February 2007 Swindon Link

Read the last five editions of link magazine online @

www.swindonlink.com No. 297 February 2007 • Circulation 26,000

YOUR CHILD DESERVES THE BEST Excellent standards of Education and Daycare for 0 - 7 years

MEADOWPARK Nursery & Pre-Prep School Tel: Swindon 752600

the positive newsforce in Swindon

Open Days: Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd March

and the swindon wide what’s on guide

EXCLUSIVE

“Book a special Valentine’s evening at Purton's hidden Indian treasure”

We have Hreod’s new name See page 12

Right, Koalas set up new home in West Special needs playgroup arrives at Salt Way site. See page 19

Left, exhibition in North Swindon Library

Maharajah

Photos from Kenya and MP’s talk on HIV/AIDS. See pages 26 & 27

Regeneration of Swindon’s centre starts to take shape at last

Fully licenced Tandoori & Balti Restaurant

6 High Street, Purton

Going organic

Tel: 01793 770998/770253 Fax: 01793 770998

Free takeaway delivery incl. West & North Swindon Open: 7 days a week 5.30pm to midnight (incl Bank Holidays) Sunday lunch: 12noon - 2.30pm The Maharajah Free parking Purton

Lydiard Millicent

Purton Road

Peatmoor, Nine Elms & Shaw

From Haydon Wick & Abbey Meads Sparcells

Westlea, Freshbrook, Grange Park, Toothill

Plans for The Exchange come forward. See pages 4 and 5

Leigh Nicolls advertises her dad’s shop. See page 7

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The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

Get ready for the biggest Red Nose Day ever Free legal advice in..

WELFARE BENEFITS, HOUSING, DEBT If you have problems in these areas, don’t suffer in silence We are here to help. Visit us at: Temple House, 115-118 Commercial Road, Swindon

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Everything you need to make 16 March the funniest you’ve ever experienced can be found at www.rednoseday.com There you’ll find masses of ideas and tips for organising a bash, a quiz, a sale, a show, or do a Whatever-a-thon.

There are tools, information, a fundraising forum where you can pick up ideas, and also a free, secure myrednoseday fundraising page where you can display your picture wearing a big red conk, tell people what you’re doing to raise the dosh, and invite others to join in or donate.

But it’s not about having a great laugh with your group, your school, at work or with your mates.

Red Nose day is about raising loads of money to make a difference to people’s lives. Sixty per cent of the money raised goes to people in grinding poverty across Africa.

Forty per cent helps disadvantaged people and communities in the UK turn their lives around.

Are you bovvered to get involved? Catherine Tate’s 2005 performance on the site could convince you.

You can also get your hands on the special Red Nose Day fundraising DVD kit by calling

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09065 22 66 66 (Calls cost no more than £2 from BT landlines. Other operator and mobile rates may vary).

Look out for Red Nose stuff at Sainsbury’s, Oxfam shops and TK Maxx stores.

Comic Relief would like to know what you are planning to do. Mail the regional Red Nose office at: cardiffoffice@rednoseday.com

Comic Relief is registered with the Charity Commission no. 326568

The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com 3

Hats off to knitting grans Swindon’s knitters rose to Age Concern’s Supergran challenge in the Autumn to knit 1,000 tiny hats, but they made five times that number.

The quirky campaign, run in some beautiful bobble hats to help conjunction with Innocent and us raise so much money this winSainsbury’s, saw knitters across the ter. We urgently need funds to nation busily clicking. The pecu- sustain our work throughout the liar sight of bottles in chiller cabi- year and this project made a major nets wearing woolly hats raised contribution.” smiles, but sent out a serious reOne of the knitters, Mrs Barker, minder of the difficulties faced by also created a splendid knitted older people during cold months. nativity scene and a festive figure Age Concern received 50p for which stands two feet tall. each hat towards their support To raise even more money for services for older people. Swin- the charity SwindonLink contacted don’s knitters made 5,454 hats, rais- Marc Tielemans of Let Us Auction ing over £2,500. Fundraising man- It who has agreed to auction the ager, Mel Richards, was over- two items on ebay commission free. whelmed by the effort. “We are Bidding starts on 1 and closes on immensely grateful to everyone in 11 February. Make your offers at: and around Swindon who knitted www.letsauctionit.co.uk Marc Tielemans and Jo Osorio, director of Age Concern Swindon, with Mrs Barker’s knitted creations

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Shaw Chiropractic Clinic IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM: ❍ Backache, Leg Pain ❍ Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain ❍ Headache & Migraine ❍ Sciatica Open ❍ Sports Injury ❍ Numbness S a t urdays ❍ Scoliosis ❍ Arthritis ❍ Whiplash YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CONSULTING A CHIROPRACTOR SANDRA E. DAVIES D.C. & CLARE DUNCAN-HAWES MSc. D.C. Members of BCA • Registered with GCC Members of the College of Chiropractors Also: Child Screening • Free information Sheets • Ergonomic and Rehabilitation Products

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Pamper package up for grabs Bill and Ben and the Dusting Daisies are offering their services in a charity auction being run by Age Concern Swindon.

They will clean your home, and running its services including day take care of the garden while the centres, advocacy, welfare benefits lady of the house enjoys a mani- advice, visiting and befriending in cure and the rest of the family plays the next financial year.

If you’d like to make life better a round of golf.

The pamper package has been for older people in Swindon - and put together by Age Concern staff make a day better for yourself and will be offered at the charity’s send your sealed bid to Mel black tie dinner on 9 February at Richards at Age Concern Swinthe De Vere Hotel. But sealed bids don, 1 Milton Road, SN1 5JE. • Tickets for 9 February, to include are being accepted now.

Age Concern Swindon still a four course meal, live entertainneeds to raise £35,000 before the ment and a magician, cost £35. end of March to meet the cost of Call Mel on 692166 for details.

Site celebrates two years Marc Tielemans of Let us Auction It (LUAI), Wiltshire’s only eBay dropoff store, in Cheney Manor, is celebrating another year of successfully helping local customers sell their valuables.

Auctioning items on the internet has become hugely popular in the last few years because of the worldwide audience of millions of potential buyers, in contrast to a traditional auction where perhaps only 100 people or so may attend. Over 20 per cent of goods sold by LUAI are shipped abroad to America, Japan, Australia or Europe.

Let Us Auction It does all the hard work, from taking photographs, researching the item and writing a description, to answering emails from potential buyers, collecting payment from the winning bidder and posting the item. Simply drop your goods off and wait for the cheque to arrive. Only items with a value of £35 or more can be accepted.

Apart from interesting artifacts, Marc has sold cars, houses and complete businesses on eBay. For details see www.letsauctionit.co.uk, call 522204 or drop into BSS House, Cheney Manor Industrial Estate. www.sevenfields.co.uk

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The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

Swindon town centre starts

g Way

Commercial Road

Flemin

Anyone who has toured the town centre in the last 18 months will have noticed the large number of hoardings around empty spaces awaiting major redevelopment. But, after complaint that nothing was happening and the grand visions were but words, 2007 will see significant changes in the townscape when holes in the ground start to fill up.

Roundabout, at the bottom of application later in the summer.

After years of growth at the tel are to be relocated.

In its place AMEC propose a Princes Street, will be turned into Construction will take 8 to 10 edges of Swindon and marked decline in the town centre - the substantial public open square sur- a much more pedestrian friendly years with the first phase likely to poor range of shops, lack of decent rounded by 25,000sq m of retail road system with access for public start early in 2008.

Peter James, the New Swindon restaurants, the very limited cul- and leisure space, a 13,000sq m transportation and the design will tural activities, the diminishing hotel, a new bus interchange, include 1,300 car parking spaces. Company chief executive said, “a The AMEC team, working with lot of hard work has been done by number of jobs, as well as inad- 55,000sq m of offices and 450 resiequate nightlife - the momentum dential units, 30 per cent of which The New Swindon Company, will everyone involved with the selecwill be affordable. produce a masterplan for the site tion process, including all of the for change is building.

Fleming Way and Whalebridge with a view of making a planning developers who were shortlisted.

The £1 billion plan formulated in the early 1990s by the New Swindon ComGre at W pany and Swindon est ern Council focuses on Wa y seven areas to be developed in phases over the Faringdo next 10 to 15 years, right. n Road The largest scheme so far, announced on 17 January, is The Exchange, where AMEC Developments Limited has been chosen to reWhalebridge build the 17.54 acre site Roundabout between Fleming Way and Corporation Street. t e tre The bus depot and es S rinc P police station have been demolished as will Carfax Street car park.

The health centre and the Salvation Army hos-

The town centre redevelopment areas 1 The Promenade - a cultural and artistic quarter along Princes Street to Swindon College at the bottom of Victoria Hill, taking in the Wyvern Theatre and the old Town Hall; 2 The Hub - expansion of the retail core to include a greater variety of shops with better pedestrian links; 3 The Exchange - offices with residential accommodation and leisure facilities around the Zurich Tri-Centre and bus station; 4 The Arena - a large public open space centred around Fleming Way, with a mix of shops, restaurants and cafes; 5 Swindon Central - improvement to the area around the railway station with small shops, businesses and better links to the other side of the tracks to: 6 The Campus - a new business park on land north of the railway line; 7 North Star Village - about 1,300 new dwellings around the Oasis Leisure Centre, which will be renewed, replaced or removed.

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Swindon Publications Ltd. 71 Basepoint, Rivermead Swindon SN5 7EX Tel: (01793) 608840 Fax: (01793) 608841

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Call Nicola Norridge on (01793) 602540 advertising@swindonlink.com March bookings by 5 February

e: publisher@swindonlink.com

“The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978.

It is completely independent of Link Centre Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle and, in fact, won a competition to name the Editorial: Tel: (01793) 608840 leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994.”

Editorial copy date for

www.swindonlink.com

March: 6 February Published: 24 February Copy for April: 5 March Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027.

Registered Office: 130 High Street, Hungerford, Berks.

Printed by pcp, Telford

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

The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com 5

to shape up “The decision to go with AMEC tel, the refurbished or rebuilt was an extremely difficult process Wyvern Theatre, an art gallery and as the creativity, quality and stand- possibly a new HQ for Swindon ard of all the proposals were world Council.

Elsewhere the Paramount buildclass. With AMEC we are confident that Swindon will get a fan- ing on Princes Street has been tastic, well designed, quality de- turned from an office into a disvelopment that will bring vitality tinctive apartment block. Princes and vibrancy to the town centre.” House next door is being conSwindon Council leader coun verted into a Travel Lodge hotel Rod Bluh, is pleased that a major with residential units on the top step in renewing the town has been two floors. Davis House will be taken. “I am thrilled that the re- relocated behind it, facing Spring generation is now progressing with Gardens park.

The former car showroom site great momentum, with recent announcements that we are moving on Fleming Way and Princes Street into delivery mode which will start site is to be redeveloped as a 4 star to see some major physical changes Jurys Hotel. in the town centre.”

Coun Bluh said that developers are very keen on coming to Swindon.

“There was huge interest in the town. We are without doubt a hotbed of opportunity; many companies want to come here.”

An Amec illustration for The Exchange development Plans were The Brunel West car park on agreed last year for a new library at the top of Regent Street and Farnsby Street (next to the market) building started on 28 January with is undergoing a facelift with 420 completion planned for mid-2008. tonnes of concrete cladding being The three storey building will re- replaced with steel railings to creplace the motley collection of tem- ate a brighter, lighter space.

Outside the car park on Wharf porary buildings which have served the town since the early Green and along Canal Walk to the Jubilee Clock, several projects 1950s.

Closeby, Modus Developments to improve ‘the public realm’ will will begin a £380 million develop- commence this year to create a ment called Regent Place (off Com- more appealing and user friendly mercial Road, with pedestrian links environment.

The tent outside Debenhams will to the Brunel Centre and Regent Circus) in mid-2008. The 5 acre site be removed and more trees planted will significantly extend the range to create a greener area.

In the longer term the New Swinof shops on offer, and include housing units, restaurants, leisure fa- don Company is formulating procilities, a hotel and an underground posals for the area around the railcar park. Completion is due in 2010. way station and north of the railOpposite the library the former way line around the Oasis Leisure college building will be demol- Centre, which will be renewed, ished to make way for housing. replaced or removed.

Plans will be revealed later in the For details and updates, see: year. www.newswindon.co.uk The New Swindon Company is now seeking views for The Promenade.

Envisaged are piazzas, new traffic free zones, a four star hoFleming Way will be pedestrianised to join The Exchange to the town centre

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The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

Link Centre could last for 150 years

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YOU’LL GET A WARM GLOW WHEN YOU DISCUSS A NEW MORTGAGE WITH US The earlier you carry out a review, the sooner you might save 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.

Whether you’re planning to move to a new house or to remortgage your property, with over 19 years experience providing mortgages in Swindon, Mansfield Begbie Associates aim to provide an excellent and personal service.

There may be a fee payable at completion for placing your mortgage. The precise amount will depend on your circumstances but the maximum will be £300.

However, no completion no fee.

Mansfield Begbie Associates arranges mortgages with the majority of building societies and banks in the UK For free mortgage consultation and further information, call us now.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

In December Swindon Town supporters group Trust STFC came up with proposals for redeveloping the county ground and suggested the site could accommodate the sports supercentre that Swindon Council is considering.

The local media reported that the Link and Oasis centres could be knocked down and facilities incorporated on one site.

Swindon Council is currently carrying out a long term review of leisure provision. At September’s West Swindon Link Centre architect Nigel Honor defends his design Forum councillors were criticised for overseeing a heat the pool. The ice rink enterflawed consultation exercise which tainment equipment has also been did not engage residents. upgraded, so has the community The trust plans are unlikely to suite heating system. In February go anywhere unless they are able a new sports shop and catering to buy the club, and lease the facilities will open and three floodground from Swindon Council. lit outdoor pitches are to be built in Nigel Honor the architect re- the Spring. sponsible for designing Link CenBut he expressed concern that tre in the early 1980s has expressed Swindon Council could lose sight surprise that the council has any of who Link Centre was built for. thoughts of getting rid of a build- “The building was always ining which is only 22 years old. He tended as a local centre for West said, “we designed it with a sixty Swindon residents, with attracyear lifespan, but there is no rea- tions for the rest of the town and son why the core structure should also the region. It’s a very efficient, not last for over 150. compact package. Nowadays it “All buildings need care and would be incredibly expensive to maintenance of plant, equipment recreate all the facilities on the same and the fabric which has to be up- site or elsewhere.” graded at different intervals, but At the January West Swindon Link Centre is like a kit. Apart Forum, coun Nick Martin reinfrom the towers in the middle, eve- forced the point made at the Seprything can be replaced. The walls tember meeting that the council don’t support the roof so you can would only consider replacing re-configure and remodel what’s Link Centre if as good or better underneath relatively easily.” sports and leisure facilities could Mr Honor was pleased to learn be provided. that the council had recently inLast year over 890,000 people stalled state-of-the-art environ- used Link Centre. mentally friendly heat exchange • New lease of life at Oasis Leisure equipment to cool the ice rink and Centre. See page 29.

Link Centre staff won the team prize at Swindon Council’s excellence awards ceremony on 15 January for the way they coped with the unexpected shut down last summer after the plant room was flooded. Centre manager Carol Jamieson said, “some thought we would be closed for six weeks, but we were able to open the pool and dry side in eight days. The staff worked together magnificently to repair the cooling systems and relay the ice rink. It’s fantastic that they have been recognised for their efforts.”

Below, some of the staff at Link Centre. Holding the award Paul Farmer, Mark Onslow and, rear centre Dave Brandon, who undertook much of the technical work to bring the centre back into action last year

Swindon

772779

e: info@mansfieldbegbie.co.uk www.mansfieldbegbie.co.uk Mansfield Begbie Associates Limited is an appointed representative of Legal & General Partnership Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority for advising on and arranging mortgages and insurance

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The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com 7

Organic one-stop shop opens in the town centre Anne Snelgrove MP and Mayoress Joyce Bawden were the first shoppers at Farmed Fair, a new organic supermarket, in the centre of Swindon.

The shop on Commercial Road, with the range stocks a huge range of organic and and wished the fair trade food and household es- business success.

Mayor Mike sentials. Owners Paul and Wendy welNicholls from Abbey Meads, hope Bawden it will appeal to people who usu- comed the arrival ally buy their organics at large su- of Farmed Fair.

“People living and permarkets.

The bright and airy shop in- working in Swincludes fruit and vegetables, gro- don are demandceries, frozen foods including baby ing a greater varifood, soft drinks and cordials. Toi- ety of retail outlet letries, cleaning products and dog and Paul and food are also on sale and, when Wendy’s initiative Paul, Wendy and Leigh Nicholls with the Mayor and licensed, organic wine and beer demonstrates the Anne Snelgrove launch the new venture on 5 January confidence retailwill be on the shelves.

Paul recently converted to eat- ers have in the town centre.”

Anne Snelgrove said she was ing organic. Prompted by Wendy’s decision to stop eating meat, the pleased to see a new type of busifamily, including six year old ness in the town centre. “Like many, 1 You drop it off Leigh, began to look at their whole I’m using more organic products 2 We sell it on eBay for you diet. “We used to be a ready meal because of concerns about pesti3 We send you a cheque family but ten months of research cides on fruit and vegetables. I Turn your treasures into cash made us change the way we were think Farmed Fair could convert and let us sell your unwanted people to buy more organic food.” doing things,” he said.

Looking for a change of career, items on eBay for you.

Paul decided to leave his job as What’s your footprint? manager of DFS to open Farmed Anne Snelgrove MP is hosting a Fair. “A lot of people moan that meeting on Reducing Domestic Let Us Auction It Ltd, BSS House, Unit 36 they can’t find what they want. I Carbon Emissions, in conjunction Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, Swindon SN2 2PJ decided to put my money where with the Parliamentary Office of my mouth is; I believe there’s a Science and Technology at New College, on Friday 2 February, 7pm future in the organic market.”

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Several readers queried the January Link story that shops are actually being built, perhaps because they are somewhat hidden in a residential building site off Redhouse Way, not in a recognisable village centre.

But work is underway and shop Altogether, in the two blocks, there fitting of the Smile convenience will be 46 housing units. store should start in April, with a “We have a chip shop and a view to opening in early summer. Chinese takeaway signed up and a Chris Cain, development man- hairdresser. The florist has pulled ager for Crest Nicolson, who are out and I’m looking for a new tenbuilding the centre, said there have ant. I’m currently in discussion been persistent rumours that the with two pub operators for the An impression of the village centre. Becentre will not be completed in its second phase, where there will be low, Chris Cain in front of the shop/ original form. “This centre is big- more residential and retails units, apartment blocks being completed in the ger than the ones you see else- an office block and some small of- Spring and Summer where. The first phase of a Smile fices mixed with residential. store and four other shops are un“I hope we will have the centre years, but this is dependent on derneath residential apartments. largely complete within three market conditions.”

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Speedy connections soon to be made For about three years people moving to Oakhurst have been frustrated by unreliable or non-existent high speed internet connections.

“Equipment is currently being Broadband data deteriorates the further a house is from a telephone installed and we hope soon to anexchange and people living in the nounce when the exchange will go area, which is over two miles from live.” the Blunsdon exchange have suf- • The Priory Vale visitor centre fered. It’s not something house which was due to close just before builders advertised as a downside Christmas will remain open until of moving into their developments. 31 March.

AOL subscriber Rachel Bridden has recently expressed her frustraEver expanding tion to The Link. “I’m renting a workload in town’s house in the Oakhurst area and biggest ward have had huge problems getting a reliable broadband service. The When the first councillors were connection is intermittent at best, elected to represent Abbey Meads usually when other people are out ward in 2000, it was the smallest and not online. In the school holi- in Swindon with 1,800 homes, but days I was unable to connect at all. seven years on it is now the larg“I’ve spent a lot of money on est and continues to expand. phone calls getting AOL to even “The size of the ward means properly understand the problem we’re a lot busier and the day to and get a BT Openreach engineer day case work is larger,” said Coun to test the line which showed a Justin Tomlinson, who represents huge data loss. I would imagine the area with Owen Lister and Pethat there are many others experi- ter Stoddart. “I wouldn’t swap repencing these problems.” resenting Abbey Meads for any Jason Mann from BT said they other ward though.” have been working hard to resolve There are now about 5,000 homes the broadband issue in Oakhurst in the ward, when others average and Taw Hill. “A significant about 4,200. The workload is likely number of people have been un- to continue to grow until the next able to receive a high speed serv- boundary review which is not ice. But in a few months the prob- likely to take place before 2010. lem will be solved with the comElectoral Registration Officer, pletion of a new exchange next to Alan Winchcombe, said that there Thamesdown Drive, close to the is no upper limit on the number of visitor centre. homes in a ward.

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BIG on style, BIG on space…

View the last four-bedroom Mayfair at Braydon Mead

y! s! rr ne in Hu ly o ema On ir r fa ay M

KITCHEN

DINING AREA

LIVING ROOM

C

W/C C

EN SUITE BEDROOM 2

BATHROOM BEDROOM 1

C

BEDROOM 4

BEDROOM 3

Digital illustration of the last Mayfair housetype

Join us at Braydon Mead and take the opportunity to view The Mayfair. This extremely spacious family property benefits from an en suite shower room, open plan kitchen/dining area, triple aspect living room and huge open plan second floor to use for whatever you need.

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The Mayfair, Plot 4115, is priced at £265,000 and is one of a collection of period style properties at Braydon Mead, a landmark village development close to Swindon and the Cotswolds. At Braydon Mead you’ll find a special sense of place, and in the Mayfair, a distinctive sense of space.

A/C

Also available, 3 bedroom houses from £167,000

Ground Floor Living Room 5.65m x 3.72m Kitchen/Dining Area 5.10m x 2.97m

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3.54m x 2.79m 2.86m x 2.83m 3.75m x 2.02m 2.70m x 1.87m

11’7’’ x 9’1’’ 9’4’’ x 9’3’’ 12’3’’ x 6’7’’ 8’10’’ x 6’1’’

Second Floor Attic Room

9.03m x 4.64m

29’7’’ x 15’2’’

Part Exchange Available* *on selected plots only and subject to terms and conditions

Show Home and Marketing Suite open daily 10am to 5pm Telephone: 01793 700 518 Email: braydonmead@crestnicholson.com Braydon Mead, Eastbury Way, Swindon, SN25 2BL

www.crestnicholson.com/braydonmead

01793 700 518

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Farm, floods and facilities at the West forum A range of topics were covered at the bi-monthly West Swindon Forum, attended by thirty residents and seven of the 8 councillors representing the area, as well as Swindon’s award winning council leader Rod Bluh.

Graffiti and vandalism Toothill Farm safe from developers Mavis Read, treasurer of the Toothill Farm Youth Club supported by Eastleaze residents complained about young people carrying out wanseveral committee members, questioned the council’s commitment to ton vandalism - graffiti, damage to fences and walls, threats to the the club. Two years ago the council indicated that it wanted to close the elderly and thefts in their area. Local WPC Pat Salter said the police social hall, until local councillors intervened to ensure it remained a were working behind the scenes to catch the culprits and a number of community facility. However Mavis continues to suspect there are arrests had been made. But there are not enough police available on the secret agendas regarding the future of the farm. “The Swindon Local spot and information from the public is essential to report individuals Plan has the farm site allocated for housing if there is no community carrying out petty crime and damage. Call 0845 408 7000.

Coun Bluh agreed that the community had to be involved. “The use. We continue to worry that the youth service is not behind us. As a volunteer run youth provision we have to know that we are wanted; police and council departments are working closely to achieve a coorwe’re not happy with the level of communication about the venue and dinated response. We need a concerted fightback against anti-social and unruly behaviour. Residents can start by passing on information support for the club.”

The farm was regularly vandalised last year. Over Christmas the about illegal activity to the police.” farmhouse and the adjacent barn which is used by Toothill Scouts was Graffiti action - see the story below. attacked. Coun Nick Martin told the forum that he and his colleagues The future of community centres had a firm and vehement commitment to continued use of the farm by Coun Gary Perkins confirmed that Upper Shaw Farm social hall will the youth club and the scouts. “We are very concerned about the close when the new Shaw Ridge Primary School opens in 2008 with security of the site and we are trying to come up with ways forward to slightly larger community facilities included in the design. A planning brief is being drawn up for the listed farmhouse on Ridge Green. protect the buildings and the groups using them.”

Freshbrook Community Centre secretary Terry Iles was concerned Heavy rains causing more flooding Residents from Grange Park said several garages and houses had been about rumours that it could be closed after Freshbrook’s new combined flooded during heavy winter rains and complained that ditches and primary school is built. Coun Perkins said, “we have looked at this storm drains in the Poynings Park area were not coping because they possibility but closure is no longer an option. The Freshbrook centre is were too small or blocked. Firefighters from Westlea station have been a good stand-alone building which will compliment facilities to be designed into the school.” out several times to pump water away from their homes.

Nick Jansen from Moresby Close, Westlea, which has experienced floods from adjacent Whitehill Brook, said urgent attention needs to be given to the adequacy of surface water drainage systems across West Swindon designed over thirty years ago.

Council leader Rod Bluh said he was chairing a high level multiagency meeting to discuss drainage on 31 January. “The town is getting more intense downpours and we need to look at short term measures like keeping ditches and gulleys clear and longer term engineering solutions like replacing pipes and increasing storage capacity.”

Youngsters from Greendown School in Grange Park ventured into the fog on the last day of term in December to pick up litter, on a Safe & Clean Day across Freshbrook and Grange Park carried out by some fifty Swindon Council staff

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1 February 07

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Spring into action to clear up graffiti Shaw & Nine Elms councillor Keith Williams is calling on Swindon people to take part in a graffiti blitz over the next few months.

He says it’s too easy to become used to unsightly tagging and feel that nothing can be done. But experience shows that if an area is cleaned up quickly, it is less likely to attract more vandalism.

Coun Williams said the council has doubled its resources to tackle the problem but they need the public’s help to report graffiti. “There are now two teams working full time to meet the council’s promise to remove racist and offensive graffiti within 24 hours. In all other cases, it should be cleared in 7 to 10 days.

“Many people want to make a difference in their neighbourhoods and this is a simple way to help. It’s about civic pride and everybody taking responsibility for their neighbourhood.”

He added that, following new laws last April, the council now has agreements in place with utilities like BT, ntl, and water and electricity companies to keep street furniture graffiti clear. Either they clean it off within an agreed timeframe or the council will and pass on the charge.

To report graffiti call the Swindon Council hotline: 463463.

Shaw residents’ do the extras Coun Williams is setting up a Shaw Pride Network where volunteers keep a close eye on graffiti and litter in streets around the Shaw & Nine Elms ward and report it to the hotline.

The ward takes in Sparcells, Peatmoor, Ramleaze, Eastleaze and Middleaze. Coun Williams is recruiting volunteers. Register your help at www.shawresidents.org.uk or mail him at: Keith.Williams@aceous.com

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The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com 11

Cafe closes for lack of cooks If you can stand the heat, come into the kitchen to restart the cafe The Wednesday morning community cafe in Freshbrook Community Centre, set up with great fanfare two years ago, has shut because there are too few people willing to help in the kitchens.

Organiser Tracy Clifford said the proved to be a good way to gain aim of the cafe is to bring different work experience or rebuild configroups in the community together. dence after a career break. One of “There are separate toddler groups the volunteers has gone on to find and a lunch club for older resi- a full time job in catering and andents, but we wanted a place where other has begun work in a school. people can mix. The cafe is a popuBut as volunteers leave, new lar meeting place for a wide range ones are needed to help each of people from young families and Wednesday between 11am and older folk, with police officers and 2pm. They will be working in the community wardens dropping by. kitchen, taking orders and clear“We also wanted to show peo- ing tables, but no catering experiple you can cook good home-made ence is necessary. An interest in fresh food and it’s not that diffi- people and the ability to mix are cult.” more important than qualificaThe whole operation is run by tions. If you can help call Tracy on volunteers and for some has 872919.

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On 18 December the Mayor and Mayoress of Swindon Mike and Joyce Bawden enjoyed Christmas lunch with members of the Toothill Community Centre cafe which meets on Monday morning 9.30am to 1.30pm. They are pictured with Katie Simpson of Zurich Local, Rev Steven Skinner, resident Pauline Atley. Standing, Toothill councillor Steve Wakefield, cafe cook Carol Gibbons, volunteer helpers from the Church of Latter Day Saints Elders Packer and Shumway

Costa del River Ray on the way Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has received planning permission for the next phase of the River Ray Restoration Project between Westlea and Barnfield, which will include a paddling beach.

Jo Sayers, Swindon Water for Wildlife Officer, who oversees the project, said, “Phase 3 is all about the area’s links with West Swindon. We want people to connect with the river and improvements will include adding more meanders to the channel and introducing pools, riffles and backwaters. We will also be adding a river Jo Sayer, soon to oversee more beach so that people can restoration work on the River Ray access and enjoy the river.”

On the banks of the river the opened up by removing trees and natural floodplain is being restored more trees will be planted on the to provide home for more wildlife, edges to screen the adjacent particularly birds like the Reed Westmead industrial estate.

The project receives funding Bunting, which enjoys feeding from the pools and scrapes created from the Environment Agency, Biffaward, Swindon Council, on the floodplain.

New footpaths will be created to npower and Thames Water.

To find out more about the make it easier for wheelchair users and less mobile people to visit the project, contact Jo Sayers on 526229 site. The middle of the area will be or mail Jos@wiltshirewildlife.org www.walfins.co.uk

1 February 07

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19/1/07, 9:37 am

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The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

Hreod bursts with brightness Logo to symbolise new buildings as dome and domesday book bring past and future together As teachers and students at Hreod Parkway School prepare to move into their new premises at Easter, the school has announced that it will be known as: Nova Hreod - a specialist college in Science and Mathematics and Computing The school, which was awarded its specialist status by the Department for Education and Skills in September, went to consultation on its name two years ago when the new buildings were being planned.

opment but also meaning ‘a sudden burst of energy and brightness’ on the surface of a white dwarf star – a link with the school’s Science specialism.

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The overall response of the parents, students, staff, governors and the local community was that the name Hreod (meaning ‘reed’) - a word dating back to the Domesday Book - should be kept within the new school name both for its identification of the school’s location in the Hreod Burna (Rodbourne) valley and to maintain continuity with the past.

But the retention of ‘Parkway’ (adopted in the 1980’s when Hreod Burna School combined with Moredon Secondary School) was firmly rejected.

The new name was chosen by the governors from a short-list that arose from the original consultation. It adds a latin epithet ‘Nova’ to the old name, representing the new phase of the school’s devel-

Mr Fleet, preparing his school for the move to Nova Hreod

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The space theme is echoed in the new Hreod building that is starshaped with five wings radiating from a covered central atrium which has been named ‘The Da Vinci Dome.’ The new restaurant run by Avenance Caterers will be called the Stellar Diner.

With the new name and building comes a new logo and branding for the college. Hannah Shore, a former student and graduate in graphic design, and now a product designer with Futurebrand, worked with students during the Autumn to create a logo for the 21st Century which takes the starshape as its theme.

It is planned that this will be incorporated into a new range of uniform products available from September 2007.

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19/1/07, 9:40 am

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Toothill School plans on display THE ALL NEW

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The basis for Toothill’s new primary school has been agreed between governors and Swindon Council and the plans are to be put on show at the school on: Friday 9 March, 3pm to 4pm and Saturday 10 March, 10am to 12noon The one form entry school for 210 children, plus nursery unit, will be built on a single level, next to the existing front gate on Stokesay Drive. It will include community meeting rooms and there will be shared use of the hall. Space has been left for a multi-play games area but this is not included in the plan because of cost.

Right, headteacher Martin Cowell with Toothill youngsters in front of the site for the new school

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Swindon’s ice hockey team Swindon npower Wildcats have come up with a way to put money into schools - and there’s a chance to pick up some up before the season finishes.

The cats Kidzone project, backed £5, so this is a good way to see a by npower, sees a couple of play- game and help a good cause.

Wildcats is now extending the ers visiting primary schools to give a short talk to children, along with offer to local clubs and businesses, who can arrange for the cashback mascot Willie Wildcat.

The children and parents are to be donated to a designated charthen invited to an upcoming game ity.

To get involved in Kidzone, call at a reduced rate - just £3 for adults and £1.50 for children. The chil- Steve on 07771 863674 or mail: dren’s admission is then donated steve@stevenell.com For details, and a list of the fixback to the school.

Normal admission is £8.50 and tures: www.swindonwildcats.com

Choir boosts firefighters’ appeal Youngsters from Westlea Primary School’s choir joined firefighters from Westlea station when they toured the area just before Christmas.

Over £1,600 was raised from four street collection evenings across West Swindon in aid of the Fire Services’ Benevolent Fund.

With the government announcing in January that schools are to be encouragaged to develop singing as part of the curriculum, Westlea children are well out in front. The choir is presently rehearsing for Swindon schools’ music festival in March.

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Coming up at Bradon Forest, Purton In the performing arts college theatre Monday 5 February, 7.30pm, Innerroom Theatre Company presents The Chronicles of Hoggett & Webb Tickets: £5.50 adults, £4.50 students Thursday 15 & Friday 16 February, 7.30pm Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party performed by Bradon Forest Theatre GCSE students, directed by Dominic Waldron Tickets £4 Tickets from Bradon Forest School on 770570

19/1/07, 9:40 am

The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com 15

Name needed for new school Since the Swindon School Organisation Committee’s decision in July 2006 to close both Freshbrook and Windmill Hill Primary Schools and open a brand new school, work has been going on to bring the two school communities together.

A temporary governing body has been set up comprised of four existing governors from each school and an independent LEA governor. From the discussions, the jobs of all staff at both schools have been secured except for the headteachers.

The position has been advertised and interviews are due at the end of January.

A premises sub- Coming together later this year, Freshbrook Primary, committee has been top left, Windmill Hill Primary, below formed and is meeting regularly to discuss requireTo prepare for this new beginments for the new school building ning, the temporary governing on the Freshbrook school site and body is looking for a name for the its surrounding environment. school and is seeking the help of The timescale for the new build Link readers, in addition to pupils, has not yet been finalised, but it is parents and staff of both schools. unlikely that the facilities will be To put forward a name, mail: ready by September 2008 as origi- newschoolname@hotmail.co.uk or nally proposed. However the two write to New School Name, at eischools will become one from Sep- ther Freshbrook Primary School, tember this year. or Windmill Hill Primary School

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18/1/07, 12:47 pm

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The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

Link map becomes piece of art

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The North Swindon map published by Swindon Link has become a 3D masterpiece hanging on the walls of Red Oaks Primary School on the Learning Campus in Priory Vale.

When artist Sarah Drake was tures to be pinned commissioned to work with Key on the map. The Stage 1 & 2 children on the school’s North Swindon Our Town project in December, she map has tiny needed a reference source to help houses, play parks, youngsters get to know the geog- schools, the district raphy around their homes. “The centre, Motorola North Swindon map was perfect, and the bridge over large scale and clear, something T h a m e s d o w n which children could relate to.”

Drive.

Sarah’s technique is to create Sarah also ran a maps from paper mache and at papier mache Red Oaks children helped her pre- workshop to help pare 3 dimensional models of fea- teachers prepare for this term’s project on reuse Sarah and a few of her workers, from left, Renace Tobias, Emily Scott, Danial Whitmarsh, Chloe Beedsek, Grace and recycling. www.sarahdrake.com

Henderson, Lian Tilling

Ideas projected in film Children from Orchid Vale and Red Oaks Primary Schools in North Swindon premiered a film in early January about coming to live in a new community and making friends.

Although professional film mak- around Priory Vale, and also did all ers David Collier and Keith Phillips the camera work and recording. from Mobile Media provided guid“We wanted it to have a bit of a ance, the youngsters decided on scary feel, because you’re not sure the story, acted out the scenes shot what you’ll find when you move to a new area, but it all works out well in the end,” said Tori Middleton.

“Making a film is like bringing out your dreams,” said Rebecca Hardy.

The production team with Keith Phillips, Luke Hinchcliffe, Becky Campbell, Tori Middleton, Charlie Bate, Rebecca Hardy

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School at Oakhurst a possibility A consultation on the use of an unwanted school site looks to have been a waste of effort as a school is being proposed once again.

As reported in November’s Link, council officers to look at whether there has been confusion over the a school will be required in future. future of a plot of land on Pioneer My view is that we need more Road designated for a school. school places in the Northern secWhen it looked as though Swin- tor - either by increasing the don Council didn’t want to build number of places in existing on the plot, Haydon Wick Parish schools or building new. I fought Council started to consider other long and hard to get extra places at community uses to avoid losing the Bridlewood. I’m want to avoid land to more housing. They asked similar problems.”

Oakhurst Residents’ Association to Popular club moves collect views on alternatives such as a visitor centre for the Clifford Due to great response to the artiMeadow Site of Special Scientific cle in the September Link, SwinInterest or youth pitches. don Scrapaholic Club has had to But Swindon Council Children’s move to the main hall at Christ Services then announced they were the Servant Church at Abbey considering uses for the land, and Meads Village Centre. it seems that a school is on the The club meets monthly on a cards because of increasing pupil Monday evening, and a Saturday numbers. morning. It’s open to all ages and Swindon councillor David abilities from experienced scrapRenard explained that, when the bookers to people who want to decision to build the seven PFI start a new hobby. schools in the North was taken, the Call Allison Roberts on 07786 number of pupils did not justify a 013280 or mail: swindon@ school at Oakhurst. “I have asked scrapaholic.co.uk for details.

18/1/07, 12:48 pm

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Prices correct at time of going to press. Offers available on selected properties subject to normal George Wimpey terms and conditions. Imagery represents typical George Wimpey properties and interiors.

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The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

Companies give after school club Christmas present

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After Westlea mum Lorna Annals persuaded her employers Haart Estate Agents to donate £200 to Westlea After School and Holiday Club, colleagues in her office rose to the challenge and started ringing around associated busineses.

“The two staff have had their By the end of a quiet afternoon in December, their viral fundraising hours reduced and the club is in a had secured another £500 from much better position financially.”

The club is entirely reliant on Betterlife Mortgages, Hale & Hopkins Solicitors, Lock Mortgages parent fees and fundraising. Grant aid from Swindon Council was cut and surveyor John Branston.

The cash boost came at a good in 2000, but rent paid to the council time as the volunteer management for room hire totals £730 per month.

A pre-school breakfast session committee has restructured the club to cope with a fall in demand. runs from 7.45am to 8.40am and But rumours that the club which after school care is provided from meets in the Sunshine Room at 3.20pm to 6pm.

The holiday club runs from Westlea School could close are not true says manager Cherry Hobbs. 7.45am to 6pm and children from “The after school club continues to any school, including secondary, thrive, but we’ve seen a drop in can attend.

For details call Chery Hobbs on demand for holiday care which 07773 027583. put a strain on finances.

Lorna Annals, right, with Cherry Hobbs, left, assistant Pat Langford, centre, and children at the holiday club in early January, with Lauren Ponting and Becky Annal playing teachers

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1 February 07

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Julie Little, 51, from St Andrew’s Ridge, has been teaching piano part-time around her civil service job. Fresh from completing the CT ABRSM (Certificate of Teaching for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) course last May, her pupils range from five years old to pensioners.

Julie said that most of her pupils live in North Swindon. “I believe each lesson should be well paced, varied and inspiring enough to give confidence to move forward.

“Although many of my pupils are children, I have a growing number of adults who have al-

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18/1/07, 12:49 pm

ways harboured the desire to learn to play the piano and now have the time and the money for lessons.

“Some adults hold back because they feel they are too old to learn, but this is never the case. It’s a question of having the confidence.

Once you get over that hurdle and are willing to practice, you’ll start to make progress.”

Julie is happy to teach on a traditional piano and also on touchsensitive electronic 5-octave keyboards either at her home or at the pupil’s.

For details call her on 701255 or 07900 290457.

The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com 19

Heads up from Ofsted Two day nurseries run by Headstarts received Ofsted inspections just seven days apart in late November.

This was reflected in the inspecThe nurseries at the Delta Busi- bonds they form with the staff.’

‘They are confident, relaxed and tors comment which praised the ness Park, Westlea and at the Robert le Kyng Children’s Centre independent ..... develop good self- strong partnership we have with care skills .... and are making sound families. both passed with flying colours.

“We’re delighted with the reThe West Swindon nursery had progress towards the early learntheir integrated inspection first and ing goals in all areas of learning.’ ports which reflect the hard work The nursery based at the Chil- of all the staff in both locations. was assessed on how well it met Ofsted standards, as well as how dren’s Centre performed almost The Robert le Kyng Nursery has identically, with really taken off; the numbers regthe staff delivered the standards be- istered have tripled since we the education eleing graded as opened. The education part always ment for the ‘good’ although takes time to develop; we are workfunded three and the education ele- ing hard to achieve our goals.” four year olds.

For details about both nurseries ment was graded The outcome for see the advertisement on page 18. as ‘satisfactory.’ both sections was Alison Barrett, ‘good’ showing manager of both that the aspects of sites, left, said, “the the nursery are nursery opened in strong. The report Godwin Court, Old Town, Swindon October and much states ‘children are Tel: 522100 of the record keephappy and settled ing for the older ‘A beautiful venue for children’s parties’ and demonstrate a children is still besense of belonging Invitations: sole use of ‘the little party house’.

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By Sue ◆ Your local family hairdresser ◆ 25% discount for Seniors Stephanie Hathaway, left, and members of Koala’s getting ready in December for the big move from Old Town to Salt Way

The school has been empty since July when the last 90 children transferred to Shaw Ridge Primary.

Stephanie Hathaway, coordinator of the special needs preschool group, is pleased to have left the portakabin at Victoria Hospital. “We’ve moved into the former nursery unit which is ideal as it was designed for small children. It’s lovely to have a garden for the first time ever.”

Intel has agreed to send in a team of interns to build a sensory garden and donated £6,000 towards the cost of outdoor play equipment.

Koalas, which is managed by a volunteer run management committee are joined by Special Tots, a Swindon Council parent and toddler group for children with disabilities. They are pooling resources and sharing the rooms. As

1 February 07

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a result timetables have changed, with Koalas now able to offer some afternoon sessions.

Special Tots teacher Karen Foy worked at Salt Way from 1991 to 2005 and was responsible for setting up the nursery in a mobile in 1997 before moving it into the main building three years later. She said, “it’s good that the school is being given a new life, but its strange to return to work here.”

A Children’s Centre to serve the Shaw and Nine Elms ward will open at Salt Way in the Spring.

Stephanie said she was looking forward to Koala’s working with families from the local community.

“Our aim is for our children to be integrated into mainstream school.

It will be a chance for children following the mainstream path to learn to play with our children who are differently able.”

Call now for an appointment on 01793 871120 or 07967 363322

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18/1/07, 12:49 pm

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The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

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Library set to show off World Book Day takes place on Thursday 1 March and Swindon Library Service is planning a grand day out at West Swindon Library from 3pm to 7pm.

There will be displays and information for all interests and ages: • plot the progress of the new Central Library project; • discover how the library can help you delve into family history; • find out how to boost your child’s reading skills; • learn how to use a computer and surf the net. There are regular free courses for beginners.

By the way, libraries are still about books. There are lots, and also reader groups to help you enjoy books even more.

■ EXHAUST TYRES AND BATTERIES ■ VALET SERVICE

Meeting to manage project for children The Lower Shaw Farm Children’s Project hold its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 8 February at 8pm, at the farm in Old Shaw Lane.

After the meeting, there will be a chance to chat over wine and cheese.

Call 771080 for details.

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Arts and crafts using recycled materials, pancake making in the farmhouse kitchen, nature treks and story walks around the farm, swinging on the big barn rope and a chance to learn circus skills.

Places are £15 per day.

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1 February 07

New activities for youngsters Busy Fingers Kids Club for 4 to 10 year olds launched in January.

It offers crafts and group inter-action, and definitely no TV or console games. The Kids Club meets at the Haydon Centre on Thursdays 5.30pm to 7pm and Fridays 6pm to 7.30pm.

To book a place call Debbie Musa-Eiggie on 496900.

Busy Fingers also has a number of pre-school groups for parents with babies and toddlers up to five year olds. Call Debbie for times.

Weaving words at Lower Shaw Farm It’s as simple as this... we had a need, which produced an idea, which led to a solution, which was - let’s start a Writers’ Café, writes Hilda Sheehan.

Braving the rain, wind, and pudWe are a small group of people who like playing with words, dles, and abandoning another working with words, and making night of Strictly Come Prancing, things happen with words. In other one by one, the writers came: Wendy, Tony, Russell, a taxi driver words, we like writing.

It can be a solitary business, but with armfuls of poems, ...and a meeting together can provide sol- night of strictly come writing, talkace. After looking at a number of ing, thinking, and drinking was venues, we lumped for Lower underway.

In December, we did it again. It Shaw Farm as the place that ticked the most boxes. It seemed to say worked and we’re now meeting ‘come sit by the woodstove, write monthly for the foreseable future.

The Writers’ Cafe will usually and read with me, walk by the poultry pen and pen poetry, come take place on the last Thursday of drink and think and get it write, the month, 6pm - 10pm at Lower Shaw Farm, Old Shaw Lane in West tonight.’

So we did, one windswept night Swindon.

Everyone with an interest in writin late November when a big pink bag of books and magazines ing is welcome. If you want to enjoy spilled out onto the cowshed ta- an evening of open and honest exble. Host, Matt Holland, put an- change of ideas and thoughts about other log on the fire and wrote in writing, and life, please join us.

For details, call me on 887014 or white chalk on a black board ‘Wele-mail: hsheehan@btinternet.com come to the Writers’ Cafe’.

19/1/07, 11:16 am

21

NAWAB’S

W I D E W I D W I DE E Take your fabulous finds to the museum A team of experts will be on hand at Swindon Museum, Bath Road on Saturday 24 February to identify treasures dug up or discovered by members of the public.

During the Fabulous Finds day, In fact, one of the museum’s them for a few weeks to allow acarchaeologist, Katie Hinds, will be treasures, a Roman wine strainer, curate identification and recording examining anything dating from be- was discovered using a metal de- but they will then be handed back Museum curator, Kirsty Hartfore 1700. She says that in recent tector and was donated to the siotis will be looking at social hisyears there has been a surge of museum. interest in archaeology, thanks to As Finds Liaison Officer for the tory finds from the 18th Century programmes such as Time Team. Portable Antiquities Scheme, Katie onwards. She would particularly “The past is still exciting to people records all items brought to her for like to see household items, anyand an interesting find can really posterity. She may ask to keep thing connected to shops or businesses in Swindon and buttons. stimulate the Geological finds will be examimagination. ined by a member of the Wiltshire “A few years Geology Group. The geologists will ago archaeoloalso be showing visitors how to gists were make small replica fossils of triloagainst people bites and ammonites. using metal detectors, but • See other exhibitions at Swindon now we work Museum & Art Gallery on page 24 with them.”

Katie Hinds measuring museum artifacts and museum curator, Kirsty Hartsiotis holding the Roman wine strainer

Spoon bender at Butterfly World When Uri Geller needed butterflies to feature in his latest TV programme to help people overcome their phobias, he chose to film at Swindon’s Butterfly World at Studley Grange He brought Gwawr Bell, who was from the canteen which he bent terrified of the creatures, to see easily. He also reproduced drawsome of the 40 species at the cen- ings done by someone on the other tre. She needed help as her hus- side of the room and they were like band had recently bought a butter- photocopies.”

The butterfly farm, one of Eufly farm in Anglesey.

Manager Luke Brown said that rope’s largest, has a variety of enGwawr couldn’t even set foot in- vironments for different species. side but after Uri had worked his Seeing butterflies large and small magic she seemed to be completely flitting around in tropical heat is cured. “He’s a nice guy and totally always a enchanting experience.

See the advert on page 24. believes in his power. I’m very sceptical about these things, but we gave him three industrial strength spoons

Uri Geller with Butterfly World staff, Philip Noon, Wendy Watts, Luke Brown, manager, and former butterfly phobic Gwawr Bell

21 February 07

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Is cultural partnership in Swindon a closed shop?

Barbara Prothero feels her views don’t count for much and asks if decisions are being made without involving Swindon citizens It’s not often I’m asked my views on culture and the arts, so I was interested in a proposed drop-in session on 19 December, for everyone to meet Swindon’s great and the good and share their ideas about the town’s cultural life.

Generally, arts-speak fills me with dread, as I feel instantly inadequate at not being up-to-speed with the jargon. Still, I thought it would be good to go along to the event organised by the Swindon Cultural Partnership to put forward the view of the woman in the street.

You may be wondering what the partnership does. This is how they describe themselves at: www.creativeswindon.org.uk “The Cultural Partnership aims

to bring the town’s civic, cultural, corporate and community elements together through cultural development, in order to establish a confident, progressive and successful reputation for Swindon. This strategic partnership will implement a few things, influence others & inspire as widely as possible.”

Not a bad example of the type of grand sounding but vague, artsspeak that brings me out in a cold sweat.

So, I made every effort to be part of the whole cultural development thing. I rang to ask for details, and emailed. I visited the website, which was still under construction, so I emailed again and left still more messages. No-one can say I wasn’t keen. Finally, I managed to speak to a lady in the office and again asked to have details sent to me.

Obviously, I let myself down badly and didn’t sound cultured enough, as I’ve still heard nothing.

The event was on 19 December and I stayed home, like Cinderella, without an invitation to the ball.

I was still feeling aggrieved at

Renowned speaker on cultural development Charles Landrey at the invitation only event on 5 December being unable to secure a place at what was described as a ‘friendly drop-in session’ when the penny dropped. Of course. This was another Swindon style consultation, which is played by an unusual set of rules. The consultation is kept as quiet as possible so that not too many of the plebs will know anything about it.

This allows all the boxes to be ticked by an organisation which will then do exactly as it planned in the first place. The same technique was used to brilliant effect in the council’s consultation on Sports and Leisure in August, which had such a tight deadline that only a couple of hundred people managed to make their views known.

I do hope that I just slipped through the net and that some ordinary people managed to get into the cultural consultation. To be honest though, when you’re asked to book a place for a drop-in event it looks very much to me like a closed shop in the first place.

I have not read reports in The Link or the Swindon Advertiser about the drop-in session or the invitation-only seminar on cultural development at Steam on 5 December. Maybe it’s only in my imagination, or perhaps it was a costly non-event.

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Directions: From Junction 16 of the M4 follow Great Western Way (A3103) to Bridgemead roundabout. Take the first exit and follow Mead Way to the ‘T’ junction at Purton Road, passing Fitness First and a petrol garage on your left. Continue straight ahead and follow along the Northern Orbital Road (Thamesdown Drive) passing the Tawny Owl pub on your right. Proceed along Thamesdown Drive turning left at junction 8 into Oakhurst Way. Take the left hand exit at the second roundabout and follow the road to the St Peter’s Place development (SN25 2JX).

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Directions: From Junction 16 of the M4 follow Great Western Way (A3103) to Bridgemead roundabout. Take the first exit and follow Mead Way to the ‘T’ junction at Purton Road, passing Fitness First and a petrol garage on your left. Continue straight ahead and follow along the Northern Orbital Road (Thamesdown Drive) passing the Tawny Owl pub on your right. Proceed along Thamesdown Drive turning right at the Visitor Centre (junction 8), first left then second right onto Torun Way. Follow this road down past the school and Middleclover is on your right.

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24

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Children & Family Events

Theatre

Monday 5th & Tuesday 6th, 7.30pm Animal Farm. Gary Shelford Thursday 8th, 1pm and 8pm, performs Orwell’s classic using workshops 12 noon and 7pm nothing but a wooden box, some Bink and the Riddle of the Sphinx. amazing sound effects and physical Can Bink solve the riddle of Greek and vocal dexterity. £10. Arts Centre mythology’s most terrifying monster or will he lose his kingdom, his Saturday 10th, 7.30pm princess and his life? Workshops will Treading the Boards. Tom Owen, son of the late Bill Owen who played include drama games, and songs from the show. Ages 6+. £7.50, family Compo in Last of the Summer Wine tells their story. £8.50. Arts Centre £22.,workshop £3. Arts Centre Wednesday 21st and Thursday Wednesday 14th to Saturday 17th, 7.30pm 22nd, 10.30am to 3.30pm Half Term Activities Lower Shaw Murder in Mind presented by the Western Players. Mary arrives home Farm. See page 20 to find three strangers claiming to be Saturday 24th, 8pm her husband, cousin and sister.Then Irish Dance with Moloney School a murdered man is discovered. £6 Frank McCaffrey with support from tickets from 433297. Arts Centre Riky Denham. Irish dancing display. £10. For details call 642368. Tuesday 20th, 8pm The Bitches Ball. A true tale inspired Pinehurst Community Centre by the life of the multi-talented Mary Saturday Robinson, a high flying courtesan 24th & and acclaimed poet. Ages 14+ £10.

Sunday Arts Centre 25th, 10am Thursday 22nd to Saturday 24th, to 5pm 7.15pm & Saturday 1pm Robot Harold Jolliffe One Act Play Wars.

Tournaments and have a go sessions. Festival. Local amateur companies £5.95 adults, £3.95 under 16s; under celebrate drama in a constructive and competitive atmosphere. £6. Arts 5s free. STEAM

Centre

Outdoors From Mid February Snowdrops Walk. Enjoy the beautiful natural carpet of snowdrops: a welcome sign that Spring is just around the corner. Lydiard Park

Exhibitions

To Monday 12th Shakespeare As You Like It. Illustrations and interpretations of Shakespeare’s locations, plays and sonnets by printmakers from the Saturday 17th, 2pm Royal Society of Painter Printmakers Parkland Walk. Discover new walks and Society of Wood Engravers. in the wider parkland of this 260 acre Free. Arts Centre estate and find out more about the Sunday 4th to 4th March restoration and conservation plans for the site. Wear walking boots or wellies. Free. Lydiard House Wednesday 21st, 10am to 12noon Nature Detective. Look for tell tale signs of the animals which make the park their home. For ages 6 to 12.

Free. Book on 490150. Stanton Park Wednesday 21st, 10am to 3pm Forest Skills Course. Explore the woods, set up camp, build shelters, make a campfire and cook on it. Ages 8 to 13. Call 01367 250369 to book a

place. £20. Stanton Park

Cat Diego from Wroughton exhibits her rock music and fantasy inspired cartoons and illustrations. Beehive

Pub, Prospect Hill. Details on 523187

Venues Arts Centre Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Lower Shaw Farm Tel: 771080 Lydiard House Tel: 770401 University of Bath, Oakfield Campus, Marlow Ave Tel: 328800 Steam Kemble Drive Tel: 466646 Swindon Dance Regent Circus Tel: 601700 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556

Confirm date, time and price with the venue

21 February 07

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19/1/07, 9:59 am

To March A Sense of Place. Exploring the portrayal of landscape in Britain during the 20th century. Free.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery To December Swindon Curiosities: the art of collecting. Find our more about the work of curators past and present.

Free. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery To December Treasure. Archaeological treasures from the Swindon area. Free.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

25

On in February Film

Music

THE NINE ELMS PUB

Wednesday 7th, 7.45pm Bread and Tulips (12A) An unfulfilled middle-aged housewife falls for a melancholic Icelandic waiter during her sojourn in Venice. Italian with subtitles. SFS. Arts Centre Monday 12th, 7.30pm An Inconvenient Truth. The acclaimed documentary by former US Vice-President Al Gore showing the effects of climate change throughout the world. Presented by Swindon Socialist Unity. Free. The

Thursday 1st, 8pm

Valentine’s Menu

Victoria, Old Town Wednesday 21st, 7.45pm Fateless (12A) Unsentimental, revealing and ultimately uplifting, a film based on Nobel laureate Imre Kentesz’s novel about Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust. SFS. Arts

Starter Deep Fried Brie served with cranberry sauce and mixed leaves Home-made Leek & Potato Soup, served with crusty warmed bread Thai Fishcakes served with chilli dip & mixed leaves Waking the Witch: Boys from the Abattoir Tour. Glorious harmonies and beautiful guitar based instrumentation from this all female four-piece performing a new genre: Indie Folk. £10. Arts Centre

Swindon Film Society (SFS) films are for members only. It is possible to join on any film evening.

Saturday 3rd, 8pm 21st Century Blues Invasion with Aynsley Lister & Ian Parker. The evening starts with an acoustic set from the pair, followed by each playing with their with own electric set and bands. £15. Arts Centre Sunday 4th, 3pm. Pre concert talk, 2.15pm Swindon Recital Series. Thomas Barber, oboe and James Southall, piano. The programme includes music from the Baroque to the present day with a new work by John Barber, plus piano solos from James. £10,

Talks

GCSE and A level students £2, free to accompanied under 14s. Arts Centre

Centre Friday 23rd, 7.45pm Cockles and Mussels (15) An original take on the celebrated French farce. What might you think when your girlfriendless teenage son brings home his gay friend? SFS. St

Michael’s Hall, Highworth

Wednesday14th, 10.15am A Country Solicitor. Keith Rayner speaks at the meeting of Thamesdown Probus. Call Dan

Dangerfield 763733 for details.

Blunsdon House Hotel Wednesday14th, 5.30pm Faith in Conflict? Reflections on religion and conflict in Northern Ireland. Free. University of Bath,

Oakfield Campus Wednesday 21st, 5.30pm The Succesful Reign of Mary Tudor. Prof Ronald Hutton examines the achievements of one of England’s most unpopular monarchs. Free.

University of Bath, Oakfield Campus Wednesday 28th, 10.15am Sailing on the High Seas. Eleanor Tims speaking at Thamesdown Probus. Call Dan Dangerfield

763733. Blunsdon House Hotel.

Friday 16th, 7.45pm Neon Productions. Swindon based choreographer, Adrienne Hart, presents a celebration of her work to date. An eclectic programme of dance, dance film and a spoken word and music set accompanied by visuals. £8.50. Swindon Dance

Comedy

25

£10 per person deposit secures your table

Dance

University of Bath, Oakfield Campus

21 February 07

£22.95 per head Book your table now on 01793 770442

or on the door. Rolleston Arms., Commercial Road

Friday 23rd, 7.45pm Urban Mix. Kwesi Johnson and Irven Lewis, two of the UK’s most outstanding jazz and hip hop artists, do battle on stage in this double bill of upbeat dance. £8.50. Swindon Dance

Thursdays 1st & 15th 2pm to 4.30pm Memorial Hall, Wootton Basset.

All styles and rhythms: sequence, modern ballroom, old-tyme, line dance. All welcome.

Desserts Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse served with home-made shortcake and fresh strawberries Home Made Apple Pie served with cream & custard Cheeseboard - made up of carefully selected white and blue cheeses Glass of sparkling wine included

Friday 9th, 8pm Diceman Lopez. A five piece band from Swindon and London launch their new album at the start of a tour of the UK and Europe. Supported by Steve Richings. £8. Arts Centre Thursday 15th, 8.30pm Pete & J, acoustic folk duo from New York, in the style of Simon & Garfunkel. £4. Tickets from 534238

Wednesday 28th, 5.30pm 21st Century Cave Dwellers.

Managing Director of npower renewables, Kevin McCullough, takes a light hearted look at the serious subject of how we all take energy for granted. Free. University

Tea Dance

Main Courses Aberdeen Angus Fillet Steak with a peppercorn & whiskey creamy sauce, served with home- made chunky chips, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms and salad Half a Gressingham Duck with a creamy sauce including cherries and cranberries served with fresh vegetables and new potatoes Cranberry, Mushroom and Brie Parcel in a creamy sauce with a pastry case served with fresh vegetables and new potatoes

Friday 2nd, 8pm Mark Watson: I’m Worried That I’m

Starting to Hate Almost Everyone in the World. Twice nominated for the Perrier award, Mark is an immensely talented comedian and writer. £12.

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18/1/07, 1:27 pm

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Swindon Wide

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Talk on self-sufficiency An exhibition of wildlife photographs for the Born Free Foundation by Chris Lowthian at the North Swindon Library, publicised in the January Link, has been attracting considerable interest.

On 24 February he has organised a talk by MP Jeremy Hunt, see right, and visits by a representaive of the Born Free Foundation.

Chris, from Pembroke Park, returned in November from East Africa with thousands of wildlife images. He also visited Nyumbani village, a brand new settlement built three hours drive from the Kenyan capital Nairobi, which aims to recreate family structures in a country ravaged

by HIV/AIDS. Nyumbani means ‘home’ in Swahili and in the 1990s, when he was a British Airways steward, Chris was chairman of the charity supporting the work of the several Nyumbani orphanages in Nairobi which care for children abandoned or orphaned after their parents had died from HIV/ AIDS. Chris said, “a village community was always the dream of Father Angelo D’Agostino who set up Nyumbani, and I wanted to see it in

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

In the Stable A great selection of local pottery.

Also: China seconds from Stoke-on-Trent

In the Garden Pots, planters & ornaments from around the world Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm • Sun 11am to 5pm

21 February 07

26

18/1/07, 1:28 pm

27

Swindon Wide planned alongside exhibition action. It really is incredible what a man of vision can achieve. The village provides a home for about 1,000 people, about 500 grandparents caring for 500 children who are HIV positive in family size groupings, because the middle generation has died out from disease.

“Nyumbani is almost self-sufficient and built on ecologically sound lines - with vegetable gardens, recycling, and natural sewage treatment.

“It gives hope to a few of the huge number of orphans, but sadly Fr D’Agostino died suddenly in late November just as his life’s work was coming to fruition and the talk on 24 February is a tribute to his commitment to helping the dispossessed children of Kenya.”

MP to speak about Nyumbani and AIDS in Kenya On Saturday 24 February, 2pm, at North Swindon Library, South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt, right, will be talking about education in Kenya and the importance of anti-retroviral drugs in the fight against AIDS. Mr Hunt admits that he had little interest in Africa or AIDS until he visited a friend working in a Nairobi orphanage in 2003.

“What I saw shocked me. According to UNICEF a child dies every minute of every day from HIV/AIDS. To put it in a context, comparing it to the 2005 tsunami, last year eight tsunami’s worth of people died.”

In 2004 he set up the Hotcourses Foundation and last June he was invited to open the Hotcourse Primary School in Nyumbani village.

His talk on 24 February is free and open to all.

Born Free Foundation at the North library On Friday 23 and Saturday 24 February Tricia Lovelace will be available at the North Swindon Library to chat about the work of the foundation.

Prom Fayre & Fashion Show Thursday 8 February Hreod Parkway School Catwalk show, with dresses & suits modelled by pupils and staff.

Stalls and exhibitors for everything to do with the school prom: dress hire, menswear, hairdressing, make up, jewellery & limos.

Organised by the Hreod PTA Tickets from Hreod Parkway School on 527999.

Exhibitiors should contact Tracey Hobbs, at: tracey@thehobbs.me.uk

Over 40 wedding exhibitors Free entry • Bridal competition Organise most of your wedding in one day!

Sunday 18th February 11am - 4pm For further information visit

www.wedding-fayre.co.uk or call event organisers ADP Ltd on 01793 840000

A blooming business venture

27

Abbey Meads Village, North Swindon

Blunsdon, Swindon (off A419)

New owner of Fleur at Abbey Meads Village Centre, Sue Durrant, used to design software but now creates floral works of art. it came up for sale After 20 years in in October, she dethe railway industry, cided to take the where she worked plunge. “The shop on IT systems for the has a modern conLondon Undertemporary feel to it ground, Sue decided and a good reputathat she needed a tion. I didn’t want to change of direction. do anything radiShe had always had cally different. I want a passion for flowto be a community ers and spent two florist for all occayears learning the art sions.” of floristry in BloomsPreparing for the bury and Covent Valentine’s Day rush, Sue has Garden.

After completing a course at the plenty of fresh ideas from her work renowned Judith Blacklock Flower in London. Red roses are always a School, Sue gained hands on ex- classic and she expects demand perience at Bloomsbury Flowers. to be high but if you’re looking for a For the past two years, she has modern twist, she will be able to combined part time work as an IT advise.

If you want to surprise your loved consultant with preparing wedding flowers for Daffogills in Reading. one, it’s well worth making an early Sue has lived in Abbey Meads order. Link readers booking by 1 for ten years and had always ad- February will receive a 10% dismired the modern approach of the count. Call 702123 to discuss the florist at the village centre. So, when perfect arrangement.

21 February 07

Order your Valentine’s Flowers for local delivery by the 3rd February and get a 10% DISCOUNT

Wedding Fayre

Daff help wanted Marie Curie Cancer Care is appealing to all readers for help in their biggest annual fundraising event: The Great Daffodil Appeal.

They need people to take a box of daffodil pins into their workplace to sell for donations amongst colleagues and/or customers in February and March. Every daffodil purchased means more care provided by Marie Curie Nurses.

If you can help, and also assist with other fundraising projects, call Clair Cusack on 0117 924 7275 or mail: clair.cusack@mariecurie.org.uk

From a single button-hole to your wedding flowers, sympathy tributes or that special bouquet, fleur is here for all your floral needs.

18/1/07, 1:30 pm

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The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

HOMEOPATHY NEW LOW COST CLINIC

Do you suffer from? ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

Acne PMT IBS Headaches Weight problems Flatulance & bloating

These are just some of the symptoms resulting from a toxic bowel Find out for yourself the benefits of Colonic Hydrotherapy For details call Carol Lindsey, Qualified Nurse, on 01793 727323

Appointments now available, enabling you to try homeopathy with little expense.

Cases taken in confidence by an experienced homeopath with mature students in attendance Suitable for all health issues, children & adults

Qualified & Certificated Personal Trainer Nutrition & weight management consultant Torso, Core, Circuits & Kids Fit Instructor GP Referrals

Mobile: 07833 582788 E-mail: lslinn@supanet.com www.lspersonaltraining.com www.my-lifegroup.co.uk

ALLERGY TESTING 150 foods & airborne irritants tested with instant results.

No needles, no blood tests

Ruth Derham, PHSH RSHom 4 High Street, Purton 01793 772883

SURVIVORS SWINDON Acupuncture and Reiki Clinic Su Bhagi Bsc(Hons) LicAc Simon Blemings Bsc(Hons) Lic Ac RN Do you need help with weight loss, smoking cessation or simply want to detox after the festive season?

Acupuncture/Reiki may be able to help you with this and many other conditions.

Please give us a call for more information. www.enerqi.uk.com

e: carol@askimhydrotherapyclinic.co.uk

01793 608776

www.askimhydrotherapyclinic.co.uk

42 Basepoint Centre, West Swindon Home visits also available

The local specialist

Surporting Adult Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and/or Rape

Need to talk in confidence?

Pick up the phone....

0845 430 9371 ...and speak to someone who understands how you feel We offer counselling, group support, telephone help and a female partner support group

www.survivorsswindon.com

Restorative, Preventive & Cosmetic Dentistry

Facechoice Pharmacy

NHS Dentistry

Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 870226

Abbey Meads Dental Practice

(for children)

Free Car Park

Optimum Mobility

· Wheelchairs – all types · Scooters – all types · New & Used · Rise/recline chairs · Proper service · Home visits Showroom & test area at

01793 726288 Abbey Meads Village Centre, Swindon

Pinkney Park, Sherston

Malmesbury 01666 - 840060

Opening Times: Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm 2.15pm - 6pm Saturday 9am - 12noon

SPARCELLS SURGERY PEATMOOR, WEST SWINDON Dr Kandiah and Dr Bashir

NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME Contact Tanya Robinson, Practice Manager Reception open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 6pm, except Thursday 8.30am - 1pm

Tel: 01793 881928

www.ukbabyscan.co.uk

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19/1/07, 11:21 am

The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

New lease of life for Oasis

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Burn off the fat with a fun game

Despite question marks over the future of the Oasis Leisure Centre Ferndale Netball Club is looking for players to join in with their training Swindon Commercial Services continue to invest in the building to sessions at Greendown School in Grange Park on Mondays, 7.30pm to offer new attractions.

9pm.

The club welcomes players of all standards, ladies who have not played since school days but want to burn off calories whilst enjoying the company of others, to people who want to play in competitive matches.

For details call Joy Blake on 872237.

WARNING: Don’t Do Anything Before You Read This!

Look in the Mirror – How do you Feel? Like what you See? Rebounding is Proven to be “68% More Efficient than Jogging” which means it can help you Lose Weight & Get Fit without hurting!

Richie Jeffers, Qualified Rebounding Expert has clients of all ages get Great Results from Rebounding, So It Can Work for You Too! Call Richie for more info on Rebounding and his Unique Rebound Classes in Swindon 07743 108775 or mail@swindonfitness.com

CELEBRITY ENDORSED AWARD WINNING PRODUCTS PALMER-CUTLER WEST HOLISTICS & BEAUTY

Ready to get you fit, Gym & Fitness Officer Darren Gunter and Oasis Health & Fitness Officer Delores Douglas

Opened in 1976 the Oasis was a ground breaking facility, one of the first in Britain to combine wet and dry attractions in one centre.

In January the gym was relaunched and the pool was reopened after refurbishment. A brand new flume will open in February.

Unlike the original Domebuster rides which slide down from an external tower, Lagoon Falls starts within the dome and emerges in a newly created splash down area next to the pool.

The new gym is the first in Swindon to offer Technogym Excite machines which allows you to exercise whilst watching or listening to your favourite programme. Each treadmill, bike and cross-trainer has its own TV screen with a choice of ten television and five radio channels.

Users also have the option to have all their workout data displayed on the screen like a traditional machine, or they can utilise a split screen to get the best of both worlds.

To cope with the increased demand for fat burning exercise equipment, double the number of cardiovascular machines have been installed A new range of resistance and strength training equipment complements the Excite machines. These are easier to use and suitable for all, from Molly McKelvie enjoying the reopened pool with mum Lesley. Lagoon Falls can be seen under the dome

21 February 07

beginners to the most advanced trainers.

By March the gym will have its own separate entrance providing direct access from the car park, to allow X-training passports holders to swipe and enter.

Swindon Council Gym & Fitness Officer Darren Gunter said, “we’re really excited to launch this fantastic new gym. The Oasis now offers leading edge fitness equipment, providing everybody with the chance to train with some of the best facilities in the town.”

As part of the £250,000 investment, the cafe and bar have been refurbished to create a refreshment area which can be used more flexibly when big events like concerts take place at the centre.

78 Basepoint Business Centre, Rivermead Drive, Swindon (behind old Renault building)

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

Invigorate & Energise Massage Holistic Facial or Mini Facial Waxing Treatments Self Tanning Bio Energiser D-Tox Spa Luxury Manicures & Pedicures Eyebrow tinting/reshapes and Eyelash extensions

Tel: 01793 602456

Book any treatment or treatments worth over £25 and qualify for a full body self tan treatment half price (Valid to 30/4/07. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer)

Anybody interested in distributing our products for themselves should contact us to find out more

Women of the World ...

It’s time to take :30!

• The Link Centre gym has had new large screens with sound system installed. The new cafe and sports shop are due to open in February.

Take :30 to tone and burn calories :30 for a total body workout that gives you more bounce in your step and fewer inches on your waist.

Discover what over 4 million women already have: Curves proven 30 minute workout, commonsense weight loss and all the support you need to reach your goals.

www.curves.com

01793 698400 30 Crombey Street Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 5QL Over 10,000 locations worldwide Free week must be redeemed on first visit or exchanged for special membership discount.

Not valid with any other offer. Valid only at participating locations. New members only.

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19/1/07, 2:40 pm

30

The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com HYPNOTHERAPY TRAINING: Want to train locally?

Amethyst Crystal healing

11 Module Hypnotherapy Training locally taught by qualified, accredited teacher/full time practising hypnotherapist.

Accredited by National Council For Hypnotherapy(UK) and Guild of Hypnotists(USA)

Reiki Healing Bach flower remedies

Information from Hilary Norris-Evans 01249-740506 or www.getmindfit.co.uk

Let me help you to help yourself

Call Julie VHF Dip. MCHF IPTI Reiki Master Tel: 01793 870109

To download a brochure, click on the link in the training section.

Hilary Norris-Evans, C.I, BA Hons, DABCH, MCAHyp,NLP Cert,, MNCH(Acc), AccHyp Sup

CHERRI ANN MATTHEWS

Colleen

IIHHT FICHT ATLM

Treatments in Reflexology and Reiki, EFT, Ear Candling and Massage Banish fears, phobias, addictions and mental/emotional blocks holding you back with EFT See web site for details of Reiki courses, EFT workshops & special offers Reiki Master/Teacher, Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner & Holistic Therapy Lecturer

t: 01793 871410 m: 07720 635761 www.cherriannmatthews.co.uk

Mobile freelance hairdresser Over 20 years experience

Reliable Reasonable rates Tel:

01793 873096

Mob: 07913

444076

I.T.E.C.(dip), I.I.H.H.T Qualified member of the International Council of Holistic Therapists

• Reflexology • Relaxing Massage • Remedial Massage Therapy • Eastern Head Massage • Hopi Ear Candling • Reiki Healing Deborah Goodge Call today: 01793 870426 Nine Elms, Swindon www.holistic-therapy-clinic.co.uk GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE www.karma-therapy.org.uk

DO YOUR FEET NEED CARE AND ATTENTION?

FOOTCARE IN YOUR HOME

ROBERT S TAYLOR

Corns • Calluses Verruca • Foot massage Nail infections Thickened skin & nails Medical pedicure

MCFHP MAFHP

For all your foot care needs: Pedicure, corns, calluses verrucas, thickened nails Nail Infections.

Haydon Wick - New Bigger Venue. Greenmeadow School, Pen Close Mondays 6.30pm & 8pm with Sharon 527332 and Thursdays 6pm & 7.30pm with Sian 726418 Tuesday: 6.30pm Abbey Meads Primary School. Paula 701442 Wednesday: 9.30am Gorse Hill Community Centre. Samantha 723416 Wednesday: 6.30pm St Francis Primary School, Taw Hill.

Lucinda 725270 Toothill Community Centre New Times Tuesdays 10am, 5.30pm and 7pm with Sharon 527332

Foot Health Checks and Foot Massage

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Advanced Reflexologist CLINIC AT 113 HIGH STREET WOOTTON BASSETT

Visiting Practice Appointments by Arrangement

For an appointment with Mrs Lesley Taylor

DEBBIE FRANCIS

MCFHP, MAFHP, MIIR, ASK

Home visit service Evening appointments

MCFHP MAFHP Registered Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

Call 01793 695302 Mob 07753 143621

Tel: 01793 727217 or 07808 037815

NEED TO RELAX? Then treat yourself to an: ★ Aromatherapy Facial ★ Mini Manicure ★ Mini Pedicure

All for just £25 at The Hidden Gem Home Beauty Salon Call Gemma on 07810 018319

www.slimmingworld.com

21 February 07

COMPLETE FOOTCARE

18/1/07, 1:33 pm

❖❖❖

Call Freephone 0808 108 8545 or (01793) 849914 anytime

The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

31

Get in the pink at ladies only gym With its girlie décor and sociable work outs, the newly opened Pink Gym at Delta Business Park is the ideal place to make friends and lose pounds.

Half hour group circuits are proving to be the most popular way to exercise. Motivated by friendly staff, ladies progress from one piece of equipment to the next, working in short bursts of between 30 and 60 seconds. The circuits run twice an hour throughout the day.

Co-owner, Karen Hewitt-Boorman and her sister in law, Liz Getting down to serious pound losses with Karen Sipson know a thing or Hewitt-Boorman, centre, and Pink Gym instructors two about fitness. Both Sharon Tittensor and Tina Reynolds trained at the Royal Ballet School and have been teach- est setting it’s a bit like working in treacle. The settings on the maing Pilates for the past 10 years.

Karen explained that using the chines are varied for each workout hydraulic machinery means that to avoid boredom.”

The circuits are a good way to all muscle groups are worked equally. With traditional gym lose weight as the calorie burn is weights, gravity will help replace high compared to other forms of the weight after it has been moved. exercise, with an unfit person likely The hydraulic system will stay in to burn 350 calories in a session, place until the opposing set of rising to 850 calories for a very fit muscles is used to replace it. “The person.

With others exercising at the machines only work as hard as you can work. The feeling of the same time, and encouragement machines on the light setting is from an instructor, the pounds are like being underwater; on the hard- sure to quickly slip away.

✰ 30 minute total body workout ✰ Classes held every 30 minutes, throughout opening hours ✰ Friendly and supportive staff ✰ Monthly motivational assessments ✰ State of the art hydraulic your first equipment membthree mon t Quote ership. hs ✰ Free parking Link* ✰ Free no obligation trial ✰ Short term contracts

1/3rd OFF

Tel: 01793 618461

Avebury House Stonehill Green Delta Business Park West Swindon *Offer ends 28/2/07

FEB N BO RU OW OK AR F Y C OR OU RS ES

Achieve Success PILATES CLASSES

BALLET - TAP - MODERN - JAZZ MUSICAL THEATRE & RAD MAJORS STREET, HIP HOP & ADULT TAP

Classes from two and half years upwards Lessons held at Haydonleigh School, Abbey Meads Community School, Blunsdon Villlage and also Stratton Community Centre Official Dance Centre of the ISTD offering FDI & CDE Units

Shaw 24 Hour Gym Haydon Wick Priory Vale Taw Hill

Mon: 6 - 7pm.

Upper Shaw Mon: 7 - 8pm (Beg) Tues: 10 - 11am. Cricklade Tues: 6.30 - 7.30pm Tues: 8pm - 9pm Wed: 7.30 - 8.30pm Thurs: 6 - 7pm (Beginners) & 7 - 8pm (Beginners)

BOOK NOW FOR PILATES WORKSHOP ON 10 FEBRUARY

YOGA CLASSES Haydon Wick Cricklade Greendown Sch. 24 Hour Gym Priory Vale

Mon: 6.30 - 7.30pm (Beginners) Mon: 7.30 - 8.45pm Tues: 7.50 - 9.20pm Wed: 12.50 - 2.05pm (Beginners welcome) Wed: 6.30 - 7.30pm (Beginners)

Mother & Baby Yoga Relax and bond with your baby Course starts: Friday 2 March Workshop: Saturday19 May Call Dawn for more information

Improve confidence, concentration & co-ordination

Bring this advert with you and receive the first two lessons free

Contact Sarah Watson on 01793 524112 or 07737 677919 before 8pm

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Yoga 4 Children (4-10 years) Tuesdays & Fridays: 4 - 4.30pm

Bendy Tots Friday 3.30 - 4pm Both at Bobbies Dance Studio at the 24 Hour Gym

To book a class call Dawn Morse BSc (Hons) on 700659 www.achievesuccess.uk.com

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The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

Go forth and photograph for Fairtrade Fortnight The Swindon Fairtrade Coalition is launching a photo competition to mark Fairtrade Fortnight from 26 February to 11 March.

Entries are required by 11 March. Hand them in at the stall on 3 March The winning images will feature on a postcard, bearing the words, ‘Greetings from Swindon – a Fairtrade Borough’ to be sold at various or post them to: Swindon Fairtrade Coalition, 80 Okus Road, SN1 4JP or mail them to: swindonfairtrade@ntlworld.com outlets across the town.

The competition is open to all ages and images can be of anything that photographers consider represents Swindon. Up to four winning enWhat’s our quality of life? tries could be selected to appear on the postcard.

Community groups, schools and businesses throughout Swindon are Swindon was awarded Fairtrade Borough status last year, having being invited to enter the 2007 Quality of Life Awards, with the met the criteria laid down by the Fairtrade Foundation. These included chance of winning up to £500. demonstrating that a certain number of businesses, shops, cafés and The annual event organised by Swindon Council’s Sustainable Derestaurants in the town offer Fairtrade products and the council passing velopment team will recognise projects that enhance, improve, and a resolution in support of Fairtrade. encourage environmental action and/or the quality of life in Swindon.

The coalition feels there is a lot more to do and Fairtrade Fortnight Entry forms with eligibilty criteria can be obtained from the Sustainprovides an opportunity to highlight fair trade issues. An awareness able Development Team on 463197, or picked up from the council’s raising event is planned for The Parade in the town centre on Saturday customer services desks at the Civic Office or Wat Tyler House.

3 March, 10am to 1pm.

Nominations can be made online at www.swindon.gov.uk The competition is free and you may enter more than one picture.

Impvove your c Purton House footprint. Buy arbon Church End food grown lochealthy Purton, Swindon ally Tel: 01793 772287 VEGETABLES • FRUIT • MEAT • EGGS

Real food from a farm near you Call for details about our Organic Box Scheme Deliveries & drop off points in Swindon, Cirencester, Wootton Bassett, Broad Hinton, Marlborough, Wroughton www.purton-house.co.uk

Motivation to lose weight Organisers of Slimming World classes in Toothill and Haydon Wick are offering people who want to lose weight the chance to slim down in aid of the NSPCC. Sharon Painter who runs classes at Toothill Community Centre and Sian Wiltshire who holds her classes at Greenmeadow Primary School are asking their members and anybody else who wants to take part to go on a six week weight loss programme and seek sponsorship for every pound lost.

For details drop into one of their classes - see Top comedian Lenny Henry had Slimming World the advert on page 30 - Consultants from Swindon in stitches at the compaor call Sharon on 527332 ny’s annual award’s ceremony in December, from left Sharon Painter, Lucinda Read, Sian Wiltshire or Sian on 726418.

Alligator stew - a recipe for healthy living A collection of favourite recipes is for sale at Ashington Way Surgery in Westlea.

Sponsorsed by Riverford Organ- are available by calling into the ics and Accord Office Products the surgery. book is very much a home production.

Patients Jill Leaney typed the recipes, Sandys Powell designed it and David Berry provided the photographs.

Alligator stew is the most intriguing recipe in the book.

Provided by veteran traveller Mary Morgan, who picked it up in Florida, the tasty dish starts Commonwealth gold medal boxer Jamie Cox took time out of with ‘First, catch this training schedule to duck, dive and pick the winner of the a medium sized Friends winter draw to raise money for patient facilities. alligator.’

Jamie with Lesley Page holding the recipe book, Jill Leney, Copies at £3 Sandys and Lyn Powell, David Berry

21 February 07

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18/1/07, 1:35 pm

The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

Jog around the park to benefit your heart

D & L Blinds

Rollers • Verticals • Venetians The British Heart Foundation is calling on Swindon residents to take Pleated Blinds • VELUX® part in a brand new event on Sunday 25 February: the Hearts First Jog Conservatory Blinds around Lydiard Park, starting at 11am.

People of all fitness levels can istration on the day starts at 9.30am, enter as individuals or a team and and costs £10.

To register call 0800 652 5818 or take part in jogs of different lengths - 3, 6 or 9 kilometres - over grass, mail: swestevents@bhf.org.uk www.bhf.org.uk/events mud and gravel, across fields, through the woodland and past • Statistics show that man, woman or child, you are more likely to die the lake.

The event is open to all ages, but from heart and circulatory disease under-16s must be accompanied than any other serious illness, inby an adult and gain their parents cluding cancer. It is the nation’s bigconsent on their registration form. gest killer and accounts for 240,000 Advance registration costs £8. Reg- deaths a year - 4 in 10 deaths.

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SWINDON FASCIA Family business since 1983 For a Quality Installation

QUALITY BLINDS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES Fast and reliable service Evenings & weekends no problem All blinds fitted free

Choose from a wide range of fabrics from the comfort of your own home

For windows, doors & bargeboards For free & friendly advice on our full range of Gutter/Fascia systems professionally installed and guaranteed, call

Contact Paul on 01793 619428 FREE QUOTES NO OBLIGATION

Valentine’s gifts to make hearts sing

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

KUDOS FENCING

The British Heart Foundation has come up with Valentine’s Day gifts to make it an occasion to remember for your loved one and for heart patients across the UK. The BHF are aiming to raise £1 million from this year’s appeal which will help pay for heart nurses and the heart information line.

For details see www.BHF.org.uk/valentine

Patios, decking & landscaping

Tap your way to better health Did you vow to get healthy, give up smoking, lose weight or overcome a crippling phobia this year?, asks Cherri-Ann Matthews, below. any If your resolution evaporated by down the middle of January you might trauma held consider a therapy called ‘Emo- there, resulttional Freedom Technique,’ also ing in the negative beknown as EFT or ‘Tapping.’

This quick acting and easy to coming a posilearn therapy works in much the tive and harsame way as acupuncture by re- mony being leasing blocked energy, or ‘chi’, restored to which flows through the body in a mind, body series of channels called meridian and spirit. Phobias, past memolines. EFT works on the principle ries, future worries, exam nerves, that negative past, present and fu- fears, sadness, and barriers to peak ture emotions can become stuck in performance.....all can be melted the meridians. This causes a kind away quickly and simply, someof emotional short circuit, which times in a matter of minutes.

I’ve been having great success means that unless the problem is tapped away it will remain stuck working with clients with a whole and can have a knock-on effect, spectrum of emotional problems, eventually even causing physical and I know it works because I use it myself when needed. illness.

For details of EFT treatments and Tapping the ends of the major meridian lines, located on the face, workshops call 871410. www.cherriannmatthews.co.uk. hands and upper body, breaks

Hand built bedrooms of distinction

PETER GALBRAITH EST 1986

• Individual custom made fitted bedroom and home study furniture • Traditional and modern design • Wide variety of finishes available • Free estimates and expert advice

Call 01793 526335 www.petergalbraith.co.uk

21 February 07

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Local Family Business • • • • •

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

Free estimates on 01793 855800 Unit 23 & 24 Oaklands Ind. Est. Braydon, Swindon www.handymanathome.co.uk

BRUNEL ELECTRICAL Professional electrical services for domestic and small business customers Brunel Electrical is a local business based in Swindon. We provide electrical services across a wide range of customers from a single home owner to small business outlets and offices ★ Free quotes ★ No call out charge ★ Fully insured ★ Extensions ★ Showers ★ Garden lighting ★ Test & inspection ★ Fault finding ★ Consumer unit replacement ★ Garden Air conditioning ★ Heating ★ Under floor heating ★ Fully Part P compliant

TEL: 01793 422880 07785 988557 07725 804738 Or browse our website and e-mail us on www.brunel-electrical .co.uk sales@brunel-electrical.co.uk

LIGHTING BUG FACTORY WAREHOUSE IN WEST SWINDON Probably Wiltshire’s widest selection of affordable lighting

• Affordable prices • Unusual gifts • Ceiling fans • Modern & traditional lighting • Shades made in your own fabric • Special requirements and alterations catered for

Units 16/17 Westmead Ind. Est., Westlea, Swindon Tel: (01793) 616018 Open: Monday to Saturday 9.30am-5.30pm Bank Holidays 10am-4pm

19/1/07, 10:01 am

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The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

Work underway on canal walls The dream of canal boats navigating through West Swindon is a step closer to reality as work begins at Purton Road Bridge under Thamesdown Drive.

Ken Oliver, chief executive of “We plan to upgrade the canal the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust to the same condition as the secexplained that, when completed tion at Kingshill. Within three in April, this section of canal will years, it should be possible to run hold water permanently. boats on a one mile stretch from the bridge to Moulden Hill Park.”

The trust is one of nine organisations preparing a joint bid for £15 Part-time Office Administrator million lottery funding to create the Cricklade Country Way, a wildSmall, friendly company in life and recreation area running Cheney Manor is looking for an from Cricklade to West Swindon. experienced office administrator.

This includes restoring five miles Confident telephone manner, of the canal and the railway line. good computer and customer The lottery application will be service skills essential. submitted at the end of May for a Individual to be organised, decision in August. But planning self-motivated and able to work applications are to be put to Swinefficiently on own initiative. don and North Wilts Councils this Hours of work are between month.

Monday - Friday 9.30am - 2.30pm “We’re buoyantly optimistic,” Interested? Call Presenting Binders said Ken. “This is one of the most exciting times for the canal since it 01793 872300 or email: was built 200 years ago.” mbarron@presentingbinders.co.uk

VACANCY

MOBILE CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS ★ Electronic tuning ★ Welding ★ Electrical work ★ MoTs arranged (no re-test fee)

Health help on offer in 07 - it might not be available in a year’s time It’s an important year for Swindon Well Woman Centre and Man@WWC because the charity is struggling to attract financial backing and remains open with money drawn from reserves.

The centre offers free confiden- which include chlamydia, gonortial services to men , women and rhoea and thrush.

The centre provides a free legal teenagers. No appointment is necessary at the three female health advice service with local solicitors clinics and one men’s clinic each on divorce, separation, children, contested wills, same sex couples, week.

Health checks can include on debt, housing and welfare benefits.

There is also a listening support the spot blood pressure checks, cholesterol, anaemia, and glucose service for non-medical problems. tests. The medical staff can also Clinic times (drop in service, no give health advice on a wide range appointment necessary): of issues including menopause, Mondays 5.30pm - 7.30pm (febreast and testicular awareness, male); Wednesdays 12.30pm and giving up smoking. Informa- 2.30pm (female); Thursdays tion and advice is available on diet, 5.30pm - 7.30pm (male) Fridays 10am - 12noon (female) weight/height/BMI. To book an appointment for leThe clinics also offer immediate result pregnancy tests, a contra- gal advice or with the listening ceptive service including emer- support service, call 511064.

Call the centre to discuss organgency contraception, cervical smear tests, and sexual health tests ising a fundraising event.

Therapy centre starts search for a new base Swindon’s Centre for Multiple Sclerosis is on the look out for larger premises to cater for increased demand for its services.

For a reliable local service with over 25 years experience (No VAT to pay)

CALL GRAHAM ON (01793) 873045 or 07867 556350

During the Autumn staff from Zurich cleared a store room to create a new room where MS sufferers can enjoy complimentary therapies. Helen Gray enjoys reflexology from therapist Julie Jefferies, with Dave and Jackie Wray and therapist Viv Wise. Fundraising helped purchase a brand new therapy couch

At present the centre uses several rooms at BSS House in Cheney Manor, but with so many people wanting to receive oxygen therapy in the hyperbaric diving chamber, complimentary and physiotherapy, as well as the chance to meet each other socially, a larger place to operate from is required.

Centre manager Jackie Wray said greater awareness of MS amongst people diagnosed with the disease and also friends and family had resulted in more calls to the centre. “It’s a major challenge to think about moving, from both a physical and financial point of view, but we need to tackle it if we are to continue offering serv-

21 February 07

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18/1/07, 1:41 pm

ices to sufferers in the longer term.”

The centre is run by a voluntary management committee and relies entirely on fundraising and donations. No NHS money is received.

If the group finds a suitable venue, it will be no ordinary transfer of equipment. A wall of their present centre will have to be knocked down and a crane used to lift out the oxygen chamber which is large enough to sit eight people.

“We really need a major benefactor to work with us to offer more to MS sufferers,” said Jackie.

To make a donation, help with fundraising or for details on how to help the MS Centre find a new premises, call Jackie on 481700.

The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

Become a cycle instructor There are 10 places available on a four day course starting on 26 March.

Once qualified, instructors will be able to guide novice cyclists to level three of the national standard where they can cycle in heavy traffic.

Taught through classroom learning and on-road practical sessions and role play, the course will focus on the best ways to instruct others.

The cost is £525 but a £300 bursary is available from the Cycling Tourist Club.

For details call Gladys Barr on 708775.

WHO NEEDS WATER?

DAN’S CYCLES 116 Manchester Road

Waterless valeting and detailers 24 HOUR / 7 DAY

Tel: 01793 423380

Bikes from £39 upwards • • • • •

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Stockists of many top brands Two floors • In-house workshop Wheel building • Fast turnaround on repairs Mountain bikes • Kids bikes • BMX • Hybrids • Comfort Road bikes • Jump bikes • Tagalongs • Trailers Open: Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm

TRADITIONAL CAR CLEANING SYSTEMS WASTE WATER! Help conserve water with Swindon’s premier waterless valeting and detailing company.

With our system we will clean, seal, protect and polish your vehicle inside and out without using any water.

We work around you - all our services are available day, evening and overnight.

BASIC CLEAN from £7.50 MINI VALET from £30

Call today: 01793 484950 Unit 4 Axis Business Centre, Westmead, Swindon

FIAT & ALFA ROMEO • GARAGE DOORS FROM £400 FITTED • High security multi-point locking system • Wide range of attractive styles • Deal direct with your local installer NO • Over 18 years experience • Environmentally safe disposal MORE PAINTING! of your old door • Repairs and maintenance • REMOTES £325 FITTED (subject to survey) • The best way to open your new or existing AWNINGS garage door from the comfort and security from £500 fitted of your car • Transform your patio into one of the To arrange your free survey most beautiful rooms in the house telephone Rob on • Choice of colours Mobile 07921 959345 and size

01793 330938

✶ All cars welcome ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶

cam belt replacement engine & gearbox repairs & rebuilds electrical fault code reading MOT repairs ✶ vehicle sales servicing to light commercials Beware - Jack Frost is about.

- book a service before he gets to you

Open 8.30am 5.30pm

Call for friendly advice, reliable service & quotes. All major credit & debit cards.

OPTIMA MOTORS Tel: (01793) 840667

10 Sutton Road, Swindon

39A Station Road, Wootton Bassett (Opposite St Ivel)

BIGGEST EVER SALE CONTINUES MASSIVE SAVINGS ON BIKES AND SCOOTERS

Motorcycle & Scooter Centre Tel: (01793) 574800 www.artdeans.co.uk ANY PU RC OVER £ HASE 250 FREE £ 10 VOU CHER TO USE O N NEXT V ISIT

AT1 FREE C WORTH ALARM ITH £350 W ED ANY US BIKE

KIDS & ADULT S, MET MOTO X HEL OTS O B , CLOTHING OUR M R A & BODY

QUA KID DS FOR S, & O ADULTS N-RO AD

207 RODBOURNE ROAD, SWINDON 21 February 07

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Samaritans recruits for Stress Down Day Tel: 0870 4023555 Fax: 0870 4023556

Travel

Express

Catering

Tuition

Security

Entertainment

Mortgages

Wills

Business Plan

Scorpio Enterprises, 76 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7EX

www.scorpioenterprises.co.uk

A rainbow of colours to brighten up your home this Winter!

Charisma Blinds - the place for quality and value 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

THAMESWOOD SMALL ANIMAL HOSPITAL 24hr Emergency Service.

Tel: 01793 526780

Making Life Better with the 7 Cs ● CARE & COMPASSION - for you and your pet ● COST - good value and great offers ● CONVENIENT - only a few minutes from your doorstep ● CONTINUITY OF CARE - throughout your pets life 62 - 64 Purton Road Swindon SN2 2LZ Tel: 01793 526780

● COMMUNICATION - we listen! ● CAR PARK - plenty!

Mon - Fri: 9am - 6.30pm Sat: 9am - 11am Consultation by appointment Monday - Friday: 9am - 10am; 2pm - 3pm; 5pm - 6.30pm Saturday: 9am - 11am

THAMESWOOD

www.thameswoodvets.co.uk

21 February 07

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A third of UK workers cannot get to sleep at night through anxiety - and three-quarters cannot ‘switch off’ when they leave their office.

Samaritans have made 1 February a day to become more aware of emotional health and raise money for their valuable support work.

They’re suggesting everybody wears slippers at work and gets sponsorship not to receive any e-mail. There’s loads more information and fundraising ideas at www.stressdownday.org

Calls for controls on killer dogs Prompted by the fatal mauling by a pit bull type dog of five year old Ellie Lawrenson on Merseyside at the end of December, Professor Brian Toft from Peatmoor, is calling on Swindon Council to take firm action to ensure that all dogs are kept under control.

He often sees animals which look like dangerous breeds, sometimes off the lead, when walking round Peatmoor lagoon with his 18 month old daughter Emma.

Brian was appalled by Ellie’s tragic death and like many parents worries for his daughter. He said, “I don’t want to stop people enjoying their dogs but I often see owners of big dogs not in control of their pets. These large or potentially dangerous dogs should be muzzled. The council should do something about it.”

In addition to the Dangerous Dogs Act, which covers four specific breeds, local authorities and parish councils can use the Clean Brian and Emma Neighbourhood and Environment Act to make a Dog Control Order stressed that the incidence of dog covering up to five types of of- attacks is small. fence. These include not keeping a “In the three years she has dog on a lead, but there are no worked in Swindon, our dog warpowers to require muzzling. den has not seen a dangerous breed Swindon Council spokesman Ri- here or dealt with a biting incident chard Freeman said that the coun- involving people.” cil is considering making a Dog To report dangerous behaviour Control Order. However he to the wardens, call 466068.

Gus is going to Crufts Proud pet owner Janet Garrett from Haydon Wick has a date at Crufts in early March with her large Bouvier des Flandres puppy.

He coped so well, Gus won his place that Janet has been at the NEC when he asked to take Gus to came second in the Crufts to fulfil the puppy class at the same role. He will be Ladies’ Kennel Assoseen at the Bouvier ciation competition stand on Thursday 8 in December. The and Friday 9 March. nine month old is alAlthough looking ready showing signs forward to seeing of following in the Gus in the ring, Janet footsteps of his unprefers training and cle Blue, who was a obedience work. She Crufts winner.

When Blue died last year, Janet is a great believer in the Kennel wanted another dog from his line Club Good Citizen scheme, which and tracked down Gus. “He’s a encourages dogs to behave well in very similar character to Blue,” she everyday situations.

Gus has already passed his said. “He’s very laid back and he Bronze Award. “He’s a clever little takes everything in his stride.”

Gus had his first big outing in chap and not just a pretty face,” November, when he represented said Janet. “I think his Uncle Blue his breed at the Discover Dogs would be very proud.”

With her considerable experishow in November at Earls Court.

“We answered the usual hundreds ence, in March, Janet is starting of questions about our lovely breed dog obedience classes at her home and Gus was stroked and cuddled in Pond Street. Call her on 727158 for details. to bits.”

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Birthday fun at the vets Drove Veterinary Hospital are celebrating the first anniversary of their Taw Hill branch with a day of fun and information on 13 February.

From 10.30am to 6pm readers are invited to drop in to meet the staff and go behind the scenes. The first twenty will be able to have their pets microchipped without charge.

The cost throughout the day will be only £9.

The Taw Hill team. Vet Anna Hunt, centre, with Marley, There will be Alison Austen, receptionist, left, Jenny Harrison, nurse competitions and Dave, the hospital’s six foot cuddly cat, will be meeting children.

The hospital’s dog behaviourist Christine Emerson will be available to chat, and will be giving talks called ‘Why dogs do what they do!’ at 11am, 2pm and 8pm.

Customers are invited to a cheese and wine evening from 7pm to 9pm, but should call the branch on 725514 to reserve a place.

The Taw Hill branch is located at Taw Hill Village Centre, Aiken Road.

•Christine Emerson will give monthly talks on dog behaviour in February, March and April. Places are limited. To book call 501480.

Grooming salons are not just for poodles!

• • • • • • • •

Trained at London Grooming Academy Bathing and clipping Scissoring Attention to ears and nails Hand stripping All breeds catered for Patience and kindness guaranteed West Swindon based

Telephone: 01793 881572 Mobile: 07984 564493

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

Pets At Home could be your answer Pets At Home is a service which cares for all your pets (except dogs) in their own home anywhere in the West Swindon area only Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on 01793 873062 or 07710 543197 email: sm4hannahlightfoot@talktalk.net

Whatever shape, size or hair length, all dogs deserve a visit to Hair of the Dog Collection/delivery available, or drop your dog off in the morning and pick up in the evening 74 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, Swindon

Call Denise on 01793 608747 or 07866 507633

Carole’s

PET SITTING SERVICE 14 Waterdown Close Taw Hill, Swindon

01793 702098 Mob: 07904 734 758 www.carolespetsitting.co.uk Taking the worry out of leaving your pets whilst you’re away FRIENDLY PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

VET2PET SERVICE Do you have transport difficulties or find it hard getting your pet to the vets?

Take advantage of our FREE VET2PET service and have our vet come to you!

VET2PET VISITS ARE AVAILALBLE FREE IN SN4, SN25 & SN26 POSTAL AREAS

Tel: 01793 771869 77 High Street, Purton, Swindon Email: vets@purtonvets.co.uk www.purtonvets.co.uk Terms and conditions apply. Contact us for further details. www.paw-pals.co.uk

Come & celebrate our First Birthday on 13th February Taw Hill Surgery, 26 Aiken Road, Taw Hill, Swindon 01793 725514 10.30am - 6pm: Open to everyone - feel free to call in anytime 7.30pm - 9.30pm: Cheese& Wine Evening (please phone to reserve a place) • See behind the scenes and meet the staff • Meet our Dog Behaviourist - available all day Presentations at 11am & 2pm & 8pm • Half price Hills food on the day • Bring the children to meet ‘Dave’ our 6 foot cat!

• Win 1 of 2 Pet Health Club annual memberships • Free Microchipping for the first 20 pets on the day - thereafter only £9 per pet on the day up till 6pm. Terms & Conditions apply

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The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

From politics to garden pots GARDEN MAGIC RHS Exhibitor 2005 RHS Silver Medal 2006 Professional design & landscaping service Hand drawn imaginative and individual designs.

Plant plans for colour and interest

FOR A FREE CONSULTATION CALL JILL BLACKWOOD ON: 01793 322880 MOBILE: 07951014119. e-mail gillian.blackwood@ntlworld.com www.jillblackwoodgardendesign.co.uk

Three years ago Jill Blackwood decided to leave her job working for a local MP and turn her passion for gardening into a business.

After a two year course in garden design at Swindon College she launched Jill Blackwood Garden Magic in April 2004.

At the Malvern Gardening Show in 2006 she was awarded a prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Silver Medal for her show garden A Bonnie Burn, right.

The garden was designed around a meandering stream in- an undulating meadow planted spired by the wild Scottish land- with wildflowers, evergreen scape. Glacial boulders were used grasses and ferns. Her work was to construct the stream nestling in seen by the thousands of show visitors and also by millions on BBC when it was presented by Rachel de Thame on Gardener’s World.

With Spring soon to arrive, a garden makeover might be in orLANDSCAPE SERVICES der. Discussing design ideas with Jill should be your first move. To www.horticare.co.uk see more of her work visit,

✭ Patios ✭ Ponds ✭ Turfing ✭ Fencing ✭ Garden maintenance ✭ Garden design ✭ Decking ✭ Pergolas

ALL WORK GUARANTEED

www.jillblackwoodgardendesign.co.uk

Youth project first date in diary Even though it is still not known when the Wyvern will reopen, plans for the Summer Youth Project between 12 and 27 August are well underway.

Auditions for the yet-to-benamed musical show will be held on Sunday 13 May at Swindon Dance in Regent Circus.

The project is open to all between 9 and the new upper age limit of 21. Participants will need to be available for all rehearsals and performances in August and a fee of £95 will be payable on acceptance.

Following huge demand for tickets last year an extra date is provisionally planned for 27 August.

The show title will be announced after performing rights permission has been granted. For an application pack, call the Wyvern on 524481 between 10am and 4pm.

D.A. DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS LTD ❐ Block Paving ❐ Landscaping ❐ Fencing ❐ Decorative Stone ❐ General Maintenance For a professional and affordable service, free consultation and written quotation

Tel: 01793 878062 or 07866 523898 www.lindenfencing.co.uk

CUTTING EDGE

Highworth Landscapes

Mobile: 07968 861396 Home: 01793 872843 jamesdigg@aol.com

Electrical & Building Services Est. 1977 Patios • Paths Block paving • Drives All walling inc. natural stone Lighting • Decking Fencing • Pergolas All types of water features Tel/fax 01793 764362 Mobile: 07860 762339

A W GARDEN SERVICES

GAZEBO LANDSCAPING

Landscape Gardener Patios, fencing & turf laying

Every client & every garden is different.

To fulfil the potential of your garden we offer a planning & design service, from a Gold Medal winning designer, that is individually tailored to suit your taste & home.

We offer a complete or phased project to suit budget and circumstances as well as planting plans, beds and border designs.

LANDSERVE Garden Maintenance & Landscaping Professional care for your garden Grass Cutting -regular maintenance Landscaping - Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning Hedge Cutting & Pruning No Job Too Small. All works insured

Call Martin Emery MI Hort. for free quotation

on 01793 703306 or Mobile 07771 956294

Chelworth Landscapes Fencing & Garden Maintenance

• Fencing and gates Closeboard, trellis, panels, picket, chainlink, security etc

• Landscaping Shingle, paving, water features, turfing and planting

• Garden maintenance Grasscutting, tree and shrub pruning, clearance etc.

For free quotation phone (01793) 702029 www.chelworthlandscapes.co.uk

www.acerpaving.co.uk

GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION

General garden maintenance & landscaping also undertaken.

Fully public liability insurance.

• Fencing - closeboard, panels etc.

• Drives and patios - slabs, concrete, shingle • Patio cleaning, grass cutting, gardens tidied up • Turfing and grass seeding • Ponds & pergolas Contact: 01793 692687 Mobile: 07711 253508

Tel/Fax: 01793 850595 Mobile: 07919 543733 www.awgardenservices.co.uk

Quality products & workmanship www.acerpaving.co.uk

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Get creative on a media course Cre8 Studio’s film and digital media courses could be the start of a whole new career, as professionals guide you to film success.

Local filmmaker Keith Phillips a Saturday course for 8 to 13 year will be tutoring An Introduction to olds. Media Circus is a fun and Final Cut Pro at the Wyvern Thea- funky course where professional tre on Saturday 17 February, 10am animators teach animation, web to 5pm. He will demonstrate how design and web games. to transfer footage from camera to Media+ is for over 14s to develop computer, how to break it down their 2 and 3D animation skills, live into its best shots and then com- action techniques, creative web depile them to tell a story. sign and special effects.

Keith will also be running IntroCre8 also offer personally taiduction to Film Making on Saturday lored courses on PC or Mac; begin24 February. Working in small ners or advanced screen-writing, groups, participants make a two film making, animation, editing, minute mini-thriller, learning ba- sound, visual effects, flash games sic camera and editing techniques, and much more. and will take home a copy of all the For details call 465399 or book a films made at the end of the course. place on 614837.

Mobile Media, the outreach www.swindon.gov.uk/ project of Cre8 studios, is running artsandculture/cre8

Shake off winter with belly dancing Exercise raises the level of feel-good endorphins and so does laughter.

Sue Bickell,right, promises a double dose of these hormones at her belly dancing classes at the Health Hydro on Tuesdays, 7.30 to 8.30pm.

She says, “belly dancing is suitable for everyone, no matter what your fitness level, shape or size. Don’t be shy. Beginners often want to look at their feet but I ask ladies to visualise Brad Pitt approaching and very soon heads are held high and students have a new found confidence.

For details call Sue on 538288.

ARC TILING

Walling and flooring specialist Kitchens bathrooms and conservatories Full public liability insurance Free quotes

Call Adam on 345345 or 07968 360207

Your caring family business

No obligation, pressure or gimmicks!

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

❖ Eco Combi & seven radiators £2,799 + vat ❖ Eco Combi replacement boiler £1,599 + vat ❖ Boiler replacement only £1,300 + vat All other plumbing & heating work undertaken

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

Home Choose Carpets has over 30 year’s experience of serving customers in the Swindon area.

Estimating is free. Luxury underlay, all accessories and installation are included in the price! There are no hidden extras - and no obligation.

Call Trevor Salter on

01793 812995 or 07860 882588 or email: info@carpetsswindon.co.uk www.carpetsswindon.co.uk

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Windows, Doors & Conservatories

HEATING Ltd

See the carpet or floor covering of your choice, where it will be laid, next to your other furnishings.

Appointments to suit you: day, evening or weekend.

21 February 07

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176726

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SD BUILDING C SOLUTIONS ❖ Loft conversions ❖ Fitted kitchens & bedrooms ❖ Doors & windows ❖ Stairs ❖ All other carpentry

Clean, reliable 18 years experience Call Derek Ponting now on: Tel: 01793 726750 Mob: 07766 083557

PLUMBING & HEATING 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

Garden Fencing & walls Patios & paving Turfing & grass seeding Landscaping & design Garden maintenance Ponds & pergolas

For a FREE quote with no obligation Telephone: 01793 703233 Mobile: 07760 193890 No job too small - All work fully insured

Call Craig Gavin 01793 321326 or 07880 735405

TREVOR WYSE Painter & Decorator Also tiling, coving, dado rails.

Wallpaper specialist For free quotation call Trevor on 07976 885203 or 01793 723023 ‘my experience your pleasure’

plus patios, garden walls and stone walling Plastering & decorating No job too small

MILESTONE

Building Services

GENERAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Outside Ground works, patios, paving, brickwork, fencing, decking, landscape gardening Inside Carpentry, plumbing, kitchens & bathrooms, tiling & flooring No job too small • Free estimates

UPVC, Facia, Cladding, Soffits, Guttering Local family business 17 yrs experience Repairs & cleaning No job too small All work guaranteed

NO MORE PAINTING, MAINTENANCE FREE, DEAL DIRECT To arrange your FREE survey, call Richard on 01793 725155 or mobile: 07760 143221

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No call out charge No job too small • Fully insured Call Chris Bray on 01793 702171 Mob: 07951 219908 e: aps-enquiries@hotmail.co.uk

ROB HALL HEATING, GAS & PLUMBING SERVICES

Galaxy Construction Ltd

The Fitting Crew

21 February 07

From dripping taps to complete bathroom installations 24/365 emergency service

by

Dean Scanlon 01793 422032 • 07789 681536

We offer Free quotes No deposit needed Best prices No salesmen 10 minute survey

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

EXTENSIONS AND SMALL BUILDINGS

Call Leighton on 01793 813438 or 07917 208094

• Free quotations

All work approved & guaranteed

Home Painting & decorating Kitchens & bathrooms Carpentry Floor and wall tiling Laminate floors Plastering, Dry lining Roofing, Rendering Fascias & guttering

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

Tel: 01793 815254

Reg: 187606

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Loft conversions Extensions Home alterations Kitchen installations Carpentry Wooden/PVCu windows & doors fitted Quality workmanship Competitive prices

For details call Steve on 07793 932481 or 01793 848405

TileSure

CERAMIC TILING Walls & floors Bathrooms, kitchens & conservatories Under floor heating fitted Complete bathroom fitting Fitted by tradesman QUALITY FINISH

Call Maurice on 01793 349704 or 07904 142692

L J WILSON BRICKWORK

PREMIER BUILDERS

Specialising in smaller works

(SWINDON LTD) est. 1989

• • • • • • • • • •

General property maintenance Conservatory bases Extensions/porches Garden walls/patios Interior & exterior decoration Tiling - walls & floors Garage conversions Free no obligation quotation Other works arranged Insurance work undertaken • No job too small

Tel/Fax: 01793 729269 Mobile: 07764 936419

Brickwork & Roofing Specialists 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: 078899 21570 Unit 14a, Turnpike, Blunsdon

ABC BUILDERS

GARAGE CONVERSION SPECIALIST

Home improvements Carpentry Plastering Fencing Garden walls

No job too small For friendly help and advice call Michael on 07713 253380 or 01793 814690 after 6pm

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PLUMBING & DIY KITCHEN, BATHROOMS TILING, DRIPPING TAPS TO LAMINATE FLOORING HOME: 01793 615321 MOBILE: 07775 842241

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REPLACEMENT uPVC

A local reliable & friendly service 24 YEARS EXPERIENCE Installation & Servicing NG & LPG ✓ Boiler & System Upgrades ✓ Breakdown & Maintenance ✓ Bathrooms, Showers & Wet Rooms ✓ Power Flushing / Descaling ✓ DIY Assisted Projects ✓

• Facsia Soffits Guttering Cladding • All work carried out on tower scaffolding • Bargeboards • All sizes of properties

01793 422973 07834 708627

Doctor Glass repairs & replaces cracked, broken or misted double glazed windows Also hinges and locks

• 10 year warranty • Over 10 years experience www. detailfacsias.co.uk

For ALL your plumbing, heating & gas requirements call Assured on

01793 700 820 www.assured-plumbing.co.uk

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

D & M ENTERPRISES For all your property & garden maintenance

Specialists in PVCU, windows, doors and conservatories

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Free quotatio ns

Give us a try. For a free no obligation quote, call Jeff on 07747 606344 or Vito on 07812 180535

FENSA Registered Company

Tel: 01793 848177 or 770596 22 Ravens Walk, Wootton Bassett

Bathrooms

24 hour ansaphone 01793 700796

LEE ORTON PLUMBING & HEATING

& Kitchens

Complete installations to dripping taps

Ideas to reality ♦ Plumbing inc. pumped showers, towel warmers ♦ Electrics ♦ Wall & floor tiling ♦ Carpentry ♦ Laminate & wood flooring ♦ Appliance installation ♦ Also other home improvements No job too small

Call Mark Ashdown for a free quote Tel: 01793 887766 Mobile: 07979 267757

❍ Central heating ❍ Boiler replacements ❍ Bathroom installations ❍ Tiling ❍ Power showers No job too small Tel: 01793 722152

Tel: 01793 320380 Mobile: 07764 743635 Painting & decorating Kitchens • Bathrooms • Tiling Fencing • Patios • Driveways Drainage PVC windows, soffits & fascias Door hanging Window repairs • Roof repairs Lock repairs General alterations & maintenance

Want your wall or floor tiles fitted?

Then call

TILEfix for a free quotation to get them fixed and grouted with the minimum of fuss Tel: 01793 495364 Mob: 07767 242124 Email: tilefix4u@aol.com

A2 Z

HOME IMPROVEMENTS All your needs in one number Kitchen/Bathroom fitting, Tiling, Plumbing, Electrics, Painting, Decorating, Carpentry, Extensions/Renovations and much more

Call Dave for further details or a free quotation Mobile: 07778 207977

House Medic Building, Maintenance & Repairs

INSTALLATIONS Electric showers Power showers Replacement taps Exchange suites En-suites • Tiling • Towel rails Shower Trays And Cubicles Complete Bathroom Makeovers Insurance Work Undertaken

• • • • •

BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS INTERNAL ALTERATIONS REFURBISHMENTS MAINTENANCE WORK INSURANCE WORK

Tel: 01793 770088 Mobile: 07710 150 644 THE RIGHT PRESCRIPTION FOR A HEALTHIER HOME

21 February 07

NEED AN ELECTRICIAN? For all electrical work in your home, garden and workplace ❍ Kitchen, bathroom & shower circuits ❍ Garden lights & sockets, pond pumps ❍ Wiring for log cabins, garages, sheds ❍ Electrical inspection & testing ❍ Portable appliance testing ❍ Air conditioning supplied & installed ❍ Trustmark & Part P registered Call James Nicholls on 07974 711962 01793 812303 Amalia Electrical Services Ltd

Mobile: 07887 541444

HM. BATHROOM • • • • • • • •

we are ... ‘the men to do it ..’

All types of fencing, decking, pagodas Painting & decorating Laminate flooring Ceramic & floor tiles Kitchen fitting Secondary fit carpentry Plaster boarding, plastering & rendering Plumbing, bathroom suites

A BUTLER PROPERTY SERVICES

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• CARPETS • WOOD • LAMINATE • VINYL • UNDERLAY • ACCESSORIES No gimmicks, no sales, no promotions JUST THE RIGHT PRICE AND THE TRUE VALUE FROM THE START HOME SELECTION SERVICE Personal estimating service - no obligation or charge Fitting service by qualified & professional fitters

01793 480777 or 07834 685871 6 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4AB

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BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS

â?‰ Quality bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring all taken care of

BUILDING SERVICES

RS

Paul Rhind Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS Tiling Walls & Floors

â?‰ All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, machines installed

UPVC windows & doors Conservatories, fascias and guttering Roofing & building maintenance

Free estimates

Bathroom and kitchen installations

Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling

01793 876600 07748 964433

Call Sean on 703550 Mobile: 07749 862361

Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

DECORATOR

DECORATOR INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTER & DECORATOR

A CHANGE OF COLOUR PAINTING AND DECORATING Independent decorator specialising in all aspects of interior and exterior decorating

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE NO JOB TOO SMALL

Domestic and small commercial Insurance work undertaken Full Public Liability insurance Free no obligation quotation References available

For free quote call

Paul Comer on 321981 or 07775 840236

Telephone: (01793) 497461 Mobile: 07919 671307

HEATING & PLUMBING

HEATING & PLUMBING

GAS ASSOCIATED SERVICES

Quality Plumbing & Heating

â?? All gas appliances serviced, repaired & installed â?? Warm air unit service, repair & installation â?? Landlord/moving house safety inspections â?? Bathroom suites installed and all other plumbing work undertaken â?? Central heating systems flushed (powerflush) â?? Hot water systems descaled â?? Quote on request â?? 24 hour call out â?? Natural gas & LPG qualified Reg: 202015 â?? British Gas trained

Tel: 722449 • Mob: 07956 410982

• Central heating installation • • • • •

Boiler servicing & repairs Replacement boilers Outside taps Power showers Bathroom installations Reg: 128966

All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SERVICES

Steve George for Kitchens & Bathrooms Tel: 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364

ALL KITCHENS FITTED (Howdens, Jewsons etc.) • Free survey • Building work • Plastering • Tiling & worktops • Electrics & plumbing • Wooden flooring • All types of worktops fitted incl granite COMPLETE BATHROOMS FITTED Building work, plastering, tiling, electrics, plumbing, furniture 30 years experienced tradesman

297 February Repair & Improve

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APPROVED

CARPENTRY

DECORATOR & CARPENTRY • Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen • Bathroom internal alterations No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Fitted kitchens & bedrooms Wood and laminate flooring Loft conversions Doors & windows All carpentry work Stairs Shop fitting specialist

For details call Paul on 07932 013360 or 01793 812849

DOUBLE GLAZING WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES

INSTALLED OR REPAIRED

YOUR LOCAL CHOICE

or 07900 835116

01793 611398 07968 757860

HEATING & PLUMBING

HEATING & PLUMBING

Call Andy: 01793 729354

RJ PEARCE PLUMBING & HEATING LTD 20 years experience in plumbing work

• • • •

Boiler Changes Cylinder Changes Power Flushes Full Central Heating & System Upgrades • Full Bathroom Systems with Power Showers All Plumbing Work Undertaken Ring Robert Tel: 01793 324030 or Mobile: 07868 738072

• Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates • All work guaranteed • No job too small

PLASTERING

PLUMBING

For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

Reg: 203455

Brian Jones NEED A Plastering Services PLUMBER? ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

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

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

19/1/07, 11:50 am

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

Call !"#$ %&'&

43

❍ Fitted bedrooms and kitchens ❍ Replacement doors & staircases ❍ Laminate floors ❍ Household repairs and general maintenance ❍ Decking - supplied and fitted

Home & Garden Improvements General carpentry Fitted kitchens / bedrooms Laminate and solid flooring Replacement doors Skirtings / architraves Decking and patios General building maintenance

Free no obligation quotes

Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

Free estimates Jamie Scanlon 01793 704309 or 0777 594 8833

ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICIAN

FREE ESTIMATES INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REDUCTIONS FOR OAPs

tor

J S Property Services

&D eco ra

J&R Carpentry Services

DECORATOR

DECORATOR

Pa inte r

CARPENTRY

Call 01793 334823 or 07788 572043

PR ID E

CARPENTRY

ELECTRICIAN SAFE & SHAW

For all your domestic & commercial requirements New installations • Showers Extensions • Extra sockets Re-wires • Security lighting New fuse boards Free quotes

Arc Electrical Services Ltd 01793 872054 0770 480 1959 arcelectrics@aol.com

ELECTRICAL SERVICES ✓ EXTRA SOCKETS / LIGHTS ✓ SECURITY LIGHTING/FIRE ALARMS ✓ GARDEN LIGHTING & OUTDOOR SOCKETS ✓ SHOWERS/COOKERS INSTALLED ✓ FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT ✓ COMPLETE RE-WIRING

James O’Sullivan Interior & Exterior Painting and Decorating Wallpapering, Coving, Artexing & Plastering Established 22 years

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

FLOORING

P.J.J. FLOORING SERVICES All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet

MASTERFITTER

N I CF National Institute of Carpet & Floorlayers

Wood & ceramics • Supply or fit only Commercial/domestic • Safety flooring All work guaranteed • 14 years experience

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294

• Installations and modifications, interior or exterior • Full compliance to all regulations • All work fully guaranteed • Free quotations • 24hr call out • Fast, top quality service

MOBILE: 07769 883717 TEL: 01793 876029

HEATING & PLUMBING

HEATING & PLUMBING

HOME MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE

M.P.S.

G R SERVICES

RETIRED TRADES ASSOCIATES

24hr call out facility

Plumbing & Heating Services 30 years plumbing & heating experience British Gas trained

Central heating installations All Plumbing work undertaken Servicing & repairs Bathroom Installations All at competitive rates

Alec McKay Tel: 01793 878353 Mobile: 07963 953439

Heating & Plumbing For Gas Central Heating Boiler Service & Replacement, Bathroom Suites & Showers

Call 01793 522579 Mobile: 07816 906437 Email: matt@mpsheating.co.uk www.mpsheating.co.uk

E-mail: towerplumbheat@aol.com

PLUMBING

REFURBISHMENTS

Select Plumbing Services

E D Eggleston Limited

Repairs, maintenance or new installation at a competitive price

Tel: 01793 642026 Mobile: 07976 705143

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

• No job is too small.

• No callout charge.

• Free estimates.

For a professional, reliable service, contact us now Tel: 01793 875888 Mobile: 07951761764 www.selectplumbingservices.co.uk

297 February Repair & Improve

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DOMESTIC • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Garage conversions • Flat pack make up • No job too small

COMMERCIAL • Office refurbishment • Data and voice wiring • Office partitions • False ceiling • CCTV

References can be supplied to support my trustworthiness, reliability and quality of workmanship

FREE QUOTATIONS, NO OBLIGATION

Painting and decorating Floor & wall tiling Garden maintenance Turfing, fencing, patios Upvc double glazing Fascias & guttering Roof repairs Carpentry services Friendly, reliable & competitive

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879

ROOFING

Call now for a free, at home consultation

01793 640012 07970 865883 25 Kennet Avenue, Greenmeadow

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

• Reliable • Trustworthy • • Affordable •

TILING

GILES BROS ● Felt roofing ● Asphalt roofing ● Sheet roofing ● Tiling ● Slating ● Single Ply ● Fascia ● Guttering ❇❇❇

Call Neil on 01793 700436 07725 028776

19/1/07, 11:53 am

CERAMIC TILING FLOOR & WALL SPECIALISTS Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921 Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526

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ACCOUNTANCY

AERIAL SERVICES

AERIAL SERVICES

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

CHRIS PAYNE

Aerial & Television Services

GUARANTEED REPAIRS...

AERIALS & SATELLITE SYSTEMS

Chartered Certified Accountants

email: enquiries@dykebrading.co.uk

✭ Satellite TV ✭ Sky & digital terrestial ✭ Extra TV, telephone & electrical points ✭ Storm damage

www.dykebrading.co.uk

Tel: 01793 700078 Mobile: 0777 6236415

CAKES BAKED

CARPET CLEANING

Small Business Specialists Tel: 01793 610008

• TV/FM/DAB aerials • Extra satellite points • TV repairs • Freeview installation • Signal amplifiers in Noticed terferen lately? T ce No call out e filters fi tra charge tted All work guaranteed Call Neil Provis on 01225 706379 or 07774 943 783

Or not known what design the wedding cake should be?

Look no further, let me help you Ring Sylvia on 01793 771552

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist • Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured • Quickly usable

www.cakesbaked4u.co.uk

MINI BUS HIRE

You’ll be amazed how affordable it is ....call for your free estimate from your local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 Email: cliff.whiteway@btinternet.com

Domestic Cleaning Services

Weekly Fortnightly Monthly Tel: 01793 814782 Mob: 07909 500724 Mandy - (Proprietor) email: mandy@donendusted.info www.donendusted.info

44

Call us now for free, no obligation quotation Tel: 01793 511885

To book your Oven Clean call 01793 520362 We use caustic free cleaning products with a fresh solution each time.

Hobs, extractors, microwaves and barbecue grills also undertaken

Tel: 01793 703899

297 February Service Sector

Regular cleans, Spring cleans, Moving in or out cleans Trained and insured staff Equipment and supplies provided Quality Service Guarantee

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

For family holidays, business trips and all occasions, we cater for 1 to 8 passengers Call for a competitive quote now!

01793 602540

Affordable & reliable cleaning programmes, tailored to meet your needs and budget

OVEN CLEANING

From Swindon to...

Gatwick - Heathrow Bristol - Birmingham Stansted

To advertise in Swindon's best read publication, call

01793 - 643785

Homes That Sparkle From People Who Shine

AIRPORT SERVICE

- the most effective way to ensure your business is known

WASHCAR E CLEANING

MORTGAGE ADVICE

ADVERTISING ON PAPER

Washing Machines Twin Tubs, etc.

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

CLEANING

CAKESBAKED4U Had trouble finding that special cake?

Same day, local service wherever possible

SECURITY SYSTEMS

SECURITY SYSTEMS

TV & VIDEO REPAIRS

TOPS SECURITY SYSTEMS Electronic Security Solutions ❍ INTRUDER ALARMS ❍ CCTV SYSTEMS ❍ FIRE ALARMS ❍ EAS DETECTION SYSTEMS ❍ ACCESS CONTROL ❍ ENTRY SYSTEMS ❍ GATE AUTOMATION For a free, no obligation quotation tel: 01793 705216

19/1/07, 4:39 pm

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

Tel: 01793 - 812738

45

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

AUTO CARE

REMIER Pelectrics

BMW & MERCEDES SPECIALISTS

Established 30 years

Guaranteed repairs to all makes of domestic appliances

Can’t face doing the books after a hard day’s work?

INDEPENDENT • Fixed Price Service & Inspection • Full Diagnostic Service • Full Air Conditioning Service • All work carried out by skilled technicians • Free Collection & Delivery Service • MOTs

PC AUTOCARE

Same day/next day service

01793 772542

Tel: 01793 469300

COMPUTER SUPPORT

Unit 1 Bagbury Park, Lydiard Millicent

Why go anywhere else?

When we’ll come to you.....

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

Home Cinema Installations

A wide range of garage doors to suit your requirements

Plasma • LCD • Projectors

See our displays at Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon or for information on installation and repairs

01793 513796 email: swindondoorservice@btinternet.co.uk

10% discount with this advert

BANBURYS HOME & GARDEN (SWINDON) Ltd

8 x 6 DALBY APEX

ONLY

£325 DELIVERED ERECTED TREATED Largest selection of sheds in the West Best value in town Fast delivery Base laying service available 50 styles from chalets, summer houses, children’s playhouses and garden offices

TELEPHONE: 01793 526691

• AV setup & calibration • Hidden Wiring /Feature Lighting • Dedicated power supplies For free home surveys call Antony on 01793 728668 or 07748 962689

Holder of the Seafish Friers Quality Award

THREE GOOD REASONS TO USE OUR GREAT MONEY OFF VOUCHER 1 If you’ve not used us for a while - Welcome back 2 If you’ve never used us before - Try us 3 If you used this voucher last time - HERE’S ANOTHER

REMIND YOURSELF WHAT NATURAL UNPROCESSED FOOD IS LIKE Chips from real potatoes and top quality fish from the sea - all with fewer calories than chicken tikka masala, sweet & sour pork* and more nutritious and satisfying than burger and fries.

We now have a seating area so you can enjoy your fish & chips at a table with a hot cup of tea or coffee * Source: Carlson Bengston Consultants Ltd

£1 off all orders over £3 with this voucher

OPEN 7 DAYS MANOR GARDEN CENTRE, CHENEY MANOR

45

www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

JUST PULL UP, PRESS A BUTTON AND DRIVE IN

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

297 February Service Sector

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748

THE GARAGE DOOR CENTRE

Tel: 01793 422534 or Mobile: 0792 005 6077

• • • • •

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

INSTALLATIONS

GARAGE DOORS The Automatic Choice

Com Master’s PC Repairs ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻

BOOK-KEEPING

West Swindon District Centre. Tel: 870 455

19/1/07, 11:48 am

46

The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

Tremendous response to tea bag trading

NEW YEAR • NEW SKILLS! First lesson free. Only £10ph Foreign Languages. Maths, Science and English. Dyslexia.

From 5 years old to degree level.

CRB checked tutors.

Translating & Interpreting.

Quality Tuition at unbeatable prices.

Call A★ Tutors 07737251868 or 01793 872555

Just a couple of hours a week can change a family’s life.

Would you like to do that?

If you know about being a parent or have experience with young children, we would love to hear from you.

Call Jan Aylward on 613886

PS SERVICES

Tea bag collector, Bob Newman, has contacted The Link to express his gratitude to all those who bought Original T-Bag Design products last year.

When he first made an appeal painted and used to decorate a for tea bags in the December 05 range of goods including coasters, Link, Bob was overwhelmed by the tea trays and tea light holders by response. The bags are sent to women employed by Original TSouth Africa where they are Bag Design in Imazamo Yethu township near Cape Town.

Sales have soared and the workshop is managing to sell everything that they can produce.

Bob and Lyn Newman Bob said, “Lyn and I would like with t-bag products to use The Link to say thank you to everyone who bought products.

Because of the tremendous reIn the five weeks before Christmas sponse to tea bag recycling Bob is we sold £1,400 worth; we surprised now limiting collections and can ourselves and everyone at T Bag no longer take donations from cawww.my-relationships.co.uk designs.” fes and large organisations.

In 14 months Bob has sent over He is focussing on speaking en24,000 bags to South Africa, result- gagements at clubs and churches, ing in six new jobs being created. and selling the products at fetes Additionally, the undecorated and craft fairs. He will be visiting Professional carpet wooden products are now being Westlea School on 5 February and & upholstery cleaning supplied by a group of disabled on the same day he will be speakworkers. The South African gov- ing to the West Swindon Women’s Freephone: ernment has offered to buy bigger Club. To book Bob as a speaker, 0800 2800544 premises for the workshop. call 872389.

Premier Klean

PAINTING & DECORATING GENERAL MAINTENANCE No job too small Free estimates Call Phil on 827557 Mobile: 07790 102280

Anthony Paul ANYTHING TRANSFERRED ONTO DVD DISC Specialist in Cine Film Transfer, Camcorder Tapes, VHS Tapes, Camcorder Discs We collect and deliver over a wide area

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

Mobile Hairdresser

(01793) 323400 or 07970 079681 Over 20 years experience in ladies, mens & childrens hairdressing

FARINGDON UPHOLSTERY 31 Park Road, Faringdon

Buy direct from your local manufacturer and save money At Faringdon Upholstery we manufacture top quality upholstery supplied direct to the public. We make your furniture the way you want it, with thousands of fabrics to choose from

★ Established 25 years

Don’t settle for mass produced ★ All suites fully guaranteed when you can ★ All suites covered in have made-toyour own choice of fabric measure for the ★ Solid wood frames same price! ★ Craftsman built

★ Made to measure ★ Re-upholstery service ★ Curtains

✆

01367 241855

Come and see our wide selection of suites today

Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm

21 February 07

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Wonder where you can pick up free office furniture?

One of the biggest problems for the Waste to Wonder warehouse in South Marston is convincing people that there’s no catch: they really do give away good as new office furniture and PCs to charities and schools.

Taking items unwanted by large companies and giving them to those who need them sounds idealistic, but it’s grounded on good commercial principles.

When large companies move office or refurbish them, they are left with the headache of finding homes for furniture, PCs and assorted equipment in an environmentally friendly way.

Green Standards Ltd, the trading arm of the Green Standards Trust which runs Waste to Wonder, offers companies a hassle free way of clearing their office space quickly. As well as being a practical solution, it is also a way for companies to enhance their green

credentials: Lloyds TSB referred to Green Standards in their shareholder’s report.

Anyone in need of office equipment is welcome to visit the showroom at South Marston.

Non-charities can buy furniture, at greatly reduced prices and proceeds from sales go towards supporting the trust’activities.

Trust manager, Dave Wilkinson said, “we’re about making materials available to those who need them. Anyone buying from here is buying into the ethical process and helping to support local charities.”

For details call 834057 or see: www.greenstandards.com www.greenstandards.org

Getting real about nappy waste The Swindon Real Nappy Network (SRNN) is calling on Swindon Council to live up to its promise of reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and promote real nappies.

Abigail Gilby of SRNN said, “families a few miles awayin Wiltshire can claim £30 off the cost of buying real nappies, they have other financial incentives and also a free ‘try before you buy’ scheme.

“Swindon Council doesn’t seem to be putting its money where its mouth is. There really is a serious lack of support for real nappy use.

It appears reluctant to consider any real nappy incentive scheme, even though it claims waste reduction is important.”

SRNN is urging people to lobby

18/1/07, 1:48 pm

the council for a local real nappy incentive scheme by writing to The Director, Swindon Commercial Services, Waterside Park, Swindon, SN2 2DW. The group has set up a weekly parent support group in conjunction with Breastmates. They meet in Highworth on Wednesday afternoons. The sessions allow parents using real nappies or breast feeding their child to meet with other, like-minded parents. For details call Abigail on 762066 or mail: dappernappies@yahoo.co.uk

The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

47

CALM helps family through crisis

Praising education

When Andrew Crowley, from Middleleaze was diagnosed with leukaemia just before Christmas 2005, his parents were worried he might not make it through the weekend.

Now that he is on the long road to recovery, Richard and Marianne have joined the committee of CALM, the Swindon charity that has supported them from the start of his illness.

Andrew was just two and a half years when Marianne realised something was wrong when she found a lump on his neck. After a year of chemotherapy he is now much better, but treatment will continue until Christmas Day 2008.

CALM, the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement, pro- Marianne, Richard, Daniel and Andrew vides support to the whole family in the GWH, where he spent a week in when a child is diagnosed with the early January after picking up an infecdisease. Richard said, “we’re re- tion from a routine procedure ally grateful to CALM . We have away during gaps in Andrew’s had help from a CLIC Sargent fam- treatment meant so much.”

Marianne said, “expect the unily support worker, partly funded

by CALM, who helped in the expected is the motto of any family house, collected Daniel, 8, from with a child diagnosed with canschool and took the boys out to cer. You just don’t know what will come next.” give us a bit of a break.”

To mark one year after Andrew’s As well as supporting families, both emotionally and financially, diagnosis, Richard and Marianne CALM provides convalescent holi- organised fundraising events for days, at caravans in Tenby and family and friends in November.

Minehead. Richard said, “it’s hard £800 was donated to CALM. Danto put into words just how impor- iel organised two raffles which tant taking these kind of breaks raised £50. www.calm.charity.org have been to us. Being able to get

St Mary’s Church Lydiard Tregoz, in Lydiard Park, is organising a special church service celebrating learning, learners and teaching on Sunday 11 February at 10am.

The Bishop of Swindon inviting parents and chilRev Lee Rayfield, right, dren, and carers, from all will be talking about the schools, and particularly importance of education Oliver Tomkins Church of and giving a blessing to England Infant and Junior all involved in learning.

Schools.

Eighty year old church “We want to celebrate all member Margaret Hull will aspects of education and talk about how the church the help God gives children school she attended in the 1920s and teachers, and parents and shaped her life. carers.”

Organiser Julian White said the Refreshments will be available service would be informal and very in the church rooms at the end of much aimed at children. “We’re the service.

Corporate sponsors invited to the ball Breakthrough Breast Cancer in Wiltshire is looking for companies willing to sponsor tables at their summer ball on 14 July.

In return for £150, business names will be included in all publicity materials, prominently displayed at the event and printed on the menu.

Organisers hope to raise over £20,000 for the charity. Tickets are on sale at £60 before the end of January and £75 after that. Call Alison Lowe on 790320 or Shirley Garman on 538475 for details.

We believe that Jesus Christ is able to forgive our past, give meaning to the present and hope for the future

Sunday services are at 10am & 6.30pm For further information you can either ring (01793) 873050; e-mail: office@freshbrook.org or visit: www.freshbook.org “the gift of God is Eternal Life” (Romans 6 v23)

West Swindon & the Lydiards churches

Sunday Worship 10.30am Sunday School and Creche

All Saints’, Lydiard Millicent Holy Trinity, Shaw St Mary’s, Lydiard Tregoze Toothill Church; Westlea Church

Meeting at Abbey Meads Community School

‘For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son.’ John 3:16

For details of our weekly services please contact the Partnership Office on 874221 partnershipoffice@btopenworld.com

Baptist • Church of England • Methodist • United Reformed Church

www.nsbc.org.uk

On Thames Avenue next door to Morrisons Contact: Revd Raymond Adams Tel: 634258

St. John’s Haydon Wick Sunday Services 9am 11am

Traditional communion service Eventful, contemporary worship with children’s groups meeting www.swindonfamilychurch.org.uk

www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

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