February 2010 Swindon Link

CHARITY MEAL WITH ENTERTAINMENT TO RAISE MONEY FOR HAITI DISASTER RELIEF SEE PAGE 3 No. 333 February 2010 • Circulation 27,000

the positive newsforce in Swindon

Enter here for the Mad March Hare in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer Registration form on page 33

Fantastic new gym now open at Link Centre

Dream comes true for Swindon s! MS Centre s e c suc

Education

by Experts

See page 3

Knees up with seniors in Shaw to share wartime experiences Story on page 17

See page 32

Childcare with Love

For all babies and young children 0 -7 years at

MEADOWPARK

NURSERY & PRE-PREP SCHOOL

Tel: 01793 752600 Open 7.50am to 6pm.

Full-time & part-time places available

Open Days Friday 12th March (9am – 3pm)

Arthur Beltrami from The Prinnels checking out the hi-tech kit with instructor Wendy Humphries

Year 5 children from Brook Field School with Gladys Forsythe, aged 92, from Toothill

Saturday 13th March (9am – 12 noon)

Fall in love with your estate agent this Valentines with our sexy £800 fee + VAT Just think what you could spend the savings on! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

No expensive estate agency fees No lengthy estate agency contracts But receive the same sales and marketing support Everything you would expect from a traditional estate agent

Call 01793 432516

1 - 21 February 10.indd 1

www.forefrontproperty.co.uk

22/01/2010 11:37

2

swindonlink.com • February 2010

30th anniversary events for Prospect Help raise £4.5 million for Swindon’s hospice in 2010 Spring forth on a February walk

Get a warm glow by helping to raise money for Prospect Hospice on a four mile family walk on Sunday 7 February, starting at 10am.

Patrick Norris of the Great Western Community Forest will lead the two hour trail starting at Roves Farm near Highworth, through Nightingale Wood, returning across farmland close to the River Cole.

The cost is £8 per adult and £2 for under sixteens. To take part, just turn up by 9.45am at Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Highworth SN6 7QG.

Zip it at the County Ground in March

On Sunday 13 March Prospect Hospice is offering you a big thrill.

This new fundraising event will see you harnessed to a wire and sent at speed across the County Ground football ground.

No experience is necessary, but if you’re after a great way to raise £100 for Prospect Hospice, book your slide now by calling Hayley Millen on 815142 or mail: hayleymillin@prospect-hospice.net

Take a giant leap

Prospect Hospice is looking for daring people willing to take part in a 10,000 foot tandem skydive from Redlands airfield, Wanborough, on Sunday 21 March.

“We’re hoping that at least 30 people will come forward to mark our 30th anniversary,” said Prospect fundraiser Julie Brogan who will be jumping.

No experience is necessary as you’ll receive clear instructions and will be strapped to an experienced parachutist.

For details call Julie Brogan on 815142 or mail: fundraising@ prospect-hospice.net

Who’s your community champion?

Mayor wants to know of Swindon’s special people by 26 February There are many people in the town who make a valuable commitment to their community, helping in a huge range of ways - as an individual assisting another or contributing to a group or organisation.

They don’t always get the recognition they deserve, but the Mayor of Swindon David Wren is seeking them out to receive a Pride of Swindon Award.

He’s calling on readers to nominate people who have gone the extra mile to help others. It could be a child or an adult who has displayed remarkable courage, somebody who has gone out of his or her way to improve your area, an inspiring teacher, an organiser who keeps a team going, or a neighbour who is always there to help.

“There are so many people who commit time and effort, but don’t expect reward,” said coun Wren. The mayor with one of last year’s winners “But I want them to be recognised Ali McCallum, who has raised £4,000 for for their unselfish commitment to the orphange in India which saved his life enriching other people’s lives and to making Swindon a better place.” about the person you wish to nomiSuccessful nominees will be nate and why he or she should be invited to a ceremony in April to considered for the award. receive a certificate and the winners Send your nomination with will receive a railway style enamel the person’s contact information lapel badge depicting Isambard and also your details to: Pride of Kingdom Brunel, the inspiration Swindon Awards, The Mayor’s of modern Swindon.

Office, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, To nominate somebody (who Swindon SN1 2JH. must live or work within Swindon For an electronic entry form, mail: borough), write up to 250 words mayor@swindon.gov.uk

Did you know that you can work on your office computer from home or anywhere else in the world?

Up until a few weeks ago the response may have been, ‘so what?’

But when the snow came and many of us couldn’t get to work, some of us - and most employers - wished there was some way of working on the office computer from home.

Now there is a way and it’s a 4-in-1 software pack

by ISL Online, which has just opened their first UK office in Swindon. Next time you’re snowed in go to our website and within seconds connect to your computer from anywhere in the world, as if you were sitting in front of it.

ISL Online products (Always On or ISL Light) work just as well when it’s hot and sunny. In fact, computer support companies and IT departments use them every day, snow, rain or shine, to access and fix computers of their staff and customers, without the IT people having to move an inch from their desks!

So if you’re an IT person you may get a little less exercise using our products, but you’d save an awful lot of travelling, not to mention save money and making happier customers.

There’s more. As part of the 4-in-1 pack you also get ISL Groop which lets you run online web meetings and webinars. And finally, you get a Live Chat software, ISL Pronto, which gives you a “Chat” button on your website to chat online with your website visitors about sales or support enquiries. The software is fully protected using the latest encryption technologies.

Try the 4-in-1 pack free for 15 day by visiting www.islonline.com, or call Swindon (01793) 608737.

The 4-in-1 pack price starts from £70.

1 - 21 February 10.indd 2

21/01/2010 11:30

swindonlink.com • February 2010

Haiti disaster relief fundraising evening Organised by West Swindon’s Bombay Lounge restaurant and DeVere Hotel

Saturday 27 February, 7pm. DeVere Hotel, Shaw Ridge Three course meal from the Bombay Lounge and DeVere, live music, entertainers, auction. Hosted by Shirley Ludford of Swindon Radio 105.5fm Tickets £20 from Clare at the DeVere on 889315 Fundraising target for the evening £5,000. Auction and raffle prizes needed. To contribute call Pavinda at the Bombay Lounge on 07887 717597

Dream comes true for MS Therapy Centre

Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis moved into its own premises in Westlea on 22 January, after a marathon four years of planning and fundraising to the tune of £850,000.

3

Had an accident/injured?

On the road? At work?

Slip? Trip?

Medical negligence?

Speak to a

specialist solicitor in Swindon on

600721

S. J. Edney Solicitors www.sjedney.co.uk

“It really is a dream-comeand hope they will continue true,” said chairman David to support us.

Wray. “Considering that the “Bradbury House is a wonCYCLE REPAIRS organisation was close to foldderful facility which will serve Free collection ing in 2003, we’ve come much people who will sadly succomb further than anybody could to MS and other conditions. & delivery from have expected.”

“We couldn’t be where we home or work The spur to look for new are today without the fabulous ★ Servicing & repairs premises came when the Hong help of our members and the lo★ New cycles Over 25 yrs Kong based Bradbury Foundacal community, and continuous experience tion agreed to grant £250,000 publicity from The Link. ★ Parts & accessories to the centre and the Moving “It’s been a lot of hard work Safety alert Soon Appeal was launched in to get to this point, and we will Bikes bought on the internet the January 2008 Link. be relying on our members’ The new centre, named fabulous fundraising efforts or mail order must be serviced Bradbury House on Westmead more than ever to keep the before being ridden. CALL NOW Drive, provides much easier accentre up and running in its for fast, friendly service David and Jackie Wray with Rose Fisher cess from all parts of town with new home.” ‘launching’ the oxygen tank Phil Mitchell: 874873 day or eve. disabled parking right outside • See more opening photos at or 07850 650956 (mobile) is a major commitment said David. www.swindonlink.com the front door.

The centrepiece is a new purpose- “We’ve recently been awarded built compression chamber costing £200,000 from the Big Lottery Fund £100,000, divided into two compart- to enable us to extend our physioments to provide oxygen therapy at therapy and Pilates services for our members over the next 5 years.” different pressures.

The centre is the only one in the Breathing oxygen is beneficial to people with MS and many other region which offers oxygen therapy neurological conditions, including for children. One family from Wales regularly makes the trip to Swindon stroke, brain injury and autism.

The building also provides much in order for their child to be treated.

David said, “we’re lucky to have more space for users to receive physiotherapy, Pilates, Indian head the expertise to meet all the reand full body massage, reflexology, quirements and have been treating reiki and aromatherapy, as well as children since 2008. The new centre allows us to help more families. dietary advice.

“We would like to take this opThe centre receives no NHS funding and relies solely on fundraising portunity to thank businesses, the for day to day activities, so taking on local Rotary Clubs and the people the challenge of raising £850,000 in of Swindon and the surrounding capital and doubling running costs areas for their fantastic backing (Usual cost over £100)

VALENTINE SPECIAL OFFER

Valentine Lips Skin and Facial FREE

Analysis

Blood bank investors needed in North

Governors of Orchid Vale Primary School in Haydon End are hoping to offer their school as a blood doning centre - if they can recruit 70 people to register as donors. have given blood in the Thirty residents have last two years. expressed an interest and If you currently give governors need at least anblood at another locaother 40 to prove to the NHS that they have enough volunteers tion and would be keen to donate somewhere closer to your home, or to make the sessions viable.

Anyone aged between 17 and 65 if you have never given blood but weighing more than 50kg (7 stone would like to, register your inter12lbs), and in general good health est by mailing your name, address can potentially start saving lives by and daytime telephone number to: becoming a blood donor. There is orchidvaleblood@gmx.com www.blood.co.uk no upper age limit for donors who

1 - 21 February 10.indd 3

Special Offer

25% off

Procedures available: Lip Enhancement Botox Offer ends 28th February 2010 Dermal Fillers 20% OFF Medical Grade ALL OTHER NON Chemical Peels SURGICAL TREATMENTS (Including Botox, Dermal Mesotherapy Fillers and Chemical Peels) Non Surgical Facelift (Only with this advert)

TEL: 01793 798228 Ridgeway Non Surgical, 1st Floor, Fairwater Stables, High Street, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9JX

22/01/2010 16:43

4

swindonlink.com • February 2010

Crime in the West under control

The West Swindon Forum heard on 11 January from Neighbourhood Police Team beat manager PC Tim Titchner that crime during 2009 was down by 185 incidents compared with the previous year and down by over 600 in the four years that he has been based in West Swindon.

He told the meeting, “at present there are about 2,000 crimes of all kinds across the area. We’ve got the trend going in the right way but we cannot be complacent. The police, the council and social landlords work closely together to ensure our area is a safer place. But we need the community to keep us informed of criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.”

The meeting agreed police priorities for West Swindon south (Toothill, Westlea, Freshbrook &

Grange Park) should be dealing with house and shed burglary, criminal damage (including graffiti) and drug dealing and usage.

In West Swindon north (Shaw, Nine Elms, Peatmoor, Sparcells), under new beat manager PC Jo Phelps, the team will concentrate on criminal damage, house and shed burglaries, and violent crime and anti-social behaviour around Shaw Village Centre.

PC Titchner said much police work is spent on managing prolific

• CARPETS • WOOD • LAMINATE • VINYL • UNDERLAY • ACCESSORIES No gimmicks, no sales, no promotions JUST THE RIGHT PRICE AND THE TRUE VALUE

HOME SELECTION SERVICE

Personal estimating service - no obligation or charge Fitting service by qualified & professional fitters

Call Mike Edwards

01793 480777 or 07834 685871 8 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4AB

www.flooringcomplete.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST PRICES IN 2010

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

Home Choose Carpets - the family run business with over 30 year’s experience of serving customers in the Swindon area.

Free estimates. Luxury underlay, all accessories and installation included in the price!

No hidden extras; no obligation - just great service Appointments to suit you: day, evening or weekend

Call Trevor Salter on

01793 812995 or 07860 882588

or email: homechoosecarpets@hotmail.com

www.carpetsswindon.co.uk

1 - 21 February 10.indd 4

and persistent offenders responsible for most crime, and working with young people who need to be diverted from anti-social activities.

In the last year officers have been successful in helping several neighbours resolve a number of long running community disputes.

Westlea old police station site The forum heard from Vic O’Brian of Green Square Housing Association that a planning application for 35 houses and 15 flats, and a women’s refuge comprised of twenty self-contained flats, staff accommodation and communal areas, will be heard on 9 February.

He said that the scheme had been revised in response to residents of The Chesters who objected to flats overlooking their houses.

The access road to Westlea Fire Station runs through the site and the road layout has been changed to give residents of the new site priority. Kevin Fisher expressed concern that parking outside the new houses could restrict the movement of fire appliances and present dangers to pedestrians.

Swindon Council housing officer Sarah Shearman confirmed the women’s refuge would replace the existing facility and said the design was based on extensive research and best practice around the country. “It will be safe and secure and very supportive to women in need.”

Allotments Reporting back from the November forum meeting, parks officer Martin Hambidge said little provision for allotments had been made in the design of West and North Swindon and he was not able to identify a site the size of a football field which

Swindon Publications Ltd. 71 Basepoint, Rivermead Swindon SN5 7EX Tel: (01793) 608840 Fax: (01793) 608841 e: publisher@swindonlink.com

www.swindonlink.com Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle Editorial: Tel: (01793) 608840

The start of a project to renew signage across West Swindon, as discussed at the forum, began in January. Highway engineer Simon Lymn with coun Nick Martin, reviewing where new signs will be installed around West Swindon Centre

could be developed.

He said there are waiting lists for existing allotments but, when they come available, the council is reducing plot sizes to give more people the chance to start one.

Mobile phone masts Paul Robinson from Westlea wanted to know if the mast that had suddenly appeared next to the bridge over Tewkesbury Way had been given permission. As a father of a 14 month old child he is worried about possible health risks.

Council officers are investigating if the phone company had complied with planning regulations.

• Wi-fi and health - see page 12 Have your say online Geoff Reid from The Prinnels has created a discussion site: www.westswindonforum.org Police officers are always available to meet residents from 10am to 1pm on: • 2nd Monday of the month - Toothill Church • 2nd Wednesday of the month - Freshbrook Church

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Call (01793) 602540 or mail: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for March advertisements: 5 February “The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978.

It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984.

Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994.”

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden Copy for April: 5 March unless an advertiser or publisher has Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027. sought permission. Articles and Registered Office: 130 High Street, Hungerford, Berks.

Printed by pcp, Telford photographs require similar authority The Link cannot be held responsible for goods or services offered by its advertisers

Editorial copy date for March: 5 February Published: 27 February

21/01/2010 11:32

swindonlink.com • February 2010

West councillor goes independent

The Conservative Party’s hold on all eight seats representing the three wards in West Swindon was broken in January when popular councillor Steve Wakefield declared he had left the party and would continue as an independent. and Westlea, and not of He said he had become particular policies. disillusioned with the "As far as I'm concerned domination of party poliit’s business as usual in the tics in the way local govarea I have represented for ernment is run. “I have several years. I will conresigned my membership tinue working closely with of the Conservative Party. my ward colleague Mary Some people will say Martin and with the other they leave the party but sometimes the party leaves them. councillors in West Swindon who "Having made the decision I make up a formidable team strivfeel a huge weight lifted from my ing to achieve the best for the area.

Steve was mayor of Swindon shoulders. I've never been a party political animal and for some time during 2008 and 2009 and, with I've felt party politics has been get- encouragement from The Link, ting in the way of being able to take was instrumental in returning community action. I want to be an the mayor's citizen's award to the advocate for the people of Toothill community.

5

It’s simple!

1 You drop it off 2 We sell it on eBay for you 3 We send you a cheque Turn your treasures into cash and let us sell your unwanted items on eBay for you.

Call us now 0845 22 694 22 Let Us Auction It Ltd, BSS House, Unit 36 Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, Swindon SN2 2PJ

www.letusauctionit.co.uk (Only items valued at £35 or more can be accepted)

North candidate for parliament selected

North Swindon Labour Party has chosen Victor Agarwal to try and retain the parliamentary seat in this year’s general election, currently held by Michael Wills MP who is standing down after 13 years.

Mr Agarwal, 36, is an airline manager at Heathrow Airport, and also a councillor on Surrey County Council.

He has promised to move to Swindon if he wins the seat. His Conservative Party opponent is Justin Tomlinson who lives in North Swindon and is a Swindon councillor for Abbey Meads ward.

VALENTINE SPECIAL OFFER BRIGHTER, WHITER SMILE

THIS VALENTINE’S

Mouldon Hill park work to restart

The dangers of cars parked off Thamesdown Drive, opposite Taw Hill, at the locked entrance to Moulden Hill Country Park should be removed by the summer when a car park is completed.

The park, which was started in to the left of the road,” he said. “The the mid-1990s, will see an area of 2.2 permanent car park will be laid to hectares adjacent to Thamesdown tarmac, with a limestone dust area Drive being developed to provide providing extra parking space as car parking space for up to 30 cars, required.”

The site will be secured by post as well as a large football pitch and and rail fencing, and kissing-gates two smaller pitches.

Swindon Council landscape will give pedestrians access to the architect Chris Anniss, whose previ- park land itself.

Subject to major funding, in the ous work includes the development of Shaw Forest Park, said he hoped longer term a visitor centre and the car park will be ready by the changing rooms are envisaged, to summer. “The entrance will have be combined with a railway station a tree-lined avenue leading to the at the southern end of the Swindon parking area, and a stone-dust path & Cricklade steam railway line.

Tooth Whitening

Just £250

Offer ends 28th February 2010 Our Famous New Patient Full Dental Health Consultation Still only £20. Usually £80 OFFER ENDS 28TH FEBRUARY 2010 For the latest on how gum disease can compromise your overall health see what Whoopi Goldberg has to say at: www.ridgeway-health.com

TEL: 01793 798228 Ridgeway Health & Wellness Dentistry, High St., Wroughton • FREE PARKING

Gourmet Oriental Express www.go-express.co.uk OFFERS VARY EVERY WEEK

- Free Drinks, Free Meals, Up To 20% Off First online ordering service for home delivery

01793 849388 or 0800 5677628 1 - 21 February 10.indd 5

ORDER P RU O F E N I L ON FF TO 20% O

21/01/2010 12:18

6

swindonlink.com • February 2010

‘No’ to Swindon’s extension into Wiltshire

Wiltshire Council’s proposal to build 3,000 homes as an ‘urban extension’ to Swindon was clearly rejected by around 170 residents of West Swindon and Purton at a lively and at times chaotic public meeting on 18 January - however the chances of stopping it are limited.

The meeting was called by West “councils have had the choice of plans to resist piecemeal planning cillors from both sides of the border Swindon councillors to hear resi- whether to object and oppose this, applications.” need to work together to fight it He pointed out that Swindon going forward.” dents’ views on the plans to build or manage such proposals. Our 800 homes at Ridgeway Farm (in approach has been to object to the had objected to the 11,000 homes Wiltshire Council planning ofaddtion to 200 already agreed at demands from government, but at northern development in the ficer Georgina Clampitt-Dix told Moredon Bridge - see opposite) and the same time work on evidence for early 1990s but this was rejected the meeting that Wiltshire Council 2,000 at Pry Farm, on either side of viable development sites. Planning by planning inspectors. The result would not make a final decision authorities need coherent master was that the building companies on its RSS until after the general the B4553, close to Purton.

David Potter, Swindon Council’s election.

Swindon extending into Wiltshire - follow up meeting head of planning and transport, Coun Nick Martin said he and explained that the government fellow councillors would be lobThursday 25 February. Information 6pm; start 7pm has directed both Wiltshire and bying Swindon Council’s cabinet Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre Swindon to find land for thousands to challenge the urban extension To discuss what residents can do to resist housing development of new homes through its Regional plans, as well as current MPs and between West and North Swindon and Purton Spatial Strategy (RSS). He said, parliamentary candidates. “These plans are an outrage and we all must did not contribute financially to argue that they are unsustainable community facilities as much as and impose too great a cost upon the people of Swindon.” they could have.

He apologised for the crowded Richard King from Shaw said he was extremely frustrated by nature of the meeting in Peatmoor’s the threat of more housing. “I am Woodlands Edge pub which meant at a loss for words; why is it that some people could not hear or be Swindon has to take more and heard, but he encouraged people to more housing - the roads are totally come to a follow up. congested, I can see more flooding, The Link has been covering prothe town is being ruined.”

Wiltshire councillor Jackie Lay posals for development ‘west of said the people of Purton were Swindon’ for the last five years in agreement with West Swindon with little reaction from elected residents. “The back roads are representatives or residents. congested with traffic accessing But there is now a possibility of the M4, The Pry site next to the stopping at least some of the River Ray is prone to flooding and proposals if people are willing to there is a major problem of where speak out against them. sewage is to go.

Find out more and see Wiltshire “The planning process is very Council’s documents with drawcomplex and the RSS process has ings at www.swindonlink.com been challenged legally. But coun-

Westlea flood relief work delayed again The Environment Agency has raised the banks of Westlea brook to protect housing in Moresby Close flooded in 2007, now Swindon Council is to build another culvert under Westlea Drive to improve the flow of flood water.

Work on diverting water pipes and cables in the footway was due to start on 18 January which would have meant Westlea Drive being closed to traffic for up to six weeks.

However the £350,000 project has been delayed because Thames Water was unable to carry out pipe work at the agreed time. Swindon Council highways engineer Gwilliam Lloyd, said, “we are actively trying to establish a new start date with Thames Water.”

Resident John Dusting awaiting work to start at Westlea Drive. In 2004 he and his wife, and two other families, were flooded out of their Moresby Close homes for six months

1 - 21 February 10.indd 6

22/01/2010 11:06

swindonlink.com • February 2010

7

Copenhagen - climate change - scarce resources - 5,500 houses to the west and north of Swindon: they’re connected The Copenhagen climate change conference in December might seem a long time ago for many who have been more concerned with staying warm in January, but for Richard Pagett from Purton, who attended the event, the connections are all too real.

Some may shrug and say what happened at Copenhagen was irrelevant to us here in Swindon they would be wrong, very wrong.

The inability of nations to work together for the common good for whatever reason has profound consequences for Swindon. Being realistic, the future climate of the planet is not going to be determined by what we do or do not emit in the UK; it will be determined by others (mostly China and India).

Most in the UK do not feel that their lifestyles are related historically to the consequences now being felt by Bangladesh, the Maldives and Tuvalu. In the future big polluters will not lose sleep as we, in Britain, begin to experience blackouts, fuel and food shortages, overcrowding and natural disasters.

Let us be very clear, we do have a problem not just of climate change - serious enough - but also of resources. All over the world there is competition for gas, food, minerals etc. We cannot assume that a country with a stock of a particular resource will continue to supply us in the UK, as in the past.

Simply having the money to pay is only part of the package of benefits that countries look for when they export. Political acceptance of unsavoury practices, assistance with a difficult neighbour, acquiescence on some arms trade and so on may also be ‘part of the deal.’

The snow in January highlighted our susceptibility and our response.

Did you notice how many people couldn’t get to work, yet the supermarkets were humming with people clearing the shelves?

Never before has there been a better time to re-think the way things get done. It’s about more than just emission reduction and renewables.

Delays set for town’s ‘western by-pass’

More houses targeted at Grange Park?

Up to 250 houses could be built by Persimmon Homes on a field next to Hook Street, between Lydiard Park and King Henry Drive, Grange Park.

In the early 1980s the site Lydiard was proposed for a primary Park Grange school until residents objected Park to the idea.

X Les Durrant, MD of planning consulting group DPDS, said the site has always been part of the western expansion. “Our clients Freshbrook Windmill are considering if the site is suitHill able for development. If it were to come forward, the proximity of Lydiard Park and existing housing would be closely considered.”

See more images and reaction at www.swindonlink.com

1 - 21 February 10.indd 7

now. Swindon’s current problems began with the planning reality of the 1960s and 70s; no blame as they did not know. But we do, today.

It is sheer folly to plan for 3,000 to 5,500 houses to the north/west of Swindon until there is a serious attempt to understand what is currently wrong: a simple tour of the business parks and industrial estates indicates limited local work opportunities; the congestion at peak periods as thousands have to travel to their workplace away from the town; the bussing of school children in their hundreds away from where they live.

It is a crazy, unsustainable place.

And adding thousands more houses in the wrong place will exacerbate the problem - the increased carbon emissions due to unnecessary travel; the eating up of valuable and irreplaceable agricultural land, the urbanisation of adjacent villages as commuters use short-cuts, the lack of community and so on.

The South West Regional Spatial Strategy (SW RSS) was a deeply flawed and undemocratic document: with thousands of unresolved objections it could not be anything else. The current housing numbers for the Swindon area come from the SW RSS and the planning authorities simply acquiesce and run around looking for space to put them. Let’s think a bit, please.

There are thousands of houses already allocated but yet to be built in Swindon. There is no need for more, other than to fulfil some thoughtless planning schedule that should now recognise the future and be tossed into the bin labelled ‘what were you thinking?’

Thousands of additional houses Two hundred houses to be built by Wain Homes have already been agreed to the north or west of Swindon in principal by Wiltshire Council for Moredon Bridge - between Thamesmakes no sense, lacks credibildown Drive and the railway bridge on Purton Road. Access on the single ity and flies in the face of climate carriageway, above, will be a left-in from the north and a priority junction change reality and of fragile, future right turn lane with central island from the west. X marks the spot below. resources.

We need to think about how and from where we obtain our food, how we manage waste, where our water comes from, our approach to ‘work,’ how we deal with the need to travel, how we manage health care, education and welfare and much more.

We have to start with housing.

When it is allocated to a particular location it triggers the need for work places, shopping, schools, surgeries, public transport, roads etc. We sow the seeds of problems for the future.

Never before have we had the knowledge to realise this - we do

Coate battle continues

x River Ray

Redrow and Persimmon Homes want to build 960 homes and a business park between Coate Water and the Great Western Hospital.

Last year their plan for 1,800 homes and land for a university campus was rejected by central government, after a huge campaign.

This time developers do not propose to build next to the park and have started a consultation exercise.

Head Rush HAIR & BEAUTY Latest styles, realistic prices, great service Cutting • Colouring - tints - foils • Perms • Extensions • Bridal hair • Children’s haircuts

Julie, Sheralee, Gemma

Tel: 602552

73 Basepoint, Rivermead, Westlea, West Swindon Behind Spectrum ‘Renault’ building

Free parking • Late night Wednesday & Thursday Cash or cheque payments only

Interested in renting a chair? Call Gemma

22/01/2010 11:09

8

swindonlink.com • February 2010

Making local health services accountable by getting citizens involved Getting to grips with another LINk, the Swindon Local Involvement Network

How do ordinary people begin to understand the complexity of how local health services work, let alone ensure they are responsive and accountable to the day to day needs of users? asks Jo Osorio, coordinator of Swindon LINk. contract from Swindon Borough It sounds a mammoth task but a possible - both now and Council until June 2011, a small team dozen Swindon people, all vol- in the future.

- Jo Osorio, James Brown and Gill This includes ununteers, are now serving on the Welsman-Clarke - are helping the Local Involvement Network (LINk) derstanding the local LINk make the most effective conhealth and social care steering group. nections between Swindon people Their main task is to support environment, the chaland organisations in the health and the active involvement of as many lenges faced by plansocial care field.

Swindon citizens as possible work- ners, commissioners The council and NHS Swindon ing with the borough council and and providers of care have a duty to involve, consult NHS Swindon, amongst others, to services with the tightand engage with citizens and, for make sure health and social care est budgets for years example, the borough’s Connecting services are of the highest quality and the introduction People Connecting Places initiative of personal health and should be one of the ways that care budgets.

Looking happens.

LINk participants are The LINk is just another of the for a beginning to work in Career task groups monitor- LINk team members Jo Osorio, centre, James Brown and available mechanisms established in each social services authority area ing and scrutinising in Care? how services are actu- Gill Welsman-Clarke, with advisory group members, with Department of Health funding Joyce Bishop, front, Nazma Ramruttun, back Swindon Carers Centre is looking for channelled through the council. ally being provided and people with a passion for care, to join To find out more and to get incontributing at planning forums (VAS) has the job of supporting our care team supporting people to live where new ideas for improvement and enabling the LINk to develop. volved, call the LINk office on 497777 With what’s known as a ‘hosting’ or mail: enquiries@swindonlink.org independently in their own homes. are developed.

None of this happens in isolation Working a minimum of 16 hours a week, and the LINk team is determined which will include evenings, weekends to work with other user networks, and early mornings, a competitive rate voluntary and community orand mileage allowance paid. ganisations and activists to ensure Car essential and enhanced CRB required. coherence, avoid duplication and Just over a year ago Swindon’s Great Western Hospital became a NHS For an application pack please contact: Foundation Trust - an independent, not-for-profit, public-benefit corporation, build on what they do 1 Wood Street. Swindon SN1 4AN accountable to local communities rather than central government control.

Voluntary Action Swindon Clivey Link 01793 130x93:Layout 2 26/11/09 17:22 Page 1 Telephone 542285 Kevin McNamara, head of marketing and communications, explains the benefits and the progress the hospital has made since its management status changed.

GWH in touch with patients since it became a foundation trust

We have now been a Foundation Trust for 13 months and during this time Great Western Hospital has continued to provide safe, high quality care and improve patients’ experiences.

As a district general hospital, we provide general and acute surgery, critical care, coronary care, diagnostics, paediatric medicine and surgery, trauma and orthopaedics and midwifery and obstetric services.

The hospital, built in 2002, provides a high standard of modern accommodation with one third of beds in single en-suite rooms. We have achieved the highest level of care standards (NHSLA 3) for our maternity services.

Patients tell us that they appreciate our friendly, approachable staff and shorter waiting times as the Trust has performed well against both national and local waiting time targets.

As a Foundation Trust we are more accountable to local people, so if you would like to get involved in the hospital, you can become a member. You need to be aged 12 or over and live in Swindon or surrounding counties.

For details, call Karen Smith, membership officer, on 604185 or mail: foundation.trust@gwh.nhs.uk Or register online at http:// members.gwh.nhs.uk www.gwh.nhs.uk

1 - 21 February 10.indd 8

Men’s cancer support group launched

A men-only cancer group has been launched by Swindon based group Affected By Cancer (ABC) with the help of a £2,000 grant from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Evening meetings at Lawn Community Centre will aim to give men with cancer or caring for somebody with the disease the chance to talk to other men in a non-hospital environment.

For details call Fred Bassett on 533373 www.abcswindon.org

21/01/2010 11:40

swindonlink.com • February 2010

PALS for patients in need

9

Redhouse pharmacy grows as residents discover village centre convenience

Up to 1,500 people every year contact a free confidential health information service run by Swindon Primary Care Trust (PCT).

The mayor of Swindon David Wren officially opened the new pharmacy Their Patient Advice Liaison team and if you call you will get at Redhouse Village Centre, opposite the front entrance to Isambard Service (PALS) is funded by the one of them - not an automated Community School on 19 January.

NHS and offers a friendly ear, service. If the phone is busy, you help and advice via phone, email can leave your contact details on the voicemail and someone will contact or face to face.

Head of the PCT PALS (there are you. Similarly, if you drop in you other PALS within the NHS) Annie will be able to speak to someone Naji explained, “we were set up to there and then.

Annie added, “we do get complihelp patients, and people using our services. Come to us if you have ments but generally people want any problems, need advice about something sorted out, that could health care, or if you need to know be about waiting times, about staff how to get an NHS dentist, or how treatment, about care. PALS gives people a chance to talk to someone to change your GP.” There are three people on the who is friendly and impartial, who will listen to their concerns about their healthcare and help to solve any problems they might be expeThe Mayor gets help from Red Oaks nursery children riencing.”

As well as resolving personal isThe outlet, which started busi- people’s doorsteps for prescripsues, PALS uses the opportunity to ness in early November, is the first tions, over the counter medication, take feedback to improve services. in Swindon to be opened by the health products and toiletries.”

Annie said, “we work with our staff Day Lewis Pharmacy Group, the He added that the heavy rain A free and confidential support to make sure services are as good as UKs largest chain of independent before Christmas and the snow project for women survivors they can be. The information we get pharmacies. afterwards had not put off the staff.

Breaking Free is run by female survivors/ we use - anonymously - to improve “We’ve been providing a compreRichard King, who lives in the trained counsellors providing a support project service areas.” town and represents the company, hensive collection and delivery for females 18 plus surviving emotional, PALS is located at Swindon PCT, said, “we’ve been very well received service to the elderly and infirm physical, sexual abuse, rape.

North Swindon District Centre, by the community since opening, living in the area which has been Helpline open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday Thamesdown Drive and is open particularly by staff and parents vital for those unable to get out.

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. from Isambard Community School Sri Kantamneni, our pharmacist, To contact them call 708758 or and Red Oaks Primary School. has also developed an excellent Email: breaking3@googlemail.com mail: palscomments@swindon-pct.

“Convenient local services are relationship with local healthcare 159 Victoria Hill, Old Town, Swindon SN1 3BU nhs.uk very important. We’re right on professionals.” www.breaking3femalesupportgroup.co.uk

Breaking Free

07547 680839

New Pharmacy Now Open Your new Day Lewis pharmacy is now open for all your healthcare needs.

Our Services We are committed to improving the health of the local community and provide the following healthcare services: Prescription Collection and Delivery We will collect your prescription from the surgery, make it up and deliver it to you at home – saving you time and hassle.

You can either register in store or call us to sign up to the service.

1 - 21 February 10.indd 9

Quit Smoking Clinic

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Blood Glucose Monitoring

We run a free quit smoking clinic to help you kick the habit.

High blood pressure greatly increases your chances of heart attack or stroke.

Diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions in the UK.

A one to one consultation with the pharmacist is followed by weekly support sessions.

Our free monitoring service will help you keep an eye on your blood pressure.

Unit 1 Greencote House Isambard Way Redhouse Village Centre Swindon SN25 2NT Tel: 01793 737123

Opening Hours Monday – Friday 9.00am – 6.00pm Saturday 9.00am – 1.00pm

Use our free service to get your blood glucose levels measured and avoid becoming one of the “undiagnosed half million”.

22/01/2010 14:45

10 swindonlink.com • February 2010

New therapy methods for traumas Rapid, gentle and effective AIT, TFT, TAT

• Assaults and accidents • Abusive relationships • Bereavements & losses • Chronic anger or distress Experienced UKCP psychotherapist

Call Heather Redington on 01793 762939

Do You Deserve a Better Life?

Tattoos come with tales and memories

Every tattoo has a story to tell, says Dr Alison Brooks, and having removed nearly 100 at her Mirabel Clinic in the Shalburne Suite at the Great Western Hospital, her therapy skills have developed well beyond her medical training.

“People know exactly when they months depending on the size of the had their tattoo done; by the time tattoo and budget available. they come to me, many have carDr Brooks was a part-time GP ried them around with increasing whilst her children were growing up distress for a long time,” said Dr and then decided to set up Mirabel Brooks. “The memories associated in 2007. “I first thought most work with tatoos represent a great deal would be removing hair and skin of unhappiness. blemishes, but it’s been fascinating “Some people cry after their first how the business is developing. removal treatment, knowing that “The technology nowadays althey’ve started to change their life.” lows complete removal of most With the aid of her £30,000 laser tattoos and I really love doing it,” machine which breaks down tattoo said Dr Brooks, left. “I’ve met such inks under the skin, over a course of interesting people and helping treatments, Celtic symbols, names them move forward has been very of former lovers and designs in gratifying.” unusual places can be removed.

For details of the Mirabel service It can take between 6 and 12 see the advertisement below.

Andrew Hill Hypnotherapist, Counsellor & Life Coach

TV sports presenter to talk about managing diabetes

The Swindon group of Diabetes UK holds its annual general on Tuesday 2 February when former ITV West Sports Presenter Jed Pitman will talk about his experience of managing his diabetes whilst working 6,750+ sessions ran in a high pressure media position.

Smoking, Habits & Compulsions, The annual meeting will launch a series of free talks with health providers (see page 8); Fears & Phobias, Anxiety, Panic, • 8 June: Graham Cooper from Diabetes UK Southon Tuesday evenings: Depression, Tinnitus, IBS, Sleep, • 2 March: Oral Health and Diabetes. Dr Agnieszka west will talk about the work to tackle diabetes and Eating difficulties, Weight, Oosthuizen from Ridgeway Health will talk about the the importance of local support groups.

Motivation & Direction, Trauma, Confidence, Relationships etc.

The meetings start at 7.30pm at the Broadgreen link between good oral health and diabetes; VISIT: www.ahassociates.org • 13 April: Susan Stewart will discuss how the Alex- Centre, Salisbury Street, Swindon and are open to Call me in Confidence anyone who has an interest in diabetes. For details ander Technique can bring health benefits; • 11 May: The Swindon Local Involvement Network. contact group secretary Matthew Spencer on 851229 or 01793 873451 Link tattoo ad 15/10/09 11:40 Page Jo Osorio will1 explain how LINks connect patients 07771 672685 or mail: diabetes.swindon@care4free.net

Crisis centre offers pregnancy help

remove unwanted tattoos

Swindon Pregnancy Crisis Centre has provided support to women and their families when faced with an unplanned pregnancy or pregnancy crisis for the last eight years.

Hanif Robani of the Bombay Lounge handing over £350 from a curry charity night to Deb Donohoe, with volunteers Rachel Hudd, left, and Pam Fletcher

LASER TATTOO REMOVAL (blue/black ink only) IPL TREATMENTS FOR SKIN AND HAIR FACIAL FILLERS WRINKLE RELAXING INJECTIONS TREATMENTS TO REDUCE SWEATING Call Dr Alison Brooks for a free consultation at the Shalbourne Suite, Great Western Hospital, Swindon

01672 841029

1 - 21 February 10.indd 10

MIRABEL

www.mirabelclinic.com

Pregnancy advisor Deb Donohoe, said, "the centre allows women to explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe, caring, confidential environment whatever their circumstances. Last year we saw 60 clients - some were one-off meetings for pregnancy testing and crisis counseling, some were on a counseling programme following abortion or miscarriage trauma, and some come for baby clothes and free equipment."

A client who needed a friendly ear said, "I had weekly sessions with an

advisor. The empathy, compassion, love and support she showed me through the sessions brought me to a place where I felt at peace within and I could move forward with my life. Without the support I would still be stuck in a very dark place.

This is an outstanding service and vital to women in Swindon and surrounding areas."

The centre relies on donations and their most immediate need is a new computer. For details, and to help financially, call 617799. www.spcc-uk.org

21/01/2010 11:42

swindonlink.com • February 2010

PHOENIX SURGERY

Get healthy, stay healthy, with

HOMEOPATHY

Phone or visit the website for information

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

No needles, no blood tests Ruth Derham, PHSH RSHom 4 High Street, Purton

Tel: 01793 771820 www.purtonhomeopathy.co.uk

Tel: 01793 600440 • Traditional family medicine within a modern, comfortable and relaxed environment • Now open to new patient registrations from patients in West and North Swindon and the surrounding nearby villages • We are an accredited training practice.

• On-line appointment booking now available.

Register in the surgery or download an application form.

Dunwich Drive, Toothill Village Centre www.phoenixsurgery.com

Shaw Chiropractic Clinic IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM: ❍ Backache, Leg Pain ❍ Numbness ❍ Headache & Migraine ❍ Arthritis ❍ Sports Injury ❍ Sciatica ❍ Scoliosis

FACECHOICE PHARMACY Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 870226 Opening Times: Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm 2.15pm - 6pm Saturday 9am - 12noon

9 Milton Road Berkeley House Swindon SN1 5JE

11

❍ Whiplash

FREE SPINA L CHECK S

❍ Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CONSULTING A CHIROPRACTOR

SANDRA E. DAVIES D.C. & ASSOCIATES Members of BCA • Registered with GCC Members of the College of Chiropractors

Also: Child screening • Free information sheets • Ergonomic and Rehabilitation Products

Tel: (01793)

887801

www.shawchiropracticclinic.co.uk

Millgrove Street Redhouse Village Centre Swindon SN25 2FW

Hygienist available

1 - 21 February 10.indd 11

20/01/2010 10:22

12 swindonlink.com • February 2010

D & L Blinds

Rollers•Verticals•Venetians Pleated Blinds•VELUX® Conservatory Blinds Made-to-Measure Curtains

Quality blinds at affordable prices Fast and reliable service All blinds fitted free

Choose from a wide range of fabrics from the comfort of your own home Contact Paul on 01793 619428

www.dandlblinds.co.uk Free quotes no obligation

Tailor-made

by SueLynn Curtains Pelmets Roman blinds Swags & tails Cushion covers Fitting service available No job too small For further information call

Sue: 01793 870451 or Lynn: on 01793 330595

Council backed wi-fi service triggers health concerns – how worried should we be?

Swindon residents have expressed concerns over the health effects of electromagnetic field radiation (EMF) from the proposal by Digital City UK Ltd. under the brand name Signal to provide a wireless internet service across the town - with a £450,000 investment by Swindon Borough Council, writes Juliet Platt. cies (high ultra violet), x-rays and The system went live in High- safety checks.”

Digital City says that their wi-fi gamma rays can break chemical worth in December and Digital City hopes to make wi-fi available network adheres quite properly to bonds, damaging the material of to the rest of the town in the first Health Protection Agency (HPA) cells in the body (ionisation). RF half of the year but Dr Alex Parfitt standards and internationally signals are non-ionising, causing from Haydon Wick has written to accepted guidelines. Its website no known damage to the body’s Swindon Council to express his says, “based on current knowledge, cell structures.”

What is perhaps most worrying worries about the health impacts radio frequency exposures from wiof the 1,400 wi-fi transmitters to fi are likely to be lower than those here is the speed with which the wi-fi rollout has taken effect, withbe mounted on lamposts across from mobile phones.” the town.

“As a Swindon resident with two children, I have concerns over the health implications” he said.

“Have the health implications of high power broad area coverage systems, such as that proposed for Swindon, been investigated and published for peer review?”

“If not, will a review of the health impacts be carried out independently of the council and Digital City before subjecting any residents to the proposed system?”

Basil Jones, founder of Swindon based charity Stop Harming Our Children (SHOC) has expressed Pupils from Highworth Warnford School with Caroline Spelman shadow secretary for communities and local government at the Signal launch in December vehement concern about the effects of EMF radiation from wi-fi. “I The debate about the safety of out either public consultation nor simply cannot accept that it is wise mobile phones has raged for years. the merest attempt to educate the to install a system with no proper In 2000 the Stewart enquiry advised public on the safety of the system,

CUTTING ZONE U N I S E X H A I R S A LO N

13 Rodbourne Rd, Swindon

For a new look in 2010 give us a call on 01793 490947 Late night opening on Thursdays

Landlords!!

Does your existing agent have a laid back attitude? Why not try us?

We are an independent family owned and run estate agency offering over 40 years of combined property experience in Wootton Bassett, Purton, Lyneham, Swindon and surrounding villages.

• Only 10% pcm for our Full Property Management service.

• Competitive one off fee for our Introduction Only service.

• Further discounts on multiple properties &

recommendations.

• Advertising through the web & local publications • No costs until a tenant has been housed • 7 days a week viewings

www.alanhawkins.co.uk

1 - 21 February 10.indd 12

01793 855222

a ‘precautionary approach’ to using mobile phones including prohibiting children under the age of 8 from using them, and ensuring a phone is not held close to the head during use. Similarly, government guidelines for the use of wireless laptops state that children should not use them on their knees.

“This is because the power of the field emitted by a wireless device is greater at close quarters, but decreases rapidly over distance,” says Swindon-based independent computer consultant Andy Eastham, a graduate in electronic engineering from Cambridge University. “The power in the middle of the street 30 metres away from a wi-fi base station is 900 times weaker than at 1 metre. In the case of mobile phones, the field experienced when the phone is 1 metre away from you is 10 ,000 times less than when it’s 1cm away from your ear. It is important to understand this feature of EMF when considering the relative risks of new wi-fi transmitters compared with your existing mobile phone.”

In terms of biological risks, it is also important to distinguish between ionising and non-ionising radiation. The Mobile Operators’ Association website states “RF is part of the electro-magnetic spectrum as are television emissions, light, x-rays and gamma rays, but they operate at much lower frequencies. At the higher frequen-

other than to refer consumers to the Health Protection Agency’s directives.

The World Health Organisation web-site states, “experience shows that education programmes as well as effective communications and involvement of the public before installing RF sources can enhance confidence and acceptability.”

As far as usability is concerned, some Taw Hill residents will welcome Signal wi-fi. For years they suffered poor broadband service because they were over three miles from the Blunsdon telephone exchange until a new exchange opened in Haydon End in 2008.

David Parkinson is keen to know more about Signal. “I get a useable download speed from BT - about 2Mb/s - downhill with the wind behind it.

“What is really annoying is that BT made an arbitrary decision to connect virtually everybody in Taw Hill estate to the new exchange at Haydon End, leaving just a few houses still connected to Blunsdon.

I’ve been right to the top of BT but it’s too hard to provide a few of us with a faster service - so we’re stuck with it.

“I hope Signal can do better than 2Mb/s.”

• BT has announced that the Toothill telephone exchange is to be upgraded to provide super-fast fibre-based broadband services.

22/01/2010 16:54

Count your windows, calculate the cost. Simple...

Look at the tables below to see how much it will cost to replace them with ‘A’ or ‘C’ rated energy efficient windows.

GOLD

Package price:

60 monthly payments of:

14 windows, any size

£6,160

£121.17

12 windows, any size

£5,308

10 windows, any size

SILVER

Package price:

60 monthly payments of:

14 windows, any size

£5,544

£109.50

£104.41

12 windows, any size

£4,772

£93.87

£4,546

£89.42

10 windows, any size

£3,995

£78.58

8 windows, any size

£3,679

£72.37

8 windows, any size

£3,395

£66.78

6 windows, any size

£2,995

£58.91

6 windows, any size

£2,636

£51.85

The package of ‘A’ rated energy efficient windows

YOU CHOOSE HOW TO PAY:

The package of ‘C’ rated energy efficient windows

A. NO DEPOSIT, pay on completion B. NO DEPOSIT, 0% APR for one year C. NO DEPOSIT, choose between 3 and 15 years to pay at just 6.9% APR

ALL PRICES ARE INCLUSIVE OF VAT AND INSTALLATION. THERE ARE NO HIDDEN COSTS!

Call us 24 hours a day for an honest, personal service on INCORPORATING

01793 522977 or visit www.g2sgroup.co.uk Window Systems Profile Accreditations

Prices shown are for white finish windows and include full installation and VAT. If you require special finishes or colours please ask for details. Terms and conditions apply, please ask for written details.

Finance example for 8 ‘A’ rated energy efficient windows: Cash price £3679. Pay £72.37 for 60 months. Charge for credit £663.20. Total amount payable £4342.20 at 6.9% APR.

Affordable prices for windows, doors and conservatories from a company with over 100 years trading across the group

1 - 21 February 10.indd 13

20/01/2010 10:24

Final Ad (Nov)

28/10/09

17:13

Page 1

Calling local clubs and groups

CTORY INTRODFU O FER

FTH F O % 5 2HE FIRST MON A

T AKING WHEN MBOOKING BLOCKk for details As

We have extensive facilities for hire to suit your needs Based in new schools covering the North Swindon area, we have a large range of facilites for community groups and clubs to use after school hours between 6 -10pm weekdays and all weekend. Whatever you're running, we have the space you're looking for.

Please contact Amy now to discuss your needs.

Call 020 7901 3459 email: northside@laing.com

21-52 December 09.indd 41

Facilities include: • Grass pitches • Floodlit all-weather pitches • Sports halls • General purpose halls • Dance studios • Classrooms • Meeting spaces • Community rooms • Facilities available for children with disabilities: trampoline, ball pond and hydrotherapy pool • Disabled access • Catering facilities • Parking

19/11/2009 11:34

swindonlink.com • February 2010

15

Education Business Award for Isambard Space dust turns on Haydon children

Isambard Community School in North Swindon has received national recognition of its achievements in encouraging staff and pupils to take part in the Arts Council’s Arts Award scheme.

The Education Business Award for Arts and Crafts was presented to the school by newscaster Bill Turnbull at a ceremony at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in December.

Kirsty Carter, director of the performing arts and media specialism at Isambard, said, “we’re very pleased to raise the school’s profile in this way. We’re unique in that every member of staff is trained as Arts Award advisor. We shared this model at a national trainers’ conference and now we receive Isambard headteacher Rachel Mattey holding the Eduenquiries and questions cation Business Award outside the Emirates Stadium from schools all over the country. vital in business today.”

Isambard is the first Swindon “The Arts Award is a similar scheme to the Duke of Edinburgh school to implement the Arts Award Award, in that there are bronze, scheme. “The take up has been silver and gold levels to achieve. very impressive as more pupils are The pupils have to work on differ- registering their interest in getting ent types of research projects for involved,” said Kirsty.

Other schools in Swindon such as each level and organise events or opportunities to share their skills. Commonweal, Churchfields, Nova This fosters good leadership and Hreod and Greendown are implecommunication abilities, which are menting Arts Award programmes.

Youngsters at Haydon Wick Primary School were given the chance to see irreplaceable and very expensive samples of Moon rock close up and handle meteorites from outer space at the end of November.

The lunar samples, provided by the Swindon based Science and Technology Facilities Council, were collected during NASA’s manned space missions to the Moon in the late 1960s and early 1970s. A small proportion of the rock and soil was made available to develop lunar and planetary sciences educational packages around the world.

Jenny Cooper, science specialist at Haydon Wick, said she’d never seen the children so excited by the chance to see the space material. “The children were overawed by handling material that was billions of years old and had travelled millions of miles to land on Earth.”

Ben Kay said, “I learnt the difference between a meteorite that falls to the earth and meteors that just burn up. It was amazing to be able to hold a bit of rock from outer space.”

Haydon Wick children holding up the space samples and enclosed lunar soil

Rendcomb College & Junior School A co-educational boarding & day school for 3-18 year olds

Please contact our Admissions Registrar to register for our

13+ Entrance Examinations Thursday 25th February

Junior School Open Morning Friday 5th March 9am - 12 noon

Educating the Whole Child

Means tested bursaries and scholarships available at all levels of entry Tel: 01285 832306 / Email: info@rendcomb.gloucs.sch.uk Web: www.rendcombcollege.org.uk

1 - 21 February 10.indd 15

21/01/2010 11:44

16 swindonlink.com • February 2010

e* Frea l i Tr

Begin your Kumon journey

Maths and English Study Programmes • work at a pace that is tailored to your child’s needs • develop invaluable study habits and concentration • complement the school curriculum Contact your local Instructor today.

Irzana Golding Swindon Shaw Centre 01793 686112 Tsuyako Haruki Haydon Wick Centre 01285 643701

* Enrol your child at your local Kumon study centre between 21 January & 20 February 2010 for a two-week Free Trial and begin your Kumon journey.

Terms & conditions apply.

Visit kumon.co.uk for more details.

kumon.co.uk

Every child can shine

Extended School Services are here in your local community to offer you and your family a variety of services, activities and opportunities either as individuals or as a family.

So whether you are looking for new social outlets, childcare, information on paying for childcare, clubs and activities, holiday activities for your children, adult courses, retraining or opportunities to return to work .... . . . it’s all just one click away . . . take a look today at what’s coming your way!”

www.novahreodisambardess.org.uk For further information contact Sandra Collis or Lisa Parkinson on 01793 608199 Computing for Beginners,

L Desk Top Publishing, RO EN W NO Cooking on a Budget and

. . Every child matters

Spring Floristry workshops

Head and staff lead effective school say Ofsted

Children, staff, governors and parents at Toothill’s Oliver Tomkins Church of England Infant and Nursery School are celebrating a successful Ofsted inspection where the overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good.

Inspectors described the children’s good progress and standards of work above expected for pupils’ ages. Their report identified that staff were very successful in enabling pupils to reflect on a wide range of issues and to develop strong moral values for their age.

The school’s work is securely underpinned by its strong religious character. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and she has built an effective team, was consequently excellent, and who together ensure that the school clearly evident in strong relation- runs effectively from day to day.’

Headteacher Rhian Cockwell, ships throughout the school.

Inspectors highlighted how the above, said, “I am extremely proud school is often outstanding in its of the staff, children, governors and response to pupils with specific parents. Everyone’s hard work has difficulties and in respect of child led to us receiving a good Ofsted protection. The care, support and report.

“It recognises that the school is guidance for all pupils is good and this significantly supports pupils’ committed to ensuring that pupils make good progress within their progress.

The report says ‘parents were learning and there is a continuunanimous in their support for ing outstanding quality of pupils’ the school’ and also states, ‘the spiritual, social, moral and cultural headteacher’s leadership is strong development.”

Free courses in North Swindon Daunted by computers? North Swindon Extended Schools is running free courses for anybody who wants to get to grips with modern technology.

• Learn how to create and edit a document and how to use the internet on Wednesdays, 10.30am to 12.30pm, from 27 January; • Basic desktop publishing - learn how to create posters, cards and newsletters using Microsoft Publisher on Thursdays, 10.30am to 12.30pm, from 28 January;

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 Village and also Stratton Community Centre Official Dance Centre of the ISTD offering FDI & CDE Units Bring this advert with you and receive the first two lessons free

Contact Sarah Watson on 01793 524112 or 07825 543529 before 8pm

1 - 21 February 10.indd 16

• Healthy cooking on a budget. Gain inspiration to cook exciting, affordable dishes without additional cost on Thursdays, 9.30am to 12noon, from 25 February.

The courses take place at Nova Hreod School. For details call Lisa Parkinson or Sandra Collis on 608199 or see www. novahreodisambardess.org.uk

Free from Wizard

Wizard Education is offering a number of unusual courses free of charge, with funding support from Swindon Council including: • A taste of Swindon - make and publish a community recipe book; • Chain reaction - help write a story for radio broadcast; • Craft pot pourri - taster sessions to try a range of popular arts & crafts; • Organising a local event or show - ideal for community fundraisers to share ideas and learn how to make an event stress free.

For details call Jo or Greg Dunningham on 512096 or 07747 804487. www.wizardeducation.co.uk

Discover a different approach to relationships Raziya Sacranie, right, is running a massage for couples course to teach simple techniques to reduce stress and tension, remove inhibitions and promote emotional bonding resulting in deeper levels of communication, connection and expression.

It takes place on Saturday 30 January, 10am to 5pm, at Lower Shaw Farm and costs £150 per couple.

For details call Raziya on 637500 or see www. raziyasacranie.com

21/01/2010 11:45

swindonlink.com • February 2010

17

Brook Field children meet up with war veterans

Year 5 pupils at Brook Field Primary School invited pensioners to join them for a Christmas party kneesup in December to show off what they had learnt about life in World War II during the Autumn term.

Despite signing the Offiãal Se- noise was terrific, it’s something This included a visit from the Wiltshire Living History Group crets Act, the visit has been revealed I’ll never forget.”

Margaret Burrows said she could who arrived in period cars and at www.brookfield.swindon.sch.uk At the party, the pensioners from still smell wartime London. “It Jeeps, dressed in clothing of the time and military uniforms, setting up the Guiness Trust sheltered housing smelt of soot all the time, from coal in Toothill, watched the children and wood fires, and dust thrown up camp on the playing field.

They also visited the site of the danãng and singing and joined in by the bombing and destruction.”

Year 5 pupil Lia Theabold said, top secret spy school at Coleshill, with a few favourites.

Doris Rawlings, 92, told a group “we’ve learnt so much and it was near Highworth, where they trained to become resistance fighters by of children how her East London lovely that the older people came donning camouflage clothing and home was destroyed by a bomb. to visit us. They said VE day was “I was in the air raid shelter; the the best day, when they had a big make-up to act out a mission. party. I think they enjoyed our party Waving the flag, Brook Field children with residents of Guinness Trust at school.”

The Blackthorn School of Photography Digital image-making and black and white printing based at our specialist teaching centre near Cricklade Evening, day and weekend courses for beginners and advanced photographers www.photography-courses.com Tel: 01454 416937 or 07920 116492

English, Mathematics and Science For age 7 upwards Personal workplans Fully qualified teachers Preparation for SATS & GCSE exams Free assessment and first lesson

C N vo hild E W ac uc ca ce he re pt rs ed

Swindon College The BEST you can be!

?

00 WIN £3che rs from

of High Street Vou

Love2shop

Log on to

www.you-candoit.co.uk Enter your details to let us know you’re coming, for a chance to win!

For further information contact Student Services on 0800 731 2250 or email: studentservices@swindon-college.ac.uk Visit: www.swindon-college.ac.uk Swindon College, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1DY

1 - 21 February 10.indd 17

23/01/2010 09:37

18 swindonlink.com • February 2010    

          



Vous êtes francophone?

Vous souhaitez rencontrer d’autres parents et enfants francophones?

Arc-en-ciel est un groupe qui se retrouve chaque semaine, où chacun peut s’amuser, se détendre, avec son enfant et rencontrer d’autres familles bi-lingues.

For details of Arc-en-ciel, the parent and toddler group for French speakers in Swindon, which meets at Robert Le Kyng Children’s Centre, Westcott Street on Fridays, 1pm to 2pm, call Ellen on 07794 269 313 or mail: swindon.arcenciel@googlemail.com

A day of nourishment for expectant mums

Gayle Fletcher of Inner Smile Massage and fellow yoga teacher and active birth teacher Becky Brain of Birthbody are running a pregnancy nourishment day for expectant mums at Lower Shaw Farm on 6 February, 10am to 4pm.

It will include deep relaxation, massage, belly art and a rite of passage to motherhood session in preparation for labour and birth.

“Becoming a mother is a special time, perhaps not honoured fully in our society,” said Becky. “This day will offer the opportunity to connect more fully with fears, hopes and dreams around birth and mothering.

“We’re inviting pregnant mothers to step into the sacred process of carrying and birthing a baby, honouring your body and its wisdom, and the grand-mother wisdom of generations of women who have given birth naturally by connecting deeply with their instincts and the treasure of their

hidden inner resources.”

The cost for the day is £45 and includes an organic vegetarian lunch.

Booking is essential. Call Rebecca Brain on 07843 050073 or mail: rebecca@birthbody.co.uk www.birthbody.co.uk

Make 2010 a better year for yourself and your family

As human beings we are blessed, or blighted, depending upon your perspective, with the power of choice, writes Andrew Hill. We can either choose to focus on the negativity of past events, accepting ‘failure’ or ‘learn’ from the past and take a positive intent into 2010.

For many the past year would with the time this year? have brought financial concerns, Some suggestions: and for some these will continue • make your family a priority, get to into 2010. Those of us in both the really know and interact with them; • call up old friends; manufacturing and • get some training/ service industries have education; been challenged. Per• improve your envihaps you don’t have as ronment; much work as you had • do some voluntary before: fewer clients, work. no overtime, shorter Perhaps 2009 was working hours? a gift in disguise that I appreciate that we was given to help us all have a home to so that we could see keep and mouths to that loving people and feed, essential needs. using things is far better However do we really need that new pair of shoes, the than using people and loving things?

What will you do with your second car, flash new kitchen or power of choice in 2010? overseas holiday?

It might have felt like we did, Andrew Hill is a hypnotherapist, but we will survive without them, counsellor and life-coach who has and likely protect the environment conducted nearly 7,000 sessions. in so doing.

See his advert on page 10.

So are we now time (labour) rich, • Be a volunteer - see page 45. cash poor? If so what can you do

1 - 21 February 10.indd 18

21/01/2010 13:53

swindonlink.com • February 2010

Little Foxes Childcare & Education

Shaw kids’ club closes as council shuts down community centre

A popular breakfast, after-school and holiday club ended just before Christmas in advance of the closing down of Upper Shaw Farm social centre - putting two people out of work.

For children and their parents Established 1986 The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts Tel: 01666 510356 Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042

l

l l l l

Last party. Lyn Burch and Jayne Miller saying farewell to children at Shaw Ridge Community Kids’ Club in December

The Shaw Ridge Community Kids Club was set up in 2001 by Lyn Burch as a not-for-profit group to provide care for children who attended Shaw Ridge Primary School across the road at Ridge Green.

But the decision by Swindon Council to rebuild the school and incorporate community facilities to replace the farm, and the governors’ requirement to put out of school care to tender, has resulted in Lyn and her assistant Jayne Miller losing their jobs.

Lyn explained, “when it was decided to provide community facilities in the school and we were told Upper Shaw Farm centre would close, we assumed the user groups would be offered space in

the school. I was surprised in June to be told by the school that there would be a tender process to run out of school care.”

The school chose another provider which meant the kids’ club closed down in December - the only group based at the farm which has not transferred to the school.

“The only reason the group existed was to provide care for children at Shaw Ridge, so there was no alternative but to close,” said Lyn. “It’s very upsetting for me and Jayne, and also the parents who chose our group.

“The kids’ club has been my life for the last nine years. We both loved working with the children; I’ll miss them a great deal.”

19

An independent family run nursery offering quality care and education within a safe, secure, stimulating environment for all babies and children from 0-5 and an out of school club for children aged 5-11 years Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for 3-5 year olds High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching staff and nursery nurses Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room, school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about

Close to M4 junction 16, just a short drive from West Swindon For children 3 months to five years Open all year from 8am to 6pm Extensive outdoor play & garden Grant places available For information call: 01793 851495

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

What future for farmhouse?

Swindon Council decided in 2007 that Upper Shaw Farm social centre was not required, as community rooms were to be provided in the new Shaw Ridge Primary School.

However the recession has made selling the farm site for development uneconomic for the council. The centre was due to close at the end of January and councillors are deciding whether there is a short term use for it, or whether the building should be boarded up.

A high quality day nursery situated in West Swindon at Windmill Hill Business Park, close to the M4 Junction 16, offering a happy, sociable environment where every child is treated as an individual.

e Com

and OPen DAyS

Thu 11th Feb Fri 12th March Sat 13th March Wed 14th April

• For children aged 6 weeks to 5 years • Open from 8.00am to 6.00pm, 52 weeks per year (except public holidays) • Full time and part time places • Large garden for all ages • Fully inclusive, including all meals, baby milk and nappies

Britannia Majorettes were presented with new T-shirts by Cre’8 Hair & Beauty Salon in Greenmeadow in December.

see

us

!

For more information please contact us: Windmill Hill Day Nursery, Whitehill Way Swindon Wiltshire SN5 6NX

Tel: 01793 877646

Email: info@childbase.com www.childbase.com

• CCTV throughout the nursery

The majorettes are looking for bookings during the Spring and Summer. Call Alison Humphrey on 745487 if you would like them to provide entertainment at your event

1 - 21 February 10.indd 19

21/01/2010 11:49

20 swindonlink.com • February 2010

Fun yoga classes for the little ones!

Even Swindon School Mondays @ 3.15pm 5 - 7 yrs old Lower Shaw Farm, Swindon Tuesdays @ 4pm 3 - 6 yrs old Nataraj Artspace Thursdays @ 4.30pm 5 - 10 yrs old For more information call: 01793 723125 www.innersmilemassage.co.uk

Be creative and win some yoga sessions

The Kirsty Farrow Dance Academy

Classes for children and adults Pre School • Ballet Modern Tap • Musical Theatre Adult Jazz/Fitness and Tap Street Jazz

Now in our own premises at Headlands School

with branches in Hook Village Hall and Lechlade Memorial Hall First class FREE of charge

Tel: 07980 918192 (Miss Kirsty ISTD CDE)

Email: kirstyfarrow@hotmail.co.uk www.thekirstyfarrowdanceacademy.com

WORK WEAR PROMOTIONAL WEAR LEISURE/SPORT WEAR CHILDREN’S WEAR PRE-SCHOOL+PLAY SCHOOL CLOTHING+BAGS DIGITIZING SERVICE AVAILABLE For details call Dave on 01793 870935 07900 624517 e: dd@brandongt.fsnet.co.uk

Gayle Fletcher who runs Yoga Berries kids yoga is asking children and parents to come up with designs for her future advertisements, and is offering six weeks of yoga classes as a prize.

Entries can be drawings sent by post or scanned and e-mailed, or computer aided designs. For details mail Gayle: hello@innersmilemassage.co.uk

Wedding bells via Credit Union

When Dennis Green popped the question to his partner Lynda, she was over the moon, not least because she knew they would be able to have the wedding of their dreams by saving up with their local credit union.

Lynda and Dennis went on a regular basis to the credit union collection at Clivey Parade and saved bit by bit for their big day.

“We knew the money would be safe, and whenever we went in to make a deposit the volunteers wanted to know how the wedding plans were going,” said Lynda.

“They were all so friendly and excited for us, in the end we invited them all to come along on the day.”

The couple, who live in David Murray John building, saved for over two years before withdraw ing enough to cover the costs of their wedding and honeymoon.

But it didn’t stop there. Now they are saving up for their next holiday.

Anyone living or working in Swindon can join. Two forms of ID - a passport or driving licence - and a recent household bill are needed to join.

North of the main railway line Clivey Credit Union, Clive Parade, 541 Cricklade Road. Open: Wednesday 10am to 12noon; Saturday 11am to 12noon. Tel: 07905 636152

South of the railway line - Steam Ahead Credit Union, Cavendish Square, Park South. Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 10am to 12noon. Tel: 522216.

21 SALE continues Up to 50% off clearance lines

Swindon‛s widest choice of discounted

Art, Craft and Framing products

Lots of extra bargains Framework Art & Craft Unit 35 BSS House Cheney Manor, Swindon Ample free parking

A newspaper to stimulate ideas and cultivate cultural thoughts

The Swindon Hooter, a four-page newspaper reflecting on the Think: Swindon in 2009, is now available from Swindon Cultural Partnership (SCP).

The month-long Think: Swindon season of discovery, with a view to season last April brought together helping Swindon culture develop over forty local partner organisafurther down the line. This will tions, and reached thousands of now be a springboard for future people through dozens of thought partnerships and events.” provoking festivals, shows, exhibiSeveral projects were launched tions and community gatherings. from Think:Swindon such as the At its heart was the Anne Swindon artist’s Open Studios in Frank and You exhibition, with September and plans for an interother highlights including a national film festival in 2010. multi-cultural St. George’s Day Currently, the main priority for pageant - featuring the largest St the SCP is to develop the Richard George’s figure in the world, and Jefferies Museum at Coate Water a visit by author Jasper Fforde. into a vibrant well visited place on Mike Pringle, SCP director, Swindon’s cultural map. who organised the season, exFor a printed copy of Swindon plained, “Think:Swindon was a Hooter, mail Mike Pringle via www. great success, bringing together swindonculture.org or read it digidifferent people and provoking tally at the site.

Swindon residents to really think. It was also about preparing the ground for the future, a

Tel/Fax 01793 513069 Email: mail@facswindon.co.uk

www.facswindon.co.uk

BLAYLOCKS SWINDON’S FAMILY SHOE SHOP Est. 1920

STOCKISTS OF ALL LEADING BRANDS NEW SPRING RANGES NOW ARRIVING

BLAYLOCKS Bath Road Corner Old Town Tel: 534271

Wyvern Theatre lights the way

Wyvern audiences can now start their dramatic experience before they even step through the theatre’s doors‚ thanks to a dynamic lighting display on the side of the building.

The £20,000 public art project - paid for by building developer contributions - has been fraught with difficulties and has taken over two years to complete. The delay was featured in the September 2009 Link.

The lights were repaired in time for the panto in December and thousands of people witnessed the vertically arranged lights cycle through various colour schemes.

Head of Culture Swindon Helen Miah said, “this has been a long time coming but the wait has been worth it. Now the Wyvern Theatre is a visual beacon for Swindon’s emerging cultural quarter.”

The Wyvern’s dragon logo is also back, mounted high above its original position, on the flytower, overlooking theatre square.

An official unveiling is planned for late February.

21-52 February 10.indd 21

21/01/2010 11:55

Swindon Wide

22

GWR175 - celebrating Swindon’s heritage

Over the coming year railway historian Steve Wakefield will be writing a number of articles looking back over the last 175 years since the inception of the Great Western Railway and its profound impact on the town

Steve Wakefield, when he was mayor of Swindon in 2008/09, toasting the man who made the town

ing with strange dialects, accents and even languages from every corner of the British Isles.

Swindon become a town of two halves Old and New town. Some people in Old Town were reluctant to take in lodgers from this new ‘uncouth workforce’ and Old Townies were also thankful that the green fields and pastures between the two settlements acted like a green zone keeping a respectable distance between them. Maybe the New Townies felt the same about the snobs up the hill.

Stratton Community Leisure Centre Ballroom, Latin & Sequence Dancing Thursday 4th February 2010 in the Stratton Suite Raffle / tea, coffee, biscuits Live music 2.00pm start £2.75 Members £3.75 Non Members

celebrations in 1985 were cancelled because of the impending closure.

In this 175th year since the birth of GWR, Swindon and its railway heritage is now represented by STEAM, the Museum of the Great Western Railway. It lives on in a GWR tradition touching the future by holding onto the past.

In its grasp is a knowledge and appreciation of the great people, machines and community that underpinned the Great in the Great Western Railway.

• STEAM has announced a programme of celebrations starting in March. See details at www.swindon .gov.uk/steam

King George V, Swindon’s most famous engine. Photo: Roy Nash

Studley Grange Dolls House Workshop STOCKISTS OF THE FOLLOWING SUPPLIERS • Bodo Henning Miniatures • Carl Schmieder houses and furniture • Dolls House Emporium houses and furniture • Dolls House Mall Quality Miniatures • Dolls House Parade Miniature Flowers • Dolls House Workshop houses • Glenowen houses • Heidi Ott quality Miniatures • Little Trimmings Haberdashery • Reutter Porcelain • Sid Cooke Houses • Streets Ahead Houses and Furniture • Wanham Furniture

Over 200 wallpapers now in stock!

3 good reasons to visit Studley Grange Dollshouse Workshop...

Saturday 13th February 2010

●

All types of music from Ballroom to Jazz & Modern (60’s, 70’s, 80’s) Doors open 7.00pm Entertainment starts approx 8.15pm

Earn up to 10% discount with our new loyalty scheme ● We can match most of discounts offered by Dollshouse Emporium on their website

•And we are now twice as big so there is more to choose from!

Including an exclusive new range of hand made fruit and vegetables and hand-knitted clothes, a further 4 fabulous dollshouses, adding to our existing collection, fine furniture, carpets, lighting and a huge range of wallpapers.

Tel: (01793) 825525 www.strattonstmargaret.gov.uk

Grange Drive, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon SN3 4JY

21-52 February 10.indd 22

Swindon today is much changed.

Gone are the pigs and the railway works, along with the long tree lined country track that was Drove Road where cattle meandered their way to market on the hoof.

The green zone buffer has well and truly been swallowed up by a burgeoning population of around 195,000 with plans to expand to the east beyond the A419 as well as developments currently under way in North Swindon and South Swindon (Wichelstowe). It is projected that over 250,000 will live here by 2035, when it will be GWR 200.

Swindon’s ‘works’ survived only a few months after the GWR 150

•Dolls houses in kit form or fully built - 24 different stock styles •Build your own dream home to your own specification •Full range of electrical equipment

ST_SW1631607

Today, some 140 years after Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s death, Swindon is still benefiting from this great man’s legacy.

Before Brunel Swindon was known as the ‘town on the hill’ or ‘down of swine’, and though it was a small town it had been granted the right to hold a weekly market and even an annual Mop Fair.

In 1831 the census reported that there were some 350 houses in Swindon and its population was 1,734 based around agriculture.The hill is made up of Portland stone so quarrying was also an important income to the town.

The Industrial Revolution had certainly bypassed this quaint rural backwater, but all that was about to change as Swindon embraced the opportunity of enterprise and innovation. Brunel could have put the railway through Hungerford, Devizes and Bradford-on Avon.

Had he done that then Devizes may have been the ‘Swindon’ of the GWR world ..... now there’s a thought to conjure with.

Old Town dominated the hill and down below was the railway, buzzing with the ‘new incomers,’ people talk-

One of the biggest selections in the South West

Telephone 01793 852400 www.studleygrange.co.uk Unit 5, Studley Grange Craft Village, Hay Lane, Wroughton, Swindon, Wilts, SN4 9QT follow brown signs from M4, Junction 16 (1/2 mile towards Wroughton)

22/01/2010 11:47

Swindon Wide

23

Fifteen years and counting...

FANTASTIC CHINESE CUISINE AT TWO GREAT VENUES

Martha Parry of the New Mechanics’ Trust says the battle to save the derelict Grade 3* listed building in the town centre continues, and there is progress The Swindon Advertiser recently reported 54 per cent of respondents to a survey believed nothing will happen about the Mechanics’ Institution building in 2010 - but they may be surprised.

A LA CARTE and our famous ALL YOU CAN EAT MENU

Choose from over 100 dishes From Sunday to Thursday: £16 per person Fridays & Saturdays: £19 per person 25% off menu prices on all takeaways STILL AVAILABLE

Patch up work on the Mechanics’ being carried out

by Forefront Estates in early 2009

People generally expect the future to be pretty much the same as the past, but then they can get a shock.

Change can come quickly and without warning as earthquakes and market-quakes remind us regularly.

With the Mechanics’ issue, there is slow progressive movement every six months or a year or so. Near the end of 2009, a turning point was achieved that could and should have happened 15 years ago when New Mechanics’ Trust was established to return the building to its original community use.

Or it could have happened 7 years ago, just before Forefront Estates bought the premises for £500,000.

At least it has happened now.

An Urgent Works Notice was served by Swindon Council upon the owner requiring immediate repairs to prevent further deterioration. This was driven forward by a planning inspector who agreed with the New Mechanics’ Trust that the council’s policy did not sufficiently reflect long-standing national guidance about such historically important buildings.

The report by consultants outlining the required repairs noted ‘extensive signs of continuing and potentially accelerating decay’ since their earlier inspection in 2002.’

Thank goodness for solid Victorian engineering, for happily they also found ‘the fabric of the building is robust and in good condition with no obvious structural problems with the masonry...The timber is in poor condition where water ingress has occurred, but otherwise appears to be sound...Steel appears to be robustly designed and where visible appears to be in good condition.’

When the owner proved reluctant

21-52 February 10.indd 23

to commence the repairs, the council warned it could step in and have the work done by contractors and forward the bill. The £250,000 or so involved should put the cat among the pigeons, which have had the run of the place for too long.

The importance to the national and international heritage of Swindon’s GWR Mechanics’ Institution has been increasingly recognised due to the trust’s efforts since 1995.

A recent international conference in Bath discussed our institution and proposals for its future.

But it is the potential for Swindon’s future that really energises us now. The trust hopes eventually to acquire the building, and use it to bring the people of Swindon together again, as a community active in creating their own future and sharing their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for the common good. www.new-mechanics.com

Radio spot offered to young songwriters Swindon Council’s Music Service, is looking for budding songwriters.

A competition gives 13 to 19 year olds the chance to submit a song with their own lyrics, and written in their style. Group entries can also be submitted.

Under 12s can enter by putting their own lyrics to either Blondie’s The Tide is High or Mark Morrison’s Return of the Mack.

The closing date is 13 February and winning entries will be recorded for Swindon 105.5 radio.

Download an entry form from www.swindonmusicservice.org or call 487802

ENU BRAND NEW M FOR 2010 EARLY BIRD OFFER

ONLY

£12.50 PER PERSON

at both restaurants Sunday to Friday ONLY AVAILABLE IF ORDERED BEFORE 7pm

ALL YOU CAN EAT MENU

OVER 100 DISHES - MANY NEW ONES

AVAILABLE AT BOTH RESTAURANTS (Also available at Lunchtime) All offers shown above are subject to change without notice

SUNDAY LUNCH £12.50 ALL YOU CAN EAT ONLY AT LE RENDEZVOUS

LADIES’ NIGHTS OFF

ER

SWINDON RE NDEZVOUS ON MONDAY S ONLY

LADIES EAT FO ONLY £12.50 R LE RENDEZVO US ON TUESDAY S ONLY

RESERVE A TABLE FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY AND EAT FOR FREE If a table is booked for 6 or more the birthday boy or girl eats for free (For example 5 pay and 1 eats for free. Birthday must be on actual day booked.

(Only valid on all you can eat or any set dinner. I.D. WILL BE REQUIRED)

SWINDON RENDEZVOUS 11-12a Theatre Square, Swindon Telephone: 01793 523570 www.swindonrendezvous.co.uk ___________________________________________________________________ LE RENDEZVOUS

36-39 Haydon St, Swindon. Telephone: 01793 526111 www.lerendezvousswindon.co.uk CLOSED ON MONDAY Private free parking after 5pm (George Whites yard opposite)

21/01/2010 11:57

24

Music

Swindon Wide What’s

Wednesday 3rd, 7.30pm That’ll Be The Day. A combination of unique comedy routines mixed with classic gold hits from 1950s to 1970s. £20.50. Wyvern Wednesday 3rd to Saturday 6th, 7.30pm A Night at the Oscars presented by Ten In A Bar, Swindon’s premier close harmony singing group. £9.50.Wyvern Thursday 4th, 7.30pm The Bohemians. The glory days of Queen re-enacted. £16.50. Wyvern Monday 15th, 7.30pm Fairfort Convention. One of the greatest live bands with a rich and varied repertoire of old favourites and new numbers. £18.50. Wyvern Tuesday 16th, 7.30pm The Bootleg Sixties. The Overtures perform music by all the classic artists of the era. £16. Wyvern Thursday 18th, 8pm Showaddywaddy. After 35 incredible years rock and roll music is alive and kicking in the hands of the legendary band. £18. Arts Centre Friday 19th, 7.30pm Swindon Recital Series. Claire Jones, Royal Harpist to HRH Prince of Wales, presents works by Bach, Tchaikovsky and de Falla, as well as her own arrangements. £12; accompanied under 14s free. Arts Centre Sunday 28th, 7.30pm A Night of Musicals presented by Jill Mc Crae and Becci Benson. Duets and solos from well-known musicals. £9. Arts Centre

Talks

Thursday 18th, 6.30pm Space Weather. A captivating insight by space scientist Dr Chris Davis.

Free but booking required, to reserve a place call 442092. STFC, County Ground Sunday 21st, 8pm The Hairy Bikers. Wyvern. Sold out.

Venues

Arts Centre Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Bradon Forest Theatre Bradon Forest School, Purton. Tel: 773981 Framework Art & Craft, Unit 35 BSS House, Cheney Manor. Tel: 513069 Lydiard House, Lydiard Park Tel: 770401 STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway. Kemble Drive.

Tel: 466646 Swindon Dance Town Hall Theatre Regent Circus. Tel: 601700 Swindon Information Centre Regent Street. Tel: 530328 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Wyvern Theatre Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue

21-52 February 10.indd 24

Comedy

Sunday 7th, 8pm Jimmy Carr. A heady mix of artistic integrity, loyalty and avarice has put Jimmy back on the road. For adults only. £22.50. Oasis Leisure Centre Tuesday 9th, 8pm Pappy’s Fun Club. A night of sketches and songs. £12. Arts Centre Wednesday 10th, 8pm Rhod Gilbert & The Cat That looked Like Nicholas Lyndhurst. The Welsh wonder is back with a brand new show. £16.50. Wyvern Friday 12th, 8pm

Tim Vine. King of the one-liner and star of BBC’s Not Going Out in a new stand-up show with support from John Archer. £16. Wyvern Saturday 13th, 7.30pm One-Man Lord of the Rings. No props or costumes required as Charles Ross hurtles through the Tolkein trilogy in just 3,600 seconds. £17. Wyvern Saturday 20th, 8pm Jo Caulfied Won’t Shut Up! Hot from Radio 4, one of the most successful female comedians in the country. £14.

Arts Centre Sunday 28th, 8pm Stewart Lee. The co-writer of Jerry Springer The Opera with a provocative performance inspired by an altercation in a high street coffee chain. £17.

Wyvern

Theatre

Thursday 11th & Friday 12th, 7.15pm; Saturday 13th, 1pm & 7.15pm Harold Joliffe One Act Play Festival.

Local amateur companies celebrate drama in a constructive and competitive atmosphere. Trophies are awarded for best actors and best play.

See www.swindonweb.com/hj10 for details. £7.50. Arts Centre Friday 19th, 7pm Murder Mystery Evening. Enjoy a magnificent 3 course meal as you watch the plot unfold. Interrogate the suspects and solve the clues. £34.

Wyvern Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th, 7.30pm; Thurs & Sat 2.30pm Porridge starring Shaun Williamson.

This hilarious new play for the whole family features all the favourite Porridge characters. £16.50 - £21.Wyvern Thursday 25th to Saturday 27th, 7.30pm Wait and Knock presented by Old Town Theatre Company. Dan is a supply teacher and his first day at St Saviour’s may well be his last! £7.50.

Arts Centre

22/01/2010 11:25

On in February Children & Family

Friday 5th, 8pm; Saturday 6th, 2pm & 8pm; Sunday 7th, 2pm & 5pm Moscow State Circus. Many critically acclaimed acts pushing the boundary of human physical ingenuity to its limits. £12 - £22; family £60. Wyvern Tuesday 9th, 10.30am & 4pm; Wednesday 10th, 10.30am & 1pm Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play. 2D and 3D worlds mingle in this new play. Ideal for ages 3 +. £11.50; child £10.50; family £42. Wyvern Saturdays 13th & 27th, 10am to 5pm Meet the Railway Workers. Former engine drivers, firemen and railway workers bring the days of steam to life. Normal admission charges, Steam Saturday 13th to Sunday 21st Around the World. A new quiz trail through Lydiard House to hunt international objects. Children must be accompanied. Normal admission charges. Lydiard House Sunday 14th, 1.30pm to 3pm Bulbs in Bloom. A walk taking in the beautiful carpet of snowdrops and emerging blooms in the Walled Garden and park. Free, but booking required. Call 770401. Lydiard House Tuesday 16th, 12noon to 3pm Feed the Birds. Make a simple bird feeder. Children must be accompanied. Drop in event. £3/child.

Lydiard Park Wednesday 17th, 12noon to 3pm Den Building. A practical session to search and collect for natural materials to build a den in the woods. Children must be accompanied. £2/child. Call 770401 to book. Lydiard Park Thursday 18th, 1.30pm The Big Enormous Present presented by the Pied Piper Theatre Company. A mysterious present has appeared in the playground: who can it be for, what’s inside? £6; child £4; family £15. Arts Centre

Dance

Friday 5th & Saturday 6th, 7pm Ker-Ching presented by Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People. A dynamic, highly physical piece of theatre that explores the power, potential and absurd nature of money. Suitable for young people 11 years and over.

Swindon Dance.

Friday 12th & Saturday 13th, 7.45pm Babel. Choreographers Liam Steel and Robert Tannion of Stan Won’t Dance return with a provocative new work with words of mass destruction to create the ultimate act of dance terrorism, performed by an all-male cast. £10/ £7. Swindon Dance Thursday 18th & Friday 19th, 7.30pm; Saturday 20th, 1pm & 7pm Dance Around the World performed by 200 students from the Swindon Academy of Dance.Vibrant costumes, boundless energy and an amazing display of dances. £10 - £12. Wyvern

21-52 February 10.indd 25

25

Film

Wednesday 10th, 7.45pm Cherry Blossoms (15) After his wife dies, a terminally ill man embarks on a life-changing visit to Japan, in this emotionally powerful German drama.

Swindon Film Society (SFS) Thursday 11th, 7.30pm Sing-a-long-a Rocky Horror (12A) Fancy dress is not obligatory, but highly recommended. £14.50.Wyvern Sunday 14th, 3.30pm St Valentine’s Special Casablanca. Classic 1942 American romantic drama starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid. £5. Wyvern. St Valentine’s suppers served from 5pm in the Circle Restaurant Sunday 14th, 7.30pm St Valentine’s Special Dirty Dancing. A family takes a vacation to a resort hotel in the mountains.

One of the teenage daughters finds true love when she meets the charismatic Johnny Castle.£5. Wyvern. St Valentine’s suppers see above Wednesday 17th, 7.45pm The Hide (15). In an isolated bird-hide in Suffolk a twitcher anticipates the arrival of a rare bird. A darkly funny comedy of menace. (SFS).

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

Offer Expires End of February 2010 Available Monday to Thursday subject to availability • Terms and conditions apply.

Exhibitions

Until March 2010 Inspired by Stonehenge. Stonehenge related memorabilia. Free.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery FromTuesday 2nd to Saturday 27th, Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm; Saturday 9am to 5pm Exhibition by Bruce Harris who reproduces old masters and other well known paintings in oils. Free.

Framework Art & Craft Friday 5th to Saturday 27th. Open Tues, Sat & Sun, 10am to 4pm Domesticated. Contemporary art about the home and the psychological nuances of that built environment.

The Post Modern Gallery, ArtSite, Theatre Square

Fundraising

Saturday 20 February 12noon to 5pm Health, Beauty & Well-being Day Taster sessions and advice from many therapists and beauty specialists Gorse Hill Community Centre Chapel Street, Swindon Entry £2. All proceeds to Swindon Food Bank

Abbey Meads Village Centre Elstree Way

SPECIAL FOR TWO Quarter Aromatic Crispy Duck Satay Roast OR Pork

OR

Barbecue Ribs, Crispy Seaweed and Mini Vegetable Spring Rolls

Lemon Chicken

OR

Shredded Chilli Beef

Sweet & Sour Chicken (HK Style) Beef with Green Peppers in Black Bean Sauce Egg Fried Rice, Prawn Crackers & Fortune Cookies

£17.88 (Menu Price £25.65. Discount vouchers cannot be used in conjunction with special meals)

Licenced to sell and deliver wine and beer

★ Tel: 01793 703388 ★

OPEN: Sun - Thur 4.45pm - 11.15pm; Fri & Sat 4.45pm - 11.45pm Last orders for delivery 15 minutes before closing time

www.rendezvous.uk.net

21/01/2010 12:00

Swindon Wide

26

Former Swindon girl’s fond memories of growing up in the town

In arts and music, Swindon has earned a fairly respectable name; but this is not yet the case where fashion is concerned, although Andrew Holden from Haydon Wick is flying the flag for the town and Britain as a designer in New York. Now a budding fashion model in the United States speaks to Emma Kimber about her memories of her early life in Swindon.

Lindsey Brown, 20, is putting a little bit of Swindon style on the catwalk.

Born at the old Princess Margaret Hospital, she spent her early childhood in Freshbrook, when her father was based at RAF Fairford with the US Airforce.

“I remember going to school at Windmill Hill where the headmaster Mr Messenger used to always come

Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon, Wilts. SN6 7QG

01793 763939 www.rovesfarm.co.uk

Open Daily Sat,13th Feb to Sun, 21st Feb for Half Term Activities- “The Three Little Pigs” and then Wednesday to Sunday, 10.30-5.00pm

Full program of events throughout the day to include:

* Meet & Feed the Animals * Tractor & Trailer Rides & Electric Tractors * Children’s Themed Glueing and Sticking * Activity Barn with Giant Slide and Ball Pond * Big Bale Stack & Bouncy Castle * Indoor Heated Toddlers Soft Play & Sandpit * Granary Tearoom -homemade cakes!

Children’s Birthday Parties

21-52 February 10.indd 26

and get me from the playground because I wanted to play with my brothers in the area for older kids,” she reminisces. “I used to love eating blackberries straight from the bushes and trying to climb trees in Lydiard park; I was quite small so it was more like my brothers pulling me up.

“I really liked the Oasis swimming pool with its huge water slide and I desperately miss the fish and chips.”

Far away from the world she keeps safe in her memories, Lindsey now lives in Virginia, studying marketing and fashion merchandising at university and models in New York and Washington DC. She wants to complete a BA degree and a Masters in her field, and is confident that this is the industry for her.

Commenting on the cat walk size controversy, Lindsey says the fashion industry is slowly catching on that few real people are stick thin and needs to appeal to the real world. “In the US I feel there is a big focus on ‘beauty.’ But they are just catching on that not everyone is a size 2 and that all sizes should be celebrated.

“I’m considered a plus-sized or fullsized model here, so while work is coming in, it’s not quite in the same volume as a smaller person would experience.”

Her modelling is currently tied to the east coast, within easy travelling of her college but she’s hoping work will take her to California and one day to Europe.

London’s fashion industry is renowned for its cutting edge new designers and for spotting fresh new talent in the form of models, designers and trends. But how does America compare? “I feel Londoners have a more realistic view of what a real woman’s body looks like, so I would love to one day work over in Britain and perhaps Milan. London’s fashion scene is booming and their Fashion Week is amazing; it’s definitely somewhere for newcomers.

“I would never rule out moving back. If a good opportunity comes about, I’m there, consider my bags packed.”

Those who knew Lindsey in Swindon will remember a small, shy child - she left for the USA

when she was six - but her ambition has certainly given her the boost needed to develop her career. She said, “modelling has taught me to be a more confident and outgoing person. I can still be quite shy, but in this industry you have to learn to break out of your shell.

“I really admire model Adriana Lima who I watched a couple years back in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. She made me think about taking up modelling. It was something about how confident she was walking down the runway. I wanted to learn that.

“I also admire Crystal Renn, a plus-sized model. She’s such a beautiful woman and shows that size truly doesn’t matter - I would love to meet her one-day.”

With a German mother and an American father and after spending her early years in Swindon, Lindsey is a stylish mesh of her backgrounds.

An embodiment of eclectic, Lindsey feels that her personal style can’t be defined. “My mum is a flight attendant, so wherever she goes I ask her to bring something from the country she is flying to.”

Her tip for women looking for the right garments to wear is: “make sure things fit. If it doesn’t fit your body well now, it will never look good.

Fashion is made to be creative, so have fun with it.”

Wise words from a young woman who is definitely going places.

• For those who attended Windmill Hill Primary School in the late 1980s, and knew Lindsey’s two brothers: Ian is a father of two sons and works in armaments, and Stephan is father of a baby girl and is an alcohol trading law enforcement officer.

21/01/2010 12:01

Valentine fun

Swindon Wide

27

Joy Aldred’s ideas to make February special Not everyone can enjoy a weekend in Paris but you don’t have to spend a fortune to show you care.

By Sue

• Create a video or print journal of you and your loved one with images and words or poetry to show how special they are;

◆ Your local family hairdresser

• Make a pact – a chore, technology and moan-free day; no nags, just positive statements like ‘I love you’, ‘you’re wonderful because...’;

Call now for an appointment on 01793 871120 or 07967 363322

◆ 25% discount for Seniors

• Go kite flying at Barbury Castle – not forgetting a flask of hot chocolate;

HOME VISITS AVAILABLE

A quality service you can still afford Excellent Value...

• Wedding Cars • Airport Transfers • Special Occasions Chauffeur driven Mercedes for all occasions – pleasure or business.

Rosstyles Chauffeur Services

T. 01793 845791 M. 07887 700595 www.rosstyleschauffeurs.co.uk (License No: PO-0092)

• If you do have money to spare and fancy something exotic why not try Le Rendevous at Haydon Street, or for a really hot date visit the Bombay Lounge at Peatmoor, or the new Taj Mahal at Shaw Ridge where ladies will receive a free rose; • Or to show you care all year round it could be as simple as bringing your loved one a cup of tea in bed every morning.

The origins of Valentine’s Day are vague – possibly named after an early Christian martyr named Valentine, with the day becoming associated with romantic love in the Middle Ages - but it allows you to make it special in your own way.

Shaw Ridge gets the spicy touch

The sleek modern décor may be a surprise at Swindon’s newest Indian restaurant, the Taj Mahal – but the mouthwatering dishes are just what you would expect from owner Arju Miah, MBE, who has 35 years experience and a crop of dining awards to his name.

Members of Swindon Rotary Thamesdown enjoying the Taj Mahal’s cuisine on opening night, Bob and Glenys Barrett, Steve and Sue Davison

The 150 capacity Taj Mahal, at Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, was filled to overflowing on launch night on 27 December which saw VIPs including councillors, invited guests and visitors from Bangladesh.

Since then The Link sent James Aldred to check it out. “The bar area is discreet, with comfortable seating,” he said. “With reasonably priced drinks the restaurant is ideal as a place to relax after a movie across the car park.

“It’s not just the décor that’s impressive. I was presented with fine food from the Taj Mahal’s comprehensive menu. A starter of butter fried lobster, followed by chicken jalfraizi, dry vegetable

21-52 February 10.indd 27

✷

2010 Bridal in store now

- call to make your appointment curry, special egg fried rice, and, my favourite, lamb roshni from the house specials, were all attractively presented and delicious. Together, the combination of flavours and textures was a delight.”

Mr Miah was awarded an MBE in 2004 for his services to the community and his charity work and he also runs the award-winning Taj Mahal restaurant in Chippenham, which was voted in the top 100 restaurants in the British Curry Awards 2006, 2007 and 2008.”

Mr Miah said, “the Taj Mahal is not like a traditional Indian restaurant, it has the latest interior and exterior décor, and serves mouth-watering dishes the customers won’t forget.”

✷

Prom Night Thursday 25th February 4-8pm

£715

01793 613000 www.harmonybrides.co.uk Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BG

22/01/2010 10:49

28

the bigger picture

The merry pranksters of Dr Schmoo’s Urban Circus saw an opportunity to do community art with the heavy snow blown in from the east on 5 January.

They toiled for eight hours next to the Roughmoor Way/Cartwright Drive roundabout in Shaw to build and decorate a snow billboard to promote their brand name and created a comfy sofa to view it, complete with a moggy.

Their work was much admired and photographed by pedestrians and viewed by motorists as they gingerly drove past.

Unfortunately their artistic effort lasted less than 24 hours as the sofa succumbed to vandalism and the wall suffered from structural weakness - but not before The Link captured the Schmoo’s success.

See otherBombay Link snow images at www.swindonChallengeLink Jan10.pdf 1 15/01/2010 link.com

21-52 February 10.indd 28

Swindon Wide

Mystery with spice

The Bombay Lounge restaurant at Peatmoor Centre is holding a night of intrigue on Wednesday 3 February when psychic and tarot card reader Mystic Ruth will be joined by spirit readers Derek and Barbara Mellow and fun party palmist John Edward.

10:12

“This is a good time of the year to discover what 2010 has in store for you,” said Ruth from Purton, above, who used to live in Peatmoor. “We had a trial psychic curry evening last September which went really well.

You’ll discover truths about yourself which you’ll find fascinating and a guide to future decision making.”

The evening is a ticketed event costing £20 which includes an all you can eat buffet and a 15 minute reading.

To book a meal and reserve a reading mail: pavinda@bombaylounge.co.uk The Bombay Lounge will be open to other diners as usual, subject to tables being available.

21/01/2010 12:04

Swindon Wide

29

Mother’s trek gives kids access to technology

A 42 year old mum from Redhouse undertook a life changing experience in 2009 and one year on she’s delighted that her efforts are continuing to change the lives of African children every day. cent Christmas Appeal and I was Psychotherapist Rachel Arnold thrilled to see that the children are trekked 75 miles over five days in the still as enthusiastic about their ICT Simien Mountains of Ethiopia, facing lessons. Education is giving Ethiohigh altitudes, wolves and baboons. pia the opportunity to support itself Hiking for Computer Aid, she in the future. raised £3,000 to equip Eweket Lehe“The trek totally changed my atberele High School in Addis Adaba. titude to life. I now sponsor a child Rachel said, “it was an amazing in the mountain region so he can trip. We walked around the edge of attend school, and I’ve made the this stunning canyon at altitudes commitment to work 100 per cent in ranging from 3,400 metres to the my therapy practice, and enjoy the highest point of 4,750 metres. Many simpler things much more - such as of the 14 people on the trek were hit walking, cooking, being with family badly by altitude sickness but I was Rachel and a guide at altitude and friends.” lucky and escaped the worst effects.

“Even in these remote areas the • See more of Rachel’s pictures at “We had a local guide and two guards with guns to ward off the children go to school and they walk www.swindonlink.com wildlife. I did get chased by a very anything up to 6 miles a day to get Monitors wanted fierce male Gelada baboon who there. After school their chores are to thought I was getting a bit too close look after the smaller animals such Computeraid is extremely short as the goats, sheep and chickens.” of monitors and is in need of to his wives and babies.

On the first day in the country the both old style 15” and 17” CRT “The views were incredible. Every day we covered different terrain group visited a classroom in Addis monitors and TFT flat screens - sometimes almost a pastoral Adaba where sixty children aged manufactured after year 2002. To English scene and at other times it 11 to 18 years and their teachers help call 020 8361 5540 or mail: deirdre@computeraid.org was completely barren with amazing showed off their IT skills.

Rachel added, “the school was • Teacher needed for Nepal orcacti. We walked 15 miles a day and camped under the stars each night. featured in The Independent’s re- phanage. See page 45

“The Mover” HOME REMOVAL SPECIALISTS ● Collection & Delivery Service (single or multiple items) ● Removal of unwanted items SINGLE ITEM TO FULL HOUSE MOVE UNBEATABLE RATES FULLY INSURED

CALL PETE on

07962 067182 (Mobile) or Tel: 01793 820906

for a FREE No Obligation quote Sole Removal provider to NHS staff & family

ICE PR MISE O PR

Art wanted to cross the ocean

Graphic designer and community artist Kate Parsons was featured in the November Link before travelling to work with street children in Mexico. Now she’s setting up a project to exchange artwork projects between Swindon and Mexican children.

Juconi projects. Kate is also develKate’s trip was oping work around attitudes towards arranged through death in the two cultures. She said, the Juconi foun“Puebla is a world heritage site, and dation in Puebla, I was there for the Day of the Dead, about 80 miles when Mexicans welcome the dead from Mexico City, back into their homes with offerings. where she delivIt takes place around the same time ered art activities as Hallowe’en but sees the dead as to help underpriviwelcome guests rather than scary leged youngsters spooks. We’re developing a project develop their selfaround that, so in addition to art and esteem. craft activities children can look at Working with attitudes to death, how to deal with children between 6 and 14 years, two Youngsters at Juconi house wearing T-shirts designed death, how not to be scared of it.” with Kate, in front of a Day of the Dead altar Teachers interested in participatgroups created work based on what they wanted for kids realise that they are worth ing in Kate’s project should mail: their futures. She said, “they drew something, that they are valued, kate@parsonscreative.co.uk houses, swimming pools, teach- and they can create something ers, firemen, policemen, mothers wonderful.”

Kate is now working with Juconi and wrestling which is a very big entertainment in Mexico. Interest- to develop an art-based education ingly, the boys drew their future programme, which can be used by wives and kids - not something I Swindon schools to teach cross imagine many 8 year olds would curricular activities, including some Beautiful Yorkshire & North Pennine Dales Spanish. She hopes that both prithink of here.

“Some might think I went to some mary and secondary schools will Spectacular North York Moors & Coast kind of slum but it was quite ‘normal.’ want to get involved in exchange Historic Northumberland & Scottish Borders At the Juconi residential home, what projects with the Mexican children.

Swindon children can create artstruck me was their attitude, they First Class Coach Travel & Quality Country Hotels were very open.The kids had a great work about their life, which can then be emailed to the Juconi home, who time doing the art work, and helping me paint a mural at the house which can respond to it as well as send March to October with convenient local coach meeting points artwork of their life back to Swindon. they were very proud of.

Pupils can look at such diverse “Often, violent parents are themselves children of violent parents subjects as modern languages, and Juconi tries to break that cycle. social education, global citizenship, For a Brochure or visit our Website The arts programme helps these and even RE through the planned

C4MilesHolidays.co.uk Relaxing 4, 5 & 6 Day Tours to

Inclusive from £345 per person Call

21-52 February 10.indd 29

01325 484696

21/01/2010 13:03

Swindon Wide

30

Architects-to-be have designs on Lower Shaw Farm

A group of architecture students from the University of the West of England have used Lower Shaw Farm in West Swindon as a way of applying their ideas to a real world setting. tion, ranging from retaining the existThey were given the task of coning shed to completely repositioning sidering how the Big Shed could be the out-buildings to create a more refurbished or even rebuilt. Formerly spacious farm yard. a milking parlour for 70 dairy cattle All the ideas included sustainable when the farm was a feature of the energy solutions and recycled buildquiet countryside to the west of ing materials, as well as rainwater Swindon, these days it is used for arts harvesting. The regeneration idea and crafts, circus skills workshops, included a ground source heat pump singing, talks, and a wide variety of and system of reed beds for sewage. other activities.

The brief also stipulated a degree Lower Shaw Farm trustee Matt of self-build, so that members of the Holland said the main requirement community and farm users can get was to retain a good amount of involved with transforming the space space, and not to lose the characand learning more about sustainable ter or atmosphere of the farm. “We construction techniques. wanted to get the students involved Farm trustee and worker Andrea when we found out that at this time Hirsch said, “the ideas are very inspirof year they are looking for ‘live projing. The presentations really opened ects’ to get their teeth into. It’s always up our thinking about the site.” fascinating to hear the responses of Stephen Hill, a third year architecyoung people, and to learn what they Matt Holland, rear right, with UWE students. Front, Alice Suttie, Erini ture student from Devon, said, “it’s see are the possibilities for a space Kyriahou. Standing, Rob Killick, Stephen Hill, course tutor Rachel Sara been great to get real-world feedback such as this.”

Below, one of the proposals for the milking shed. on our work – and for it to be a project The students worked to a specific See some of the other contributions at www.swindonlink.com with real possibilities rather than one brief provided by residents and users our lecturer has invented.” of Lower Shaw Farm, and within a “This is both exciting and timely” fortnight had worked up their ideas, added Matt. “We are deep into posiincluding detailed drawings, scaled tive and promising talks with Swindon cardboard models and a demonstraCouncil about securing a long-term tion of the building materials using future for the farm. Young people will cardboard and even bread. be part of that future; it’s brilliant that They presented three concepts: they are keen to help shape it.” renovation, modification or regenera-

Buy a conservatory and get towards any combination of:

Why move when you can improve?

With over 50 years experience we can project manage your new conservatory from start to finish creating an additional room for you to enjoy all year round. Tailor made to suit your needs.

Don’t Forget!

We also sell doors, windows and timber garden buildings

• Cane - Rattan - Hardwood Furniture • Tiled Floors • Ceiling Fans • Electric Heaters or

Reduce your carbon footprint

A minimum of £500 to £2000 scrappage scheme when you change your old sunroom to a new eco-friendly all year round conservatory.

Visit our show site at:

Market leaders in conservatory technology

21-52 February 10.indd 30

£1000 Free

Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor Swindon SN2 2QJ

01793 526691

20/01/2010 14:46

swindonlink.com • February 2010

Personal trainer is no April fool Charities to benefit from nutcase desert marathon January’s snow had little effect on Les Slinn’s training programme for the world’s toughest and most gruelling marathon race - he just turned up the heaters at the Les Slinn Personal Training studio in Westlea to reproduce the conditions he’ll endure in early April.

Kathryn Gater

Your Qualified Therapist: Deborah Goodge I.T.E.C.(dip), I.I.H.H.T

MCFHP MAFHP

• Remedial Massage Therapy • Reflexology • Reiki • Eastern Head Massage • Relaxing Massage Therapy

Registered member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

■ Home visit service ■ Routine foot and nail care, fungal infections, thickened nails, corns, calluses, verruca, hard skin removal, foot massage ■ Day, evening and Saturday appointments ■ Gift vouchers available

Tel: 01793 348004 or 07789 542282

Call today: 01793 870426 Nine Elms, Swindon

or visit the website: www.holistic-therapy-clinic.co.uk

Gift vouchers available

Footcare in your home

Painful Feet?

Mrs Lesley Taylor

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

MCFHP, MAFHP, MIIR, MAR

Corns, Calluses, Verrucas, Thick Nail or Ingrowing Toenails

Les with the hi-tech anti-sun top he’ll be wearing in the desert

In fact, nothing will prepare him for the Marathon Des Sables which will see him running for 243km in the blistering 120º degree heat of the Sahara desert. He has to carry everything he needs to survive for six days including food, clothes, sleeping bag, and also an antivenom kit in case he encounters scorpions or snakes. Water is supplied at checkpoints on the route.

“The Marathon Des Sable is known as one for masochists, but when I fly out on 31 March, I’ll know it’s not an April Fool’s joke,” said Les, 47. “I’ve been building up the miles since the Autumn and running wearing several layers and a backpack, with fan heaters blowing on the treadmill, but nothing can prepare you for the conditions.”

Les will be wearing gaiters to stop sand getting into his trainers to prevent blisters and also a special ultra violet resisting shirt, printed

with his sponsors’ logos including The Link. Across his chest are logos for the two charities he is raising money for: Swindon MS Therapy Centre, and Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group, and publicising TWIGS (Therapeutic Work in Gardens Swindon) “I’ve been getting great support from clients and Link readers, but I want to be able to raise as much money as possible for the organisations,” said Les. Jackie Wray, manager of the MS Therapy Centre, said, “it is fantastic that Les is putting in this colossal effort to support local causes. He is such a tremendous supporter of people with multiple-sclerosis.”

Also Reflexology and Reiki

Visiting Practice Appointments by Arrangement

Call Freephone 0808 108 8545 or 01793 849914

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

Clinic at: 113 High Street Wootton Bassett

Debbie Francis

Tel: 01793 727217 or 07808 037815

Your new look for the New Year

www.justgiving.co.uk/les-slinnms www.justgiving.co.uk/les-slindowns Or call Les on 0845 471 8416 www.lspersonaltraining.com

Bike it to Paris After last year’s successful fundraising bike ride to Paris, Mark Nelson is organising another event from 9 to 13 June, costing about £350. Mail him for details : mark@mn2consulting.com or download an application form from: www.mn2consulting.com/2010

Are you worried about your weight?

If you are, the Cambridge Weight Plan™ could be the answer.

Cambridge Weight Plan is all about choices, made by you to benefit you. Together, you and your Consultant will work out a plan that suits your lifestyle – helping you achieve the best results at the rate you want.

So, why not make a positive decision to change your life for the better and contact me today.

Free cycling course for over 50s The Cycling Touring Club runs NHS funded Cycling Through the Ages courses to help over 50s learn to cycle or regain confidence to get back on their bike.

The courses with trained instructors take place in the safe setting of the County Ground athletics track. To register or for details, contact Gladys Barr on 511033 or mail: gbarr@swindon.gov.uk

21-52 February 10.indd 31

31

Your Independent Cambridge Consultant:

Sam Smith tel: 07590 566887 email: sam_jane_smith@yahoo .co.uk Daytime or evening appointments available in Oakhurst or an open drop in session on Tuesday evenings in Redhouse.

Contact me for details!

www.cambridgeweightplan.co.uk

21/01/2010 12:05

32

swindonlink.com • February 2010

Link Centre launches Swindon’s ‘most advanced’ gym

JUST MAKE-UP

CALL NATASHA

January’s snow probably set back many people’s new year resolution to get fit and healthy, but Link Centre has come up with the perfect opportunity to get back on track with a £400,000 upgrade to its gym, as well as a fitness studio for children, teenagers and families.

Brand new Technogym machines have been installed in the existing studio, each with a personal TV screen and docking stations for iPod and USB sticks. Two Power Plates which send high frequency vibrations through the body to accelerate muscle activity are also available.

RPM bikes (Raw Power in Motion) bikes have been installed in the former snooker room, which will also become a youth and family fitness space. A wireless dance mat system linked to a large screen and a high-tech reaction wall like a mega size Nintendo Wii will make fitness a fun activity.

“We’re able to provide fitness opportunities for people of all ages,” said Dave Maine, Link Centre programming manager. “Adults have Youngsters getting into fitness with Link youth instructors the latest cutting edge equipment Neil Montgomery and Sarah Smythe available, and we’re now able to offer great kids’ fitness facilities to courses which are dedicated to re- investment by Swindon Council. complement our musical theatre ducing obesity levels, through edu- We now have the most advanced and street dance courses. cation on healthy eating, confidence equipment in the town, and the best “The fitness room will also be building and physical activity with value. With a cross training pass the used by youngsters on MEND involvement from parents.” cost to use these amazing facilities (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it) Link Centre manager Carol Ja- is £1 a day.” mieson, said “this is a tremendous Trying out the PowerPlate

Healthy Glow WILTSHIRE Mobile Spray Tan Therapist Maggie Bell

01793 430518 07852 443505

10% OFF

on production of this advert

www.healthyglowwiltshire.co.uk

NEW PILATES CLASS

FOR BEGINNERS AND IMPROVERS Every Monday at Peatmoor Community Primary School, Pepperbox Hill, Peatmoor. 7.45-8.45pm.

Each course is for 6 weeks, to be booked and paid for in advance, costing £30.

For further details and to book on the next course (starting 22nd February), please contact Debbie Mitchell

on 01793 721109 or 07745 422365

Abbey Meads Tuesday 6.30pm Abbey Meads School, Paula 701442 Haydon Wick Monday 8.30pm & Thursday 6.30pm St John Church, Thames Avenue (next to Morrisons) Sharon 0784 111 9082 Shaw Wednesday 7pm Brook Field School, Cartwright Drive Sharon 0784 111 9082

Go for it in aid of NSPCC

Get those resolutions going at Link Centre on Monday 8 February, 6pm to 8pm, in aid of NSPCC’s Childs Voice Appeal The sponsored two-hour aerobic workout will take place at exactly the same time at 150 locations across the UK Registration costs only £5 which includes entry, a fundraising kit and a NSPCC aerobathon t-shirt. Participants are encouraged to raise at least £42 - the cost of an hour’s telephone counselling for a child in need of help.

FREE SPINAL HEALTH CHECK • NECK PAIN Free 20 minute consultation to assess if Chiropractic • BACK PAIN will benefit you.

• HEADACHES Please call • SPORTS INJURY 01793 602454 • CAR ACCIDENT

Clare Duncan-Hawes BSc (Hons) MSc DC Member of the Chiropractic is a natural and safe approach to help the problems British Chiropractic Association & College above and many more such as knee and elbow pain, repetitive of Chiropractors. strain, heavy lifting injury, etc. And we can help young and old alike. Registered with GCC

54 Basepoint Centre, Westlea, Swindon www.cjduncan-hawes.co.uk

21-52 February 10.indd 32

21/01/2010 12:06

swindonlink.com • February 2010

33

The Thyme Treatment Rooms

CHERRI ANN MATTHEWS FFHT FICHT ATLM MIfL

Qualified Therapist & Trainer Physical and Emotional Therapies – helping you to live your life to its fullest potential Treatments in Reflexology, Reiki, Ear Candling, Massage & EFT (for emotional conditions) Reiki I, II and Master Courses AAMET Certified EFT Practitioner Courses Certified Holistic Therapy Workshops www.cherriannmatthews.co.uk

Essensa Organic Skincare • plant derived ingredients • no artificial preservatives • paraben free • no animal testing

VALENTINE SPECIAL OFFER

t: 01793 871410

Vouchers to be purchased by 14th February 2010

Massage for two £55

Both appointments to be taken at the same time

Essensa Facial & Body Treatments Thai Compress Massage St Tropez Spray Tanning Massage & Reflexology Hot Stone Therapy Sports Massage Therapy Bio-Sculpture Gel for Nails Minx Nails Hollywood Waxing Manicures & Pedicures and more . . .

Tel: 01793 433338 709 Delta Office Park, Welton Road, Swindon www.thethymetreatmentrooms.co.uk

✂

Walk, Run, Men, Women, it’s time to enter THE MAD MARCH HARE, LYDIARD PARK - SUNDAY 7th MARCH Send this form with a cheque or postal order made payable to ‘Mad March Hare’ to Mad March Hare, 16 Portmore Close, Sparcells, Swindon SN5 5FB All entrants aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult (over 18 years) One application form per person. This form may be photocopied.

Forms must be accompanied by full payment, please write your cheque guarantee card number on the reverse of the cheque.

Entry fees are non-refundable: Adult £12. Children (under 14) £6 All profits from the Mad March Hare event go direct to Breakthrough Breast Cancer (Reg Charity No: 1062636)

Entry details: Name

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

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

Tel:

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

Email:

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

Date of Birth............................................. Male

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

Female

Tick event to be entered: 5km open to all ages. 10km minimum age 10 years 5km Walk

10km Run

10km Walk

Data Protection The information gathered in this application form will be held securely for two years and used for the purpose of running the Mad March Hare event. Statistical data will be collected for the purpose of planning similar future events by Swindon Twin Peaks.

All application forms will be destroyed within six months of the Mad March Hare event.

21-52 February 10.indd 33

✂

5km Run

20/01/2010 14:56

34

swindonlink.com • February 2010

Footballers sport fun logo

Janet’s Puppy Skool

Learning how to play football at a young age should be about fun and the players in the FC Abbeymeads Under 7’s team take it seriously.

Formed last year they are sponsored by Abbey Meads business Entertainment 4U and display a collection of balloons on their shirts.

Entertainment 4U also helped the club buy the whole kit and sponsored the team’s Christmas party.

For details about a team place, call Paul Narbett on 700482 or 07747 641166 or mail: paul.narbett@fcabbeymeads.co.uk

Have fun teaching your dog good manners and behaviour at one of our friendly classes 3 Playskool for puppies 3 Adult beginners/improvers 3 Senior Skool/advanced classes 3 One to one advice & training 3 Fun agility workshops

www.janetspuppyskool.co.uk APDT Member (01066) Janet Garrett DipCAPBT Dip.dog.psy

Tel: 01793 727158

Funster footballers with team manager Paul Narbett, Iain Harry of Entertainment 4U and coach Robbie Penny

email: janet.garrett@virgin.net

Esprit Gymnastics Academy settles into new Headlands home

Professional friendly service for every aspect of your dog’s grooming needs

Collection & delivery service Evening and weekend appointments available Just

5 minutes from West Swindon

Ring Denise on 01793 327379 or 07866 507633 www.hairofthedoggroomers.co.uk

In spite of Christmas and new year snow Esprit Academy made the move from its base in Stratton St Margaret to the sports centre at former Headlands school and opened for business on 11 January.

Leadership Martial Arts and the Academy manager Mark Hows of classes, including more fitnesssaid, “we are renting the whole related work, street dance, ballet Kirsty Farrow Dance Academy will sports centre building from Swin- and circus skills. “The second join Esprit on site from 1 February.

“We want to get more children indon Council, and have access to two gym area means that our members specially equipped gyms, as well as competing at national level have a volved and can offer something for more appropriate environment to every age from babies up to adults,” rooms for community use.

“The long term aim for the train in, while regular classes won’t said Mark. See details of the club at: www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk academy here is to provide an be interrupted,” Mark said. international training facility and performance arena. This will bring a true Olympic legacy to Swindon.”

Extra space now means the Alan Fletcher, chairman of Swindon Guide Dogs wants readers to get academy can offer a greater range sociable and join in with the UK fundraising project: ‘Get together for

“Making life better ”

Get Together for Guide Dogs

Care - always

Communication - we listen

Compassion - for you and your pet Cost - good value, great offers Continuity - of care throughout your pet’s life Convenience - a clinic near you Car parking - plenty!

Thameswood Veterinary Clinic

62 - 64 Purton Rd, Swindon SN2 2LZ (end of Akers Way) Tel: 01793 526780 Open: Monday to Friday 9am - 6.30pm Sat 9am - 12noon

Speaker offer Alan and other Swindon guide dog

owners are keen to visit groups or schools to talk about how their lives have been transformed by having the assistance of a guide dog. To arrange a visit call him on 827589 or mail: shiralan@fletcas. freeserve.co.uk Running total The cash has been counted and Alan would like to thank all the runners in last October’s very wet Swindon Half Marathon, and all who sponsored them, for raising £1,934.86 for guide dogs.

Doggy dancing ready for new season

Join Our Pet Health Club and receive up to £40.00 discount on your pet’s neutering

24 Hour Emergency Service. Tel: 01793 526780 www.thameswoodvets.co.uk

21-52 February 10.indd 34

Guide Dogs.’

Whether it be a coffee morning with your nearest and dearest, a cake sale in the office or a quiz in the pub, to a black tie ball or staged talent competition, Guide Dogs needs the cash to transform the lives of thousands of blind and partially sighted people.

Alan says, “it costs Guide Dogs £10 a day to support each guide dog partnership and there are currently over 4,500 guide dog owners in the UK, so every penny you raise is vital and could go towards helping someone living in your local community.

To receive a fundraising pack, call 0870 600 2323 or register online at www.guidedogs.org.uk/gettogether

The Swindon Dog Dancing School is keen to hear from anybody and their dog who would like to learn to dance.

Beginners are welcome, so long classes. Late entries will be acas your dog has basic obedience cepted, subject to space availability.

Call Angela Richens on 349172 and is happy around other dogs.

To see dogs dancing the club is (before 9pm) for information or holding a fun Heelwork to Music mail for a schedule and entry form: competition at St Paul’s’ Church angela.richens@ntlworld.com The club welcomes invitations for Centre, St. Pauls Drive, Covingham on Saturday 6 February, from 9am. members and their dogs to entertain There are 10 classes catering for the at fetes, shows and other events.

Contact Carol Hamley about absolute beginner to the advanced arranging a demonstration at: competitor.

The entry fee is £10 for up to three c.hamley@sky.com

20/01/2010 14:58

swindonlink.com • February 2010

England player set to burn the ice

Link Centre ice hockey player Michael Stratford is spending a week in February representing England under 13s at an international Peewee Tournament in Quebec.

Sixteen countries will be sending teams to do battle in Canada and Michael and other players in the England squad have been training hard for the event at rinks all over the country since October.

The trip is entirely selffunded and Michael’s family have been working hard to raise £2,500 needed for flights and Michael receiving his England shirt from Swindon equipment to ensure he Wildcats captain Lee Richardson, right, and Luke Boothroyd, captain of Manchester Phoenix does well.

Sunday 7 February: 3, 6 or 9km multi-terrain jog around Lydiard Park in aid of British Heart Foundation.

Register at www.bhf.org.uk/lydiard or call 0800 169 3672.

Two cooks needed West Swindon Community Cafes is looking for a paid cook/supervisor for two sessions a week, 8.45am to 2.45pm - Monday at Toothill Church, Wednesday at Freshbrook Church.

Duties: to coordinate and manage the provision of a varied menu to the local community and to train, manage and support volunteer helpers.

For details call Tina Mackie on 07944 134915.

Lydiard Millicent Lunch Club needs a volunteer cook for Wednesdays 9am to 2pm to cook for up to 65 members and supervise volunteer helpers in the village hall. Expenses will be paid.

For details call Peta Guest on 771737.

35

KITCHEN MAKEOVER Are your kitchen cabinets OK but the door and drawer fronts are looking a little tired?

Why not consider replacing them. With a new worktop to match, you could achieve the look of a new stylish kitchen, saving you time, money and a lot of upheaval.

• Complete made to measure kitchens and bedrooms also available.

• Many superb styles and finishes to choose from.

Ring now for an appointment Tel: Peter Galbraith on

01793 741234

www.petergalbraith.co.uk

THE COMPLETE CURTAIN SERVICE CURTAINS TO SATISFY EVERY REQUIREMENT • Free estimating, design and advice • Home visits by appointment • Make-up and fitting service

AND BLINDS OF ALL KINDS •Wooden •Venetian •New linen •Roman •Verticals •Roller •New Eastern materials FREE PARKING OUTSIDE THE SHOWROOM at 252 CRICKLADE ROAD

Call Tracey or Amanda on 01793 611051 or sales@completecurtainservice.co.uk

www.completecurtainservice.co.uk

FOR EVERYTHING IN DECORATING

Fan of fabrics?

Choose from a wide range of fabrics from: Sanderson, Harlequin, Wilman Interiors, Designers Guild, Osborne & Little, Zoffany and many more.

Plus all the major paint brands, wood treatments, decorating accessories with FREE delivery.

4 Wyndham Road Hawksworth Trading Estate Swindon Tel 01793 643200 Fax 01793 487776 swindon@brewers.co.uk

21-52 February 10.indd 35

21/01/2010 09:44

36

swindonlink.com • February 2010

LOFT CONVERSION SPECIALISTS Dormer, Velux, Hip to Gable From concept to completion FREE Advice - FREE Quotes Prompt Friendly Service

Tel: 01793 635000

www.prestigeloftconversions.co.uk

NEW YEAR OFFER

KUDOS FENCING Bespoke Gates

Strong Durable Fencing

KUDOS FENCING Free Estimate on

• • • • •

Full Range of Fencing Repairs/Refurbishment All Pressure Treated Timber Family business since 1983 Cash & Carry Supply Service • Help and Advice on all Fencing Matters Unit 23 & 24 Oaklands Ind. Est. Braydon, Swindon

Swindon’s the best for Bonsai Some of Britain’s keenest bonsai tree growers come from the town and you can see their remarkable work at the Swindon Bonsai Society’s winter image show.

NEW!

Blackford Timber Supplies ALL FENCING PRODUCTS LARGE RANGE IN STOCK • CHAIN LINK

• POSTS & RAILS

• DECKING

• CLOSE BOARD

• GATES

• TRELLIS

• CEMENT

• STEEL PALISADE

• FELT

• LOG ROLL

• FIELD GATES

• PICKETS • LOCAL DELIVERY

GREENHILL, GREATFIELD, WOOTTON BASSETT, SWINDON Weekdays 7am - 4.30pm. Saturday 7am - 11.30am Local delivery contact: Laurie on 01793 778070 or Andrew on 07801 922291

21-52 February 10.indd 36

The Inspire Project, a special programme of alternative adult education and learning, launched its first Making Changes day in January and more courses will start during February and March. ment, with the training Bruce Clark, former organisation Back on head of adult educaTrack acting as the tion at Swindon Borumbrella.” ough Council, who Funding comes now operates as an from the Department independent coach for Business Innovaand trainer, is runtion and Skills and ning Inspire which is course sessions take offering a variety of place at Lower Shaw learning experiences Farm and Learning for from yoga, meditaLife at Basepoint Busition, healthy eating ness Centre in Westlea. and physical exercise, The project will also to career planning, poetry, singing and community provide policy decision makers with important research about the activity.

Participants in the Making impact of different learning apChanges day experienced activi- proaches. Bruce added, “the idea ties to do with how they use their is to get people out of their comfort mind, meditation, as well as singing zone to try something new. We will be asking everyone who takes part in harmony.

“Inspire is the culmination of for their feedback, to know what months of planning to bring to- difference the programme has made gether people interested in growing for them.”

Programme participant and and developing themselves,” said Bruce. “It’s great that the vision is Westlea resident Victoria Souter becoming reality and to know that said she is looking to the project this is something the government to “improve my skills and overall well-being, and to help find a new is interested in funding.

“The whole programme relies on job that will fulfil me.”

Making Changes has a one hour partnerships between a number of organisations, including Learning show on Swindon 105.5 radio on for Life, Lower Shaw Farm and the Thursdays, 9am to 10am www.the-inspire-project.co.uk UK College of Personal Develop-

www.kudosfencing.com

ONLINE SHOP

01793 855800

• GENERAL FITTINGS • TRADE & DIY

Inspire courses take people out of their comfort zone

The evidence for Swindon’s bonsai achievement came at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show when a gold medal was awarded to the Federation of British Bonsai display where all but three trees came from local growers.

The show takes place on Sunday 21 February, 10.30am to 4.30pm, at the Premier Club, Ermin Street, Stratton St Margaret.

Several of the Chelsea trees will be displayed with bonsai work by members of other societies, individuals and traders. Entry is £3.

For club details call Paul Bowerbank on 07971 862358; paulbowerbank@tiscali.co.uk www.swindon-bonsai.co.uk

21/01/2010 09:44

swindonlink.com • February 2010

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

CLIFF WHITEWAY SERVICES For all your home & garden needs Patios Decking Paths Turfing Walling Fencing Driveways For a free quote call Cliff on

Tel: 01793 731418 Mobile: 07808 355487

Tel: 01793 878062 or 07866 523898

Established locally for over 8 years References available

FREETH FENCING & GARDEN SERVICES LTD

Garden Doctors

❖ Fences, gates & sheds supplied and erected ❖ Landscaping ❖ Trees pruned and felled ❖ Rubbish removed ❖ Patios and shingle laid ❖ Wood chip & compost supplied ❖ Turfing and grass cutting ❖ And all aspects of garden maintenance

LANDSCAPES LTD

EST. 1990

35 Spencer Close, West Swindon

Tel: 01793 875451 or 07940 247152 www.freethfencingandgardenservicesltd.com

David Hawkins Tree Surgeon

All types of tree services and landscaping Hedge cutting Turfing • Stump grinding Fruit tree pruning Fully insured Free estimates 14 years experience

01793 832232 07967 594707

Established in 1994, we have completed over 1500 Gardens & Driveways With an enviable reputation for reliable, skilled work borne out by the many recommendations received See photos & testimonials at

www.swindonlandscaping.co.uk Contact James Cherry for free & friendly advice

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

GAZEBO LANDSCAPING CONSTRUCTION AND GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Fencing - closeboard, panels etc.

Drives and patios - slabs, concrete, shingle, decking Grass cutting - regular maintenance, pruning, planting & patios cleaned Turfing and grass seeding Ponds & pergolas

Contact: 01793 692687 Mobile: 07711 253508

01793 526571 Mob: 07760127139

Free estimates Fully insured Est 1992

Block paving, patios, fencing, turfing etc

Quality products & workmanship

horticare

residential & commercial landscaping

Turfing Decking Paving and Driveways

Fencing Tree & Shrub Planting Water Features

FREE Quotation

Call 01793 491010 or visit www.horticare.co.uk

37

Blackwood JillGarden Magic Royal Horticultural Society Silver Medal

PROFESSIONAL DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND LANDSCAPING SERVICE

For a free consultation in the Swindon area call Jill Blackwood on:

Tel: 01793 322880 Mobile: 07951 014119

or email: gillian.blackwood@ntlworld com www.jillblackwoodgardendesign.co.uk

A Reliable Friendly Design & Landscaping Service No job too small References available if required

Patios - Fencing - Turfing Walling - Block Paving Hard Landscaping Call: 01793 726111 or 07887 533240 to discuss your requirments or visit our website at www.outbackgardenlandscaping.com

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

SKI’S TREES

TREE SURGEON NPTC QUALIFIED TREE FELLING / DISMANTLING HEDGE TRIMMING STUMP REMOVAL TREE THINNING AND PRUNING GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE LOGS FOR SALE FULLY INSURED

FOR FREE ESTIMATES AND ADVICE 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK CALL NEIL ON:

01793 870441 OR 07828910093

21-52 February 10.indd 37

Lawn & garden maintenance Hedge cutting & planting Tree planting & pruning Weeding & much more

-

Garden Clearance Grass Cutting Hedge Cutting Fencing Pruning Paving Gravelling

Tel: 01793 486507 Mob: 077382 98004

willslatergardencare@hotmail.com

20/01/2010 14:58

38

swindonlink.com • February 2010

Alcatel-Lucent helps SMASH dash for cash

The desperate need by Swindon Mentoring And Self Help (SMASH) for funding to keep going beyond April was given a major boost in December when it received £25,000 from the Alcatel-Lucent Foundation.

FIAT & ALFA ROMEO ✶ All cars welcome ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶

cam belt replacement engine & gearbox repairs & rebuilds electrical fault code reading BOOK A MOT repairs W IN TER CHECK vehicle sales NOW servicing to light commercials

Open 8.30am 5.30pm

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

OPTIMA MOTORS Tel: (01793) 840667

39A Station Road, Wootton Bassett

There is another way, ChipsAway Some ChipsAway customers have saved up to 50% on conventional body shop repair costs ●

Bumper scuffs

●

Paintwork scratches

●

Small accidental damage

●

Alloy wheels

●

Repairs fully guaranteed

For a free, no obligation quote please call Sven Giesbers on:

01793 881883 or 07841 096883 or visit www.chipsaway-sven.co.uk for more information

21-52 February 10.indd 38

Aiming high. Shaun Cairns, Head of Society Matters, Alcatel-Lucent, swaps his suit for a climbing harness at Link Centre’s climbing wall, with SMASH members Jack Cotterell and Mary Nettleton

The independent charity helps disadvantaged and troubled young people aged 13 to 18 to achieve their full social, emotional, health and educational potential with the help of a volunteer mentor.

SMASH’s director Rob Chappell said, “last year we saw a record number of young, vulnerable people referred to us for mentorship and help. They come to us at a point of crisis in their lives, but sometimes have to wait up to 12 months to receive the attention they need and deserve.

“Alcatel-Lucent’s kind donation enables us to hire a full-time employee to help speed up the process of providing support to the young people.”

From April SMASH has to raise over £200,000 to replace one off funding from Big Lottery to keep going. Grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and NPower have

secured three part time positions and the charity is in talks with several trusts and businesses and Swindon Council about grant aid.

SMASH members and charity workers had to make a Dragons Den presentation to Alcatel-Lucent’s local Society Matters committee before a recommendation was put forward to the international foundation.

Committee chairman Shaun Cairns said, “the Alcatel-Lucent Foundation is focused on helping young people particularly in education and technology. It made perfect sense that this donation should go to SMASH, who do such amazing work in this area.”

The next SMASH mentor training course takes place in April. For details, and to assist with fundraising for the organisation, mail Rob Chappell: rchappell@swindon.gov.uk www.smash-youth-project.co.uk

Get fired up in February Swindon based youth charity Inner Flame is looking for teenagers to take part in its next four day Fire Me Up motivation programme in February.

The course involves numerous exercises and challenges, and is led by qualified instructors and coaches who also provide one-to-one support for the young people.

The next programme runs during February half term. See details at: www.innerflame.org.uk

MOBILE CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS ★ Engine diagnostics ★ Welding ★ Electrical work ★ MoTs arranged (no re-test fee) For a reliable local service with over 30 years experience (No VAT to pay)

CALL GRAHAM ON (01793) 873045 or 07867 556350

22/01/2010 11:13

NEW YEAR OFFER THINKING OF MOVING? INSTRUCT US TO SELL YOUR HOUSE

PAY ‘NO’ VAT

AND WE PAY FOR YOUR HIPS*

21-52 February 10.indd 39

20/01/2010 15:00

40

Wayne’s ONE2 ONE

Carpentry & Joinery Services Fitted Kitchens Bathrooms & Bedrooms Tiling & Worktops Laminate Flooring Skirtings & Architraves Dados & Coving Doors & Decking And much more

Qualified tradesman, 28 years experience

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 Dean Scanlon 01793 422032 • 07789 681536

J’s Electrical ✭ Extra sockets and lights ✭ Shower and cooker installation ✭ Fuse board replacement ✭ Complete re-wiring ✭ Security lighting ✭ P.A.T. testing NO JOB TOO SMALL Mobile: 07985 195893 Tel: 01793 320447 Also general plumbing, tiling & plastering

21-52 February 10.indd 40

Tel: 07976 885203 or 01793 723023

Tel: 01793 772777 or 07830 173645

Want your wall or floor tiles fitted?

TileSure

• Wallpaper specialist • Coving • Dado Rails • Special Effects • Tiling

GARDEN Patios • Fencing • Decking

ALL SEASONS 24 HR

Call Tony on: Tel: 01793 521856 or Mobile: 07770 615154 Free quotations All work guaranteed

For your ‘Superior Interior’

HOME Plumbing & electrical Bathroom & kitchen installation General maintenance

e: homeandgardensolutions @live.co.uk

Specialists in Design, supply & installation of bespoke bathrooms Complete service Working in conjunction with

Painter & Decorator

Quality solutions at a great price

For a FREE no obligation quote call now on 07874 021004 or 01793 701797

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

TREVOR WYSE

Home & Garden Solutions

email: trevorwyse@uwclub.net www.trevorwyse.co.uk

• All aspects of Heating and Plumbing undertaken • Boiler and central heating installations and repairs • Gas safety certificates • Bathroom design and installation • General repairs and servicing

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

PB Plastering & Bricklaying

For reliability and value for money call Simon on: 07798 684215 or 01793 829526

MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HOME \

WILLING & ABLE

General Building Services Including Extensions Loft Conversions Plumbing Patios & Fencing Wall & Floor Tiling Block Paving Painting & Decorating

Call Pete

Tel: 01793 542654 Mob: 07790 283186

(SWINDON LTD) est. 1989

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

Then call

Tel: 01793 495364 Mob: 07767 242124 Email: tilefix4u@aol.com

PREMIER BUILDERS

PROPERTY SERVICES • • • • • •

Plumbing and heating Landlord safety checks & system upgrades Unvented hot water storage systems Power flushing and water softeners Plastering and rendering All interior & exterior maintenance work undertaken All work planned, scheduled & guaranteed

For friendly advice call

01793 324026 or 07533 749104

Haydon Wick Heating Services

All heating and plumbing works undertaken

• Full central heating systems • Boiler changes / services and repairs • Power flushing • Full bathroom / ensuite installations • General plumbing works • Free quotes and realistic prices

Tel: 01793 748333 Mob: 07733897039

hwheating@googlemail.com

HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE • Kitchen/bathroom upgrades • Painting and decorating • Electrical fittings replaced • Laminate flooring • Door hanging • Locks • Tiling • Leaking taps • Flat pack furniture • Fencing • Garden maintenance • No job too small & much more John Woodham

Phone: 01793 870040 Mob: 07765 002949

ASHDOWN BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

SPECIALISING IN DESIGN AND INSTALLATION • PLUMBING • TILING • CARPENTRY ALL WORK GUARANTEED REFERENCES AVAILABLE QUALITY FINISH AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL ASSURED

Call Mark on 01793 887766 Mobile 07979 267757 www.bathrooms-swindon.co.uk FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION & ESTIMATE

A local reliable & friendly service

217129

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

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

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

20/01/2010 15:01

41

The Fitting Crew UPVC, Facia and Guttering Specialists

All aspects of tiling work undertaken Kitchens bathrooms and conservatories

INTERIOR ★ EXTERIOR ★ WALLPAPERING ★ COVING ★

• 20 years experience • Competitive rates • No job too small • Reliable & friendly service • Free estimates

Call Stuart on 01793 727659 or 07809 368051

Full public liability insurance Free quotes

Call Adam on 345345 or 07968 360207

Interior and exterior decorating carried out to a high standard including: • Painting • Wallpapering • Coving • Tiling • General Maintenance NO JOB TOO SMALL

01793 320773 07779 006360

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

darrenbakerstewart@rocketmail.com www.stylishbathrooms.biz

Building/Groundworks & Hard Lanscaping Extensions, Garage & Loft Conversions Driveways & Patios All building work undertaken All work guaranteed, FREE quote and advice

Mob: 07956 301957 Tel: 01793 348597

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

Call: 01793 852739 or 01793 854448 Emergency call outs: 07976 219671

We offer Free quotes No deposit needed Best prices No salesmen 10 minute survey Local family business 19 yrs experience Repairs & cleaning No job too small All work guaranteed

NO MORE PAINTING - DEAL DIRECT

01793 725155

GB

• • • • • • • •

ELECTRICIAN

DOMESTIC PLUMBING LEAKS & BURST PIPES TAP WASHERS & BALL VALVES IMMERSIONS & HOT WATER CYLINDERS RADIATORS REPLACED TAPS, SINKS & TOILETS FULL BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS WALL & FLOOR TILING

Tel: 01793 524 200

Part P Approved Contractor

Mobile: 07810 823 966

dixiain

gbplumbing@hotmail.co.uk

Advertise in the town’s most closely read publication Call 01793 602540 for details www.swindonlink.com

Local, friendly, domestic plumbing service with competitive prices Taps, sinks & toilets Leaks & burst pipes Ball valves • Radiators Immersion elements & hot water cylinders Chemical/Powerflushing 24HR EMERGENCY CALLOUT Contact Dom on: Mobile: 07766 106244 Tel: 01793 701736 Email: aquatackler@gmail.com www.aquatackler.co.uk

& Property Renovation Services Fuse board upgrade, Rewiring, New sockets, Lighting, Cooker & Shower installations No job too small Kitchen & Bathroom refits and anything else in between Free quotations and no call out charge Call Iain on 01793 851374 or 07860 689695 e-mail: iain@dixiain.co.uk

PLUMBING SERVICES

impact swindon

21-52 February 10.indd 41

         

doctor glass

Stylish Bathrooms The complete package in bathroom installation including wall and floor tiling, underfloor heating and plumbing.

All work guaranteed with references available Attention to detail and finish our priority For free friendly estimate please contact DARREN BAKER-STEWART on

❖ Loft conversions ❖ Fitted kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms ❖ Doors and windows ❖ Stairs ❖ All other carpentry Clean, reliable 18 years experience Call Derek Ponting now on: 01793 882818 Mob: 07865 566508

COUNTYWIDE HEATING & PLUMBING SERVICES ❖ Gas and LPG ❖ Boiler servicing & breakdowns ❖ Boiler exchange ❖ Full system installation ❖ Landlord safety checks ❖ Power flush ❖ Plumbing ❖ Emergency call outs Reliable friendly service

Competitive rates Tel. 01793 887419 Mob. 07912 882090

228912

countywideheating@yahoo.co.uk

• Extension & Garage Conversion Specialists • Project Management • Alterations/Renovations • Garden walls/Patios/Decking • Conservatory bases/Porches No job too big or small!

Fully Insured. 18 Years Experience Call Neil now for a free, competitive quote on 0800 1357063 or 07967 155502 mail: info@benchmark-construction.co.uk

www.benchmark-construction.co.uk

22/01/2010 11:18

42

BUILDING SERVICES BUILDING SERVICES

ABC BUILDERS

Plumbing

& Heating ❉ Quality bathroom suites

For friendly help and advice call Michael on 07713 253380 or 01793 814690 after 6pm

DECORATOR MARK PONTING

DECORATOR

DECORATOR

Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating

FREE ESTIMATES

PAINTING & DECORATING Inc. WALL PAPERING

Domestic, commercial & letting Specialist in insurance claims & DIY 'rescues’ Competitive rates (no VAT) Excellent references Registered and recommended by the Painting & Decorating Association ✓ Age Concern (Wiltshire) approved decorator ✓ Full public liability insurance

All work guaranteed

Free advice and quotations contact Darryl Bevan on 01793 497461 or 07919 671307

Tel: 01793 727942

FLOORING

P.J.J. FLOORING SERVICES All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet • Wood & ceramics • Supply or fit only • Commercial/ domestic • Safety flooring All work guaranteed • 17 years experience Also minor electrical work undertaken CSCS Cardholder Call now for a free, at home consultation

01793 493119 07970 865883

MAINTENANCE

Domestic and Commercial

Free Quotations

HEATING & PLUMBING Quality Plumbing & Heating • Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Bathrooms & Tiling • Power showers • Outside taps All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Reg: 128966

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

PLASTERING

Electrical Painting & Decorating Tiling • Plastering Carpentry

Call Andrew on 07718 022201 • Reliable • Trustworthy • • Affordable •

Feb10 Repair & Improv.indd 42

✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

• High quality experienced workmanship • All work undertaken • A friendly reliable service with references available • Full Public Liability Insurance cover

For free estimate call Paul Comer on 01793 321981 or 07775 840236

HEATING & PLUMBING RJ PEARCE

PLUMBING & HEATING LTD

20 years experience in plumbing work

• Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates • All work guaranteed

RETIRED TRADES Brian Jones ASSOCIATES Plastering Services Retired and semi-retired tradesmen available

Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling

Tel: 01793 703550 Mob: 07749 862361 Built upon Quality & Service

Established Swindon decorator experienced in all aspects of interior and exterior decorating ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Roofing & building maintenance

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

Tel: 01793 725834 Mobile: 07976 572905

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REDUCTIONS FOR OAPs

Call 01793 334823 or 07788 572043

HOME MAINTENANCE Services

(Household Maintenance) Handyman

• Plastering • Carpentry • Garden Maintenance, • Decorating, Coving • Groundwork • Tiling • Bathroom & Kitchen Installation • Fencing & Patios • Power Jetting • Building, installing partition walls, loft boarding & repairs Competitive Rates, Flexible Hours, Reliable, No job too small

• No job too small For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

r&

A CHANGE OF COLOUR

PAINTING AND DECORATING

Conservatories, fascias and guttering

ain te

DECORATOR

 Alterations  Fencing  Patios  Extensions  Block Paving Driveways No job too small

UPVC windows & doors

EP

01793 876600 07748 964433

For a free estimate call Sean on Approved Plumber

GARAGE CONVERSION SPECIALIST

ID

Free estimates

• Bathroom renovations • Kitchen renovations • All types of wall/floor tiling • All types of plumbing works • Boiler servicing/repairs • Central heating systems • Electrical work/testing • Carpentry/joinery work

Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted

PR

fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring all taken care of ❉ All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, 302877 machines installed

Paul Rhind

De cor ato r

BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS

For a free no obligation quote call Gary on 203455

Mobile: 07764 511933 or Tel: 01793 879069

PLASTERING

PLUMBING

KTL

Semi-retired Plumber

Plastering

Fully qualified with over 25 years experience Two coat plaster/re-skimming Dry lining/coving Timber/metal stud partitioning External finishes Floor screeding Small building works No job too small

Home: 01793 709811 Mobile: 07778 665115

24hr emergency call out • Leaks & burst pipes • Blocked drains, sinks & toilets • Immersions & hot water cylinders • Tap washers & ball valves • Complete bathrooms refitted • Dishwashers & washing machines plumbed in • Radiators changed

Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772

21/01/2010 10:55

43

BUILDING SERVICES

CARPENTRY

Galaxy Construction Ltd

J S Property Services

    

Extensions Garage conversions Garden walls & patios Block paved driveways Plastering & coving

For a free quote call Leighton on 01793 813438 or 07917 208094

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

Call Andy: 01793 729354

or 07900 835116

HOME MAINTENANCE

CARPENTRY

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

Free estimates Call Jamie on 704309 or 0777 594 8833 www.jspropertyservices.co.uk

ELECTRICIAN

J&R Carpentry Services

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

Free no obligation quotes

Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

ELECTRICIAN

Arc Electrical Services Ltd 01793 872054 0770 480 1959

arcelectrics@aol.com • Installations and modifications, interior or exterior • Full compliance to all regulations • P.A.T. undertaken • All work fully guaranteed • Free quotations • 24hr call out • Fast, top quality service

HEATING & PLUMBING

ELECTRICAL SERVICES ✓ EXTRA SOCKETS / LIGHTS ✓ SECURITY LIGHTING/FIRE ALARMS ✓ GARDEN LIGHTING & OUTDOOR SOCKETS ✓ SHOWERS/COOKERS INSTALLED ✓ FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT ✓ COMPLETE RE-WIRING FREE QUOTATIONS, NO OBLIGATION

Please call Paul Eastham on 07769 883717

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

ROOFING

TILING

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

Call Neil on 01793 700436 07725 028776

Feb10 Repair & Improv.indd 43

Extensions/Rewires New Installations Testing and Inspection Security Lighting Showers & Fuseboxes Free quotes • 24 hour call out

01793 878609 07885 543294

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SERVICES for Kitchens & Bathrooms Tel: 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364

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

Alec McKay Tel: 01793 878353 Mobile: 07963 953439

The Roofing Specialist

FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

Steve George

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879

HOUSEMARTIN

ELECTRICIAN

SAFE & SHAW

G R SERVICES Painting and decorating Carpentry services Grounds maintenance Turfing, fencing, patios Kitchen installations Wall tiling Fascias & guttering Roof repairs Friendly, reliable & competitive

CARPENTRY

E-mail: alecmckay@aol.com

215153

TileSure

CERAMIC TILING

Walls & floors Bathrooms, kitchens & conservatories Under floor heating fitted Complete bathroom fitting in conjunction with

ALL SEASONS 24 HR

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES QUALITY FINISH

Call Maurice on 01793 349704 or 07904 142692

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 APPROVED

30 years experienced tradesman

TILING

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

TILING

LJ TILING WALL & FLOOR SPECIALIST Kitchens, bathrooms, conservatories and all natural stone.

Call Leon for a quote on: Tel: 01793 524147 Mob: 07919255673

22/01/2010 11:38

44

ACCOUNTANCY

ACCOUNTANCY

Lynette White MAAT

SJ BAKER ACCOUNTING

FIFTEEN YEARS EXPERIENCE OF: Book keeping - Sage Line 50 VAT returns Payroll - CIS Scheme Final Accounts Tax Returns Personal service for small businesses Competitive prices

V Year End Accounts V Tax Advice V Bookkeeping V VAT Returns V Payroll & PAYE V Self Assessments V Corporation Tax V Management Accounts

Accountancy Services

Telephone: 01793 521020 Mobile: 07877 950625

Email: lynettewhite48@btinternet.com Lynette White is licensed and regulated by the AAT under licence number 5014

CLEANING

A personal service for small businesses & individuals

FREE initial consultation available evenings and weekends

Telephone: 01793 737087 Mobile: 07717752116 www.sjbakeraccounting.co.uk

CLEANING

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

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

GARAGE DOORS

Electrical Automation • Up & Over • Roller • Sectional • Repairs • Pembroke Centre, Cheney Manor Ind Estate, Swindon SN2 2PQ

Tel 01793 878176 • Fax 01793 882639 Email enquiries@dimensions.org.uk www.dimensions.org.uk

OVEN CLEANING

SWINDON OVEN CLEANING

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

To book your oven clean call Maggie on 01793 520362 We use caustic free cleaning products with a fresh solution every time Hobs, extractors and microwaves also undertaken

Chris Payne

Aerials & Satellite Systems ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Freeview & Sky installations TV & radio aerials Home cinema Extra TV & telephone points

No call out charge

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Guaranteed repairs to all makes of domestic appliances

Tel: 01793 700078 Mobile: 07904 330724

Same day/next day service

CLEANING

COMPUTER SUPPORT

Tel: 01793 469300

Bluebelles Cleaning

Homes That Sparkle From People Who Shine Affordable & reliable cleaning programmes, tailored to meet your needs and budget

AERIAL SERVICES

Domestic & Commercial Cleaning Everybody needs a break and with our regular weekly service from just £8 p.h, isn’t there something you would rather be doing?

Cleaning help is no longer just for the rich and famous Reliable and Fully Insured Call 01793 723059/07525 148 276 www.betterthanclean.co.uk

We can clean your home for you and offer a quality service • Weekly, fortnightly &

one-off cleans • Fully insured and pet friendly • Reliable and trustworthy • References available • Local business • Ironing service also available For a free quotation or further information call Mandy on

07955 374 201

HOUSING

GARAGE DOORS

Do you need to sell your property FAST?

Installation & Repairs New Doors • Automation No Obligation Quotes Est. 1981

Buying chain collapsed? Debts to clear? Urgent circumstances?

Facing Repossession? or Relocating?

There is a solution....

Showroom:

Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon SN1 5DR

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

For a guaranteed cash offer, quick completion, and NO fees, call or text me on 0790 566 4550 and I will call you back for a friendly and confidential chat

REMOVALS

SCRAP METAL

Tel: (01793) 618499

or 513796 swindondoorservices@ btinternet.com

RECYCLING

TWB SCRAP

Scrap cars removed All metals removed Factories cleared

All Free of Charge Call: 01793 821592 Or 07831 852617 FULLY LICENSED

White Van Man SINGLE ITEMS MOVED ANYWHERE IN SWINDON FOR £20!

Great house removal prices

Disposal of unwanted items Garden rubbish removed 7 DAYS A WEEK, UP TO 9PM Fully insured. Call for a free quote

Tel: 01793 706821 Mobile: 07796 236436

RODDERS SCRAP METAL All metals removed FREE of charge Washing machines, cookers, microwaves etc.

Sorry no fridges or freezers Scrap cars collected FREE of charge

01793 613396 07899 018167 Registered waste carrier

45

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

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

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748

www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

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

• Quickly usable

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

DELIVERIES

Computer problems?

Let us help

Tel: 01793 325685

OVEN CLEANING Ovens, ranges, agas, hobs extractors and microwaves

Very competitive rates No call out charge All aspects of carpentry UPVC specialist

Fixed pricing examples Single Oven £30 - Range £55

Emergency no: 07734 253189

No hidden extras, includes racks, doors, glass 20 years experience No toxic chemicals in your home Reliable & Friendly Free Quotation To book your oven clean call

email: enquiries to: oakhurstlocks@aol.com

or email: oven@enlan.co.uk

FREE SECURITY SURVEYS

SELF STORAGE

07766 418718

X-BOX 360 REPAIRS

STORAGE

IT

Excellent

value

storage

Don’t let the RRD (red rings of death) destroy your X-Box 360 fun It can be repaired from £30.

Call Dave Lyon: 07850 155480 mail: davidlyonncm@btinternet.com

For homes and businesses Call us today for a quote:

01793 855865

www.storeit.ltd.uk Store It Ltd. Unit 17, Rushy Platt Ind Est, Caen View, Swindon, SN5 8WQ

21-52 February 10.indd 45

12/7/09

21:55:36

Angel’s Orphanage children in need of a teacher, with Ian, Rosa and supporter Ben Wallace, on a visit in November

“We do not have enough money to send the children to school, but they are so far behind in their education that we want to bring tutoring into the house to help them catch up, and to make education a more permanent feature in their lives and routine,” said Rosa. “Unfortunately we are not in a position to offer any payment, but unlike other overseas volunteering opportunities, we don’t expect the successful applicant to pay us for the privilege either.”

The volunteers would need to give a minimum of 2 or 3 months

We provide a range of computer services for both home and business including: • PC repairs and maintenance • System upgrades, networking • Custom built computers • Windows home server installs • Virus removal • Data recovery • Internet solutions With over 15 years experience, you can rely on us

LOCKSMITH

Rosa and Ian Matheson from Highworth, the founders of the new charity dedicated to helping former sherpa guide Angel look after a houseful of children, are looking for two qualified teachers to give them basic life skills as well as teaching them English and other subjects.

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

LINKjulyECOLINKp4p.pdf

COMPUTER SUPPORT

Teachers wanted for Nepalese orphans

CARPET CLEANING

Old X-Box 360 bought for £20

which would suit somebody seeking a career break, or the chance to extend their cultural experiences.

Rosa said, “the children have been through a lot already in their short lives, and can be very wily, so a firm but very loving approach is needed.”

In the longer term Rosa and Ian’s aim is to get the children into full time schooling and the charity is fundraising to achieve this.

To find out more about the volunteer teacher positions, or to become a friend of Angel’s Orphanage, mail: dr.rmm@hotmail.co.uk

Opening doors for young people

February 22 to 28 is National Student Volunteering Week - so if you’re between 16 and 25 years old and want to make a difference this could be your chance.

Swindon’s Volunteer Centre has a team helping young people who want to volunteer and promotes the national V Project, which has created over 900,000 youth volunteering opportunities since it was launched in 2006.

Mandy Ramsdale, youth volunteering development manYouth volunteer organisers from left, ager, says there are Laura Penn, Emma Leyland, Maddy Ramsdale opportunities from conservation to childcare and last become a youth worker and have a year 500 young people registered positive impact on my community.” their interest. “As well as giving Charan Singh Thandi, 17, from back to the community, volunteer- Gorse Hill, spent a month in India ing is a great way of gaining experi- doing hospital work. He said, “it ence, learning to work in a team and was a once in a lifetime experience show initiative – all great qualities and enabled me to know more to highlight on your cv.” about myself.

Sian Millward, 18, from Wootton “Now I volunteer with disabled Bassett, recommends it. “The first children. The satisfaction is incredvolunteer project I did was an urban ible - nothing’s more satisfying arts event, so I had the opportunity then knowing you’re helping your to try graffiti and talk to young community.” people. The projects have helped For details of volunteering, call me become more confident, to feel Mandy Ramsdale on 420557. liberated almost, and now I’d like to www.vinspired.com

22/01/2010 11:20

46

swindonlink.com • February 2010

Pastor hurts himself with some ballroom in the bush

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT . . .

RAINWATER HARVESTING HEAT PUMPS SOLAR WATER HEATING WIND TURBINES SOLAR ELECTRICITY . . . then give us a call

Tel: 01793 772277 www.rainwindsun.com E-mail: enquiries@rainwindsun.com

Lawn & Hedge Cutting • Maintenance General Garden Tidy • Patios • Turfing

Give your garden a makeover Call John Dowell on 07892 436198 j.dowell@live.co.uk

Stitches Sewing Service

Dressmaking, Alterations and Repairs, Bespoke Costumes

Also Furnishing – Curtains, Cushions and Blinds etc.

Friendly, reliable service Contact Jean on 07887 600319

West Swindon pastor Mark Thornett was injured during his recent trip to Lesotho - but not through any dangerous remote mountainous adventure - but by dancing at a birthday party.

Mark, elder of Gateway Church Swindon, was making one of his regular trips to the tiny African country to train young Basotho church leaders and demonstrate how storytelling can help people understand the big story of the Bible.

But his main reason was to visit missionaries from Swindon Mike and Annette Derry and Jo and Pete West. He said, “they live in block built houses, where there are no made up roads for miles around.

All water comes either from rain or the local well; electricity is limited to car batteries or solar panels.

“Their very presence in the village is totally counter to the culture, and people are really interested that they are willing to live with them. The locals are amazed that the Derrys and Wests do their own washing

TERRY WINTER

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

MONUMENTAL STONEMASON New memorials - Additional inscriptions Old memorials cleaned and renovated Free estimates • BRAMM accredited Over 25 years’ experience Tel: 01793 861035 or 07935 309644 email: terry.winter@hotmail.co.uk

Sunday Worship 10.30am Sunday School and Creche Meeting at Abbey Meads Community School

and farming - all of which breaks down barriers of colour and race. On top of that they are giving medical and farming help and advice, as well as well as sharing the Christian message.

“I lived with them for a week and just getting up, washing, eating, drinking is a real challenge.”

Mark said that African Christians can teach Mark, centre, with Pete West and local pastor the UK church a John Mokoena and his son Katleho great deal. “Their simplicity, living without ‘stuff,’ join others on the dance floor and do their faith in God... is awesome. a dance in honour of his birthday but When you have nothing but God, after only 20 seconds my Achilles it’s amazing how he works and tendon decided that it couldn’t take the strain and promptly ruptured. provides.

“I can recommend being upgrad“At the end of the trip I was invited to the 50th birthday of a very ed to business class on Swiss Air - I good pastor friend. After a glass of just wish I had been in a slightly red wine I announced that I would better frame of mind to enjoy it.”

swindon vineyard church If you want to find out more about the new Swindon Vineyard Church, we invite you to an informal Vision & Values evening. Meet the leaders, have a doughnut and discover what makes us tick at the Vineyard.

On Thames Avenue next door to Morrisons

Join us in worship on Sunday mornings

Westlea Church, Westlea School: 10am St Mary’s, Lydiard Tregoze - the church in the park: 10am All Saints’, Lydiard Millicent - the church in the village: 10.30am Holy Trinity, Shaw: 10.30am Toothill Church: 10.30am For details of these and our other services call the Partnership Office on 874221 Email: partnershipoffice@btopenworld.com www.wswinlyd.org.uk Anglican • Baptist • Methodist • United Reformed Church

21-52 February 10.indd 46

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.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

20/01/2010 15:10

If you think now isn’t a good time to buy, get The fact is, Taylor Wimpey have 7 great developments to choose from in and around Swindon.

With the market picking up, now’s the time to hurry along and make sure you get the perfect new home you’re looking for. Don’t miss out!

For more facts on the best new homes in Swindon visit:

taylorwimpey.co.uk/swindon FACT 1 Intere

st rates are a t their lowest si nce records bega n*

Royal Mead,

off Okus Road, Old Town SN1 4GX Apartments from £108,995 and 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £219,995

0845 026 4161

Burghley Place,

FACT u2 sands

o We helped th Buyers e im T of First 9 to buy in 200

FACT 3 Last y

ear we helpe d hundreds of our buyers to sell their o ld home.

Wichelstowe,

off Croft Road SN1 4NY 2 bedroom apartments from £149,995 and 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £174,995

0845 671 9012

Oakley Park,

off Thamesdown Drive SN25 2HH 2 bedroom apartments from £99,995, 2 bedroom Coach house from £119,995 and 3 bedroom homes from £169,995

off Dorcan Way SN3 5BL 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £199,995 (last few remaining)

0845 671 3297

0845 026 4157

The Hedgerows,

The Boulevard, Taw Hill SN25 1WB 2 bedroom Coach house at £134,995 and 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £194,995 (first release)

Guernsey Meadow,

off Torun Way, Taw Hill SN25 1TA 4 & 5 bedroom homes from £249,995

0845 676 2432

0845 026 4187

Goddard Mews,

off High Street, Old Town SN1 3EG 2 bedroom apartments from £149,995 and 3 bedroom homes from £200,995

0845 026 4170

21-52 February 10.indd 47

Sales information centres open daily 10am – 5pm *Based on the Bank of England base rate of 0.5%. Prices correct at time of going to press. Images show typical Taylor Wimpey homes.

20/01/2010 15:11

21-52 February 10.indd 48

20/01/2010 15:35