February 2006 Swindon Link

No 285 February 2006 • Circulation 25,000

0

the positive newsforce in Swindon and the swindon wide what's on guide

Swindon leads search for respect

North schools named Seven brand new schools will be completed this summer.

We have the names for three of them on page 12

Prime Minister Tony Blair breezed into Swindon to blast away some gra ffiti and talk to invited audiences about respect in society. See page 3 • West residents talk about 'envirocrime.' See page 8 • Reformed characters says anti-social behaviour not worth it - page 9 Right, the ASBO went thataway. Tony Blair leads South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove looking for better behaviour

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The Link Magazine • February 2006

Youngster set for a month of hard work A six year old from Haydon Wicl will soon be travelling to Hungary for intensive help to get her walking Louise Fisher will spend February in Budapest with her mother Heather to attend the world renowned Peto Institute which specialises in conductive education for people with cerebral palsy.

Louise, who was featured in the January Link, has athetoid cerebral palsy which prevents her controlling muscle movements. One moment her muscles are floppy, the next tight. At present she is unable to walk independently, nor use her hands to grip items, and her speech is very limited.

Mum Heather and dad Neil hope the intensive demands of conductive education will help her do more for herself.

The programme is based on the theory that intensive and repetitive exercise will stimulate the development of nerve pathways in the brain, so that the physical movements needed to control Louise's fund was given a big boost in December when West/ca School contributed £1,100 raised at muscles are im- four Christmas shows and also carol singing at Homebase and Sainsbury. Headteacher Suzanne Seaton, centre, with Heather, Louise and Neil Fisher. planted there.

Louise attends the special edu- mum and sister will also travel will be better."

Heather and Neil need help to cational needs unit at Westlea there. "It's going to be very tough School and also for one day a week for both of us," said Heather. "I'm cover the £3,000 cost of fees, flights the Megan Baker House therapy told the trainers at Peto are relent- and accommodation. centre in Hereford to follow a con- less in their demands on children Donations can be made at: ductive education programme. and I'm going to have to watch her Portman Building Society.

Account: L. Fisher.

However when Louise told her suffer the pain. mother that she wanted to walk "But we have hopes for the long Ac. No. 002 460 74357 like her fellow Westlea School pu- term. If Louise can grow up using To organise afundraising event for pil Brandon Humphries, who also sticks, rather than be confined to a Louise, contact Neil and Heather attends Megan Baker House, her wheelchair or a walking frame, and Fisher on 542333 (days) and also parents decided their daughter use her hands more, her prospects The Link. should have the chance to learn.

This means Heather and Louise will live in Budapest during February. Neil will take a week off In early 2004 from fundraising events and donations the people of work to settle them and Heather's Swindon generously contributed £5,000 to help Brandon Humphries receive conductive education in Hungary. This was topped up by £4,000 raised by staff at Early Learning Centre and Nationwide.

To I'd done to him,"said encourage help for Louise Tracey. "The medi(a Fisher, mum Tracey cal people couldn't Humphries is keen explain why it was to again thank ally taking so long to reWe are often asked, "What's the best way who helped Brandcover; we were all of finding out whether a doctor of on and let everygoing downhill. But chiropractic can help my problem?" body know of his one day he called me progress. to see him standing We believe the answer can be found in a 7 Asafouryearold atthetopofthestairs. complete chiropractic consultation and Brandon was able to It was wonderful and examination, including x-rays. And to help use tripod sticks but > we've not looked find out for sure, we will do a complete These procedures normally r he was faced with back." consultation and examination, including cost £l00 or more! operations to correct Tracey said the (Does not include personal x-rays, if necessary, for just deformities in his money raised paid injury cases or car accidents feet and legs to alfor a month of conresulting in insurance claims. l ow h' t' a t tm ot Stan d d uctrve d uca ton properly before thePetoInstitutebeTestimonials fore the operation. walking unaided.

From Angie: My ten week old daughte r hated travelling in the car.

Tracey said, "the Once Brandon was Every journey was a nightmare for both her and me. Now two response from Link was through the months after cranial treatment . from Dr Mark Blokland at the painful recovery pereaders was fantasRidgeway Chiropractic Clinic, she happily travels. In fact she falls tic and also the Ad- Brandon Humphries, on the riod she was able to asleep most times. Travelling is now a pleasure ... Thanks Mark move thanks to readers bring over Hungarvertiser. We were Teresa writes: After coming to Ridgeway Chirop r actic Clinic for overwhelmed by generous kind- ian conductive educators to live v treatment I no longer feel tired and lethargic. I now feel ali e! t have with her family during school holiness." a complete feeling of `well-being'. lily monthly maintenance What Tracey did not know was days. They gave him intensive programme is my treat to myself... Thanks Guys. how hard life was to become for therapy exercises to build his ca-

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The Link Magazine • February 2006

PM lays down respect demands in Toothill Prime Minister Tony Blair unexpectedly stopped-by West Swindon on 10 January and blasted away some chemically treated graffiti on a shop wall opposite Toothill Community Centre for the benefit of the country's media.

He then spent 20 minutes with ciestoestablishasaferandstronger Swindon residents explaining the community."

Government's drive to clampdown Answering questions from an on anti-social behaviour by tack- invited audience at the Pinehurst ling its causes in the home, class- People's Centre for BBC Newsroom and local community, and to night later that day, Tony Blair build a culture of respect in soci- outlinedthelimitstowhattheGovety. ernment can achieve in dealing The new measures in the 'Re- with society's problems. He said spect Action Plan' focuses atten- local communities had to deal with tion on the prevention of anti-so- the anti-social minority. "We can cial behaviour as well as dealing give the framework for dealing with bad behaviour when it oc- with poor behaviour through legcurs. It includes strategies to tackle islation and provide greater reproblem families, reduce school sources for the police, but the chaltruancy and dramatically increase lenge is to nurture and, where numbers of police community sup- needed, enforce a modern culture port officers on the streets. of respect which the majority of

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Helen Sims from Shaw, who went to Toothill Village Centre to see the Prime Minister, said she was impressed by his comments on the respect agenda. But the mother of a 17 year old son said more had to be done for young people. "I think Tony Blair is on the right track. People who won't behave themselves need to be dealt with quickly and firmly, but it's too easy to blame youth and parents for all the problems.

"Parents cannot be in touch with their teenage children 24 / 7. There have to be more facilities for young people to get together to do their own thing - without it costing a lot of money. Many of them get bored and frustrated because of lack of places to go which don't cost the earth. I've noticed a reduction in facilities over the last 20 years in West Swindon.

"Swindon Council has to organise more positive activities with young people."

• Tearaway teenager gains police respect - see page 8.

• West Forum talks about `envirocrime' - see page 9.

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After the meeting Freshbrook Community Centre worker Arno Morsink said he was impressed by what he had heard. "I told Mr Blair that it had taken three years of complaining to the police and the council and monitoring anti-social behaviour to get things done.

Things have improved in our area.

"I liked what he said about fasttracking action on anti-social youth, because as soon as one person improves their behaviour, or is given a prison sentence, then another will get out of line. Unless the powers are available to deal with these people quickly the problems start up all over again."

South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove said, "I was very excited that the Prime Minister chose to visit Toothill to make the announcement and to talk to residents. The eyes of the country were on Swindon."

Leader of Swindon Council coup Mike Bawden said the town is setting an example for tackling antisocial behaviour. "The Prime Minister obviously wanted to see an area where there is effective partnership between different agen-

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The Link Magazine • February 2006

Decision awaited on landmark Speculation is mounting as to what is happening to the Arclight building next to Peatmoor Lagoon.

It's been empty for two years Operations but major works have since Vodafone bought Cellular been taking place on the roof since the Autumn.

A planning application has been submitted to Swindon Council to create a third entrance which suggests a new owner might let it in parts.

Agents GVA Grimley have remained tight lipped, other than to say that detailed negotiations have been taking place with a potential buyer.

New Central Library design to be revealed in February An end to the ongoing embar- striking. "For me it's stunning, I rassment of the town centre li- really was quite emotional when the model was unveiled. brary may soon be at an end.

"The side you see from Regent Swindon Council is proposing to build it behind the town hall, Circus will have a rounded shape where the present collection of mo- and will be brick faced, whilst the biles that have served as the cen- inner walls on the courtyard betral library since the 1950s are cur- tween the new and old buildings will be glass. rently located.

"I'm confident we have come up A floor plan has been agreed but the external appearance has yet to with a success which will have a be revealed. Cabinet member for major impact on the town centre regeneration coun Rod Bluh is keen regeneration plans."

Apart from lending books, the that the building's design compliments the town hall frontage fac- library will see enhanced IT facilities, upgraded People's Network ing Regent Street.

As the town hail is a listed build- IT facilities, a local studies' centre ing the council's architects have and a cafe.

The council hopes to start buildhad to seek approval from English Heritage. According to coun Bluh ing work before the summer. Comthe design to be submitted to Swin- pletion is due at the end of 2008.

A temporary home for the lidon's planning committee in Febbrary whilst building work takes ruary is acceptable to all parties.

Although he could not release place has still to be confirmed. an image before The Link's dead- • Search your family background line, he said the library design is at a Swindon library. See page 41.

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The Link Magazine • February 2006

Ember Inn on way to North After several battles by residents to prevent land close to their homes on Thamesdown Drive being developed as fast food outlets, a planning application has been made for a pub, restaurant and accommodation.

Ember Inns, owned by the tomer. Ember Inns cater for those Mitchell and Butler chain which who want a child free atmosphere runs the Toby Carvery on Lady and only allow children over 14 Lane closeby on the south side of years if they are eating a meal with Thamesdown Drive, has applied an adult. Food is served up to 8pm. for permission to build a public The TobyCarverychainisaimed house and 40 bedroomed lodge, at a wider age range.

St Andrew's shop rumour Abbey Meads ward councillor Justin Tomlinson, who led the cam- A rumour that the Co-op was inpaigning against two fast food pro- terested in taking over the empty posals in the last five years, is con- convenience store at St Andrew's fidentthatthisnewprojectisinthe Ridge local centre is unfounded. best interests of the residents. "The The shop has been empty since Ember Inn will be the only use of Tesco suddenly closed it down in the site and this has allowed us to 2004 but the Co-op has confirmed work with the developer to make that it is not interested in the site. sure it is in keeping with the deNorth gym on the way sign of the area.

David Lloyd Leisure has received "Having successfully fought off permission to build a gym, leisure the McDonalds and KFC applica- and rackets club on a site next to tions against all odds, we're de- the Motorola Building and Junclighted that we have an applica- tion 1 on Thamesdown Drive. tion that is both appropriate and of An application to build a pub benefit to the local community. and a 100 bedroomed hotel next to "This is a victory for the local it will be considered by Swindon residents and common sense. I'm planners in February. sure the residents will join me in Opening up the Front Garden hoping this will breeze through Swindon planners have rethe planning process." ceived the first application for Although Mitchell and Butler an access road into the Front will own two pubs within a few Garden for the start of the 3,000 hundred metres of each other, they home development. are aimed at different types of cus

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The Link Magazine • February 2006

Plan to recycle demolished heritage The facade of a building demolished in 1978 might make a reappearance in the town, if Swindon Council comes up with a lot of cash to buy what is at present 200 hundred tons of dressed Bath stone piled up in a field in Northamptonshire.

The triangular pediment sup- which was knocked down for lack Rod Bluh, reckons reassembling they are rebuilt close to their origiported by six columns was once of funds to maintain the building the classical portico would send nal location at the top of Regent out a bold and imaginative mes- Street, opposite the town hall, perthe frontage to the Baptist Taber- completed in 1886.

It was described by architectural sage. "The building was very much haps as an entrance to the Granville nacle at the top of Regent Street historian Nickolaus Pevsner as're- in the conscience of Swindon and Street development behind.

Coun Bluh said three of the four markably purely classical' and lik- its demolition a symbol of where ened by poet John Betjeman to St things started to go wrong in terms developers being considered for Purton House Martin's in the Fields, off Trafal- of how the town valued its history. town centre regeneration had exChurch End gar Square in London.

Purton. Swindon The Pilgrim Centre was built in Tel: 01793 772287 its place, comprising a town centre place of worship, meeting rooms, t (mA HedN offices and community cafe, with other parts of the site sold off for grt'ti n tD ym commercial development.

The frontage was bought and Call for details about our transported to two locations in Organic Box Scheme Britain with a view to giving a classical appearance to new counVegetables • Fruit • Meat • Eggs Deliveries & drop off points in Swindon, try properties. Planning permission was blocked on both projects.

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"Rebuilding the frontage in an appropriate context would be a mark of confidence in heritage and our aspirations for the future."

However not everybody is convinced that resurrecting stones for the sake of symbolism is a good way of spending tax payers' money.

Jean Allen of the Swindon Society, which has published nine historical books about the town, said there were few objections to the demolition of the tabernacle in the 1970s. "Three town centre places of worship decided to come together in a new building. The contractors taking down the tabernacle were going to crush all the stones for the foundations of the redevelopment. By chance Stanley Frost, a sculptor who lived near Malmesbury, was in Swindon and discovered what was being planned and agreed to buy the portico at the last moment.

"I went to see the stones in Mr Frost's field in 1998. He said the council could have them back for £10,000 which would have covered his costs. Goodness knows what they are willing to pay for them now, but I bet it's a lot more.

"Anybody who was around in the 1970s will remember how the front of the tabernacle and the steps were always covered in pigeon droppings. It took an awful lot of work to keep them clean; that would have to be borne in mind if they came back."

Details of where and how the facade could be used has yet to be revealed but one suggestion is that

pressed interest in incorporating the portico into a building project.

What's your view?

The Swindon Civic Trust, which campaigns for better planning decisions and improved quality of buildings, is asking its members before it expresses a view. The Trust also wants to hear from non-members about whether Swindon Council should buy the tabernacle stones.

Send your comments via: www.swindincivictrust.org.uk

Heritage pool restriction Swindon Council is proposing to cancel casual swimming at the Health Hydro in Milton Road as part of this year's council tax cutbacks.

The 115 year old building was originally built as a leisure and health centre for workers living in the railway village.

Casual swimmers in the town centre would have to travel to the Link Centre or the Oasis, involving two bus trips for some.

The Link Magazine • February 2006

Council threatens lifeline transport scheme with massive cutback

Gems Angels Community Support Services

Pledge number 32 of Swindon Council's 50 promises is to increase independence for disabled people: which makes their proposal to slash a third of Swindon Dial a Ride's budget difficult to fathom.

The budget proposal made at a !_ "We have absolutely no slack. cabinet meeting on 14 December There is always more demand for has led to dismay among users of transport than we can meet. We .- are the wheels and legs of so many Swindon's Dial a Ride service. If people in Swindon who are literagreed, the annual grant of £302,000 r o ally trapped in their homes if they wouldbereducedby£100,000.Consultation on the budget proposals cannot use Dial a Ride." took place in January and a decision The charitable organisation of-'^ will be made at the full council meetfers help for anyone with mobility ing on 20 February. problems meaning that they can't use existing public transport. They Brian Freeman, a Dial a Ride have a fleet of 13 buses and two user from Highworth, said, "the ' cars which are used as taxis. Dial A cut is so drastic, it's almost unbe.` lievable. What other council servRide users pay £1.50 per trip, 50 per per cent more than a service bus. ices could run with a 30 per cent 1 In 2001, an additional £100,000 drop in income? There has been no _ __ "' r___ consultation or discussion of how was awarded to the charity. Operations manager Evelyn Ryder savings could be made. "" ^`_ "If the grant is cut by £100,000, The Ma y o r with chairwoman Ka Kaye y said that since then, the number of there will be a very restricted serv- Franklin at the Dial a Ride twentieth trips has risen by 50 per cent from ice and it will seriously affect peo- anniversary party held at the DeVere 16,500 to 24,000.

Department of Transport figures ple's quality of life. People rely on Hotel on 14 January suggest that there should be Dial a Ride to get to work, go shopping and socialise. I have Multiple Di a] a Ride's chair, Kay Franklin around 5,000 people in need of Sclerosis but I'm able to work as a said, "it was a bit of a bombshell to help with transport in the Swinvolunteer with the Primary Care be told on the Monday before don area. Dial a Ride has 2,500 on Christmas that the council wanted its books so there could be many Trust because of the service."

Mr Freeman launched a petition us to reduce our costs by £100,000. more people who would benefit "We had an emergency meeting from help with transport. of protest in January and support has been encouraging. He plans to on 22 December and our manager For details about signing the deliver it to the council before their spent the holidays looking at our petition in support of Dial a Ride, call Mr Freeman on 762791. options. meeting on 20 February.

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The Link Magazine • February 2006

8

West residents angry about

'enviro-crime'

On the evening before the Prime Minister's sudden appearance at Toothill Village Centre on 10 January to tackle graffiti and relaunch his campaign for more respect in society, graffiti and litter were hot topics at a packed meeting of the West Swindon Area Forum.

PC Paul Court Wakefield expressed said from 6 April local authorities his frustration, that despite efforts will have the legal right to remove Matthews,

by Swindon Council to keep its graffiti from road side furniture who covers ` Freshbrook property graffiti free, West Swin- and charge utilities for doing so. ' : He said that abusive graffiti is and Grange don's appearance was spoilt bey .. cause utility companies like BT, removed within 24hours and other Park, told the V i ntl and the electricity companies graffiti removed on a cycle of work, meeting that Al, do not keep their road side boxes but worst hit areas get more atten- he had retion. He added that the council cently arand lamp posts clean. y ^ Residents pointed out that Asda will remove graffiti from private rested six innow sports graffiti high up on one property free of charge, so long as d i v i duals No special treatment for the PM. In response to a call from The of its walls, households accept responsibility who had ad- Daily Mail, The Link was able to advise them that the wall at to Toothill Village Centre had not been specially painted for Tony Swindon's director of environ- if brickwork is damaged by high mitted over 100 tags. Blair and the Labour party was not responsible for the graffiti ment and health Steve Harcourt pressure water treatment.

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Graffiti hotline The problems of litter around To report graffiti for removal, call West Swindon was raised. Some Swindon Council on 463463. would argue it is worse than grafNew group plan fiti because people of all ages are responsible for it.

Ruth Kiddie is proposing to start Freshbrook councillor Peter West Swindon Action Group for Greenhalgh said it was ludicrous an Improved Environment and that there are so few litter bins, would like to hear from anybody "There are fantastic walks around interested in keeping the area tidy West Swindon but the enjoyment by pressing the council to perform, is ruined by the filthy state of some or by taking direct action.

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The Link Magazine • February 2006

Beaumaris Road to be sorted out After years of complaint, a solution for the road outside Oliver Tomkins Infant and Junior School in Toothill is near.

Parents are worried for children stopping lines on either side, on crossing Beaumaris Road to school the bend of Beaumaris Road, close and residents complain about the to the vehicle entrance to the congestion caused by parents who school; insist on driving to the schools as 2. chicanes on either side of the well as high speeds at other times, crossing point. Initially this would The road became a major traffic be a temporary barriers which route after Swindon Council in- could be moved around as the efstalled speed humps on nearby fect on traffic volume and speeds, Freshbrook Way in response to is assessed; several accidents.

3. in the longer term, making The site was discussed at Octo- Rowton Heath Way from the ber's West Area Forum and coun- Gainsborough Way roundabout cil highways officer Adrian Dean and Beaumaris Road a 20mph returned to the meeting on 9 Janu- zone. This will require physical ary to discuss safety proposals. changes to the road to slow traffic.

Residents at both meetings were Subject to councillor approval, also angry about speeds on Rowton the chicanes should be in place by Heath Way and the blind bend at half term in mid-Februar y, the zethe bottom o the hill. bra crossing could be built by the Following the meeting Mr Dean summer holidays and a 20mph said a three stage scheme was be- zone would have to be discussed ing worked on: in more detail with residents, other 1. a zebra crossing with zig zag no road users and the police.

Mutual understanding results in respect Until a few months ago Paul Henley, 17, from Toothill was told by the police that he was in line for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order or perhaps a custodial sentence after several arrests for fighting and abuse over the previous two years.

But Paul has changed his ways. He said,"I was doing graffiti, getting into lots of fights. But I've given that up, got a bricklaying job and it's much better that the police are not on to me anymore.

"I'd tell other young people it's not worth it to get out of line."

Toothill PC Pedro Wilson said he was impressed by Paul's approach nowadays. "We had our problems, but Paul is a reformed character and we get on well together. I congratulate him for looking at things differently."

Good friends,Pau1 Hcnh'u with PCs Paul Matthews and Pedro Wilson

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Crime detection up and down Inspector Willie Glasgow for Swindon police reports a generally improving picture of crime detection in West Swindon.

In Freshbrook/G range Park, detection has risen from 23% to 27%, largely due to PC Paul Matthews arresting graffiti vandals.

But in Toothill/Westlea detection has dropped back from 32% to 28.5%. The most impressive change is in the Shaw/Nine Elms/ Peatmoor area where detection is up from 18% to 27%.

In North Swindon detection in Abbey Meads has risen from 23% to 28% and in Haydon Wick from 15% to 21 %.

Inspector Glasgow said the true picture for crime and detection for the last year will be revealed in April.

New police number For non-emergency calls Wiltshire Police should now be contacted using 0845 408 7000.

9

The Link Magazine • February 2006

10

A Time • To Talk \"7 Professional and affordable Counselling & Support Service 4 Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed or unable to cope? ¢ Have you suffered a bereavement or loss?

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Contact us at Health Hydro. Milton Road. Swindon Tel: 01793 465630 or 07722 023950 email: attt@btinternet.com Partners: Tina Deas Dip. Couns. MBACP Annette Moore Dip. Couns. MBACP Tina Griffiths Dip. Couns. MBACP .

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More Breast Mates needed A new Abbey Meads breast feeding support group is looking for trainees to ensure its continued success.

North Swindon Breast Mates, which launched in taking part. She said that the feedback from the first November, holds drop in sessions at Abbey Meads trainees had been very positive. "The volunteer mums Community School. The aim is to offer new parents have all made really good friends and got a lot out of friendship and a chance to meet others who are joining. The group has really gelled and is full of enthusiasm to assure mothers that breast is best for breastfeeding.

With some of the first group of trainees planning baby."

To spread the word about their drop in sessions, their return to work, it's time to begin preparing more volunteers to step into their shoes. Training Breast Mates regularly attend ante-natal meetings takes one afternoon a week for six weeks and the next held by the Health Visitors and speak to parents to be during their hospital visit. course will begin in early March.

Anyone interested in becoming a peer supporter Health Visitor Anne Seymour, who helped set up Breast Mates, would be pleased to hear from any should contact Anne on 704401 or drop into Abbey breastfeeding mothers who would be interested in Meads School on Monday between 12.30 and 2.30pm.

Driving force for breast cancer fundraising Eunice Salmon from Nine Elms pays tribute to Shirley Garman, who ten years ago made it her life's work to raise money for breast cancer charity Breakthrough.

Shirley was given rapturous ap- raise funds for Breakthrough's pioplause by Swindon Breakthrough neering research.

She supports women and their members at our annual dinner dance at Blunsdon House Hotel on families when they most need it, at 6 January when the charity's chief times answering the phone to peoexecutiveJeremyHughescongratu- plc in distress at night. This, of lated her for her commitment to course, is not without great emotional cost to herself. improving women's life chances.

Shirley has represented BreakShirley gave up her job as a Benefits Advisor 10 years ago to throughintheUSA,advisingSenaset up the Wilts Branch of Break- tor Hillary Clinton on how to tackle through, after being diagnosed issues facing American women and here in Swindon is tireless in with breast cancer herself, She, with her husband Ralph, meetings with our local MPs to has worked tirelessly to raise the make them aware of the problems Shirley Garman with Breakthrough awareness of breast cancer and to encountered by people attending Breast Cancer chief executive Jeremy Hughes the Great Western Hospital.

Shirley is not one to blow her This is the tenth anniversary for Breakthrough Breast Cancer so it own trumpet but all branch mem' is wonderful that the Wiltshire bers and women across the county branch is the first in Britain to have can thank Shirley for her commitraised £500,000. Jeremy Hughes ment and energy, and also the enand his team are constantly quot- couragement to the rest of us. ingWiltshireasanexampletooth- • Walking for Breakthrough - see page 33. ers as to what can be achieved.

Spreading contact for carers

ASHINGTON WAY PHARMACY ASHINGTON WAY, WESTLEA. TEL: 616840

Open: Monday. Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 8.30am - 6.00pm Wednesday: 8.30am to 5.30pm; Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm Available at Sheep Street, Highworth. Tel: 01793 762220 Skin care range by Skin Doctor Vichy fine fragrances and ear piercing

If you come into contact with people who are carers, the team at Swindon Carers' Centre would like to tell you about the range of services they can offer.

Lunch time introductory ses- formation and has an easy to use sions lasting one hour are run once discussion board. a month at the centre in Wood Centre manager Gillian Barber, Street. The aim is to reach health said, "the role of family carer can workers, other hospital staff and be very isolating. People are findcommunity volunteers so that they ing the discussion board a valuare able to pass on information to able resource." anyone in need of support.

For more details call 531133.

Elaine House, a carer support www.carers.org/swindon worker said, "many people are surprised at the range of services we Autism Seminar can provide. We offer opportuniin Haydon Wick ties to take time out and one to one Monday 27 February, 10.30am to support."

Swindon Carers have staff to 2.30pm, Haydon Wick Parish Hall support people in all types of car- Organised by the National Autistic ing situations: young carers, those Society (NAS) to provide an introlooking after people with mental duction to autism, the day is espehealth problems, parents of disa- cially aimed at parents whose child bled children and carers of Alzhe- has recently been diagnosed with ASD or is awaiting diagnosis. Cost imer's sufferers.

For those unable to visit the cen- £5 for parents, includes lunch.

For details or to book a place call tre in town, a newly revamped Sarah Hatherall on 0117 748415. website provides a wealth of in-

The Link Magazine • February 2006

11

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The Link Magazine • February 2006

12

Vicar in the North

New North schools named; headteachers appointed

Rev Mike Haslann has been appointed as Church of England vicar for North Swindon, covering St Andrew's at Taw Hill and Blunsdon St Andrew on St Andrew's Ridge.

Mike lives in Purton where his wife is the vicar of St Mary's. Over the last two years he has been engaged in ecumenical and community work across Swindon, including an arts project in Parks and Walcot and work with Swindon Youth for Christ.

Mike was previously chaplain at the University of Newcastle.

He took up his position in North Swindon at the end of January and can be contacted on 07817 703929 or mail: jama.haslam@virgin.net

The names for three brand new schools being built in Priory Vale have been chosen and headteachers for two of them have been appointed.

On the North Swindon Learn- south of Thamesdown K ing Campus in Redhouse the gov- Drive, decided last year to ernors of the PS6 primary school ask Link readers to suggest a have decided on the name Red name for the school.

A wide range of ideas Oaks Primary and have appointed Terri Menham from Peatmoor Pri- were submitted, some based mary as head teacher. She starts in on old field names and local April, not in September as stated features, one suggested a link with Swindon's Polish in the January Link.

The governors of the adjacent SI twin town.

The governors have chosecondary school, which will open in September 2007, have chosen sen Orchid Vale Primary An impression of the indoor mall at River View Community School School.

River View Community School Chairman Clint Ricketts as its title. Interviews for the headteacher take place at the end said he wanted to thank all those who took the time to send in Oaks and River View will be joined of January.

The governors of the primary their ideas. "hn the end we chose a by two special schools, Brimble school being built in Haydon End, name that highlights the rare green Hill Primary and Uplands Secondwinged orchid that grows in a field ary, which will transfer from old close to the school and to maintain buildings in other parts of the town.

In Moredon the infant and prithe link with Priory Vale developHave you got an Endowment policy? mary schools will be brought toment."

Do you have a policy shortfall? If so, did you know He added that the governors are gether in a new primary school delighted to have appointed and closeby Hreod Parkway secyou may be entitled to compensation? ondary will reopen in brand new Debbie Kalynka as headteacher.

She took over Nythe Primary buildings in early 2007.

School in 2002 after Ofsted found Admissions details it to have serious weakness. Under her guidance Nythe is now re- Parents interested in sending their garded as a good school with no children to the primary schools weaknesses and the number on should contact Swindon Council's Our success rate is over 85% Education Department admissions roll has risen dramatically. team.

No win, no fee and no hidden charges In total, seven new schools are being built in North Swindon in a • Red Oaks will open to children in It's important you act now as many product providers are Years 1 to 6, and a nursery unit. £95 million Private Finance Initiastarting to 'time bar' complaints, which may mean you • Orchid Vale will have places tive scheme between Swindon won't be able to claim in the future for children in Years 1 to 6.

Council and PFI specialists Equion.

Friendly personal service For details call Kate Phillips on 465867.

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Visit Priory Vale and you will discover homes from five of the UK's finest housebuilders gathered in one place. This month, Crest Nicholson unveil their latest selection of properties at Braydon Mead.

Dream Team provides best service at Priory Vale

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Crest Nicholson's Braydon Mead development at Prio ry Vale aims to create an urban village of 2,000 homes in distinctive areas each with its own style and ambience.

Above, left to right: Jane Aggio - Clare Champion - Debbie George

As part of its commitment to provide customers with the best possible service at Priory Vale, Crest Nicholson has in place three top sales negotiato r s to help house hunters find their dream home.

Including Jane Aggio, Clare Champion and Debbie George, the dynamic threesome have already helped many customers move into a new property at the development.

And with Crest having just launched its next phase, Sherston Mews, those looking for a stunning new home need to give Jane, Clare and Debbie a visit so they can help them find the perfect property.

Having already secured three

reservations since its launch, it looks like the marketing suite is going to be a busy place over the next few months, which is why anyone thinking about buying at the development, need to get in touch now.

Clare said: "Prior y Vale is a wonderful development and provides some fantastic opportunities for those looking

to move. With plenty of open space, grassy areas and a mix of stylish properties, Sherston Mews will appeal to a wide variet y of house hunter."

With a selection of two, three and four-bedroom houses available, the team is expecting families, business people, couples looking to upgrade and even first-time buyers to pay them a visit over the coming months.

Jane added: "At Crest, we like to provide our customers with a good mix of styles and sizes.

That's why Sherston Mews will appeal to a variet y of purchaser looking for a quality new home."

With Crest placing its pre and post-sales service at the top of the agenda, anyone who visits the marketing suite will soon see why the company is so popular with house hunters across the region.

Debbie continued: "We're a close-knit team and we even call each other on our days off to see how things are going! That way we ensure that our customers

Crest Nicholson has been building at Braydon Mead since 2002 so there are already hundreds of happy new home owners. The latest phase to be released is Sherston Mews - a select development of just 32 two, three and four bedroom homes.

Superbly located within the village centre area of Braydon Mead, a pretty treelined avenue will lead to an attractive block paved crescent, creating a perfect setting.

All the homes have classic architectural features, finished in warm brick and cream rendered facades. Houses have private gardens and garages and traffic calming measures are in place throughout.

Homes currently available for sale include a two-bedroom coach house with a garage at £132,500, two-bed Sandownstyle homes from £155,000, three-bedroom Sherston-style homes from £169,950 and fourbedroom detached Bathfordstyle homes from £219,950.

Work starts this month on creating the Village Centre at with a Mead, Braydon convenience store and four shops set to be open by Autumn 2006. The convenience store will provide groceries and other services and will be the largest of the shops.

The design of the second phase of the Village Centre is currently being worked on and elements may include a public house and a medical centre.

Below: The Sherston housetype

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and that their move goes as smoothly as possible."

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For further information on homes at Sherston Mews, Braydon Mead. call 01793 700518, email braydonmea @crestnicholson.com or visit the sales office which is

NICHOLSON

open daily from 1Oam to 5pm.

To find out more about living in Priory Vale, call the Priory Vale Visitor Centre on 0800 0725550 or pop in and see them at Junction 8 on Thamesdown Drive.

For all the latest news on Priory Vale, why not visit www.prioryvale.com

Next month...

BRYANT HOMES

14

The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ February 2006

Getting ready for another move - 21 years after the last A Swindon special school is preparing for a smooth transition to new state of the art premises in Priory Vale. will be Red Oak Primary School Brimble Hill School, which relo- ing out the logistics of the move. cated to Park North from "It's a very exciting period for which will open in September and Wroughton in November 1985 will everybody associated with the North Swindon's secondary be one of four schools located at school," said Bob. "We'vebeende- school, River View Community the North Swindon Learning Cam- ciding what we will take with us School, which opens in 2007.

To help the special needs chilpus next to the Redhouse Village and what will be bought new. BeCentre. Staff cannot wait to move ing a special school, we've been dren adjust, artists will be workin during the summer holidays working closely with the architects ing in both Brimble Hill and Upready for a September start. to ensure the colour scheme and lands on art with a transition However whilst the present fa- other features will help children theme, before they move and after they start in Priory Vale. cilities are well past their sell by find their way around easily."

The architects are consulting Brimble Hill educates some 70 date, the new school has yet to have its roof put on. But primary age children and will be staff on the right kind of outdoor headteacher Bob Walker has been moving into a building next to play equipment to be installed.

The school will also have a leadassured that completion will be on Uplands Special School for 75 secti me and he and his staff are work- ondary age children. Also on site ing edge sensory room for chil- Looking forward to neu' school in Priory dren with visual impairment and Vale, Bob Walker and Alison Paul physical disabilities. Bob said, feature for deputy headteacher "over the years we've developed Alison Paul who is a governor at DIY sensory stimulation facilities, Red Oaks. "I'm delighted that Terri so it's going to be fantastic to have Menham from Peatmoor Primary a room designed by Mike Ayres, has been appointed headteacher.

Maths and English the leading specialist in sensory The opportunity to develop relaenvironments. We're looking for- tionships with the primary and After School Learning Centre ' ward to having a hydrotherapy secondary schools is very exciting. pool on site which means we can The interaction between children for 6 to 16 years olds and staff is going to be beneficial to use time more efficiently." everybody in the schools and also The links with the two mainAlign to the school curriculum using a modular stream schools next door is a key across the whole community."

NumberSense 4

programme which allows selection of topics

Call Richard Bell on 08000 283720 www.numbersense.co.uk

Could you be an advocate for learning?

The Swindon Learning Ambassadors project has grown in the town over the last three years and now covers three Neighbourhood Renewal areas: Penhill, Parks & East Walcot, Central area and Pinehurst & Moredon.

Learning Ambassadors are all check on progress, encouraging adults who have recently taken learners and celebrating their sucsteps back into learning and are cess.

The team in Moredon and suited to be peer motivators. They usually live and work within their Pinehurst is the latest to be set up own communities and can success- and is keen to hear from anyone in fully reach out to potential learn- the area who wants to talk about a ers that education professionals course idea. If you're an individual or a group of friends who would find harder to reach.

They do this by providing infor- like to learn something new tomation and guidance on opportu- gether in a local venue, call the nities to learn at a local level, meet- local LAs. The courses are generally two hours per week for up to ing people informally.

This can mean arranging an ini- 5 weeks, and are usually free, oftial meeting to talk about needs, ten with a creche.

For details contact Carol discussing courses, checking out transport or childcare facilities and Harrison on 512446 or 07765 accompanying nervous people to 567696. www.la-swindon.org.uk a course. They keep in touch and

The Link Magazine • February 2006

15

Delay on Salt Way. Windmill Hill's turn also.

Decisions on the fates of two West Swindon primary schools will be made at meetings in the first half of February.

The School's Organisation Corn- Council's cabinet lead member for total agreement the matter goes come of the statutory consultation mittee (SOC) was scheduled for 11 education, said, "the objection before the Government's School at its meeting on 8 February. If it January to make a final decision raised detailed questions and the Adjudicator. Salt Way'sfuturehas votes for closure the decision will on Swindon Council's proposal to School's Organisation Committee to be decided by the end of March be considered at the School's Orclose Salt Way Primary School in will want to be satisfied that the to fit in with staffing contracts. ganisation Committee meeting Middleleaze and expand Shaw council is being diligent in its re- Should it be closed the children currently scheduled for 15 March.

However Freshbrook/ Windmill will transfer to Shaw Ridge where Ridge Primary. sponse."

He added that a special meeting more staff will have to be ap- could be considered earlier when However it had to be deferred the special SOC meeting discusses until February because of a late of committee members, who are pointed in time for September.

In Freshbrook Swindon Council Salt Way - if it is arranged after the and detailed objection to the pro- independent of the council, is beposals calling into question the ing organised on a date to be con- has proposed that both Windmill cabinet meeting on 8 February.

Freshbrook/ Windmill will not council's strategy for closing firmed so that a decision can be Hill and Freshbrook Primary schools, whether value for money made within a time-scale which Schools close and a new school be close until a new building is comwould be achieved, the extra traf- does not disrupt children's educa- built on the Freshbrook School site. pleted, by September 2007 at the The cabinet will discuss the ou t- earliest. fic flow to reach Shaw Ridge and tion.

The School's Organisation Cornlack of information on future catchmittee has to agree a school clo- I ment areas.

Coun Gary Perkins, Swindon sure unanimously. If there is not

Look your best at the prom The Hreod Parkway School Parent Teacher Association are again hosting a Prom Fayre & Fashion Show to give parents and students the chance to see and buy all types of services and items associated with the school prom.

Debenhams are making gowns available for a catwalk show with Jensons of Gorsehill kitting out male models.

Other exhibitors include Simply Elegant, Elite Fashions, Gowns of Distinction, Fairytale Bride, Suits You, Tiaras by Lynette, The Sparkly Princess and Insight Photography.

Models' make up, hair styling and nail art will be provided by Tina Mason from Beyond Beauty, Debenhams, Swindon College students & Lil' Beauty.

Tickets for the event on Thursday 2 February, 7pm at Hreod Parkway School, Akers Way are £2.50 each, available from the school.

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A

The Link Magazine • February 2006

16

Stitching & bitching in the board room

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Call Claire on (01793) 722072 www.musicbugs.co.uk

Li ARn_'HO bUi^tUt day nursery

A purpose-built nursery on the edge of Wootton Bassett Near M4 junction 16, just a short drive from West Swindon â For children 3 months to five years â Open all year from 7.30am to 6pm

â Extensive outdoor play and garden

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For information telephone: 0 793 851495

www.thedaynursery.com Brinkworth Road, Wootton Bassett. Swindon SN4 8DS

After the article in October's Link, Swindon knitting club Stitch'n Bitch has increased in numbers and found a new venue.

The group now meets +t• each Monday evening at { the Express Holiday Inn on Bridge Street.

Organiser Caz Caple from Shaw said the response was so good that the group had to find bigti ger premises. "The Holiday Inn has been great.

We have a big board room table and unlimited tea and coffee all for £2.50."

The knitters bring along their latest projects and enjoy a good chat while No bitching between Caz and her stitching pals they knit. With plenty of stitching but no bitching, the la- good selection available in Swindies have become firm friends and don," said Caz. "So many people hope to arrange trips to knitting are interested again. I have had children as young as eight asking and craft fairs this year.

Knitting has enjoyed a revival to learn. Perhaps they should start recently with several celebrities teaching knitting in schools again." picking up their needles. Caz set To join the stitchers and leave up the group to show that knitting the bitching at home call Caz on is not just for grannies. The yarn 877120 or mail: caz@swindon is so trendy and now there is a knits.co.uk

I.'

Massage for babies Geraldine O'Driscoll was featured in the January Link, teaching mums how to build bonds with their babies through massage -but we published the wrong web site address.

Lots of parents report that massage calms their babies, helps with digestive problems and also improves sleep patterns.

For details of the next six week course which starts on 10 March at the Emmanuel Church Hall, Haydon Wick call Geraldine on 07821 686570. www.holistictherapy-athome.co.uk

Meadowpark School Est. 1994

Baby Nursery 0 - 2 years Nursery School 2 - 4 years Pre-Prep School 4 - 7 years Open 7.50am - 6pm Optional Holiday School

Flexible, sensible fees

Nursery Grant available from 3 years

A well established thriving school with faultless DfEE & OFSTED reports across the 0-7 years age range Excellent facilities in a pleasant rural setting within easy access of Swindon Dedicated professional staff provide individual care and individual learning to ensure the happiness & educational development of your child

MEADOWPARK NURSERY AND PRE-PREP SCHOOL Calcutt Street Cricklade, Swindon

Tel: 01 793 752600

After school coaching gets results The Kip McGrath after school tuition centre in West Swindon celebrates its first anniversary this month and demand for places has been so high during the year that a second centre was opened in Gorse Hill last September.

Over 80 children aged 6 to 16 „ I receive coaching at the Kip

• .1 t e Centre off Rivermead Drive and results have been impressive.

David Parkinson, centre manager, right, said, "we hear each week from children who have been moved up a group at school or have been told they can sit a higher ' level GCSE paper." .

Students are given individual _ programmes and work with a qualified teacher in groups of four David stressed that many of their or less. During the 80 minute ses,,ion, they cover six different ac- pupils are already doing well in tivities, two of these computer school but can achieve more if they based. Kip McGrath materials are have some individual attention used but the tutors draw on their and a targeted plan. "The tuition is experience to find the most appro- not just for children who are behind. We want to show that there priate way to teach a topic.

The aim of the centre is to corn- is no stigma to having extra tuiplement the work done in schools. tion: training is only a way to get David and his wife, Andrea, still better. Professional sportsmen still teach part-time in Swindon schools have trainers to help them."

For details call David and and understand how little time is available to spend with each child Andrea on 608708. www.kipswindon.com in a class of 30.

McGrath centre at the Basepoint

17

The Link Magazine • February 2006

Mayor sees new play centre in action i Kidz Aloud, the

indoor children's play park in West Swindon, launched in November has got off to a cracking start, with hundreds of parents and chil-

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able for parents The Mayor of Swindon Ray Fisher launches Kidz Aloud with, and babies as from left, the Mayoress Christine Fisher, Halina and Justin

well as a cafe. In Tomlinson, Kidz Aloud Owner Donna Burnett January toddler Owner Donna Burnett from group sessions were started.

Kidz Aloud now offers facilities Grange Park said there had been a for children's parties and packages tremendous response from parents which include use of the football! from West and North Swindon.

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The Link Magazine • February 2006

18

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Town should do more to hold on to those who don't want to stay Lucy Proctor. from Old Town, who has been writing for The Link

whilst applying for journalism jobs away from Swindon, reflects on the attractions of the place, or lack of them

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Unlike most of its population after the festive period, Swindon felt lighter following the exodus Thursday: Coleview 7.00 of many young people back to Community Centre. Nythe Road university, and to jobs elsewhere.

Step by step instruction for Over Christmas and the sumabsolute beginners. Weekend mer holidays Swindon's populasocials in Highworth and Swindon tion swells by about 2,500 students -back to see family, get some homeFor more details cooked food, rent-free accommoRing Lewis Watson on 764732 dation and take a break from the Ten years of teaching.! challenges of university life.

Although most are pleased to be in the comfort of their childhood home and excited to see old friends, there is generally a negative feelI about being in Swindon itself.

Current and ex-students tend not to feel proud of the town, and the thought of living here after university is uninspiring.

The explanation Roman blinds for this is simple Swags & tails the places where people go to uniCushion covers versity offer more Measuring and fitting advice than Swindon.

No job too small They tend to be citFor further information call ies or bigger towns, Sue: 01793 870451 with all of the amenities and ator Lynn: on 01793 330595 tractions that a university attracts to a Wednesday: Highworth, 7.00

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Sarah Lewis-Paul, 24, who stud-

ied Communications at Cardiff University and now lives in London, said: "The problem with Swindon is that it doesn't offer anything alternative to any other small town. It has a very high employment rate, but not for any of the jobs that I want to do."

The large companies that employ so many in Swindon offer opportunities in engineering or other scientific subjects. Many school-leavers embark on their excellent apprentice schemes, and jobs for manual labour or office work are relatively easy to come by. But students of English, History, Politics or a creative subject are left with no career options in their hometown.

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of other features. There are few cafes or coffee bars to breakup the drab town centre, the shops themselves are uniform and small, with few opportunities to buy something a bit different, and Swindon's nightlife leaves a lot to be desired.

For a town of its size, Swindon is sorely short on decent places to

"I think Swindon is a good place for people with families," said Becky Goss, 23, who now works in photography in London. "But for me, there was just no chance of getting a decent job in photography in Swindon, and it's the same for most creative jobs."

Both Sarah and Becky lived in Swindon for months after university looking for jobs while temping to combat their debts. Both say the town is not that bad, but that it doesn't really have anything to offer them.

Swindon is primarily an industrial and service-based town. For those not interested in this kind of job, there is no point in returning.

Talking to current and ex-students that return every holiday, the consensus is that Swindon just can't compete with their new homes, with economies, job opportunities and an atmosphere enriched by the presence of a university. Perhaps when the University of Bath's plans for a campus in Swindon catering for 8,000 students come to fruition the town will have that extra spark.

have a drink. Choice ranges from the occasionally rough and always dull chain bars in town, to the slightly posh bars of Old Town with ideas beyond their station.

There are some good pubs in Swindon, but they shut at 11pm. Not only are the nightspots flat and unoriginal, they are expensive. Students used to the union bar or promotional prices find themselves spending twice as much as usual on a substandard night out.

On leaving university Swindon is often a very unattractive place to return to, particularly for students interested in a career in the arts, culture or creativity. There is little going on here and with London or Bristol just down the M4 serving as reminders of what could be done, there is simply no reason to • Lucy has now left Swindon to work stay.

for a West London local newspaper

19

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VaLrr& ,41 Deep Fried Brie served with cranberry sauce and mixed leaves Home-made Leek & Potato Soup, served with crusty warmed bread Salmon Fishcakes served with a rich mayonnaise and mixed leaves

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

Celebrating a great Britain Brunel mania hits the South West R F i_ this year and Swindon will be a centre of activity on the line of his beloved Great Western Railway.

Projects across the region to mark the 200th anniversary of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's birth are being supported by the Heritage Lottery to the tune of ÂŁ500.000, of which ÂŁ122,890 is to be spent on tee:'" a series of events in Swindon.

Brunel was voted the second greatest Britain in a BBC poll. For Swindon his vision, drive and sheer bloody mindedness to get things done transformed the town from a insignificant settlement on a hill to an engineering powerhouse, pro- Little man, to//hat, big cigar. Lookout viding the basis for expansion ever for Brunet over the coming months.

Re/en Miah. front left, with. Janice since.

Thompson of the opera company.

Throughout the summer, events Billy Alwen of Cirque Bijou which is in Swindon will include exhibitions, develop/hg the Rai/way Village street a festival, a living story project and festival Fe/icityBa// curatorofSteam a specially commissioned youth Helen Miah, Arts Services Manopera. Brune% : The Little Man /n the Ta//Hat. During the community ager for Swindon Council wants festival weekend in July. there will performance groups who would like be street performances in the town to take part in the community festicentre, and celebrations in the rail- val to come forward. Any ideas for new projects will be welcome. way village and GWR Park.

Brunel 200. Coming up: May to September: STEAM Museum. Exhibition with a replica of Brunel's Duke Street office as a centrepiece and events throughout the summer.

7 to 9 July: Building Bridges Showcase at Wyvern Theatre.

Local community arts groups will perform work reflecting Swindon's Past Present and Future. A film using archive material has been commissioned to link the performances.

15 and 16 July: Community festival weekend, with a parade and street performances in the town centre and celebrations in the Railway Village and GWR Park.

12 August: Children's fete in the GWR Park organised by New Mechanics' Trust.

15 & 16 September: Brunel: The Little Man in the Tall Hat. Youth opera performed by the Janice Thompson Performance Trust (Previewed at the trust showcase on 9th July at The Wyvern) 16 & 17 September: Swindon Railway Festival at STEAM.

Locomotives, rolling stock, demonstrations of the trades of the time.

Rodbourne Living History Project: During the year the project supported by the National Monument Record Centre will be launching an interactive walking trail around Rodbourne with a map showing many activities to do en-route.

The Brunel vision. transport and travel The Great Reading Adventure got underway in January with the visit of a delegation of Bristol children to launch Around the World in 80 Days. 'Photo on page 41.

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She is keen to emphasise that the Brunel 200 celebrations are about the people of Swindon who helped realise Brunel's dream.

'This festival is not just about celebrating Brunel: it's about innovati on, creativity, travel, communicati on and genius. This is a chance to celebrate the town's social history. " My biggest ambition is for Swindon to feel good about itself and to blow the idea of it being a cultural desert out of the water."

Call Helen by the end of February to discuss a project or event to be included in the Brunel 200 programme. Tel: 466544 or mail: hmiah@swindon.gov.uk

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20

Swindon Wide Lit Fest plans to defy triskaidekaphobia As winter turns to spring and snowdrops spear up through frozen ground, work towards the next Swindon Festival of Literature goes on apace, writes festival director Matt Holland.

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Making plans for May for a fantastic festival of outdoor literary frolics and indoor intellectual deli ghts, requires a particular leap of faith not only because of all the work involved but also because this will be Swindon's thirteenth festival of literature. Now is the ti me that the lit fest team makes that leap, tries to keep the faith. and rise above suspect numerical superstitions.

The timetable is a tight one and the schedule gruelling. First there is funding. An arts festival costs money, which is not always easy to secure. Then there are authors, performers and venues to be found and booked. This means countless letters, journeys, meetings. 'phone calls, not a few tricky negotiations, and the occasional slice of luck. No different, perhaps, to anyone else's business and work in these challenging 21st Century times.

As the new year gets underway things are looking good. Authors already booked to appear for 1 to 13 May include veteran BBC news reporter Kate Adie, top. with her book Nobody's Chi/d, prize-winning columnist and social commentator Mat _ thew Parris, former Tory minister turned novelist and television celebrity Anne Widdicombe, above, Oxford professor and arts commentatorJohn Carey.

BBC2 and Radio 4 arts reviewer Mark Lawson, glamorous television historian Bettany Hughes, northern poet and funnyman Les Barker, alternative magazine editor and friend of Prince Charles Satish Kumar, actress and voice of many parts Anna Massey, and local author and lively new kid on the best-seller block Annie Waller.

Negotiations are also underway with Simon Callow, Stephen Fry, Melvyn Bragg, Nick Hornby, Roger McGough, and an array of other writers and performers.

This year's triskaidekaphobiadefying thirteenth Swindon Festival of Literature starts in Lawn Woods at dawn on Bank Holiday Monday 1 May with the ever popular Dawn Chorus.

Apart from the above-mentioned famous names, the subsequent 12 days also include the Clive Brain Memorial Lecture, the now nationally-famous Swindon Poetry Slam, the second Swindon Youth Poetry

Slam, a Children & Families Weekend, plus a wide range of literary talks, performances. discussions, and readings at arts venues, the university, libraries, schools, pubs, parks, and even woodlands in and around Swindon.

It is all very exciting!

The festival's profile and reputation continue to grow. At every level, it has become a fantastic celebration for Swindon of things well written and things well said.

People of all ages and backgrounds have a very good

ti me.

They get together, meet authors, join in li vely talk, explore new ideas, and even have a laugh!

The full festival programme will be published on 16 March. To go on the festival mailing list, call 771080 or mail: swindonlitfest@ lowershaw farm.co.uk www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk • triskaidekaphobia: a quick look in the dictionary will reveal all.

Backing the festival The 2006 Swindon Festival of Literature is made possible by funding from the Arts Council of England, South West, whose support represents recognition of what has been achieved in literature development in Swindon.

Financial support is also provided by Dominic Winter Book Auctions. Swindon Borough Council, the University of Bath in Swindon, Swindon Learning Partnership, Lower Shaw Farm and the Open University, as well as valuable support and assistance from First Great Western, the National Union of Teachers, the Evening Advertiser, Holland Handling. Acorn Press, Waterstone's and Borders Bookshops, Friends of the Festival, a host of other local organisations and individuals and of course. The Link

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22

Swindon Wide Dramatic changes to view at Lydiard Park

NAWAB'S The West's No 1 fabric store New stock now in • Bridal fabrics • Velvet • Stretch fabrics • Calico • Fire-resistant fabric • Fleece • and haberdashery Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm 25 Tennyson Street SWINDON

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Excellent progress is being made on the lost lake restoration works at Lydiard Park. writes Sarah Finch-Crisp, Keeper of Lydiard House and Park.

Archaeological findings, during by summer 2006 when we can all Intensive clearing has revealed the full extent of the lower lake, works, revealed the footings of the look forward to sunny days picwhich had been largely dry for original weir and the specification nicking by the lake and enjoying nearly 100 years and works have for the new Palladian bridge be- the lakeside walks, with new views taken place to de-silt and improve tween the upper and lower lakes is of the striking Palladian house.

Over the coming months, conbeing slightly altered to ensure that the upper lake. theremainsofthisoriginalweirare tractors will begin work on restorpreserved and incorporated in the ing the historic dam wall, mending the breach over the stream and restoration, This dramatic transformation of restoring the whole length of this The Swindon Scratch Choir holds a day of Gospel singing led by Nick Lydiard's landscape has necessi- castellated wall to its former granPrater at Wroughton Church Hall tated temporary closures of path- deur. We apologise in advance for ways around the lake and we are the footpath closure and access on Saturday 4 February.

No experience is needed, just very grateful to our many regular restrictions in the dam wall area.

Contractors are using the fenced enthusiasm and desire to sing out. visitors for bearing with us during compound on the church drive this short-term disruption.

Cost £20 (£15 unwaged) The lake is due to be completed during these works.

For details call Linda Lee on 875184 or 07990 638308 Coun Nick Martin, chair of the Lydiard Project Board with Sarah Finch-Crisp in front of the empty /ake which will be filled by July

No auditions needed

The Scratch Choir is Swindon's only community choir. Anyone can join, there are no auditions, there is no need to read music and nobody is required to sing solo.

The emphasis is on fun, building confidence and making beautiful harmonic music together. The repetoire takes all era and genres, from cheesy pop and folk to jazz and music from around the world.

The choir meets at Lower Shaw Farm on Mondays 7.30pm to 9.30pm. For details call Linda Lee.

Up to 11pm daily. Sundays - selected drinks: buy one get one free * Draught pints: Stella £2.25. Guinness £2.35. Castlemaine XXXX £1.50.

Carling £1.95. Old English Cider £1.85. Worthingtons f 1.85. ^. ,t Bottles: WKD, Smirnoff Ice & Absolute Cut 3 for £5.99 Becks, Bud, Stella & VK 3 for £5 Carlsberg, K Ice & Castlemaine XXXX £1 a bottle * f 1 Shots: Corky's, Funky Monkey, Taboo, Dooley's Tequila Rose * Double Spirits: All mainline spirits including dash £1.95 * Stowells wines £1.49 a glass

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Coke, Diet Coke & Lemonade - buy one, get a free refill.

After 11pm * Thursdays - free entry f 1.75 a drink. * Fridays - free entry with this advert. Selected drinks £1.50 each. it Saturdays - half price entry with this advert. £1.75 a drink.

on: w d menu, I quiz nights, band nights

V

Swindon Wide What's Cr in Febrt rq Children & Family Events

Saturday 25th, 2pm and 5pm Chuckle Brothers: Doctor What and the Return of the Garlics. The boys set off on a galactic trip thinking Saturday 11th to Sunday 19th it is nothing more than an unusual Spring Flowers. Enjoy the stunning holiday and end up on another natural carpet of snowdrops in the amazing adventure. £12 Wyvern woodlands surrounding Lydiard house and floral displays in the State Saturday 25th, 6pm Rooms. Norma/admission charges Raas Garba Dance Night. Learn these colourful and energetic Hindi for house. Lydiard Park dances performed in a circle, clapping Monday 13th February, 6.30pm hands and striking sticks to the beat.

The Chart Tribute Show. A pop People of all ages and from all musical for children that will have communities are welcome. £6.50, you clapping, cheering, singing and children over 5. £4. Punjab/ smiling. A jam packed evening with Community Centre, Kembrey Street the latest chart hits including McFly. Busted. Britney, Gwen Stefani and Tuesday 28th, 10am and 1 pm more. £8. 50 fami/y ticket (2 adults, 2 Mrs Jessop & the Maths Lesson of Doom. Interactive musical comedy chi/dren) £30. Wyvern based on the primray schools maths Saturday 18th, 11.30am & 2pm curriculum. £6. Wyvern Elmer the Elephant presented by the Blunderbus Theatre Company. A ANNUAL MEETING new play for the very young, brought Lower Shaw Farm Children's to life with storytelling, puppetry and Project holds its AGM on Thursday li ve music. £5. Family of four £16.

10 February, 10am at the farm.

Arts Centre All are welcome to attend and to put forward nominations for committee posts.

The project will be running under fives sessions on the first Wednesday and Thursday morning of the month from February, with activity days for older children in during school holidays.

For details call Andrea Hirsch on 771080.

WOODLANDS EDGE PEATMOOR

Tel: 01793 887635

23

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24

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Until Saturday 4th Piercing the Surface. 20th and 21st Century art with 3-D effects achieved with colour, texture, brushwork,tone or even piercing the canvas. Free.

Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.

To Wednesday 15th Their Past-Your Future. Digital art, creative writing and acrylic paintings

by Toothill, Freshbrook and Windmill Hill Primary Schools with Mobile Media's Reminiscence Project for the VE 60th anniversary. Free. Arts Centre Saturday 18th to 18th March David Hockney: Grimms Fairy Tales. A series of etchings illustrating six fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm. Free. Arts Centre

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The Judgement ofAngelswith Plan B Theatre. An angel with a mission. a demon with an agenda and a world full of humans caught in the middle.

Everything you've ever taken for granted is suddenly going to change without warning. A compelling story of faith and belief in the 21st Century.

Ages 14-r £8. Arts Centre Thursday 23rd to Sat 25th, 7.15pm The Harold Joliffe One Act Play Festival: including the All England Theatre Festival. Local amateur companies compete for best actor, best play award and audience award. £5 Three nights £12. Arts Centre

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WITH US We may be able to find you a lower interest rate. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.

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To 25th March People Prefer....1930s posters and original artworks selected from the Shell Advertising Arts Collection.

Free. Wyvern To 8th July Swindon Curiosities: the art of collecting. A dip into the museum's diverse archaeology and social history collections and a look behind the scenes' to explore the history of collecting. Find out more about the kinds of objects collected over the years, and the work of curators past and present. Free. Swindon Museum

Venues Arts Centre Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Lydiard House Tel: 770401 STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 University of Bath in Swindon Marlow Avenue. Tel: 328800 Wyvern Theatre Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

Wednesday 8th, 8pm Lee Mack. BAFTA award winning comedian, be%w and new host of BBC1's They Think/TcA//Over. £10.

Arts Centre

Saturday 11th, 8pm Laughing Boy Comedy Club. A line up of new comics from the London comedy circuit including: Andy Parsons, Richard Morton and Matt Kirshen. £10. Wyvern Monday 13th, 7.30pm Rainer Hersch: All Classical Music Explained. Classical pianist and stand-up comedian Hersch. below pokes fun at the sacred cows of music while answering all the questions you always wanted to ask: 'how to play instruments without practising', `why is organ music so boring?' and 'what do conductors actually do?' £12. Arts Centre

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Every apartment is spacious and stylish with full double-glazing and the fitted kitchen is equipped with a range of quality units and appliances including a washer dryer. Carpets and curtains are fitted throughout and the sitting-room has a delightful feature fireplace. There's a choice of one or two bedrooms and you'll find that the master bedroom has fitted wardrobes.

A lot of thought has gone into the design of each apartment: for example, electrical sockets are located at a convenient height, the kitchen has an electric window, and every bathroom

has easy-to-use fittings (the 2 bedroom apartments also have an ensuite).

No matter how active you are, there's always the possibility that one day you might need help. That's why Priory Manor has an experienced manager on duty to provide assistance. Each apartment has a built-in call system and, as an owner, you will have a personal mobile alert device providing access to assistance 24 hours a day.

Another benefit of Lifestyle retirement li ving is companionship. The owners' lounge fulfils that need by providing

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Retirement Living Photog.phy shows typical Bovis Homo apartment.

For full information on Bovis Homes lifestyle retirement apartments call 01793 723750

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Thursday 2nd, 7.30pm Fairport Convention. The legendary inventors of British folk-rock music perform a mix of the old and the new.

Songs from their new album Over The Next Hi// contrast with classics from their back catalogue. £16.

Wyvern Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th, 7.30pm Walking on Sunshine. A teenage musical by students of K School of Music and Arts. £6. Arts Centre. For tickets ca// 695406 Saturday 4th, 7.30pm Swindon Male Voice Choir presents a show case conce rt with guest choirs including Ruskin Junior School and North Wiltshire Young Musicians. £10. Wyvern Sunday 5th, 7.30pm Americana Triple Bill. Three acts for the price of one - Steve Dawson, Bill Mallonee & The Trophy Wives and the Pilots. £10. Arts Centre Tuesday 7th, 8pm Billie Holiday: Strange Fruit. In the sleazy and intimate atmosphere of Emerson's Bar, awashed up Holiday pours out the highs and lows of her life. £15. Arts Centre

Tuesday 14th, 8pm Chris Difford. Half of the supergroup Squeeze: responsible for Cool for Cats and Up the Junction. Expect Chris to give his own renderings of Billie Holiday. see 7 February Squeeze favourites as well as a few new numbers. £10. Arts Centre Thursday 9th, 7.30pm The Drifters. The longest running Tuesday 14th February, 7.30pm band in pop history performs all the One Night of Queen. The spirit of greatest hits, including Saturday Freddie Mercury is alive and well and Night At The Movies and Under The performing as Gary Mullen ( Stars in Boardwalk. £17 Wyvern Their Eyes winner). £1750. Wyvern Thursday 9th, 8pm Thursday 16th, 8pm Ashley Hutchings' Rainbow Rachel Unthank & The Winterset.

Chasers. Three young musicians Folk music favouring passion to with the Godfather of British folk rock polish and soul to sweet with create fresh-sounding. emotive breathtaking four-part harmonies. music. £10. Arts Centre £10. Arts Centre Friday 10th. 7.30pm Friday 17th, 8pm Glenn Miller Orchestra with the Gerard Kenny. A romantic evening Moonlight Serenaders and the of ballads and swing harking back to Uptown Hall Gang. Original the era of classic jazz with a arrangements of classic wartime contemporary ear and joyful exuchart toppers including In The Mood berance of his own. £14. Arts Centre and Moonlight Serenade. £16. Saturday 18th. 8pm Wyvern Ruby Turner performs with a six Friday 10th, 8pm Julie McKee mixes classic soul and jazz with a few songs off the beaten track. Visit www.juliemckee.com for tune samples. £10. Arts Centre

piece band. After leaving Culture Club in the mid '80s, singing diva Ruby's hits included If You reReady(Come Go WithMe)and /dRalherGoBlind £16. Arts Centre

If a Lame Is DooKeo Tor o or

more the birthday boy/girl eats for free (For example 5 pay and 1 eats for free. Birthday must be on actual day booked.) Only valid on all you can eat or any set dinner I D. WILL BE REQUIRED

27

Saturday 11th. 8pm The Yardbirds.The band that laid the groundwork for rock music and launched Eric Clapton. Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. return to remind us what it's all about. £16. Arts Centre

Music Wednesday 1st, 7.30pm Vampires Rock. The greatest rock anthems of all time, comedy, magic. ill usions and a vampire that can really fly. £16. Wyvern

Cr it FebrUCArl^

ALL YOU CAN [Al 7 days a week

Fridays & Saturdays

Children under 10 half price

£18 per person

Sunday to Thursday £15 per person

You can cho so go for'

vveen over 100 dishes ?at. t-e how much you

11-12A Theatre Square, Swindon.

Tel 01793 523570 Full menu at www.rendezvous-group.co.uk

Reserve a table now to avoid disappointment 20% off all takeaway collections

Ruby TurnerattheArts Centre on 18th Sunday 19th. 7.30pm That'll be the Day. The nation's favourite Rock 'n Roll show returns with its Special 20th Anniversary Edition. Over a hundred of your favourite hits from the 50s. 60s and 70s. £1750. Wyvern Tuesday 21st, 8pm Snowy White & The Whiteflames.

Former Thin Lizzy band member and Pink Floyd performer, best known for BirdofParadise. His classic bluesorientated British electric guitar rock fuses clear, clean phrases and harder-edged riffs. £13. Arts Centre Friday 24th. 8pm Whole Lotta Led. The top Zeppelin tribute band rocks Swindon. £12 Wyvern

28

SwindGr Wide Wt's

Extend

Strip

Colour

Rekindle your imagination Dare to C Yf 'P« your own image?

Extend: Racoon hair extensions, nail extensions.

Strip: Full waxing services, ladies and gents.

Colour: Expert colour correction eyebrows and lashes. £10 OFF any colour with a cut & blow dry plus free luxury hair treatment

With selected stylists only During February 10% off a°' beauty treatments with Simply Beautiful at Cl L'8

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78 Thames Avenue, Greenmeadow, Haydon Wick, Swindon

Telephone: (01793) 520813 www.cre8hair.co.uk

Film

Talks

Wednesday 1st, 7.45pm Downfall (15). A fascinating account of the last few days of The Third Reich, based on the real-life account of one of Hitler's secretaries. (SFS Arts Centre

Monday 13th, 2.15pm Geology of Buildings by Isobel Markham. £2 U3A members free.

E//endune Hall, Wroughton. Tel: 642634 Tuesday 14th, 2pm Picasso: Highworth Artist's Society talk by Anthony Slinn. £2. Community Room. High worth Counciloffices. Call Maureen Barnes. 339859 Wednesday 15th, 5.30pm The Lydiard Park Project. Sarah Finch-Crisp, Keepr of Lydiard House. below, gives an illustrated talk on the £5 million Heritage Lottery park restoration scheme, showing the exciting developments and dramatic results of the works to date. Free.

University of Bath

Monday 6th, 7.45pm On a Clear Day (12A). Hard-working. respectable Frank suddenly finds himself jobless. Concealing his plans from wife Joan, he determines to put his life back together with the ultimate endurance test - swimming the English Channel. £4. Arts Centre Wednesday 15th, 7.45pm A Very Long Engagement (15). At the end of World War I, a young woman (Audrey Tatou) embarks on a painful and frustrating search to discover her fiance's fate. (SFS) Arts Centre Monday 20th, 7.45pm Pride & Prejudice (U). Keira Knightley, Matthew MacFadyen and Donald Sutherland star in one of the classic battles of the sexes. £4. Arts Centre Monday 27th & Tues 28th, 7.30pm Mrs Henderson Presents (1 2A) The story of the founder of the historic Windmill Theatre. Judi Dench stars, Bob Hoskins reveals all. £5 Wyvern Swindon Film Society (SFS) ti/ms are formernbers on/y. /tis,00ssibte to join on any film evening.

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Studley Grange

Old Bell Pottery & Crafts

gard

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High Street, Lechlade • Tel: 01367 252608 E-mail: victoria.h@virgin.net

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For great gift ideas

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Knitting & Haberdashery

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Sewing needs: X-stitch — Tapestry — Rowan Jaeger — Patons — Yarns and Patterns We'll

Open daily Summer: loam - 6pm Winter : 9am - dusk Pickets available - Fall an Tailored educational visits - Grc Large gift shop - Free parking 6 Season

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Tel:01793 852400 info

also ,oladh v order an y thing else von need.

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Dolls houses i- miniatures Traditional games & toys; local craft items

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A great selection of local pottery.

Also: China seconds from Stoke-on-Trent

Pots, planters & ornaments from around the world

Mon to Sat 10 to 5 • Sun 11 to 5

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Or in Februcriq

29

Fundrasing

Dance

Saturday 4th, 7.30pm

Tuesday 7th, 7.30pm

Is your PC §) bu

perform in aid of Parkinson's Disease Society. £7 Bath Road Methodist Church. Tickets from Tourist Information Centre or ca// 530328 Saturday 11th, 11 am to 11pm Sponsored Drum Marathon in support of Swindon Pegasus Brass Band Society. Sam Toomer will play drums for 12 hours, with a change of style each hour. Expect jazz, rock and ska. Free. Wroughton Church Hal/ Call 07970 954114 or mail sam. toomerra gmai/ com Saturday 18th, 8pm Valentine's Masquerade Ball in aid of the GWH children's ward. Disco, buffet and competitions. Organised

by Magic Hands Party Plans. £15 Freshbrook Community Centre. For tickets call 870425 Saturday 25th, 8pm Irish Dance to raise funds for The Moloney and McInerney Schools of Irish Dancing, with Susan McCann and Riky Denham. plus dance exhibitions. £10. Ticketson/y. Thistle Hotel. Fleming Way. Te/- 642368 Saturday 25th, 8pm Dance to raise funds for the Joshua Foundation which helps children with terminal illness. £5 Cross ways Suite.

Moonrakers. Tickets from Liam Kerrigan on 07708 181656

Call Practical Applications Ltd. for a friendly service • Upgrades • Repairs • Networking & the internet • Home visits, collection & delivery • Or for help getting started, call us days, evenings or

Rumble by Germany's Renegade Theatre. Inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Rumble swaps the feuding families of Verona for rival breakdance crews in a thrilling piece of urban dance theatre. £14.

Wyvern Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th, 7.30pm & Saturday 18th, 2pm Debuts and Encores. Celebrating Swindon Academy of Dance 10th anniversary. 250 local children perform the best dances from over the years plus new material. £8 Wyvern Thursday 23rd, 7.45pm Henri Oguike Dance Company Two world premieres: Expression Lines, an experimental piece, and How / Look, an entertaining piece featuring the full company. Two musical collaborations: Second Signal with li ve music from drumming group Taiko and Tiger Dancing with a specially commissioned score inspired by William Blake's poem The Tiger. £12. Wyvern

FLORIDA VILLA

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Swindon Pegasus Brass Band

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Available for rent Sleeps 8 - Large Pool

weekends on

01793 321361

15 minutes to Disney

Mobile 07919 263072

Tel: 01793 825378

E: allen@procticalapplications.co.uk www.practicakpplcations.co.uk

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Just moved in?

IIVAI

HANDYMAN at Home's' for all y our DIY lobs

• Assemble flat-packs • Put up shelves, blinds, curtains • Install appliances • Small decorating. tiling jobs • Small plumbing jobs • Replace electrical fittings • Install and set up your tv. hi-fi, home cinema, new phone ext.

• In fact any normal D/V job All types of job in one visit Call (local rate)

0845 200 7821 or see our website for details www.handymanathome.co.uk We are based in Sw indon

g

amil_^ Bus.in

• All types of fencing installed Full patio/decking service Made to measure gates • All pressure treated timbers = • Help/advice on all fencing & landscape matt ers • •

Free estimates on 01793 855800 Unit 23&24 Oaklands Ind. Est. Braydon. Swindon

Anything Stone UK Ltd. Suppliers of finely finished granite, marble, li mestone, slate, sandstone and gypsum

4

Granite Worktops • Enhance your kitchen with the beauty of

natural stone.

• Table tops, bar tops, shop counters, reception desks

and more.

fantastic fabrics a (a/able by the

10%OFF ALL FABRICS NORMAL SELLING PRICE ON PRODUCTION OF THIS ADVERT • EXCLUDING ANY SPECIAL OFFERS

• Affordable granite worktops from £137 per metre.

• Local supplier and stockists. Visit us and see your stone.

NATURAL STONE FIREPLACE STOCK CLEAROUT AT CRAZY PRICES! Everything must -go!

Call us now on 08702 422 998 Showroom: Unit 41 BSS House. Cheney Manor r

I

30

The Link Magazine • February 2006 WILTSh IRE

LAW CENTRE

Free legal advice in..

Welfare Benefits, Housing, Debt, Immigration and Mental Health Law Open: Mon - Fri. 9.30am to 4pm

if you have problems in these areas, don't suffer in silence

We are here to help so visit us at Temple House, 115-118 Commercial Road, Swindon, Call 01793 486926, or email: wiltslawcentre(Bdial.pipex.com

Do von want to make a difference to people's lives?

Do you have an NVQ Level 2 in Care?

Do you have your own motor transport?

We are looking for very special people to join our team of BANK STAFF to undertake care work in the community especially evenings, and weekends Swindon 1 Wood Street Carers Centre Swindon SiC,',, Telephone 01793 542285 for an application pack

Don't let the cowboys get to you It's extremely frustrating when you get taken in by a rogue trader, or if a job has not been done to your

satisfaction. But help is at hand from the Trading Standards consumer advice service located at the Safer Swindon Shop in Havelock Street, writes shop manager Jean Goncalvez.

Safer Swindon Shop recently Advice on any big or small advised victims of the Spanish matter is available to consumLottery Scam—some having lost ers. several thousands of pounds to The most common complain t the conmen involved. relates to house repairs and Advice is also available free home improvements. Many of charge to Swindon busiconsumers find themselves unnesses. If you need to know happy with work carried out about your rights in relation to by a tradesman such as a builder a dispute with a supplier, or to or plumber — or even worse make sure you get it right when find that they cannot get hold dealing with your customers, of the workman after paying a contact us. deposit for work to be done.

Consumer advisors offer free The Consumer Advice Service at the Safer Swindon Shop is impartial advice on how to deal with these types of complaints. open Monday to Friday, 10am Where extra help is needed they Jean Gonealaez, right, with consumer advisor to 3.30pm.

You can also call Consumer can draft letters or in extreme Carla Baker at the Safer Swindon Shop Direct South West on 0845 cases prepare court papers.

4040506 (lo-call rate) on Monday However, prevention is always who call at the door. better than cure so visit the Safer Even if you have got involved 8am to 6.30pm and Saturday gam Swindon Shop for some pre-shop- with a 'cowboy' it's never too late to I pm.

The Safer Swindon Shop offers ping advice. Advisors can offer to seek advice. Often you have plenty of tips and leaflets describ- more rights than you think and advice on all aspects of commuing how to avoid some of the com- Trading Standards Officers may nity safety from personal safety, mon pitfalls when having work well be able to give advice that can security of your property to fire done around the house. save you thousands of pounds or safety. Personal security alarms can Some of the most serious con- allow you to send the tradesperson be purchased for £6 each.

Property markers are available sumer complaints dealt with at the away and get the job finished propSafer Swindon Shop relate to cow- erly. free of charge for marking all your boy builders — many who call at Scams were a big issue during Christmas gifts, CDs and DVDs the doorstep. Trading Standards 2005 and look as if they will con- also unwanted caller stickers to advice is: never deal with builders tinue this year. Advisors at the deter doorstep sellers.

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Visit our Challice Place development, open daily 9.30am â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 5.00pm, visit our website or call 01793 723344

bryant.co.uk

Photograph shows typical bryant homes not at this development.

Bryant Homes

by Taylor Woodrow

32

The Link Magazine • February 2006

Tone up in your own home Personal trainers are not just for the rich and famous, they're an increasingly popular option for those allergic to the gym or who just need some one-to-one motivation at convenient times.

After receiving a grant from the Prince's Trust, Kara Le HurayPowditch from Priory Vale has setup Train and Tone to offer individual exercise programmes with all the necessary equipment. More importantly she makes sure that clients keep working towards their goals.

"It can be hard at first but it's fun," said Kara. "I like to have a joke but still keep people going through the workout. The good thing about being at home is that we never have to wait for a piece of equipment to be free, so the sessions can be quite intense."

Kara caught the fitness bug after her daughter Leah was born. "I put on a lot of weight after having Leah, but I started doing exercise again and liked the changes I was able to achieve."

Now a qualified Premier Training instructor, Kara wants to help and motivate others. To discuss how she could assist you achieve fitness and weight loss goals, call Kara on 07717 567596.

eil l riiid hc°r murn Kara

Girls' footie club has places for players

[rainbow of colours to brighten 1 up your home this Winter!

Charisma Blinds - the place for quality and value

Swindon Nosbees, one of the under 12 teams associated with Swindon Town FC Ladies, are keen for more players to join them.

The squad trains on Tuesdays 7.30pm to 8.30pm at Abbey Meads Community School and play in the Wiltshire Girls League.

It is open to players of any ability and experience, from any part of town. To find out more about joining, mail team manager Sarah Maisey: sarah@brewster-services.co.uk STFC Ladies has squads for girls aged 4 years to adult and are always keen to hear from players. For details call club secretary John White on 824470.

Manufacturers and suppliers of all types of blinds

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

PARTNRS I I -HAIR & BEAUTY 7

ft#k

Win a new look thanks to Partners February perhaps is the best time to look at your future because the resolutions made in a drunken stupor or depressed reflection at the end of 2005 are probably just a haze in the memory.

]

^Issih you

WEST SWINDON CENTRE

Tel: 01793 870462

So here's a chance to brighten up 2006 and project a completely new image by getting in front of the fashion curve.

Whether you want to make a strong statement, acquire a new colour, go for glamour, or challenge how people look at you, this is a competition for you.

With support from Schwarzkopf, Professional Partners Hair Salon at West Swindon Centre is offering a fantastic New Look hair and beauty treatment that will wow friends, family and who knows who else.

The second prize is a set of Schwarzkopf hair straighteners: third: £25 worth of Schwarzkopf products: fourth: a £10 voucher towards a Partners appointment.

., I' To enter, all you have to do is tell us the sponsor of this competition.

Send your entries, with name and address. to The Link. 70 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive. Swindon SN5 7EX by 13 February.

33

The Link Magazine • February 2006

Stride out with Breakthrough walkers All the places on the Moonwalk overnight marathon through London in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer on 20 May were filled in just two days in November.

However the Swindon's Twin Peaks team is happy for anyone who wants to get fit to join them for training sessions. Team coordinator Eunice Salmon said, "there are a growing number of events to aim for, such as the Bristol Sunwalk, Swindon Half Marathon next October, or even the Scottish Moonwalk in Edinburgh and other events abroad, from Paris to Peru."

To find out more go along to the next Twin Peaks meeting at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street on Thursday 9 February, 7.30pm, or call Eunice Salmon on 871606 or mail: eunice.salmon@ntlworld.com

Sports Massage Jamie Webb BSc (Hops) MSST

Fully qualified and insured Sports Therapist.

Training groups around the town to join

West Swindon. hntermediate and fast walkers leaves Link Centre Library entrance on Mondays, 7pm prompt, on a circular route returning between 8.30pm and 9pm. Call Karen White on 879961. Only cancelled if icy.

A beginners, slower group, leaves Link Centre Library entrance on Wednesday, 7pm. Contact Julie Hennessy on 07968 837796 or mail: jhennessy@accordoffice.co.uk East Swindon. Departs Dorcan Centre, Tuesdays 7pm. Contact Margaret Nicholson on 633348.

Race for Life Swindon now booking Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, supported by Tesco arrives in Swindon on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 July.

This year will be the seventh this year's target of £370,000. visit to Lydiard Park and since 1999 "Every woman who takes part in Swindon women have raised an Race for Life and raises money is impressive £817,000 for research making an invaluable contribution into the causes, treatment and pre- towards the fight against cancer.

Last year's event had an unforgetvention of cancer.

This year, Cancer Research UK table atmosphere and was incredis hoping that 750,000 women will ibly inspiring."

In 2005 6,000 Swindon women enter across Britain and raise £46 took part, filling all the places a million, Swindon's Race Organiser month before the race. To secure a Karma Morgan is calling on every- place for the 5k run /jog/ walk enone to get involved and help beat ter online at: www.raceforlife.org

Cash for cancer from netballers The ladies of Ferndale Netball Club presented Cancer Research UK with £2,200, raised from a sponsored netball day in September, raffles and two fun days. The total included £750 from Barclays Bank, thanks to player Charan Dhaliwal who works for them.

Club organiser Joy Blake said Hairworks Salon at Freshbrook Centre had been very helpful with prizes and her son John had done a great job approaching companies for donations.

Helping CR UK. From left

Charan

Bringing the Dougals back home at last year's Moonwalk

kkw d^ Fitness classes on Tuesdays Lydiard Millicent Primary School The Butts, Lydiard Millicent 7- 8pm Aerotone: A combination of

NEW

• Lose those extra pounds, get fit Learn to defend yourself • Meet new people

low impact aerobics and body toning. £4 per class. Pay as you go 8- 9pm Pilates: A mind and body class suitable for beginners and improvers. £5 per class - each 5 week course to be booked and paid for in advance

=

BEGINNER KICKBOXING CLASSES!

• Train in a safe & friendly environment • Come & train with 515 Dan. Clive Elliott & his team.

.,.

07767 607170 07879 404021

For details and to book for Pilates call Debbie Mitchell on 01793 721109 or 07745 422365

www.cliveelliott.n'^`

Only one place gives you the support of over 4 million women.

-:.

Dhaliwal, John Blake, Natasha Russell, Cancer

'^

Research local

fundraising

01793 613352

Jamie@SwindonSportsTh erapy. co.uk www.SwindonSportsThera py. co. u k

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organiser, Jennie Allen holding Kaia Regan, Joy

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Curves is 30-minute fitness, commonsense weight loss and all the support you need to achieve your goals.

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Blake

Oldest club recruits new players Ferndale is Swindon's oldest independent netball club and celebrates its 85th anniversary in 2006.

The number of players in the club almost doubled as a result of stories in The Link last year and enabled a second team to be entered into league competition. Joy Blake's aim now is to recruit a third team an d also launch a youth team. For details about joining call her on 872237.

01 793 698400 30 Crombey Street Swindon, Wiltshire SNJ 5QL over 9,000 [o«tionn ,coridr„ide.

Free week may be redeemed on fi rst visit or exchanged for special membership discount. y Not valid with any otter offer. Valid onl , at participating locations.

34

The Link Magazine • February 200 6

Teenager fit for the future

Looking for Muffin

A teenager is slimmer, fitter and sharper, thanks to The Link.

In November we offered a young came forward to have ago. person three months of personal It was not an easy thing training with newly qualified for Bryony to take on as not trainer Richie Jeffers and only would she be changGreendown student Bryony ing her lifestyle, her Tancock from Grange Park bravely progress was going to be featured in the magazine.

Buts h' e s enjoyed t he ex perience.

"The sessions with Richie have been really good," said Bryony. "I'm definitely fitter, I've lost some weight and I've got

Julie Satchell's cat went missing in November in Middleleaze. Answering to the name of Muffin she is a black shorthair with a small patch of white on her abdomen.

Call 07815 931088 with information

Les S 111111

Personal Trainer Instruction for all ages, abilities & fitness levels • Qualified & Certified Personal Trainer • Nutrition & Weight Management Consultant

more energy for school

work."

Bryony building up strength with Richie /offers Richie said he had seen a difference in Bryony's perform- to get fit should call Richie. "He ance over the 12 sessions. "I've has good music and changes the increased the intensity of the programme a lot so you don't feel workouts and she's become as if you're working hard, but you stronger. My aim is to motivate are."

To contact Richie see his adverclients to enjoy exercise."

Bryony says anybody who wants tisement on the left.

y

• Circuits Instructor • Core Stabilit & Torso Instructor • Kids Fit Instrucror "Learn how to get & stay motivated in a fun relaxed atmosphere. helping you to achieve that body you have always wanted."

0783 3582788 Is/inn fitsupanet.com www.ispersonaltraining.com

Active in Old Town

n -

Achieve Success PILATES CLASSES

ShawVillage Hall Mon: 6 - 7pm; Wed: 7.30 - 8.30pm 24 Hour Gym Tues: 10 - I I am; Wed: 2 - 3pm (Beg); Thurs: 9.30 - 10.30am Haydon Wick Tues: 8 - 9pm. Taw Hill Thurs: 7 - 8pm (Beginners)

YOGA CLASSES Haydon Wick Mon: 7.30 - 8.30pm (Beginners)

The Croft Sports Centre is a great place to get fit for anybody who lives or works in Old Town.

Fitness classes for all abilities in- chance to play table tennis and cluding aerobics, body condition- badminton. Wednesday aftering, circuits and weight manage- noons is set aside for a popular line dancing class ment run throughout the day.

A different way for children In addition to classes, the large aged 9 to 12 years to keep active is sports hall is used for sessional Combat Base a non-contact mar- badminton, 5-a-side football and tial arts based fitness class, children's parties.

For details of times and prices For over 50s the centre offers Masters Circuits including the call 526622.

Greendown School Tues: 8 - 9.15pm; Fri: 7.30 - 8.45pm

Getting your mind around weight loss

24 Hour Gym Wed: I - 2pm (Beginners welcome) CrickladeTown Hall Mon: 7.30 - 8.30pm

I I With 250 bikes

on show THE price is right THE parking is free

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4 4 Parts, repairs, accessories, t^ back up stock I Open: Mon to Sat '` gam to 5.30pm Closed Sundays

I o ( ^ NFgR

Do you struggle to maintain a healthy weight? Do you comfort eat?

Are you addicted to chocolate, white bread or sugar? Do you find it difficult to maintain the motivation to get in shape and stay in shape?

Hilary Norris-Evans says one of quickly. Try not to eat after 7pm in the ways of becoming and staying the evening whenever possible.

Many people eat badly because slim and fit is to take a short course of hypnotherapy to get your mind they are not organised. Plan your meals carefully, particularly around the issue.

This, combined with a sensible lunches so that you don't just grab eating regime and regular exercise the first bar of chocolate or packet will help you achieve your out- of crisps available. Be aware of come. Exercise needn't be going to what different foods do to your the gym. You could walk, cycle or body. Eat fresh rather than procswim, the important thing is to essed foods whenever possible.

If you suspect you may be sensifind something that you enjoy doing - regularly. Walking to the tive to certain foods, visit a nutrishops instead of driving, taking tionist or have a food sensitivity the stairs and not the lift are pro- test, available in health food shops.

Extra weight can be the result of active moves to exercise.

Maintaining weight loss can be food sensitivities or allergies.

Above all, think calm and slim achieved by eating slowly and putting your knife and fork down and always take a deep breath bebetween mouthfuls and always sit fore you eat. If you have an urge to at the table when you eat. Do not eat when you are not really hunwatch TV or read a magazine but gry, ask yourself what else would concentrate on what you are eating. satisfy that urge instead.

Hilary Norris-Evans has been a When you are hungry, eat, but check if you are thirsty first.Two full ti me advanced clinical litres of water a day are the mini- hypnotherapist for 8 years and mum to drink and this also stops practises in Wootton Bassett and us from getting headaches and Chippenham. Tel: 01249 740506 or washes toxins through our system mail: info@getmindfit.co.uk

35

The Link Magazine • February 2006

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36

T he Link Magazine • February 2006

Old school gentleman with modern outlook Lucy Proctor meets a 97 year old with a wealth of memories still very much in touch with the world around him Ted Mackenzie's living room in Freshbrook tells a tale in itself. A magnificent wooden Korean chest stands beneath the stairs. A signed copy of a Jack London novel sits on the bookshelves alongside a collection of sailing books. Desert roses from the Sahara and an Edwardian calling card are kept safe in a cupboard. colonial service. He then Ted's brother-inThe neat little house tucked lived inKaduna in NorthF away in Chalgrove Fields is where law farmed the very ' ern Nigeria until 1961, 97-year-old Ted chose to finally land on which Freshleaving after the country settle down after a lifetime of ad- brook is built. Ted gained independence venture and change, travelling the moved into his home • from British rule. As world. when it was new, i Deputy Permanent SecUpstairs is his computer, an im- 1978, and has watched retary for the Ministry of portant part of his more recent life the area grow out of Trade and Industry Ted in Swindon where he has gained a green fields. He regot to know and love Ni^^ degree of fame for his interest in members a close comgeria and other parts of modern technology. He was pre- munity, where any ^ Africa well - he once sented with an award from Swin- new person to arrive drove 3,000 miles across don College for being their oldest in this urban village the Sahara in a Landstudent to complete a computing was called upon, and rover. course when he was 91, and a after all this time, he Ted Mackenzie, Mac k n ie , main tainin g his s tan dar d On leaving Africa Ted search for his name on Google still thinks it's a great of e z uatim and grammarr bought himself a yacht churns out several articles on the place to live.

Ted was born in Edwardian Eng- and embarked on a two-year sailsubject.

"What a lovely place Freshbrook "They made a terrific fuss of me! is to live in. We have shops, a post land in 1908, in the days of impec- ing trip. During this time he travIt was quite ridiculous," he re- office, a church, school, a dentist cable manners and the Empire. His elled the world, sailing across the called. "I was even given two thirds and a doctors, a pharmacy — I can't father was a brilliant journalist, a Atlantic, visiting the Caribbean, of the centre page of the Times think of anything we need." one-time colleague of the infamous exploring the English coastline and Education Supplement, not for He is also a huge fan of the new Jack London in Siberia and Man- crossing to France, almost a secbeing clever but for being old."

Great Western Hospital. "They churia and among the first to re- ond home to him, whenever he He regularly keeps in touch with seem to be trained to be charming, port on the Russo-Japanese war of pleased.

This love of freedom was too friends and family, including a as if they were trying to sell you 1904-5. Ted was brought up to be a great-niece in China, via e-mail, something, and you're never kept newspaperman, and entered Fleet strong to give up, but Ted knew he and he always carries his mobile waiting," he says of the staff.

Street as a young man working on couldn't go on sailing around without reason, and decided to find a phone. On Satellite Navigation His enthusiasm for such an or- production for the Daily Mirror.

Systems he voices the awe and frus- dinary area of an ordinary town is When war broke out in 1939 life job to last him into retirement. He tration of many — "I love them but surprising given his colourful life changed for everyone. Having then began his favourite period of I hate them." story. learnt to fly before the war, Ted his life, as an RAC hotel inspector became a link trainer instructor, in Southern England, Wales and teaching pilots to fly on the ground France. He toured the country in a in what was then Southern Rhode- mobile caravan, stopping off at sia, now Zimbabwe. He was hotels and B and B's, until he was awarded an MBE for services to 70. Ted said, "I was completely flying at New Year in 1945, a fact independent, just driving around," he likes to keep secret, "I didn't he explains. "Nobody could tell know I was going to get it - it came me what to do. And I love this part out of the blue." of the country."

Ted's adventurous days might Ted resumed his newspaper career in 1948 when he went to West be over, but he has his extraordiYOUR LOCAL PVC-U MANUFACTURER Africa. He spent a year getting the nary memories whilst the internet Nigerian Dail y Times up to Fleet gives him windows on the world • Buy direct from Street standards before joining the whenever he pleases.

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James Anderson-Dixon, whose family tree stretches back to an 18th Century Scottish soldier was born in Rangoon, Burma in 2006.

He went to school in Calcutta and later worked for the Standard Oil Company in Burma. He escaped at the outbreak of World War II as the Japanese approached by trekking for 12 days through the jungle to India where he joined the Royal Enginners.

James retired to Britain in 1961 Janes with his grand-daudtgter to be near to his sons who were Jennifer Anderson-Dixon working here. In 1982 he came to Swindon to be one of the first resi- Dixon's celebrated James' birthdents of Elsie Hazel Court at the day with him, following a special mass for him at St Peter's Church, Freshbrook Village Centre.

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38

The Link Magazine • February 2006

The Swindon Town debate Last month Shaw Forest Protection Group campaigner Alan Hayward explained why the County Ground should be developed for Swindon's football club. Here fellow forest protector John Doyle says council taxpayers should stay well away from assisting the club.

A football club can undoubtedly Ina borough of 190,000, Swindon duct the away fans and those who in the board room to cease to be a

Town FC attracts average crowds support the team but don't pay Swindon concern. STFC's regis- be a great source of pride for a of 5,500. That's less than 3 per the borough council tax and this tered office is in Newbury, its legal town but the stadium proposals advisors would be hard pressed to and posturing of the STFC board cent of the local population. De- number is woefully small.

The County Ground has a ca- know where the County Ground are proving to be an embarrassl 15I 500 so pearl Y is and none of its directors live in ment. p acit5 of roug hY If STFC is to survive, fundamenthree seats are available for each the borough.

The Board of Directors is ex- tal changes need to take place to spectator. Readers could probably produce a long list of interests, tremely unwilling to have a fans' re-establish a positive relationship events and activities that have representative attend its meetings, with the area, the people and the more appeal and offer better value yet it expects supporters to turn up fans. This need for change has been Approved Driving Instructo r for money than a trip to the County and buy their ever more expensive recognised at other football clubs. tickets without complaint. When For example Chesterfield FC is now Ground. `PA$$-PLU$' REGIfTERED ^l For me, watching Swindon successful companies are spend- a fan based club working with its Wildcats playing ice hockey at the ing large sums to develop their council and has turned a debt of * Theory 'Test Tuition Link Centre is an altogether more markets, get closer to customers £2.5 million into a small profit. * Training Pack Available enjoyable way to spend some free and offer value for money, STFC York, Swansea and others are taking the same approach. time. My need for football is now chooses to do the opposite. * Block Booking Discounts satisfied by a well known satellite TV supplier. * Refresher Courses STFC has lost its relevance to all Call Liz on 01793 486112 but a handful in Swindon. This decline may be linked to decisions Ask about free lessons

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The Link Magazine • February 2006

39

Plan for panto next Christmas Peatmoor resident Suzanne Bullimore is looking for adults and children interested in putting on a community pantomime at the end of the year, or next January.

"I'm looking for anybody who wants to have a go," said Suz an ne, who is a well known . supply and music teacher.

"I've helped with the Penhi ll P Players panto written by Sheena Robertson over the last two years; it's such a great way 4 of getting the community together.

"WiththeunfairpressPenhill gets, it's brilliant how they or- Cnuld you see yourself on stage like these ugly sisters in Pen/ill's Cinderella? ganise such fun. If they can do it, I'd like to have a go in Peatmoor" Suzanne is on the lookout for "My children said I shouldn't be dames, principal boys, ugly sis- sad if there is an apathetic reaction ters, fairy godmothers, singers, to this idea," said Suzanne. "But I dancers and comedians, and both won't find out unless I put the idea ends of a cow. She hasn't settled on out there. So if you have a hidden the panto, but she promises that it talent or want to help in the backwill have lots of topical local inter- ground, give me a call." est. You don't even have to live in Call her on 870458 or mail: Peatmoor or Sparcells to take part. Suzanne.bullimore@btinternet.com

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The Link Magazine • February 2006

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They rely on public donations and, for the past few years, have funded much of their work from their own pocket.

With Spring approaching, Sue expects to be busy with all sorts of animals, not just swans. Last year she regularly had 30 to 40 fledgings to care for, as well as hedgehogs, squirrels, foxes, ducklings and bats. The couple are steeling themselves for sleepless nights ahead.

Caring for young animals and answering calls for help means that they count themselves lucky if they have four hours rest each night at this time of year.

Sue's reputation has spread and she regularly takes in swans from as far afield as the Brecon Beacons.

However, as costs mount up, she maybe forced to start turning birds away.

Sue hopes to find donors to help with the £8,000 per year running costs. "We hope we can keep going for one more year but after that

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"The trouble is that a lot of peoplc and businesses won't give to animal charities. But, they're the same people who want to be able to enjoy wildlife and see swans on lakes and rivers."

If you can help in any way, invite Sue to give a talk, or would like more information, contact Sue on 336408 or mail: roger.hulbert @ntlworld.com

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The Link Magazine • February 2006

41

80 day reading adventure underway Children from a school in Bristol made a day trip to Swindon to launch the Great Reading Adventure in early January.

The project, which has run an- Verne's classic Around the World in Wallace and Gromit on the cover, discuss the book. For details call nually in Bristol for four years, 80 Days. and an adapted children's version John Wignall on 463233. aims to get over 100,000 people Swindon's libraries has 620 cop- to lend.

Local schools are also getting across the South West reading Jules ies of a special edition featuring Librarian Rebecca Bolton said involved by reading the specially the bookhad been issued over 1,000 adapted edition. In February Charlie Rose from times in the first three weeks of the Robert Le Kyng School will be the Hannah More 80 day project. spending a day at a storytelling Primary School, The Central Library Readers' event at Steam based on the adBristol with Group is holding a special open ventures of the main character characters from meeting on 22 February, 7pm to Phileas Fogg. the book were welcomed to

Swindon by head of library services David Allen and library operations manager Alyson Jordan

Search your background Following the popularity of the BBC TV programme Who do you think you are? Swindon Library Service is running practical workshops on discovering family history and genealogy on the internet.

They take place on the mornings Monday 20 March, Wroughton; of: Wednesday 15 February, West Tuesday 4 April, Highworth Swindon; A session at £5 can be booked at any Swindon library.

Workshops on using the web to

Back to nature 1: Priory Vale people need to protect special area

search local history are planned

In a few months the rare green winged orchid Orchis Morin will make its annual appearance at the for later in the year Haydon Meadow Site of Special Scientific Interest, but the habitat which allows this unusual plant to Making way for new stock flourish is under threat from the people who have moved into Priory Vale.

Grand Book Sale The field off Garsington Drive Priory Vale residents Stephanie "Priory Vale has something very Moredon & Rodbourne Cheney has only been used as a cow pas- and Paul Exell have taken a par- special which everybody must try Library. Church Walk North ture for hundreds of years which ticular interest in the area and are and protect."

Fri 24 February 10am to 5pm has allowed the plant to establish appealing for people respect it.

The North Swindon DevelopSat 25 February 10am to 1 pm itself. But it is nearly surrounded "It's very important to keep off ment Company should soon be by housing and there is great the land," said Stephanie. "It's not putting up dog proof fencing and chance of this unusual environ- just any old field for dogs to foul, signs explaining how sensitive the Garage for rent in Grange Park ment being damaged. or a place to play golf or football, site is to mis-use.

Back to nature 2: Better for birds and bees

March tree plant for Shaw Forest

For details call 0781 847 2337

A group committed to improving an unusual wildlife habitat in West Swindon is appealing for volunteers to help maintain an important After the complete washout in woodland.

Peatmoor Copse is a remnant of The volunteers meet on the first November, another tree plant is the ancient Braydon Forest, once a Sunday of the month, 10am to 1pm. planned by the Great Western CO royal hunting ground. Over the New members arewelcometojoin Community Forest team for Sunlast 18 years as houses were occu- in and discover an unusual area of day 19 March, thanks to Nationpied around it, volunteers have West Swindon. The next meeting wide Building Society and Intel.

Organisation of the day has been brought the woodland back to life is 5 February. Children can take through coppicing the trees, part but must be accompanied by changed for this event. There will This old management technique an adult. Full training is given. be 500 trees to plant, but these has encouraged a wide variety of There are no toilets on site and the need to be booked on the day at bird, mammal and insect life to area is unsuitable for wheelchairs. Peatmoor Community Primary return and increased the life span For directions to the copse, call School, before taking a free minibus the short distance to the Shaw Roger Ogle on 608840. of the trees.

Forest.

More details will be published Back to nature 3: New life for riverbank in the March Link.

On a freezing grey January day a group of volunteers donned safety helmets and warm clothes for the next stage in an ambitious makeover for the Rivermead area, close to Westlea.

Like a period building having Active Swindon, a project funded its original features restored, this by the Home Office.

"Although clearing trees can stretch of the River Ray is gradually being stripped of the mis- look brutal, it's often an essential guided 'improvements' of the last part of bringing wildlife back to an • CARPETS • WOOD • LAMINATE century. The result of the restora- area," said WWTs Neil Pullen. "In tion,whichisbeingsteeredbyWilt- this case, we're creating transi• VINYL - UNDERLAY • ACCESSORIES shire Wildlife Trust will be a rich tional habitats on the edge of the l^ gil .licks, no sales, no promotions wildlife area, with a full spectrum woodland, which are better for JUST THE RIGHT PRICE AND THE TRUE VALUE of habitats from wildflower birds such as the woodpeckers meadow through scrubland to whose loud tapping can be heard FROM THE START woodland, here regularly."

HOME SELECTION SERVICE More volunteers are needed to An overcrowded and spindly Personal estimating service - no obligation or charge woodland is being thinned and the join a working group which Fitting service by qualified & professional fitters trees along the riverbank and on a meets on Thursdays. Anyone can meadow have been cut down, go along; full training is provided.

For details about taking part give WWT volunteers have been doing 6 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon SNi 4AB the work since October as part of Neil a call on 5264481.

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-

42

The Link Magazine • February 2006

Twin Town

Quiet garden planned for school playground

Children at Bridlewood Primary School in Redhouse are looking forward to the better weather and being support meeting able to attend classes outside.

Swindon Ocotal Link (SOL) celalso an area where small groups ebrates its work with the twin Thanks to fundraising by the ground tarmac.

Headteacher Jane Rodbourn can do lessons. "It will help us town in Nicaragua at its annual FriendsofBridlewoodSchoolover the last two years, garden designer said the garden will provide a quiet maintain our healthy school sta- general meeting on 7 February.

Sue Talbot of Planting Impressions place for children at playtime and tus," she added.

The group is dedicated to supContractors will be carrying out porting projects in Ocotal through —^ has been engaged to create a raised the construction work in the next fundraising and assisting people area with trough beds, pergolas few weeks but parents, children to travel to Swindon from Central and seating on top of the playand staff will be helping to plant America and for Swindon people Teams of four wanted for the the beds when it gets warmer. to go there, to visit and to carry out Bridlewood School Quiz Night Although the Friends have do- voluntary work.

1 7 March, 7pm to 9pm nated the proceeds of two summer SOL also organise great social Entry £2 per person fetes and two Christmas fairs, the evenings with delicious Latin To enter a team contact school is appealing for help from American food, accompanied by Helen Holmes on 725355 suppliers of gardenening materi- music and dance. als and plants to make the money To find out more abuot the link go further. with Ocotal, go along to the AGM To help call Ms Rodbourn on on 7 February, 7.30pm at the Civic DAVID HAWKINS 706830 or Sue Talbot on 873338.

Offices in Euclid Street.

TREE SURGEON For details call Bruce Clarke on Hi ho, hi ho, a digging a garden we go.

All types of tree services 533338.

Bridlewood children ready to help with, and landscaping from left, Friends of Bridlewood member Jayne

Hedge cutting

Keen, headteacher Jane

Rodbourn

and Sue Talbot of Planting Impressions

Turfing • Fencing Fruit tree pruning Fully insured Free estimates 11 nears experience

D.A. DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS LTD 71 Block Paving 71 Landscaping 71 Fencing 17 Decorative Stone General Maintenance

01793 823257

For a professional and affordable service, free consultation and written quotation

07050 383060

Tel: 01793 878062 or 07866 523898

Chelworth Landscapes

LAND2APfliG

Fencing & Garden Maintenun

GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION

• Fencing and gates

• Fencing - closeboard, panels etc.

• Drives and patios - slabs, concrete, shingle • Patio cleaning, grass cutting. gardens tidied up • Turfing and grass seeding • Ponds & pergolas

Closeboard tre/I/s. pane/s. picket chain/ink security etc

• Landscaping Shing/e. paving, water features. turfing andplanting

• Garden maintenance Giasscutting. tree and shrub pruning. clearance etc.

Contact: 01793 692687 Mobile: 07711 253508

For free quotation phone (01793) 702029

RYAN MAINTENANCE & SERVICES LTD Call Gary for • Wall & Floor Tiling • Laminate Flooring • Wall Papering • Decking • Fencing • Gutters & Fascias

4W C"FA1U„EN

SERVICE S Every client & every garden is different To fulfil the potential of your garden we offer a planning & design service that is individually tailored to suit your taste & home be can offer a complete or phased project to sui your budget and circumstances from renovating a tired garden to designing a new one We also offer planting plans, beds and border designs General garden maintenance & landscaping also undertaken

Ring 01793 485800

Fully insured in respect of public liability

or 07778 865385

Call to arrange for a free estimate or guide to costs

gary_collins@btconnect.com 6 Brindley Close. Cheney Manor Ind Est

Tel/Fax: 01793 850595 Mobile: 07919 543733

Toothill - Tattershall Toothill Bodiam Drive

area Middleleaze/Prinnells Freshbrook (Crawford/Cottington)

G9wzme4N

Call 723745 for details

LANDSERVE

FENCE ERECTION, STAINING & MAINTENANCE

Garden Maintenance & Landscaping Professional car your garden Grass Cutting -regular maintenance Landscaping - Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning I ledge Cutting & Pruning

Give your garden a makeover

No Job Too Small. All works insured.

Tel: 01793 873630 Mobile: 0781 8430556

Call Martin Emery NII I lort.

A

LAWN & HEDGE CUTTING PATIO & TURF LAYING GENERAL GARDEN TIDY

nail: davidsmith@garden-groomers.com www.ga rden-groomers.com

'urn '. chehror7hlandsca es.cu.rd,

Lind d i% rib i tors uran-e d

for free quotation on 01793 7 03306 or Mobile 07771 956294

ACER PAVING

Trusted local family run business trading successfully n the Swindon area for over 10 years

The experts in garden and driveway construction Covering all aspects of paving and hard landscaping

01793 729200 Mob: 07802 752576

www.acerpaving.co.uk

The Link Magazine • February 2006

Curry and coffee wins Fairtrade status for town As reported in November's Link, one more cafe was needed for Swindon to become a Fairtrade Borough. Now the Curry Place restaurant in Rodbourne Road has saved the day by agreeing to offer customers fairly traded coffee and tea.

The Swindon Fairtrade Coali- Fairtrade Borough ^+++++++^+^i Restaurant manager, Mahmod Ali said, "we are very proud to be tion had to demonstrate that a has now been subthe first Indian restaurant to sign range of Fairtrade products is read- mitted. up. This will help people's lives. ily available in the town's shops.

Barbara Aftelak, It's one community helping an- The number of businesses, retail- chair of the coalition ers and cafes required is deter- said, "this really is other." mined by the borough's an excellent achievepopulation.

With ment for the borough as it shows (lire' 180,000 people, 18 cafes the care and concern Swindon peoserving Fair Trade ple have for producers in developproducts were needed. ing countries who are stuck in a The bid to become cycle of poverty.

"Fairtrade means small scale U Look out for this poster farmers receive a decent price for around town designed by former Swindon College their products, one that is a fair graphic design student reflection of their labour."

Daniel Russo who won a Help launch Swindon:

1Gt^

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competition run on the theme of 'Make the Mark Famous' He is pictured with SwindonAgenda2lofficerLynn Forrester

Fairtrade town Celebrate the achievement of

Fairtrade status on 25 February,

43

SAMARITANS Emotional Support 24 hours a day ..if you need someone to talk to in confidence Tel: 08457 90 90 90 www.samoritans.org 6 Curtis Street, Swindon

, vange/.

O^ tWo rs ley Road

1 2noon, at the Millenium Clock in the town centre.

Make Poverty History is `not so last year'

building with people

Sunday services are at Oam & 6.30pm

You bought the white wrist bands, went to Live 8 or watched it on TV, you might have gone on a march or written to your MP. 'Is that it?' you may ask. Not at all, says Emma Bushell of Swindon Oxfam.

For further information you can Some gains were made as a re- and the Global Call to Action on meeting is open to anyone intereither ring (01793) 873050; sult of Make Poverty History - the Poverty (GCAP), the international ested in saying'I'm in.' For details e-mail: office@ freshbrook.org mail: emmabushell@yahoo.co.uk 2005 G8 summit promised an ex- grouping which launched Make or visit: www.freshbook.org www.oxfam.org.uk tra $48 billion a year for poor coun- Poverty History, will continue to ift of God is Eternal Liti " !Romans 6 r2$ tries by 2010, which including $15 fight poverty, campaign for trade to $20 billion of new money, and justice, debt cancellation and a the G8's debt deal, if finally agreed major increase in the quantity and by the IMF and World Bank, should quality of aid.

West Swindon & the Oxfam, one of the members of be worth up to $!billion per year GCAP, has launched an advertisfor the 18 countries that qualify.

However, many campaigners ing campaign to get people who All Saints', Lydiard Millicent were disappointed and angry supported Make Poverty History when world leaders failed to de- to commit to further campaigning.

Holy Trinity, Shaw liver on promises and betrayed the The theme is: 'I'm In.' St Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze A Swindon Oxfam campaignworld's poor at December's World Trade Organisation meeting by ing group will be planning its 2006 Toothill Church; Westlea Church refusing to change trade rules fundraising and campaigning rigged in favour of rich countries. strategy on 13 February, 8pm at For details of our weekly The pressure must be sustained The George, Eastcott Road. The services please contact the For God loved the world Partnership Office on 874221 so much that He gave Catholic gifts to the wider world partnershipoffice@btopenworld.com His only Son.' John 3:16 Robert Barrett describes how parishes worked together

Lydiards churches

In the lead-up to Christmas, people in every Catholic parish and school in Swindon bought £25,032 worth of two-in-one Christmas presents: certificates for relatives or friends representing real gifts o school starter kits, emergency shelters, or other practical items to needy families or communities in developing countries.

The activity gave a new sense of The project, called Swindon's Virtual Village, was unique in the purpose and unity to the deanery country. The process was simple: and showed us what can be people purchased 'World Gifts' achieved when neighbouring parfromtheCatholicAgencyforOver- ishes work together.

Special recognition goes to seas Development, (CAFOD) and then used paper forms or a website Wootton Bassett parish for raising to tell the organisers what they'd £950 to buy World Gifts in a single collection, to the Holy Rood bought and the value, The purpose of the project was Church choir for buying a cow, to to bring help to people in areas of Holy Rood Junior School for raisthe world in which CAFOD is al- ing £500 to buy a community waready deeply involved but, as is so ter supply, and to Holy Rood Inoften the case, the Swindon Catho- fants School staff for buying a cow lic Deanery gained huge benefits insteadofgivingeachotherChristmas cards this year. also.

Th

Sunday Worship 10.30am Sunday School and Creche Meeting at Abbey Meads Community School ^TNAM.SDOWN DRIVE';, Abbcy Meatls Community Primary School ^' Nfioey Alea4s A. Cemre

44

NSJDEOUT T

ORBITAL BATHROOMS

filre

Decorating & Gardening Services

Bathrooms installed Showers fitted Wall tiling • Floor tiling

bathrooms

Internal & external decorating Guttering & fascia * All gardening services from a small tidy to a full makeover

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Shower pumps and all general plumbing

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ALC Electrical Services DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

• Installation, maintenance • Extra sockets & lighting • Shower installation, immersion heaters • Fuse boards, test & inspection Also genera/p/umbing m: 07764 788737 ! tE! h:01793879029

;oo

L 1 WILSON BRICKWORK Specialising in smaller works

LEE ORTON PLUMBING & HEATING

Call Chris Bray on 01 793 702171 Mob: 07951 219908 e: aps-enquiries@hotmail.co.uk

01793 824518 07771 998924 email: shirebathrooms@aol.com

Select Plumbing Services Repairs, Maintenance or new installation at a competitive price

su^iio^i^c s^cES

O Boiler replacements

• Everything from a new tap washer, to a complete bathroom suite.

O Bathroom installations

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O Tiling

• No callout charge.

O Power showers

• Free estimates.

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No job too small

For a professional, reliable service, contact us now Tel: 01793 875888 Mobile: 07951761764

Clean, re/ib/e /8 years experience

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MULTIFIX

• General property maintenance • Brickwork/maintenance • Blockwork S • Extensions/porche s • Garden walls/patios • Interior E exterior decoration • Tiling - walls E, floors • Free no obligation quotation • Other works arranged • Insured • No job too small

• Glazed tiling • Timber decking, supply & fit • Rubbish clearance, household & garden • Carpentry • Kitchen fitting, supply & fit • Bathroom fitting & adaptions • Worktop mitres and fitting • Laminate flooring, supply & fit Peter Carpenter

Tel/Fax: 01793 729269 Mobile: 07764 936419

Tel: 01793 613151 Mobile: 07836 799614

Email: brickwork@fsmail.net

or 07813 874284

• Painting & decorating

Lwww5e1

ROOFING & BUILDING CONTRACTOR

v Stairs

Call Derek Ponting now on: Tel: 01793 726750 Mob: 07766 083557

Brunel Electrical

n Repairs or complete new roof l l " n Flat roofing • Repointing chimney stacks or remove • Lead flashing • Valleys, tiles, slate ridges etc n All wood work n Battens, joist beams, pearlings etc • Interior & exterior painting and decorating Family run business for over 20 years Work carried out by tradesmen not sales men Call for your free no obligation quote: 01793 813603 or 07899 741804

From an extra socket to a complete re-wire we can provide a total service to our customers • Test and inspection • Showers • Free quotes • No call out charge • Fully insured • Garden lighting • Part P compliant • Extensions • Fault finding • Local company www.brunel-electrical.co.uk Sales@brunel-electrical.co.uk Telephone: 01793 422880 07785 988557 07725 804738

I-

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HOWDENS KITCHENS FITTED Free survey • Building work • Plastering Tiling & Worktops Electrics & Plumbing • Wooden flooring Building work, plastering, tiling, electrics, plumbing, furniture B APPROVED

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COMPLETE BATHROOMS FITTED

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v Loft conversions v Fitted kitchens & bedrooms •:• Doors & windows

M HYND

Steve George

28 years experienced tradesman

kitchens Complete installation Very competitive prices Insurance quotes Free estimates All work guaranteed

Units 21-22 Whitehill Industrial Park.

Whitehill Lane, Wootton Bassett

01793 854100 :7 M4

HOME: 01793 615321 MOBILE: 07175 842241

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MILESTONE Building Services

Dave Rogers d Decaaataz

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GENERAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Interior and exterior" decorating carried out to a high standard including:

Outside Ground works, patios, paving, brickwork, fencing, decking,

• Painting • Wallpapering • Coving

landscape gardening

• Tiling • General Maintenance

Inside Carpentry. plumbing. kitchens & bathrooms. tiling & flooring

NO JOBTOO SMALL

No job too small • Free estimates Dean Scanlon 01793 422032 • 07789 681536

^ a^ e Specialists in PVCU, windows, doors and

For a prompt friendly professional service Telephone: 875354 Mobile: 07970 483393

or

Ideas to reality • Plumbing inc. pumped showers, towel warmers • Electrics

Call Mark Ashdown for a free quote Tel: 01793 887766 Mobile: 07979 26 7757

HEATING L •• Eco Combi plus seven radiators £2,499 + vat v Eco Combi replacement boiler £1,599 + vat v Boiler replacement only £1,200 + vat All other plumbing & heating work undertaken

Tel: 01793 772702 Mobile: 07770 555030 * Prices above subject to survey 176726

PREMIER BUILDERS

floor tiles fitted?

PLASTERING SERVICES

(SWINDON LTD) est. 1989

Tel: 01 793 495364 Mob: 07767 242124 Email: tilefix4u@aol.com

Kitchens + Bathrooms Renovations J Alterations Industrial maintenance Plumbing + Electrical UPVC Doors & Windows Carpentry Floor & wall tiling Painting & decorating

Mobile: 07785 522377 Tel: 01793 616170

For details call 07811 383747 or 07738 004722 Office: 01793 877883 www.inspireconservatories.co.uk Customer recommendations available

All Plastering Work Undertaken Fully Insured Free Quotes Tel: 01793 765531 Mob: 07986 641399

Walling • Extensions • Alterations Houses • Replacement Windows Plans drawn • Full design & build service • Insurance & Grant work Professional workmanship at competitive rates Please call us for a prompt free quotation. No job too small'

Tel: 01793 704653 Mobile: 0795 0017584 Unit 14a, Turnpike. Blunsdon

Building, Maintenance • Electric showers

QUALITY BLINDS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES Fast and reliable service Evenings & weekends no problem All blinds fitted free Choose from a wide range of fabrics fronr the comfort of your own home

Contact Paul on 01793 619428 FREE QUOTES NO OBLIGATION

Brickwork & Roofing Specialists

House Medic COMPLETE PROPERTY SERVICES (Formerly Merlin Property Services)

No obligation, pressure or gimmicks!

01 793 848405

BRYANT

for a free quotation to get them fixed and grouted with the minimum of fuss

^ i X71

07793 932481

Want your wall or

TILEfix

Your caring family business

Rollers • Verticals • Venetians Pleated Blinds • VELUX0 Conservatory Blinds

No job too small

Then call

Windows, Doors u & Conservatories ^^

Bathrooms & Kitchens Complete installations to dripping taps

• Also other home improvements

Ravens Walk, Wootton Bassett,

• Loft conversions • Extensions • Home alterations • Kitchen installations • Carpentry • Wooden/PVCu windows & doors fitted Quality workmanship Competitive prices For details call Steve on

J

D & L Blinds

• Wall & floor tiling ♦ Carpentry

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D BUILDING C SOLUTIONS

I^gi1foWN;/

• Laminate & wood flooring • Appliance installation

Tel: 01793 848177 or 770596

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SOLUTION Maintenance free UPVC fascia boards cladding & guttering Expertly fitted at DIY prices

F 1{ T1i SURVEY NO DEPOS IT Work it out for yourself: 20' fascia board fitted £ 60 20' fascia & gutter fitted £135 20' fascia, soffit & gutter £205 20' fascia & soffit £130 (prices correct at time of publication)

& Repairs

• Power showers

• Replacement tape • Exchange suites • En-suites

•

Tiling • Towel rails

• ShowerTrays And Cubicles • Complete Bathroom Makeovers • Insurance Work Undertaken

• GARAGE CONVERSIONS • EXTENSIONS • INTERNAL ALTERATIONS • REFURBISHMENTS • MAINTENANCE WORK • INSURANCE WORK

Tel: 01793 770088 Mobile: 077101506441 1 THE RIGHT PRESCRIPTION FOP A HEALTHIER HOME

For a free quote

e-mail: rmappers@aol.com

^

46

I BATHROOMS

RS BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

Tiling Walls

& Floors Bathroom and kitchen installations Call Sean on 703550 Mobile: 07749 862361

DECORATOR

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THROOMS

® Plumbing * Quality bathroom es fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring all taken care of * All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, machines installed Free estimates

01793 876600 07748 964433

DOUBLE GLAZING

JAMES O'SULLIVAN

Established 22 years I NSTALLED OR REPAIRED

YOUR LOCAL CHOICE

01793 611398 07968 757860

HEATING & PLUMBING

HEATING & PLUMB ING

Quality Plumbing & Heating

ROB HALL

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905

Mobile: 07973 663367

PLANS DRAWN

wise pa sandra wiseman If r

HEATING, GAS

& PLUMBING SERVICES Central heating installations, boiler servicing and repairs, bathroom and power showers All aspects of plumbing

Tel: 01793 815254 Reg:187606

PLASTERING Galaxy Plastering & Small Building Services All types of plastering, coving & decorating

plans drawn for extensions and change of use for a professional & fri endly service call 01793 539274 or 07773 103926 for a free

no obligation consultation

BUILDING SERVICES

Paul JZhind

BUIL DING SERVI C E S

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Garden walls, steps and patios No job too small Call Leighton on 01793 813438 or 07917 208094

CHANT

Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted

Small or large jobs welcome

UPVC windows £t doors

Plastering • Carpentry Tiling • Kitchens Bathrooms

Conservatories, fascias and guttering Roofing & building

Interior & exterior work 12 years experience

maintenance Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling Telephone/fax: 01793 874 807

Call 01249 661572 or 07734 088185

ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICIAN

SAFE & SHAW

Dave Ody

3 EXTRA SOCKETS / LIGHTS 3 SECURITY LIGHTING/FIRE ALARMS 3 GARDEN LIGHTING & OUTDOOR SOCKETS 3 SHOWERS/COOKERS INSTALLED 3 FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT 3 COMPLETE RE WIRIN

Wallpapering, Coving, Artexing

• Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Outside taps • Power showers • Bathroom installations Reg: 128966 All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

BUILDING SERVICES

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Interior & Exterior Painting and Decorating

For a professional finish telephone 07971347345 (mob) or 616933

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FREE QUOTATIONS, NO OBLIGATION

MOBILE: 07769 883717 TEL: 01 793 876029

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

PartP pt<1

HEATING & PLUMBING

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294

HEATI NG & PLUMBING RJ PEARCE PLUMBING & HEATING LTD

O All gas appliances serviced. repaired & installed O Warm air unit service, repair & installation O Landlord/moving house safety inspections J Bathroom suites installed and all other plumbing work undertaken 7 Central heating systems flushed (powerflush) ^iil`^^ J Hot water systems descaled O Quote on request O 24 hour call out O Natural gas & LPG qualified

20 years experience in plumbing work

• Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates

Tel: 722449 • Mob: 07956 410982

All work guaranteed • No job too small For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 ^.

Reg: 203455 or 07747 723606

PLASTERING

PLU MBING & HEATING

O British Gas trained

Reg: 202015

Brian Jones 'lastering Services * External rendering * Plastering two coat * Re-skimming * Dry lining * Coving

* New or repairs

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

•

Professional & Reliable

•

Specialists in full heating systems and heating conversions Boiler replacements

•

Gas and oil-fired appliances

•

Cylinders, showers, tanks Full bathroom suites, tiling & electrics • No job too small

•

•

•

Free quotations

0e 06839

Call Craig Gavin 01793 321326 or 07880 735405

our vide too home maintenance s^e^rwices CARPENTRY

CARPENTRY

P

DECORATOR

Paul Comer

J R Qa q> n ry J S Property Servim Nome & Garden Improvements

O Fitted bedrooms and kitchens O Replacement doors & staircases

General carpentry

Fitted kitchens/bedrooms Laminate flooring

O Laminate floors

Replacement doors • Skirtings

O Household repairs and

Block paving

general maintenance

I

ELECTRICIAN

Patios

Decking Fencing • Turfing Guttering/fascia

O Decking - supplied and fitted Free no obligation quotes Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

Office: 01793 704309 Mobile: 07775 948833

I

ELECTRICIAN

JC White Electrical Services

Part P registered to comply with new building regulations • Sockets and lighting • Showers • Consumer units • Extensions • Re-wires • Inspection & testing • Certification • Free estimates

For all home, garden, small commercial & industrial electrical requirements

Tel: 01793 495365 M: 077438 74621

www.nswe.o.g.uk

HOME MAINTENANCE r

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Painting and decorating Floor & well tiling Garden maintenance Turf ing, fencing, patios Upvc double glazing Fascias & guttering

Roof repairs Carpentry services

Friendly, reliable & competitive

Rewires, extensions, repairs & fault finding No job too small Advice freely given Tel: 01793 706396 Mobile: 0776 1302831

HO USE/GAR DEN

Tel/Fax: 01793 723495 Mobile: 07771 617992 All garden work Concreting paths Patio repairs Patio jet wash Repair or replace small walls Hedges & trees cut Grass cutting

Building Guttering and fascia All carpentry External painting Internal painting & decorating Drives jet washed Tiling

* Stairs t Shop fitting

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Personal one-to-one service Clean, reliable, quality work - no job too small For free quote call Paul on

s^FR^asr

specialist

For details call Paul on 07932 013360 or 01793 812849

0777 584.0236 or 321981

P.J.J. All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet 1e MASTERFITTER

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

l 07970 865883 25 Kennet Avenue, Greenmeadow

MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE

UE,\LICAL IV1-1I \IL \A\ CE

SERVICES 1 All interior and exterior maintenance problems solved • Bathrooms • Carpentry & kitchens • Fascia/ • Plumbing cladding • Painting • Electrical Fully insured Special rates for senior citizens

Plumbing repairs Toilets, wash basins, bath taps, overflows repaired or replaced

Tel: 01793 434184 • 07719 272393 www.generalmaimenanceservices.co.uk'

ALL WORK GUARANTEED. FULLY INSURED

Ou r reputation is built on your satisfaction

TILING

NEED A

lower Piu u. .g Ser vi ces

GB Plumbing Services

Loft conversions Doors & windows All carpentry work

ALL EXTERNAL & INTERNAL WORK

PLUMBING

for all your domestic plumbing needs: leaks, burst pipes, radiators, immersions, hot water cylinders, taps, toilets, tanks, ball valves and bathroom installations.

Call 01793 524200

Wood and laminate flooring

D & G HOUSE & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

PLUMBING

PLUMBER?

x Fitted kitchens & bedrooms

Professional interior/exterior painter and decorator

FLOORING

M.D. ELECTRICAL SERVICES

P^'tP

47

30 y ears plumbing & heating experience British Gas trained

•Central heating installations •All Plumbing work undertaken ♦ Servicing & repairs ♦ Bathroom Installations

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CERAMIC TILING FLOOR & WALL SPECIALISTS Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921

All at competitive rates

Alec McKay Tel: 01793 878353 Mobile: 07963 953439

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Call Mike 215153

E-mail: towerplumbheat@aol.com

on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 52 03 26

Retired and semi-retired tradesmen available for all household tasks Electrical • Plumbing Carpentry • Decorating Patios • Handymen Call Andrew on 01793 820991 or 08456 444170 (calls charged at local rate)

• Reliable • Trustworthy • Affordable

I WINDOW

REPAIR

DOCTOR GLASS repairs & replaces cracked, t— broken or misted double I glazed windows Also hinges g and locks

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Call: 01793 633336 or 01793 854448 Emergency call outs: 07976 219671

SERI/ICE

48

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ACCOUNTANCY Specialising in:

• Small Businesses • Tax advice, planning and

payroll CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS

01793 610008

• All aspects of accountancy and business development We offer a personal service

with very competitive rates

J & D Bookeeping

Can't face doing the ^K' books after a hard day's

COMPUTER SUPPORT Corn Master's Why go anywhere else?

When we'll come to you.....

Free home & business visits =i= Jargon free advice & support =i= Upgrades/repairs =i= All parts & labour guaranteed Flexible hours, inc. eve/weekends

Tel: 01793 422534 or

•TV/FM/DAB aerial s

& SATELLITE SYSTEMS

Freeview installation Noticed Signal amplifiers Interference No call out lately? Tetra

Sky & digital terrestial

charge

Tel: 01793 700637

or 07963 637748

SKY

01225 706379 or 07774 943 783

CARPET CLEANING

• Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard fl oors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured NC • Quickly usable You'll be amazed how affordable it is ....call for your free estimate fr om you local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 Email: cliff.whiteway@btinternet.com

DATING

FSB

CLEANING IS HOUSEWOtc A CHORE? WORRY NO MORE Let Jenny & Sue

CLEAN 4

U House, Flats & Apartments Weekly, fortnightly or monthly Spring cleans, moving cleans, one offs. References readily available Give us a call for further information Sue - 01793 611593 Jenny - 07875 754303

DRAINAGE ..

DF SERVICES

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and make good friends

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE

Blocked drains, sinks and toilets cleared

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24 hours 7 days a week All plumbing work carried out

i nfo@astroluvlink.coni

Call FREE 0800 88 18 515 or mobile: 07706 84 32 83 www.dfservices.biz

Mobile: 0792 005 6077 C

filters fitted

All work Quaranteed Call Neil Provis on

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Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 15 years' experience.

- Extra satellite points Video & TV repairs

* Satellite TV

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Services

AERIALS

Mobile: 0777 623641

BO OK-KEE PING

Jane Loeber (MAAT) Tel: 07747 844104 e: jloeber@tiscali.co.uk Donna Bailey (MAAT) Tel: 07900 616967 e: donnabailev 3@hotmail.com

Aerial & Television

Tel: 01793700078

BOOK-KEEPING

Please contact:

CHRIS PAYNE

& electrical points Storm damage

Located o ff the A419, ample parking 16 Dorcan Business Village, Murdock Road, Swindon SN3 5HY

Year End Accounts for small business & Sole Traders Tax Calculations

AERIAL SERVICES

* Extra TV, telephone

or visit www.dykebrading.co.uk to see how we can help your business

for

AERIAL SERVICES

Tel: 0845 408 4806 REMOVALS & STORAGE

ABBEY

,

MOVE First Class Removal & Storage Solutions • Quality removals & storage • Single items to full house moves • Complete packing service • Sales & supplies of packaging • Piano removal specialists • A free quotation/fully insured

0800 019 5037 www.abbeymove.co.uk

SECURITY SYSTEMS Electronic Securit y Solutions O INTRUDER ALARMS O CCTV SYSTEMS O FIRE ALARMS J EAS DETECTION SYSTEMS O ACCESS CONTROL O ENTRY SYSTEMS GATE AUTOMATION For a free, no obligation • quotation •s^SSalb tel: 01793 705216

49

SECM , R AERIAL SERVICES

MAGIC SAT (European Satellite Specialists) You've tried the rest, now try the best, from aerials to motorised satellite systems.

If we can't do it, nobody can.

• O ff icial satellite viewing cards • Free estimates • On call until 10pm 7 days a week • Free sport • Free moves Free adult • All work guaranteed C,)

•

Tel: (01793) 706921

Mobile: 07765 224637

AIRPORT TRAVEL i

re

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

The Cleaning & Ironing Service House cleaning starts at just £15 per house Ironing just £14 per basket We will collect and return next day Tel: 01793 875665 or 07780 625244

GARDEN CLEARANCE ^^«* CLEAR AWAY

Garden & Household Clearance

I

I

Home Computer Help 07947-831378 01793-887883

:

IT-2-U•Com

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

REMIER

rS

lectri es E5

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

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

ars

e

30 y

Guaranteed

repairs to all makes

of domestic appliances Same day/next day service

Tel: 4 ill COMPUTER SUPPORT

CLEANING

APPLIANCE R EPAIRS

Tel: 01793 469300 COMPUTER SUPPO

COMPUTER SUP

X/MidWinter ( 01h4 5

VIEW

C

Computer Services

G OMPUTIN

,^^Q^.

• Specialising in domestic user home visits

Repairs, Upgrades, Advice, Problems, Viruses Removed.

Flexible hours to suit you.

Home visits, collection & delivery.

T: 01793 778 034 M: 07788 586 779 E: info@ringview.co.uk

• Virus Protection/Removal • PC and Server Health Checks • Website Design and Implementation • Hardware Procurement • Networking Solutions/Troubleshooting Tel: 01793 522175

i icmsoft

Mobile: 07762 645296

REGISTERED Member

Mber

OVEN CLEANING

IRONING

Creaseless Ironing Services

0 I CLEA. .

Domestic & commercial

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

waste clearance Why do it yourself?

We load for you No job too small Odd jobs

One-off, weekly. fortnightly or simply whenever!

Free estimates

and wrapped in cellophane Guaranteed animal and smoke free environment

Call Danny 01793 702407 or 07957 820064

SECURITY SYSTEMS blv\ security L

systems ltd

Expert Design & Installation of Electronic Security for Commercial, Industrial and Residential Customers

To book your Oven Clean call 01793 520362

24 hour turnaround All items on hangers

Call Karen on 01793 822659

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

or 07843 690720

also undertaken

TV & VIDEO REPAIRS

TV INSTALLATION

GOGGLEBOX

WIRING & INSTALLATION & TUNING

TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE

• CCIV

• Access Control & Intercoms • Intruder Alarms • Gates & Barriers • 24 Hour Monitoring ,-

S53 •

1b

e: info@osesec' www.osese cu r

Free home estimates

of TVs, DVD players, Hi-Fi's, surround sound, LCD & plasma systems and videos

No call out charge

Free estimates, no obligation

* All repairs guaranteed

Call Andy on 07900 981144

Tel: 01793-812738

email: asinstallations@fsmail.net

The Link Magazine • February 2006

50

For the best night Local collection & delivery 24 hour turnaround Competitive rates Call 01793 422032 Mobile: 07796 802014 Add

EMBROIDERY

L060

& TEXTILE

LID

PRINT

in!

AGENTS REQUIRED EARN £50 - £70 PER NIGHT Great fun.

full training given call.Aina: 07742 309677

For ,non' details

LEARN TO PLAY •• THE VIOLIN with Swindon Suzuki Strings

Firefighter thanks 1

The staff at Westlea Fire Station would like to thank everybody who contributed a magnificent £2,245 to their pre-Christmas collection in aid of the National Fire Services Benevolent Fund.

The money was raised outside Sainsburys Bridgemead and Asda Walmart, and also from three evenings touring the streets of Shaw, Nine Elms and Peatmoor.

Helping Santa boost the bucket collection, Lydia Jarmey and Rees Evans

Suitable for all ages

078111 39686 01793 527587

01793 700099

addalogo@aol.com

DECOTEX Painter & Decorator Specialist Artexing Tel: (01793) 791388

9.D. 'Upholstery

t1

httpJlwww.mab.tgis.co.uk

ww.addalo ci o.co.uk

c DISC SER' I CES Specialist in Cine Film Transfer, Camcorder Tapes, VHS Tapes, Camcorder Discs %\e collect and delver user a wide area

T: 01793 705333 / M: 07831 575758 PO Box 2079, Manvers St, Bath BA1 3TJ

TAROT Readings: accurate, confidential readings

Repairs & Recovering

on career, life and romance. Tel: Wendy

Antique and Modern Large range of fabrics

Training: Learn to read the Tarot in 10 hours

07716 792520 or Sarah 07914 078805

-one to one tuition- to professional standard,

Call 871808

programmed to your schedule. Certified

for competitive prices

Bringing people together over coffee After a slow start last June, the Freshbrook Community Centre weekly cafe has become a tremendous success.

Run by a team of volunteers the and cake, light snacks and also a cafe opens on Wednesdays from set lunch for only £1.

11 am to 2pm and serves tea, coffee Cafe coordinator Tracey Clifford said the project is greatly appreciated by users. "We set out to bring all ages and interests together and I think we're doing this.

"We serve up to 30 hot meals each week and many people drop in for a hot drink. We had a great party in December with seventy enjoying Christmas lunch."

Tracey would now like to open an afternoon in the week, for parents picking up children and teenagers returning home. But more volunteers are needed to help. If you can, call her on 872919.

course. Tel: Wendy 07716 792520

C

CURTAINS TO SATISFY EVERY REQUIREMENT

^^

•

Free estimating, design and advice

•

Home visits by appointment

I i)aSI r15 L d 9

Loft Conversion Specialists

5.

• Make-up and fitting service

Iii

"- ^^^'

^reeeeee,r e^

I

jL

I :::

Acenti Designs Ltd specialises in converting all types of loft into quality living space.

AND

w'

Whether you need more space or wish to expand your house rather than moving, loft conversions are a cost effective way of increasing your living space without losing

BLINDS

valuable garden area. We convert all types of lofts including modern 'W truss lofts.

OF ALL KINDS

We are a professional engineering company, who make extensive use of computer

• Wooden • Venetian • New linen • Roman • Verticals y • Roller • New Eastern materials VISIT OUR SHOWROOM at 252 CRICKLADE RD or call Trace y or Amanda on 01793 611051

aided design (CAD), to optimise the space and the head height within a loft and to accurately design stairs to fit into the complex geometry of a loft causing a minimum disruption to existing living space.

If you need more living space for a bedroom, office, playroom or a place to relax, converted lofts make very attractive li ght extra rooms.

Designed correctly loft conversions are an environmentally friendly, cost effective way of increasing living space.

i Freephone 0800 9118695 I www.acenti.co.uk

Li

ep.

Thursday Street, Priory Vale, Swindon komes

4 droom :1$

$I

rne

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from

1 000 -

20,500

^o

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Steeple

Chase

a'^'^e

Abbey Meads

Haydon Taw Hill

Greenmeadow

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Pmehurst Sparcells Rodbourne

IY _

For more information, visit our Marketing Suite, open daily 9.30am to 5.00pm, visit our website or call 01793 729260

bryant.co.uk i

ers on selected plots only, subject

to status and our normal terms and conditions. Prices correct at time of going to press. Image shows a typical Bryant home at the development.

Bryant Homes

by Taylor Woodrow

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