ofsted report on the way Swindon Artscape is an education provider is raising the profile of the arts, our entertainment that the whole fam- runs education. Withdrawing in that it supports the Children's council is proposing to eliminate ily can look forward to and enjoy funds would mean that it would University, Artyfacts and many what small provision we have. together. This is the way to build be unable to continue the brilliant As parents we feel that the very community and a culture for a city. work of increasing the range of visual arts projects within our popular Swindon City Festival, the Below, an example of art in the com- experiences for our children. schools.

Think again about your prioriThese experiences provide new Festival of Literature and World munity at Cambria Bridge play area. ties Swindon. opportunities for children to work Music Events at The Town Garden Makes you think!

The proposal by Swindon Borough Council to relocate Swindon Dance from the Town Hall would put at serious risk a thriving business with 48,000 community users a year.

The cost to rehouse the dance studios in today's current financial climate would be prohibitive.

It would probably have to close, given such short notice of eviction.

Swindon Dance is not just a dance school.

It provides a unique and essential service to our community that has been cultivated by many years of experience. It offers opportunities to people of all ages, cultures and abilities.

Through its programme, Swindon Dance has enriched, inspired, changed and indeed saved many lives that may have turned to drugs and crime if not for the opportunities that it has offered.

Countless young people from deprived socio-economic backgrounds have developed skills and learned disciplines at Swindon Dance that have helped integrate them into society and indeed introduce them to successful professions.

Large numbers of people with learning difficulties and physical disabilities have benefited from

8

The Link Magazine • February 2002

Front garden plans go on show in February

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Following the High Court decision before Christmas to allow Swindon Council to develop the land between the town and the M4, plans will go on display this month to outline the proposals for the area.

The exhibition which can be over the next couple of months to a 1,000 space park and ride scheme, viewed at eight locations around give everyone an opportunity to community facilities such as the town between 4 and 11 Febru- express their opinions and influ- schools, health centres and shops, ary will set out the principles for ence the future development at this a stadium and leisure complex, and the development of 3,800 homes in very early stage." employment areas. advanceofamasterplanbeingpreThe exhibition will outline land Bryant Homes have appointed sented to Swindon Council's plan- use, noise and drainage issues, renowned urban design architects ning committee by Bryant Homes. road access, the preservation of John Simpson & Partners to proNick Sedgwick, Bryant project the Wilts and Berks Canal and an- duce the masterplan for the develmanager on the scheme, said, "we cient monuments found in the area, opment of the area following the want to involve the local commu- as well as the protection of flora outcome of the public consultanity in the process of drawing up and fauna. tion process. this masterplan and will be holdAlong with housing, the plans • Seepage2l forexhibition dates ing a public consultation exercise will also consider the provision of and venues.

Civic Trust wants people's view on changes to Regent Circus Swindon Council was given the green light in January to set up an Urban Regeneration Company to redevelop the town centre.

The Swindon College Regent usage will form makes it special, Circus site is to become vacant the basis of a so let's all get towhen the college rebuilds at North workshop on Satgether to build on Star and there are grand plans for urday 16 Februthat knowledge." the town hall and the Theatre ary, 10am to 3pm.

Attendance at Square area to become a cultural Civic Trust the consultation centre of the town. chairman John day is free, but a But, before the experts go too far Monniot said, place should be with fancy ideas, the newly formed "our town faces booked on 528095.

Swindon Civic Trust wants to find big changes. Now The Civic Trust out what people of the town think is the time to make will also be reabout redeveloping the Regent clear what the cruiting members Circus area. people of Swinat the Disability A highly visual display of maps don hope to gain, Resource Centre and photos of buildings, traffic and and what they in the Brunel Cenhope to keep. tre upper floor on Swindon people know best what Saturday 23 February.

­

01 1 01 s Community Dividend Scheme

Members of the Swindon Kings wheelchair basketball club at the Hayden Centre who received a £1,000 grant from the Co-op

A minimum of 1% of the Society's profits are returned to projects to benefit the local community through the Community Dividend Scheme.

If you think a project you know of could qualify for a grant of up to £1,000, call 0800 435902 for more information

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Council comes up with education plan After the catastrophic Ofsted report on the way Swindon runs its education service in September, a working group has come up with a plan to run the service for the benefit of the children of the town.

On 10 January the full Council work together constructively. voted in favour of a plan arrived at "Ofsted has created a situation jointly by councillors from all par- where heads, governors, officers ties, headteachers, governors and and councillors have had to talk to outside advisors which will now each other. Out of the discussion be submitted to the Department has come trust and understanding for Education and Skills as the way and a commitment to making the of getting Swindon out of special education service work for all the measures as a failing education children of the town. However, no authority, new organisational model in SwinThe proposal sees the manage- don will work without more ment of education handed over to money from government." an independently chaired EducaThere was agreement in the tion Partnership Board (EPB) council chamber that Swindon's which would contract an external ability to deliver the education organisation to provide strategic service was being hampered by management of the local educa- the government's refusal to intion authority. The EPB and exter- crease grant aid to the council. nal partner would recommend ap- Funding for each child in the town pointments to the senior manage- is £238 less than comparable aument team and the partnership thorities, which makes a total of would be responsible for manag- £6.5 million less. ing the top two tiers of posts and Despite a letter from the governoversee a restructuring of the way ment stating that no extra money education is run, would be provided via the RevKeith Smith, chair of the Asso- enue Support Grant, the council is ciationofSwindonSpecialSchools, appealing for a one-off grant to addressing the full council said the help it give the education service Ofsted report had forced all par- and schools a fighting chance to ties with interests in education to improve.

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300 momhly mortgage payments of £175. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96. Total amount payable £125,183 calculated to include valuation fee £195, This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply throughout the term of the loan.

Maximum roan £150,000. Rate applied is 4.2% 1 4.7% APR) discounted to 30/9/03. Rates may vary. The rate applies to loans up to and including 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower, The discounted rate is applicable until 31/7/03, after which the then current variable base mortgage rate will apply. When an applicant is borrowing more than 75% the Society will require additional security. This is usually in the form of a Risk Charge. Rates correct at time of going to press.

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10 The Link Magazine • February 2002

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Taw Hill residents have to drive to drink One of Swindon's newest, but most isolated communities, could remain dry for another two years because landowners want to build apartments where a pub was planned.

People who moved into the first "We became very concerned houses at Taw Hill from 1996 to when Taywood submitted a 1999 were led to believe that a pub scheme for apartments in June last was destined for the site at the year. After the medical practice entrance to the area on Queen moved to another temporary Elizabeth Drive, just off the newly building before Christmas and the opened Thamesdown Drive. Sales adjacent community hall was shut literature produced by Taywood down, the site is now cleared for Homes (now Bryant Homes) development. clearly stated a proposal for a pub or restaurant.

However Bryant Homes say that after an extensive marketing campaign to the catering industry produced no interest they are proposing to use the site for housing.

Mark Edwards of the Taw Hill community association has been negotiating with Bryant, Swindon Council and local MP Michael Wills to try and get a pub built.

"People who moved into the early phases of the Taw Hill development were always under the impression that a pub would be built on the site. It was indicated on "I can't fault the cooperation and Taywood sales literature and we helpful information from all conwere asked to sign a document cerned - Bryant Homes, Swindon when we bought our house stating Council, Michael Wills - but it is we understood the land would be very frustrating that the developused for that purpose. They even ers don't want to provide an imsurveyed the first households to portant community facility. Apart find out what people thought of from the newly opened worship having a pub in their area. centre at the medical practice, there is no social meeting point accessible to all residents, and absolutely nothing for teenagers.

"Bryant state in one of their letters, they are looking for land use 'which could give satisfactory returns for shareholders.'

Bryant Homes development director Ivor Beaman explained that there had been no serious interest

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in opening a pub / restaurant after a marketing campaign to the licensed trade during 2001 and plans for 32 apartments are being drawn up. He held out hope for a pub at Taw Hill village centre if the trade is interested. Sometime in 2004 is the earliest opening date.

Senior planner at Swindon

Council Martin Trewhella said the council had always envisaged a pub on the site and this preference had been restated to the land owners. He confirmed that a plan for 20 flats had been turned down last year, but he understood another application was being prepared.

Sue Martin, clerk to Haydon Wick parish council, said the council has always supported the provision of a pub in an area with very few facilities.

Local MP Michael Wills said he is in active correspondence with developers about getting more community amenties into Taw Hill as residents feel strongly about the issue.

Self help for younger stroke sufferers The Haydon Centre is the venue for monthly meetings of the Swindon branch of Wiltshire Young Stroke.

The group aims to befriend and support new, young stroke sufferers.

It provides a forum for discussion, disseminates information and advocates improvements to rehabilitation services.

Meetings are held on the second Saturday of the month, 10am to 12noon. Guest speakers are invited and members also take part in activities like keep fit, swimming, skittles and outings to restaurants.

There is no joining fee. Anyone interested can just turn up or call chairman, Mike McCaugherty on 533805.

Planning Christmas cheer for next year Three hundred and twenty five elderly residents of Haydon Wick parish received a Christmas food parcel in early December and clerk to the council Sue Martin said parish councillors were very appreciative of the help given by volunteers in distributing parcels and also to Safeway which supplied the contents at a discounted rate.

The parish council is keen to know of anybody over 65 years on 1 December this year who may be entitled to receive a parcel. Call Sue Martin on 722446 for details.

• Haydon Centre to close for repairs Essential maintenance work takes place in the week commencing Monday 25 February. Floors in three halls will be repaired and resealed. Because of the smell of chemicals, the whole building will be closed. The centre should re-open on Monday 4 March.

The Link Magazine • February 2002

11

Third north school on its way Plans to build the third new primary school in North Swindon were presented to the public at Haydon Wick parish council offices on 10 and 11 January in advance of a planning application for the site off Lady Lane, in the new housing area called Red House. along Lady Lane will be retained to form nature study areas and security will be given a high priorI I ity. An eight foot high mesh ready for use by Sepfence around the playtember 2003. However, ground will be installed to cope with increasing numbers of children in Ash Brake said that he is using experience and the hall can be isolated for out and St Andrew's Ridge, the school gained from other new school of school use. However there will will actually start this September projects in Swindon, such as pro- be no dedicated community faciliin temporary buildings located at viding a canopy on the sides of the ties.

• Residents organise petition the Catherine Wayte School where building facing the playground alit will share some of the facilities. lowing children to stay dry during calling for closure of Lady Lane as Principal architect Nic Newland rainy playtimes. Existing trees promised - story on page 32.

Swindon Council intends to make a start on construction in the summer to have the school

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All sunny in Abbey Meads Youngsters who attend the Abbey Meads School Sunshine After School Club celebrated its first birthday with games, a disco and a chocolate cake.

The club which is funded with a lottery grant cares for 24 children after school. Craft activities are organised and outdoor games take place on the school's all weather play area.

Michelle Allen, 8, said she liked attending. "Coming to the club is really fun."

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12 The Link Magazine • February 2002

Cut price quality kit for play park Brand new play equipment aimed at children aged three to eight is to be tried out in a Toothill play area by one of the leading manufacturers.

Designed for the US market, play equipment company Kompan wants to find out how children in the UK and Europe will take to the new range.

A deal has been struck with Swindon Council to install the equipment at Whitehill Park playground, close to Oliver Tomkins School, for half the normal price of over £10,000.

It will be one of four show sites around the country to be evaluated by the company and will be visited by potential purchasers.

Swindon Council landscape officer Martin Hambidge said the equipment will have the usual exciting challenges for children such as a climbing frame, slide and rope ladder but it will look different to what has been installed in the past.

Kompan guarantees the equipment for 20 years and will replace defective parts. However, recognising that there are vandals ready to ruin the fun for other children, the council and the company have agreed an option to install something different if the trial equipment is repeatedly damaged.

Kompan hope to have installed the play area by the end of January.

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Across West Swindon there are 770 empty prima ry school places and Swindon Council is planning to take them out of use over the next few years to reduce the cost to the hard pressed education budget.

A recent review of primary in numbers on a phased basis over school places in the area high- the last five years. lighted the fact that the equivalent Swindon Council suggested in to two primary schools are stand- January 2000 that Tregoze School ing empty. These places are mainly in Grange Park could reduce its in temporary buildings at schools annual intake of forty to a more where the 'baby boom' of the 1980s manageable single form entry of and 1990s have passed through - thirty. At present children are such as Brook Field, Freshbrook, taught in mixed-age groups and Shaw Ridge, Toothill and Westlea. there is not enough space for speThe surplus accounts for twenty cialist teaching. A computer suite percent of all primary school places is housed in a central corridor. in the area and is twice the level The council's education commisconsidered acceptable by Ofsted. sion has agreed to the reduction in Last September's highly critical surplus places but it is not known report recommended the council when the intake at Tregoze will take prompt action to remove take effect. them.

Relieved mum Tina Neate from However several schools such Grange Park, who lives just outas Shaw Ridge and Westlea still side the Tregoze catchment area, have larger numbers than their said she was pleased that her son permanent buildings were de- Callum would be able to go to the signed for and many children will school in September. "Many parcontinue to be taught in tempo- ents found places at Greendown rary buildings. playgroup several years ago from Shaw Ridge School has received where many children move onto extra funds to manage a reduction Tregoze."

A large metal orange container sitting outside Tregoze School in Grange Park has been transformed into a bright box of mystery by children and artist Gordon Dickenson of No Added Sugar.

The youngsters were asked to come up with their designs and Gordon transposed their ideas onto the container which replaced a sports equipment storage shed burnt down by vandals in the summer holidays 2000.

Above, Gordon with from left, Emma Cook, Joanne Johnson, Nicola Faramarzi

The Link Magazine • February 2002

13

Playground magic There could be moments for some children attending Catherine Wayte primary school in Abbey Meads when they imagine they might just be at Hogwarts Academy.

Before Christmas youngsters point, artist Cassey O'Brien said would go home and return the the hero for so many children next day to see a bit more of Harry 'would brighten up the playPotter appearing on the side of ground.' their school shed. Secretly the junBut Tommy Shears thinks there for art club had been at work on a could be magic around. "The playmajor outdoor project, but some ground is a place for imagination. may just think that the Abbey Lots of young children might think Meads equivalent of platform Harry will fly by."

9'i could be located on the shed - if Kousuke Sasaki said, "I'm not only they had the magic word. too bothered about Harry Potter, Taking a more practical view- but I like painting."

Putting the finishing touches: Tommy, Cassey and Kousuke

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Rediscovering young Link helper The January 2002 edition of The Link marked the fifteenth anniversary of the closure of the old Link newsletter, before it was relaunched as a monthly magazine in April 1987.

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Sharon reading to children in Cheryl Eyre's class at Catherine Waijte School

Between December 1978 and "I used to really enjoy helping January 1987 The Link was put to- out with The Link; it was a lot of gether by a group of volunteers fun," said Sharon. "I see the magawho typed articles, cut and pasted zine regularly when I visit my parbits of paper together; no comput- ents. It's impressive how far it has ers in those days. come; it looks great."

So it was delightful to bump Her experience with The Link has into Sharon Clift, now a 30 year stood her in good stead as Sharon old mother and part time teacher recently took on responsibility for at Catherine Wayte School. producing the newsletter for the For two years, a pupil at Hreod Swindon branch of the National Parkway School, she would come Childbirth Trust. "I was thinking along with her mum Marilyn about helping The Link a few days Gayle from Toothill to assist with ago as I was trying to get to grips the paste-up. with Microsoft Publisher."

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14 The Link Magazine • February 2002

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Atlantic rower returns triumphant After nearly three months at sea in his boat Spirit of Swindon, intrepid rower Norman Butler from Westlea returned to Swindon in early January, after a joyful reunion with his wife Linda and baby daughter Melissa in Barbados on 29 December.

The Link has reported on Norman's preparations over the last two years, to row across the Atlantic. We arranged for the Mayors of Swindon and German twin town Salzgitter to meet him and see the boat at the West Swindon Centre, and have printed updates of his progress at sea over the last three months from satellite phone calls.

Norman never wavered from his goal and is an example of an ordinary bloke setting his heart on doing something remarkable.

The last ten days of the 82 day trip was spent by himself as Norman's rowing partner Phil Scantlebury gave up and was taken off on a rescue boat.

Norman explained that unfortunately the psychological pressures of being at sea for longer than expected and in rough conditions had become too much for Phil. "There were some extreme moments which had us both on the edge. The physical demands and discipline to keep rowing whatever the weather and whatever time it was became too great a strain and a lot of my effort was going into counselling and coaxing him. The last days solo were some of the best Holding a flag as I was pres.iftedhy_the Mayor of Salzgi€ter - able to concentrate on the task of achieving my goal."

The first part of the trip had been uneventful but hard work as there was

As the journey took longer than expected Norman and Phil started to run out of food and had to call for help from passing ships. An encounter with a freighter which supplied food nearly destroyed the Spirit of Swindon. "We came in too close and because the ship was empty and sitting high in the water, we became trapped under the hull as it was moving," said Norman. "The crew could not see us and we were desperately fending off as the Spirit bumped along towards the rudder which was as tall as a house; we would certainly have been

drowned if we were caught by the propeller. Thankfully we just popped out with a few metres to go; I think God came to our rescue in the nick of time."

A bout of food poisoning upset Norman's routine for about a week, but there were only two occasions when the two men locked themselves into their cabin because of the rough weather. "It was important to steer the boat through the waves as they came at us from different directions. The massive swells are really an incredible scene. One moment you're deep in a valley, the next at the top and for miles around are ranges of mountainous waves, always moving."

The reunion with Linda and Melissa at Port St Charles in Barbados was joyful. "When I left Melissa was newborn. It's incred-

or wave assistance to help the rowing. As the Spirit of Swindon moved south, the heat rose, whilst salt water skin rashes and pressure sores increased. Sometimes rowing naked in the cooler parts of the day was the only way of relieving the discomfort. Norman's photos of backsides being exposed to the sun won't be Norman aged ten planning a project reproduced here.

He gave up taking pain- for 25 years later killers as they had little effect. Norman's alternative was laughter, by recalling scenes from Fawlty Towers and Alan Partridge shows.

Norman steering the Spirit of Swindon

ible how much she has changed.

"There are so many people I have to thank for their support - my specialist advisors who helped me plan and train for the journey, my

patron Sir Maurice Johnston, Rev Peter Knight at Lydiard Millicent and all the people who sent cards and e-mails to encourage me, many I don't know.

"My niece Clare Edmonds from Purton gave me some sealed envelopes which I looked forward to opening when reaching stages in the row.

"Linda has been incredible. I underestimated the stress she would be under. As I settled into a rhythm, she was dealing with phone calls, media enquiries, telling people how I was, whilst caring for Melissa and trying not to worry too much. She gave me fantastic support."

Now Norman wants to visit schools to talk about his experiences and he has to find a job to start settling accumulated debts.

If anyone is looking for somebody with excellent project management and counselling skills and considerable drive, give Norman a call on 882197.

• Powerpoint help. Can you help Norman create a photo presentation. Call him if you can assist.

The Link Magazine • February 2002

15

Plan to achieve something special in the coming months Blue Peter Bikeathon Sunday 5 May, 11am Coate Water Country Park

Race for Life Sunday 9 June, 11am Lydiard Park

Swindon cycleforlife 28 July, from Lydiard Park 30km/18 miles

A big family exercise day in aid of Leukaemia Research Fund, with li ve music, clowns and refreshments.

Last year Swindon raised £8,000 towards the national total of a third of a million pounds.

Entry forms will be available soon. Watch BBC Blue Peter or check out their web site: www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/bluepeter All ages can take part in the bikeathon

A run, jog or walk for women and girls around the park. one of 100 events nationwide in aid of research into women's cancers, organised

by Cancer Research UK and sponsored by Tesco.

Entries accepted in February at www.raceforlife.co.uk or call 08705 134 314.

A new national family event organised by Cancer Research UK aimed at raising money specifically for research into cancers which effect men.

The route will take quiet back roads around North Wiltshire. Cost of entry is £7.50. Under 16's £4.50.

Entry details from 0870 161 1010.

Marathon walkers go for hands on breasts Swindon's Twin Peaks Moonwalkers will be striding through the streets of London in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Bristol Cancer Help Centre on 11/12 May wearing bras decorated with hands - cut outs, stuffed, 3D, hairy, gorilla - the mind boggles.

And to end his mayoral year, Swindon's up-foreverything top-citizen David Cox is going to don a bra and join the team. Last year 200 women from Swindon joined 8.000 others from across Britain. making the largest group from any town.

Twin Peaks women had a planning meeting on 15 January and coordinator Eunice Salmon was delighted to see many new faces. "It's fantastic to see many of the women who have done the walk and others who want to take part for the first time.

Application forms are available at the Link and Oasis leisure centres. The closing date is 28 February. To talk over whether the Moonwalk is for you, and to join one of the several training groups of walking women, e-mail Eunice at eunice.salmonontlworld.com or call 871606.

Eunice, front second left, with a few Twin Peakers

Wiltshire Constabulary Volunteer Support

III!

Would you like to help Wiltshire Constabulary serve your local community?

We are currently looking for community volunteers to support staff in the Enquiry Offices of our police stations and police points in and around Swindon.

You will be dealing with the public face to face and over the telephone, helping us to provide a better service to our local community.

We are looking for individuals who are honest and trustworthy, reliable and discreet, with good communication skills and local knowledge. Although these activities are unpaid, they provide an opportunity to work alongside your local community police staff and become part of our organisation. In return for your commitment and time we will give you training and support and the opportunity to gain new skills and experience.

Wiltshire Constabulary Divisional Headquarters Fleming Way Swindon SN1 2HZ

If you have a few hours to spare on a regular basis and would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Sue Raw at Swindon Central Police Station on 01793 528111 extension 318.

This opportunity is open to all sections of the community.

www.wiltshire.police.uk

16 The Link Magazine • February 2002

Supporting grieving parents A bereavement support group is to be launched on 18 Februa ry for parents who have experienced the death of a baby or child, a chance to come together in a safe and friendly place, to talk and share with others who have experienced a similar loss.

Group facilitator Amanda Roper felt there was the need for such a group when she and her husband Mark, experienced the stillbirth of their son, Eden, over two years

ago. "You always feel that you are the only ones going through this and that no-one else could possibly understand the depth of pain involved," remembers Amanda.

After meeting other bereaved parents, who all expressed feelings of isolation, Amanda felt it was time to start a selfhelp support group. "To know that there are others who've been through something similar can be a great comfort. Some of us have a deep need to know that were not on our own in our grief."

The group will meet monthly on Mondays, 1pm to 2.30pm, with its introductory meeting on

18 February.

The venue is the West Swindon Family and Community Project at 15 Gainsborough Way, where there

Children with needs Now that the West Swindon Family Project has been made fully disabled accessible, a new group for parents and children with disabilities and special needs is being planned.

"A number of parents involved with the project have expressed interest in organising meetings to provide support for each other and we would like to hear from anybody interested in joining" said family project coordinator Alyson Cardis.

Parent Gemma Roberts added that parents need to share information, get advice and to speak up for each other, as well give practical help.

A date for a first get-together is being arranged. For details, call Alyson at the Project on 871303 or Gemma on 639480.

Amanda with Galilee, 4, and new born Hope

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Calcutt Street Cricklade Swindon SN6 6B8 Contact

Mrs S Hanbury or Mrs R Kular

Tel: 01 793

752600

Alyson, right, with new staff at the family project, Carol Akerman, centre, who will provide essential administrative backup and Julie Batson who is responsible for work with under 5s and the after school clubs.

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A Conveniently located for Swindon and the surrounding area in a pleasant rural environment in the grounds of Prior Park Prep School

A Come and see why past and present parents believe we are unique A Registrations being accepted for 2003.

Certain places available for 2002

will be a free creche available.

To talk to someone before joining, call Amanda on 692620 or the Project on 871303.

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Don't let debt catch you out Great time was Christmas, but now that the credit card bills are arriving, it could be a gloomy Februa ry , writes George McGill of the West Swindon Family and Community Project welfare rights advice point.

To add to the problems, cata- local advice point at The West logue statements will sometimes Swindon Family and Community include 'buy now, pay later' items Project. added to the amount owed.

No appointment is necessary.

With this and the other normal Call in at the project at: bills, it can be difficult to keep up • 15 Gainsborough Way, all the payments.

Freshbrook: This time of year also seems to Monday and Wednesday: 10am to 12noon; have a higher level of marital or relationship break-up which can Friday: 12noon to 2pm add to the burden.

• Holy Trinity Church, Shaw: So what do we do when the debts Wednesday 9.30am to 11.30am Trained advisers will look at start to pile up?

Try not to panic. This can lead to your circumstances and can make stress and other health problems. representations to the companies Secondly, never ignore all those to avoid further increases in debt red letters demanding an account and perhaps avoid court actions.

The main point to remember is be settled.

Take all the documentation to a debt will not go away of its own citizens advice bureau or to your accord, so seek help.

i a/ A Rta^e - A Lt fe&e Serv,ce!

Dial A Ride & Community Transport provides door to door transport for people of any age who are unable to use public transpo rt due to a

temporary or permanent impairment or disability and for use by community groups. All of the minibuses are wheelchair accessible.

Whether you need to go shopping, visiting, get to an appointment or

want to go on an outing, Dial A Ride could be just what you need.

Call 616050 for details and a registration pack. Once registered, those eligible can then book any of the services on offer.

The Link Magazine • February 2002

Teddys get together at Peatmoor A new parent and toddler group called Teddys Tots met for the first time at Peatmoor Community School on 15 January.

Weekly get togethers now take place on Tuesdays,l0am to 12noon.

Craft and group activities are planned and in better weather, walks around Peatmoor lagoon and outings will be organised.

Parents who would like to join with their pre-school children can drop in on Tuesdays or call 881613 for details.

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Thanks to the Co-op Cash strapped Greendown playgroup in Grange Park has been helped by a grant of £900 from the Co-op.

The group which had to relocate into its own temporary building at Greendown School last year is busily fundraising to meet debts built up from organising its move and refurbishment.

The Co-op returns four per cent of distributable profits to community projects.

Call us or call in & tef us ease your childcare wvrr'ies CIS is supported

Qualified Holistic/ Health and Beauty Anti-aging Professional

& Childcare Partnership

Early Years Development Development Reg. charity: 1081621

CHIROPODIST

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For an appointment with Mrs Lesley Taylor MBChA, MSSCh, MIIR, ASKS

Call Freephone 0808 108 8545 (01793) 849914 anytime

The Big Adventure Club is the UK's largest after school childcare provider with over 800 registered children in Swindon. © Quality affordable childcare © Registered premises o Qualified staff © After school clubs © Eight years experience © Holiday clubs

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THE BIG ADVENTURE CLUB

© No contracts

13 Market Street, Swindon (by the big top) Tel: (01793) 5417,66

I osem nyConley

Advanced Reflexologist

Right, Old Town Co-op manager Kevin Swan visited the playgroup Christmas party in Decmber to present the cheque

© All year childcare

Children's Information Service Swindon

surgeons.

j Looking forward to meeting other parents at Peatmoor

© Children aged 4 - 11

Preserve your youth

Dinmoi Fitness Clubs

Follow Rosema ry 's new low-fat eating plan which now includes treats & watch the pounds and inches disappear! ,t Monday: Noremarsh Junior School, Wootton Bassett, 5.30pm & 7pm * Thursday: Saltway School, Middleleaze, 6pm • Thursday: Warneford School, Highworth, 8pm Call Dawn on (01793) 782639 Membership £6.99 Class £4.35 Exercise only £3.35 (no membership)

GE WAY PRE-SCHOOL Inverary Road, Wroughton Sere, Loved &Learning

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You choose the amount of care required - one day or five. You have the choice to change your mind on a weekly basis. Claim Working Families Tax Credit.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR AN INFORMATION PACK PLEASE TELEPHONE

01793 875992

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Full range of schedules available Qualified teachers following the nursery foundation stage

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For more information and to arrange a visit, contact Mrs T Birch on (01793) 845572

18 The Link Magazine • February 2002

.eiki *Cbool alb .Etinic Professional Healing Courses Learn this ancient healing art Reiki is safe, completely natural and highly effective complementary therapy. Reiki is not a religion or a belief system

Courses available at all levels, small informal groups, individual a tt ention, comprehensive manual, ce rt ificated.

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FREE INFORMATION PACK

Reiki Master/Teacher. Guild of Complimentary Practitioners F. J. Taylor, (01793) 848940 Mobile: 07740 516238 Reiki treatments available for relief of stress, pain, depression, low energy, etc. fjt04@aol.com • www.reikiretreat.co.uk

Enjoy your chips in safety Between 11 and 17 February you'll be encouraged to enjoy the traditional British take away, fish and chips during National Chip Week, writes community fire safety officer Leading Firefighter Mark Altree.

If you would like free fire safety Do not under any circumstance, The week is one of the nation's best established awareness cam- throw water on to a chip pan fire. advice on this or any other home If you are in any doubt about fire safety matter, contact your lopaigns in Britain, but please be whether to try and put it out your- cal fire station: careful.

Swindon 401229 Chip pan fires still account for self, DON'T. Leave the room, close the door Westlea 487562 an alarming number of domestic Stratton 822425 fires in this country every year and and call the fire brigade on 999. the injuries from this kind of inci-

Melanie nearly cooked in chip fire drama

dent can be very serious. New safer

fryers that plug into the mains, have lids and are thermostatically controlled are available from as little as £20.

But if you still use the old style chip pan, the type that sits on the hob, please remember to use it safel y.

1 Do not fill it more than a third full of oil 2 Never put ice covered or wet chips in the pan (the ice melts and can cause serious problems) 3 Never leave the pan unattended - not even to answer the door 4 Never put food in the pan if the oil is beginning to smoke; it could catch fire. Turn off the heat and leave the oil to cool.

If your chip pan does catch fire, Do NOT move it If you can, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a DAMP (not soaking wet) tea towel and leave it to cool.

` Oven cooked chips are definitel on the menu for Melanie Nye after she was rescued dram atically on 8 January.

She forgot to turn ,•- t A .• the heat off under her chip pan before{' going upstairs. Twenty minutes later the house on Wootton Bassett Road was full of smoke but Melanie was able to see the glowing light of her mobile and to call 999.

Within minutes a crew from Swindon were putting out the fire and another from Westlea Melanie with her rescuers. Fire fighter had a ladder up to her bedroom And Magnell, right, who went up the ladder and Sub-officer Neil Chamberlain where she was guided down.

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Graham McCallion PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO WEDDINGS PORTRAITS COMMERCIA

THE LINK

-

ARINES bULUE TO WHAT'S ON IN AND AROUND SWINDON The Barn, 116 High Street Blunsdon. Swindon

Margaret and Mo and many more Literature festival attracts top names to town Following last May's phenomenally successful eighth festival, plans are now well underway for the ninth Swindon Festival of Literature, recently hailed one of the leading cultural events in the West, which this year runs from 1 - 11 May, writes director Matt Holland.

As in previous years, the Festival will start high on a ridge in Lawn Woods at 5.30am on 1 May with the ever-popular Dawn Chorus, where festival followers gather for an early-morning carnival of poetry, song, storytelling and dance, plus a good deal of mayday morning mischief.

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However, so popular is the Swindon festival with leading authors, that speakers' slots during its eleven days were quickly taken up by key names in the literary world, before negotiations with one Lady M Thatcher. with her latest book Statecraft, were complete. When the latter finally accepted our invitation, it meant that the festival's biggest signing had to be fitted into a special slot on 29 April, a couple of days before official proceedings begin. Butwhata pre-festival taster Margaret Thatcher should prove to be Other authors and speakers

booked to appear include Mo Mowlem on the publication date of her first book Momentum: controversial columnists and novelists Will Self and Howard Jacobson; best-selling fantasy writer Terry Pratchett; writer and BBC broadcaster John Humphrys; academically funny novelist David Lodge; actress and writer Sarah Miles; brain theory supremo Dr Steve

Jones; comic writer broadcasters Arthur Smith and Jenny Eclair; television art critic Matthew Collings; and many more!

This year's Festival of Literature also includes the fourth Clive Brain Memorial Lecture, the now nationally-famous Swindon Performance Poetry Slam competition, the everpopular Children's Day, a topical Inter-- national Day, an maybe even a fascinating new Poetry Gallery! ^ fl As ever, there will £ ^v,u be a wide range of literary talks, performances, discussions, and readings at arts venues, libraries, schools and Of3^ pubs, parks, P "C fll;v even in woodlands in and around Swindon It is wonderful to see the festival's profile grow each year as it plays host to bigger names and attracts a larger following. At every level, it has become a fantastic celebration for Swindon of things well written and things well said. Something between a cultural communion and a literary frolic. People have a great time, get together, meet authors, join in good talk, and make discoveries. It is very exciting!

The 2002 Festival has been made possible by financial assistance from Dominic Winter Book Auctions; the University of Bath in Swindon; and Southern Arts; and support in kind from The Link, Lower Shaw Farm, and numerous other local organisations and individuals. It is heartening that so many people see the value of a literary festival for Swindon.

The full festival programme will be published on 21 March. To go on the mailing list, telephone 771080 or e-mail us at swindonlitfest@Isfarm.globalnet.co.uk

Poetry in public Are you up to reading poems in front of an audience, either your own, or one of your choice?

West Swindon based poetry

magazine Pulsar holds afree Live Poetry Evening on 12 February, from 8pm to late at the Suffolk Arms, Brinkworth.

You don't have to get on stage.

Go along and soak up the atmosphere and do something different to watching the box.

For details and directions, call David Pike on 875941.

Friends & Partners

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Call (01793) 871342 for free brochure or email:

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Starring Clive Webb & Danny Adams The UKs favourite clown, Cousin Tmoni Stars of the Romanian State Circus Sunday 17th February, 2pm & 6pm „

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Swindo l Wide

20

Into the blues

There is a vast army of people out there into blues music, writes Chris

Kerslake from Grange Park, bass player with local band 16 Speed, who is working up plans for a blues show on the forthcoming relaunched local radio station: Swindon 107FM.

Sunday 10th February 2002 llam-4pm With over 40 exhibitions all under one roof there are plenty of ideas and services for you to choose from.

Organise your wedding in a single day!

FREE show entry & bridal competition ^j^

Bt

^[_/{ n<S'C^Dallrilep fl ..**

AND

Blunsdon House Hotel, Blunsdon.

For further information call event organisers, adp on 01793 840000

Paul Jones Thursday night blues show on BBC Radio 2 started the new year with a special edition dedicated to possibly the most famous bluesman of all time, John Lee Hooker, with tributes to a number of well known blues musicians and listeners. To my surprise

ures and to be amongst the first to hear about the launch of Swindon 1 07FM's blues programme, mail your contact details to me at: chris.kerslake@ntlworld.com

a letter was read out at the top of the show from Link magazine publi sher Roger Ogle explaining how the man turned him on to the blues

many years ago.

Swindon's Art, Craft & Picture Framing Outlet

a regular blues show, initially as a li ve internet stream, and then via

conventional radio broadcasting

A av,_ range of products for the artist, student, crafter & DIY picture framer

when it returns to air later in the year. The show will focus mostly on current artists and will also bring coverage of local blues events.

DMC Needlework Main Agent

All year round low prices guaranteed Framework Art & Craft 63 Pembroke Centre Cheney Manor Trading Estate Swindon SN2 2PQ Tel/Fax (01793) 513069 enauiries@facswindon.co.uk

Soon there will be opportunity to hear a Swindon slant on the blues when Swindon 107FM broadcasts

Hours of opening Mon/Fri 9.00am to 5.30pm Sat 9.00am to 5.00pm

Free parking Please phone for directions

which is produced four times a year featuring British and Ameri-

Big Joe Turner's Memphis Blues Caravan pulls into Swindon on Monday 25 February.

The former musical director to another blues god BB King will be backed up by Keith Brown on vo-

can artists.

cals and a full rhythm and horn

If you're one of the army of blues li steners out there and want to receive a free copy of Strange Pleas-

section. Tickets at £10 from the Arts Centre are going fast. Call 614837.

There is also a Swindon based magazine, Strange Pleasures,

STRATTON COMMUNITY LEISURE CENTRE YOUR WEDDING DAY

2002

VALENTINE'S DANCE with live music from SAVARNA

.

Saturday 16th February ^

MARCH DANCE with JUBILEE

Saturday 9th March

We offer a comprehensive range of menus at competitive prices for your special occasion. Let us help you to make your special day a day to remember

7.30pm - midnight

Food available, bar discounted to members' prices £5 (members), £5.40 (non-members)

Crazy Crocs Party Time Bouncy Castle Party suitable for ages 3 to 12 (max 30 children)

Our function suite can accommodate up to 120 for your event or special occasion.

AEROBICS SESSIONS

Use our suite for your two hour party with Crazy Crocs brilliant new bouncy castle.

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The main hall can accommodate up to 450 persons for licensed events.

We offer a comprehensive menu

(Please note

Monday 6.45 - 7.45pm; 8.00 - 9.00pm Wed 10.00 - 11.00am*; 6.45 - 7.45pm Friday 10.00 - 11.00am*

from basket meals and finger buffets to three course dinners.

catering

Sunday 9.45am - 10.45am (*creche available)

Contact our Functions Manager for more de ta il s.

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STEP CLASS Tuesday 10.00 - 11.00am

50% off room hire when you book the centre's catering for 60+ covers

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GRANGE DRIVE, STRATTON, SWINDON. TEL.: 01793 825525

21

Swindon Wide A 2 Z Home Improvements

Swindon works then and now An new exhibition of fascinating historic photographs of the Swindon Works goes on display at STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway - showing images from the past and pictures taken today from a similar viewpoint or perspective to show the changes which have occurred over the last 150 years.

Admission to this special exhibition is free and is open daily. Monday to Saturday. 1 Oam to 5pm: Sunday 11 am to 5pm. Normal admission charges will apply for the STEAM displays.

STEAM. tel: 466646. www.steam-museum.org.uk The powerhouse of British railways. The now demolished A shop engine building shed, around 1920, which stood where new housing is being built at Paddington Drive today

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Have Your buy After a much-publicised High Court verdict at the end of last year, Swindon's Southern Development Area (SDA), has finally received the green light for development.

The decision means that at least 3.800 homes will be built to meet Swindon's future housing needs.

However, the form of development has yet to be decided. Bryant Homes. who are leading the project. have agreed with the Borough Council the need to involve the people of Swindon in creating an attractive, sustainable environment that will benefit the whole town.

Monday 4" February 2002

-

The Marriott. Old Town

-

Tuesday, 5" February 2002

-

Ellendune Community Hall, Wroughton

-

5.00pm to 8.00pm

Wednesday, 6" February 2002 -

De Vere Hotel, West Swindon

-

4.50pm to 8.00pm

Thursday, 7-" February 2002

-

Haydon Centre, Haydon Wick

-

12.00pm to 3.00pm

Friday, 8" February 2002

-

Brunel Shopping Plaza. City Centre

-

10.00am to 5.00pm

Saturday, 9" February 2002

-

Art Centre, Old Town

-

11.00am to 4.00pm

Monday, 11" February 2002

-

Coleview Community Centre, Covingham

-

11.00am to 3.00pm

Monday, 11" February 2002

-

Blunsdon Village Hall

-

6.00pm to 8.00pm

â&#x20AC;˘.

For further information or to express your views please write to SDA Project, Old Bank House, 5 Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4BJ. e-mail swindonsda@dpds.co.uk or call 01793 - 501614 during office hours.

7.00pm to 9.00pm

Before any planning application is submitted for the SDA, a masterplan will be created to lay out the principles of development and set the overall vision for the site. The masterplanning process is an ideal opportunity for the community to put forward their thoughts and ideas to help influence the future shape of the development at a very early stage.

A series of public exhibitions are being held across Swindon in the second week of February and you are invited to come along and discuss your ideas with the project team.

This is your chance to influence Swindon's future.

Swindon Wide What's

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Tuesday 5th, 8pm Nemesis' (right) presented by RandomDance Co. Nemesis' explores the relationship between body, screen and machine, using digital technology in a way never seen before. £11. Wyvern Friday 8th, 8pm Capture. An interactive dance sci-fi

The Arts Centre Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 The National Monuments Record Centre Kemble Drive.

Tel: 414600 STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Kemble Drive.

Tel: 466655 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road.

Tel: 466556 Town Hall Studios Regent Circus.

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Music and live entertainment Frida y s and Sundays

Week ending Saturday 23rd One Act Play Festival presented by the Swindon & District Theatre Guild. Contact the box office for play titles and dates. £4.50. Arts Centre Tuesday 26th & Wednesday 27th, 7.30pm The Bible. The Reduced Shake-

speare Company gallop from Eve to Exodus through the epistles, the apostles and the gospels. £13.50. Wyvern

Thursday 28th, 7pm The Pied Piper presented by Snap Theatre Co. The classic story of an enigmatic stranger who rescues a town from a plague of rats, only for greed and lies to threaten the happiness of the people of Hamelin.A vibrant family production for ages 6 and upwards, which features songs, music and puppetry. £7, family ticket £20. Arts Centre

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On ivn Februcry Exhibitions & displays STEAM Swindon Works: Past and present Historic photographs from the museum collection, comparing them with views taken in more recentyears.

Free admission to exhibition, normal admission charges to museum.

Wyvern, Lower Foyer to Monday 18th Open to Interpretation

by Derek Gale An exhibition of photography and digital media which delights in close up shots of parts of larger objects demanding a closer look.

Arts Centre to Saturday 23rd In Memoriam by Jennifer Vickers Using contemporary material related to World War II and the Holocaust, Jennifer Vickers questions the validity of personal testimony and our impressions of the past. This exhibition is part of Swindon Council's commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day. Wyvern, Harlequin Bar from Tuesday 5th Art and Soul Different styles, skills, in paint and on paper. figurative and abstract works from a Swindon based group united by a passion for fine art.

23 Lydiard House Saturday 9th to Sunday 17th Saturday 16th, 2.15pm Tulip Fever See Spring unfurl with glorious Tour of the National Monument displays of tulips and perfumed Record Centre. An introduction to flowers in the House and enjoy the the work of the NMRC. Free carpets of Lydiard's famous Friday 22nd, 7.30pm snowdrops in the park. Normal The Archaeology of Swindon Hill admission charge to Lydiard House. by Roy Canham. Organised by the Friends of Swindon Museum & Art Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Gallery. £4 (£3 members). Swindon from Saturday 9th Museum & Art Gallery Saxon Sword A remarkable Saxon sword disChilatino (Circulo covered near Swindon last year is Hispano-latinoamericano) displayed for the first time, following Spanish and Portuguese speakers conservation. Free admission. get together - Sunday 3 February,

Tours & talks

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery from Saturday 9th Tales from the Gallery This exhibition explores the possible stories, myths and legends which are hidden behind the paintings in the Swindon Collection. Free The Gallery, National Monuments Record Centre from Saturday 9th Henry Woodyer: Gentleman Architect Photographs to illustrate the work of the important. but little know architect, Henry Woodyer (1816 - 1896).

Wyvern, Lower Foyer from Wednesday 20th Photo Accolade by Jennifer Barton Inspired by old darkroom techniques, Jennifer Barton uses these and the latest computer technology to create newqualities in blackand white images.

BLAYLOCKS SWINDON'S FAMILY SHOE SHOP Est. 1920

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Wrestling

Music

Monday 11th, 7.30pm Big Time American Wrestling.

Davey Boy Smith (former WWF title holder) is fighting fit again and anxious to makeup for lost time. £10.

Wyvern

Friday 1st, 8pm Bill Jones with Roger Wilson. Bill (Belinda) Jones (right) first took the folk circuit by storm two years ago.

She has an amazing soulful voice and also plays excellent accordion, piano and flute. £9. A rts Centre Saturday 2nd, 8pm Finbar Furey (below) in concert with special guests Bohinta. This multi-talented instrumentalist and singer-songwriter has been a champion of Irish music for over 30 years. Joining him on stage are Garry O'Briain on keyboards and guitar plus special guests Bohinta, featuring Sunday 24th, 7.30pm Finbar's son Ma rt in. £11. Arts Centre Nashville Nights & Dixie Days.

Featuring hits of Garth Brooks, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Faith Hill, Don Williams and many more. £11. Wyvern Monday 25th, 8pm Big Joe Turner's Memphis Blues Caravan. See page 20. £10. Arts Centre Tuesday 26th, 8pm Cara Dillon. With afamily steeped in the traditions of Irish music, Cara Dillon was already singing professionally by the time she left school. Her music is mainly traditional and her voice sweet and distinctive, Friday 8th, 7pm with an emotional range from Choral Concert. A full pe rf ormance innocent intimacy to passionate of Handel's Chandos Anthems, and attack. £8. Arts Centre a rarely heard Howells setting for upper voices. Free admission, retiring collection. Westonbirt School, Wednesday 6th, 7pm to 9.30pm Tetbury. Tel: 01666 880333 Golden Lion Quilterswill be working Friday 9th, 7.30pm Fairport Convention. The band, on on their Golden Lion banner in the its thi rt yfifth anniversary tour, is proud Design and Technology room at to announce the imminent arrival of Kingsdown School, behind the main its new CD XXXC. £14.50. Wyvern building. New members are welcome.

For details call Glenys Thomas on Friday 15th, 7.30pm

The Dance House High energy ceilidh The Oggle Band

Tel: 01793 848855

Saturday 16 Februa ry, 8pm -11.30pm Ellendune Centre, Wroughton

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Workshops

Swindon Recital Series - Richard Hand and Tom Dupre. A gifted guitar duo who have toured extensively giving recitals from New York to Delhi, play a varied programme, including Scarletti, Albeniz, Satie and Granados. £8. Arts Centre. For further information or to book call 612775 Saturday 16th, 7.30pm Wiltshire Folk Association Showcase Concert. MC Shirley Ludford presents the winners of the WFA Young Folk Musician of the Year awards, following a day of performance and workshops. £6. A rts Centre Thursday 21st, 7.30pm Legend of Sinatra. For over six decades Sinatra dazzled the world with his incredible voice and infamous persona. Now a stunning new production comes to the stage. £13. Wyvern Friday 22nd, 7.30pm An Evening of Chamber Music presented by a selection of the Members of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. £8.

Westonbirt School, Tetbury. Tel: 01666 880333

532353

Saturday 9 February, 10am - 4pm Felt or Silk Masks dayschool held

by Embroiderers Guild, Swindon & North Wilts banch, admission £1 8.To book call Lynette Hemming on 537481

Saturday 9th, 10am - 4pm Spring Flowers Painting. A relaxed day of still life water-colour painting.

Suitable for all levels, bring materials - list available. £10. Arts Centre Sunday 17th, 10.30am - 12.30pm

Egyptian Dance with Jacqui Jamal.

A graceful style of dance using both undulating and rhythmic movements of the hips and torso. This workshop for women only will give you poise and confidence. £10.25. Swindon Dance, Town Hall Studios Saturday 23rd, 10am - 4pm Absolute Beginners. Always wanted to try painting or drawing, but not sure where to begin? Join tutor Anne Radu in this day for absolute beginners to experiment at your own pace. Be bold, be inspired - and uncover your creative talents.

Materials provided. £12. Arts Centre

On ul FebrurL Comedy Sunday 10th, 8pm Omid Djalili (below) is Britain's funniest Iranian stand-up comedian and actor. £10. Wyvern

25

Saturdays 9th & 23rd

Meet the Railworkers. Join former engine drivers, firemen and railway workers to find out about life 'inside' the Swindon Works. Normal admission charges. STEAM Saturday 9th to Sunday 17th Odd One Out. Steam's cunning curator wants to trick you all by adding mystery objects to the displays. Track them down and you could win a prize.

Normal admission charges. STEAM Saturday 9th to Sunday 17th Fruits and Flowers. Follow a trail using colour photographs to find decorative fruits and flowers. £1.25 includes admission and small prize.

Lydiard House

Friday 22nd, 8pm Lee Evans. Having recently graced our screens with Kathy Burke in The Martins, Lee returns to the UK comedy circuit with his hilarious new show. £20. Wyvern Saturday 23rd, 8pm An Evening with Jo Brand. In her new show Jo will tackle things that irate her most, questioning the logic behind such diverse topics as

teenage boys, keeping fit and sex. £14. Wyvern

Lower Shaw Farm Old Shaw Lane, West Swindon Children's Morning Wednesday 6th, 10am 12.30pm Activities on ' ^^' Aw the farm for young children and their parents and carers. Follow the nature trail, feed the hens and collect the eggs, seasonal art and craft work. A mid-morning snack is provided. £5 per family Half term Activity Day Tuesday 12th, 10.30am - 3.30pm Explore the farm, feed the animals and wild birds, learn about the environment, be creative with recycled materials. £12 per child.

To book both activities, call 771080.

p U

Wednesday 6th, 7pm Sing-a-long Sound of Music. Watch the original 1965 film with subtitles accompanying the songs so everyone can sing along. Your host will provide a warm-up and judge the fancy dress competition. £12. Wyvern Saturday 9th, 11am - 4pm A Saxon Tale. Hear Saxon stories and have a go at Saxon crafts.

Children's workshop 2pm - 4pm. £2, booking advised. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

Thursday 14th, 8pm Jeff Green, below, plus support.

Known for his razor-sharp observations and charm, this natural funnyman is back on the road again. £10. A rt s Centre

Dave Rogers aCa

Family events and childrens activities

Saturday 9th to Sunday 17th Story Trail. Follow a written story around the museum and fill in the spaces. 50p includes admission and small prize. Swindon Museum & A rt Gallery

Interior and exteriork 0 ac 0 (ID E c o ^

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Sunday 17th, 2pm & 6pm Circus Hilarious. See advert page 19 and competition page 26 Saturday 23rd Get Sketching. Join the Guild of Railway Artists as they sketch locomotives and railway scenes inside the museum. Everyone is welcome to join in, pick up some expert tips or simply watch the artists at work. Bring own materials for drawing or painting. Normal admission charges. STEAM

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Embroiderers Guild Swindon & North Wilts banch, meets on Monday 4 February, 7.30pm at Churchfields School, Salcombe Grove.

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Tuesday 12th, 10am - 12noon A Roman Yarn. Storytelling themed around the Romans involving crafts and role play. £2, booking advised.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Tuesday 12th,

1 Oam - 12.30pm & 1 pm - 3.30pm Sculpture Special. A fun session for 8 - 12 year olds to develop new skills whilst exploring different materials including clay and wire with professional artists. £5. Arts Centre Tuesday 12th, 2pm The Chuckle Brothers go on new adventures in Egypt. Fun and laughter for all the family. £8.50.

Wyvern Thursday 14th, 2pm - 4pm Stories from the Nile. Storytelling themed around the Egyptians involving crafts and role play. £2, booking advised. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th Working Inside. Become an apprentice and discover what life was li ke inside the Swindon Works. Find out about the different roles of the railway workers and with the help of actors, demonstrations and a quiz trail relive the golden age of the railway works through the memories of ex railway staff who worked there.

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Thursday 7th, 7.45pm Moulin Rouge (12) £4. Wyvern Wednesday 13th, 7.45pm America's Sweethearts (12) £4. Wyvern Sunday 10th, 8pm Burnt by the Sun (15) Russia, 1936: revolutionary hero Colonel Kotov is spending an idyllic summer in his dacha with his young wife and daughter but things change dramatically with the unheralded arrival of cousin Dmitri from Moscow. £3. Victoria pub, Old Town. To book call 814354 Wednesday 13th, 7.45pm Earth (18) Deepa Mehta explores the conflicts between religions and relationships in pre-independence India. Arts Centre. SFS Wednesday 27th, 7.45pm Amores Perros (18) Three interlinking stories about people and their dogs form this clever, original film that was, however, criticised for the dog-fighting sequences. Contains violence and Chapel interior, All Saints Hospital, Eastbourne. One of the many harsh language. Arts Centre. SFS photographs to illustrate the work of Swindon Film Society (SFS) All films are shown at the Arts Centre; architect. Henry Woodyer (1816 tickets are not sold in advance; join 1896) in a new exhibition at the the society when purchasing tickets Gallery, National Monuments Record Centre from Saturday 9 February

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Circus Hilarious have two shows at the Wyvern on Sunday 17 February at 2pm & 6pm. Tickets are £7 from the box office. tel. 524481.

The Link has a family ticket (2 adults 2 children) for the 6pm show. Tell us which other country the clowns in Circus Hilarious come from (see page 19). Send your entries by 8 February to the address below.

Hundreds of thrills on offer The Link has 400 free rides to

give away for the Next Generation Fun Fair that comes to the Link Centre in early March.

One hundred entrants drawn in our competition will each receive 4 tickets.

Tell us by 22 February where the big trip at the fun fair comes from.

Entries for the two competitions above should be sent to The Link, Papermakers House, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7BD.

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Spring flowers going Dutch at Lydiard House Spring flowers will brighten and peerfume Lydiard House during the half term holiday from Saturday 9 to Sunday 17 February, w rites Sarah Finch-Crisp, keeper of the house.

This year we are introducing tulips into the displays in the State Rooms. They would have been quite a topic of conversation in 17th Century Lydiard when news of 'Tulipomania' in Holland was raising eyebrows across Europe.

At that time Sir John employed Netherlandish artist Abraham Van Linge to create the superb painted window which you can see at Lydiard House. Amongst the hundred jewel like pictures of beasts and birds, warriors and boats, are tulips and fritillaries.

Flowers were expensive in the 17th Century when, as many who have read Deborah Moggach's popular novel Tulip Fever will have discovered, the obsession with tulips in Holland was extraordinary. A single bulb was sold for 1,000 guilders in 1623, enough to buy a small Amsterdam town house. In the 1630s a single bulb of the variety Semper Augustus was valued at 13,000 guilders.

Here at Lydiard. Dutch garden design influenced the composition of terraced gardens, topiary.

The Van Linge window, one of the many treasures at Lydiard House clipped hedges and formal avenues. Today evidence of these fascinating gardens lie under the surface of Lydiard Park, a rich and largely uninvestigated archaeological heritage. Lady JohannaStJohn took a huge interest in these gardens, using the plants to make

medicinal remedies and perfumes, Surviving letters show she also got into disputes with an employee over the ownership of tulips in her garden.

February is also the month when carpets of dainty snowdrops cover the woodlands; it's always a lovely time to visit Lydiard Park. Do combine a trip to the house with a snowdrop walk and refreshments at the visitor centre.

Many elderly Swindon residents remember walking out to Lydiard Park from schools in the town; a six mile round walk across what was then fi elds, to gather bunches of snowdrops for their mothers.

Permission for children to pick them was granted by Lady Bolingbroke who was occasionally glimpsed through a window in the house. Do any Link magazine readers remember doing this?

Today it is strictly forbidden to pick flowers in the park, so that they may be preserved for everyone's enjoyment and pleasure year after year. The Ranger Service and Museum staff look forward to welcoming visitors this February.

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28 The Link Magazine • February 2002

-

Getting ready for a marathon

Cats in need of neutering

Four keen users of the Link Centre Active Lifestyle Centre are getting themselves ready to run the London marathon and have set themselves high fundraising targets.

Brian Yule is running for Look, the National Federation of Families with Visually Impaired Children, and has to raise at least £750. A keen athlete, he is aiming for a time well within 4 hours. To sponsor him, call 522448.

Link Centre staff Neil and Jo Montgomery, and Paul Milburn, are all running for children's cancer charity Click to support former staff member Jackie Lambeth and her daughter Gemma (see CALM story opposite).

Paul is a former Tigersharks swimmer whilst Neil and Jo are fit. But they have never run a marathon. They each have to raise £1,250. To contribute to their Click fundraising campaign, visit the Link ALC. From left, Jo, Paul, Brian and Neil

During February the Swindon Branch of Cats Protection are offering free neutering for female cats over the age of six months or £15 towards the neutering of male cats, if the owners are in receipt of any form of income support.

All you have to do is make an appointment with a vet participating in the scheme who will ask you to complete an authorisation form.

Proof will be required of the type of benefit received.

To contact Swindon Cats Protection, call the helpli ne on 644536.

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The Link Magazine • February 2002

Games invitation Youngsters aged from 7 to 15 years are being asked to take part in sports and games this summer against other young people in the South West.

Swindon Council's Lifestyle Development Unit is looking for hundreds of children to put themselves forward to represent the town in t welve sports at the Western Counties Youth Games in June. Teams of boys and girls will be entered for athletics, tag rugby, basketball, boccia, cricket, football, hockey, netball, swimming and tennis.

School years five to Two of Swindon entrants last year nine will be involved and youngsters with disabilities and thorities in those counties.

Selection for the Swindon teams learning difficulties can also take part. The aim is to provide partici- will be organised during March pation in sports activities and the and April and those taking part will receive coaching to develop fun of competition.

The event takes place on 8 and 9 their skills before the competition.

June at Millfield School in Somer- Entries should be submitted by the set and will involve some 4,000 end of February. For details call children from Somerset, Glouces- Gladys Barr, Sports Development tershire, Wiltshire and unitary au- Officer, on 512828.

Swimmers raise cash for CALM Seventy swimmers took part in the Swimathon at the Link Centre last March and raised over £4,500 for Macmillan Cancer Relief, the same charity to be supported at Swimathon 2002 on 24 March.

Link Centre staff applied for some of the money to be spent locally and received £1,000 to be split equally between Swindon children's cancer charity CALM and equipment at the centre, such as a new pool hoist for people with disabilities.

Link Centre shift supervisor Jo Montgomery said that CALM had been chosen because of the help given to former colleague Jackie Lambeth from Toothill whose daughter Gemma was diagnosed Don Macarthur with Jo Montgomery, left, and Jackie Lambeth with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in January 2001. Former healthy and fit people are thinking Greendown student Gemma, 17, of others who are going through below, has received heavy doses of difficult times."

CALM is entirely run by voluntreatment in the last twelve months and is on her last course of chemo- teers, parents whose children have therapy. She is currently taking a had cancer. There is no office or GNVQ travel and tourism course salary costs to cover; all money is directed to supporting families in at Swindon College North Star. the Swindon area.

"Family life turned For details on CALM, upside down on 19 call Sue Edwards on January last year," said 791470 or mail: Jackie. "It's been a very calmpost@hotmail.com hard year and we've Entry forms for the achieved a number of Swimathon at Milton goals, but we take each Road Baths are now day as it comes." available at Swindon leiCALM chairman sure centres.

Don Macarthur said, www.swimathon.org "it's good to know that

Try boccia It's similar to boules, played from a seated position with simple rules.

A free taster session for people with disabilities takes place at the Hayden Centre, Thames Avenue on Saturday 16 February, 9.30am 12noon.

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Under 12s wanted Lydiard Youth FC is looking for players to join the squad which trains on Tuesday evenings and plays in the Swindon & District under 12's Sunday league. For details, call Russell Tee on 348699.

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30 The Link Magazine • February 2002

Two toucans for school

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All schools across the borough were invited to submit bids for capital projects that would improve road safety and encourage children to walk or cycle to school.

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Make your child visible Westlea School road safety parent campaigner Dawn Dolphin has found a low cost supplier of flourescent jackets, ideal to wear on dark, murky days walking or cycling to and from school.

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fifteen percent in three years and is implementing a policy that includes giving children cycling proficiency training, The crossings, costing £25,000 each - one on Cartwright Drive, the other on Roughmoor Way, close to Peatmoor Lagoon - will also improve safety on part of the strategic cycle network linking Peatmoor and Sparcells to the West Swindon District Centre.

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The Link Magazine - February 2002

31

Nepal trip needs support

Police go central

An Oxford University student from Westlea is planning an expedition to Nepal in March and is appealing to readers for help with equipment and cash.

Phil Russell, who is in his secPhil and two other students will and year of a 4 year Engineering, study the benefit to villages where Economics and Management desystems have been installed and gree course, is coordinating the also visit villages where there is trip to the Arun valley region of potential to discuss with local peoEast Nepal to do research into mlpie the benefits they would get cro-hydro power generation, over from micro-hydro power. the Easter break.

Phil is keen to hear from anyOnly twenty five per cent of the Ne ., Ufa body who can donate materials Nepalese population have access +^Q+zooZ such as medical items, camping to electricity, and as a poor counx1'e`titian j equipment and tools to assist the try with mountainous terrain, dif' research: spirit levels, stopwatches, ferent, localised methods of gentape measures. eration have to be found. Forty per -_ Donations to help cover costs cent of electricity is generated from would also be welcome. micro-power, using the enormous For details, or to offer help, mail water power of the Himalayas. philip.russell@stcatz.ox.ac.uk

The Community Beat and Response Officers currently operating from Westlea police station moved offices on 20 January and are now based at Swindon central station.

Police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said re-structuring the way the town is policed will enhance the community based service currently provided by officers serving West Swindon.

Westlea Station will continue to be used by the traffic department and as a custody centre, while office space will be utilised by support staff.

The main reception desk will continue to be staffed as normal.

Charlie says thank you In the December Link, Charlie

CAR

for help with her efforts to raise funds for the Neuroblastoma Soci Not yet four years old, Charlie was diagnosed with the rare form of cancer last year and has alrea of undergone seven coursess of chemotherapy. As The Link goes to press, she is waiting to go into hospital for surgery to remove the tumour and this will be followed by even more intensive chemotherapy.

Charlie did

CKURRAY CAN SERVICE

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pp Chris spending most of it in hospital, but her mother Samantha says that one

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ott knowt ing that ing hat ttreatmentt ist s progressing well and hoping for many more enjoyable ones to come.

Charlie asked readers to send her letter the ould eso postage ge stamps ps couldb beadded dde to po to the society's national fund-rais-

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^ ^^r{n • i1 ^w d 01

ing appeal.

"The response has been abso-

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lutely fantastic." said Samantha.

We have filled recycling containers and several bin bags with stamps. We have also received money, old stamp albums and even valuable first edition stamps.

We are overwhelmed by the response and Charlie would like to readers."

Overwhelmed as they are, the family is stepping up its efforts

and welcomes as many stamps as readers are able to send. Charlie

lives at 14 Coln Crescent, Greenmeadow, Swindon SN25 3NA.

As long as it is between E & P reg, and up to 2000cc. Includes

Oil/air Filters, Oil, Plugs, Labour and VAT. (Fuel injection models • — - Fuel Filter Extra if requi re d) ,

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J ` ' Langley Road,Hillmead, West Swindon ...

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Mon-Fd aa°"ati-c ' '' °F'"' "°°'$ Sat 8.we'na pm Nan CF" o' Ex O.OF 9

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32 The Link Magazine • February 2002

Residents want Lady Lane closed as promised People living in Ash Brake are up in arms against a proposal to keep Lady Lane open, when they have always understood it would be shut after the opening of the Thamesdown Drive extension. '

1

SOLUTION Maintenance free UPVC fascia boards cladding & guttering Expertly fi tt ed at DIY prices

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The North Swindon Development Company has applied for permission to keep some of the middle section of the old road open in order to provide access to the 210 place primary school that is to be built this summer.

a major route to school, is unacceptable. Residents want the North Swindon Development Company to construct the new access roads from junction 6 as originally intended.

A 300 name petition has been gathered and some 200 letters of objection have been sent to the planning department.

Swindon Council's planning committee consider the issue on 18 February.

For details of the Ash Brake campaigners, call Sue Beazeley

Resident Sue Beazeley said

the reason given is that Swindon Council has brought forward the building of the school off Lady Lane to cope with demand from families already in the area and the new estate roads from junction 6 won't be on 727292. ready. "What were described as minor revisions to the framework plan to keep Lady Lane open on a temporary basis means pro- Objections by Nine Elms residents to a small single post basketball viding vehicle access for up to five area off Roughmoor Way and Old Shaw Lane in Shaw were rejected years. by the West area panel on 3 January.

"Ash Brake residents have been The project costing £8,000, to be paid from the allocation to area waiting years for Lady Lane to be panels, was agreed in November in response to demands by families for turned into a green route to be more play activities at a meeting 18 months ago. used by pedestrians and cyclists, However people overlooking the site claimed that the basketball area as well as a bus route. It was on this will turn an open space used by all ages into an intimidating environunderstanding that people pur- ment dominated by teenagers who will break glass, use drugs and chased their homes." create noise late into the night. Appeals to use alternative sites further She said there are no objections away from housing near the village centre were not considered. to the school but the dangers preThe area panels review board, which sent the original decision back sented by continued traffic use of to the area panel because of the public objections endorsed the decision Lady Lane, especially if it becomes on 17 January. The work will be completed by the end of March.

Ball park to go ahead

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Our displays feature impressive water, paving and decorative garden arrangements. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will be happy to answer questions, offer free quotes and inform you of our installation service.

YOUNG PLANTS AND SEEDLINGS Select now from over 150 varieties of patio plants and seedling. Our range has some of the latest fuchsias and trailing petunias to prepare your great display this summer

HARDY SHRUBS AND TREES A great time to fill some of those dull gaps in the garden.

Choose from topical plants like this flowering Quince, Chaenomeles `Crimson Gold' ideal for a shady corner

SEED POTATOES Excellent range in stock, including old favourites plus unusual and modern varieties

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Stone Lane, Lydiard Millicent, Swindon MOST MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED. OPEN MON TO SAT 8.30am - 6pm; SUN 10am - 4pm. OPEN BANK HOLIDAYS

34 The Link Magazine • February 2002 NEW CREATIVE PASTIME?

Play the Piano

PROOFREADING

Teacher of piano &

theory in West Swindon All ages, beginners & elementary players welcome

Learn to Sing

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For Sale

Designer, Rena Koh, wedding dress, Mothercare Olympus buggy, cosytoes. hood, large shopping tray, sunshade, birth wine red, size 11, fitted off the shoulder to 4 years, excel cond, £50. Tel: 882641 bodice, with long train, stunning beading, Pram carrycot, cosytoes, sun canopy, bought for £1,500. sell for £500 ono, can raincover, £80 ono. Pine cot & covers, send photo. Tel: 020 8894 2436 £40 ono. Sterilizer, £5. all excellent 3 seater dralon settee, sage green, reasonable condition, £35, buyercollects. condition. Tel: 882476 Mothercare pine playpen, excellent Tel: 870695 condition, £35. Tel: 347766 Dining room table and four chairs, good Graco twin buggy, two position with rain cond, black, octagonal, £40. Tel: 870981 cover, good condition, £30. Tel: 701964 Welsh dresser antique pine, 5 ft width.

Moses basket c/w stand, bedding, £50 quality handmade furniture, vgc, £350 ono. Children's clothes various sizes. Tel: ono. Tel: 771487 882504 Pine bunk bed with mattresses. Can Travel system, excellent condition, 10 deliver 240.00 ovno. Tel: 348699 months old, blue denim, includes Recliner chair with four electric vibrating raincover, £80. Tel: 07786098164 points, nearly new, 2120 ono. Tel: 725432 Wooden farm set with animals, £10 ono. Occasional table & 4 side tables, £15.

Tel: 643157 Electrolux upright cleaner, £40. Tel: Metal painted tricycle, £2.50. Tel:643157 724493 Child's riding boots, size 9, £5. Child's Home office workstation, sliding keyboard tap shoes, sizes 9, 12 & 3, £4/pair. Child's shelf, CD storage rack, space for tower PC, monitor, printer and scanner, £35. ballet shoes, size 10, £1. Tel: 875218 Bowlsbag,unwantedgift,£10.Tel:872577 Tel: 07771 551104 r-------------- -----, I

Free private for Sale & Wanted ads

Send to: The Link, Papermakers House, Rivenhall Road, Westlea,

Swindon SN5 7BD by 12th of the month

+

_ Tel:

Name & Address (not for publication) L------------- ------

Painter & Decorator Tel: (01793) 791388

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Auto Climate Control MOBILE AUTO AIR CONDITIONING Service and repair at home or work on cars, coaches, trucks & tractors

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L

For Sale

For Sale

Pine TV and video cabinet, with drawers and storage space for videos, vgc. £60.

Tel: 871051 Pine hi-fi storage cabinetwith glass front. vgc, £60 ono. Tel: 871051 House clearance, no time wasters. New fridge freezer, frost free, £150. Parkinson cooker £150. Teak kitchen/dining set: table and 4 chairs. £65. Microwave £20.

Wardrobes £30. Wall unit £25. Tel: 879481 Built-in double oven, £80. Gas hob, £40.

1.5 bowl sink with antique taps, £70. Tel: 07752659233 Yellow Sanyo microwave, £25. Yellow lifestyle cordless kettle and toaster, £20.

All three £40. Tel: 639003 Electric fire, 2KW coal/flame effect, fan assisted, glass front, wood casing, cost £180, vgc, £65 ono. Tel: 349079 Magicoal fire, 3 bars, coal effect, as new, £35. Tel: 876823 Playstation and five games, 1 year old, excellent condition, £70. Tel: 879187 21" colour TV, text & Fastext, good picture, £55 ono. Tel: 870021 Toshiba remote control colour TV, 20"

Panasonic KX - P441 0 laser printer. £40.

Tel: 07771 551 104 AIWA hi-fi with CD player and speakers, vgc, £70. Tel: 871051 Tandberg receiver (tuner-amp), vgc, £120. Tel: 702976 JVC stereo system with turn table and CD with speakers. Tel: 729128 Collection of Virginia Andrews books, 20 in total. 10 hardback, £5 the lot. Tel:

screen, good working order, £35. Tel: 882641

Sony Triniton 28" colour TV with teletext and remote, £150 no offers. Tel: 871051 HP M50 colour 14" computer monitor, used very little, modern design, £75 ono.

Tel: 726906 Computer monitor, keyboard, mouse, I 486 hard drive x 2, can be seen working, £50 the lot. Tel: 643157 Pentium 133MHzcomputer, 64MB RAM, 1 GB disk, speakers and monitor. Ideal starter PC for only 270. Tel: 07771551104 J

704169

Set of wildlife encyclopaedia, never used, £6 the lot. Tel: 854780 Large leather bound gardening book, colour illustrated, Readers Digest, 'Your garden questions answered', £20. Tel: 612500

Fish tank, 4 ft bow front with black ash cabinet, including tropical fish, integral pump, filter, heater (£750 new), sell for £250. Tel: 338380 Swift Challenger caravan 1994, 2 berth, bathroom. £4,000. Tel: 486734 Mobility scooter, four wheel, as new condition, £895 ono. Tel: 704249 Electric wheelchair plus battery charger. £1,200 ono. Tel: 421880

Wanted Card table. Tel: 724662 Paula Rosa Sirrocco style kitchen units, cash waiting, can collect. Tel'. 701532

To let Weymouth 8 berth caravan, 3 beds, all mod cons, clubs and pool on site. Tel: 639774 for details.

Exchange 3 bed house in Hereford for same in Swindon. Tel: 873249

The Link Magazine • February 2002

Last gathering for Guild

THE

The ladies of the West Swindon Townswomen's Guild gathered for the last time on 10 January and to wrap up their affairs.

The cost of room hire at the Link skittles and bowls team. The anCentre and the fees charged by nual donations made to the Prosspeakers were cited as the main pect Hospice have made regular reasons by chairwoman Norma photos in The Link and the charity Stevens. "We'll continue to meet in will receive the bankbalance when each others homes and those in the the books are closed.

"It's a sad day, but we decided to singing group will give performances, but we are ceasing as a for- go out on a positive note," said secretary Doreen Shaw. "We'll mal Townswomen's Guild."

Membership peaked at sixty la- maintain our friendships and meet dies in 1994, enough to turn out a up when we can."

IREPLAC

TdAEA

CENTRE OFFICE & SHOWROOMS Specialists in fireplaces, gas effect fires with or without flues. electric f res, gas & multifuel stoves, baskets & accessories e to

^•

0

O

• Free information pack on request

Property to rent

HAWKINS ST

Call for details

THE ITT

DOLPHIN PUB

I

CENTRE

O

ouTtervi LucE

D C

NORTH CAR PARK

A new weekly social club starts at Freshbrook Community Centre on Monday 4 February.

Opening at 10.30am for coffee, tea and biscuits, lunch will be served at midday. The cost is £2.40.

For details, call Lorraine on 871017 or Pam Pixton on 465466.

Toothill coffee & chat A chance to meet people every Tuesday. 10am to 1 1.30pm Toothill Community Centre

More mature people will be getting together on the first Monday of the month at a new social group in Peatmoor.

Aimed at 55s and over, the group gives users a chance to exchange information, organise activities and socialise. The next meeting at Peatmoor community primary school at Roughmoor village centre takes place on Monday 4 February, 10am to 11.30am.

To find out more call 881613.

E-mail: swindon@belvoirgroup.com

TEL/FAX:(01793) 612288

55s start the week

Tel: 01793 601631 Check out our website www.belvoirgroup.com

VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS AT: l RODBOURNE ROAD, SWINDON SN2 2AG

Freshbrook lunch launch

• Free internet advertising and listing in our nationwide branches • Service individually tailored to your requirements

1

with

PERCY ST

• Letting your home

insurance services

,rent

tradition

Call for advice on:

• Rent, legal & household

)e

or stick

BEL VOIR • Buy to let and let to buy

,

Holding up the branch banner and the photographic book of memories, sitting from left, Lylie Saunders, Doris Denchfield, Hilda Huckle, Marie Mainwaring, Cath Mossey, Ronnie Croker. Standing, Molly Simms, Audrey Willot, Ivy Prentice, Roma Amaro, Louise Trevers, Norma Stevens, Kathleen Fuller, Marion Pearce, Isobel Lawrence, Olivier Ford, Doreen Shaw

35

T

Part time Administrative Worker In office of small local charity which creates volunteer citizen advocacy partnerships for people with learning difficulties.

Greendown Community School ^..../

Grange Park Way

CLEAN IERS

£6.14 per hour - 15 hours per week (including one evening per month)

REQUIRED

Responsible for accounts using Sage Instant Accounting on PC, taking and typing committee minutes.

Bookkeeping & computer skills required.)

Various hours available

Memory volunteers wanted

For application/information pack telephone 465660. Closing date 7 Feb.

Swindon's Kingshill Research Centre is looking for volunteers to take part in a study researching treatments for vascular dementia.

The study involves the use of drugs already licensed for treating Alzheimer's disease to see if they are also effective in treating this form of dementia. Those eligible to take part will be between 40 and 90 years old and will have suffered some form of stroke leading to dementia.

The term 'dementia' is used to describe symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific conditions which include loss of memory, changes in personality and problems with communication. In the latter stages, this leads to the loss of everyday skills for living.

Vascular dementia, the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer's, occurs when cells in the brain are deprived of oxygen because the network of blood vessels becomes blocked or diseased.

Symptoms of vascular dementia may occur suddenly following a stroke, or gradually as a result of mini-strokes. They often remain constant for a while, then suddenly worsen. Because only parts of the brain are damaged, some abilities may remain relatively unaffected.

People with vascular dementia are often aware of what is happening to them and can become depressed as a result.

The Kingshill Team is keen to hear from anyone interested in taking part or has concerns about their own or someone else's memory. For details contact Helen Cartwright on 481182. www.kingshill-research.org

Swindon Advocacy Movement, Health Hydro, Milton Road, Swindon.

LThis

post is funded by the Community Fund)

JOURNALIST The Link is looking for a part-time journalist (about 20 hours a month), interested in community affairs and preferably Living in West Swindon.

Proven experience of writing for newspapers is required.

Apply to The Link, Papermakers House, WestLea, Swindon SN5 7BD

Rate of pay: £4.80 per hour For details, visit the school reception or telephone 01793 874224

The Beefeater Restaurant and Travel Inn Lydiard Fields (next to Hilton Hotel) the following vacancies: • Commis chef • Chambermaids • Weekend night receptionist For further information on any of the above positions, please contact

The Duty Manager on 01793 88149 0

SERI/ICE

36

ACCOUNTANCY

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or 07768 271994

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01793 882277 Buy to let mortgages Flexible mortgages Fees free remortgages Shared ownership • Adverse credit Self employed • Non status Free mortgage guide from website WWW.MMBFINANCE.CO.UK Adverse credit loans up to 95% Ltv Your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a mo rtgage or other loans secured on it. Written quotations available on request

Quality workmanship Free estimates Contact Gary on 339788 or 07879 408876

• Professional painting & decorating services • Interior and exterior

cGa 11 ll Maife jta ance

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TV & FM aerials Extra satellite points Video & TV repairs Signal amplifiers

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ELECTRICIAN

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Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294 Ramleaze, Swindon

PROPERTY RE PAIRS

0tiOEDE0 V'

• Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers =U,• Outside taps • Power showers • Bathroom installations a•9 ° 55s5 All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

Pwztutij)

ba.tkrDOLLLS SGCOGfTers, L

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37

SECTOR APPLIANCE REPAIRS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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jj],y!

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Repairs to most makes of: 3 Washing Machines 3 Dryers 3 Dishwashers 3 Microwaves 3 Vacuum Cleaners

Same day, local service wherever possible

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• Guaranteed repairs

`1

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John Phillips Servicing 5 years experience. All work guaranteed

Twin Tubs, etc.

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Member of

BUILDING ills SERVICES ide

Hills ide Building Services Extensions, loft conversions Specialists in all types of building & plastering,

No call out charge • No VAT

All work fully insured

A SUDS

Contact Dave on 01793 488470

CLEANING

Whitewa

•^

CONSERVATORIES

DECORATOR

DECORATOR

West W ittshire

Highly experience painter and

DECOtZAT I2S

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

Windows - Doors Conservatories

• Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured

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You'll be amazed how affordable it

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ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING

Shaw Electrical & Plumbing Ltd Domestic, commercial &

industrial installations Maintenance & repairs lighting * rewiring * security lighting

garden electrics * heating -*: bathroom installation Tel: (01793) 874480 Mob: 07860 760364 wi Ertc National Inspection Council „o a p for Electrical Installation Contracting

REMOVALS/STORAGE 1

/ iii lr) l'

For a free, no obligation quote at your convenience, call 01793 873424 or 07968 355557

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Single items * Full house

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Tel: (01793) 727307 Mob: 0781 1 188564 We recommend: `

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38 The Link Magazine • February 2002

Support from those who have been there A group of home visitors who have experienced bereavement and understand what is being felt are offering an informal support network through the Ecumenical Partnership of West Swindon.

A memorial service for anyone who wishes to remember their loved ones, and to commission the visitors, takes place on Sunday 17 February, 2.30pm at Toothill Church.

If you would like to come to this short service please meet us there.

If you would like to know more about any of the above contact Rev. Jan Partridge on 534992 BC The person who changed AD History is changing peoples lives Today

vangey`.

Couple look for a swap to get round council bureaurcracy A couple from Toothill are desperately trying to arrange a flat exchange so that they can get married. off disability benefit." in and out at all hours; The only way out is we need a bit more tofindsomebodywillspace than we have ing to do a swap. other at church seven years ago now.

"There may a reader in "But when we apand became engaged in 1996. "" a reverse situation to But bureaucracy is preventing proached the council , us who needs a smaller about a two bedroom them tying the knot. home," said Sylvia.

"We've been living in separate flat or house, they were "There's a choice of one bed flats for several years, but sympathetic but did two flats, both with decided last year that if we were not have a policy to Can anybody help gardens, quiet and serious about each other, we had help us. It's a very odd Peter and Sylvia? close to a park and the to get on and live in the same place," situation.

"Most people go to the housing shops, but having lived in West explained Peter. "But I work shifts and having been married before, department wanting something, Swindon for 22 years I would want it's too much of a strain when you're but we're offering them two flats to stay in the area where we have in exchange for a larger one. What's friends."

If you could offer to swap, call more once we're married, I'll be supporting Sylvia and she'll come Peter on 481223.

SWINDON Near neighbours Sylvia Prout, 51, and Peter Haslett, 58, from Beaulieu Close, Toothill, met each

FAMILY CHURCH SUNDAYS 10.30AM

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THE WINNERS LOUNGE ^

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Sunday at 10am & 6.30pm For further information of other meetings ring: 873050, call

into the Church office or visit www.freshbrook.org Jesus said: • l have come that YOU might have LIFE and have it in its fidness"

SWINDON TOWN F.C. PINEHURST PEOPLE S CENTREI NOW... WE ARE BACK ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH AT LINK CENTRE For more information, inclu. midweek activities, call Brian on 849731 in association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

OCAL CHURCHES All Saints Lydiard Millicent - 10:30am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor) Holy Trinity Shaw - 10:30am: (the Church is at Shaw Village Centre): 87422 St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze - 10:00am Revd Ann Mackenzie: 870244 Toothill Church - 10:45am Revd Mark Roper: 692620 (also Free Church minister for the parish) Westlea Church - 10:00am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (this Church meets in Westlea School Hall. Langstone Way)

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The Parish of West Swindon and the Lydiards Baptist • Church of England • Methodist • United Reformed Church

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Greenmeadow Primary School ]I

We are

r here!

Money to give away The Promise Church which meets at Upper Shaw Farm has made a commitment to helping community groups with grants, following the example of Jesus and the early church working in the community.

Local groups such as family centres, luncheon clubs, playgroups, brownies and cubs are invited to apply for grants between £50 and £150. Recent grants have funded security improvements for a playgroup and a Christmas party at a family centre.

There is money to give away and the church is anxious to hear from groups. Applicants should write to Promise Church Community Fund, PO Box 2344, Swindon SN5 5WH with contact details and explaining what the y need a Brant for.

A lottery where your help is local The Prospect Hospice Lottery was started in November 1999 to bring regular sustainable income to provide the high standard of care to our patients and their families, writes lottery coordinator Jenny Evans. .. join, complete the If you join you will form below and return know that you are supit to Prospect Hospice porting a local charity Lottery Office, 12 and that all profits go to Havelock Square, the hospice. r SwindonSN1ILEwith But you can win too. ` your cheque. In a short Each week seventy nine ti me your unique people receiveacheque .' number will be posted through the post includto you and a reminder ing one for a wonderful will be sent when you £1,000. There is no need need to renew. to claim, The odds are good Winning cheques too. In our first year one in thirty are posted to your home address. members received a cheque and Winning numbers are printed some people won five times. If you every night in the Evening Adverdon't win, then Prospect does. You tiser and are on display in our six know exactly where your money shops. We also announce them on BBC Wiltshire Sound. is going.

ITo the Prospect Lottery. I'm a Link magazine reader and II would like to join the lottery. Please sign me up today Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms ..................................................................................................

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Address.............................................................................................................

To Safeway

North Swindon Baptist Church

.................................................................. Post Code ......................................

•

94006

Tel..................................................................................................................... .............. I enclose a cheque for my entry (£10 suggested for 10 weeks)

Sunday Worship 10.30am - S unday Schoo l & Creche -

Pastor Dennis Weaver

Web: http://nsbc.org.uk

TEL: (01793) 345051

.............. I would prefer to pay by standing order. Please send me details.

For details on the Prospect Hospice Lottery call Jenny or Joan on 615870 L Return this form to: Prospect Hospice Lottery Office, 12 Havelock Square. Swindon SN1 1 LE

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