February 2003 Swindon Link

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No. 249 • February 2003 • Circulation 22,000

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2 The Link Magazine • February 2003

New Year rocket could have caused injury 2003 could have started with a disaster for a well known West Swindon guitar teacher and his family when a wayward firework crashed into his house in Grange Park.

Luckily Jeremy Moss and his family were away on New Year's Eve, but the target rocket made by Standard fired from somewhere close to his home penetrated two out of the three polycarbonate layers of his conservatory. If it had gone right through, a serious fire could have been the result.

"My neighbour was at home and he said the explosions were incredible, he thought third world war had started,'

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said Jeremy. "There were bits of roof plastic over ten feet away from the house. We were shocked by the effect and are thankful we were not in; I cannot imagine how the children would have reacted."

"Everyone wants to have a good time at New Year, but the use of unsupervised fireworks has been growing. People need to be responsible when they set them off and think of the consequences of their actions. You think you're safe in your home, but to have a rocket smashing through a window is not something you want."

Jeremy showing off the remains of the rocket which damaged his conservatory

Christmas knees up to start the year Over eighty older people from West Swindon carried on their Christ-

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mas celebrations into the new year when volunteers from Toothill Community Centre organised an annual party on 7 January.

The traditional turkey dinner was followed by a quick bingo session and a disco.

Organiser and head cook for the last seven years, Sue Hull said the preparation and cooking for so many was very hard work. "Every year I say never again, but everybody is very appreciative and we have a great time together."

Pensioner Ivy Armstrong agreed. "The volunteers do a tremendous job and we had a lovely evening."

Ready to enjoy themselves, rear from left, organisers Marie Denton, Annette Kennedy, Anita Buggins, Sue Hull, Alan Adams with front, Nicky Murphy, Ivy Armstrong, Vi Skeggs, Alice Hancock

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Chinese New Year: Saturda y 1 February The Year of the Ram Those born in this animal year are true artists. They are happy and contented when doing something creative. These people are pessimistic, puzzled about life. and seem to lack a sense of direction. Sheep people are followers (naturally), not leaders. They need to be guided because of their basic insecurity. However, despite their shyness and timidity, sheep people usually manage to eat well, wear nice clothes and live comfortably. They have elegant tastes, a passionate nature, wisdom and an in born gentleness, demonstrating these traits not only with their loved ones but also in the cause they believe in. Their concern for the underdog often has them lending someone unfortunate a helping hand. However they prefer to keep their philanthropics anonymous.

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The Link Magazine • February 2003

Remembering injustice A woman who was conceived and born in Holocaust concentration camps will visit Swindon for the third international Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday 27 January to tell her remarkable story and reflect on man's capacity for inhumanity. ra At 1laminFaringdon Road Park Mengele assessed her as fit to work Somehow Eva Clarke's parents, and she was transferred to Mauth- the Mayor of Swindon coun Stan although in segregated parts of Theresienstadt camp, came toausen camp in Austria where Eva Pajak will plant a tree in memory gether in 1944. The fact that her was born in 1945, three days be- of the victims of injustice and to symbolise hope for the future. mother Anna survived to give birth fore the American's liberated it.

Representatives from faith comto Eva whilst all around were beMrs Clarke, who works for the ing starved to death is remarkable.

Holocaust Education Trust in Cam- munities, schools and community She explains that she survived bridge, will speak about her fami- groups will be present and people partly because an older brother ly's wartime experiences and link concerned with the tragedy of the had died before her mother was them to the films Schindler's List Holocaust are invited to attend.

There is a display of appropriate transported to Auschwitz. A and Life is Beautiful. woman with a child would have All are invited to listen, reflect books in Swindon's Central Libeen sent straight to the gas chamand remember between 12.30pm brary and an exhibition in the foyer ber on arrival.

Eva shows the yellow star Jews had to and 2.30pm at Friends Meeting of the Civic Offices in Euclid Street.

The Nazis did not know Anna wear in Nazi Germany when she visited House, Eastcott Hill on 27 Janu- www.holocaustmemorialday.gov.uk was pregnant and the dreaded Dr children at Drove school on 10 January ary.

Honour for anti-racist activist

over 10

A West Swindon man has been made an MBE in the New Year's honour's list in recognition of thirty years work against racial discrimination and equal opportunities for ethnic minorities in Swindon.

Mohammad Salas Khan from Shaw, right, is secretary of the Pakistan Welfare Association, a member of the Swindon Racial Equality Council and a member of the Jamia Mohammedia spiritual group. For the last 14 years he has run afterschool cultural and religious classes for Muslim children.

Receiving the MBE is the latest

Anti-war talk Labour MP George Galloway visits Swindon on 30 January, 7.3opm, to speak against war with Iraq at the Pilgrim Centre, Regent Street.

Dr Ibrahim Hewett from a charity that raises money to support children refugee camps in Palestine will also address the meeting.

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of many awards to Mr the perpetrators as an Khan for his work. In extremist minority who 2000 he was presented did not represent Muswith an Active Corn mulims worldwide. nity Award by the Wiltshire police Chief Prime Minister and Constable Elizabeth 1994 received the . Neville was made a Whitbread Volunteer Dame. Under her leadAction Award for the ership, the Wiltshire West of England.

Constabulary has reFollowing the 11 Sepceived good reports tember terrorist attack from Her Majesty's Inin New York, he wrote in The Link spectorate and the county is rated of hi s revul sion and condemned as a l ow crime area.

Mother's pain not eased by misunderstandings The completion of the crossing on Corton Crescent between Westlea and the West Swindon Centre in October, after an 18 month campaign in the community for pedestrian controlled lights, was a bitter sweet experience for Sandra Shirley from Toothill.

Laying flowers on the second an-

niversary of the death of her son Shaun on 17 January, at the spot

where he was knocked down in 2001, she reflected on the loss and the pain felt ever since.

"I' m cut up every time I come down here; I'll do anything to take another road if I can," said Sandra. "I'm very glad that the crossing has been Sandra with her older son Jamie and younger daughter built, many people Siohhan. Inset Shaun, aged 13, in 2001 will benefit from being able to cross the road more not the case. safety, especially the children "Shaun died after being chased walking from school, but the traf- into the road and it hurts my feelfic lights would not have protected ings that people have got the wrong impression.

Shaun."

She explained that she is sad- "Two years on, his death is still dened that people think her son so painful to cope with; the anniran carelessly into the road when versaries are like living through a the inquest concluded that this was video re-play."

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4 The Link Magazine - February 2003

How is the council getting Last month's Link gave an account of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment of Swindon, the Audit Commission's improvement being rated poor. We've asked the leaders of each political party on the council to describe Kevin Small, leader of the Labour Group and leader of the council Following the article in the January Link, I would like to take this opportunity to respond on a few key points. The Audit Commission report raised issues that as a council we have not backed away from.

Since becoming leader in August 2002I have not used my position to blame other political parties for these problems but have consistently given a strong message that co-operation between all politicians is the way forward.

Political points can still be scored but there is an appropriate time and place to do this and the quality of individual council services should not be used for this purpose.

The Improvement Plan for the council was accepted and agreed by all members at the last meeting of council early in January. There are aspects of the plan that will not be popular with all councillors or residents, but they are all necessary goals to improve overall service delivery. However, for each front line service that is delivered,

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council's priorities. So far the proc- Mike Bawden, Leader of the ess has shown clearly that you do Conservative Group want continued improvements to For Swindon the Audit Commisthe education service provided for sion's conclusions were dreadful. your children and the support pro- From a total of 150 county councils vided by the Social Services de- and unitary authorities, Swindon partment that is vital for so many was placed in the bottom 13: 'The people. services provided by Swindon council You also want improvements to were found to be poor with little hope your local environment, such as for improvement.' cleaner streets and we are taking The inspectors considered counthose views seriously whilst we cils such as Wigan and Warrington are looking at the budget for 2003 / to be far superior to Swindon.

04. We all want improvements for How did the council get into this . our local community but further mess? investment is needed to deliver Swindon's failing services result these changes. from twenty years of Labour party I was disappointed to see that a control. Labour administration has there is a 'back-room' team and part of the improvement plan does small number of opposition coun- fostered a culture of poor service look at addressing the Audit Com- cillors stated at the council meet- provision that mission's view that there is cur- ing of 9 January 2003 that they has been hidrently not enough corporate would "very reluctantly and with den behind a a heavy heart" support the im- public relastrength to support our services. tions smoke However, the Labour adminis- provement plan.

This plan is key to delivering screen. Prom—9 tration has an ongoing commitment to Education, Social Services i mprovements in services as iden- ises of new and improving the local environ- tified by the Audit Commission football stadiand us. It is a plan that will change ums, central ment for all residents.

As well as working to deliver over time and should be constantly libraries, city the aims of the improvement plan, monitored and challenged to en- status, etc. we have also recently been con- sure that it is delivering the changes have been used to hide failures in sulting with residents to determine we need. I and my colleagues in fundamental services such as edutheir views on what should be the the Labour Group emphatically cation (where several secondary support the improvement plan and schools have been placed in speare committed to its aims and de- cial measures). livery of them.

The media hype is exemplified

by Swindon's campaign for city All to play for in May status. In 1999 and 2001 Labour The council is made up of 28 La- leader Sue Bates went to London bour councillors. 22 Conservative, to demand city status for a town 8 Liberal Democrats, with one seat with failing schools and inadvacated by a Labour councillor to equate care for the elderly.

Since 1997, when it became a be contested on 30 January.

Twenty seats across the borough unitary authority, the Labour will be up for election on Thursday council has mismanaged the huge responsibilities of Education and 1 May. s

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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 photographs require similar authority

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The Link Magazine • February 2003 a grip on a crisis? investigation into how local councils deliver services to their citizens. Swindon came out very badly. with prospects for what has to be done to get the town back into good management.

Social Services. Under funded by their Government, council leaders have failed to set priorities and wasted the money they have received.

Can things be put right?

Yes, I believe the Conservative group possesses the intelligence and the common sense necessary to transform Swindon into a successful council. One that will provide first rate services to its residents.

Proof of our abilities was demonstrated in the winter of 2001 when the Labour cabinet resigned leaving the Conservative group to form a caretaker administration.

With only 22 of the council's 59 seats we were very much a minority administration. However, during our brief time we: • stabilised the education department and set it on the road to recovery, • obtained PFI funding for the building of new schools in Abbey Meads and Moredon, and • set an example of good manners in the management of council meetings.

How can Swindon Council become a successful provider of local services?

Swindon can rise from its no star rating to become a two star council. This can be achieved by concentrating funds and energy on core services such as schools, nursing care for the sick and the parenting of children in council care. Clear targets must be set to raise standards and if they are not met councillors must be firm but fair with council officers.

Under Conservative leadership Swindon Council will improve its essential services beyond recognition. For this to happen voters must elect a Conservative council in the May 2003 elections.

Mike Evemy, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group

This time last year, I wrote in The Link about the poor prospects facing the council following years of under-investment in key services and 20 years of Labour rule.

The Conservatives had recently taken over and were proposing to slash budgets for the arts and the voluntary sector.

Subsequently, Labour raised the council tax by 15.5%, but our services have not significantly improved and Swindon is labelled as having one of the worst councils in the country.

This Labour run council has talked about the future but ignored the present. Proposals such as city status and the 30 Year Vision have distracted the council from important issues such as education and social care for children and the elderly.

Despite repeated calls for a balanced cabinet, Tory councillors allowed Labour to re-take control of the council in May. I don't think the 15,000 people who supported them last May voted for them to just let Labour in. My calls to the other two parties for working cooperation were ignored until the Government judged the council a failure. Now Labour and Tories have agreed to discuss the future of Swindon in a civilised manner.

This is good news for the town.

Education Swindon's Education Service was privatised for three years in May 2002 after Ofsted failed the Education Authority.

The council and its partners have

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worked together to produce a set of proposals to turn around our education service. But we still get £6 million less than other similar councils to spend on our schools.

This budget shortfall must be addressed by the Government to enable our new education service to deliver all the improvements we want and our children deserve.

Social Services hlspectors found the most vulnerable people in society were being let down in spite of the hard work of front line staff.

The council has been told that its prospects for improvement are poor. We must work together with users and carers to ensure the service is turned around.

Environmental Issues Liberal Democrats have led the way in the council, pioneering household paper and can collection; installing over 300 dog bins and championing 5,000 free compost bins for Swindon residents.

We want to do more, but Labour and the Tories have consistently voted against our plans.

As the council proposes its budget for 2003 / 04 and in the run up to the May elections, we will be leading the campaign for investment in education and Social Services and will press for more environmental initiatives to make Swindon a better, cleaner place to live. Read more about our plans at: www.swindonlibdems.org

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6 The Link Magazine • February 2003

Front garden exposed to more public debate via exhibition and discussion forums

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There's another chance to look at the proposals for the development of land between the M4, Old Town and West Swindon when Swindon Council planners hold a series of discussions alongside an exhibition in February.

Bryant Homes submitted a plan- area as open space, including a ning application for the develop- country park, playing fields, wildment in July last year which covers life habitats and formal recreation 309 hectares, publicising their pro- areas and no development in the posals through an advertisement floodplain (as agreed with the Enin The Link and newsletters that vironment Agency).

Sites for a secondary school and were sent to every household in three primary schools have been the borough.

The application proposes up to identified, as well as land for a -1,500 dwellings, 15 hectares of district centre and three smaller employment land, retention of ap- neighbourhood centres, extension proximately half of the total site and enhancement of the existing North Wilts canal and a southern relief road and park and ride site.

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However they want to ensure the issues are discussed as widely as possible to ensure the proposals meet the highest possible design standards before the council's planning committee formally considers the application later in the year.

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•la Community Dividend Scheme Exhibition at Ellendune Community Centre, Barrett Way, Wroughton Wednesday 12 February, noon to 7pm and Saturday 15 February, 10am to 4pm.

Discussion forums (of up to 90 minutes) will be held on Wednesday 12 February, 2pm and 5.30pm Saturday 15 February, 11am and 2pm

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Exhibition at Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon Thursday 20 February, noon to 7pm and Saturday 22 February, 10am to 4pm.

Discussion forums on Thursday 20 February, 2pm and 5.30pm Saturday 22 February, 11am and 2pm To reserve a place at any of these forums, call Ken Dickson on 466332 by 11 February. Places will be allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis.

The exhibition will also be displayed at the Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon from the 17 to 19 February and at Premier House, Station Road, Swindon from 24 February to 7 March, 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

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The Link Magazine • February 2003

Plans to bring the community together at the heart of Priory Vale Priory Vale has been designed as an area unlike anything seen in Swindon so far. Now a planning application for a village centre

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centre, and a school square to provide a gateway to the education campus which lies to the west of the village centre.

This covers 32 acres an d will accommodate a secondary school for up to 1,500 students, a primary school, a special school for children with learning difficulties and pla y ing pitches including an all weather floodlit pitch.

Homes in a variet y of styles, sheltered accommodation for the elderly and numerous offices will be incorporated throughout the vilencourages visits b y cyclists, walk- lage centre development. ersandthosewhousepublictransAlso proposed are a tranquil port. An abundance of cycle racks church square and a formal square and pedestrian walkways, as well where homes will overlook a green. as speed restrictions on vehicular Subject to detailed planning aptraffic are the result. proval, it is anticipated that work At this stage, the proposals en- will start on the village centre in compass a main square with a se- spring 2004 and wi ll take up to lection of village st y le shops, pub- two years to complete, coinciding lic house and restaurant, a tradi- with the opening of the education tional market square with health campus in 2005/2006.

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The architecture will be similar in form to the styles currently being built across the Priory Vale development, using design references to the villages and small towns around Swindon such as Highworth, Marlborough, Malmesbury,WantageandFaringdon.

The designers from Crest Homes propose a number of squares, each with its own unique character, the aim being to create a vibrant hub to the new community.

They have set out to create a safe, secure environment which

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8 The Link Magazine • February 200 3

New year, new information leaflet from Age Concern Age Concern Swindon is welcoming 2003 with a brand new information leaflet detailing all the work it does in and around Swindon.

The organisation continues to celebrate its Golden Jubilee year, working to promote the well-being of all older people — providing helpful, practical and caring services, and campaigning for changes where they are needed to improve the quality of life for older people now and in the future.

It also provides good quality products and services such as home and contents insurance, gas and electricity supplies and prepaid funeral plans.

Jo Osorio, director of Age Concern Swindon said, "we know that people need straightforward information. And we back up the leaflet with a wealth of other booklets, factsheets and helpful advice.

"Older people and their families and friends are welcome to call us — and so is anyone else. We would also be particularly pleased to hear from people who would like to join our team of volunteers. There are numerous opportunities to help us make more of life."

He added that, with a few months to run in its fiftieth year, fundraising coordinator Jackie Sheppard would still like to hear from individuals, groups, schools, clubs and pubs willing to organise

New estate agent goes onside with North primary school

Young footballers and netballers from Catherine Wayte primary school in Abbey Meads are saying a big thank you to a new branch of Connells estate agent which opened at the North Swindon Centre in early January.

At the suggestion of The Link, the company has agreed to sponsor the school who will be receiving the kit in a few weeks time.

Branch manager Peter Vujakovic said Connells is a major player in the housing market with 155 branches across the UK and were Members of the Age Concern office team, from left Paul Mortime r , welfare benefits keen to build good relationships services manager, Sarah Jefferies, visiting services and meals on wheels manager, in North Swindon. "Our location Jacqui Sheppard, fundraisingcoordinatorand trading manager, Jo Osorio, director, at the district centre puts us at the heart of the community and we are Jayne Robinson, volunteer benefits advisor, Joan Phillips, volunteer pleased to help where we can.

"The interest in our first two For leaflets, to volunteer or to fund raising events.

Pebley Beach Suzuki have do- fundraise call Age Concern on weeks in the properties on sale nated a 4x4 vehicle as first prize in 692166 or drop into 14 Milton Road, and from potential sellers has been the big Golden Jubilee raffle. Call Swindon, Monday to Friday from tremendous."

Connells will be holding a home Jackie to offer to sell raffle tickets. 10am to -fpm. show at the branch in early March where a lot of brand new property Community goings on will be brought to the market. Soat Peatmoor Community Primary School licitors, mortgage advisors and The Peatmoor Over 50s coffee morning next takes place on Wednes- lettings experts will be on hand to day 12 February from 10am to 11.30am. help with all aspects of house purSparcells and Peatmoor Community Association holds its AGM on chase and sale.

Community organisations will Monday 10 March, 6.30pm. All residents of the area are welcome to also be invited to take part . attend. Contact suzanne.bullimore@btinternet.com for details.

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IN

HEALTH Healthcare trust moves into new home at North Swindon Centre

The Swindon Primary Care Trust (PCT), the local guardians of the NHS budget in the borough, relocates to new offices above the library at the North Swindon district centre on 3 February.

Set up in April 2002, the PCT is works with 29 general practices It is led by a professional execuAt a public meeting at Toothill responsible for healthcare deliv- and is responsible for community tive committee of local GPs, nurses Community Centre on 14 January ery to the 194,000 people in the based services such as district and other clinicians as well as a to discuss service delivery, DirecSwindon area, spending ÂŁ148 mil- nurses, therapists, health visitors, formal board made up of lay and tor of Public Health Jane Leaman said, "we really need your help to lion of taxpayers money on health pharmacists, dentists and opti- professional members.

The PCT aims to improve the make sure we plan the best for Swincare, treatment and prevention. It cians. health of local people and ensure don. Together we can make sure patients are treated at the right people in the town get co-ordinated time, in the right place, by the right services which tackle the challenges people to the right standard and for health in our communities."

Not hearing as clearly as with the best value for money.

For a leaflet about the PCT, call you would like, background With Government spending on 818200 or go to www.healthy noise a problem? the NHS set to rise until 2008, the wiltshire.org.uk From 3 February the contact For a free hearing assessment PCT aims to ensure that money is number will be 708700. spent wisely. in your own home, without obligation contact: Visiting the new offices on the upper floor of the community building at the David W Toms RHAD North Swindon Centre, from left, Lucy Watson, head of nursing, Sarah Truelove, director of finance, Dr Howard Thomas, chair of the professional 01793 574604 Specialising in very discreet hearing aids and the latest digital products

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MS branch can help sufferers I People suffering the debilitating effects to the central nervous system caused by multiple sclerosis can turn to the Swindon Therapy Centre for a number of proven therapies to help lessen and control the effects: hyperbaric oxygen, dietary advice and physiotherapy.

Nationally the MS Society is an entirely self-funded charity and has received no official funding from the government since it was first set up in 1985 to support the 85,000 people in the UK with the condition.

The Swindon centre welcomes enquiries from MS sufferers and from volunteers to help run the day to day activities of the branch.

People to help organise fundraising activities are also needed, as well as donations to assist the centre provide its important support services.

The Swindon Centre is situated at Unit 71A, BSS House, Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, Swindon. To find out more, call 481700.

Giving out information about MS and the local branch at the Swindon Celebrates day on 3 December, from left, Rosie Owen, Ann Hart, Christine

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12 The Link Magazine • February 2003

Climbing the fire service ladder A West Swindon woman who switched from being a keep fit instructor to become a firefighter has not looked back on her decision to hang up her leotard in favour of a helmet, heavy jacket and protective Specialists in PVCU, windows, doors and conservatories.

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Green Watch at Swindon fire staIn Swindon there are now three tion where she worked her first women on different watches, four day shift before getting marTracey Peters at Central, who qualiried on 23 August and jetting off fied with another brigade,and on a safari honeymoon in Kenya.

Cathy Raftery who joined Stratton "The original plan was to start fire station in May last year. after I came back from honeymoon, Within weeks of joining her stabut I was offered a tour before tion Jo was out on strike with her going away," said Jo. "It was a colleagues. She said it was dischance to get to know the others tressing for all of them as they on the watch and find out what the would prefer to be ready and able work was like for real. I was exto save lives. hausted from the training but it was a fantastic adrenalin rush to go out on the fire appliance for the first time."

Jo has always had an interest in becoming a firefighter or joining the police, but had spent seven years in leisure management with Swindon Council's recreation services.

Ic Firefighter training covered all the basic requirements, such as ladder work, dealing with house fires, major incidents and road traffic accidents, as well as safety and Jo, getting ready to leave the Link Cenequipment maintenance. tre, from last May's Link The last five months have been busy and have given Jo plenty of But apart from the unexpected opportunity to apply the training distraction, her decision to pursue as well as develop team spirit with a different career was the right her watch. Although new to the one. "Joining the fire service has job, her colleagues have expected more than met my expectations, her to perform at the highest level. it's a really a great job. No two "We were the first pump to arrive days are the same; one moment at the Peugeot garage fire at you're taking apart a pump in the Mannington in November and I workshop, the next you're pulling was second in line pulling hoses on your equipment and piling into through the workshop to find the the truck. seat of the fire.

"Being a woman in the fire serv"The watch has also attended ice is not a problem; the guys at the several house fires and I went into station have been very helpful and one where smoke from an unatwe get on really well. Obviously I tended cooker had overwhelmed can't lift the weights they can, but two occupants. With acting leadthen I can get into spaces they can't. ing firefighter Gareth Francis we It's all about working together as a pulled them clear. It was my first team to get a job done." time with a real person; much more Left, instruction on pruning the portable difficult than dragging out a pump from leading firefighter Simon dummy in training.

Pearce "Physically it can be exhaust-

The Link Magazine • February 2003

Pre-school in the town centre The Queens Park Playgroup in Euclid Street meets from 9.15am to 11.45pm Monday to Friday during term time and has places for 3 to 4 year olds.

Funding may be available for some children. For details, call 07961 813219 during playgroup hours, or Sue Pratt on 347697 at other times.

The National Childbirth Trust Nearly New Sale Saturday 29 March, 11 am to 1 pm. Entry 50p Oasis Leisure Centre

Children in need

Do you like children and young people and feel you could relate to a child in local authority care?

Swindon Independent Visitors A fantastic quality selection of is looking for volunteers to act as a children's clothes (0 - 4 years), long term friend to a child or young cots, prams, nursery equipment, person aged 8 to 18, to provide maternity wear, toys, videos, support and a listening ear. books The project is managed by People interested in selling items Spurgeon's Child Care, an international children's charity, with should send a large (A5 or A4) stamped self-addressed envelope joint Health and Social Services funding. to NCT Sellers' Packs, 2 Noyes hlitial and ongoing training and Close. Burghley Park. Swindon support is provided; applicants are SN25 1 TD or mail: required to provide references and alisonlowe@aol.com . undergo a police check.

30%commission is deducted from Friendships with a child being all sales, which goes towards cared for outside his or her parenproviding local NCT services. tal home might not always be easy, Sellers' packs are limited so first and things might not always go come, first served. smoothly, but it will be rewarding Volunteers are needed to both for you and the child, an opsuccessfully run the sale. If you portunity to make a real difference would like to help please register to the life of a young person. your details before the sale date, by If you feel you are able to help, phoning NCT helper's coordinator call 615049 for more information. on 770158.

Leave a message if the 'phone is The NCT is a registered charity. unattended.

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14 The Link Magazine • February 200 3

Schools review will give true picture of primary capacity There are too many surplus places in Swindon's primary schools, but how many exactly has still to be decided.

The review of places across the "Our supposed surplus will Richard Jackson at Toothill Publicity in the local media before Christmas highlighted figures School said that although the largely be removed by a recalcula- borough was due to be published in a leaked Swindon Education school is listed as having the third tion of the space and if the bor- in December 2002 but will now take place later this year. department document suggesting highest number of surplus places, ough removes three mobiles." that a few are nearly half empty the calculations were based on and are in line for closure. Parents space before Swindon Council Garin some areas will have been ried out major alterations in 2001 alarmed that their school is under when eight cramped double class- Contractors arrived at Greendown School in late January with the threat. rooms were turned into single aim of constructing nine new classrooms, a multi-purpose hall and The Government expects local units. He also pointed out that sev- offices, linked to the existing buildings, to be ready for the start of the authorities to have eight to ten per eral mobile units are used for stor new school year in September.

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He pointed out that Greendown redesignated for computer suites, originally designated to have a don's planning committee in early music rooms, libraries and re- second permanent building where January. The work will be carried willbeapplyingforspecialistbusiness college status in April and the out by Bideem Construction. source areas. the mobiles are.

Up to another £1 million will be improved facilities will enhance spent on rebuilding parts of the the opportunities created by the existing structure so that depart- extra £400,000 that Government ments and facilities can work in will invest if the bid is successful.

Mr O'Sullivan thanked parents conjunction with the new building.

Headteacher Steve O'Sullivan for respecting the ban on driving hl^71 Schoolwearc^L Zt-L ^^ ES said having a major construction cars on site since the beginning of A wide range of schoolwear for ages 4 to 18 project taking place in the middle term, as announced in the January Official stockists of Brownies. Cubs. Scouts and Guides uniforms of the school site was a challenge, Link. "We are trying to achieve an but everything was being done to orderly departure of well over Unit 39 Brunel Arcade Swindon Tel: 01793 520843 minimise disruption. The long 1,000 young people each day, with term educational benefits to fami- staff supervising the entrance to lies in West Swindon from this the school.

"With builders on site it is iminvestment by Swindon Council are going to be immense. The portant that we all strive for safety." school is at last going to get faciliHe also thanked residents living % ^ ties it has been lacking after sev- close to Sudeley Way for toleratWould you like these eral phases of expansion over the ing the extra traffic that the arrangements had generated. last ten years." benefits for your National

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Hot start for new headteacher To say the least Steven Luke's first days as head of Freshbrook School were a test. The heating system failed on the first day of term on 6 January and worked intermittantly for the next few days. By the end of the week it had packed up completely and the children had to be sent home from freezing classrooms.

"It wasn't the most auspicious start, but hopefully the repairs will have sorted out the problems," he said.

Mr Luke was headteacher at Hilmarten primary school near Lyneham which he joined in 1999 after several years as a teacher in the South East.

A son of Cornwall, he has passed through Wiltshire many times, but is now discovering Swindon in detail. "I was very impressed by Freshbrook School when I visited for the interview. There's a orderly feel about the school, the children are polite and interested in their education; I think this reflects the kind of community it is in.

"I' m a great believer in the school being the central focus of a community, as well as the involvement

Mr Luke with Thomas Carpenter, the only pupil in school after the heating system failed

of parents in their children's education. All the parents I've met have been very positive about the school."

The Link Magazine • February 2003

Governors focus on new school

The Guitar School

A committee to oversee the development of the new Church of England aided primary school at Taw Hill at the proposed village centre held its first formal meeting on 8 January.

Formed mainly by local volunteers who expressed interest in serving after an information display in the Taw Hill Worship Centre in April last year, the governors will establish the underlying values and vision for the new school and liaise with the architects Horsely Huber and Associates who were chosen for their experience of designing schools integrated with churches. They will also

form the admissions policy and appoint the head teacher before opening day in September 2004.

North Swindon Anglican vicar Ruth Cram said everybody involved with the school was excited that the opening of the school was within sight. She added that

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Getting down to business, sitting from left, architect David Freeth, Rev Ruth Cram, Caro Barker-Bennett, diocese of Bristol Director of Education. Standing, Margaret Hunt, Swindon Council head of governor support, Julie Hailstone, Richard Barrass, Teresa Turner, Alison Roberts, Barry Luffman, Maris Cole

The illustation for Tati' Hill primary school in the foregrornrd linked to Taw Hill church at the village centre, as displayed at the public exhibition in April 2002

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Santa finds time for gardening Children at Oliver Tomkins Infants School returned on 6 January to discover that Father Christmas had delivered them a gift during the holiday - a quiet area for reading and class storytime.

The small grove of trees was turned into a sitting area by Playline Design Ltd from Devon who were happy to turn out after Christmas to do the work.

Headteacher Penny Summers said the Storytime Area was a lovely addition to the school grounds and thanked the Friends of Oliver Tomkins School (FOOTS) for raising £2,000 to pay for the work.

Caroline Belson, grounds development coordinator, said the next outdoor project was to get an organic recycling scheme going and also a sensory garden for the nursery. A butterfly garden was opened last July and everybody is looking forward to seeing it come into bloom.

John Ford, the outgoing chairman of FOOTS cuts the ribbon for Santa

15

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16 The Link Magazine • February 2003

Parish Council seeks new assistant ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT Haydon Wick Parish Council is looking for an organised and efficient person to

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undertake clerical and secretarial tasks in the Parish Council O ff ice.

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E-mail: clerk@haydonwick.gov.uk Closing date: Monday 17 February

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Haydon Wick Parish Council needs additional staffing to help with the increasing workload of an ever-expanding parish and is looking for an administrative assistant to work alongside parish clerk Sue Martin at the Thames Avenue council offices.

The council also hopes to open areas, leisure gardens, work with the office to the public for longer young people, footpaths and planning applications. hours.

The new assistant will be conAn attractive feature of the job cerned with operating the com- may well be the scope for the permunity transport scheme, the son appointed to agree hours to Christmas parcels scheme and the suit their personal circumstances, council's website, in addition to in addition to an interesting ophelping in a general way with the portunity to become involved with work undertaken by the parish local affairs. council that deals with a range of See the advertisement on the left functions like open spaces and play for application details.

Pulling together a strategy for Swindon Communities can only tackle their problems effectively if its people are involved in the process of dealing with them and all local authorities in England and Wales have been given the task by Government of producing a Community Strategy which sets out how the quality of life can be improved over the next five years.

Swindon Borough Council is are budget limitations applying to leading a consultation process to all agencies and a key intention is formulate the strategy in conjunc- therefore to make the best use of tion with the Local Strategic Part- available resources and ensure that nership (LSP) board which has rep- funding goes to what is agreed to resentatives from the public, busi- be the most important needs. ness, voluntary and community Many of these priorities have bodies. The LSP board chairman already been identified from existMike Bell described its function in ing strategies and plans. The Comthe January Link. munity Strategy is noy intended to Getting it right is very impor- replace these plans but will act as a tant. The production and applica- link between them, and a way of tion of such strategies was one of measuring the quality of the prothe areas which concerned the posals the council puts forward Audit Commission which so heav- for improving the town. ily criticised the council's performDilys Huggins, Partnership Supance in the Comparative Perform- port Manager at Swindon Counance Assessment published in De- cil's Education and Community cember and reported in detail in department, stresses that the stratthe January Link. egy brings together the work of all The inspectors pronounced: "The agencies and organisations that council has no track record of susplay a part in delivering services tained focus." for or with the public sector - join"Whilst the council has some suc- ing up all the plans that impact on cess in identifying issues and provid- those services. ing sound initial analysis, attention She said, "it is now important too readily moves on to another per- that as many people as possible ceived problem and attention to the have the chance to comment on first one lapses." this top-level document. We realThe council, the Swindon Pri- ise that we may have missed somemary Care Trust and the police, thing out or included something have developed a strategy in draft that is not generally well supas the basis for discussion about ported. It is important to get it the quality of life in Swindon. right."

It identifies seven themes that A case in point would be the that people believe to be impor- absence of value placed upon eldtant for Swindon. These are that erly people, a growing proportion the town should be: of the population.

• an economically prosperous Views on the draft are needed place

by Friday 14 February. It can be • a learning and creative place inspected at libraries and Swin• a safe place don Council customer service • a healthy place desks at Wat Tyler House and Pre• a place that is good to live in mier House.

• an inclusive place with stronger It's also on the council's web site communities at www.swindon.gov.uk/index/ • a place where children and yourcouncil@work/ yourcouncilat young people are valued workvision/lsp/community The draft acknowledges that there strategy.htm

I

I

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Swi ndon deserves belief IM

John Monniott, chairman of the Swindon Civic Trust, recruiting in front of one of Swindon's less impressive sights

The Swindon Civic Trust was formed in 2002. It joined some 900 similar societies across the country - all affiliated to the national, parent organisation the 'Civic Trust'. Since 1951 this national body has been working to improve the local places where people live.

Swindon Civic Trust encourages all people to participate in determining the future of their town.

The Swindon Civic Trust was formed in response to a long-standing sense of local dissatisfaction with the system of planning for Swindon, which has neither responded to local people's needs, nor yet realised the town's full potential.

Experience from other parts of the country and from abroad shows that a thoughtful and co-ordinated community organisation such as a local Civic Trust can have a positive influence on the way a place develops - to the benefit of all.

How can you help?

• By joining the Swindon Civic Trust, using this form.

Even if you haven't the time to take an active role, your support in principle can help others to make a difference

The first Swindon Civic Trust Committee, elected February 2002

n By visiting exhibitions at local libraries and joining in at events as they are advertised.

Registered Charity No 1095031

• By reading our mailings, and returning questionnaires

Name(print)

........................................................................................................

Address

........................................................................................................

• By assisting as a volunteer, with events, telephone research and paperwork, or by helping out on a topical sub-committee (for example 'Housing') • By sharing responsibility, as an elected trustee, for running the Swindon Civic Trust - agreeing policies, managing budgets, planning the work and reviewing progress • By expecting to see a better future in Swindon

wisti -f

o

support the Swind o n civic Trus

f

Postcode ............................. .........................................................................

Telephone ........................................................................................................

Signature

...................................................

Date ...................................

I enclose . £5 for annual membership £2 for unwaged annual membership Donationof £ .................

Please make cheques payable to: Swindon Civic Trust, c/o 8 London Street, Swindon SN1 5DG Tel/fax: 01793 520592. e-mail: membership@swindoneivictrust.co.uk

18 The Link Magazine • February 200 3

People's Network plugged into libraries

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The simple library access card now gives you a route into the whole universe; not only does it allow you to borrow books and CDs, but the number on it is now your passport to free use of public access computers being installed in libraries across the borough.

The system allows users to In a good news story for Swin- ers bring information from around don, the People's Network, funded the world into the library. "They search for any book held in Swinby a £388,000 National Lottery all have a high speed connection to don libraries and also a local comNew Opportunities Fund grant is the internet and users can visit sites munity database of useful infornow available at Wroughton and of their choosing. They can also mation like doctors and dentists, Central library and opened at West access online resources selected by clubs and community groups.

Some of the computers will be Swindon in early January, where library staff like encyclopaedias, there are 15 PCs for general use, newspapers and magazines in dif- available on an as-you-come basis; one linked to a scanner. There are ferent languages, national and lo- others can be booked for an hour's also four machines for use exclu- cal arts facilities, museums, maps, use up to eight days in advance.

Kristianne said a library card sively by teenagers and two on telephone books, education and now provides even better value. employment sites. special low tables for under 12s .

West Swindon Library manager Kristianne Drake said the comput-

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Kristianne Drake with Varsanti Patil and Jerome Tailliou on the Network

"A separate children's section provides suitable sites to help with school work, search out information and also fun."

The computers are set up to access all the popular e-mail sites like Hotmail and Lycos and there are pages to help first time users set up e-mail accounts. There are no additional staff available for training and librarians will have to assist novices in addition to their normal duties. However, the Swindon College IT training suite at the library will be happy to organise an introductory course.

Mrs Varsanti Patil from Westlea, viewing online Hindi newspapers was one of the first users. "It's very fast and it's free which will appeal to many people," she said.

Sitting opposite her was French student Jerome Tailliou from La Rochelle who was mailing friends using his Hotmail account.

"The People's Network gives you another good reason to visit a library. It's free to join and it's free to use the network; drop in and find out more" • The People's Network operates at 2mb, forty time faster than the normal 56k modem

Garners flock to the library The January Link story on the new Games Workshop at West Swindon Library encouraged several

newcomers to join in and take part on Friday evenings from 5pm to 7.45pm.

The sessions for over 13 year olds are sponsored by West Swindon NESTS (Neighbourhood Environmental Safety Teams). Just turn up and take part. The games are provided and other users know the rules.

It's all coming together at the new North Swindon library. Thesceneat the North Swindon District Centre as unpacking of fixtures and fi tting starts, before books, CDs, DVDs and videos can be displaiir'd rr'adi/ urn a Spring opening

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THE LINK MAGAZINE'S GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON IN AND AROUND SWINDON

Plans for Russian occupation In the present uncertainty about external threats and possibly war, its strange to think our friends now, but enemies of only a generation ago, were planning for a takeover.

Swindon was clearly in the Red Army's sights prior to the break up of the Soviet Union eleven years ago as shown by several maps that have come to light in Swindon Reference Library and published for the first time in The Link.

Prepared in the USSR in the 1980s and identifying every street and feature in the town, the maps are designed using the standard Gausse-Kruger military grid, making them suitable for artillery targeting.

It is believed that similar maps compiled by the Soviet military machine cover the whole country.

Work on them is understood to have started during the World War II. They are very detailed and expert cartographers will note that the maps conform to the Warsaw Pact specification using the Krossovsky/Pulkovo system rather than the UK geodetic and national grid systems.

Useful as they may have been for shelling, ground forces would have experienced problems using the maps as all details, down to the name of the smallest cul-desac, are set out in Cyrillic Russian.

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A section of the main map which measures about 60" by 40" showing all the main features of the town centre and Old Town. The strategically important railway junction and the works, which in the mid-1980s lay derelict are clearly marked. Note the large rectangular building running parallel to the railway line, A shop, which was demolished and is now the designer centre car park

Anyone wish-

ing to see how their street appeared to Soviet ,k c. military tacticians ^ ^^t ,_r . v ^^^ is welcome to in spect the maps at the Reference ^ 2 ., - ' Library in Regent f, _ Circus. ' The li brary -.

(L^'' holds awealth of // c s i ,, national and to cal information ^>; ^` s' '`' i , ' i.. /7 from back cop it iesofTheTimes " from 1 703 to / C/?I r maps, church , , ^ y' A smaller map shows part records and diof West Swindon after the f ^^ µ rectories. district centre was built and We'll be re :' 1 f , Great Western Way, but 1 turning there before the Link Centre and Shaw Ridge Leisure Park next month.

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Swirdol Wide Grant funding secures unique picture

In his recent Channel 4 series on th e The English Church, Simon Jenkins drew the nation's attention to the Golden Cavalier at St Mary's Church, Lydiard Tregoze. Now a painting oft he monument by one of Britain's best loved 20th Century painters, John Piper (1903 - 1992) has been acquired

by Lydiard House, writes Sarah Fir rch-Crisp. keeper of the house.

The £22,000 purchase was ture in 1940, the year Lady made possible by major grant Bolingbroke died and her son awards from the National Art Col- Vernon moved out of his family's In the January Link Norah Malden lections Fund, Resource/Victoria ancestral home in anticipation of wrote of her early married life be- and Albert Museum, the St John military requisition. Virtually banktween 1951 to 1954 when she and family and public donations. The rupt Vernon was never to return husband Harry were housed by Offer Waterman Gallery also and 500 years of St John occupaSwindon Corporation in former war waived all profit on the sale. ti on were ended when the estate ti me military huts in Lydiard Park.

The picture which goes on per- was sold in 1943. Piper's cavalier manent display in February is the is a poignant reminder of a gilt most significant addition to the edged past. collection in recent years.

Captain Edward St John died John Piper, like his great friend from wounds received at the 2nd the poetJohn Betjeman. and Simon Battle of Newbury while fighting for Jenkins today, enjoyed discover- King Charles I. He was brought ing overlooked national jewels in home to Lydiard, believed to have the form of churches and their been a Royalist garrison, where he monuments. Piperpaintedthispic- took three months to die an agoSarah and Simon Jenkins nising death. His father with The Golden Cavalier erected the monument in Edward's memory. military use of Lydiard Park and Four hundred years later, provides today's visitors to the They were one of the first couPiper's picture is contem- house with another 'Swindon surples to move to Penhill and now, porary with 20th Century prise'.

48 years later, she has published A new team in the house three short stories for children Happy Days with Rachel and Billy Three new museum assistants have taken on the role of under the pen name Jessica Bond. welcoming the public and caring for the beautiful state rooms She has paid for the printing at Lydiard House. herself and they are available at Jenny Barnes, Maria Bastin and Trudy Evans have joined Waterstones or WH Smith or by Lydiard at an exciting and busy time and bring with them a calling publishers AB Stockwell on great deal of enthusiasm and skill. Maria and Trudy discov01271 862557. ered the new posts through an advertisement in The Link.

Talented writer

Friendly welcome at Lydiard from Trudy Evans. Jenny Barnes, Maria Bastin r rrr^

Studley Grange Craft Village I& &=# C" • Portraits & party pictures • Dried £t silk flowers • Models 8 figurines • Fine art • Jewellery, sewing, dolls houses • Painted & embroidered cushions • Hand painted furniture

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See craftspeople at work.

Have a go at making and decorating your own craft work.

Visit us through the rear of Blooms Garden Centre, Hay Lane, close to Junction 16 on the M4

Lydiard Park restoration update English Heritage is the latest organisation to lend its backing and support to the ambitious £5.5 million project to restore and develop historic Lydiard Park. writes Sarah Finch-Crisp.

Their letter of support welcomes the opportunity to work in partnership with Swindon Borough Council and the Countryside Agency on a project of such clear community benefit which promotes the active enjoyment of the historic environment as a civic amenity.'

English Heritage have offered the services of the Archaeological Investigation Team based at the National Monument Record Centre in Swindon to undertake a full survey of the park during the summer.

Research into the park has shown the importance of archaeology with evidence for Royalist or Restoration gardens. Public involvement and opportunities for participation will be publicised nearer the time.

Read about the restoration proposals at www.swindonlink.com or visit Lydiard House for a printed copy.

Swurckr Wide W cAt's Cr in Febru^r^ Theatre Monday 10th to Wednesday 12th, 7.30pm & Wednesday at 2.30pm The Winter's Tale presented by Compass Theatre Comany. A searing tale of love and friendship torn apart by the jealousy and suspicion of a tyrannical king. £14.50.

Wyvern Wednesday 26th, 7.30pm Two Victorian Tales presented by Pirouette Productions. Actor and musician Raymond Sargent has adapted two classic Victorian stories.

Dickens' The Signalman and Thomas Hardy's Three Strangers. £9.50. Arts Centre Thursday 27th to Saturday 1st March, 7.15pm One Act Play Festival. Arts Centre.

Contact ticket office for play titles. dates and prices. Tel: 614837

Family events and Venues The A rt s Centre, Devizes Road. workshop Tel: 614837 Saturday 1st, 2pm to 4pm Chinese New Year. Make a vibrant dragon and other crafts, and hear traditional tales. Suit 5- 11 years. £2.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

Saturday 8th, 10am - 4pm Be My Valentine. Create unusual Valentine cards. bring gifts for your loved ones to wrap in attractive ways.

All ages welcome. £14. Arts Centre Sat 22nd to Sunday 2nd March Musical Mystery. Half term trail: follow the clues to spell out the name of a musical instrument. 50p.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

Lydiard House. Tel: 770401 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. Tel: 463210 The Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square. Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

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Sat 22nd to Sunday 2nd March Fruit & Flowers. Half term trail: follow the pictorial clues to find fruits and flowers in the strangest places. £ 1.25, includes admission. Lydiard House

Talks & tours Wednesday 12th, 7.30pm Brunel: The Great Engineer by Tim Bryan. presented by The Swindon Society. 50p (members), £1.50 (visitors). Broad Green Community Centre. Salisbury Street. For details tel 521408.

Tuesday 25th, 2pm - 4pm Serpents and Strings. Make your own musical instruments, then be part of the Swindon Museum junk orchestra. Suit 5 - 11 years. £2.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

Wednesday 26th, 1.30pm - 3.30pm Vase painting. Bring a glass vase, jar or beaker to paint. Suit 5 - 11 years. £2. Lydiard House Thursday 27th, 2pm - 4pm Composing a Feeling. Listen to a well known piece of music, inspired by famous artists the world over and produce your artwork. as wild as you li ke. Suit 5 - 11 years. £2. Swindon

Thursday 13th, 8pm The Racing Roadshow. Two outstandingly successful former jockeys. Willie Carson and Bob Champion join comedian Dave Richards for an amusing and informative evening of racing chat. £13.50. Arts Centre Saturday 15th, 2.15pm Tour of the National Monument Record Centre. An introduction to the work of the NMRC. Free. For details call 414797 Monday 17th, 7.30pm Wildlife Adventure. Discover the varied habitats of the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Does Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection hold today?

Organised by Swindon Wildlife Group. Lawns Community Centre.

Call Neil Pullen on 526228 to book

Pantomime Friday 14th & Saturday 15th, 7.30pm Cinderella - Class of'79. An amateur show from the Customer Services staff of Thames Water. it has an adult

feel. but is suitable for all the family. £6.50. Wyvern

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Dance Thursday 6th, 8pm Henri Oguike Dance Company Featuring three new works with stunning live music. £11. Wyvern Saturday 15th, 8pm - lam Celtic Academy of Dance. Irish dance evening with David Duffy Band. £8. tickets from 642368. Thistle Hotel, Fleming Way Thurs 20th, 8pm & Friday 21st, 2pm Volatile - a stunning new production from award winning Motionhouse Dance Theatre. £8. Town Hall Studios

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Variety

Music

Sunday 8th, 7.30pm Hindu Samaj - Swindon presents a annual celebration of Indian culture and modern Bollywood entertainment perfomed by the people of Swindon. £7.50. Wyvern

Saturday 1st, 7.30pm Choir of the World, Cor Godre'r Aran, presented by Swindon Male Voice Choir, in support of Prospect Hospice. £10. Wyvern

Dance House Saturday 15 February 8pm - 11.30pm Rufus Return

Sunday 2nd, 7.30pm Swindon Arts Charity Gala Night.

An evening of song and dance featuring local performers including Swindon Pegasus Brass Band.

Thamesdown Ladies' Choir, Highworth Warneford School Big Band. £7. Wyvern Wed 5th to Saturday 8th, 7.30pm Ten in a Bar is Ten (Terrifically Entertaining Nonsense). Celebrate with us the 10th anniversary of Swindon's top vocal harmony group. £7. Arts Centre Friday 7th, 7.30pm Think Floyd Toys in the Attic 2003.

Adults £7, under 18 £5, family (2 adults, 2 children) £18 Ellendune Centre, Wroughton Ticket reservations on 641107 or janicebooth@ntlworld.com

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Stretch & Tone with Dawn Howell Tuesdays 6.30pm - 7.30pm Tregoze School, Grange Park

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Friday 21st, 7.30pm Kentwood Choir in Concert in aid of NSPCC. £7.50. inc/interval drink.

Ridgeway School, Wroughton. Book tickets on 530912

Friday 21st, 8pm Aziz Ibrahim. Guitarist Aziz first tasted success touring with Simply Red. There followed a brief stint as the only Muslim in The Christians and then the only Asian in Asia before he joined The Stone Roses. Now his talents have fully emerged with the release of his debut solo album From Lahore to Longsight. £10. Arts Centre

Saturday 22nd, 8pm Great British Jazz Band. Expect everything from Louis Armstrong specials to Duke Ellington, from this hot swinging jazz band. £12.50. Arts Centre

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Sunday 16th, 7.30pm Elvis on tour - the way it was starring Steve Ballard, his orchestra and singers. £15.50. Wyvern Sunday 16th, 7.30pm Protect the Beat. This exciting new UK jazz/groove act opened for Courtney Pine at the recent Southend Jazz Festival. £8. Arts Centre Wednesday 19th, 2.30pm Roll Out The Barrel. Two hours of non-stop nostalgia including music hall memories, show songs and the songs of Flanagan and Allen. £.50.

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Tel: 01672 541 144 • 07721 757702 • 07831 098272 I

Sunday 23rd, midday to midnight Festival of Jazz presented by Fretless & Friends with top billing Jamie Cullum, below, and his band. £8 all day, £5 after 6pm. The Apartment, Havelock Street. Tickets from 770929

Sunday 9th, 7.30pm The Animals & Friends. Original Animals members, John Steel and Dave Rowberry, plus Jim Rodford.

Johnnie Guitar' Williamson and Pete Barton bring you some of the greatest songs of the last 40 years. £12.50.

Arts Centre

Friday 14th, 7.30pm Swindon Recital Series. Eileen Hulse (soprano) and Philip Sheffield (tenor) with Paul Turner (piano).

Songs for Valentine's Day from this husband and wife duo. £9. A rts Centre Saturday 15th, 7.30pm Romantic Heart concert for Valentine's weekend by Kentwood Choir, in aid of British Heart Foundation. £6. Savoy Upper Room, Regent Street. Tickets from Swindon Information Centre, 37 Regent Street

Saturday 15th. 8pm Stan Webb's Chicken Shack. Stan Webb's blistering guitar style and stage presence have made Chicken Shack a favourite of rock and blues fans since 1968 when they signed to the legendary Blue Horizon label.

Supported by Swindon's own Bob Bowles. £9. Arts Centre

Sunday 23rd, 7.30pm Nashville Nights & Dixie Days. A non-stop journey through brilliantly performed country hits with an amazing finale. £11. Wyvern Tuesday 25th, 7.30pm Fairport Convention. England'sfirst and foremost folk rock band returns, featuring their greatest musical triumphs. £15.50. Wyvern Friday 28th, 7.30pm That'll Be The Day. The nation's favourite rock'n' roll band return with a brand new show. £16. Wyvern Thursday 27th, 7.30pm Central Band of the Royal Air Force with Kentwood Choir. £12.50.

Wyvern

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Film

Tuesday 4th, 8pm Ross Noble - Sonic Waffle. The undisputed new king of stand-up comedy, Ross Noble brings his smash hit show to town as part of his 2003 UK tour. £12.50. Wyvern Tuesday 11th, 8pm The Adam Hills Show. Australian stand up comedian Adam Hills combines energetic comedy with rampant spontaneity. £8. Arts Centre Thursday 20th, 8pm Richard Herring Talking Cock. One of Britain's great comedy talents, delivers an impassioned soliloquy on masculinity and sexual anthropology - with laughs. £12. Arts Centre (not for those who may be easily offended)

Monday 3rd, 7.45pm Road to Perdition (15) Father and son set out on a journey instigated by tragedy and by fuelled revenge in depression-era III. Chicago , , 1 starring Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law and Tyler Hoechlin. £4. Wyvern Wednesday 12th, 7.45pm Sex & Lucia (18) A romantic novelist lives out a series of erotic and tragic adventures in this dazzlingly filmed, involving and rewarding magic-realist love story from Julio Medem. Swindon Film Society (SFS) Tuesday 18th, 7.45pm All or Nothing (18) Anchored by an excruciatingly accurate performance from Timothy Spall, Mike Leigh's latest film balances misery and warmth, sadness and joy. to create a heartbreaking yet curiously uplifting film. £3.50. Arts Centre Wednesday 19th, 7.45pm Cool & Crazy (15) Knut ErikJensen'sfilmfollows a male voice choir from a Norwegian fishing village. The exquisite folk ballads

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Jewellery making Sewing threads Selection of haberdashery D.M.C. Main Agency Daylight lamps stockist 100s of other craft items and a huge range of products for the artist & student Picture framing service plus DIY framing supplies

Framework Art & Craft 63 Pembroke Centre Cheney Manor Trading Estate Swindon SN2 2PQ Tel/Fax 01793 513069 Email: enquiries@facswindon.co.uk Phone for directions.Free parking

Norway, yet this life-affirming film could be set anywhere. Swindon Film Society (SFS) Tuesday 25th, 7.45 The Importance of Being Earnest (U) Colin Firth, Rupert Everett and Judi Dench star in this lavish film version of Oscar Wilde's play. Elegant, frivolous and fun, with every witticism polished to perfection. £3.50. Arts Centre Swindon Film Society All films are shown at the Arts Centre; tickets are not sold in advance: Film Society leaflets are available at the Arts Centre; join the society when purchasing tickets Tootleabrook WI Annual Meeting Wednesday 19th, 7.30pm Toothill Community Centre For more information call Jean Brock on 539456 Golden Lion Quilters Wednesday 12th, 6.45pm - 9.45pm Slides/video evening Design & Technology room, Kingsdown School For more information call 825382 Poppydown Quilters Every Monday, 1.30pm to 3.30pm Shaw Ridge Community Centre All abilities welcome For more information call 772454

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Full Bloom by Amanda Helen Newman Brighten your heart and mind and inspire your senses with these acrylic close up paintings of flowers.

West Swindon Library From Tuesday 11th to Friday 28th Photographic works by Ken Barr Lydiard House Sat 22nd to Sunday 2nd March Fragrant Flowers. House lilies, daffodils narcissi and hyacinths will adorn the state rooms. The bulbs have been grown at Wiltshire College at Lackham and arranged by the students of floristry.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery until 16 March Roy Bizley: Icelandic Landscapes Born in Swindon in 1930 . the painter began his artistic training at Swindon School of Art before attending Slade School of Fine Art. He was inspired by the landscape of Iceland to produce a large body of powerful paintings and prints. Free admission Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Music in Swindon,l8Jan- 20 March - Postponed until later in the years.

• Bridal competitions

For further information, visit the website www.wedding-fayre.co.uk or call (01793) 840000

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The Barn, 116 High Street

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Charity Gala Night at the Wyvern Theatre Sunday 2nd February, 7.30pm featuring sover 100 musicians, singers and dancers from Swindon Pegasus Brass Band Thamesdown Ladies Choir • Judith Hockaday School of Dance Highwo rth Warneford School Big Band

Calling all singers Warm up your voices for Spring Swindon Choral Society invites all singers to a'come and sing Messiah' on Saturday 8 February at St Luke's Church, Broad Street.

Rehearsal from 4pm to 6pm, a break for tea. and then a performance starting at 7.30pm. Bring your own scores.

The cost is £5 for performers and audience; places are limited.

For details, send an sae to Mrs K Danswan, 13 Croft Road, Swindon.

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Childrens Activities Wednesday 12 February 10am - 12.30pm Fun on the farm for young children and their parents or carers. Follow the nature trail, feed the hens and collect the eggs. seasonal art and craft work. Indoor activities in wet weather. A snack is provided, you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch.

Free, but places must be booked on 771080.

In aid of Swindon Arts, the independent a rt organisation responsible for the Swindon Jazz Festival, the Think Arts festival, the Swindon Film Festival and small grants to promote social inclusion through arts activity Tickets £7 all seats from The Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square, Swindon • Box office: (01793) 524481

AGM - Lower Shaw Farm Children's Project Wednesday 12 February, 7.30pm Opportunities for new committee members. Refreshments.

Environmental Activity Days Wednesday 26 & Thursday 27

February, 10.30am - 3.30pm For 5 to 12 year olds. Wear old clothes and bring a packed lunch. £12/child, call 771080 to book.

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Swindon 772779 e-mail: info@mansfieldbegbie.co.uk • www.mansfieldbegbie.co.uk Registered with the Mortgage Code Compliance Board: No. 5508399 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 499646 Mansfield Begbie Associates Ltd. is an Introducer Representative of Allcover Financial Services authorised to give investment and pensions business intoductions only.

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Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non-smokers, applying fora repayment mortgage of £50,000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 31/3/2003 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £268.50. Total amount payable £80.745 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 loan £150,000. Rate applied is 4.05% (4.6% APR) discounted for two years. Rates may vary. The rate applies to loans up to and including 95% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable for two years, after which the then current variable base mortgage rate will apply. when an applicant is borrowing more than 75% the lender may 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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26 The Link Magazine • February 2003

Home Personal

Are your New Year's resolutions to get fit slipping already?

Training

asks Darren Gunter at the Link Centre Active Lifestyle Centre

It's a familiar story every year. January comes with lots of good intentions to work off the excesses of the festive season and start the year with a new diet or exercise regime, but by Valentine's Day it's nothing but a distant memory. other. As with ex -v ......

Does this sound like you? And first time or after ercise this allows why do so many people start 'get a long layoff. Goyou to easily get x fit' programmes with so much en- ing to the gym physically and thusiasm and then fail to keep it Monday, a Step ^ ^*' psychologically up beyond a few weeks? Well, there class on Tuesday, What you need is a -- used to each adpersonal trainer to help you are some very common pitfalls and swimming on justment before if you would like to avoid them Wednesday, gym achieve your fitness goals moving forwards again on Thurs this year, read on.

Sports message available to the next one. day and running '" i Too much too soon Free consultation Lots of little r This is probably the single biggest on Friday is a Contact Richard on changes add up to mistake made by those undertak- great training re01793 612697 or 07733 225230 ing an exercise programme for the gime for an adbig i mprovements over time. vanced exerciser Do what you like with a couple of It sounds obvious years solid trainbut if you are trying under their ing to get fit or lose weight by belt and a great level of fitness.

However, if your body has be- doing an activity that you don't come conditioned to doing virtu- enjoy it will become a chore, so ally no physical exercise, all this find something you enjoy and you routine will achieve is soreness, will be much more likely to stick to tiredness and a guarantee that you your resolution in the long run. reiaxeu auriuspnere at. our ITIUUern anaw y rnage Salon.

The range of activities you can will hit a wall and probably quit If you are after a new style, cut or colour call in for a after a couple of weeks. Your body do is huge. Different gyms have free informal consultation or phone 874825 does not like huge changes and different equipment, ambiences will complain if you impose them and clienteles. There are classes to book an appointment on it, much better to start slowly which cater for the mind body balOpen: Tuesday &Wednesday: 9am-6pm; and gradually increase your exer- ance, studio cycling and martial Thursday & Friday: 9am-7pm Saturday: 8.30 m - 3.30pm arts fitness, as well as the more cise intensity and frequency.

• Special di ounts= ¢ nior citizens Tuesdays & Wednesdays If you are training at a reputable traditional step, circuits and aerogym /exercise studio it should have bics.

Unit 3 Ramleaze House Shaw Village Centre. Tel: 874825 professionally qualified instructors Maybe you prefer swimming or who can oversee your training and team sports, racquet games or rock advise y ou about this. climbing. The point is, its only Too much too soon 2 good for you if you're going to do /S ons/rd,Cy Exactly the same advice applies to it regularly and consistently, so Achieve diet. If you stop eating a certain you might as well make it somey ^ way on one day and start to eat thing you like. a another way with totally different • The staff at the Link Centre ALC eb' Sports Massage2fierapy meals the next, it is a shock to your will be more than happy to give system, can affect your mood, en- you guidance on a fitness proPILATES CLASSES ergy levels and your health. gramme and diet. Call in to disHoly Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre Make a small change at a time, cuss how to recapture that New Monday: 6pm - 7pm: Wednesday: 7.30pm - 8.30pm get used to it and then make an- Year's resolution.

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Put those biceps to good use Arm wrestling is the next big sport according to former left and right arm British champion Julien Cini from Park South.

He's looking for people to join his training stable and set up the South West Arm Wrestling Federation.

"There are lots of big competitions each year, at a local and regional level, through to European and world championships," said Julien, or Crusader to those in the know. " Arm wrestling requires a combination of strength, speed and technique. You compete in weight categories, so with the right training you can go far in a sport which is the next thing."

Julien is looking for men and women of any shape and size. He'll get you into the right condition For details, call Julien on 07801 and frame of mind to compete for 268972 or mail: crusader@ the top prizes. parso25.fslife.co.uk

The Link Magazine • February 2003

Sign up for the SwindonCard to qualify for big savings Act now to avoid 35% hike to recreation prices D day for users of Swindon Borough Council's recreational facilities is Monday 10 February.

Anyone who has not purchased a new SwindonCard before that date faces paying 35% more than at present to , take part in many sporting, leisure and fitness activities.

Card holders will pay P Y pproximately 5% more, this Sw^naon being the 'normal' annual price increase. The card, which costs Swindon residents £15 and at www.swindonlink.com non-residents £22 replaces all exGold Cards will cease to be valid. isting cards used in connection Those entitled to concessions must with leisure activities. These acquire a SwindonCard at a recharges compare favourably with duced charge or free, depending similar schemes operated by other on personal circumstances. Conlocal authorities say the council. cessionary use of the card will now Activities covered include swim- apply throughout the day, alming, ice-skating, golf, badmin- though the amount of discount is ton, 5-a-side football, bowls, fit- less during peak times. ness classes, allotments, fishing Cards are on sale from Swinpermits, Swindon Dance and ad- don's ten leisure centres, includmission to Steam railway museum. ing Broome Manor Golf Complex The scheme also applies to skip and Delta Tennis Centre, and from hire and pest control and is likely customer services at Wat Tyler to be extended to other activities House in Beckhampton Street. over time.

To help answer queries about The details were fully explained the scheme, the council has set up in the January edition of The Link a freephone helpline on 0800 328 and can be seen at the Link web site 328 2236.

Swlndo

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27

Get fit for 2003 and save£ 100! ^E^eRE Join the De Vere Swindon Leisure Club before the end of Februa ry 2003 and we will waive the £100 joining fee!

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Winning in magenta Another local business has provided backing for a sports team at Greendown School.

Last month energy company Innogy sponsored a football strip, now the Big A after-school club is providing football and netball kits in the school colours.

One of the many Big A clubs operates at the school and they already sponsor kit at five West Swindon primary schools.

FAre you aged between 18-55?

Right, Jon Him pie models the new look shirt for Pete Bailey of the Big A Club

Below, Greendown 's under 13s seven a side girls team won the Swindon Cup in December and play against Bristol Schools in February Cup winners, from left, Polly Helps, coach, Charmnine Payne, Megan Workman, Naomi Henry, Kerrie Keene, Danielle Tuck, Jess Poole, Faye O'Brian

Call 0800 0191 585 to book your place

28 The Link Magazine • February 2003

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Local environment on show An exhibition explaining what is involved in preparing a Biodiversity Action Plan for the town will be displayed at the West Swindon Library between 24 January and 7 February.

There will also be leaflets and questionnaires on what you think of Swindon's environment and how it can be improved for wildlife.

Never judge a book by its format Internet book to be published on paper in February In a world of high tech, flexibility and the search for 'something different', a new Swindon author has discovered a way of getting her work in front of both local and world wide readers, as well as getting an important environmental message across.

Children's author and illustra- but it is nice to be able to offer a tor Jo Dunningham has combined wide range of formats that suit the the old, traditional methods with user," said Jo, who runs the cafe the new and is offering her books with her husband Greg, one of the online as instant downloads, on many characters in the book.

Fromtheircafe,JoandGreghave CD, audio tapes and print to orbecome concerned about the level der.

She's also planning talks, book of cruelty inflicted upon birds and signings and educational visits to wildlife. Being Kind to George is spread the news of how it's done. based on a true story of George, a For many there will never be goose at Coate, who was attacked anything quite like cuddling up in and now lives in a sanctury.

Jo said, "the book has a simple bed with your cocoa and a good book, but it would appear that message. Enjoy the birds by all there is definitely a place for elec- means, feed them if you wish, but tronic books (e-books) on family please, please don't try and make computers, laptops and palm held them your friends as all this does is make them vulnerable." readers.

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The Link Magazine • February 2003

29

Otterly amazing sight for new wetlands officer Jo Sayers had an amazing stroke of luck on her first day at work in December as Swindon's Water for Wildlife Project Officer when she had an extremely rare sighting of an otter in the River Ray. Jo, who has lived in ^.-.-- -come out mainly at night. mal and bird species. and around Swindon They range over 10 to 15 "There are deer, mice, water vole for most of her 30 miles and y ou could spend and otters here," said Jo. "There are _years, will be working days looking and not catch tremendous opportunities to cre`^ a with the people of the a glimpse. And there we ate a magical area of wildlife very town for the next three had one in Swindon." close to the town centre. years to make their rivThe return of the otter to She will also be working to imersandwetlandswildrivers across the Southwest prove Hreod Burna brook at life-friendly. The Wilthas been a conservation Moredon. shire WildlifeTrustpost Jo would like to hear from anysuccess stories, the result -r is a new one funded by of years of effort to improve body interested in making SwinThames Water. river habitat by cleaning don a pleasant place to live for She described the t? polluted rivers and ensur- both humans and wildlife and can extraordinary encoun< ing there is plenty of be contacted on 526229 or mail: ter. "Mark Satinet, the jos@wiltshirewildlife.org riverbank vegetation.

County Mammal Re- x-.^ Jo's new role involves corder, has worked up working with local comand down most of the munities and businesses to rivers in Wiltshire, building artifi- it was, sitting in the river, staring maintain and enhance rivers and cial otter 'holts' and surveying for at us curiously for 15 seconds, be- wetlands with maximum benefits otters and water voles. He was fore vanishing beneath the surface to wildlife. showing me the otter habitat on and swimming off upstream.

She will also be monitoring the River Ray, when he suddenly " Mark had never before seen a wetland wildlife with a view to called out that he'd just seen an live otter in the wild in Wiltshire as improving and increasing their otter. We looked round and there they tend to avoid humans and range of habitat.

Call J & J BEATTIE The River Ray close to Swindon sewage treatment works at Garden Maintenance Help plant 4,000 trees ^l & Design Barnfield will be a particular focus The Great Western Community Forest is holding area and Jo wants to involve the Tel: 01793 770955 a family tree plant day on Sunday 9 February, 1 Dam to 3pm community in the project.

Mob: 0776 2244925 at Pentylands Countryside Park, Highworth.

She hopes to see the sterile maLocal & reliable Lots of other attactions: children's scavenger hunt. storytelling, chine dug canal improved by inbird box making, guided walks, food, music troducing meanders and a range Regular maintenance work also welcomed ' For details, call Alison Bruce on 466315 of habitats for different insect, ani-

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30 The Link Magazine • February 2003

Flexible transport for people with disabilities

DUNCAN "SELF DRIVE HIRE /e Luca€ RRe_ 4€ eaIa ftatiscy

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Thamesdown Dial A Ride have a wheelchair adapted Access Car available for hire to disabled individuals or families where one member is disabled.

Charges are based on It is also available to voluntary groups who need transport for a the length of hire and milesmall number of members. The VW age covered, and covers Sharan has room for the driver fuel, insurance, breakand up to four passengers, one of down cover and VAT. whom may travel in a wheelchair. These are: up to 4 hours: Journeys can be for any social £6; up to 8 hours: £11; up purpose such as shopping, visit- to 12 hours: £16; weekend: ing, theatre trips, a family get to- £25; week: £60.

The mileage charge is gether, days out, or holidays within 35p per mile for the first mainland Britain.

Hire terms for the car are very twenty and 45p per mile flexible: a few hours, days, a week- thereafter.

Drivers must be over 21 end or even a week's holiday. and under 70, with a full, For details of booking and availclean driving licence for at least two years. Full training will be given on ability, call Monday to Friday, 9am use of the vehicle, including wheel- to 5pm, on 617828; typetalk 0800 515152; text: 0800 959598. chair securing equipment. and Paint Spraying

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Thamesdown Dial A Ride & Community Transport services provide door to door transport for people of any age who are unable to use existing public transport due to a temporary or permanent impairment or disability and for local community groups. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible.

• Dial A Ride Bus Service: Monday to Saturday transport to work, training, social activities, shopping, visiting, appointments (except hospital), to connect with trains or coaches.

• Dial A Ride Car Service: weekday transport and, where a driver is available, for evening and weekend journeys.

• Shopperbus: weekly shopping trips to out of town supermarkets and Swindon town centre.

For details of the services and how to register to use them, call 616050.

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32 The Link Magazine • February 2003

Go for gold in the

We need somewhere to skateboard

Link ALC

Young skateboarders who use the North Swindon District Centre are calling for somewhere safe to carry out their hobby.

Boarders have colonised differ- on. Where they use the footway out- security men tell us to move on," ent parts of the district centre dur- side the yet to open library, shop- said Damon Oliver from Abbey ing the various phases of building pers risk injury where there is not Meads. "We're not causing trouble and we don't want to cause trouover the last year, attracted by the enough room on the path.

Like young people all over the ble, we just want somewhere to smooth surfaces outside the electrical and DIY stores and the car town, the group are frustrated by practice. It's pretty boring here."

However the boys were interpark, and the easy supply of wood the lack of facilities.

"If were carrying our boards we ested to know there will be internet to build temporary ramps and get moved out of the shops be- linked computers in the library and other obstacles.

Security guards often move them cause they think were up to no that a youth centre is to open later good and if we use our hoards, the in the year.

Young people pursuing the Duke of Edinburgh award are now able to qualify for the physical recreation requirements of the scheme at the Link Centre.

The Active Lifestyle Centre can issue credits to 14 to 24 year olds who regularly use the facilities for twelve weeks, on their own or in organised groups.

The fitness element makes up a quarter of the requirement to SK8 report Needing their own space, from left, Dale Jones, Leon Burberry, Dom Sturgess, qualify for the award at the bronze, silver or gold standard. Apart from Keen skateboarder Sean Zere- Aiden Hillier, Sam Elward, Damon Oliver, Darren Jones the regular fee for using the facili- becki has written a report about ties, there is no cost involved in the West Swindon SK8 project which took place last summer. receiving the credit.

It can be read in the West Youth For DofE details, call Danny Robinson on 536066 or mail: Team Office at the Link Centre.

Call 465406 to check opening times. westbourneC@freenet.co.uk www.theaward.org

SK8 site

DofE coordinator DannyRobinson from the Swindon youth service presents

Caroline Painter of the Link ALC with its accreditation certificate

A web site has been set up for skateboarders across Swindon to check out what's going on and to give their views on the chronic lack of facilities in the town.

Designer Alison Spalding said she wants to get young people to use the site as a way of coming together and give voice to their frustration of not having having anywhere to skate.

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33

Millennium Volunteer opportunities still available The funding for the West Swindon Millennium Volunteers based at Freshbrook Community Centre ends in April this year, but there is still time for 16 to 24 years olds to join the scheme.

The government funded project gives young people the chance to gain a certificate of achievement after completing 100 and 200 hours of volunteer work in their communities.

Project coordinator Tracy McKeddie, right, has lined up a range of opportunities for the next two months: painting and decorating the centre, de-

signing and completing a mural in the hall, caretaking at the centre or helping out with activities, like the bingo session, or Food & Friends lunch club.

Anybody with a particular idea can pursue their own interest if it qualifies, such as running workshops in break-dancing, Djing, or sports.

For those already signed up, it's the last push in their volunteering efforts to achieve their 200 hour awards. Over twenty are due to hit this target by April and have been involved by mentoring others, undertaking creative artwork for community groups, building websites and designing publicity material, reading to children's groups and helping out at youth clubs and local groups.

The achievement looks great on a CV. To find out more, call Tracy on 0787 6451140.

Distributors wanted The Link is looking for reliable people to distribute

the magazine in Rushey Platt and Abbey Meads.

For details, call Brian Holden on 723745.

Goil, 0 away holiday oN

OVA

t tnsiness?

Creature Comforts

Swindon's 5 Star Cat Hotel

PETS AT HOME

SHANG =LA

Worried who will look after your pet whilst you're on holiday?

Pets At Home could be your answer

CATTERY

offers a professional, caring and reliable home pet feeding service when you are away.

You can be sure of a total peace of mind service for cats and small animals within your own home (sorry, no dogs).

Contact Helen Murphy Tel: 01793 635498 Mobile: 07798 568462 E-mail: helen.murphy2@ntlworld.com

Individually heated accommodation with comfo rt able bedding or outdoor faci lities available To view book an appointment on

01793 770514 Common Platt, Swindon

Pets At Home is a service which cares for all your pets (except dogs) in their own home anywhere in the West Swindon area only.

GROOMING ALL BREEDS WELCOME Aromatherapy Prices include ears, nails & free health check

Saturday appointments Collection/delivery available

Cats by special arrangement

Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details

Cnriii,. friendlc pra/e,csi'mal rrn ironmeni

on 873062

or 0798 4647744

lvetej..

C

t

^ eni ^

Call Jo on 01793 731829

SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE Shaw Village Centre. Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 5PY

A friendly, caring service for you and your

per

David Warnes BVSc MRCVS • Stefania Glowka DVM MRCVS Consultations by appointment: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.30pm

Saturday

9.00am - 4.00pm

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 1 hours) THE DROVE

For offers, z

^

Thameswood

Small Animal Hospital

,

prices, advicea

information, log on to our web site

24 hour Emergency Service Swindon's most modern small animal hospital, offering high quality surgical and medical care at competitive prices within a caring, friendly and professional environment.

i •

62 - 64 Purton Road, Swindon ,02 —

t:

VETERINARY

Tel: 01793 526780 Open all day: Monday - Friday.

Saturday 9am - 1lam Consultations by appointment, Ample free parking

HOSPITAL

Abbeymeads Veterinary Surgery For all your pets needs when healthy or ill Opening hours:

Unit 5 Abbe y meads Village Centre Elstree Way Abbe^'meads Swindon

Saturday 12noon - 3pm Consulting hours: By appointment Mon - Fri: g am - 10.30am; 3.30pm - 5pm; 5.30pm - 6.3Opm

Tel: (01793) 728728

Saturday

Monn - Fri

9am - 6.3opn,

12m,on - 3 1) m

24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE - All Sunda, and Emergence consults b} appointment at The Drove Veterina r y Hospital - Telephone (01793) 522-183

34

SERVICE ACCOUNTANCY

ACCOUNTANCY

`GRA'

ACCOUNTANCY

Free initial meeting

Self assessment • Tax returns Annual accounts • Book-keeping PAYE • VAT etc • Employed Self employed • In business For a free initial discussion call Lyndon Day Tel/Fax: 01793 766000

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

I !cJJ1f ! ' -

-•w

brands

• Guaranteed repairs • Same day service No call out charge • No VAT

ADVANCED AERIAL & SATELLITE SERVICES

Services

Tel: 01793 871790 Free phone: 0800 5422 77 www.graaccountancy.co.uk

• Most leading

Aerial & Television • TV & FM aerials

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses and taxpayers

Short & long term assistance and projects

AERIAL SERVICES

TAO FT—A-1— D

• Business Start Up • Book-Keeping • Annual Accounts • Self Assessment Tax

AE RI AL SERVICES

Same day, local service wherever possible • Washing Machines Twin Tubs, etc.

Member of Tumble Driers I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Service Spares Repairs

A SUDS

• Extra satellite points • Video & TV repairs • Signal amplifiers

Sky Digital authorised installer ITV Digital installation • On call until IOpm 7 days a week • FM aerials

.Vo call out charge All work

• European & motorised satellite systems

• All work guaranteed • Free estimates • Security and CCTV systems

Guaranteed

Tel: 01793 702601 Mobile: 07774 943 783

Tel/Fax: 01793 705945 Mobile: 07939 425067

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

CARPET CLEANING

LEE'S DOMESTIC

Sa

Repairs to cookers,

o

ridges & freezers,

washing machines, dishwashers

Superb specialist cleaning of carpets, curtains, upholstery and leather Recommended by Gilberts, Spillers & Normans

Enginee r s qualified to HNC level All work guaranteed • No VAT

For your free evaluation call

Tel: 01793 522874

Freephone: 0808 144 5425

Mobile: 07711 374495

COMPUTER SUPPORT ^

Y SIGMA

Computer Solutions NEW PCs/Spares/Repairs Upgrades/Service/Support Internet & Network Solutions For friendly EXPERT advice & PROMPT on-site service

Tel: 01793 633924 Mobile: 0781 6014363

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

&a44ett 5&ct ZGCGLG

Sece 1'

SPARES • REPAIRS • SERVICE YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT From a 13 amp fuse or cleaner hag to fridges or vacuum cleaners we offer an efficient & personal service.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE 11 The Arcade, High Street

GARDEN SERVICES Grass cutting Hedge trimming • Regular, occasional or one-off • Long grass no problem • Clean, tidy work • Sensible prices • Odd jobs. fencing repairs. etc.

Friendly, 7 day service

Chris Reed Swindon 538839

sales@sigmacomputersoIutions.co.uk

Wootton Bassett Tel: 01793 854378

Mobile: 07702 285865

REMOVALS & STORAGE

REMOVALS/STORAGE

RUBBISH REMOVALS

ABBEY MOVE

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC RUBBISH

HYR

.

,•F EE

REMOVALS a SRAe c TH'

1A .

3s^1f 4i

17t3 r

"We're bigger Ihan wo seundl

u "

Tei:

'. tiV

.._..•

0179v

THE MAN WITH A VAN • • • •

rJWLY MOVE

(Est 1993) 24hrs - 7 days a week Single items to a full house 8 different size vehicles Disposal of unwanted items

CLEARANCE Single Items / Full House Long / Short Distance Storage Specialists Packing Service Late Bookings

Tel: 01793 772888 Fax: 01793 772444

Tel (01793) 727307 Mob 07811 188564

EMail: ashobbs@theashgroup.freeserve.co.uk

WWW.ABBEYMOVE.CO.UK

You name it, we move it Quick and clean service Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

Tel: 07711 806155

GAS REPAIRS LPG & Natural Gas Services • Boilers Dennis Brown

• Fires & fire places

Gas Engineer

• Cookers

Still servicing West & North Swindon

• Boiler changes • Aga. Rayburn specialist

Tel: 01666 860119 Mobile: 07768 027860 CALO Gas

LO cas

SKIP HIRE

Mills SKIP HIRE • DOMESTIC WASTEhousehold, garden, DIY • BUILDERS WASTE • BUILDING SAND, SHARP SAND & BALLAST SUPPLIED IN SKIPS

01793 771977 NEW ROAD, PURTON

SECTOR AERIAL SERVICES

The Link Magazine • February 2003

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

CHRIS PAYNE AERIALS

''*

& SATELLITE SYSTEMS Satellite TV Sky & digital terrestial Extra TV, telephone & electrical points Storm damage Tel: 01793 700078

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

John Phillips Servicing 32 years experience.

SKY

No VAT. All work guaranteed

Mobile: 0177 6236415

CARPET CLEANING

CLEANING SERVICES

^f Whiteway

JUST THE JOB

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

• Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured ^C • Quickly usable You'll be amazed how affordable it is ....call for your free estimate front your local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 Email: cliff.whitenay5'btinteinet.com

HAULAGE & REMOVALS P.K. TRANSPORT (Swindon) LTD General Haulage & Removals

Commercial & Domestic Cle an in

Are you too busy to clean?

We offer: • Regular house cleaning • Ironing services • Carpet cleaning • Gardening services For full details please contact us on (01793) 861112 (tel/fax)

35

Kids cycle safety Those bikes given as Christmas presents should be given a safety check to ensure everything is screwed up tight and all parts are operating properly.

Until the end of February Link the check by calling 534907. advertisers Express Cycles in ManSwindon's senior road safety chester Road have agreed with officer Margaret Tester is also apSwindon Council's road safety pealing to parents to ensure their department to carry out free cycle childrenwearbright coloured clothchecks on all children's bicycles. ing and a cycle helmet to reduce Bikes should be booked in for the risk of accidents and injury.

Offering support and friendship A support group for Asian women is keen to promote its existence and encourage women who are isolated and would like to make friends and learn new skills, to join them.

The Swindon Asian Women's problems the women may be exAssociation (SAWA) meets on periencing. At other meetings we Thursdays, 1.30pm to 3pm during might have a hair and make-up term time at the Broadgreen Cen- demonstration or take part in a tre, Salisbury Street. course, such as computing for beCoordinator Gursharan Kandola ginners, or gaining confidence and said members come from all over finding a job."

South and South East Asia. "Some Swindon Childcarers are present of our sessions are just social, at sessions to look after children. where we enjoy food from differFor details, call Nan Bains on ent cultures and help with any 463244 or gursharank@hotmail.com SAWA members, keen to meet other Asian women

OVEN CLEANING

ENCLEAN The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

Large

or Small - we specialise in moving unusual or awkward items - home or business - UK or Europe For 1st Class Service, call

To book your Oven Clean call 01793 520362

Mobile 07870 633843 24hrs

We use caustic free cleaning products with a fresh solution each time. Hobs, extractors, microwaves and barbecue grills

www.pktransportswindon@btopenworld.com

also undertaken

01793 618119 or

SUNBED HIRE

Deb's Sunbeds

Home

L

Rental

TV & VIDEO REPAIRS GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE

Fast tanning canopies and doubles also available

Free home estimates

Free installation & local delivery

No call out charge

Tel: 01793 619758/726906

All repairs guaranteed

anytime (Mobile: 07778 - 641052)

Tel: 01793-812738

Gardens to open again A date has been set for the second West Swindon open gardens weekend in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

The event last year partly sponsored by The Link was a huge success when twenty residents hrQak showed off their gardening talents. breo, ` hr ouQ "The two days had a lovely community feel, with visitors wandering between gardens, and chatting with people they hadn't met before," said coordinator Lesley I Dredge. "A number of people couldn't take part and others ex pressed interest in participating ^J q ;;%' next time. So we're keen to recruit -; gardeners to take part. You don't have to be in West Swindon; you can live anywhere in Swindon to Resting from garden visits, Lesley take part, but it would be good to Dredge serving tea last June have a group of gardens open in each neighbourhood so that peo- ganic gardening event on the Satpie will be encouraged to make a urday at Lower Shaw Farm in Old visit to that area."

Shaw Lane.

The weekend of Saturday 14 Readers who would like to regJune and Sunday 15 June has been ister to open their garden should settled on, to coincide with an or- contact Lesley Dredge on 772869.

1D

*µ i

36

l

BUILDING SERVICES

CARP E NTRY

AH MCHUGH

J&R Carpentry

Extensions ^= Alterations

w

Conservatories —•

Free quotations iii

Friendly advice i

SWINDON 01793 727659 c w

Mobile 0775 7745 3

NATHAN PERKINS LTD

Windows Doors Porches Conservatories

sei vk' s

COMPLETE BUILD ING SERVICE

New build

CONSERVATORIES

CARPENT RY

For all your carpentry needs including loft conversions

O Fitted bedrooms and kitchens O Replacement doors & windows O Laminate floors O Doors and staircases O Household repairs and general maintenance Free no obligation quotes

-

®^

DECORATOR

Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

DECORATOR

Tel: 01793 514069

decorator

Mobile: 07798 682271

DESIGN & PLANNING

DOUBLE GLAZING We are justifiably proud of the quality of our produrts and our reputation fcn ,

reliable ser, ire and attention to detail.

I nterior/exterior painting & decorating • •

Wallpaper hanging • Tiling Replacement skirtingboards, coving, picture rails & much more

Fully insured For a free estimate, call

Mark on 701679 or 07990 585635

No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hou r quotations Contact Mitch

01793 537324

or

07977 562288

Contact Andy

01793 729354

installations. Maintenance & repairs

* lighting * rewiring security lighting Q garden electrics

power & electric showers

* heating * bathrooms

Tel: (01793) 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364 +1111Hi National Inspection Council ^.„. oa for Electrical Installation Contracting

PLUMBING & HEATING

Quality Plumbing & Heating • Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Outside taps • Power showers • Bathroom installation, Ra91O 2O6s All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905

Mobile: 07973 663367

PLAN Your local Architectural Design and Planning Services Call: CITIES PROJECTS

iRMIN

hWINDOWS :3 Overton (,udeus, Stratton Si. .largarrl, SsviuctonsN341./. •

11 0017nd'r2ttlr)

FENSA ^. 00

Swindon 877886

07900 835116

ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING I HOUSE/GARDEN I D & G HOUSE & GARDEN MAINTENANCE SHAW Electrical ALL EXTERNAL & INTERNAL WORK & Plumbing Ltd Tel/Fax: 01793 723495 Domestic, commercial & industrial

Tel: 01793 887690

or 07968 445916

Mark Newman Interior Painter

Your local North Swindon

All work guaranteed

All garden work Concreting paths Patio repairs Repair or replace small walls Grass cu tt ing Hedges & trees cut Plumbing repairs Toilets. wash basins, bath taps, ove rf lows repaired or replaced

Building Small roof repairs Guttering and Fascia All carpentry External painting Internal painting & decorating Electrical Replace sockets Extra sockets Outside lights

ALL WORK GUARANTEED, FULLY INSURED

PLUMBING PLUMB IT WATER SERVICES

HEATING & PLUMBING

ROB HALL HEATING, GAS & PLUMBING SERVICES Central heating installations,

Installation & connection of appliances, bathrooms fitted, blocked toilets.

dripping overflows, etc.

Fully insured For a free, no obligation quote, telephone 01793 852818

DESIGNED & INSTALLED including all: Electrics Utz Plumbing Tiling * Plastering Crafted by local tradesmen

bathroom and power showers

Call Steve George for your free quotation on 874480 or

All aspects of plumbing

Tel: 01793 815254 =; 07989 95 0070 aeg:

i 87 606

07860 760364

TILING

P.T. Tiling •

(

Shaun Wiltshire

COMPLETE KITCHENS

boiler servicing and repairs,

PLUMBING

City & Guilds Qualified Plumber

KITCHENS

b011l.1oollls t.rhne)'al fpllliiihi^

Complete Bathroom Installation • PLUMBING • TILING • I I.ECI'RICS • IN SI-ITES

FREE QUOTATIONS

Ceramic wall and floor tiling A friendly & professional service with competitive rates Kitchens, bathrooms, en-suites, cloakrooms and conservatories Please call for a free quotation

01793 431211

Tel: 01793 639192

or 07771 998924

Mobile: 07966 244190

ur guide to home ma tena^n^e s^er-v ces

37

y

DECORATOR

DECORA DECORATOR

Paul Exton • Professional painting & decorating services • Interior and exterior • Specialist finishes • Colour matching advice • Free estimates

a

.

-

.. .-

Tel: 01793-874139

Mobile: 07919 104146 e-mail: paulexton@lineone.net

Ce te t k 6 t6Kq 15 l e4 p4GRtiµ y emb iecokatik y ko Ks es

itt

DECORATOR

JAMES O'SULLIVAN

Highly experienced painter and

& Exterior Painting and Decorating

decorator

Interior

Pea Switteou

Offering a high standard of work with references available.

Wallpapering, Coving, Artexing Established 22 veers

Telephone for a

free estimate: 07774 - 208527 days or 870515 eves.

All interior and exterior work undertaken

For free estimates call Paul on

For a professional finish telephone 07971 347345 (mob, or 616933

Mobile: 07712 749315

Big clap for arts in Swindon

ELECTRICIAN

Dave Ody For all your domestic & commercial requirements New installations • Showers Extensions • Extra sockets Re-wires • Security lighting New fuse boards Free quotes 24hr call out facility

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294

A new sculpture to celebrate arts and performance will be unveiled by the Mayor of Swindon coun Stan Pajak when the Swindon Arts Centre is relaunched on 27 January after refurbishment works.

Applause by Old Town sculptor Mark Amis is located in the new covered entrance to the centre. Standing 2.5 metres high, the two working man's hands finished in antique bronze reflect the origins of the building and pays tribute to those who have laboured for generations

to establish Swindon as a town renowned for engineering excellence.

Mark with Applause, before the final bronze coating

MAINTENAN CE

PLUMBIN G

t LI

^/^J/

Complete Property y Maintenance Services + Kitchens + Bathrooms + Renovations + Industrial maintenance + Plumbing + Electrical + Carpentry + Floor & wall tiling + Painting & decorating

&

HE ATIN G

M.P.S. Plumbing & Heating

Services For gas central heating, bathrooms, showers and all other plumbing & heating work

CALL 01793 522579

Mobile: 07785 522377 Tel: 01793 616170

MOBILE: 0781 6906437 mps.uk@btinternet.com

UPVC CLADDING I

UPVC CLADDING

_ VC

-

Reg No 67416

PAUL DRAPER

uPVC Fascia, Guttering & Cladding CLADDING

Empty building finds new user Built as railway worker's accommodation in the first half of the 1800s, then a Weslyn Methodist Chapel for a hundred years, followed by 30 years as Swindon's railway museum for thirty years, but empty for the last three years, 'the Barracks' as it was known now has a new use.

Swindon Council has permitted about a viable community use for the New Mechanics' Institute Trust the Mechanics'; we're working to use office space for six months with Great Western Enterprise on so that it can carry on its campaign a business plan to accompany a to save the derelict Mechanics' £10 million bid to the lottery." building across the road.

She said the next step is to dis"It's taken three years to per- cuss with the council the use of the suade the council to rent us the main hall of the museum for disformermuseumbutrecentlywe've plays of plans, art exhibitions and had a lot of support from council- community meetings, as well as a lors of all parties - we hope to longer term lease. rename it The Crossroads," said trustee Martha Parry.

"The council has nearly come round to our

point of view

FASCIAS

Ready to clean

WHY PAY MORE? CHECK OUT THE * FREE ESTIMATES * G2S ADVERT Tel: (01793) 825965 GUTTERING

ON PAGE 30

3 Overton Gardens. Stratton St Margaret, Swindon

up, from left, New Mechanics' Trustees, Martha Parry, Tracey

Cloutman, Donald Brunwin, Daniel Rose, Ray Couzens,

Paul Bearne

"'

j-

^1►

38 The Link Magazine • February 2003 Pure Essence • R,ei^i Indian .-fead 9VLassage Ear Candling St Andrews Ridge Area To book an appointment call

v HOME/GYM TRAINING v PERSONALISED PROGRAMMES v FREE FITNESS ASSESSMENT For details call Carol Loubser Mobile 07958 080863 http://mysite.freeserve.com/one_on_one

Barbara on 07986 042 366

Tailored to your needs Windows, Word. Excel etc.

Business & home

For business and home Repairs, spares & upgrades Set-up & training

Contact Phil on t: (11793 531201 ni: 117747 74700(1

Contact Phil on t: 01793 531201 in: 07747 747000

The Cutting Room

AMETHYST CRYSTAL & REIKI HEALING I

Hairdressing Salon

Julie Hopkins Crystal Healer & Reiki Master Tel: 01793 870109

St Andrew's Ridge n a

Iit

{ Call Penny on 341214 WELLA to book an appointment

low' burin hitrudurtion A;eni.r

Who will be your Valentine?

Free brochure (01793) 871342 or email: friends-and-partners@ntlworld.com

A

Brand new & used designer, i mport and High Street clothing for premature to 10 years + including ladies

on

Friends & Partners

PC SERVICES

PC TUITION

ONE ON ONE PERSONAL TRAINING

Aromatherapy

www.trendytots.net

—

Ironing a chore?

Not any more!

Ironing done in a smoke free environment at sensible rates Call Jackie on 721878 or Donna on 721719

Maureen Scott

LEARN TO PLAY THE VIOLIN with

DECOTEX

Clairvoyant, Hfealer, Counsellor

Swindon Suzuki Strings

Painter & Decorator

Suitable for all ages

Specialist Artexing

Te l. 723676

01793 700099 http://www.mab.tgis.co.uk

Tel: (01793) 791388 LETTERS TO THE LINK

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

Townsend gents 5 -speed cycle. 26" wheel with Shimano gears. colour black, good condition, £20. Tel: 877490 Raleigh Calypso young ladies 5-speed cycle with Shimano gears, 26" wheel, good condition, £20. Tel: 877490 Raleigh Spritz young ladies 15-speed cycle with Shimano gears, 26" wheel. good condition. £20. Tel: 877490 Townsend Rhapsody young ladies 5speed cycle, 26" wheel. Shimano gears, colour metallic blue. £20. Tel: 877490 Mothercare 2 in 1 pram, red check, sprung wheels, excellent condition, £65.

Phillips baby monitors, £10. Tel: 701843 Mothercare travel system car seat and pram combined with accessories, vgc. £40. Tel: 704169 Brand new Mothercare 3 in 1 pushchair/ pram navy and lilac, £80 ono. Tel: 723495 Mothercare Mamas &Papas 3 piece carrycot/pram, base with rack &

Folding treadmill up to 10mph, less than 1 yr old. exc cond, auto incline, computer programmed, cost £900 sell for £400.

Tel: 887672 Wedding dress. size 10 -12, any offers.

Tel: 872531 Tall teak cupboard, smoked glass doors. bar unit, shelf space, bottom cupboard.

72" x 31" x 16', £45. Tel: 693783 Mahogany tall glass cabinet, 4 glass shelves, 69" high. 25" wide. Blue & silver ladies bike. used once £80. Tel: 349623 3 piece settee. pale pastel. £250 ono.

Skis & sticks, offers. Ski boots, offers.

White TV wall stand, £10. Tel: 347507 2 seater settee in pale pastel with pouffee. good condition. Tel: 347507 Three teak wardrobes, excellent condition, £75 each. Two 3 drawer teak chests, £60 each. Tel: 700205 TV/video unit with plenty of storage space. beechwood colour, vgc, 6ft tall.

2ft bins wide, 1 ft 6ins deep. £15 ono. Tel: 345448 Computer desk, incl monitor & keyboard shelves, 4ft Sins long. 2ft deep, 2ft 4ins high, excel cond, beechwood colour, £45 ovno. Tel: 345448 Creda electric double oven, brown. vgc. £75 ono. Tel: 770779 Portable gas heater almost new, with bottle. £70 ono. Tel: 872180

Baxi coal effect gas fire, as new. LPG, cost over £500 new, £120 ono. Tel: 704293 Kodak APS Advantix Ultra 40 exp film, (bought in error). 6 for £20. Tel: 872282 Portasun overhead solarium, vgc, £20.

Tel: 345710 Smith Corona electronic typewriter, DIX1 00, exc condition, £35. Scooter with brakes, £10. Pogo stick. £3. Tel: 728732 Computer VDU. CD 32 MG £100. Sharp electronic typewriter. £50. Tel: 813162 Sanyo colour television. 20" with remote control, £30. Tel: 617757 4 rabbits, white, grey, black & tan, neutered. inoculated, with large hutches. must go in pairs, free to good homes.

Tel: 320849 MG Metro 1989, only 45,000 miles, sun roof. very reliable, two owners from new, £350 ono. Tel: 870151

adjustable pushchair seat. cosytoes. dark green tartan, vgc, £150. Tel: 344646 Roller skates, streetline, size 1. blue, £20. Tel: 871726 Exercise machine. Weider, multi gym. as new. £200. Tel: 07770 655459 O'Neill ski jacket. mens. medium size, vgc, £40 ono. Tel: 770779 Sidi Vertebra motorcyle boots, blue size 9. good cond, £30 ono. Tel: 334564

Assistant required for disabled lady in Freshbrook on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 10pm for 30 to 40 minutes, £7.50/eve. Contact The Linkon 872282 Rowing machine, must be pulley action, good condition. Tel: 882783 Games for Gameboy Colour, suitable age 4 +. Tel: 872531

Council property exchange. Weymouth to Swindon or Bassett, over 60s, one bedroom bungalow. Tel: 531162 for

Free private for Sale & Wanted ads

Send to: The Link, l'apermakers House, Riv enhall Road, W'estlea, Swindon SN5 7BD by 12th of the month

details

To rent I

_

I

I I

I I Tel. Name & Address (not for publication)

L -------------------I

Eye Eye From L Harris, Alveston Close

Wanted

Exchange

r

Should be sent by 12th of the month to the address on page 4

Double spacious room in lovely Georgian house for non smoking professional male, no DSS, £375.00 per calender month inc. of bills exc. phone. Tel: 340430 Large ensuite room, fully furnished, close to amenities, West Swindon. £957 week, enclusive. Tel: 872531 Florida villa from £525 per week, 5 bedrooms, private pool, 5 mins from Disney. Tel: 644958 after 6pm

The artist impression of the Jubilee Clock at the junction of Regent Street, Canal Walk and Bridge Street in the town centre, to be unveiled by the Duke of Edinburgh on 28 February

I've just seen the picture of the new clock destined for the town centre in the January Link.

As usual the planners have triumphed by choosing something particularly ugly. I have to say the picture perhaps does not do it justice as it looks like an eyeball on a stick; I had to read the article to discover it was a clock.

I wonder how clear the clock face is to see as it appears to be about 30 foot high.

I think the pigeons will love the 'eye ladies', the vandals will have something to climb and the litter will have a point to hang from.

My name for it 'Eyesore.'

The Link Magazine • February 2003

West churches strengthen ministry

Praying together

The West Swindon ecumenical partnership team has been joined by a number of honorary and non-stipendary appointments in the last two months.

Amanda Roper from Toothill has Permanent team member Rev been accredited as a Methodist lo- Peter Knight at All Saints, Lydiard cal preacher and Jane Skinner has Millicent has had his licence rebeen made the assistant honory cu- newed for five years and Rev Mark rate at Holy Trinity Church, Shaw. Roper at Toothill Church has had Rev Dick Grey is to be inducted his licence extended for three years. as an unpaid United Reformed To contact the West Swindon Church minister with Westlea and Lydiard Churches, call the Church on 8 February. church office on 874221.

The Women's World Day of Prayer is being celebrated on Friday 7 March and this year's serv-

Planning for a day to celebrate women

ice has been prepared by the

Christian women of Lebanon on the theme of 'Holy Spirit, Fill Us.' Women and men are invited to

39

^Evang011 ^p^ l Worstey Road

an ecumenical service of prayer

and reflection at St Mary's Church, Lydiard Park on 7 March, 7.30pm, followed by refreshments in the stable room.

For information and for transport assistance, contact Suzanne Bullimore on 870458 or mail: suzanne.bullimore@btintemet.com

building with people

Come and join us

Sunday at I Oam & 6.30pm For further information of other meetings ring: 873050, call into the Church office or visit www.freshbrook.org Jesus said: "I have conic that YOU might have LIFE and have it in its fidness"

The Swindon Women's Coalition is organising events for International Women's Day on Saturday 8 March, 11am to 4pm, at the Broadgreen Centre, Salisbury Street.

Africa cash The day will be a mixture of en's group is invited to set up a Donations are still being accepted SWINDON information, relaxation and fun to stall. and received for the African Cricelebrate the gains women have For details, call Phil Lucas, Wom- sis (Uganda) appeal after a sucFAMILY CHURCH made over the last century. The en's Coalition chairperson on cessful fundraising event in Deevent in Swindon has a health and 437578 or Michelle Matthews at cember at St Peter's Church, WEST Westlea. information focus but any worn- Swindon Council on 466548.

A 60s/70s night with live band SUNDAYS 10.30AM Hang Fire organised by church VARIOUS LOCATIONS Let's make another big push member Melba Sheffield raised £385. Further donations meant that For details visit our website to support the local lottery £474 was sent to the appeal. at www.sfc-uk.org , Jenny Evans of the Prospect Hospice Lottery office writes The purpose of the evening was call Nigel on 849731 Following the fantastic response to our appeal to Link readers early highlighted by Dr Carole Collins or e-mail last year, (the best ever from any media), we're repeating the story in who spoke of her work in various African countries. the hope of attracting those who missed it. info_west@sfc-uk.org Further donations to relieve famThe Prospect Hosalso gain as, each in association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL pice gives comfort week, we have 79 ine in Uganda can be made via and care to people in prize winners; the Melba by calling 870019. our area who are cop `' S, top prize is a cheque ing with cancer and for £1,000.

I motor neurone dis- . J ?

All cheques are ease. It also cares for posted to the wintheir families and ofners at home so there Sunday Worship 10.30am fers support in a is no need to claim Sunday School and Creche practical way. We you prize. your Meeting at Greenmeadow Prima ry School Jenn y i have a team of The very best part Greenmeadow Macmillan nurses who visit pa- of our lottery is that every single Prima ry School tients in their own homes and the penny of the profit goes to Pros^ d^ ^hamesq^ hospice has a day centre and an in- pect - our local hospice. ^^e patient unit plus physiotherapists It could not be simpler to join. and team of volunteers who do a All you need to do is to complete Dart Avenue variety of jobs every day. the form below and return it to us Last year we asked Link readers (Freepost) and we will send you Wsrtwonth Rd 0 B4006 to think about joining the Prospect your number within two weeks.

Hospice Lottery which was estab- So please'make each day count,' lished three years ago to bring in for yourself and for Prospect. Let's regular sustainable income so that see if we can top the response from we can continue the wonderful Link readers last year who so kindly work which goes on every day. made a new year's resolution that Of course, our lottery members has helped us so very much.

NSBC

West Swindon & the Lydiards churches

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I

I' m a reader of The Link and I would like to support the Prospect Hospice Lottery

I I

Mr/Mrs/Mrs/Ms ....................................................................................... I

All Saints' Lydiard Millicent

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

Holy Trinity, Sha'

..................................................................... Tel:.... ..................................... I

St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze

.......... I enclose a cheque for my entry (£10 suggested for 10 weeks) .......... I would prefer to pay by standing order. Please send me details.

For details of the Prospect Lottery, call Jenny Evans on 615870 Return to: Prospect Hospice Lottery. 12 Havelock Square, Swindon SN1 1LE

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Toothill Church Westlea Church

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