February 2004 Swindon Link

No. 261 • February 2004 Circulation 23,000

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Councillor slams 'barn conversion' hotel proposal for historic building on

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CALM, Swindon's remarkable volunteer run children's cancer charity, celebrates 20 years helping families.

Author Mark Haddon puts town on tourist trail says literature festival director.

See page 2

See page 22

Right. Charlie Jarvis, a well known recepient of CALM support

page 4

Swindon Glass on show at new exhibition space The old railway museum is starting to become an interesting venue for display, performance and events. A collection of photographs taken by The Link have been included in an exhibition reflecting Swindon - our place in time. Story on page 18 .

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volunteersto support families with children suffering from cancer. Hopefully this is going to change in 2004 writes Don Macarthur.

This Spring narks the 20th anniversary of the day way back in April 1984 when a group of parents decided to set up a Swindon based charity called the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Movement or CALM. Those parents had a lot in common: • they all had a son or daughter tions to research, and the list goes with cancer or leukaemia, or had on. recently lost a child to the disease CALM paid for two playrooms • they all wanted to maintain some and a parents' room at the old hossort of normal family life, very of- pital. But for the PFI restrictions ten with other children would have done the same at the • they often had employers who new one. didn't understand "may why they couldn't predict when they might need time off • they were all expected somehow to cope at the same ti me with very painful treatments, involving exhausting visits to the old Princess Margaret Hospital and to other hospitals further afield - very regularly but often very unexpectedly and over a period of months or years • and so, not surMelinda Messenger was the special guest at the prisingly, they CALM annual golf fund-raising day held at Wrag Barn were all thorGolf Club in 2002. Don Macarthur is on the left oughly exhausted, physically and emotionally.

Most charities with outgoings Twenty years on CALM is still on this scale employ fundraisers run by parents who can under- and marketing experts to keep the stand from their own painful ex- money coming in, and more are perience something of what other going down that road. CALM families are going through, and members don't want to make that who can build close local friend- switch and lose the personal volships. These families welcome all untary touch. the practical support that CALM Link readers and other Swindon provides, but they possibly appre- families, schools and businesses ciate even more the knowledge that have been excellent in raising there's always someone ready to money for CALM year after year. listen and chat — and 'understand'. The imagination of children and The 18 families on treatment to- adults alike in thinking of new day would all still recognise the fundraising ideas is quite amazing. list of strains and stresses faced by Many people are currently savtheir 1984 predecessors, but ing up their used stamps (British equally, they all know that through or foreign, common or rare) and the work of CALM, life is just a unused foreign coins for CALM. little bit easier to bear.

Teams of four golfers are needed CALM members are determined to join our 11th annual golf day on to ensure that this support remains 24 ) une. available into the future.The orThese are all painless but very ganisation has no salaries or office effective ways of supporting this accommodation to pay for: it's run vital local charity. And of course by volunteers and it's local, be- donations of money or goods to cause that safeguards the close auction or raffle are always welpersonal support that the families come. find so valuable.

If you could make this year speBut it's not cheap to maintain cial for CALM by either helping to two convalescent caravans at the raise money or spreading the word seaside, or to arrange trips and about its work, please call 01672 social events, or to contribute to 841098 or mail calmpost@ specialist family support, or to hotmail.com make regular, substantial donawww.calmcharity.org

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The Link Magazine • February 2004

The Swindon carbuncle ' We hate it — but that's not enough to stop it,' says councillor Central area councillor David Nash wrote in the November Link of the ill considered decision by Swindon Council's planning committee to give outline planning permission for the commercial development of the derelict Mechanics' Institute. He believes it's a decision which will haunt the town.

In October 2003, Swindon Borough Council's Planning Committee approved a change of use to the Mechanics Institute based on an officer's report that was stacked in favour of the applicant Mr Mathew Singh of Forefront Estates. I was extremely concerned at the time that this action had effectively tied the committee's hands when it came to dealing with a future full planning application.

As an early Christmas present, Forefront Estates gave us some detailed plans to consider. Mr Singh suggested that the plans would have excited Brunel. Now Brunel built beautiful structures you only have to look at the Clifton Suspension Bridge or Paddington Station to see that. These proposals on the other hand look hideous, and I'd suggest that Brunel would only be excited with anger.

Pin no architectural philistine dismissing everything modern in favour of conservation - glass can be a very exciting material to build with. But even the Evening Ad r' ertiser - a paper which has gone out of its way to support Mr Singh recognised that his ideas were out of keeping with the proposal to include Swindon's railway village as part of a World Heritage Site.

My opinions, and indeed those of almost everyone I've spoken to, are based on what the building would look like if permission were given. Yet this is not a valid reason

for turning down a planning application. So, what is?

• We could look at the conditions that the planning committee attached to any change of use for the building. Forefront's architects

October decision has already approved this kind of use for the building; • We could protest that the physical changes to the building will contravene the guidance on Listed have thought of that - the full plans Building Consent. No luck here acknowledge a ll of them and state either. Representatives of English how they will work within them; Heritage have already said that an • We could complain about the owner could remove the flytower mix of uses, and how inappropri- (which is in poor repair) without ate a 100 bedroom hotel would be falling foul. Replacing the flytower in the Railway Village. Unfortu- with one made of glass, and mainnately, the planning committee's taining the rest of the building, in A Link magazine impression of the hotel from the railway village, a blue glass slab looming over a potential World Heritage site. The centre of the building would be knocked down and replaced by nine floors with 104 bedrooms. There would he five floors above the existing height. It's worth lookingat the plans fronton. Visit Swindon Council's planning department at Premier House to see them.

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The British Theatres Trust describes the Grade /1 * listed Mechanics building as 'perhaps one of the finest surviving examples of its kind.'

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Published by Swindon Publications Ltd. Papermakers House. Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 e: publisher@swindonlink.com

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www.swindonlink.com Publisher Editor:

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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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It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994."

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theory, could obtain Listed Building Consent.

There do appear to be a couple of avenues that could result in permission being refused. Firstly in planning terms we could look at traffic management. The plans are quite vague on this, but appear to say that Faringdon Road could be made into a two-way street and the Railway Village turned into a giant car park.

As with most proposals for the Mechanics', car parking just hasn't been adequately considered. I think this alone will suffice as an argument for the committee to reject these plans and send Forefront back to their drawing board.

The second issue is Listed Building Consent. The Mechanics' Institute has a Grade 2* listing, which makes it one of the most valuable buildings in the country. The only reason it has the star rating is thanks to its social-history. The fabric of the building is interesting but the real value of the Mechanics' is what it did historically for the working men and women of Swindon. This plan makes no attempt to acknowledge that and so removes this aspect of the building. I would like to think that this will make English Heritage question whether to give Listed Building Consent.

One thing that this plan does illustrate is that the current architects appear to have no understanding of how to deal with a heritage building.

One has to wonder why Forefront severed ties with the original architects Fielden, Clegg Bradley who do have a track record in conservation issues. Indeed in 2002 they reported that there were no commercially viable uses for the Mechanics.'

MrSingh's proposal is little more than a glorified barn conversion, jazzed up with a bit of glass. If Forefront wants to stick an inappropriate conservatory onto the Mechanics', they'd probably get better value by going to Staybrite!

Five years ago Prince Charles attended a conference at Swindon's Great Western Designer Village to applaud the conservation and reuse of historically important railway buildings. What would his comment be on the proposals for the Mechanics'?

I now very much hope that the planning committee ignore the inevitable recommendation from our planning officers and send this plan back from whence it came that is, if they have the guts!

5

The Link Magazine • February 2004

Sustainability. Nice idea, but does anybody know what it means?

Sustainability' appears a lot nowadays, particularly in discussion about planning issues and lots of plans have needed attention recently - the Local Plan to 2011, the Structure Plan to 2016. the regeneration of Swindon town centre, the Front Garden. Dr Richard Pagett. Chairman. Ps and Qs (Purton's Quality- a citizen sustainability group established in1994) argues it's an often used concept, abused by convenience.

To be able to live in a place from which you can: go to work, to the shops, to school, to the doctor or dentist, attend a religious centre of choice, take recreation (at a centre, on a sports field, walk in countryside), exercise all your democratic rights, breathe clean air, drink clean water, have your sewage taken away, not get flooded, not have routine power blackouts, maintain your chosen traditions and so on — this all adds up to a certain quality of life.

If you are able to keep your chosen quality of life with its values and pass that on to your children with the same possibilities (or better) then that, in a is nutshell, sustainability.

Probably the hardest thing about 'sustainability' is to say, simply, what it means.

It's rather like sunshine — nominally a 'good thing.' There the similarity ends.

We all know what sunshine is. We can see it, feel it and know when we have got it - but sustainability...? Yet, we are constantly inundated with documents saying they are sustainable this, or aspiring to be sustainable that. If we cannot easily say what sustainability means to us how can we judge all these supposedly fine pronouncements? Of course we cannot.

So when planners say to us that a particular plan respects sustainable principles, is that helpful? It may give us a warm glow inside, it may assuage our conscience if there are difficult choices involved, but does it mean much? To the average, reasonably well-educated citizen, it does not.

The Swindon and Wiltshire Structure Plan 2016 is riddled with deference to sustainable principles.

Yet even from first principles of commonsense, it is clear that some of the essential assumptions are at least suspect, if not flawed. An example: nowhere does the plan say what it understands 'sustainability' to be. Is it the sustainability of Swindon, the sustainability of surrounding villages, a compromise between the two? Whatever it is, it has never been spelled out.

Does anyone know, has anyone even thought about it?

A quick way of judging this, is to ask just one basic question. What is the effect of the Swindon and

Wiltshire Structure Plan 2016 on: employment, on the retail outlets, on schools, on medical facilities, on religious centres, on local government, on the landscape, on air and water quality, on energy supply etc. on Cricklade, Wootton Bassett, Lydiard, Purton, Highworth or any other settlement outside the main urban area.

The Swindon and Wiltshire Structure Plan 2016 is completely silent - it has no view. It has absolutely nothing to say about how, for instance, Swindon's future develop-

to being a meaningful expression applied to the plan.

From commonsense, let alone of democratic intent.

Those debates and discussions sustainability principles, the plan is a non-starter. What needs to hap- are long overdue. pen is quite simple: sustainability of the settlements surrounding Chinese buy landmark Swindon should be considered at The Chinese Government have the same time as the sustainability acquired the empty Grade II listed of Swindon, not in isolation and Renault building for £17 million certainly not afterwards. to create a distribution hub into For instance, what does a sus- European markets for Chinese tainable Highworth, Cricklade, Purton or Wootton Bassett look like? What are their educational needs, their medical support requirements, their transport needs, their basic community values — there is a long list. The time to be doing this is now, not after the plan has been finished.

There needs to be urgent discussion leading to real outcomes at settlementlevel to inform the plan process. Only then can a Swindon and Wiltshire Structure Plan 2016 come close

ment will affect any other settlement in its vicinity- not one word.

How desperately poor is that?

Another simple example. Anyone who has participated in the recent Structure Plan consultation process may well have given up the will to live when confronted with the prospect of just obtaining a copy of the plan, let alone responding to it. Sure, it is available free in libraries and other public places but, unless one works in a library, that may not work for many of us. For those with internet access it can be downloaded but it is costly without broadband which is not available to many of the villages covered by the plan.

Although the consultation process is fundamental to the development of a sustainable plan, during the most recent round of consultations in November the planners did not even step outside Swindon to consult with those who live nearby.

The Swindon and Wiltshire S tin c tore Plan 2016 has a profound effect on places around Swindon, economically, socially, and environmentally. Yet when the town's future shape is under review, the so-called sustainability principles are applied only to it, not to the settlements nearby. To pay scant regard to these places completely undermines any sustainability logic

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The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ February 2004

Making the canal a central feature of the Front Garden Tony Davy, Chairman of the North Wilts Canal Trust, describes the excitement of bringing waterways back to the town The restoration of canals in other try areas. Where parts of the country have resulted the route has in enormous economic gains in been obstructed terms of redevelopment and in- by development creased tourism.Theprospectsfor and new ones Swindon are excellent, are required, as The Canal Trust has formed a in Swindon, partnership with Swindon Coun- M e 1 k s h a m, cil and other local authorities Cricklade and through which the canal runs to Abingdon, we protect the line of the waterway in are working to all the district plans. get replacement The current position is that, gen- lines protected erally, the historic line is protected in the local against development where it has plans. not been built on, mostly in counThese discus-

An artist's impression of the canal basin planned for the Front Garden sions and agreements should soon

be completed. Once there is a continuous protected route the possibility of getting major funding support increases dramatically.

Permission to develop the Southern Development Area or Front Garden will see the developer building a replacement canal to link with the re-

road link between Wootton Bassett and Swindon. The potential of a new transport route is immense: water-bus service, cycle way, walkers.

There is no definite timescale yet, but a reasonable estimate would be five years to do the Front Garden, 7 to 10 years before the North Wilts link is complete, 15 to 20 years to complete the whole Wilts & Berks Canal restoration.

However, these dates are critically dependent on there being no great change in the national system for funding of waterways restoration.

There is no doubt the regeneration of the canals offers a fantastic future for Swindon.

Below, the Mayor and Mayoress of Swindon Derek and Pat Benfield enjoyed a trip along the restored section of the canal at Kingshill at the official opening

in September 2003

cently restored

length at Kingshill, near Rushey Platt.

Current plans are for the Front

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Garden to feature L: the new junction for the North Wilts Canal (to Cricklade and the Cotswold Canals), with the main line of the Wilts & Berks from Semington, near Melksham, to Abingdon on the Thames.

The new main line section will run from near M4 Junction 16 to a point near the Wrough ton Park and Ride.

It will then continue from the Front Garden, parallel to the motorway to the A419, then swing north-east, to rejoin the historic route near Acorn Bridge on the A420.

The new North Wilts Canal will branch north in the Front Garden and run to a bridge under the railway near Mannington roundabout. Meanwhile, British Waterways and the Waterways Trust are working on the Cotswold Canals and intend to build south towards the Swindon section of the North Wilts.

This link will pass through the culvert at Moredon which opened in 2002 and then follow the River Ray valley between the town and West Swindon to the Front Garden.

The most urgent need is for a canal under the M4. This would allow a water and pedestrian off-

Hope for Front Garden objectors Swindon's planning committee discussed the development of 4,500 homes in the Front Garden area, between Old Town and the M4, on 24 January Pre-empting the decision council leader coun Mike Bawden has asked the Deputy Prime Minister to call the plan in so that an independent inspector can determine whether it should go ahead.

He argues that councillors are faced by a conflict of interest as the council stands to gain a significant income from land sales.

The Front Garden Action.

Group have been fighting the

decision to develop the area for the last four years, arguing the area will suffer from flooding, pollution and traffic congestion.

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The Link Magazine • February 2004

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Dental health links between the town and the Cherkassy region in Ukraine have been strengthened by the formal registration of a new charity called SmileMenders.

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The name is already known in Cherkassy following a trip in 2002 when the founders, Freshbrook dentist Brendon Ball and his wife Natasha and dentists Richard and Linda Swift, delivered an old health authority caravan to provide mobile dental care in remote areas of the region which is the size of Wales.

Natasha said, "the caravan was greatly welcomed in Cherkassy.

It's too dangerous to leave the city during the frozen winters so it is being prepared for its second season providing treatment where there is no dental care at all; some places have not seen a dentist for ten years."

Brendon added SmileMenders now wants to extend its work.

"Since we started visiting Cherkassy in 1999 we have provided

training which has changed dental practice from drilling and filling towards preventative services

with access to pain relief where needed.

" We want to develop this support and also need to sustain the mobile clinic with funding, replacement equipment and materials. " Now that SmileMenders is a charity we want to build on our experience by getting more support for our work from the general public and the dental profession and its suppliers."

The dentists are planning a trip in August to deliver a complete surgery. They are also negotiating to bring over an engineer from Ukraine to Swindon.

Brendon said, "a lot of equipment is unused for the sake of a si mple repair. So much more dental work could be undertaken if we could train somebody to maintain it locally."

Brendon can be contacted on 873044.

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A new website is being developed which aims to make access to websites related to the town quick and easy. www.OpenSwindon.co .ukis the is currently in a start up phase and brainchild of Chris Bulzacki from Chris would like to hear from Rushey Platt who runs Rubber webmasters keen to build links Dragon Limited. "Whilst there are which will draw more visitors to already local business directories their site.

Chris Bulzacki can also be conand website lists, many seem to make it difficult to find the infor- tacted on 07879 637159 or 871256. mation you need or charge for it," ^.

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The Link Magazine • February 200 4

Swindon's woman's health centre faces fight for survival

HOMOEOPATH

(and Reiki Practitioner) The Swindon Well Woman Centre at the Health Hydro in Milton Road nearly closed six years ago when Don't suffer Ns ith depression.

Swindon Council cut off its grant. Fundraising and financial support from the Community Fund has kept ME, stress, migraine, IBS, it afloat but this ends in March and the volunteers who manage the organisation are facing a major y challenge in maintaining the centre's wide range of services, writes Marlene Wheeler, chair of the respirator , digestive or management committee. hormonal problems.

The services ofAll the services are free and conThese are just a few of the fered by Swindon . fidential and, with the exception ¶ Well Woman Cenof the legal advice, no appoint- conditions I can help you with. tre puts it at the . ments are needed.

Pam Howells LBSH MARH For more information call the heart of the cornBest of Health ^1€^ administrator on 511064 or go to munity and meets Wootton Bassett www.cornrnunigate.co.uk/wilts! the needs of a wide '+' : _wellwomancentreswindon range of people. ^m `` __ 01793 739199 ® ' A number of With the challenges before us to tr v ww.PamHowe'lls.co.uk ells.co.uk groups use our j ^ maintain vitalcommunit services to the people of Swindony and the rooms including -1 ^ Swindon Family ^--•.^...._^ district we would like to hear from anyone interested in joining the Contact Centre -v !" " ..

I management committee to help it who give a parent ' who does not live Some of the Well Women team, from lrrt, Lr1rrrtte Coster, obtain funding to maintain this with a child the clerical assistant, Elizabeth Foley, adrninis(rotor, Linda valuable community asset. Call the chance to meet m a Belcher, management committee secretary, Marlene number above for details. supported en vi- Wheeler, chairperson Walkers gather ronment and Secret's Out, a support group for lets and library books on health- Team members from Swindon those who have suffered abuse. related topics. Once a month a fe- Twin Peaks who will be walking Another is the Family Support male solicitor is available to pro- a marathon in London in May in Group for parents whose children vide free legal advice to women on aid of Breakthrough Breast Canare involved with drugs, run by family law, whilst a Menopause cer meet in the Swindon Council Druglink.

Support Group meets once a month chambers on 2 February, 7.30pm.

All places are now taken but We are keen to hear from new as well. organisations looking for a place Volunteers playa critical role in supporters and sponsors are to meet. the centre's work. They are sup- needed. Call Eunice Salmon on Within the business community ported by a training programme 871606 for details. the centre offers health screening and some elect to develop their for male and female employees, skills by taking a Basic Listening Volunteers and nurses set up In- Skills Course. They then become formation Points on company supportworkersandofferalistenpremises to offer advice on health ing service at all three medical sesmatters. Often they give talks to sions. The volunteers receive onlocal groups about specific health going training and support and issues and the work of the centre, the service offers women a chance To meet the needs of women the to discuss non-medical problems centre offers three medical sessions for up to six one hour sessions.

Queen Elizabeth Drive, Swindon SN25 1WL with doctor and nurses in attendThe Well Woman Centre is also Reception open: ance on Mondays 5.30pm - 7.30pm concerned about men's health. Last and Wednesdays12.30pm-2.30pm October we started Man@WWC Monday to Friday lam to 6.30pm and a nurse led session on Fridays on Thursdays 5.30pm - 7.30pm, a 10am - 12noon. A free creche is nurse-led medical session providTel: 01793 709500 • Fax: 01793 723875 available at the Wednesday and ing health checks and advice. The f E mail: enquiries@ tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk Friday sessions.

Listening Service is also available www.tawhilisurgery.nhs.uk Our information service is also if men have non-medical problems open at these times offering leaf- they wish to discuss.

Nett' pnt it'll tf nlrt'nt/s cvcicotrte

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10 The Link Magazine • February 2004

Has Christmas cooked your books?

Nice kind of X film

The bills and credit card statements are arriving and the full horror of enjoying Christmas too much is starting to be revealed.

Even though festive spending was lower than retail outlets would have liked, consumers made up for their scrooge-like behaviour by going to town in the sales. Now some wi I I need help to sort out their affairs and money advice is available from: The West Swindon Family Citizens Advice Bureau - North Swindon and Community Project Advice Point 15 Gainsborough Way Pinehurst Peoples Centre Freshbrook. Tel: 871303 Beech Avenue, Pinehurst.

Drop in advice point times: Tel: 491166 Monday and Thursday 10am -12noon.

Monday 2pm - 4pm; Thursday 10am - 12noon.

Millen Advice Point Citizens Advice Bureau 55 Manchester Road 1 Faringdon Road, Swindon.

Swindon SN1 2AQ Tel: 0845 0505 155 Tel: 611800 Wednesdays and Thursdays 9.30am - 2.30pm; Monday, Thursday and Friday 10am -12.30pm; Fridays 9.30am - 1pm.

By telephone 1.30pm - 4pm.

Advice available in English, Urdu, Punjabi, Tuesday 1.30pm - 3pm; Hindi and Bengali.

By telephone 10am - 12.30pm.

Wednesday by telephone 10am - 4pm.

The Clivey Credit Union Clivey Project At the Civic Offices, Euclid Street on WednesClive Parade. Tel: 703506. day 10.30am - 1pm.

Wednesday 10am - 12noon; Saturdays 11am - 12noon.

TV adverts by the Halifax Bank have become well known for the larger than life singing staff member Howard Brown and the big X formed by others who work for the company.

An advert in the Spring will feature Melba Sheffield from the West Swindon Centre who will appear in the final scene where staff get together. "I have no idea what the advert will look like, other than it willhave a sailing theme," said Melba after she spent two days filming before Christmas.

"There were eighty other people who work for Halifax taking part in different scenes and the finale; it will be interesting to see which shots they select for the thirty seconds on screen."

Melba pro-

The Credit Unit is also an excellent way of saving and borrowing. It is regulated by the Financial Services Authority and by law can onl y charge 1/%o per month interest on the reducing balance. This means a typical loan of £100 paid back over a year costs £106.50.

People living or working in North Swindon are eligible to become members. For details call Dorothy Brown on 703506.

I mmigration advice Free and confidential advice on immigration issues is offered once a month by Veneta Hannibal at Millen Advice Point, 55 Manchester Road. The next sessions take place on 19 February and 18 March.

Veneta can also be contacted at Swindon Racial Equality Council, 1 Faringdon Road.

Tel: 528545

with a copy of a photograph taken by The Link of West Swindon staff holding a cake featuring his face which she had made to raise money for Comic Relief last March. "Howard's a gentle giant and a lovely man who does all his own singing on the adverts. He used to work in a Halifax branch until his is talents were discovered.

Now he is fully engaged in marketing and promotional activity."

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Credit broker fees of up to 1 % on the advance may be charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. A written quotation on loans can be obtained on request.

Only available to persons 16 years of age or over. Subject to status. Subject to our current lending criteria. A life assurance policy may be required.

Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non-smokers, applying for a repayment mortgage of £90.000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 30/4/04 secured against a property being purchased for £100.000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £486. Total amount payable £145.999 calculated to include £199 arrangement fee. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply throughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £500.000. Rate applied is 4.1 % (4.7% APR) discounted tracker until 31 It /06. Rates may vary. The rate applies to loans up to and including 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable until 31/1/06, 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.

12 The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ February 2004

School's art sets a national example Children at Windmill Hill School, Freshbrook are becoming excited at the prospect of a visit to London on 5 February to show VIPs around an exhibiton of their artwork at the world famous Courtauld Institute at Somerset House.

The school is well known for the quality of art teaching and learning and was invited to contribute an exhibition of work for the launch of a new education resource centre at the institute. The Year 6 pupils spent the Autumn term studying in depth paintings by Rubens, Bruegel, Manet, Cezanne and Kandinsky and were taken on three all expenses paid trips to see the original works by the artists with their teacher Mark Hazzard. The December Link exclusively featured the art and craft work on display in the classroom before it was taken to London. A

professional designer has been commissioned to prepare an exhibition catalogue which includes the children's artwork in the style of the artists and their writing about the paintings.

The school's Ofsted inspection last year made particular mention of outstanding standards in art and the quality of display.

The class have been invited to the opening of the resource centre where they will talk to visitors about their studies.

Half the class were featured in the December Link. Here arc the other half in front of the displays which will be mounted at the Courtauld Institute

Holocaust work in North Swindon A group of Year 6 children at Abbey Meads Primary School have looked closely at prejudice and have helped make a video about bullying in schools to be screened on World Holocaust Day, Tuesday 28 January.

Seven youngsters 1 worked with Gurchetan ^' Singh who was commissioned by Cre8 Studios in the Town Hall to research and produce the short documentary which links the experiences of children with the wider issues of oppression around the world.

Class teacher Steve

Bickell said, "we discussed themes relating to the Holocaust and decided to focus on issues that the children could Gnrchetan Singh with the project group, back f r om left, Rebecca McNeil, Stephen Sadler, Kate relate to, like bullying" Emma Mullard, 11, Gr iffiths, Katie Cook. Front, JoshiaiMiah,Emma said, "we've discussed Mallard, Jaillesh Ladhu what prejudice is and why people told him the wrong things about do it, and also why children bully people who did not look like him. each other. I think some people's "You should not think the wrong lives at home are difficult. Mis- thingbecausesomebodylooksdiftreatment at home can lead to bul- ferent, or even wears the wrong lying." kind of trainers. The project has Classmate Jaylesh Ladhu said, taught us a lot."

A Holocaust Day exhibition of "I was bullied at a school in Loudon before I came to Abbey Meads poetry, writing and the Abbey because of the colour of my skin. I Meads video can be seen in the think it was because his parents North Swindon Library.

The Link Magazine • February 2004 13 Taw Hill parents get together

Plans for North Swindon schools taking shape Work on the first of the two secondary schools to serve North Swindon will start this summer. Hreod Parkway School headteacher Andrew Fleet, right. describes the progress behind the scenes to create educational facilities for the future.

Clive Westall, head teacher of St Francis Church of England Primary School at Taw Hill invites parents to a meeting on Wednesday 28 January, 8pm, in the Taw Hill Worship Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive.

School advice out West '

Education Welfare Officers Faye Butler and Barbara Langham will hold advice sessions at the West Swindon Family Project at 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook on 30 January, 9.30am to 10.30am.

Anyone with education concerns is welcome to drop in for a chat.

Hreod Parkway School is one of a number of schools in North Swindon within a Private Finance Initiative programme supported by central government and Swindon Borough Council.

• A modern, light, stimulating learning environment; • flexible classrooms; • accessibility to all parts of the building for pupils and staff; • wide corridors and circulation routes; • effective social and recreation areas; • attractive external play areas; • community facilities; • a high-tech. building with information and communication technology throughout.

These are just some of the things that the staff and pupils of Hreod Parkway School are looking forward to moving into the state-ofthe-art premises on one site off Akers Way in 2006.

Building will take place in a field alongside the school's existing south site which will avoid disruption to the normal working of the 11-16 school of 1,240 pupils.

The last few months have been spent by Swindon Borough councillors, officers, headteachers and governors meeting with the shortlisted bidding teams who are seeking to win the contract for the buildings and facilities management of the new schools to be developed under the PFI scheme.

It is hoped that the successful contractor will be chosen b y the end of April, so enabling thebuilding of the two secondary schools ( Hreod and one other at the Learning Campus in Priory Vale), primary schools and special schools that form a part of this exciting project.

We stand to see some of the best equipped schools at the centre of our communities. It is all about

Kumon: an educa h v r giving future generations of chil- I R'V^/ ate e your child wants to a solid foundation in maths and English dren the best opportunities available. We are looking forward to s essential. With the year-round Kumon working in close partnership with P"programmes, children develop confidence. the successful contractor. discipline and study skills that last them a lifetime.

Over the next two years the Kumon West Swindon Centre school has plans for developing Lydiard Millicent Parish Hall artwork to enhance the new building as well as applying for specialCall Richard Bell on 01285 711170 ist school status in 'Science and Centre open 4.00pm to 6.00pm Mathematics with Computing' Mondays and Thursdays with an aim to realise this by the date of opening.

We are very fortunate in having a wonderful environmental site

provided for the new school, that is easily accessed by the existing community and residents of future planned housing. We would want to make the most of and pro-

tect this beautiful natural area and to use it as a learning opportunity.

We will continue to value the work with our existing link primary schools to ensure that children move smoothly between the phases of their education and share in the new facilities.

Hreod Parkway will be collaborating with the new Learning Campus (secondary school, primary school and two special schools) at Priory Vale, as well as other secondary schools in the town, to share the good educational practice already established and to ensure that the facilities add something extra to the community at large.

While it is not buildings that make an effective school the staff and pupils at Hreod Parkway have no doubt that the new school will create pride and high aspirations and will enhance the continuing improvement in standards seen in recent years.

For almost 50 years, children around the world have benefited from studying the Kumon maths and lang ^programmes.

45,000 children of all ages and abilities ar

at study centres throughout the UK.

14 The Link Magazine • February 2004

The National Childbirth Trust Nearly New Sale Saturday 27th March, 11 am to 1 pm Oasis Leisure Centre. Entry £1

Brook Field children put big effort into fundraising

Year 2 children at Brook Field School in Shaw showed a lot of initiative last term as part of their Personal and Social Health Education work when they decided they needed to improve equipment in People interested in selling items should send a cheque for £2.50 made their playground.

After much head scratching about how to raise money, they appayable to NCT Swindon Branch, and a large (A5 or A4) stamped selfaddressed envelope to: NCT Seller's Packs. 63 Avenue Road. Old proached the Friends of Brook Field to ask if they could organise a stall Town, Swindon SN 1 4DA. Packs are limited and sent out on a first come, at their Christmas Fayre. After their request was accepted they set about planning and advertising their stall, and asking for donations for a jam first served basis. jar tombola which is a firm favourite with the children.

30% commission is deducted from all sales which goes towards The youngsters took it in turns to run the stall which raised £205.66. providing local NCT services.

Now they will be pouring over catalogues to agree which equipment Volunteers are needed to successfully run the event. To assist call the should be purchased in time for the good weather in the Spring and NCT Helper's Coordinator on 728629 before 8pm by 12 March.

Summer.

A fantastic quality selection of children's clothes (0-4years). cots, prams. nursery equipment, maternity wear, toys, videos and books.

Amanda Butler, Chair of Friends of Brook Field, centre, Miss Brown and Miss Stopher and their children

with

Year 2 teachers

day nursery

A brand new purpose-built nursery on the edge of Wootton Bassett Near M4 junction 16, just a short drive from West Swindon Free 2.5 hour grant places available throughout the day Open all year from 8am to 6pm r.

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Full time and part time places

•cJ

7

y

For information telephone: 01793 851495 www. thedaynursery.co ,m

Brinkworth Road. Wootton Bassett, Swindon SN4 8DS

Pr' nc n9

s

Eleven year old Brook Field pupil Megan Staples has the makings of a good organiser. When she decided she wanted to raise money for charity, she set about involving as many people as possible to help. She describes how she and her classmates raised over £800 in late November.

Ch t 9tk

ring zince 1901 5'

Princess Christian Day Nursery Peatmoor Village Centre

Shearwood Road, Peatmoor, Swindon

,-_ i J

l

^^ f

We now de nappi

• Quality care and education for 0 to 5 year olds 100 place purpose built day nursery Open 7.30am to 6.00pm • Ideal for parents working in the town centre • Safe dropping off area & car park • Secure lawned outdoor play area • Registered by OFSTED • Friendly and caring staff

There are some children in our school who suffer with leukaemia.

I thought it wou ld be a good idea if I organised a school event to raise money for the charity called Clic (Challenging Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood), I discussed this with my headteacher, Mr Nicholas, and we arranged a date for the Year 6 children to do a sponsored run on the school fields,

I wrote the letters to the parents and prepared the sponsor forms.

My dad contacted Clic who sent badges and balloons for the children who took part.

We had good weather for the run and all the children seemed to enjoy it. We have now collected in all the sponsorship money and have raised a fantastic amount of £816. I'm very pleased with the money we have raised.

Megan with her classmates, teachers, friends and family who helped make the sponsored riot a great success 1t°

LiTt

The friendliest nursery in town!

Ccx u

V 7i

7

t dnyt e For further information on the nursery, or to arrange a visit, please call the manager on 01793 887602

i:. tr

The Link Magazine • February 2004 15

Playgroup plans auction spectacular Greendown Playgroup in Grange Park had such a massive success with a fundraising auction last year that they are planning another for Saturday 7 February, 7.30pm - 11.00pm, in the Winners Bar at Swindon Town Football Club.

Some 300 people raised over Tracy on 873179 or Lisa on 320444. £2,500 for the group and organis- Tickets for the raffle are also availers hope for more participation and able from the above numbers.

The playgroup which operates a larger total.

In addition to the auction is a from their own building at raffle, disco, tombola and face Greendown School is now open painting and much more. Tickets on Tuesday and Thursday aftercost £4 adults, £2 children or £10 noons, in addition to every mornfor a family ticket (2 adults and up ing. There is currently a waiting to 3 children) and are available list for places, but to discuss availfrom the playgroup on 882234, or abilit y call 887203.

Childminders meet the challenges of Ofsted Debbie Kearns reports on how childminders

are delivering high quality child care.

It was on one of the wettest and windiest days at the end of last year that over 70 childminders gave up a Saturday to attend the second Swindon Childminding Convention at New College.

Childminders take training seriously, often at their own expense and in their own time. They do it because it helps with their continuing professional development and contributes to meeting the stringent childminding standards that are regulated by Ofsted.

The standards cover many aspects including how many children childminders can care for at any time. Ofsted inspectors look at how childminders manage children's behaviour and the procedures in place to ensure child protection. These include police checks on the childminder and also for anyone over the age of sixteen who lives in the home. Most importantly Ofsted also look at how a childminder provides for a child's social and emotional development, so crucial in the early years.

With the Ofsted standards in mind the convention was organised by Trio Childcare Connections and the Swindon Childminding Support Team. The day was subsidised by the Swindon Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. The theme Trio focused on was Every Child is Different to give childminders the opportunity to explore ways of recognising differences and celebrating diversity.

Alison John was a truly inspirational speaker who related her personal experience of living in what she calls a 'disabling world.' As an experienced Disability Equality Trainer she powerfully reminded us that it is society that disables people and that with thought and planning, access could be available to all. Alison told an enthralled audience that children need to have their questions answered openly and honestly.

She said, "children don't need to hear that people who are wheelchair users, their legs don't work properly - just that some people move around differently."

At times the hall rang with laughter, sometimes the audience were moved to tears. But the key message came through that every-

plihti

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Children's Information Service

Fun song sessions

A one-stop shop for FREE information'

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Classes on Tuesday, Thursday & Friday in North Swindon Library

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1 3 Market St, Swindon Tel: 01793 541786 Email: info@cisswindon.co.uk www.cisswindon.co.uk

Come along and join in the fun!

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Headstarts Day-Nursery School .

Established 1990

Delta Business Park. Westlea. West Swindon lieadstarts is a friendly, 'family nursery offering a warn, y happy and relaxed environment where ever child benefits from individual attention.

Conveniently located within afew minutes drive from M4 Junction 16, Town Centre, Westlea and Abbey Meads.

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one should be valued and has

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Childminders also took part in workshops focusing on disability awareness, working with children with disabilities and learning multi - cultural stories and songs.

Those who attended left buzzing with ideas and full of commitment to childminding.

If you are interested in becoming a childminder then ring the Children's Information Service on

Nursery School

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Meadowpark

Group thanks Jellytots Playgroup, based at Brook Field School, Shaw, would like to thank all the local companies who so kindly donated prizes for their Christmas raffle which helped raised over £200 which is being spent on new equipment.

Those who donated prizes were: the De Vere Hotel; Swindon Innogy Lynx Ice Hockey Team; HK 97 Chinese Takeaway; Westlea Fire Station; Goldsworthy's Hairdressers; Brookhouse Farm Pub; Blunsdon House Hotel and Leisure Club; Cotswold Wildlife Park; Clear Channel (Wyvern Theatre); Cricklade Hotel and Country Club; UCG Cinema; Sia.

Nursery and

Pre-Prep School Calcutt Street Cricklade Swindon SN6 6B8 Contact Mrs S Hanbury or Mrs R Kular

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reports across the 0-7 years age range A Conveniently located for Swindon and the surrounding area in a pleasant rural environment in the grounds of Prior Park Prep School ♦ Come and see why past and present parents believe we are unique A Registrations being accepted for 2005

Certain places available for 2004

16 The Link Magazine • February 2004

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Internet connected leads to a new life Just over a year ago a computer somewhere on the planet sent an automatic e-mail to Phil Rashid in Westlea and Maria Ithnin in Malaysia suggesting they had something in common. Eleven months later they were married and Phil is preparing to leave Britain for a new life in the Far East.

Phil, 50 at the end of January, well known in West Swindon as a candidate in local elections, had registered his details on www. muslimmatch.com He had been getting messages from women all over the Muslim world and his interest was waning when details about Maria arrived.

"When I put my de4 tails on the web I was sceptical that anything would come of it and a bit worried that I might not be considered devout enough," said Phil. " Maria stood out by a mile. I and her large family. A few weeks wanted to know more about this after Phil returned the couple deindependent, single, practising cided they would marry, although Muslim who listed her favourite Maria had to persuade her mother singer as Bruce Springsteen and that marrying an Englishman was liked the Beatles, John Travolta and a good idea. Her father was happy Nicholas Cage. I was also intrigued that she make the choice providthat Maria did not wear the hijab ing Phil continued to be a good (head scarf) and her family had Muslim. allowed her to make her own deciMaria set two conditions: that sions about marriage." she did not have to leave her famMaria, 45, is an event organiser ily, which meant Phil moving to at a golf resort inJohore and enjoys Malaysia, and that he lose at least keep fit, golf, going out with friends 251bs in weight by their wedding and visiting her family who live day. However having enjoyed closeby or across the border on wonderful food, Phil was heavier Singapore Island. than ever.

She too had become disheartThe date was set for 3 January ened bye-mails from men in Paki- and Maria threw herself into prepastan, Algeria and Saudi Arabia, rations. "Even though we had but also wanted to know more agreed to marry, Phil was so far about Phil. However she was a away and I wasn't sure he would little surprised by his turn up so I only sent enthusiastic interest. out the wedding invi"I thought I would tations after his arrival send him an e-mail on 18 December," said just for fun and see Maria. what happened. It The ceremony took was clear from the place in her house and start he was keen the reception was atabout developing a tended by over 400 relationship. After a family and friends. month of sending The couple flew each other messages back to Swindon in I suggested he come early-January and to Malaysia to see if Maria is discovering we were serious about each other." the tourist attractions locally and Phil made a ten day trip in further afield. They go back to MaMarch. He said, "She was a radiant laysia in mid-February where she vision in a bright red blouse and returns to her job; Phil is considersarong waiting in the airport." ing his options. He hopes to comMaria is quite blunt about their plete an English teaching course first meeting. "It was a bit of a before he goes, but is also thinking shock. I was looking for John about starting a business.

Travolta but I was faced with this One thing they will be doing fat guy." together, sorting out a fitness proNevertheless the visit went well, gramme before Phil's weight gets including meeting Maria's parents out of hand.

17

Let us Cre'8 a new u

THE LINK MAGAZINE'S GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON IN AND AROUND SWINDON Thames Avenue, Greenmeadow Call 520813 to book an

Swindon in Focus: a tribute to a photographer's foresight A unique record of the town discovered just over two years ago will be revealed in a free exhibition at the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery from 31 January to 16 May. ThepicturestakenbyDenisBird, changing town. Until he died, I mostly in the 1960s. captures a never realised how many pictures town in transition, growing away he had taken. There must have from its railway roots and reacting been 30,000 images to be sorted.

"Denis also took cine film and to the changes in society through experimented with early video rethe fashions and hair styles.

Bird died in October 2001, but cording. People used to ask him to nobody really knew the extent of copy old photographs which means the photographic collection he left he preserved many rare images to his friend Brian Bridgeman and taken in earlier years.

"He had remarkable foresight to the Swindon Museum Service. In October 2002 Brian told The Link, record an important social history."

Brian Bridgeman died last Octo"Denis and I were friends for many years and founded the Swindon ber and the exhibition is dedicated Society together to record the to his memory.

appointment p

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• Quality Portraiture • Specialist Weddings

An Established Studio With An Unrivalled Reputation Penny for the guy. A typical Bird picture of life around Swindon.

Could he have taken a picture like this today without being arrested?

Im Ice

The Barn, 116 High St. Blunsdon

n rew oyd e er s

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Js Above, the Old Town Fair in the 1960s. Below, the gardens of Goddard House in The Lawn which was demolished in 1952. Both black and white photographs were hand tinted by Denis Bird.

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.:

Monda y 5th - Saturda y 10th April Monday,1.30pm. Tues - Thurs, 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Friday & Saturday, 5pm & 8pm Tickets £1050- £23.50. Concessions available

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18

An alternative centre for Swindon's cultural development The old railway museum in Faringdon Road is starting to become an interesting venue for arts activity, performance and events. In the last few months it has been used for a beer festival, a skateboard competition and an exhibition space where Swindonians could illustrate their favourite places.

Now it's an art gallery for an exhibition of paintings, photographs and an art installation which prompts thought on what it takes to make a town, called Swindon - our place in time.

It's the first event to mark the 1 50th year since the Swindon Mechanics' Institute was commenced. built with funds raised by railway workers with the purpose of 'disseminating useful knowledge and encouraging rational amusement.'

Every town needs a place where people can do things together to extend and broaden its cultural and community outlook, without overbearing energy sapping bureaucracy and regulation. or the requirement to put forward lots of money before an event even takes place or generate income.

There are no venues in the town which give Swindon people the chance to make things happen in a spontaneous way but the old mu-

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Observe the full life cycle of the butterfly from the tiny egg to the ever hungry caterpillar, through to the pupa stage before emerging as a beautiful butterfly.

Spiders. scorpions. mantis and many more fascinating insects are on display in our mini beast house.

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seum is beginning to create the possibilities for new ideas to emerge. The opportunities are being created by the New Mechanics' Institution Trust, the group of volunteers who have battled away for eight years to save the derelict Mechanics' Institute for community use, rather than see it fall into the hands of developers.

In the Autumn the Charity Commission allowed the trust additional responsibilities to include educati on. social welfare, leisure and community development.

These aims are starting to be realised by renting the museum from Swindon Council.

Martha Parry said it was important for people living in the newer parts of Swindon to learn more about the Trust. "This year will be momentus for Swindon. It's 150 years since the Mechanics' opened, as a result of ordinary people working together for the common good. The future of the building will

be discussed in the next few months - will the planning committee and English Heritage allow a Grade II' listed building to be significantly altered to accommodate a hotel, flats and even a casino?

"Swindon - our place in time is an attempt to prompt people to look at their town in different ways and to encourage others to give their views and perhaps put on events themselves."

Artist Gordon Dickinson is pleased with the new opportunities to develop ideas. "It is so difficult to get anything done in Swindon; there is such a negative atmosphere.

The Mechanics' Trust deserve praise for securing the use of the space. hope more people will come forward with projects for exhibitions, performance and workshops."

Swindon - our place in time is open at the weekends until midFebruary. To find out more about the Mechanics and to enquire about putting on an event, call 520592.

Still a few seats on offer The refurbished Arts Centre in Old Town opened 12 months ago, but works goes on to complete the renewal.

The £660,000 spent during 2002 improved access for all customers, especially for people with disabilities whilst a lot of work was undertaken backstage to improve conditions and safety for performers and technicians.

The intimate atmosphere enjoyed by customers over many years has been maintained by installing the same narrow width seats which had I to be imported from Spain.

The budget did not cover the £40,000 cost of redecoration of the auditorium and replacement of the 210 seats which is being met by the Friends of Arts Centre manager Clary Bean with the the Arts Centre. Swindon seat sponsored by The Link Council loaned the Friends £16,000 to ensure the seats could Friends are looking for 60 more be installed before the reopening sponsors to pay £150 to have their last January. names engraved on a plate atA seat sponsorship scheme has tached to the back of a seat. drawn support from 150 local and The Friends have also organinternational backers including film ised fundraising concerts by local I stars like Dame Judi Dench and supporters like Swindon Amateur Kenneth Branagh. comedians Light Operatic Society and guitarJulian Clary and Harry Hill. The ist Gordon Giltrap.

Fundraising events in February: Friends of the Arts Centre members will receive £2 discounts on ticket prices for Reginald D Hunter. the cutting edge American comedian. on 6th and A Very Naughty Boy on 20th. Adrian Poynton's play about Graham Chapman. Monty Python's biggest loony.

See the Swindon Wide listings for other shows. For details of seat sponsorship and becoming a Friend, call in at the Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town, or 'phone 614837.

Swurda Y1

Theatre Thurs 12th to Sat 14th, 7.30pm The Office Party presented by Old Town Theatre Company. £5. Arts Centre Saturday 14th, 7.30pm The Canterbury Tales. Five of Chaucer's timeless stories including the Merchant's and Pardoner's tales are brought to life by Icon Theatre using mask, a fantastical dream inspired set and a very grim notion of the medieval world. £8.50. Brewery Arts, Cirencester Venues

The Arts Centre. Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Brewery Arts, Cirencester.

Tel: 01285 655522 Lydiard House. Tel: 770401 1 National Monuments Record Centre. Kemble Drive. Tel: 414600 Richard Jefferies Museum.

Marlborough Road. Tel: 466556 STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Town Hall Studios Tel: 463210 Westonbirt School Tetbury, Glos. Tel: 01666 880333 !

Wyvern Theatre. Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

Wide W

Monday 16th, 7.30pm The Circus of Horrors. An evil side side show has rolled into town and you are invited to walk along the midway and step straight into the twisted world of The Circus of Horrors. £15. Wyvern Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th, 7.30pm Stones in his Pockets. When a major Hollywood film studio descends on a village in rural Ireland. the demand for extras is huge. As the story unfolds, just two talented actors brilliantly bring to life over 15 extraordinary characters. £17.50.

Wyvern Friday 20th, 7.30pm A Very Naughty Boy - the Life of Adrian Chapman.

Graham Poynton s play about Chapman's unique. hilarious and touching life looks closely at his friendship with John Cleese. £10. Arts Centre Tuesday 24th, 8pm Pea Souper. An epic and heartwrenching tale of love, greed and man's inhumanity to camels, Pea Souper blazes across three continents, overthe roof of a speeding second class carriage and arrives back in time for a murder most fatal. £10. Arts Centre Thursday 26th to Saturday 28th, 7.15pm One Act Play Festival. ContactArts Centre tickets office for play titles and dates. £4.50

c.Q

19

's Or in FebruArL

Dance

Friday 13th, 7.45pm & Saturday 14th, 2pm & 7.45pm Footwork Frenzy presented by Swindon Academy of Dance and involving over two hundred local children. £8. Wyvern Friday 13th, 8pm Parallel Passions. Stylish and sensuous celebrating every form of love with music ranging from Bach to Handel to medieval Indian and Madonna. £8.50. Town Hall Studios Friday 27th, 8pm One Third of a Picture by Biserk. A triple bill of quality entertainmentfrom this regional based company who are rapidly developing an exciting artistic reputation. £8.50. Town Hall Studios

Irish dancing Moloney School of Irish Dancing holds dance classes on Wednesdays and Fridays, 5pm to 7pm and on Saturday mornings at St Luke's Church Hall, Broad Street. For details call Sarah on 642368. The dance school is available to perform at all local events.

Fundraising dance Saturday 21 February, 8pm The Crossways Suite.

The Moonrakers With top Irish recording stars Chris Ball and Seamus Moore

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Step by step instruction for absolute beginners Weekend socials in High worth and Swindon For more details Ring Lewis Watson on 764732 Ten years of teaching!

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Sunday 1st, 7.30pm Think Floyd in concert. Renowned for their stunning celebration of the world's greatest rock icons, this extraordinary band embark on their 2004 tour. £12.50. Wyvern Tuesday 3rd, 8pm Pluck. How much fun can you have with a cellist, violinist and viola player? Perfect for Classic FM dropouts who barely know their Offenbach from elbow. £10. Arts Centre Thursday 5th. 8pm Aynsley Lister Band. Young English blues guitarist Aynsley Lister and his three strong band. £10. Arts Centre Friday 6th, 7.30pm Symphony Bournemouth Orchestra play Haydn Symphony No 97, Mozart Concerto for Flute and Harp and Schubert Symphony No 6. £13.50 - £18.50. Wyvern Saturday 7th, 7.30pm The Mayor of Swindon's Charity Concert produced by Swindon Male Voice Choir, with special guests. £10.

Wyvern Saturday 7th. 7.30pm The Yardbirds. The band that launched Eric Clapton. Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. and were a major influence on Led Zeppelin. £10. Arts Centre Friday 13th, 7pm Choral Concert - a French Evening.

The senior choirs will be joined by a professional string ensemble in a programme of popular classics from French composers including Faure's Requiem. Admission free with retiring collection. Westonbirt School Thursday 19th, 8pm Mike Hurst (right) and Ray Fenwick with a mix of amusing anecdotes, excellent performance and authoritative historical context. bringing the history of music vividly to life. £10.

Arts Centre Thursday 19th, 7.30pm That'II be the Day. Non-stop nostalgia. £16.50. Wyvern Friday 20th. 7.30pm Beyond Phantom. Stars from 'The Phantom of the Opera and other West End musicals recreate many years of musical theatre with hits from all the shows. £12. Wyvern Sunday 22nd. 7.30pm Musical Celebration. The friends of Gary Beint join together to celebrate his life and music. £9. Wyvern Monday 23rd. 7.30pm The Big Chris Barber Band. Chris Barber leads his 11-piece band playing a wide selection of his favourite music. £15. Wyvern

Find your Offenbach from your elbow with Pluck on 3 February

Friday 27th, 8pm Carmina. One of the finest young bands currently making waves on the roots circuit with a feast of contemporary celtic music. £8.50.

Brewery Arts, Cirencester Sunday 29th, 7.30pm The Musician Speaks. Charismatic violinist John Clarkson introduces and plays 3 beautiful masterpieces from three centuries by Mozart.

Brahms and Prokofiev. £12. Wyvern Sunday 29th, 7.30pm Eric Roche. Lead, rhythm. bass and percussion flow from this wonderful concert performer. £10. Arts Centre

Workshops Saturday 14th, 10am to 4pm Mosaic. Try out the simple yet stunning technique of mosaic to make a colourful item for your home, with Lynette Thomas and Firmo Correia. £23. Arts Centre Saturdays 28 February & 6 March, 1 Oam to 4pm Stained Glass. Design and make a

sumptuous small stained glass panel in two days. Suitable for beginners and improvers. £56. Arts Centre

Lower Shaw Farm Old Shaw Lane, Shaw '

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Family Morning Wednesday 4 February & Thursday 5 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. A snack is provided, and you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. Free, but places must be booked on 771080.

Half Term Activity Day for 5 to 12 year olds Wednesday 18 February 10.30am - 3.30pm Cost £15 (£7.50 concession).

Please book.

A programme of Family Events at the farm is available by phoning 771080. or email enquiries@ lowershawfarm.co.uk

Cr in FebrucArq

OR

Comedy

Exhibitions

Friday 6th, 8pm Reginald D Hunter: `White Woman'. The most distinctive and intelligent voice in comedy delivers an engrossing stand up show about everything he isn't. £8.50. Arts Centre Saturday 21st, 8pm The Wicker Woman. Loosely based (very) on the cult horror `The Wicker Man'. With James Bachman, Lucy Barunka Montgomery and O Shaughnessy. £8.50. Arts Centre

Lydiard House Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd Fragrant flowers Displays of Spring flowering bulbs and bright bouquets in the elegant state rooms of the house.

Wyvern, Lower Foyer until Saturday 7th Rhythm of Colour David Shears explores colour relationships through abstract expressionism.

Wyvern, Lower Foyer from Tuesday 10th Decay Swindon Photographic Society focus on the process of decay Wyvern, Circle Bar until 30 April Showcase Featuring contemporary work by Swindon artists.

Arts Centre Tuesday 3rd to Saturday 28th La Habana Vieja by Mick Maslen Feel the heat and absorb the atmosphere of Old Havana in Mick Maslen's photographs Swindon Museum & Art Gallery until 16 May Swindon in Focus - seepage 17

Children's and family events Sunday 1st, 3pm Swindon Recital Series: Bear Necessities. Exciting musical action for over 5 year olds, and their teddy bears. £5. Arts Centre Saturdays 7th & 21st Meet the Railway Workers. Join former engine drivers, firemen and railway workers as they bring stories of the steam age to life with practical demonstrations and accounts of their experiences. Normal admission charges. STEAM Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd Bits and Pieces. Use bits and pieces of photographs to identify objects.

Free, drop in activity. Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd Foreign Objects. Look around Lydiard House to find all the objects that do not belong. £1.30. drop in activity. Lydiard House Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd Half Term at STEAM. Quizzes. word searches and lots more. Normal admission charges. STEAM Tuesday 17th, 2pm George and the Dragon.A traditional tale of courtly love and chivalry brought to life. A noisy and boisterous puppet show for 3 year olds and older. £6/children £5. Brewery Arts.

Cirencester Tuesday 17th, 10.30am to 3pm Furry Facts. Learn facts and games about native animals, and how to draw them. Suit ages 5 - 11. £4, booking required. Richard Jefferies Museum Thursday 19th, 2pm - 4pm What Picture! Make a collage using photos of Swindon from the 1960s .

Suit ages 5- 11. £2, booking advised.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Saturday 21st Great Western Lego Train Show featuring a variety of steam and diesel trains along with rolling stock, scenery, bridges and stations.

Normal admission charges. STEAM Thurs 26th, 4.30pm; Fri 27th 10.30am & 1.30pm; Sat 28th, 10.30am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm; Sun 29th, 10.30am & 1.30pm Bill & Ben and Andy Pandy. £9.50.

Wyvern

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Film Wednesday 4th, 7.45pm Elting (15) Filing and his friend Kjell adjust to moving from a provincial mental hospital to a state subsidised Oslo fl at, in this enjoyable film which is both honest and realist about mental health and care in the community.

Norwegian. subtitled. SFS Tuesday 17th, 7.45pm Veronica Guerin (18) Cate Blanchett's convincing portrayal of the crusading Dublin journalist, shot down in her car as she waited at traffic lights, lies at the heart of the gripping thriller. With Ciaran Hinds and Brenda Fricker. £4. Arts Centre Wednesday 18th, 7.45pm Dark Water (15) As water drips through the ceiling. the ghostly appearance of a girl who disappeared from the flat the year before plays on the mind of the already stressed single mum Yoshmi.

Genuinely scary! Japanese, subtitled. Swindon Film Society Wednesday 25th, 7.45pm Young Adam (18) This sharp. dark and thoroughly riveting film has Ewan McGregor as a frustrated writer drifting through life on the Scottish canals. Contains some strong sexual elements and language. £4. Arts Centre Swindon Film Society (SFS) All films are shown at the Arts Centre; tickets are notsoldin advance: society leaflets are available at the Arts Centre; join when purchasing tickets

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THE NINE ELMS PUBLIC HOUSE Old Shaw Lane, West Swindon Probably the only and best traditional pith in this area -you/list have to . find us!

February A La Carte Menu Leek & Potato Soup Deep Fried Brie Chilled Fan of Melon with Parma ham *,t* Beef Wellington with a Marsalla & Mushroom Sauce Rack of Lamb with a Mint and Red Currant jus Pan Fried Monkfish with a Mediterranean Cous Cous Pan Fried Saddle of Venison with a Blueberry jus eep fried ice cream with raspberry coulis Spotted dick with creamy custard Summer fruits crust pie with cream

*** Buy one main course from the A La Carte Menu receive the other lower priced meal at half price.

Offer does not include Valentines Day.

VVVVV Bookings still been taken for your special Valentines meal on Saturday 14th February?

VVVVV All menus available at www.thenineelms.com To book call Andre or Julia on 01793 770442

New Lunch Menu now available: 12noon - 2pm Baguettes: Bacon, Brie & Cranberry Sauce £4.95 (served hot) Spicy Chicken. Lettuce & Mayonnaise (served hot) £4.95 94.50 Bacon & Mushroom Prawns in a Marie Rose Sauce 94.50 with Sotad Jacket Potatoes Tuna & Mayonnaise £3.95 Beans 93.50 Cheese & Beans 93.95 £3.95 Cheese & Coleslaw Sausages Eggs & Chips £3.95 £6.45 Gammon, Egg & Chips 06.95 Scampi, Chips and Peas Battered Cod, Chips and £6.50 Mushy Peas The above is only a selection.

Why not 'phone through your order - ready for your arrival?

What's on in February?

14th: Valentines meal available 24th: Pancake race and meal 28th: Karaoke night Lounge area available for hire - seats up to 40 Sky TV on big screen available

22

Swiedol Wide Literature festival author success puts town on literary tourist trail Sunday 22nd February 11am - 4pm at Blunsdon House Hotel, Blunsdon & on Sunday 21st March at DeVere Hotel, West Swindon

During the fortnight of literary delights, the Swindon Festival of Literature, 1 - 15 May, organiser Matt Holland is pestered with the same question every year.

He answers it here and makes some bold predictions.

• Over 40 wedding exhibitors at each event • FREE show entry • Bridal competitions For further information, visit the website www.weddin^g-fayre.co.uk or call (01793) 840000

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What is the highlight? I have never really felt able to choose one. Everything in the festival has merit and pleases me. but for different reasons. So. my answers have been evasive, suggesting that there are many highlights, that every author, performance and event is a highli ght of sorts.

But this year is different. Even though I am very pleased that we have famous names coming from the world of poetry. politics, children's books, comedy, law, and even television, like Benjamin Zephaniah, Tony Benn. Anne Fine, Barry Cryer, Helena Kennedy, and Clive James, there is one author and his book, coming to the Arts Centre on 5 May, who represents the unquestioned highlight of this year's Swindon Festival of Litera-

THE

eUR

I KUS

INCIDENT OF THE DOG

IN THE NIGHT TIMn

MARK HADOON

The way he tells his story offers the astute reader an opportunity not only to be entertained, enlightened. and informed but also to increase their chances of winning a car rather than a goat, understand Occam's Razor, learn the exact layout of Swindon Railway Station, and discover all sorts of things about themselves. This is a truly funny, serious, and insightful ture. work of literature.

The author is Mark Haddon and It is very likely, I predict. that in the book is The Curious Incident of years to come, at least three sigthe Dog in the Night-time, the win- nificant things will happen with and ner of this year's prestigious as a result of this remarkable book.

Whitbread prize for adult fiction 1. It will be required reading announced in January. on the school syllabus.

It tells the story of a teenage boy who lives in Swindon. His name is 2. It will be made into a film.

Christopher and he finds a dog, with a fork sticking through it, newlydead on the lawn. He sets out to find out who killed the dog, while also, among other things, working for his maths exams, trying to find his mother, pondering prime numbers, appeasing his secretive father, protecting his pet rat, reflecting on the mysteries of the universe, and getting to London without money.

3. Its readers world-wide will make pilgrimages to Swindon.

Thanks to a brilliant book about a boy struggling to make sense of life and living in Swindon, our town is now well and truly on the literary and world map!

Read it, and see if you agree.

For further information about the festival or to go on its mailing list, telephone 771080 or mail: litfest @lowershawfarm.co.uk

Give your heart vitality for Valentines; visit the countryside The importance of good food and exercise can't be stressed enough and down at Roves Farm we have the perfect solution for the whole family. an opportunity for children to have fun, let off steam and experience the countryside, writes Rupert Burr.

We have a variety of different nature walks to exercise those muscles or you can take one of the more leisurely tractor rides and watch the countryside springing into life from the comfort of the trailer.

If the weather is less favourable, let the kids explore the full range of indoor play areas guaranteed to tire them out. And then there's the animal barn which is so teaming with new life that you can really sense that Spring is round the corner. In February expect to see new born goat kids in need of bottle feeding, lots of fluffy yellow chicks and cute bundles of piglets that demand constant attention.

Roves farm opens again on Saturday 14 February and will be open Wednesday to Sunday and daily during school holidays from10.30am5pm. For details call 763939 or visit www.rovesfarm.co.uk

23

The Link Magazine • February 2004

Where has your New Year resolution got to?

Hannah Fishlock. State Registered Dietician at the Great Western Hospital, said there is no quick fix to weight loss in the January Link.

Here she suggests that a diet regime can only be effective in combinati on with other life style choices.

By now some people may have got rid of the -:1 Christmas excess by re ,il ^ e is •' stricting eating or upping the exercise. k 'Z Many New Year's 'i .e.: resolutions are about los '" •^ 7 ing weight or getting fita°ee ter but research shows that by March the enthusiasm for this new way of life has withered, good intentions go out of the window and old habits return.

You don't have to do weights to lug, i , says However, a healthier Harnlah. The important thing is to do something lifestyle is one that all of which will promote weight loss us should be working towards whatever the time of year. ever, following a long-term healthy It covers all aspects of food, activ- eating plan results in long-term ity, smoking, drinking and mental weight loss because healthy eating well-being and has benefits that means having a balanced diet most go beyond just how we look or of the time while still enjoying occasional treats. Not only does what feel.

Take eating for example. Weight we eat affect our weight it also management is high on many pen- affects our well-being. A balanced ple's list of priorities and the diet- diet provides all the vitamins, mining industry is thriving. Yet few erals and other nutrients you need achieve long-term success because to keep you going and feeling well, 'diets' are only a short-term fix combine this with increased activand weight is often regained. How- ity levels and you are well on the way to a healthier you.

Being active and exercising whilst eating healthily helps to maintain weight loss and general health. However, very few of us are as active as we should be. The recommendations for most of us are half an hour of moderate intensity exercise at least 5 times each week. This means being slightly out of breath but still being able to hold a conversation. If you are not used to being active then you can free your dreams with split this up into smaller sessions and build up slowly to achieve Slimming World your own individual aim.

Monday: 6pm & 7.30pm Importantly, this means that you Rodbourne don't have to spend hours in the Community Centre gym or do exercise that you don't Kathryn 871430 enjoy. You can easily incorporate Monday: 6.30pm & 8pm small bits of activity into your usual St John's Church. day. For those who want them, Haydon Wick. Rob, 784104 there are masses of fitness centres Tuesday: 9.30am & 6pm in Swindon all offering a range of Toothill Community Centre exercise classes, gyms and swimSharon, 527332 ming pools.

If you want to do something Tuesday: 6.30pm & 8pm Abbey Meads School slightly different then try squash, Paula, 701442 tennis, badminton, kick boxing, martial arts, team games like footThursday: 6pm & 7.30pm ball or even rock climbing. There St John's Church, are also walking, rambling and Haydon Wick. Peter. 764684 running clubs to join. £10 membership. £3.75 a week The key to being active is staySave £5.00. Hurry, join now ing active - choose something you Offer ends enjoy doing and you are much 27th February 2004 more likely to stick with it long term and that's what's important. www.slimming-world.com

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24 The Link Magazine • February 2004

Masters at sport to dispel negative ageism

WEIGHT LOSS

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tiative is a wayofhelping people ' " to carry on lj b fj 9 r =IS^ '^$? with physi ^.4' cal activity ^' ^' as long as J^^ ^^ '^^ possible The Health and Fitness ^_team is reassessing existing J„ sessions to Masters and the Mayor, from left, Doreen Sykes, Joan Davies, offer a Kath Audrett, Mildred Carter, Eileen Simms-Nei'hhour greater variety of courses and developing dif- designed for older age-groups are ferent pathways to encourage peo- not demanding enough. By offering a greater range it is hoped that ple to be fit.

At the same time as launching everyone will be offered activities Masters, the team are looking at appropriate to their age and level programmes for people in their of fitness.

40s who can find activities for the Pick up a Masters lea fl et at one young too energetic whilst sessions of Swindon's leisure centres.

Tap your way to alleviating stress Holistic therapist Cherri Ann Matthews from Sparcells is offering to teach a simple method of self treatment designed to achieve stress relief and a more positive life balance.

Emotional Freedom Technique some wonderful results with a va(EFT) works on energy meridians riety of client situations," said and is likened to acupuncture with- Cherri. out the needles. Cherri says that "EFT can banish fears, phobias, EFT works on a similar principle addictions and any situation that that when a traumatic event hap- has a mental or emotional compopens or we have negative mental nent. It works surprisingly fast, is or emotional feelings, these can very effective and once learned is a cause blockages in the meridian tool for life. lines that run through our bodies.

Whether you suffer from stress, These can then hold us back from grief, post traumatic stress disorleading happy fulfilled lives. der, have a fear of spiders or simWhen receiving a treatment the ply want to give up smoking or client is asked to tap themselves lose weight Emotional Freedom with their fingers along the twelve Technique could hold the answer. major meridian lines to be found CherriwillbeofferingEFTtaster on the hands, face, collar bone and sessions at the Swindon Holistic under the arm. The person remains Health Festival (see below).

She also runs workshops in EFT seated, fully clothed and in control at all times. and Reiki courses throughout the "This amazing therapy is pain- year. She can be contacted on less, non-invasive and Tam having 871410.

An oasis of calm in March A two day festival focussing on holistic health takes place at the Oasis Leisure Centre on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 March and will offer a wide range of complimentary therapies through workshops, lectures and exhibition stands.

TV's Feng Shui doctor Paul Darby will be on hand to run meditation workshops and will be explaining how to bring calm into your home and your everyday life.

Whether it be yoga, tai-chi, the healing power of music and water, crystals, massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, or essential oils, there will be a way of achieving a more balanced mind, body and soul.

For event details and to pre-order a free programme ca ll Aqua Sulis 01761 437436.

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26

The Link Magazine • February 2004

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Games club wins safety award If you expect a library to be a place of hush and contemplation, don't go to West Swindon between 4pm and 6pm on a Friday.

Battles break out each week between teenagers using tape measures, dice, tiny figurines and ghoulish monsters at the Games Club.

Now the club has received a commendation from the Marks & Spencer Community Safety Awards for achievements in reducing crime and creating safer communities.

Youth worker Fran Sampson said the club, which is funded by the front West Swindon Neighbour- Into battle with safety in mind, games players y hood Environmental from left, Michael Butt, Ben Cornell, Ja nes Spencer.

Safety Team, prevents Back, Bradley Reeder, Matthew Baker, Paid Smith, Matt Townsend young people frombecomCurrently thirty take part in ing victims of crime. "It's a safe place where youngsters can pur- gaming and others visit the library sue interests in a positive, construc- to meet friends and make free use of the internet. tive environment."

Club in action in the northern regions An after school battle ground for over 13 year olds has been started at the North Swindon Library on Tuesdays, 4pm to 6pm.

Organised along the lines of the West Swindon club, it offers boys and girls the chance to game against each other. You don't have to be experienced or have your own games' figures. The club provides them; just drop in, take part and find out what's involved.

Juniors take parliamentary trip Youngsters from Haydon Wick Junior Parish Council will be extending their knowledge of the decision making process when they visit the Houses of Parliament in February.

They will be hosted by North provision of a kickabout area at Swindon MP Michael Wills who Haydonleigh School. They have said he was delighted to be wel- selected play equipment to be incoming the group to the House of stalled in local play areas and made Commons. "I have been working suggestions about proposed play with schools and colleges in Swin- provision in the developing housdon to encourage young people to ing areas.

A direction sign for Greenget involved in politics. I hope this visit will make the junior council- meadow School was erected as a lors realise that parliament belongs result of their request. Now their to them just as much as it belongs suggestion that a tennis court be to the politicians and they should provided within the parish is beensure their voices are heard on ing given serious consideration by the council who have established the issues they care about."

The junior council was estab- that a multi-purpose court could lished in March 2002 and com- be provided for about£25,000. The prises children from primary Clary Road field is being considschools in the parish. The parish ered as an ideal location.

Parish administration is not concouncil's aim is to help young people gain an understanding of how fined to the meeting room and the decision making works at local youngsters have been involved in level, how and why money is raised litter-picking and they helped with and spent locally and how issues the distribution of Christmas paraffecting the parish are dealt with. cels to the elderly in December.

They have already visited the Junior councillor vacancies mayor at the Civic Offices, held a debate in the council chamber and Most of the children originally intalked to ward councillors. volved have moved on to secondOver the past 18 months, many ary school though some have conof their ideas have been taken on tinued on the council. There are board by the full parish council. It vacancies and new recruits are was the junior councillors who first being sought from primary drew attention to the need for a schools. For details call the parish skateboard facility as part of the clerk Sue Martin on 722446.

The Link Magazine • February 2004

27

Drivers could cop it outside school Traffic congestion and driver abuse of a lollipop lady outside Oliver Tomkins Church of England Infant and Junior Schools has drawn the attention of Swindon Police who are adding their weight to the rising tide of concern for the safety of pedestrians crossing Beau m aris Road in Toothill.

\may and we are just praying that nobody is killed or seriously injured before action is taken."

West Sector Team WPC Samantha Kelly said she and colleagues from the traffic department were monitoring Beaumaris Road.

"My observations on the ground suggest horrific traffic congestion.

I am very concerned for the people crossing Beaumaris Road and also about the abuse to the road crossing patrol person. Cars are being parked dangerously, sometimes across the school entrance, and some drivers try to force their way down a narrow road on an S bend past the school.

"The crossing patrol person is trying to protect pedestrians by stopping vehicles and there is absolutely no reason why she should be shouted and sworn at."

WPC Kelly said the police were discussing parking restrictions with council officers and would also be patrolling the road as resources permitted.

The Link has consistently highlighted residents complaints that traffic on Beaumaris Road has increased dramatically since Swindon Council installed speed humps on Freshbrook Way last year.

However a report on 11 December to councillors of the West Area Panel said that the evidence of changed traffic fl ows between the two roads was not conclusive.

Now Swindon Police have become involved following an ugly incident before Christmas involving a verbal attack by a parent on the crossing patrol person.

Oliver Tomkins Junior School headteacher Elizabeth Wood said she and her infant school colleague Penny Summers had been shocked and had sent out a strongly worded letter to parents. "The situation is get ti ng worse and it is exasperating that nobody wants to hear our complaints, other than the police who have been very supportive.

"They have made it clear that they think traffic flow has changed

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28 The Link Magazine • February 2004

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A West Swindon environmental group is being encouraged by BT to tell people about itself. ,?

The Peatmoor Community Woodland Group has been awarded £150 from the BT Community Champions' Award Scheme to update notice boards lC ^r ` t around Peatmoor Copse, which ' ' inform people of the voluntary + ° P work being done to maintain the area as an important haven for , -_ tr wildlife and biodiversity in the s ^, urban area.

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woods which were once part of the ancient Braydon Forest, once a royal hunting ground. Cutting back trees like hazel, ash, and willow on a seven year management cycle increases the life span of the trees and opens up glades in the wood to bring to life wildflowers such as bluebells. In the past the cut wood was used for many purposes such as fencing. Group members also maintain trails and footpaths so that the changing flora and fauna can be observed year round.

Organiser Liz Emmerson is always keen to appeal to people liv-

BT award winners in the woods, from left, Simon and Emily Smith, Andy Tucker, Liz Ennnerson, George Curd

ing closeby not to flytip garden rubbish and for others walking through the area to avoid dropping litter.

The woodland group meets on the first Sunday of the month,l0am to 2pm, and new volunteers are always welcome to help out. Training is provided in the use of equipmeat. For details call Liz on 876654.

Swindon & District Bonsai Society Winter Image Show Saturday 28 February, 10.30am - 4.30pm Coleview Community Centre, Towcester Road Trade stands by Dai-Ichi Bonsai & Walsall Ceramics Refreshments Further information from 822470 or 07870 995727

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RTA was originally launched in Have you ever expected a return call only to wait and wait? Portsmouth 17 months ago and Experience suggests that fifty per has recently gained recognition cent of calls about small jobs go from Portsmouth Trading Standunanswered after the original en- ards as a member of its Square quiry.

Deal Initiative.

While not all RTA tradesmen The answer is at hand. Retired Trades Associates (RTA) takes are retired or semi-retired, the mature, retired or semi-retired emphasis is very much upon ustrades persons and provides them ing mature, skilled tradesmen.

The tradesmen are not only with the opportunity to work on household jobs to suit their require- skilled in their relevant field but take pride in their work and unments.

Skills like plumbing, carpentry derstand traditional values such and electrical expertise are quickly as reliability and quality.

So, if it is simply replacing a disappearing because younger generations are not replacing dripping tap, or time to consider a full bathroom or kitchen re-fit, or tradesmen who are retiring.

RTA provides those who have even redecorating throughout, retired a continuing sense of worth give RTA a call on 07850 355687, or and the opportunity to meet peo- contact Andrew Davidson at RTAple said Andrew Davidson, who SN on 820991. has started the RTA in the Swin- • RTA is still looking for mature, don area. "Our target clientele is retired or semi-retired trades pernot being served with a reliable sons with hours to suit their own service. We have no intention of needs. If you miss the challenge of undercutting or alienating success- work, need to fund your golf fees, ful companies, but intend to pro- supplement your pension, or pay vide a valuable and complimen- for your holiday in the sun, then tary service." call Andrew Davidson.

The Link Magazine • February 2004

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30 The Link Magazine • February 2004

Positive outlook for youth A project to encourage disaffected young people to integrate with their communities is giving them the chance to take part in art workshops, outdoor volunteering and sporting activities.

Positive Activities for •Young People is a three year Government programme to reduce antisocial behaviour truancy and crime. Locally the project aimed at 8 to 19 year olds is run by the Trident Trust, Connexions, Swindon and Wiltshire County Councils and the Swindon and Wiltshire Youth Sculpting for positive futures in the Link Centre, Offending Teams. from left, Chris Cook, Blair Eggerton, Adam Bidwell, Activity Develop- April Boyd, Luke Patterson, James Spellman with ment Manager Nikki artist Gordon Dickinson of No Added Sugar Green said organised activity holiday programmes have art workshops which encourage a positive effect on reducing the their personal development, group numbers of young people referred activities which make a contributo youth offending teams. "The tion to the community, such as project aims to divert young peo- woodland coppicing, as well as ple at risk of social exclusion and fun events like skating at the Link committing crime. The participants Centre, the project opens up other have been referred by a number of avenues to develop self respect and agencies and each is allocated a self confidence, and respect for key worker who has a personal others." advisor qualification or a youth Two positive activity weeks work backgrou nd. They work with have taken place in the October the young people to look at the half term and Christmas holidays barriers which prevent them Further weeks are being planned for half term breaks and school achieving their full potential.

"B y engaging the youngsters in holidays.

S

^ , ^

Authorities tackle problems of unruly youngsters in Haydon Residents living close to the underpass below Westfield Way linking Clary Road and Bayleaf Avenue are continuing to apply pressure on statutory agencies to solve the problems they experience from gangs of youths who gather in the underpass, particularly on weekend evenings causing abuse and vandalism.

The issue was reviewed at a spe- The letter predicts litter, noise, cial meeting on 6 January attended drunkenness, drug-use, graffiti, by parish and local borough coun- damage and misery, and a likely cillors, the Police, the Crime and fall in house values.

Disorder Unit, the newly estabSwindon councillor David lished Neighbourhood Safety Reynard vigorously denied that Team (NEST), highways depart- these are likely outcomes and emment, the youth service and trad- phasised that the facility will coning standards. It was agreed that tain a floodlit kickabout area and the police should continue to pa- basketball hoops and only three trol the site and gather evidence to items of simple skateboarding establish whether more extreme equipment. action is called for.

He points out that many of those At the NEST meeting on 12 Janu- who objected to the scheme durary parish councillors and resi- ing the planning process lived outdents vented frustration at what side Haydon Wick and that 93 per they feel is insufficient enforce- cent of parents of pupils attending ment action. Swindon councillor the school were in favour of the Ian Dobie confirmed that trading scheme. standards will prosecute shop Castigating the opponents of the keepers and assistants on the first proposal coun Reynard said, "this offence of supplying alcohol to small number of people are aware under 18s. of the facts but refuse to accept Meanwhile, people living near them. They are unable to see that Haydonleigh School have received an overwhelming number of peoan anonymous letter warning of ple across the whole community si milar problems if a skate board welcome this development and the facility is included in the planned consultation process was carried multi-use games area due to be out in an open, transparent and opened at the school next Autumn. democratic way."

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More Special Constables Needed Now! n Wanting to do something rewarding with your spare time? OR • Thinking of joining the police in the future? OR • Family grown up or early-retired with time to spare?

Come and meet serving Specials at the Brunel Centre, Swindon Every Saturday in February We are looking for people with 16 hours to spare a month to take on the Powers of a Constable. You will be provided with full training to undertake this role. This role is good experience if you wish to join the regular force in the future and will enable you to see if this is the right career for you.

If you are aged 18 1 / 2 or over then why not find out more!

For more information please telephone Cathy Jones on 01380 734066 (24-hour answerphone) or visit our website.

Acknowledgements to The Brunel Centre for their support

The Link Magazine • February 2004

31

Experienced officer on the West beat Although only in the police since 1995 WPC Samantha Kelly has built up a wealth of experience which will stand her in good stead for any incident on the Freshbrook and Grange Park beat which she has had since October.

She joined the Metropolitan Police eight years ago, working in the tough Kilburn and Wembley areas. In one operation to foil robLI beries on elderly people she acted as a decoy which resulted in three villains responsible for 40 incidents being sent to prison.

Samantha was also involved in the major enquiry in 1998 which resulted in three life sentences for the railway murderer who carried out three killings and over 17 rapes.

In the investigations for the Soho pub bombing in 1999 she was on the Casualty Bureau at Scotland Yard.

During 2000 to 2001 she was seconded to Surrey Police to manage three police stations with some

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Y^ t^G

to a large arrangement Call Kay on 01793 871326 or Lesley on 01793 872136 for a free quotation and friendly service Prompt delivery J-rcSh bouquets made to order

A caring service at competitive rates.

sixty officers.

Samantha is sexual offences trained and has worked on child

6 oi vt g away oVA holicicay ov

SCRUPUS PET SITT IN G

bLtsiviess?

9, "

Home / pet sitting - live in or out Home visits - including feeding/ walkies • Dog walking Travel to airports / ferry ports • Transport/collection from any European destination • •

Keeping an ey Swindon Council and Thamesdow deck buses with digital CCTV came at reducing vandalism and anti-so Currently the yellow buses conve at Purton, St Joseph's Roman Cathc Highworth.

If successful, CCTV could be ext

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

Pets At Home could be your answer

For details, please call Estelle on 07810 814953 or Tracey on 01367 253844 or 07799 488652 e-mail: tracey@hoefnagels.fsnet.co.uk

sheila@hannahlightfoot.freeserve.co.uk

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

,ver , . SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE

Animal

c

Portraits beautifully

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C

,

enf

drawn from

fL

Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 5PY

A friendly, caring service for you and your pet

photographs

David Warnes BVSc MRCVS

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.

Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on 873062

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

For that extra

Consultations by appointment:

special keepsake,

call Vikki

Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.30pm

01793 513536 or 0779 9605045

Saturday 9.00am - 4.00pm 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

e: v.loeber@virgin.net www.vikkiloeber.co.uk

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 hours)

THE DROVE For offers,

VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Thameswood prices,advicea

t

iformation, log on

Small Animal Hospital

Abbeymeads Veterinary Surgery For all your pets needs when healthy or ill Unit 5

Abbeymeads Village Centre Elstree Way Abbeymeads

Opening hours:

Mon - Fri 9am - o.3opn, Saturday 12noon - 3pm Consulting hours: 13y appointment Mon - Fri: 9am - 10.30am;

Swindon

3.30pm - 5pm; 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Tel: (01793) 728728

Saturday

24 hour Emergency Service

,,. st r______

t

Swindon's most modern snail! animal hospital, offering high quality surgical and medical care at competitive prices irithin a caring, fi iendly and professional environment.

62 - 64 Purton Road, Swindon Tel: 01793 526780 Open all day: Monday - Friday.

12noon - 3pm

24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE - All Sunda and Emergency consults h appointment at The Drove Veterinary Hospital - Telephone (01793) 522483

to our web site

Saturday 9am - 11 am 4

Consultations by appointment. Ample free parking

32

Nobody really knows the risks from mobiles Despite the widely publicised report from the independent National Radiological Protection Board in January that mobiles do not give cause for concern, the scientists could not say they were absolutely risk free from non-ionising radiation.

They specifically suggested that young people should not use mobiles for long periods of time.

Some phone users complain about headaches, burning sensations, itching on the skin, tiredness, lack of concentration and irritation.

Avoiding radation altogether is not an option but a British company, Ecoflow, has invented the 'Biophone'which is attached to the phone, close to its aerial, to neutralise the harmful effects.

Details on the Biophone can be obtained from The Link on 872282. For information on radiation from phones go to www.radiationresearch.org

t1w

DECORATORS High quality painting Et decorating

Interior Et exterior For free quotations call 01793 634523 or 07734 779736

LETTERS TO THE LINK

CARPETECH Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning • Domestic & commercial • Suites, curtains, rugs • Stain protection • Odour treatments • Insecticide treatments Professional products & reliable friendly service Trained to industry standards - certificates available For a free quotation call 01793 771441 or 07966 100437

Letters should be sent by 9th of the month to the address on page 4 Great response from readers From Vikki Loeber, Animal Portraits

I am writing to inform you of the fantastic response I had to the preChristmas advertising 1 took out with your publication.

I was fully booked with portrait orders, so thank you Link Magazine.

I would also like to wish you, your readers and all my customers a very happy and prosperous 2004.

Lydiard Park, an excellent classroom From Bob Linnegar, Greendown School

We at Greendown have always considered ourselves very lucky to have Lydiard House and its park in our back yard, an open air classroom with a diversity of learning experiences for both its students and staff.

Therefore we are delighted that agreement has been reached on the regeneration of Lydiard and that the Heritage Lottery Fund has indicated that it will support the project. It is such a glorious place to learn about science, history and geography.

Over the last year staff from school have been working with the team at the 'house' to develop new resources and opportunities to link the park with the curricuIum.LastAutumntheStJohnfamily donated an extensive software package to the Humanities department to help with the teaching of the English Civil War. From next year vocational education will become part of the core curriculum, and all students will be expected to study a vocational

based GCSE. With the Borough Council reaffirming its support for the restoration of the parkland, Greendown is able to expand the range of courses into horticulture, archaeology, and leisure and tourism, all directly related to the Lydiard restoration work that will be carried out over the coming years.

Citizenship is already part of the core curriculum and the positive interaction between our students and the park will teach them to become advocates for this incredible facility, encouraging their families and friends to use the parkland in a constructive way.

The Heritage Lottery bid that Sarah Finch-Crisp and RWE Innogy have put together will mean that the house and the church will now be placed in their appropriate setting. This historically i mportant project will mean that our community has an educational opportunity for not just our generation, but for generations to come.

Sk8 success From Alison Spalding - alison@swindonsk8project.fsnet.co.uk

Swindon Community Sk8 Project would like to thank everyone who was involved with our Awareness Week and competition day in December.

They were both successful and would nothave been possible without the support of the community and the bands, DJ's and voluntary workers throughout the event. We would also like to thank Martha Parry and the New Mechanics' Institution Trust for the use of the old Railway Museum. Without their support the event could not have taken place.

The Furnace on Christmas Eve again raised funds for the project and we would like to say a big thank you to them for their on-going support.

We hope that everyone who bought a ticket for the competition day enjoyed the event and for forthcoming sk8 related activities view our website: www.swindoncommunitysk8project.com

CHARISMA BLINDS

A rainbow of colours for your home this Spring! ch the rainbow at Charisma Blinds

(tThe ctory - the place for quality and valu Manufacturers and suppliers of all types of blind: Full fitting service or cash and carry Factory showroom open Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm Friday 9.30am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm BSS House, Cheney Manor Ind. Est., Swindon. Tel: 01793 434584

YOUR LOCAL PVC-U MANUFACTURER • Buy direct from our factory • We make it and we fit it • High security • 10 year guarantee • Lowest prices

Why not let us handle everything from start to finish?

Call today 01793 790944 or 07973 232435 (evenings and weekends) The Marsh, Lower Wanborough. SN4 OAS

33

0

Cetet tt 6tits y 16 yews

J.F.K BUILDING

phiatiµgj 4K

beco►-6t ( µy

Specialists in PVCU, windows, doors and conservatories.

SERVICES Extensions, Alterations, Renovations All aspects of garden construction including fencing

i'

ll

i blest toinbok

SOLUTION

Offering a high standard of work with references available.

UPVC fascia boards

Maintenance free cladding & guttering Expertly fitted at DIY prices

Telephone for a fr ee estimate:

All general building work J

Tel: Mr J.F. Keenan (01793) 727824

hoses

07774-208527 days

Tel: 01793 848177 or 770596

Work it out for yourself

or 870515 eves.

?2 Ravi'ns VValk, Wootton Basuett,

T111 1 1: SURVEY NO 1)LPOSI'h 20' fascia board fitted 20' fascia & gutter fitted 20' fascia, soffit & gutter

£ 60 £135 £205

20'fascia & soffit

£130

^i

(prices correct at time of publication) For a Quality Installation

COMPLETE PROPERTY SERVICES (Formerly Merlin Property Services)

+ Kitchens

: Bathrooms

+ Renovations + Alterations Industrial maintenance •• Plumbing + Electrical

UPVC Doors & Windows

For a free quote

Carpentry

+ Floor & wall tiling

For free & friendly advice on our full range of Gutter/Fascia systems professionally installed and guaranteed. CALL US ON

+ Painting & decorating

Mobile: 07785 522377 Tel: 01793 616170

Swindon 855700 / 855800 Unit 23 & 24 Oaklands Ind. Est. Braydon. Swindon

Loft conversion specialists Convert a dark

KINGFISHER' WINDOWS • DOORS • CONSERVATORIES

unused space ... into an open light modern living area ) as

9

rLa

LLd Call Free phone 0800 9178695

www.acenti.co.uk Acenti Designs Ltd., Hillsborough, Bishopstone SN6 8PW

THE CLEAR CHOICE FOR QUALITY, VALUE AND SECURITY • Full Range of PVC-U and Aluminium Products • Various Colours and Finishes • Competitive Finance Options (written details

Who sets the Hire Standard?

e-mail: rapers@tinyworld.co.uk

• Small Plant & Equipment Hire

Specialist to Trade & DIY • Power Tool Repairs and Sales

on request)

10 Year Guarantee

4iiJ

Visitors are always welcome Open 6 days a week Mon to Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm Saturday 8.00am - 12.30pm

Mmi

BS 7412 KM 40251

'V Ic$WINDOW FEDE-ON

Grt. Western Way

FOR FREE LOCAL ADVICE AND ESTIMATE western W.y p3^p1 ^A _, ^

Gro

178 Rodbourne Road pj

(Near Designer Outlet Village)

Tel: 01793 522306

UNIT 7, BARNFIELD ROAD, GREAT WESTERN WAY, SWINDON SN2 2DJ

WE ARE HERE

Ror/6o ^ rne y

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',

1

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34

Iire

®

bathrooms &

BUILDING SERVICES

BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS

P111171billg

* Quality bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring all taken care of

"'`

general plumbing Ciimplete Bathroom Installation • PLUMBING • I ILING • ELECTRICS • EN SUITES FREE QUOTATIONS

Also painting, decorating and paperhanging

Maintenance work undertaken Est 15 years

Fora free quotation ca ll

Free estimates

or 07771 998924 email: shirebathroomsCgaol.coni

DECORATOR

1

01793 875559

07767 41707 9

07748 964433

01793 435876 (eve)

or

DOUBLE GLAZING

DECORATOR

DECORATOR

SG

JAMES

•

Domestic & Commercial FREE ESTIMATES Quality & Service Tel: 01793 882093 Mobile: 07957 934536

ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING

SHAW Electrical & Plumbing Ltd installations. Maintenance & repairs

lighting

Interior & Exterior Painting and Decorating

No job too sinall • Rooms left tidy daih Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

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

Wallpapering, Coving, Artexing

Contact Andy: 01793729354/07900835116

FLOORING

IP. i . i .

-

Tel: (01793) 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364 Nil=EIS National Inspection Council ^o.EO o• for Electrical Installation Contracting

HEATING & PLUMBING Quality PlU Plumbing & Heating • Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Outside taps • Power showers • Hathroom installations Reg: 12es 66 All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

FENSA See our advert on page 22

7

@X

3zr

All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet

'INEMA ROOM • GAMES ROOM GYMNASIUM • OFFICE PLAYROOM • KITCHEN/DINER TEL: 01793 770088 MOB: 07710 150644

garden electrics heating * bathrooms

For quality windows and doors Tel: 01793 331551 07775 621764 / 07799 284998

GARAGE CO NV ERSIONS

V"

power & electric showers

II

Esicrhlished 22 years

^r MASTERFITTER

rewiring

INSTALLATIONS

Interior/exterior painting & decorating • Wallpaper hanging • Tiling • Replacement skirtingboards, coving, picture rails • Laminate fl ooring fitted • And other carpentry & building services

Domestic, commercial & industrial

security lighting O

O'SULLIVAN

ii] LR

Painting 'I and decorating

•

Extensions and loft conversion ••• • Spe41d11StS

:g All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, machines installed

01 7 93 431211

G•P• Building Specialist Ltd

Wood & ceramics • Supply or fit only Commercial/domestic • Safety flooring All work guaranteed • 14 years experience Call now for a free, at home consultation

•nTTTiI 07970 865883 25 Kennet Avenue, Greenmeadow

HOUSE/GARDEN

00CJL/

U

(^1

c /9' 00

oo

MAINTENANCE

/till l%L5'

L7 0002S

MAINTENANCE

D & G HOUSE & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

I

ALL EXTERNAL & INTERNAL WORK

Tel/Fax: 01793 723495 Mobile: 07771 617992 All garden work Concreting paths Patio repairs Repair or replace small walls Grass cutting Hedges & trees cut Plumbing repairs Toilets, wash basins, bath taps,, overflows 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

^]

Z1

I Retired and semi-retired tradesmen available

for all household tasks Electrical • Plumbing Carpentry • Decorating Handymen Call Andrew' on 01793 820991 or 07850 355687 • Reliable • 'Frustworthy • •

Affordable

•

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

SERVICES

All interior and exterior fffaintenance problems solved • Bathrooms & • Carpentry kitchens • Fascia/ • Plumbingg cladding claddin • Painting • Electrical Quality service guaranteed Full in sured y Special rates for senior citizens Free no obligation quotation Tel: 01793 434184 or 07719 272393 www.generalmaintenanceservices.co.uk Our iogrutition is built on )jour satisfaction

our •wide to hornle rriainter^ance services g BUILDING SERVICES

CARPENTRY

NATHAN PERKINS LTD

Paul JZhind Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted UPVC windows & doors Conservatories, fascias and guttering Roofing Ft building maintenance Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

C O NSERVATORIES

se rvke4 J Fitted bedrooms and kitchens J Replacement doors & staircases J Laminate floors O Household repairs and general maintenance J Decking - supplied and fitted Free no obligation quotes Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

ELECTRICIAN

Dave Ody

Ladsworth ELECTRICAL

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294

M.P.S. MOBILE: 07816 906437 matt@mpsheating.co.uk www.mpsheating.co.uk

Insurance backed guaranteed

Tel: 01793 887690 Mobile: 07798 682271

r Reg: 67416

PLASTERING

Al Electrical Services

Security lighting & alarms Electric showers Rewires P.C. networks

lastering Services External rendering * Plastering two coat * Re-skimming * Dry lining * Coving * New or repairs

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

—

FREE QUOTES Phone 01793 877032 Mobile 07711 458026 All work guaranteed and undertaken by a qualified engineer

HEATING & PLUMBING

Don't be left out

in the COLD! & installed • Landlord/moving house safety inspections

Central heating installations,

Bathroom suites installed and all other

^{ plumbing work unde rtaken • Central heating systems flushed / (powertlush) '"''t^ • Hot water systems descaled • Quote onrequest 2a hour call out '.

• Natural gas & LPG qualified '

boiler servicing and repairs, bathroom and power showers All aspects of plumbing

British Gas trained Reg 187606

Ing

ervcuS! • Fully insured • Quality workmanship • Competitive rates All aspects of plastering covered Tel: 01793 882329 M: 07766 525959

• Additional sockets & lights • Security lighting • Fault finding and repair • Electric showers • PC networks Free quotes

Phone Ash on 07748 973324 First class work b y a qualified electrical engineer

HEATING & PLUMBING

I

20 years experience in plumbing work

Central heating

• All gas appliances serviced, repaired

SERVICES

-

For all domestic electric installations

RJ PEARCE PLUMBING & HEATING LTD

Reg: 202015

Bathrooms

& showers Competitive rates All work guaranteed No job too small For further details

call Richard on 01793 879156

Tel: 722449 • Mob: 07956 410982

or 07747 723606

PLASTERING

PLUMBING

Brian Jones p

No job too big or too small. Free estimates and friendly service

New electrical installations

Fault finding & repair

& PLUMBING

I PLASTERING

Interior & exterior painting and decorating Coving • Dado rails

NEWTECH U.K. Ltd

Additional telephone points

HEATING, GAS

01793 815254

GK DECORATORS

ELECTRICIAN

Additional sockets and lights

Tel:

®

independent

Full range of finishes

Tel: 01793 821377 Mob: 07930 284293

ROB HALL /^

CALL 01793 522579

10 years '

Experienced & reliable

HEATING & PLUMBING

For vas central heating. bathrooms, showers and all other plumbing & heating work

Ea

W

Quality Domestic Electrical Installations Extractor fans Outside lighting Pond pumps Power to sheds & garages Extra lights & sockets Electric showers

HEATING & PLUMBING

Heating & Plumbing

t

DECORATOR

Tel:01793 701394 Mobile: 07830 184483

ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICIAN

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

Windows Doors Porches Conservatories

35

L.P.A PLASTERING From a

patch to a whole house

:

Free estimates Mobile: 07909 983462 Tel: 01793 703936

Reg: 203L55

General plumbing

services • Radiators • Pumps • Tanks • Boilers • Cylinders • Burst pipe

, J (

• Taps

• Washing machine installed A local service by

o o ^c

Tel: 01793 435392

36

SERVICE

ACCOUNTANCY TAO ToxAssisTD

i

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses and taxpayers 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

ACCOUNTANCY

AERIAL SE RVIC ES

AERIAL SERVICES

N.S.A. Accounting Services

Aerial & Television

CHRIS PAYNE

for all your accounting needs Our friendly and experienced staff are ready to help you with: VAT Returns • Tax Returns Payrolls - Construction Industry Partnerships • Sole-traders We offer a tailored service to suit all your needs

BOOK-KEEPING

TO GET YOUR MESSAGE ACROSS I N SWINDON'S MOST CLOSELY PUBLICATION, CALL

01793 872531 DETAILS @

www.swind nlink.com

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 Mobile: 07702 285865

AERIALS

• TV & FM aerials • Extra satellite points • Video & TV repairs • Freeview installation • Signal amplifiers

Savage

Complete (1 Book-keeping Se rv ices

charge

For a professional & friendly service

call 01793 616170 for a free no obligation consultation

Tel: 01793 702601 Mobile: 07774 943 783

• Carpets. rugs. curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • I kill) insured [!

• Quickly usable You'll be amazed how affordable iii,', call for your free estimate from vow local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 chit .schi eli-uv'(' h iinternei.cow

GAS CARE LPG a NATURAL GAS SERVICES

• Fires a fireplaces • Cookers a Hells

and installation

Tel: 01666 860119 Mobile: 07768 027860 BRITISH GAS t/ CONTRACTOR

q

REMOVALS / PACKING / STORAGE

DENNIS'S REMOVALS THORNHILL IND ESTATE SOUTH MARSTON, SWINDON SN3 4TA TEL: (01793) 828224 FAX : (01793) 828248

and heating systems.

Competitive rates. British Gas trained

or 07956 410981

I I REMOVALS & STORAGE f(FV,C,

, D AMNS V

11

^^

_ "We're bigger than we sound/

Tel: 01793 772888

THE MAN WITH A VAN Established over 30 years • UK & European domestic moves Container storage in our own on-site secure warehouse Professionally trained staff • Packing materials supplied Packing service available • Commercial removals & storage Archive storage & document retrieval Confidential shredding and disposal • Free Estimates

For friendly EXPERT advice & PROMPT on-site service

Tel: 01793 633924 Mobile: 0781 6014363 sales@sigmacomputersolutions.co.uk

INTERNET

Are you happy with the way your website is helping your business."

Has it been recently revamped? the search engines?

of all gas appliances 2 0216

z

NEW PCs/Spares/Repairs Upgrades/Service/Support Internet & Network Solutions

Has it been optimised for

Call Lee on 01793 877214 7:1i^I

SKY

IComputer SIGMA Solutions

LRS Heating for service, repair

Dennis Brown, Gas Engineer

Tel: 01793 700078 Mobile: 0111 6236415

Cif Whitewa,

HEATING ENGINEER

• Boiler changes

Sky & digital terrestial

COMPUTER SUPPO

Don't get caught cold this winter!!

• Boilers

Satellite TV

CARPET CLEANING

L. maii

GAS SERVICES

& SATELLITE SYSTEMS

Storm damage

All work guaranteed

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

• Management accounts • VAT return • Sage - payroll • Sage-accounting • Self assessment • Self employed • Small business

O'

Extra TV, telephone & electrical points

No call out

Call us now for a free no obligation quote Tel: 01793 632249 Mobile: 07810 543325 helen@hsaaccountingservices.fsnet.co.uk

J

Services

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

Tel: 01793 772888 Fax: 01793 772444 EMail: ashobbs@theashgroup.freeserve.co.uk

What ever your trade we can review or design your business website and our package is not as expensive as you may think. for , lree telephone consultation ring 01793 875854; 07708 333661 or entail info@ so-ur nnred.co.uk

RUBBISH REMOVALS COMM ERCIAVDOMESTI RUBBISH DISPOSAL DEMOLITION HOUSE CLEARANCE METALS & CARS DISPOSED OF You name it, we move it

Quick & clean service Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

Tel: 01793 772268

SECTOR AIRPORT TRAVEL

37

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

AIRPORTS Specialist airport transfer services by car, MPV or 8 seater minibus Reliable travel for holiday makers Competitive prices

( APPLIANCE REPAIRS

ff-SA!

I

t

Same day, local service wherever possible

• Most leading

brands • Guarantee d repairs • Same day service

Washing Machines _ ^ Twin Tubs, etc.

Member of Tumble Driers I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Service Spares Repairs 4

v

No call out charge • No VAT

A SUDS

Tel: 725 000 COMPUTER SUPPORT IT -2-O • co m ^=

PC Support straight to your door •

Computer running slow?

• some advice?

• Looking rade? g to u

pg • Equipment required?

• Virus and Internet attack questions?

• Wishing to backup?

01793 887883 / 07949 288996

contact@it-2-u.com

www.it-2-u.com

Pro-R

IRONING

DOMESTIC HELP

xo

h 9UTh

Commercial & Domestic

BLOCKED DRAINS

Services Agency

CLEARED FAST

ARE YOU TOO BUSY TO CLEAN? We offer: /> ' t ♦ Regular house cleaning r • Ironing / Gardening • Carpet cleaning * Also office cleaning service For full details 'all us on

01793 861

= Vfax)

Creaseless Ironing Services

Extensions Conversions Refurbishments For prompt service, tel: 321943

^^EC ^^ccw ^^

SPARES • REPAIRS • SER\ ICE

YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT QUIPMENT

•

•

Pipe relining

• •

Locally based - competitive rates 24 hour call out

•

No call out charee

SERVICE CENTRE 11 The Arcade, High Street

Tel: 01793 435392

Tel: 01793 85 4378

JJI 1

LH IRONING SERVICES

planning service for New build

CCTV surveys High pressure jetting

•

OVE N CLEANING

I RONING

by Kas

?

ARCHITECTURAL Complete design, plans, and

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

DRAINS

JUSrTHEJOB Quality cleaning with pride and care

ARCHITECTURAL

v EAIV

From a 13 amp fuse or cleaner bag to fridges or vacuum cleaners we offer an efficient & personal service.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE

Wootton Bassett

REMO VALS/STORAGE

ABBEY MOVE

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

(est. 1998) One-off, weekly, fortnightly or simply whenever!

Pick up and delivery back to your front door the next day.

Good Prices

Call Karen

NOT ANYMORE!!

Ironing collected & returned to your door within 24 hours.

Fully insured For a friendly, reliable service telephone 321665

01793 341644

Mobile: 07752 020722

SEC URITY SYSTEMS —

IRONING A CHORE??

saib u

'own

Security

Burglar alarms Access controls CCTV • Fire alarms Installed, repaired, maintained 24 hour monitoring for police response

For details call Doug Marshall on 433999

SKIP HIRE

To book your Oven Clean call 01793 520362 We use caustic free cleaning products with a fresh solution each time. Hobs, extractors, microwaves and barbecue grills

also undertaken

TV & VIDEO REPAIRS(

.SSETT SKIPS LTD 2, 4 or 6 ton skips Same day o ff road delivery 20 to 40 yard roll-on roll-off containers J Hire the grab lorry to pick up a pile of waste Hardcore/crushed

concrete available Domestic, industrial or commercial

18951

GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE Free home estimates No call out charge * All repairs guaranteed

Tel: 01793-812738

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

Tel (01793) 727307 Mob 07811 188564 WWW.ABBEYMOVE.CO.UK

WEB DESIGN/PC J2n13AynE COMPU 13 n6 SE VJC£S LTD Established 1993

+ Fully Qualified Web Design + One-to-One PC Training + Internet & Email + Word & Excel + Digital Photography + Web Design & HTML + Competitive Hourly Rates Contact Alayne on 01793 875647 www.robaynecomputing.biz email: info@robaynecomputing.biz

38 The Link Magazine • February 2004 GUITAR TUITION °

PIANO TEACHER

LEARN TO PLAY THE VIOLIN with

- All levels Beginners welcome - Electric or Acoustic - Most styles Set ups Call Andy Hobbs on 824907 or mobile 07742 093572 http://members.lycos.co.uk/

Concert pianis t/ organist Tuition in piano and keyboard All ages. pre-school to adult Classical, grade exams. jazz. church music Accompanist for exams. concerts Flexible teaching hours Call Joy Walker on 01793 321236 or email: joywalker@ntlworld.com -%

Swindon Suzuki Strings

Suitable for all ages 01793 700099 http://www.mab.tgis.co.uk

Digital Cameras ..•' PCs, Laptops

J.D. 21pholstery (- p lvolster y' rej)ai/s e

& Accessories

recoverin, trot7l .-C

/8

DECOTEX Painter & Decorator

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Specialising in supplying and sourcing pre-owned, refurbished & end of line

Specialist Artexing

materials or in tour own For . fru7her cletailc call 01 793 871808

Tel: (01793) 791388

Registered childminder Experienced 7 years Flexible, friendly, negotiable rates Available Monday to Friday for school drop-offs from Gam to 9am. and pick-ups from 3pm to 9pm Also available all day on Monday. Thursday.

Friday and weekends

Call 07957 166529 or 87 1466 NCMA Registered Childminder in Ash Brake With full/part line vacancies Non smoking environment Flexible hours • Fully enclosed garden Art & craft-outings-toys-books-cooking

For further details, call 111793 703 642 or 07751 427 I74

Also PC Services

Setup, spares. upgrades, tuition etc

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Please telephone. fax or email r with you requirements

We transfer anything onto DVD Disc - Cine Film, Video tape, Wedding Photos Phone for a leaflet or advice

T: 01793 531201 M: 07747 747000 Fax: 01793 430774 Email: sales(a)amos-uk.com w ebsite: www.amos-uk.com

Tel: 01793 705333 Mobile: 07831 575758 H . Bath PQ Box 2079 Ma nve rs S tre et . Bath BAt 3TJ

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CRYSTAL & REIKI HEALING

Indis;ao,., g designed stationery created with exquisite materials Contact Anna on 07717 775577 or annaelisabethdesigns@yahoo.co.uk

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Julie Hopkins Crystal Healer & Reiki Master Tel: 01793 870109

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For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

Car seat for 18 months -4 years. good condition. £20. Tel: 07780 963344 Mamas & Papas pushchair/buggy. cosytoes. raincover, swivel/fixed wheels, excel cond. £60. Tel: 728007 Mamas & Papas pushchair, navy, includes cosytoes & raincover. vgc. £80. Tel: 882783 Mothercare wicker crib, white drapes and mattress, only used for 5 months, £25. Tel: 771116 Mothercare pine cot with mattress excellent condition. cost £200, sell for £50. Tel: 611818 Magna Wheels Fire Stomper, new, still in box, age 3+. paid £30, sell for £18. Tel: 481004 Brand new Totectors safety shoes. black leather. size 8.5. £20. Tel: 61 1818 Long denim coat, fluffy seams, size 6. worn twice. from Pilot, good condition. £30 ono. Tel: 07780 963344 Bunk beds & mattresses. £40. Chunky sofa. £40. Ikea sofa bed, £60. O. U. psychology books, £3 each. Tel: 643157 Pine furniture: dresser, display shelves, double cupboard. £150. Child's wardrobe unit. £75. Tel: 700136 Silver metal bunkbed. desk, shelves. futon underneath, comes with mattress, excel condition. £100 ono. Tel: 635478

Metal high bed with settee underneath.

Vgc but settee cushions may need recovering/replacing, hence price of £40.

Tel: 771244 Marks & Spencer 8 piece Harvest crockery. plus many extras, serving dishes, etc, excellent condition, as new, £75. Tel: 881076 Two three seater sofas with spare set loose covers, (green. terracotta), buyer collects, £200 ono. Tel: 704832 Two 2 seater settees, honey colour, one armchair. fire resistant. £220. G Plan glass top round coffee table, £55. all excellent condition. Tel: 725944 Dining table, round, G Plan, needs slight polish. 48" extends to 65", £25, no offers. Tel: 878034 Dining table and 6 chairs, teak effect, extendable, good condition. £120.

Matching wall unit. vgc, £40. Tel:

Coffee table, solid wood & hand waxed.

Indian design, I: 110cm, d: 60cm, h: 40cm. £55. Tel: 726145 (eve) Nest of tables, solid wood & hand waxed. Indian design, largest I: 46cm, d: 30cm, h: 46cm. £55. Tel: 726145

Rowing machine: Tunturi R605. vgc. flywheel driven. £50. Tel: 320850 Tanglewood SJ6 solid top electroacoustic guitar. Fishman pickups.

Excellent condition. £190. Tel: 872282 Telescope: Tasco Galaxsee 450x two eyepieces. equatorial mount. full instructions. vgc, £50. Tel: 320850 Wheelchair, electric, vgc. joystick control with charger, £395 ono. Tel:

882414

Dining chairs, set of 4. dusky pink dralon, studded padded. Italian design, very elegant, vgc, £80. Tel: 877375 Dining table & four chairs, solid wood & hand waxed. Indian design. 1:170cm. d: 90cm, h: 77cm. £430. Tel: 726145 (eve) Large corner unit, solid wood and metal work, hand waxed, Indian design, height 193cm. £220. Tel: 726145 (eve) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ,

Free private for Sale & Wanted ads Send to: The Link, Papermakers House, Rivenhall Road, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7BD, by 12th of the month

Tel : Name & Address (not for publication) L-------------------I

(eve)

Armchair, pink dralon, excellent condition, £75. Tel: 812641 Small wardrobe, 39" deep. 72" high, 39 wide. £20. Tel: 872531 Large fawn armchair with removable back and side cushions, good condition, £60. Tel: 873484 Pine TV/video cabinet, good condition, £20 ono. Tel: 722863 Dehumidifier, removes condensation, damp and mould, quiet operation, two fan speed. as new. £40. Tel: 528554 Mahogany fire surround with cream marble hearth/brass fender. £30. Tel: 877375

Coal effect gas fire. mahogany surround, marble hearth and backing, £50 ono. Tel: 07970 029545 Office desk 55 x 27 inches, solid light wood. with drawers. £20. Tel: 874287 Upright fridge freezer, £30. Jaguar XJ

762409

Shed apex roof. 6ft x 8ft, 2yrs old, buyer collects, excellent condition, £95 ono. Tel: 721677 Lawn mower, non electric, gives good cut, £10. Tel: 874767 Twelve foot dinghy with mast, sails, trailers, needs TLC, so only £50. Tel: 07906 486369

Hamster cage with house. bowl. wheel etc. vgc. £15 ono. Tel: 07780 963344 Match fishing box, not brill condition. good starter box, 4 drawers. £25. Tel: 700996

7/8 berth frame tent includes trailer and extras. vgc. £250 ono. Tel: 487663 Mobility scooter, 4 wheel. not very old. 2 batteries. vgc. £695 ono. Tel:

1 988. £200. Tel: 322779

762409

Small freezer, 21"x21"x 24", £15 ono.

Tel: 875564 Lewis chessmen, epoxy-resin. copies of Viking chess pieces. £20 ono. Tel:

Rover Metro 1.1 H reg, 1991, 4 door, MOT. taxed, very clean, excellent drive, £425. Tel: 642529 Fiat Punto 60S. P reg, 44.000 miles, blue, tax and MOT to Oct 04. new clutch.good condition, £1,400 ono. Tel:

349814

X-Box game Lord Of The Rings The Return of the King' unwanted prize, £30. Tel: 881353 Panasonic video cassette player.

NUJ45B, with instruction book and cables. vgc. £50. Tel: 872541 Daewoo TV. Sharp video, Sony DVD. all working, all remote controlled, £100 ono. Tel: 701216 i-mac G3 6 gig HD, 64mb, 350 Mhz, int CD, ext zip. ext floppy, spare zip discs, various software, vvgc, offers. Tel: 879306

872282 (days)

Wanted Double burner camping cooker with grill. Tel: 872531

House to rent 2 bed, garden and garage in Westlea, newly decorated, furnished/unfurnished, gas central heating. Non-smoking. £525/ pcm. Call 872282 for details

39

The Link Magazine • February 2004

Singing surgeon correction The January Link published in the incorrect number to contact John Cullimore, the singing obstetrician from the Great Western Hospital, who is raising money for the baby unit by releasing a CD. John is willing to do performances in return for suitable donations.

Contact Rhona Jack at Blue Click PR on the correct number: 635147.

Toots toddle into action A parent and toddler group aimed at parents in the Oliver Tomkins Infant School catchment area started on 15 January.

'Toots - Toddlers of Oliver Tomkins School - meets on Thursdays from 9am to 11.30am in a mobile classroom in the school.

The group has received a grant of toys and equipment from the PreSchool Learning Alliance and donations from Asda, Hairworks Salon at Freshbrook Centre and the school.

For details about joining, call Tracey Groom on 435227.

Toddlers in Toothill and Shaw The West Swindon Family & Community Project supports two preschool groups which welcome new members. For details call 871303.

• Toothill Activity Group for Toddlers on Mondays, 9.30am in Toothill Community Centre.

• Shaw Chatterbox Toddler Group on Wednesdays, loam at Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre.

Women's choices The West Swindon Family & Community Project is also looking for young women under 20 who are pregnant or have a baby to join their Women and Choices course.

It looks at all aspects of life as a parent, the choices to be made for themselves and their children, and leads to an accredited qualification.

Call the project on 871303 for details.

Help for shy kids in North Swindon Parents living in Abbey Meads and Groin dwell can benefit from a scheme which offers assistance to families with young children, helping them adjust to the classroom environment.

School Start is a multi-service tors, nursery or school teachers. project involving Education, soJo is based at the North Swindon cial services, the NSPCC and the Family Centre in Atworth Close, health service.

Penhill, and although she is emIt is aimed at those children who ployed by the education authority lack confidence, are quiet or with- she works under the auspices of drawn, lack concentration, find it the NSPCC. "The families I supdifficult to socialise, are aggres- port find this a very valuable servsive or disruptive, find it difficult ice and it helps the children settle to play or lack physical skills. into the classroom environment," Jo Sherry, a specially trained she said. "We believe that parents educational support assistant, vis- are the key to success for a child's its families on a regular basis and education and early help is best," can provide a link between fami- she added. lies and schools and pre-school Any parent who feels that they groups. Children requiring assist- and their child could benefit from ance are brought to her attention the service Jo provides, is welcome by families themselves, health visi- to contact her on 705810.

NAWAiJ FABRIC FASHIONS

Swindons best fabric shoji! .tilorinc service & curtain maid

25 Tennyson Street, Swindon (Near the Ilcahh H y dro, Milton Road)

Tel: 01793 611869 email: nawabs@msn.com

Vs Haberdashery

Also Knitting yams Dress fabrics Quilting material/accessories Beads and sequins Craft products Card snaking materials Cross stitch & tapestry kits DMC Main Agents 33 Havelock Street Swindon ltfliTel: 01793 536778

Monday - Saturday loam to 4pm

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH

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0 Worsley Road

SUNDAYS 10.30AM WINNER'S LOUNGE SWINDON TOWN FC For details visit our website at www.sfc-uk.org , call Nigel on 526130 or e-mail: info_west@sfc-uk.org A \et'fronliers Church

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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 hare LIFE and have it in its fulness"

West Swindon & the Lydiards churches All Saints', Lydiard Millicent Holy Trinity, Shaw St Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze Toothill Church; Westlea Church

For God loved the world

so much that He gave His only Son.' John 3:16

For details of our weekly services please contact the Partnership Office on 874221

Lunch served in three venues Food and Friends at Freshbrook Community Centre celebrates its second birthday on Monday 2 February.

During the last year, as well as serving a weekly two course meal, the group has organised trips to the panto, Weston, a boat trip and To rners Old Time Music Hall.

If anyone is interested in becoming a member, please call Lorraine, at Freshbrook Community Centre on 871017 on weekday mornings except Wednesdays.

A good-value, full hot meal is available for all elderly residents of Haydon Wick every Tuesday lunchtime at the Haydon Centre, accompanied by a good helping of friendly chat.

Transport for is available on the Hayden Wick Parish Council's community bus. The meal costs £2.10 and the return bus journey is 50p.

Further details can be obtained from Hayden Wick Parish Council Offices in Thames Avenue, telephone 722446.

A new lunch club for over 55s opened on 9 January at Toothill Community Centre. New members are welcome to join.

For details call Annette Kennedy on weekday mornings on 614492.

Sunday Worship 10.30am Sunday School and Creche

NSBC

Meeting at Greenmeadow Primary School Greenmeadov Primary SO^a

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