February 2012 Swindon Link

Comparing images across the generations.

See exhibition details on page 21

Looking back to the 1998 West Swindon Long Poem on page 26

No. 357 February 2012 • Circulation 27,000

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Why Swindon should be proud of these men - page 3 NURSERY

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Jenny Hilborne uses San Francisco as the background for her murder mystery novels.

We meet her on page 14

Swindon’s beauty queen team Donna Nicolson and Jo Logan are supporting a charity that gives children the chance to learn after dark with solar power. Find out how to help on page 8 Photo: Richard Wintle www.calyxpix.com

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swindonlink.com • February 2012

3

Veteran railways team deserves Pride of Swindon Brunel badge recognition

A sprightly group of former railway workers deserves town’s highest recognition says former Swindon Works photographer Roy Nash.

The Mayor of Swindon Ray Ball� dustry which was so important to If you know of an individual or group of people who should be recognised man wants to know of Swindon’s Swindon’s wealth. for their commitment, and they live or work within Swindon borough, send special people, children or adults, “Even though they lost their jobs up to 250 words explaining why he, she or the team should be considered. who have displayed courage or have they were completely dedicated Include the name, address and contact details of the person nominated become a community champion, an to their craft, they’re worth their as well as yours. inspiring teacher, a neighbour who weight in gold in keeping alive Entries should be sent by Friday 10 February to Pride of Swindon is always there, or a team of people Steam Museum’s link to the past.

Awards, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon SN1 2JH or mail: prideofwho have pulled together for com� My nomination is about Swindon swindonawards@swindon.gov.uk munity good. having pride in its workers.”

Retired railway pals, from left Ted Abear, 81, Ed Houghton, 66, Jim Starley, 79, Chris Elia, 61, in front of Caerphilly Castle, built in 1923. Not pictured, Keith Ward, Brian Ferney-Hough, David Floyd.

Photo: Roy Nash

Nominations are being invited for the awards ceremony in April where the coveted Pride of Swindon will be given to 15 people who will receive a �������������������������������� small enamel lapel badge depict� ing the 19th Century inspiration of Swindon’s growth and success, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Roy’s nomination is for a di� minishing number of veterans with a direct link to IK Brunel, a team of former workers who were made redundant when Swindon’s railway works shut in 1986. They continue working voluntarily at Steam Museum polishing and pre� senting the locomotives in the best possible light.

Roy, 84, worked in the British Rail drawing office but during the last ten years before redundancy he was given the freedom to roam with his camera recording men and women in The Works, as well as photographing VIP visits as works manager Harry Roberts desperately tried to drum up contracts to keep the factory open.

“I read about Pride of Swindon in the January Link. It’s about time the men who keep the spirit of Swindon’s railway heritage alive for today’s generations were recognised.

“I used to photograph them at work, sometimes in hot, stinking and dangerous environments.

When you consider they left school aged fourteen or fifteen and they’re now in their 60s, 70s and 80s, they’ve committed their lives to one in�

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swindonlink.com • February 2012

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West Swindon crime nowhere as high as newspaper claims

PC Tom Turner of the West Swindon Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) assured residents attending the West Swindon Forum on 16 January that crime figures reported in the town’s daily paper the week before had given a very misleading impression of the reality.

The Swindon Advertiser claimed of the town - not solely the West look after their own security. “Please on 12 January that the West Swin- Swindon Neighbourhood Police lock your doors and windows, even don area was afflicted by a spate area (west of Great Western Way and if going out for few minutes,” said of burglaries, 30 in the last month, Mead Way). He said: “Burglaries in Tom. “There are people who go most of which were carried by five the West Police Area rose by 20 per around testing doors all the time, prolific offenders. cent over the festive period due to looking for quick pickings. Please However PC Turner told the the activities of a few offenders. don’t make it easy for them.” forum that the Advertiser had con“In the West Swindon NPT there He reported that crime is down fused geographical boundaries. The has been an unwelcome 4 per cent in all other areas - violent assaults statistics were for the West Police increase in theft from houses, the minus 11 per cent, criminal damage Area which covers Pinehurst, Pen- majority of cases by thieves taking down 10 per cent, non-dwelling hill, Rodbourne Cheney, Gorse Hill the opportunity to steal because burglary down 6 per cent, motor and West Swindon - about a third the home has been left unlocked.” vehicles (mostly scooters) down 3 He added that the police are per cent. Overall, crime is down 7 working hard to catch the habitual per cent in the West Swindon NPT criminals who carry out most of the area, with anti-social behaviour Are you being charged hidden/extra offences but appealed to people to down by 15 per cent.

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Other issues discussed at the forum: Double yellow lines outside Lydiard Park Academy. These were painted in December and will be enforced by Swindon Council highways department.

Five houses to be built at Crawford/Cottington Close, Freshbrook.

Swindon Council is proposing to infill land once occupied by a childrens’ play area with a terrace of houses. For details mail councillor Michael Dickinson: mjad@waitrose.com

Whitehill Way phone mast. Residents in Freshbrook and Grange Park are concerned that 02/Vodaphone will be making another proposal to erect a mast next to Castle Dore, close to the Grange Park Way roundabout.

This follows rejection of a plan last April to put it next to The Holbeins.

To be kept in touch mail Lisa Mullan: ljmullan@gmail.com Road surface at Edgehill, Freshbrook. Residents have complained that the road is completely worn out and are calling on Swindon Council to carry out extensive repairs. For details mail coun Mick Bray: BrMicha454@aol.com.

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“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 unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission.

Articles and photographs require similar authority.

Swindon Publications Ltd. cannot be held responsible for goods or services offered by its advertisers Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027. Registered Office: 130 High Street, Hungerford, Berks. Printed by pcp, Telford

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swindonlink.com • February 2012

5

Swindon boosts the importance of locality Swindon Council introduced a new policy on 1 January designed to make decisions by councillors and officers based more closely on the views being expressed in the many neighbourhoods around the town. Matt Gott, Board Director for Localities, explains how it will work.

We have all seen on the news that 2012 and beyond is going to be a challenging year for everyone because of the economic situation - and Swindon is no exception.

It is clear that given decreasing resources and increasing demand, the council’s success can no longer depend on a traditional view of service delivery. It will depend on the involvement of service users and citizens.

Our locality approach is a clear commitment to shifting the way the council works so that it is closer to local people. Six newly appointed Locality Lead Officers are already working closely with elected members in their areas and the conversation starts now. They will aim to improve information, understanding and awareness of how the council, and partners, work so that people feel able to get involved in decisions and services that affect them most, when they want to.

The locality leads will seek to generate more conversations, more often, with more people, concerning the things people care about. This has to be the starting point for getting better insight and reinforcing

proach means that different things will work in different areas. Along with a steadfast commitment to the locality approach is an acceptance that we will need to learn as we go and change accordingly.

• In the late 90s Swindon Council grouped political wards into Area Panels.These went out of favour and reappeared in 2008 as Clusters of wards. These are now to be known as Localities.

Find out which locality you live in at http://bit.ly/swindonconnect Taking on new roles, the Locality Leaders cast list, from left, Kathryn Langdown – North Swindon, Nazakat Ali – East, Paula Harrison – West, Andy Reeves – North Central, Mark Walker – Central, Matt Gott – Board Director Localities, Jackie Moyles – South, Andrea Barratt - North East, Pam Gough – North East

the idea that the best outcomes are the result of a relationship between the council, partners and people, and not a service transaction.

Over time we will see greater delegation and local decision making. We will focus on joining up services with the wider public sector, and with other providers, at the local level.

We will look to connect people and groups more effectively, nurture and support community-led initiatives, invest in local enterprise

and encourage people to get more involved in decision making.

A locality approach will also help us to understand neighbourhoods and places better and share information effectively. We want to overlay the data we have about neighbourhoods - health, education, skills, employment, etc. - with local stories. This is the only way that we will make better decisions with scarcer resources and get better outcomes from services.

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swindonlink.com • February 2012

Community groups insulted by council’s Tadpole Farm dealings

The North Swindon Community Association has pooled resources and sponsored an independent review of Crest Nicholson’s Transport and Highways Assessment that accompanies the planning application for 1,700 homes at Tadpole Farm, north of Oakhurst and Redhouse.

At an open meeting in Blunsdon Village Hall in December North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson emphasised the importance of making technically viable objections to up-coming development proposals, and said Swindon Council had agreed officers would provide assistance.

The findings of the review of Crest’s plans, conducted for residents by Swindon-based consultants Badingham Limited, makes interesting reading says Stephanie Exell of Oakhurst Residents’ Association. She said: “It is very unclear

North Swindon Locality Meeting

Wednesday 1 February, 7pm Village Hall, High St. Blunsdon A chance for people living in North Swindon to discuss community issues with councillors representing the different wards in the area.

Agenda items include discussions on community speed watch and Mouldon Hill Park. Officers from the Neighbourhood Police Team will provide an update on activities across North Swindon.

There will also be the opportunity to raise items of community concern.

how much of Crest’s traffic modelling applies to the whole Tadpole Farm development. It appears that their original assessment applied to the first phase of development - only 323 houses or 19 per cent of the total proposed.

“I am also concerned that the cumulative impact of other developments are not part of the discussion. For example the 700 houses at Ridgeway Farm in Wiltshire don’t figure in traffic surveys.”

The review highlights the heavy reliance that Crest place on a rapid transit bus route from Tadpole Farm to the town centre to reduce car use.

However there is doubt as to the reliability and likelihood of such a service being implemented. Stephanie said: “It is our understanding that this idea has been withdrawn.”

The review identifies flawed data and some highway guideline contraventions by Crest, including: • calling Tadpole Farm highly accessible when measurements were taken as the crow flies, against Swindon Council’s recommended approach of measuring intended routes from the centre of the site; • not all parts of the site are within 400 metres recommended distance from a bus route;

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• a lack of analysis of current travel patterns in the area: • unrepresentative and overly optimistic trip rate figures for both domestic and light industrial traffic at peak hours.

Community representatives say they are perplexed by the council’s apparent easy acceptance of Crest’s case, despite it failing to meet the standards set by the highways department.

However, taking up Justin Tomlinson’s offer, North Swindon Community Association representatives met council officers in January and were told of the complicated procedures required to undertake a viable traffic survey - which residents would have to undertake.

Terry Hunt of Rodbourne Cheney Residents’ Association was very disappointed by the lack of real

assistance from the council. “We wanted to ensure that any evidence submitted would be viable, but it would be ludicrous for us to try and find the manpower the council say is required for a traffic survey.

It would mean surveying five junctions six hours a day, three days a week for three weeks, as well as logging an analysis of each vehicle.

“It is grossly unfair that the council could lapse the rules for the developers but demand exacting rules from the community.”

Steph Exell is also alarmed by the council’s attitude. She said: “It is disingenuous of the Borough to offer support to the community in an activity that is so unrealistic and prohibitive for us to carry out alone.

Frankly what we were offered is an insult.” http://bitly/oakhurstresidents

Haydon Wick pub becomes Arkell’s house Swindon brewery Arkell’s acquired The Fox and Hounds in Haydon Wick just before Christmas, adding to its range of older and modern new build pubs.

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Toasting the future of the Fox and Hounds, from left, Alex Arkell, landlord Brendan Lee and George Arkell

The Fox and Hounds is a lovely country pub that first opened around 1840. Absorbed into Swindon’s expansion northwards in the 1970s, it retains the charm of a rural setting in the High Street.

Brewery chairman, James Arkell, said: “The licensed industry changes all the time. We’ve always known this and adapt our estate accordingly, that’s why we’ve been in

business for over 160 years, just like the majority of fellow family brewers across the country who understand the licensed trade.

“People want more from pubs than just a great pint of beer and someone to chat to. Good food is important for every licensed premises and the Fox and Hounds fits what we believe the community needs perfectly.”

20/01/2012 13:29

swindonlink.com • February 2012

What price our democratic freedoms - 700 houses?

Richard Pagett of environmental group Purton Ps & Qs, below, says house builder Taylor Wimpey is by-passing planning processes Wiltshire Council is still reviewing the planning application to build 700 homes to the north of Peatmoor at Ridgeway Farm in Wiltshire, but Taylor Wimpey cannot be bothered to wait and wants to go straight to an appeal hearing in front of a planning inspector.

The Ridgeway Farm application serves the developer’s interest with no thought for Swindon, Lydiard or Purton or anyone who lives there.

Taylor Wimpey ignore the democratic institutions of Swindon Borough Council, and the people of Swindon, who have unequivocally stated that these houses are not needed to the west of the town.

Wiltshire Council has unequivocally stated in its draft planning Core Strategy that it does not want, and does not need, houses to the west of Swindon at Ridgeway Farm. Swindon councillors do not want these houses, neither do Lydiard Millicent councillors, Purton Parish councillors or local Wiltshire councillors.

The three local MPs have expressed objections and so have more than 1,000 people. There is absolutely no one who knows anything about the area or its needs who is in favour of this housing.

So where is the democracy?

Taylor Wimpey states: “...Numerous studies have concluded that land at Ridgeway Farm/Moredon Bridge represents the most sustainable and appropriate location for this growth.”

Yet, this location is not sustainable and cannot be demonstrated as such. Taylor Wimpey even refers to the draft National Planning Policy Framework in its arguments,

referring to the concept of the “... presumption in favour of sustainable development.”

However this ‘presumption’ has been widely discredited by many experts from many perspectives and was roundly condemned recently by the Government’s own Communities and Local Government Committee.

Is no one listening?

Taylor Wimpey maintains that the emerging draft Swindon Core Strategy and the draft Wiltshire Council Core Strategy are not important - yet these are the two most important planning documents that we have.

Instead, Taylor Wimpey relies on old planning documents stretching back ten years, and even refers to proposals from over 30 years ago and still cites the now-defunct draft 2007 South West Regional Spatial Strategy which the Government has clearly said should no longer be regarded as valid. Their position is all nonsense.

Everyone knows that North Wiltshire, indeed the world, has changed irreversibly since then.

Taylor Wimpey should not be allowed to ride roughshod over local people and their democratic freedoms.

• All previous objections to the Ridgeway Farm development will be considered by the planning inspector. Anybody who has not yet expressed their view can write, by 16 February, to leanne. palmer@pins.gsi.gov.uk Quote: APP/Y3940/A/11/2166277/NWF • The 8 day public enquiry hearing will start on 9 May in Chippenham.

7

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For more information, contact Amanda or Cheryl on 01793 465413

Major road works start on 6 February Wiltshire councillor Jacqui Lay reports that work on the three way Crosslanes junction at Hayes Knoll Road, where the B4553 and C70 meet, will start on 6 February.

The aim is to make the junction safer by reducing confusion as to which drivers have right of way. The work will last for two weeks and temporary lights will control traffic during this period. Drivers are advised to find a different route or allow more time for delays.

1-20 February 12.indd 7

20/01/2012 13:41

8

swindonlink.com • February 2012

Lights for Learning help on two fronts in Africa

When a multi-agency Lights for Learning team travel to The Gambia in April to install solar powered electric lighting units into schools, hospitals and shelters, their cargo will be packaged using recycled bras, which will then be distributed amongst the local women.

Being able to afford underwear the team with a lot of fundraising.” can be a choice between support or So popular have the bra collecchildren going hungry says Lights tions been that Jo found another for Learning sales manager Jo Heavway to raise much needed funds en. “When I visited South Africa I by linking with BCR Global Textiles learned from women that wearing who recycle bras. Jo explained: “As a bra was a mark of status, but in we have collected more bras than The Gambia women have to decide we need to pad out the solar panels, between a bag of rice or wearing BCR is an excellent fund raising something comfortable. The solar channel. They supply bra bins lighting panels can be taken out as and also self-addressed bin liners passenger luggage in suitcases and which FedEx collect free of charge we pad them out with bras which when full. For every kilo collected the women of the villages really Lights for Learning receive £1 to appreciate - it’s recycling taken to help towards the cost of the solar another practical level.” installations.”

Beauty queens back bra collections for solar power charity. Miss Thamesdown 1978 Since 2004 Cricklade based charBins have already been installed Donna Nicholson (nee Gordon), left, and her daughter the current Miss Wiltshire ity Lights for Learning has been at Intel, Swindon College, Office Jo Logan with Lights Jo Heaven and Amy Jones of Office Angels installing solar lighting in schools Photo: Richard Wintle. www.calyxpix.com Angels and a number of local busiand medical centres where there nesses, schools, playgroups and cational materials, solar powered churches. If you would like a bra bin is no electricity supply in several centres.”

The trip to the Gambia is set to calculators, spectacles, sports and for your organisation, contact: joAfrican countries. The systems are robust, easy to install and a low cost be very busy, with teachers, IT con- first aid equipment. All the costs of anna.heaven@lightsforlearning.org solution which enable learning and sultants, handymen and midwives the trip and the projects are borne by www.lightsforlearning.org medical care to take place after the going to work in the remote schools and nurseries in the Bangsang, sun has set.

Jo added: “Where lights are in- Daru, Ndkiri Kunda area, at BangSolar powered lights from Lights for Learning will be installed at a school stalled allowing children to study sang Hospital and Shelter Gambia. in Lesotho linked to Swindon at the end of January.

“As well as installing solar lights, after dark there have been massive increases in school exam passes, we’ll be renovating classrooms, teacher retention and adult literacy teaching rugby and running first aid rates, and also a drop in night-time training with First Aid 4 Gambia,” birth mortality rates at medical said Jo. “We’ll also be taking edu-

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ON

Roger Mugridge of Lights for Learning with members of Peatmoor Primary eco-club who are looking forward to seeing pictures from Lesotho Photo: Richard Wintle www.calyxpix.com

Mike and Annette Derry, members of Gateway Church in Westlea departed at the beginning of January for a two month stay in Lesotho.

Part of their luggage was solar panels, LED lights and control boxes made by inventor Roger Mugridge who was pictured in the December Link with children from Red Oaks Primary School.

They and children from Peatmoor Primary raised £1,000 to light a hall and a combined classroom library at Paramente School in Lesotho using

four solar panels charging two car batteries to feed 24 LED lights. It will also fund a portable briefcase sized kit to light an office.

Both schools have developed an educational relationship and deep friendship with Dihlabeng School in South Africa over the last ten years.

Margaret Grant, head at Dihlabeng, suggested the Swindon schools link with Paramente School where Swindon teacher Jo West and her husband Pete live and work, with support from Gateway Church.

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20/01/2012 13:32

10 swindonlink.com • February 2012

Delighted reaction to long term future for Swindon’s cultural gem

The exclusive news in the January Link that Lower Shaw Farm has been granted a 25 year lease by Swindon Council has been met with an overwhelmingly positive reaction.

Five years of detailed negotia- ther afield encouraged the council ing and poetry groups and tions means that the community, to consider the value of having a is the base for the Swindon educational and cultural activities unique community facility in the Festival of Literature. that have developed since the farm town. Now run by a cooperative In the January Link Swinwas leased to a charity in the late the farm is a heavily used and much don Council deputy leader 1970s can continue. Then the farm loved centre for family related, councillor Gary Perkins said and the lane was set in green fields community and environmental ac- that offering the farm trustbut as the growth of West Swindon tivities, from creative arts and craft ees a long term lease was a surrounded it, Lower Shaw Farm courses to juggling, circus skills, positive for the town. “Lowbecame a green oasis in suburbia. gardening and cookery workshops. er Shaw Farm is something In 2006 a proposal to redevelop A popular weekly community different and unique and we the site for more houses was sug- cafe, and numerous events run by a recognise how important it gested but a short sharp campaign children’s project take place and the is to Swindon’s community from people in Swindon and fur- farm is also a venue for several writ- and culture.

“Over many years Swindon has taken Lower Shaw Farm to its heart and this Farm trustees Matt Holland and Andrea Hirsch agreement gives the trustees with Diana Eddy and her grandchildren with the the opportunity to invest in Observer ethical award and develop the property for and he would be able to bring his the long term good of the town.” own children. It’s beautiful to know Diana Eddy from Old Town suc- that my grandchildren will be able cessfully nominated the farm to the to enjoy the activities at the farm.”

Observer ethical awards in 2010.

Andie Bright from Stratton, who She said: “Knowing the farm has discovered the farm after her first now received a long lease from the child was born said: “For many council is such a relief. It is the real parents the farm is a life-saver heart of Swindon. because it gives you Charisma Blinds - the place for quality and value Anyone who has the chance to get Suppliers of all types of blinds, awnings and shutters visited Lower Shaw out of the house and Full fitting service or cash and carry Farm knows exactly meet others. There’s Factory showroom open Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm how warm their welnowhere else like it; Friday 9.30am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm come is, and how the Wednesday cafe values that have seen has a lovely atmoBSS House, Cheney Manor Ind. Est., Swindon. Tel: 01793 434584 us through centuries sphere. There are are still alive there. lovely people and the “Swindon would children adore it.” be so very much Melissa McBride SWINDON 2012 the poorer culturally f ro m O l d To w n and educationally if said the people of this wonderful warm Swindon will benfarm had been taken efit. “Matt and Anaway from us. drea have created a “The future lies in the hands of neighbourhood treasure. Swindon such establishments because their Council have understood that the awareness and care for our planet town needs a variety of cultural and humanity is the only way we and community places; we’re all will survive.” winners from their decision.”

Mothers attending the WednesRosa Hirsch-Holland was born day morning community cafe in at Princess Margaret Hospital in mid-December were delighted to 1985 and grew up on the farm. “It’s find out that the farm has a long unbelievable that the long lease has term future. Cafe volunteer Sarah been agreed. I don’t want to tempt Willmott from Shaw, above, who fate, but I’m delighted because it was involved in the campaign to means my own children will be able save the farm from redevelopment, to enjoy Lower Shaw as I have.” said: “It’s absolutely fantastic news, but a shame that the uncertainty has been going on for so long.

Lower Shaw Farm is now protected for ERS E OF M G I R the next generation.

N P A R & R S WITH OU SOLVING PAINT I recently told my seven year old son PROBLEM that he can continue to come to the farm

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Nathalie Marshall with Alasdair and Andie Bright with Brianna and Tessa

20/01/2012 13:32

swindonlink.com • February 2012

11

Helping hands needed at Hop, Skip and Jump

A new centre offering respite care for children with severe disabilities is desperate to recruit more volunteers in response to increasing demand for its services.

Hop Skip and Jump only opened a ball pond and an adventure play will be enough volunteers available and healthy. For example we have at Upper Shaw Farm community structure, and more and more to provide support. It’s a pity that about 5,000 plastic balls in the pond centre at Ridge Green last July and parents from Swindon and further I can’t automatically tell them that which have to be regularly cleaned has seen a tremendous uptake from afield are bringing their children for there is a place available.” with anti-bacterial spray. It all takes parents seeking support according us to provide stimulating activities.

Verity added that more volun- time and effort, so we’re appealing to centre manager Verity Brooke- We’ve become very busy during teers are needed to assist keeping for more people to come forward to Maple. “It seems as if we’ve been holidays and half term. the centre fit for use. “The increas- help us in a variety of tasks.” here for a lot longer than eight “Parents have to book sessions ing use of the centre means that we If you can help contact Verity months,” she said. “We have an but I’m finding I have to say I’ll get have to ensure that the building on 07557 435012 or mail: manager. art and craft room, activity space, back to them so I can check there and the toys are in good shape, safe hsjswindon@gmail.com

Link provides a history of Upper Shaw Farm for new users West Swindon based local historian Fran Bevan looks at the background of the farmhouse Farming had taken place in the area his nephew William Plummer bought it for more than 600 years and there is in 1870. In 1920 William John Plummer evidence of a Romano-British kiln and Kinchin sold it to George Henry Cowley, pottery in the area. ending the 110 year occupancy of the In the 17th Century the farm was owned Sadler and Plummer families.

by Henry Oatridge, a member of a wealthy In 1971 Swindon Corporation purchased Gloucestershire family, although the presUpper Shaw Farm with Wick Farm for ent, much altered farmhouse dates from £156,080 in advance of the 1980s western the early 19th Century. expansion of the town.

In 1830 the property was bought by In 1983 the original building was conThomas Packer Butt from Cheltenham verted to provide meeting rooms and a and occupied by his tenant Thomas caretaker’s flat whilst a modern extension Sadler for more than forty years. The was added to the rear for a community hall. dairy farm at Upper Shaw never measured Later on the upper floor of the farmmuch more than 90 acres, considerably house was used by Ridge Green medical smaller than its neighbours at Shaw, East practice for a number of years before the Leaze and Lower Shaw.

Hop Skip and Jump manager Verity Brooke-Maple, left, receiv- building was closed in 2009 after comThe farm remained in the Sadler ing a framed history of Upper Shaw Farm with Link magazine munity facilities for local groups opened family from Thomas’s occupancy at the archive images, from Fran Bevan and Link publisher Roger Ogle at the newly built Shaw Ridge Primary beginning of the 19th Century to when Photo: Richard Wintle of www.calypix.com School next door.

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12 swindonlink.com • February 2012

North Swindon teacher connects with African children

Catherine Wayte teacher Kirsty O’Neil travelled to Burkina Faso in January to spend a week visiting a new school in the village of Doudou, strengthening links with Swindon and meeting some of the pupils sponsored by her colleagues.

Kirsty said conditions are a world away from what her pupils experience. “There are two classes each with 86 pupils. Some of the children walk five miles to and from school each day without shoes.”

At the moment the classes use temporary buildings, but the bricks are now on the site for a permanent school, to be named after Pastor Joany Bazemo. Kirsty explained: “Pastor Joany did a lot of work campaigning for the school to be built, but he was tragically killed

in a car accident a year ago.”

The welcome Kirsty received at the school was overwhelming. “It was like nothing I’ve ever known.

The village elders were there to meet us, and the children formed a guard of honour. They gave us beautiful gifts, and one of the parents spoke very movingly about how touched he is that there are families 3,000 miles away in Swindon who are helping him care for his children.”

Pupils and staff at Catherine Wayte have raised money to pro-

vide school uniforms, books, pens, canvas bags and a CD player for the school, and have plans for further fundraising for more uniforms and shoes for the children.

“We also want to appeal for anyone who would be interested in sponsoring a child to go to school,”

said Kirsty. A child’s school fees cost just £10 a month and the sponsor will receive regular updates and letters about the child’s progress.”

For details of sponsorship call her on 07585 313407.

• See more of Kirsty’s images at www.swindonlink.com

Some of the children that Kirsty met at Pastor Joany Bazemo school, pleased to be included in the universal language of football

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swindonlink.com • February 2012

13

Demand on Swindon Foodbank continues to rise as recession bites It might be difficult to imagine but over the last few months Swindon Foodbank has been helping a higher proportion of families in crisis living in North Swindon than other parts of the town.

Since it launched in November 2005, demand for emergency food supplies has continued to rise, but so has the generosity of people willing to collect food for the project or donate at one of the charity’s supermarket collections.

P ro j e c t m a n a g e r R i c h a rd Belsham, who set up the charity stepped aside at the end of January.

He leaves his post with pride in the hands of successor Lee Thompson.

A committed Christian, Richard had been made redundant as a surveyor for a housing association in early 2005. He said he learnt of the Salisbury Foodbank and spent several months with his wife Sandra talking to churches, the police, advice agencies and schools to build a base for a similar project in Swindon. “We started without really realising how it would work, but the people of Swindon responded magnificently.

Ways to help Foodbank Supermarket food collection Saturday 4 February Asda Walmart, North Swindon Donations of items such as long life milk and juice, tinned foods, cereals, pasta and biscuits are most appreciated.

Gala fundraiser Sunday 12 February Fine dining and entertainment from the West End at the Swindon Marriott.

Tickets at £45 from Swindon Foodbank on 01793 978045.

Become a supporter and/or a volunteer helper. See details at www. swindonfoodbank.co.uk

“The entire project has been funded by the generosity of local people who caught the vision of what we wanted to achieve, and in six years we haven’t missed a single bill. It’s been amazing to experience God’s provision for the finances of the project and indeed for our family.”

Over the next few months Richard and Sandra will be visiting their daughter who works at an Aids hospital in South Africa and Richard will be dusting off his watercolours before returning as a volunteer to help Swindon Foodbank expand to Highworth, Royal Wootton Bassett and into Oxfordshire.

Sandra will continue as Foodbank administrator Since it opened Swindon Foodbank has provided over 139 tonnes of food to vulnerable families in the town and 2011 saw a 29 per cent increase in the number of people receiving help. Over Christmas the project fed 384 people, 71 per cent more than 2010 “Everybody received five days’ supply of food to feed their household and they all had two large bags of seasonal Christmas meal extras, such as stuffing, chocolates, even crackers,”said Richard.

“The impact of the recession is affecting a wider range of people than ever. We’ve always supported families in the poorer parts of the town, but at the moment, 60 per cent of the people we’re helping are from Priory Vale and Abbey Meads. The impact of the economy is hitting middle managers, typically households with an income of £30,000.

“They’re suddenly hit by redun-

dancy or have taken on lower paid jobs, but are still trying to cope with the same living costs. I think Foodbank will be supporting middle income families for some time to come.”

• The Link featured the first ever school collection at Shaw Ridge Primary in November 2005. See Richard visiting the children on www.swindonlink.com Richard passing the keys to the Foodbank van to Lee Thompson

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Slimming World leaders in Swindon visited the Foodbank warehouse in early January to deliver 71 kilos of food donated by over 200 members who attend weight loss sessions. They also handed over a cheque for £187 to help the charity’s running costs. Pictured with Foodbank managers Richard Belsham and Lee Thompson, from left, Jenny Williams, Heather Clark, Sharon Painter Judith Newton

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14 swindonlink.com • February 2012

West coast writing success for Swindon-born author Jenny Hilborne, from Greenmeadow, is making a name for herself in crime writing circles in the USA. On a flying visit to Swindon to see family over Christmas she talked to Juliet Platt about her growing recognition and the effort needed to hone the craft of writing.

Jenny’s first two murder mysteries - Murder and Madness, and No Alibi - are set in San Francisco and reached the Amazon’s top 100 thrillers best-seller list.

Based in San Diego, Jenny has lived in California for the past 14 years, having travelled there on holiday with her sister, Jo. She now works full-time for a bank in Delmar City, but a writing career is becoming a reality.

Jenny grew up in Greenmeadow, and attended school at Pinehurst

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and Hreod Burna. Her first inkling of talent came young she says: “I wrote my first story at age seven, and was surprised that my teacher passed it to others to read.

I remember how good it felt to have people read what I’d written. But it wasn’t until 2006 that I wondered if writing was part of my future” Jenny had started a degree in English Literature in San Diego and her professor encouraged her to try to get into print.

“Everyone told me to describe myself as a writer as soon as I could,” said Jenny. “If you write, you’re a writer long before your first book is published, otherwise how’s it going to get written?

“My dream is to be a full-time writer, and I hope to be moving in that direction soon. I’m currently working on my next two books, the latest one being set closer to home in Britain, so it’s likely I’ll be spending more time in Swindon.

“I love murder mysteries and have always liked watching crime

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editor involved. There is no substitute for having a traditional agent or publisher to spot a writer’s talents and to take them on.”

“I met the publisher of my first two books at a writers’ conference, but my books don’t reach the big bookshops because she’s a small independent. I’m now looking for an agent who can help me work with bigger publishers for wider distribution.”

shows. I’m fascinated by the evil it takes for someone to murder another person. I think I have a dark side.

“My ideas come from everywhere – TV, newspapers and general conversations. Quite a lot of my Swindon life inspires my writing too, and I will always have a British character somewhere in my story. I use a lot of experiences I’ve had myself, like homesickness, to develop characters’ traits.”

Murder and Madness, was published in digital format in 2010 just at the time the Kindle was taking off in the States; her second book No Alibi came out in 2011. “I certainly felt my first book came out just as the e-book revolution was starting,” said Jenny. “Last year I was invited to be a judge in the International Thriller Awards which was a really fascinating experience. I’m pleased to say that I found the best stories came from authors with small, independent publishers. I had a few books to judge from the big publishing company Random House but they were nowhere near as good.”

“I love to read as much as write, and I enjoy helping readers find good books, as well as helping authors reach more readers.

Jenny said writers have always been successful because of their fans; the internet now has opened up huge opportunity for newcomers. “Nowadays it’s so important to build a fan-base via social networking online, but it’s vital to be professional about everything because agents and publishers are always on the lookout for new talent. If you act unprofessionally in your online relationships then you’ve got no chance.”

On the subject of self-publishing versus traditional publishing Jenny is quite clear. “Whether you call it vanity publishing or self-publishing it amounts to the same thing – if you have paid someone to publish your book there has been no objective

Jenny’s top tips for aspiring authors in Swindon are: • Network – use social media to connect with readers and other writers; • Don’t give up – writing is hard work and can be lonely. Be prepared for rejection but don’t let it put you off; • Believe in yourself; • Get out to workshops, conferences and writing events; • Find trusted ‘beta readers’ to test your ideas; • If you’re stuck, try writing the ending first and working back from there.

Also write bios of your characters.

By the time you’re done you’ll have a whole book.

Murder and Madness and No Alibi are available from Amazon.com and for download on Kindle.

Find Jenny at http://JFHilborne.com http://jfhilborne.wordpress.com

Love your library It’s National Love Libraries day on Saturday 4 February and libraries in Swindon will be displaying books recommended by local readers.

At West Swindon children have the chance to decorate hearts and there will be a prize for the best entry. The library will be open 9.30am to 4pm. www.nationallibrariesday.org.uk

Swindon’s libraries stock e-books on virtual shelves Responding to the upsurge in easy to use electronic book readers Swindon Council’s libraries will offer e-books and downloadable audiobooks via American firm Overdrive from February.

The free service will give library members the opportunity to browse titles online and then download the ones they like to their computer, e-book reader or other compatible device.

At the end of the loan the item automatically disappears so library members will not be liable for any fines.

20/01/2012 13:33

swindonlink.com • February 2012

15

Education for the needs of the child, rather than the exam system at Bradon Forest says headteacher

Bradon Forest School headteacher Len Spiers believes his school deserves better than the satisfactory verdict delivered by its recent OFSTED inspection, and that his school suffers in the league tables because its attainment statistics are based on ‘pure’ GCSE results, rather than those inflated by GCSE equivalents.

The inspection found Languages and either Histhat Bradon Forest stutory or Geography. dents feel safe, have But in these fraught good attendance, are economic times perhaps well-behaved and the most telling statistic aware of others’ needs. of all is that 100 per cent It also acknowledged of Bradon Forest students the good improvement went onto employment, plans that are in place, education or further trainwith further progress to ing in 2011, with over 70 be made in attainment, per cent moving on to sharing good practice study A/S and A level. and giving written Reflecting on these figfeedback to students. ures, and on the dedicaIn a letter to parents tion and support of the Len Spiers wrote: “We Len Spiers with Bradon Forest headboy Olly Webb and Senior school staff, Mr Spiers conPrefect responsible for Year 10 peer mentors Natalie Moseley firmly believe that curcluded: “We are confident riculum decisions must serve the the government’s new English Bac- that Bradon Forest will continue to interests of our students. We do calaureate, including A*to C passes develop and be even more successuse some alternatives to GCSE in English, Mathematics, Science, ful in the future.” where these are deemed the most Year 10 get behind island team appropriate learning vehicle for a particular student. However it is Every tutor group at Bradon Forest has been assigned a country to worth noting that all our students support at the London 2012 Olympics and 10Y will be taking a special interest in the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. take a minimum of 8 GCSEs.” Last term Cherryll Birchwood Uzoruo, headteacher at Goodwood High Mr Spiers is pleased that this year for the first time national School on the Island of Tobago, and Peter Wheeler Thabiti, chair of the league tables will be shown with school’s international partnership committee, visited Bradon Forest to find and without GCSE equivalences, out about life at the school and discuss ways of working closely together.

This follows a visit by Martin Bray, head of Key Stage 4 at Bradon, and is confident that Bradon Forest will be a top-performing school in last March.

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16 swindonlink.com • February 2012

LYDIARD PARK ACADEMY ‘Potential into Performance’ Opening 4th September 2012

Does your child go to secondary school in September? Worried that the school your child’s been allocated is rated ‘satisfactory’ rather than ‘good’ ?

Does your allocated school offer . . . n Traditional values. “Students’ positive attitudes

and good behaviour play a key role in the quality of their learning in the classroom. The quality of the care, guidance and support students receive is good.” (Ofsted June 2011).

n Highly rated by Ofsted. “This is a good school.

Teaching is good. Teachers show enthusiasm for their subjects and have good subject knowledge. Lessons are well planned, learning objectives are appropriately challenging and teachers provide support or extension where needed” (Ofsted June 2011)

n Good results. “Achievement is good and there is

no significant difference in the progress made by different groups.” (Ofsted June 2011) And, unlike some schools, our curriculum is based almost entirely on high-value traditional GCSE courses.

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Tregoze youngsters learn from supporting heroes

A classroom project at Tregoze Primary School to study World War II was given a modern twist during the Autumn term when children worked with Intel staff to plan an event to raise money for Help For Heroes.

Some of the Tregoze fundraisers with, from left, Mark Woodward, Chris Oakley and Albert Davy

Intel computer experts helped the children work on a multimedia presentation to the whole school advertising a fundraising fete which included video interviews with veterans about their experiences in the military.

The fete to commemorate the Armistice in November raised £286.80 for Help for Heroes. At a cheque presentation in early January Chris Oakley, the charity’s volunteer coordinator for Wiltshire congratulated Tregoze children. “Their project was unusual as it involved Intel and combined fundraising with learning,” he said. “The children made a tremendous effort and showed

great enterprise.”

Mark Woodward, Intel IT manager, said: “My colleagues were keen to do an IT focused project and were very pleased when the Tregoze staff suggested a day using multimedia and ICT work with the children.”

Albert Davey secretary of the Korean Veteran’s Association for Swindon and Wiltshire was interviewed by the youngsters.

“I really enjoyed being part of the project. Tregoze is such a friendly place, the children were so interested in their studies and enthusiastic about raising the money for Help for Heroes.”

Time for Carney to step down

After two years in office as the Member of Youth Parliament for Swindon, Carney Bonner has decided not to run for re-election in favour of focussing his energy on the cyber bullying campaign he’s been leading for the past 18 months.

has two unique programmes – a Gifted and Talented Academy and a Sports Academy - both designed with the input of national experts.

n Easy accessibility. Lydiard Park Academy is easily

accessible from all of West Swindon and beyond. In addition to existing Thamesdown bus routes, a new school bus service will be introduced from September 2012, starting at Asda Walmart and travelling to Grange Park via Oakhurst, Sparcells, Peatmoor, Shaw and Westlea.

n Well led. “The headteacher and the other senior

leaders have a clear vision of where the school is going and this is shared across the school. The school has a good capacity for further sustained improvement.”

(Ofsted June 2011)

To discuss your child’s secondary school place for September then please contact the school:

LYDIARD PARK ACADEMY Grange Park Way, Grange Park, Swindon SN5 6HN Tel: 01793 874224 Fax: 01793 876274 E-mail: lpa@greendown.swindon.sch.uk

1-20 February 12.indd 16

Carney, centre, with youth forum colleagues Mathew Ryan and Amy Pricter at a cyber-bullying workshop at Greendown in 2011

“When I first came to office I spoke to other young people and I came to understand how important emotional well-being is to them,” said Carney. “This helped me to decide my manifesto priority, and develop the Keep it Safe cyber bullying campaign.

“I know the work I’ve done in and out of schools has helped young people feel safer online, but cyber bullying is still an issue and there is a need for ongoing awareness as children grow older, through primary school to secondary level.

I want to continue focussing on it

and making a positive change for young people in Swindon.”

“I am very grateful to all those people who have given me so much support over the past two years. It’s been an honour to work with the Swindon Youth Forum. The work they do with young people is amazing and a true credit to the town.”

Carney plans to launch Keep it Safe Online as a charity and develop a Swindon-based mentoring service • Keep in touch on Twitter: @ keepsafeonline and Facebook: keepingitsafeonline www.swindonyouthforum.org.uk

20/01/2012 13:34

swindonlink.com • February 2012

17

Comparing school in India with Britain Shefali Singh from Shaw is receiving an unusual education. The thirteen year old, who used to attend Westlea Primary School and now goes to a private secondary school in Abingdon, has been spending this year as a pupil at GD Goenka School in the Indian capital New Delhi. Here she describes the very different experience of going to a school based on the British public school education system in another country.

Since September I have been lucky enough to live with my grandparents and take year 8 in India.

Since the school is an ‘international’ school, it accepted a lot of students from abroad and I had no problem settling in.

In Indian schools, the main focus is on the three core subjects: Maths, English and Science. It is very hard for a mainly sporty person to achieve success as there is a lot of pressure for academic success. It can be frustrating when PE or Art classes are substituted for an extra 45 minutes of Science or Maths to get through the extensive curriculum, or to prepare for a test. Practical science periods in the laboratory are rare, and are only taken every couple of months.

A typical lesson goes a bit like this.

Students don’t change rooms for

different periods; instead, the teacher comes to the classroom.

For any subject, the first 30 minutes are taken up by chosen students reading out paragraphs of the chapter currently being studied. The next 10 minutes are taken up by either summarising the lesson or by asking questions and the last 5 minutes is about setting homework. Around 5 or 6 pieces of homework are set every day.

It is compulsory for all students to be fluent in English and Hindi.

On top of that, there is the option to choose a third language, French or the Indian equivalent of Latin, Sanskrit.

Tests are taken on what you have learned in different subjects every Wednesday. Tests and assessments are ingrained in children from when they are toddlers; four year olds are

no strangers to mark schemes and timed tests.

Studying in India has been a big eye-opener for me. It helped me see the different ways people study and has prepared me for tests in the future.

My conversational skills have improved and I now feel more confident. Studying in a developing nation like India is different, but it’s good for broadening horizons.

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20/01/2012 13:34

18 swindonlink.com • February 2012

Free toddler arts & crafts and hand painting for Hop, Skip & Jump

Time to declutter and spring clean

Here’s an opportunity to generate some extra cash from the kids’ cupboard.

Swindon’s NCT branch holds a Nearly New Sale of baby and children’s Pre-schoolers can now enjoy a themed agenda of activities every clothes and equipment on Saturday 24 March, 11.15am to 1pm at Oasis Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Kidz About without charge.

Leisure Centre, with 11am entry to NCT members.

Sessions run during term time The Queen’s Jubilee and OlymPast sales have seen over 500 buyers looking for bargains. If you 9.30am to 11am and 1pm to 2.30pm. pics will certainly feature later in have items to sell, contact the NCT for a seller’s pack by mailing: ns@ Each week a dedicated craft as- the year. swindonnct.org.uk or 0844 2436292. sistant works with children and There’s also the chance to help Details will be available from 11 February at: www.nct.org.uk/branches/ parents to create a masterpiece to the Hop, Skip & Jump respite centre swindon/nearly-new-sale be proud of. for children with severe disabilities Examples of themes and ac- by decorating a cut out hand for tivities include: Winter, making display at the Kidz About ‘Wall snowmen using cotton wool balls, of Hands.’ The cost is £1 which is finger painting, plus key calendar donated to the charity. celebrations such as Burns Night, Entry prices apply. See details at At Ninja Tots, ‘yes we can’ is a key phrase, reinforcing positive afValentine’s and Mother’s Day. www.kidzabout.com or call 524646. firmations and attitudes, while parents say ‘bravo’ for implementing these ‘gold’ attributes at such a young age.

Good manners develop positive attitudes in early years

preschool gymnastics where an early start makes a world of difference!

Ninja Tots instructor Victoria Foote with young pupils

How can Musical Minis help your child be ... .. a skillful communicator - by developing language and co-ordination. .. emotionally developed - through sharing stories and songs whilst meeting new friends. .. a confident child - by joining in the activities in a relaxed group atmosphere. .. a creative child - by exploring instruments, sounds, rhythm and movement.

Phone Chrissie on 01793 725259 www.musicalminis.co.uk

Musical Minis is a pre-school fun time music group for babies and toddlers.

Each structured session encourages cognitive, physical and emotional development through the use of music, instruments and stories.

A introduction to Martial Arts for young children

daily classes for the under 5’s

Classes NOW on for 2-4yrs, 4-7yrs & 7-11 yrs Spaces limited

01793 822262

www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk

01285 847008

www.ninjatots.co.uk mail@ninjatots.co.uk

Classes last for 30 minutes and start from the age of two and go right though to eleven years.

North Swindon classes take place at Butterflies Children’s Centre at Abbey Meads Primary School every Tuesday during term time, where martial arts ‘mini-me’s’ go through their paces.

Instructor Mrs Foote takes the Nippers class for 2 to 4 year olds with parents participating to support and encourage toddlers. The class has an imaginative and animated approach to teaching martial arts – with great effort to reinforce manners.

Intermediate caters for 4 to 7 year olds and parents can spectate from

a designated area.

Ninja Kids is for the older age group with the 7 to 11 year olds being challenged from a martial arts prospective.

‘Manners maketh wo/man’ from the earliest years, and this is emphasised by Nina Tots.

Benefits of the sessions also include improved hand-eye co-ordination and motor skills, improved listening and concentration skills, higher levels of respect and good behaviour, greater self-esteem, confidence and fitness levels.

To book a place contact: mail@ ninjatots.co.uk or 01285 847008. www.ninjatots.co.uk www.facebook.com/ninjatots

Little Foxes Childcare & Education

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 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 l Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year l Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for 3-5 year olds l High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching staff and nursery nurses l Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room, school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about

1-20 February 12.indd 18

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 & gardens Easy access and safe parking For information call: 01793 851495

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

20/01/2012 13:34

swindonlink.com • February 2012

19

Butterflies’ aim is to help North families

Butterflies Children’s Centre at Abbey Meads Primary School is offering brand new courses and activities for the Spring, aimed at young mums, mums to be, and families whose tots have a lot of energy to burn.

Centre manager Tanya Parkinson is keen to attract more families from the area to see what is on offer. She said: “Butterflies provides support and advice for those affected by poor mental health, children with challenging behaviour and family breakdown. Our family support workers are trained to give advice on benefits, including funding for two year olds.”

New activities include:

Bumps to Babes, on the first and third Thursday of the month from 1.30pm to 3pm at Abbey Meads for mums to be and those with babies up to six months, to meet each other and feel less isolated. A family support worker and a midwife attend to answer any questions, and siblings are welcome too.

Soccer Tots, on Tuesday afternoons at Oakhurst Community Rooms – a programme offered in conjunction with Swindon Town Football Club, enabling tots from two years old to get active and play football. Funded

places are available.

Jumping Beans, on Tuesday mornings at the Catherine Wayte Primary School Butterflies building, encouraging toddlers up to two years to get active and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Young Mums up to age 23 have a chance to hang out together at the Underground Youth Centre on Wednesday mornings, and enjoy a free bacon butty.

The centre is also offering courses in first aid, managing your budget, getting a fuel grant and reducing your energy bills, and has a Citizens Advice Bureau representative on hand to answer questions.

For further details on these activities and to get involved contact Tanya on 722984.

Fundraiser wanted Tanya is appealing for help for Butterflies. She said: “It would be great to have someone with grant and fundraising experience, who has a bit of time available, to come and assist our advisory board.”

New playgroup success Caterpillars Playgroup at Millbrook Primary School, Freshbrook has been rated as outstanding for the second year running in a VSSR (Validating Self Setting Review) assessment by Swindon Council’s early years department.

The playgroup celebrates its second birthday in April. In January the group took on another member of staff and expanded to thirty children per session. It currently meets every morning and afternoon and provides lunchtime care.

100 95 75

25

Playgroup manager Michelle Larkin with some Caterpillars in their new uniform

5 0

Salt Way Children’s Centre Pearl Road, Middleleaze Swindon SN5 5TD Tel: 01793 465364

NEW GROUPS WELCOMING FAMILIES IN FEBRUARY Portage Group: Monday 20th, 1.30pm - 2.30pm, and every 3rd Monday of the month. A support group for families with children under 5 with additional needs.

Your child does not need to be referred by a professional, just come along.

Multi-Cultural Stay & Play: Tuesdays 7th & 21st, 1.30pm - 2.30pm, and every 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month. For families of ethnic origin with under 5s.

Storks: Thursday 9th, 1.45pm - 2.45pm, and every 2nd Thursday of the month thereafter. For parents to be! Join us with our local midwife to talk about baby names, pregnancy week by week, symptoms and giving birth. Toys and activities for older siblings too!

Inside Out Lunch Club: Every Thursday, 11.30am-1.00pm. Bring your packed lunch and eat it inside with your friends. Then come outside and enjoy our lovely play area with bikes to ride, sand and mud play, plus lots more.

1-20 February 12.indd 19

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20/01/2012 13:35

20 swindonlink.com • February 2012

Half term Hi5 for kids at Haydon The popular children’s Hi5 Camp will be running again during half term from 13 to 17 February at the Haydon Centre, Thames Avenue.

A standard day is from 9.30am to 4.30pm, but an early start and a late finish is available for working parents.

Hi5 is Ofsted registered and all staff are CRB checked. For details and to book call the Haydon Centre on 706666.

NEW SCHOLARSHIPS AT MEADOWPARK

Private school launches scholarship scheme

Would your child (tick all that apply) o get a better education in a small class size of max 12 children? o benefit from individual teaching? o enjoy being taught by caring qualified, dedicated teachers?

Have you always wanted your child o to be happy at school? o to fulfill their potential? o to attend private school but were unable to afford the costs?

Meadowpark is making private school affordable by offering scholarships for 7 and 8 year olds for entry to Years 3 and 4 in the September 2012.

This is a rare opportunity for your child to have the best possible education at up to 50% off the fees.

Further details and an application form from www.meadowparkschool.co.uk

Closing date for applications is 16 February 2012

Meadowpark Independent School in Cricklade is offering scholarships of up to 50 per cent of school fees for the duration of their education at the school to children between the ages of 7 and 11 who show particular abilities in literacy and numeracy, and a strong potential to do well.

OPEN DAYS Friday 16 March 9.30am - 3pm and Saturday 17 March 9.30am - 1pm Come and see why we are unique

MEADOWPARK School & Nursery, Cricklade, Swindon SN6 6DD Tel: 01793 752600 www.meadowparkschool.co.uk

Headteacher Mrs Rajvinder Kular said: “We believe that everybody should have access to a good education. Extending the affordability of an independent education to a greater number of families means that more children will have the opportunity to achieve the best they are capable of.”

With smaller class sizes, a high staff-to-pupil ratio and good disci-

pline, Mrs Kular believes that the standards set by an independent education stand pupils in good stead for the future.

“The scholarships will be awarded on assessment of academic merit and potential,” she said.

The deadline for application is 16 February. More information and an application form are available www.meadowparkschool.co.uk

Group to share and learn crafts

A new craft group has been launched at Lower Shaw Farm on Tuesdays, 10am to 12 noon.

Enjoy a couple of hours in a warm friendly atmosphere with whatever craft you are working on. It could be knitting, sewing, patchwork, paper crafts, or even some mending. Organiser Andrea Hirsch said: “If you’re stuck with a technique, there may well be someone who can help, and if you don’t know how to knit, come along and learn. All are welcome.”

If there is sufficient demand, it may be possible to organise child care.

For details call Andrea on 771080.

ISTD - Ballet - Tap - Modern - Jazz Contemporary Street Jazz Musical Theatre & RAD Major Ballet BRING THIS ADVERT AND GET FIRST TWO WEEKS FREE

Classes from 21/2 years upwards.

Lessons held at: The Haydon Centre Haydonleigh School Abbeymeads Community School Blunsdon Village Halls

Tel: 07825 543529 or 01793 524112 Visit our website for more details: www.swindonacademyofdance.co.uk

1-20 February 12.indd 20

20/01/2012 13:35

21

Colleen

Mobile freelance hairdresser Over 20 years experience

Reliable Reasonable rates Sci-Fi at Steam in February and March

Original sci-fi memorabilia and costumes from the collection of Swindonian Luke Skywalker will be on display at Steam Museum from February in advance of a big Sci-Fi exhibition from 3 March. See the advert on page 22.

Tel:

01793 873096

444076

Mob: 07913

It’s back to Black and White

Youth compare images of the present with shots by Swindon photographer Albert Beaney Traditional and new media art work - created by over 120 Swindon students as part of a £25,000 Heritage Lottery Fund project - goes on display in February half term until mid-April, writes Joy Aldred.

Drove, St Joseph’s, Commonweal and Sevenfields, who produced their own artworks and produced their own schools’ exhibitions.

The Youth Forum members visited the schools as peer mentors,

Boys pictured by Albert Beaney in Penhill in the 1960s

Four schools have taken part sharing the skills they learned when in Back to Black and White, a youth creating their own exhibition. Cularts and heritage initiative run in ture Swindon education managpartnership with Swindon Youth er Dienka Hines said: “This has been Forum and Culture Swindon. an amazing project and the great Last year, Swindon Youth Forum thing is that each of the schools’ youngsters, aged 11 to 16, worked arts projects are so very different. alongside digital artist Dani Landau.

“From a walking history tour usInspired by Swindon photographer ing photographs, to superimposing Albert Beaney’s collection of 40,000 today’s images with photos from the photographs of residents from the 1940s to 1970s, the students took photos of people today and tracked down and interviewed some of those who were photographed by Beaney. They used the images, both past and present, to curate their own exhibition, which over 1,000 people and many press attended last summer.

Culture Swindon’s Create Studios, Swindon Borough Council’s digital media studio, then rolled out the projProject participants looking through ect to four Swindon schools: the Albert Beaney image collection

21-48 February 12.indd 21

past, from working with older members of the community, to using the latest technology - by taking images with mobile phones, making a film, and posting on Facebook - each school has responded in a totally unique way.”

All the work will be exhibited at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery from Friday 10 February until Saturday 14 April.

The museum is open from Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Monday 6.30pm - 7.30pm Eastrop Infant School, Highworth Tuesday 6.30pm - 7.20pm The Commonweal School, Old Town followed by Zumba Toning 7.30pm - 8pm Thursday 6.30pm - 7.20pm The Commonweal School, Old Town followed by Zumba Toning 7.30pm - 8pm Call Claudia on 07933 793851 or email: latin5.claudia@hotmail.co.uk

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The Dining Room Open 7 Days a Week

Monday – saturday lunch £12.50 per person (2 courses) sunday lunch £14.99 (3 courses)

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Tel: 01793 750751

Common Hill, Cricklade, Wiltshire, Sn6 6HA reception@crickladehotel.co.uk www.crickladehotel.co.uk

20/01/2012 14:51

22 Youth opera audition date The Janice Thompson Performance (JTP) Trust is holding auditions for this summer’s lottery funded project Swindon: The Opera which tells the story of the town’s culture since the Queen’s coronation in 1953.

Principal roles will be cast on Sunday 5 February, 3pm to 9pm, at St Joseph’s Catholic College.

Performers for a variety of roles for different ages, genders, singing styles and acting abilities will also be required. To take part in the auditions, mail: swindontheopera@ gmail.com www.jtptrust.org

Swindon Wide

Olympic show for Swindon singers

The JTP Performance Trust has been invited to appear in the Olympic Gala Concert at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday 9 April.

Singers aged 14 and under from the trust, will perform alongside seven National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, and also choirs from around the world.

The Swindon children will form part of the ‘Worldsong’ choir under the baton of acclaimed choral director Mike Brewer OBE.

G&S society to perform musical fairytale in March

Swindon Gilbert and Sullivan Society are busy rehearsing Iolanthe, the story of a bunch of fairies with attitude, who take on the powers of the Victorian House of Lords.

This well-loved wacky tale, full of great music and off-the-wall humour, was first produced in 1882 but has lost none of its sparkle.

The story concerns the fairy Io-

lanthe, who committed the crime of marrying a mortal and as a punishment was banished to the bottom of a stream – leaving her grieving husband to believe her dead.

Find out who wins the struggle of wills between the mighty Fairy Queen and her followers, and the Peers of the Realm who try to stand in their way - set to classic Gilbert and Sullivan tunes.

The show will be staged from

Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 March, 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee, 2.30pm at Steam Museum.

Tickets at £12, concessions £11, children £6, are available at the Information Centre in Central Library, tel: 466454, Steam Museum, tel: 466646.

Book direct by calling Roger or Rita Maisey on 337906.

Carers accompanying wheelchair users are free of charge.

Band holds open house on 4 February

The Great Western Youth Band holds an open morning on Saturday 4 February, 9am to 12noon, in St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Moredon where they rehearse every week It’s a chance for young people to discover new opportunities to play brass instruments, from novices to experienced players. There are three groups to join: Rising Stars for beginners, an intermediate group and the youth section. www.greatwesternyouthband.com

Players wanted for Piano Festival

The Commonweal School is again hosting the Swindon Youth Piano Festival on Tuesday 17 April, 7pm, and is inviting students representing Swindon schools and colleges to take part and play on the grand piano at Swindon Arts Centre in Old Town.

Joint organiser Josie Williams said: “The event is open to all young people in the borough and is a wonderful opportunity for them to share their talents.

Music teachers are encouraged to enter their pianists and parents can also nominate their Vlada Niznikova, piano festival entrant in 2011 children.”

Commonweal music teacher the evening by playing for us.”

Aniela Zylinski added: “We’re very Tickets are £5 from the Arts excited that Paul Turner, the local Centre on 614837. renowned pianist, will be holding To enter the competition downa masterclass/talk for the students load an application form from www. playing in the concert and will end commonwealarts.co.uk/news.htm

21-48 February 12.indd 22

20/01/2012 14:51

Swindon Wide What’s On in February

Children & Family

Sunday 5th, 10.30am to 12.30pm Wildlife and Habitat Management.

Find out about conservation work on a stroll around the park. Free but book on 770401. Lydiard Park Saturday 11th to Sunday 19th

The Three Little Pigs. The classic story is brought to life as you enjoy a free tractor ride and huff and puff your way around the farm. Normal admission charges. Roves Farm. See the advert on page 24 Saturdays 11th & 25th, 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 11th to Sunday 19th On Top of the World. Get ready for the Olympics and test your geography in a new global quiz trail. Design a flag to take home. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Normal admission charges. Lydiard House Tuesday 14th, 12noon to 3pm Valentine’s Day Love Bugs. Make a bling love bug for the one you adore.

Drop-in event, children must be accompanied by an adult. £3/child.

Lydiard House Wednesday 15th, 1.30pm Theo the Mouse in Magical Mayhem. Join Theo for a fun packed show bursting with magic, laughter and music for all the family. £8.50.

Arts Centre Thursday 16th, 12noon to 3pm Chinese Dragons. Bring yourself good luck and celebrate the new Chinese Year of the Dragon by making a decoration to take home. Drop-in event, children must be accompanied by an adult. £3/child. Lydiard House Thursday 16th, 1.30pm Great Gran’s Great Games. Ollie can’t see the point of his Great Gran.

She can’t run, jump or skate. But, she can swim. There was a time she did it at the Olympic Games in London. The other one in 1948....when athletes had to bring their own towels! £7; children £5. Arts Centre Wednesday 22nd, 7pm Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo. Private Tommo Peaceful is a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon and the battles and injustices of war that brought him to the front line. Most suitable for ages 8+. £10; children £8; family £30. Arts Centre

21-48 February 12.indd 23

23

Thursday 23rd, 1.30pm & 4.30pm; Friday 24th, 10.30am & 1.30pm

The Gruffalo. The magical adaptation of the award winning book. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 to 300. £12. Wyvern Monday 27th, 7pm; Tuesday 28th, 1pm & 7pm Science Museum Live on Tour!

Dangerous demonstrations and extraordinary experiments; explosive entertainment for 7 year olds and over. £14.50; children £12.50; family £48. Wyvern

Dance

Friday 17th, 7.30pm; Saturday 18th, 2.30pm & 7.30pm Rhythm of Life presented by Swindon Academy of Dance. An incredible song and dance musical spectacular involving over 200 children. £12. Wyvern

Theatre

Monday 27th, 7.30pm Stalin’s Favourite. In 1941, the huge popularity of his poem Wait For Me projected Konstantin Simonov into the literary stratosphere of the Soviet Union. Years later, now ageing and unwell, Simonov looks back on a lifetime as part of Stalin’s Soviet elite and confronts his demons. £11.

Arts Centre Tuesday 28th, 7.30pm Defying Hitler. A candid, witty and extremely moving account of a young man growing up in the shadow of Hitler’s Third Reich, adapted from the award-winning memoir of the same name. £11. Arts Centre

Circus

Monday 6th & Tuesday 7th, 8pm; Tues 5pm

Moscow State Circus. This brand new show features an astounding cast of Russia’s greatest and most talented circus artistes and acrobats.

From £17. Wyvern

20/01/2012 16:08

24

Fun is bow-shaped!

Experience Black Cat Archery at Roves Farm Everyone from the seasoned archer to the absolute beginner will find something to enjoy at our specially designed archery centre.  Equipment & Tuition Provided  Safe Environment  Corporate and group events  Special parties for 7yrs & older

Great times Always!

It’s New!

It’s Insane!

It’s Archery Tag! New Combat sport just arrived from the US. Tried Paintball, Air Soft? Now try Archery Tag. Check out www.Archerytag.eu Offers Available!

Book your Combat with us:

For more Information, to arrange a meet or contact Andrew on:

Music

Swindon Wide What’s

Wednesday 1st, 7.30pm Syd Lawrence Orchestra. Tap your your feet along to the music of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra and more. £19. Wyvern Thursday 2nd, 8pm Suggs Live. The Madness frontman reveals his unique journey in a show that’s part music, part personal vision, part music hall extravaganza. £20.50.

Wyvern Saturday 4th, 7.30pm Rockin’ on Heaven’s Door with all the great classics from Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly. £21.

Wyvern Saturday 11th, 8pm Gabby Young and Other Animals.

Gabby’s avant-garde fusion of globally influenced folk combines Balkan brass, jazz and swing to produce what’s been dubbed “Circus Swing” as there is no existing genre to encompass Young’s sound. £13. Arts Centre Friday 17th, 8pm Larry Miller. Undeniably one of the must see blues/rock acts, Larry is famous for his exciting, mesmerising guitar playing. £12. Arts Centre Saturday 18th, 8pm

Andrew@blackcatarchery.com or 07809 729260 www.blackcatarchery.com

We are at Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Swindon, Wilts., SN6 7QS

Film

Wednesday 1st, 7.45pm Life, Above All (12A). In her South African village, 12 year old Chandra is trying to hold her family together in the face of disease, ignorance and prejudice. A deeply moving tribute to the human spirit. Sotho with English subtitles. SFS. Arts Centre Wednesday 15th, 7.45pm How I Ended This Summer (12A). A gripping psychological thriller set in the isolated wilderness of a remote Siberian weather station. Russian with English subtitles. SFS. Arts Centre Wednesday 29th, 7.45pm Submarine (15). Cool and quirky comedy about adolescent angst in 1980s suburban Wales. A very funny and promising directorial debut from Richard Ayoade. SFS. Arts Centre Swindon Film Society (SFS) films are for members only. It is possible to join at any film showing

Exhibition

Friday 10 February until Saturday 14 April, 10am to 5pm, Wednesday to Saturday Back to Black and White. Photographic exhibition of Swindon people from 1940s to present. See page 21

Craft Fair

Saturday 11 February, 10am to 3pm Pick up a special Valentine’s treat for a loved one. 20 stalls, cafe and library will also be open. Arts Centre

Adult workshop Julian Smith. Julian’s distinctive soprano saxophone sound has been heard all over the world. He has played for Prince Charles and the Prime Minister, and toured arenas with Britain’s Got Talent finalists. £17. Arts Centre Monday 20th, 7.30pm JosephTopping. A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known for playing anything from traditional British folk music to Delta blues slide guitar. £10. Arts Centre Wednesday 22nd, 1.05pm Lunchtime Recital. David Daly, double bass, Paul Turner, piano. This show will feature the arpeggione sonata by Schubert as well as Bruch’ romantic Kol Nidrei. £5, tea and cake £3.50. Wyvern Saturday 25th, 7.30pm Classic Clapton. Four excellent musicians stunningly recreate Slowhand’s electrifying stage performances. £17.50. Wyvern Saturday 25th, 8pm The Great Chess Blues Classics.

This tribute show will play many of the biggest hits of Chess Records, the most famous record label in Blues history. £13. Arts Centre

21-48 February 12.indd 24

Sunday 26th 2pm to 4pm Willow Weaving. Use traditional techniques to make a willow basket. £4, book on 770401. Lydiard House

Musical

Wednesday 8th, 8pm Back to Broadway. The very best of musical theatre combined with a fantastic story about a young girl’s dream to become a star. £20.50. Wyvern

Venues

Arts Centre Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Lydiard House Lydiard Park Tel: 770401 Oasis Leisure Centre Tel: 445401 Roves Farm Sevenhampton Nr Highworth. Tel: 763939 STEAM Kemble Drive. Tel: 466637 Swindon & Cricklade Railway Tadpole Lane. Tel: 771615 Swindon Information Centre Central Library. Tel: 530328 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road, Old Town. Tel: 466556 Wyvern Theatre Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue

20/01/2012 16:03

On in February Comedy

Friday 3rd, 8pm Richard Herring seeks to answer the question ‘What is love anyway?’ Before love destroys him. Again. £16. Wyvern Thursday 9th, 8pm Chris Addison with his new top class stand-up show The Time is Now, Again. £21. Wyvern Thursday 16th, 8pm Andrew O Neill. All styles of comedy covered, guaranteed (some twice).

As seen on Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle, heard hijacking the Radio One Rock Show and satirising on Radio 5 Live. £10. Arts Centre Tuesday 21st, 8pm Patrick Monahan - Hug Me I Feel Good. Lovable comedian Patrick Monahan blends a high energy style with hilarious and engaging stories of his Irish/Iranian/Teeside heritage. £14. Arts Centre Thursday 23rd, 8pm Get Rich Or Die Cryin’ Award-winning comedian Nathan Caton tackles everything from race to school yard jokes in a hilarious show. £10. Arts Centre Friday 24th, 8pm Big Pants and Botox. Barbara has just survived an eventful significant birthday, which has got her thinking about many things. Join her on a hilarious, emotional, intriguing and ultimately uplifting journey. £12. Arts Centre Sunday 26th, 8pm Jimmy Carr. Join one of the most original and distinctive comedy stars as he tries out new material for his forthcoming tour. £16. Wyvern

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Talks

Thursday 9th, 8pm An Instinct for Kindness. Chris Larner accompanied his chronically ill ex-wife to Switzerland’s Dignitas clinic.

In a candid, poignant and sometimes comic performance, he explores both the personal implications and the wider ethical considerations of assisted dying. Recommended age 14 years +. £12. Arts Centre Monday 13th, 7.30pm The Adventures of Andy Kershaw.

Romances, nervous breakdowns, relationships with music. Andy has combined his passion for music with frontline journalism, reporting for the BBC and the broadsheets from the world’s hotspots – including Rwanda during the genocide. £15. Arts Centre Tuesday 14th, 8pm John Peel’s Shed. When John Osborne won a competition on John Peel’s Radio One show, his prize was a box of records that took eight years to listen to. The show was inspired

by Osborne’s acclaimed book Radio Head and features records previously owned by Peel. £12. Arts Centre

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Fundraising

Health Beauty and Wellbeing Day Sat 18 February, 12noon to 5pm A range of therapists and beauty experts offering taster treatments and reduced prices.

Jewellery, organic skincare products and crystals for sale Entry £2 in aid of MS Society Drove People’s Campus, Social Hall, Southampton Street, SN1 3AH

STUDLEY GRANGE BUTTERFLY WORLD AND CRAFT VILLAGE

Visit Butterfly World and experience the tropics in Wiltshire, rain or shine, summer or winter. Enjoy a truly magical experience as you walk amongst hundreds of the world’s most beautiful butterflies flying around a tropical paradise of plants and fish filled pools. Then visit our otters, goats, meerkats, guinea pigs and loads more farmyard favourites in our outdoor Animal Paddock. Craft Village offers a huge range of beautiful and interesting gifts, many of which are skilfully handcrafted on site. Follow brown tourist signs from J16 of M4 motorway towards Wroughton.

21-48 February 12.indd 25

Admission Charges: A £4.95 C £4.45 S £4.45 F £16.50 (2+2) Opening Times: Summer 2012: daily 10am-6pm Winter 2012: daily 10am-4pm Hay Lane, Wroughton Swindon SN4 9QT Tel: 01793 852400 www.studleygrange.co.uk

20/01/2012 16:08

Swindon Wide

26

the bigger picture In early 1998 the West Swindon Long Poem called Westwords was assembled by some 30 children attending Brook Field, Freshbrook, Oliver Tomkins Infants, Salt Way, Shaw Ridge, Toothill and Westlea primary schools, and Year 7 pupils from Greendown School.

At workshops with performance poet Marcus Moore and Greendown teacher Christina Bennett the youngsters explored their lives and their neighbourhoods to write 671 lyrical lines recognisable to anybody who lives in Swindon.

Westwords was written in time for the fifth Swindon Festival of Literature. It was featured in the May 1998 Link and was performed once at the festival and then disappeared.

Some Westwords: From Barbury Castle’s Hill West Swindon sits sparkling ...... .... People walking dogs in the early morning fog; The whistling milkman Delivering clinking bottles of fresh milk; The busy, jolly postman Struggling under parcels Clutching a handful of letters Dressed in neat red and blue coat and tilted navy cap; And the clattering dustbin men Hurling rubbish into the truck’s crunching teeth;

Westword poets together in 1998 at Lower Shaw Farm. If you were one, please mail: publisher@swindonlink.com

.....Children jump and skip their way to school: To Freshbrook, with its massive, towering gates, Westlea, red and black, shaped like a letter H, And Oliver Tomkins, with its familiar sign next to swaying trees; To Brook Field and its Teletubbie hills, Salt Way, Shaw Ridge, an ants nest alive with scurrying youngsters, And Toothill, its gates draped with foliage

Youngsters set out on a lengthy poetry journey

A group of children living in Toothill are assembling another long poem about their area with funding from the Toothill million Big Local lottery fund. It will be ready in time for May’s Swindon Festival of Literature.

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See the lightweight road models and the modern electric bikes Parts, accessories & repairs by trained staff

Like the entrance to a secret garden; Greendown, like a huge grey bird, the colour of the USS Enterprise A shadowed bulk at the end of the road.

Large hulks, suspended scarily, Bodies or skeletons in a hospital for cars The Renault Building A massive, Meccano marquee With huge, straight, stiff sides ...And coats like giant Mr Blobbie of golden yellow Stand the Toothill Lollipop Ladies.

As big as a football stadium Always with a cheery smile or As quiet as a dressing-room comforting word Padded against the bitter cold The Chinese Experience of winter Two great loyal marzipan-white Glowing in their fluorescent bubbles lion-dragons Peaked caps sticking out Guard the entrance, mouths opened from beneath hoods wide in silent roar They stand Claws dug deep into their Like strange, exotic, yellow birds private platforms Defending their young.

Furious eyes watching and listening. ....But stop! What’s this?

Flying cars too?

Hanging from the ceiling like lanterns

Read the poem in full with pictures of the young poets at http://bit.ly/westlongpoem

Writing competition to feature in March magazine

Sixty children entered The Link’s handwriting competition launched in the December edition with support from uni-ball.

The aim was to encoursaid: “The standard has age neatness, clear formabeen admirably high; the tion of letters and a nice children obviously enjoyed layout on the page. the challenge and put in a Uni-ball have sponsored lot of effort.” the main prizes in three Some entries are copied categories and thanks out texts, some are original to West Swindon office short stories or poems and products supply company a few were illustrated.

Accord, every child will Jill added: “With the receive a small prize for taking the range of ages and standard time to enter the competition. involved, it was tough to make The entries have been judged by choices.” fountain pen user Christine Pratt Christine and Jill’s judgements from Abbey Meads and calligrapher will be announced in the March Jill Ryan-Brown from Old Town. edition when we will picture the They were impressed by the winners. Prizes will be sent out at quality of the entries. Christine the end of February.

20/01/2012 14:58

Swindon Wide

LydiardAdvert_SL_Feb12.pdf

Valentine’s thoughts

Elaine Watts says you don’t have to wait for a special day Unless you have a particular anniversary that falls in February, the 14th may possibly be a date that stirs some feelings of pressure.

Do you harbour just a little resentment about being drawn into the whole commercial business of paying over the top prices for flowers and dinner? Or, feel pressured into buying a card that says something that you believe your loved one ‘should know.’

With busy lives and every day pressures, many of us neglect not only how we feel inside ourselves, but also we may neglect to remind our loved ones how we think about them.

When was the last time you told your very hormonal teenager that you love them? Or your very stressed, tired grumpy other half that you appreciate them, and love it when you can laugh together?

If 14 February does make you stop and think about a loved one, then a card, flowers or something that you know they would appreciate may well demonstrate your inner thoughts. But remember you don’t have to wait until then to reflect how you feel.

• See Elaine’s Focused Counselling advert on page 12

1

03/01/2012

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20/01/2012 14:54

Swindon Wide

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The Friends of Millbrook School has set an enterprise challenge to every class by giving them a £10 note and a request to raise as much money as possible by June, in any way they choose.

Year 5/6 class Koalas’ first venture was to organise a pop concert on 21 November by booking singer songwriter James Summerhill from Norwich, who happened to be spending the week in Swindon.

The class planned the publicity, sent letters home and made and sold tickets.

James had the school rocking in the aisles to reggae beats and

a cover of Adele’s Someone Like You, as well as some of his own compositions. The gig raised an impressive £40. The class raised a further £66 from a cake stall at a Christmas market in December.

Millbrook Friend’s chair Vicky Lynch said the project was received with great enthusiasm.

“Most of the classes ran stalls of some kind at the Christmas market and we’ll be seeing more fairs before the summer, as well as new fundraising ideas. The challenge is becoming quite competitive; the class that does the best wins a trip to a surprise destination.”

Millbrook Koalas with singer James Summerhill

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King Arthur pops in to reinforce his legendary status

Children at Oliver Tomkins Infant School had a surprise visitor on the first day of term in January when King Arthur dropped by in full regalia.

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21-48 February 12.indd 28

Oliver Tomkins youngsters in mystical royal presence. Photo: Emma Churchill

The guest appearance was part of Year 3’s literacy topic on myths and legends. Teacher Simon Bedford said: “We try to create wow experiences with most of our topics, and the children were really excited when without announcement the king walked through the door.

“They were delighted when he spoke about what knights of old would do to help people and how he helps people now. They were

completely fascinated by the ceremonial royal sword and dagger. All the children tried on his chain-mail head gear and held the shield, and were full of questions “We’ve also been discussing ‘who lives in a place like this’ and have been comparing Swindon and St Fagan’s in Wales, the source of some of the Arthurian legends, so there has been some wonderful writing going on.”

20/01/2012 14:55

swindonlink.com • February 2012

Mad March Hare No. 5 hopes to attract 1,000

Organisers of the town’s Springtime 5km and 10km event are hoping that at least 1,000 runners or walkers will take part in the fifth Mad March Hare around Lydiard Park starting from Lydiard Park Academy in Grange Park on Sunday 25 March.

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The mayor with Mad March Hare organisers and sponsors in early January.

Below, Paul Palfrey of Breakthrough Breast Cancer Wiltshire presenting Mad March Hare team member Margaret Nicholson with a certificate recognising the £40,000 raised Photos: Richard Wintle www.calyxpix.com

Last year’s event raised £13,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, achieving a total of £40,000 in four years.

The Mad March Hare is organised entirely by volunteers from Swindon.Team member Mandy Martin said: “The Mad March Hare has been building and we’re really proud that Swindon supporters have contributed £40,000 to Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

“As this is the fifth anniversary we’re hoping for a huge turnout. It would be really great to have at least 1,000 participants. There’s always a great buzz on the day with the serious runners wanting to speed around the course, to the people who are happy to jog along wearing bunny ears, and even full costumes.

“Lots of people say it’s a lovely family event which children can en-

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The mayor Ray Ballman said she’s considering whether to take part in the 5k walk.

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£5 off for Valentine’s month

Let 2012 be the year for a slimmer you, says award-winning Cambridge Weight Plan Consultant Sarah Newman who has her own inspirational story to help motivate her clients to focus on their weight loss challenges.

Sarah, right, said: have to hide behind “In 2008 I went from beach towels on holiday. size 30 down to size 12 Now my children can quite quickly using the put their arms round me Cambridge plan and for a hug.” was a semi-finalist in Sarah is offering £5 off the Slimmer of the Year the first week’s order for competition.” new clients in February, “I always had a probwhen they mention The lem with my weight, Link. So for one-to-one but my life has comsupport, encouragepletely changed over ment and motivation the past three years. Not to help you lose weight only do I have a brand new career safely, without compromising on as a weight loss consultant, I don’t vital nutrition, see the advert right.

21-48 February 12.indd 29

20/01/2012 14:55

30

swindonlink.com • February 2012

DEBBIE MITCHELL FITNESS CLASSES

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Do your bit for MIND – sponsor Katherine and say hello to a runner today

Holistic therapist Katherine Davis from Middleleaze is finally going to get the chance to run the London Marathon in April, after a seven year wait to get through the ballot.

She said: “I had a place in the 2006 marathon but an injury forced me to pull out three weeks before.

I’ve applied to the ballot every year since and finally have the chance to do the run.”

However, as the years passed without a goal to aim for, Katherine’s fitness dropped away. “When I started training in October I could only comfortably run for 16 minutes; after much practice, on New Year’s day I ran 12 miles and it’s been going well since,” she said.

Katherine is running to raise money for the mental health charity MIND which she has close associa- can continue to raise awareness of tion with. “As a holistic therapist mental health issues.”

Katherine says that one of the I see a lot of people with mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, things she is grateful for, and that panic attacks and depression, which really spurs her on, is when people I’ve had personal experience of as take the time to say hello. “Doing well. Then last year someone close long distances can be hard and to me took their own life, which lonely, but a simple hello helps me was the hardest thing I’ve ever had keep running,” she said.

No doubt this is a good lesson for to deal with.

“Given that one in four of us will life, and for mental health. experience a mental health prob- Sponsor Katherine at http:// lem it’s very important to support uk.virginmoneygiving.com/kathercharities such as MIND so that they inedavis

No record plan for rhino runner

Last year Les Slinn entered the Guiness Book of Records for running the fastest London marathon time dressed as a Roman legionnaire.

In April he will be dressed as a rhinosaurus and is just aiming to complete the course. “I decided to support Save the Rhino, the charity that is keeping these animals alive and safe from poachers,” said Les. “I’ve been carrying an extra 15kg in training which has really slowed my pace. It’s like carrying a small child around; the prospect of covering 26 miles in a really hot suit with limited vision is daunting.”

Find out more at www. savetherhino.org Support Les at www. virginmoneygiving.com/ team/rhinoles

What Les will look like in London in April

Les Slinn and his team are organising a charity curry night, auction and raffle at the Bombay Lounge at Peatmoor Centre on Monday 27 February to raise money for the vibro-gym they are purchasing for the Swindon MS Therapy Centre.

All are invited. Call 887799 to book a table or order a takeaway on the night.

Left, Les and MS centre manager Jackie Wray

21-48 February 12.indd 30

20/01/2012 14:55

swindonlink.com • February 2012

Red Cross looks for more grandparents PAINFUL FEET? to learn what to do in an emergency

Grandparents nowadays are often called upon to look after their children’s children, but would you know what to do if there was a crisis?

Mrs Lesley Taylor

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Are You In Pain? We Can Offer Effective, Affordable Treatment Red Cress trainer Jo Riches shows Jan Collis, Joan Simons and Sid Milburn how to give first aid to young children. Photo: Richard Wintle www.calyxpix.com

A group of seniors took part in a short course organised by the Red Cross in mid-January to help them understand what to do in an emergency.

The two-hour session used the Red Cross Everyday First Aid approach, the charity’s simplest method of teaching life-saving skills. It aims to give participants the knowledge and confidence to respond if a child or baby starts choking, becomes unconscious or

swallows something harmful. The course also covers burns, fractures, head injuries and bleeding.

Tutor Jo Riches said: “Looking after children is a big responsibility and giving grandparents basic first aid skills builds confidence to put them into practice should the need ever arise.”

The Red Cross is keen to put on further courses. To register your interest call 01452 726661 or mail: ttibbs@redcross.org.uk

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20/01/2012 14:55

32

swindonlink.com • February 2012

Surprise Olympic run for Rob Retired bank manager Rob Adsley from Abbey Meads has won the opportunity of a lifetime to be amongst the first to run through the London 2012 Olympic Park and Stadium, having entered a National Lottery ballot last October.

Rob will join 4,999 other runners in a 5 mile race around the Olympic precinct, before entering the stadium greeted by the cheering public, as well as Olympic and Paralympic sport stars of the past and present.

He said, “I applied for tickets for the Olympics, but of course didn’t

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get them. Then I saw information about the ballot, which I entered, without ever thinking that I’d win.

“The funny thing is I’ve never been a runner, but since I won the ballot I’ve been out pounding the pavements every other day.

“The prospect of running into the park surrounded by so many people is very emotional and absolutely beyond my wildest

West academy holds Olympic planning conference on 3 February

Lydiard Park Academy in Grange Park has been awarded a grant from the Department for Education ‘Plan Your 2012’ fund to organise a sporting programme for schools across Swindon.

Primary schools in the town are being asked to nominate Olympic ambassadors to come together for a conference on 3 February to plan sporting activity in the run up to the games and to encourage entry into Swindon School Games on 12 July.

Children will also be asked to create an Olympics display in their school.

Chris Dobbs, academy assistant principal and head of PE, said: “It is an honour to be selected by the 2012 Olympics to lead this project in Swindon. We are delighted to be which applied. supporting so many local schools to Headteacher Clive Zimmerman ensure they maximise the impact of said: “PE and sport is a very importhe London Games. tant aspect of our school life. We are “At Lydiard Park Academy we looking forward to supporting local work hard to provide excellent school pupils and hopefully increasopportunities for our pupils to ing the number enjoying sport.” enjoy sport and we look forward Lydiard Park sports ambassador to sharing this with other schools.” James Lewis, above, added: “I am The academy is one of 125 schools looking forward to working with who have been awarded a grant, the primary school ambassadors selected from over 600 schools and sharing the work we do here.”

Now everybody can Zumba Zumba has swept the land, but some people need a lower impact, low intensity series of easy-to-follow Latin-inspired dance moves which are delivered at a slower and more controlled pace.

Zumba Gold classes are suitable for the active older adult, true beginners, and/or people who are not used to exercising, or people who may have joint problems or other physical limitations.

Classes focus on improving balance, strength and flexibility, while raising your heart beat and improving cardiovascular ability.

For details contact Kathie McKay at Zumba Swindon. See the advert left.

Roller Derby team recruits fresh meat Swindon Roller Derby is looking for women over 18 to start its Fresh Meat training programme.

Skaters train at Highworth Rec on Thursdays, 7pm and Link Centre every Tuesday, 8pm, and the first session is free.

In just a year Swindon Roller Derby has grown from a handful of members to 35 plus skaters and attracts women from varied backgrounds - mums, students, teachers, nurses, civil servants, business professionals, scientists, care workers, retail - ranging in age from 18 to over 40.

Roller Derby is the perfect way to get fit. It’s fun, fast paced and action packed. Two hours can burn 900+ calories and you can choose a skating name, such as Sweet Mary Hell, Quality Feet or Cath Kicksum.

The club is also looking for referees and non-skating officials who can be guys or girls.

For more information prospective skaters and refs should mail: freshmeat@swindonrollerderby.com www.swindonrollerderby.com

THE RUNNING

SCHOOL

We’re not just about running!

GET FIT LOSE WEIGHT GAIN STRENGTH IMPROVE CONDITIONING HAVE FUN !

The running school’s unique training methods and personal touch will see you reach your goals in 2012 For all your fitness needs contact:

01793 721977 | 07731 793575

info@runningschoolswindon.co.uk www.runningschool.co.uk www.dynamicmovementskills.com

21-48 February 12.indd 32

dreams.”

Rob will dedicate his run to raise money for Bristol-based charity Home Farm Trust, which provides services for people with learning disabilities.

“My former employer Barclays has pledged to match any amount I raise personally, so all donations will be gratefully received,” said Rob. Support Rob via: justgiving.com/robert-adsley

off

25%ke Spray Fake Ba tment Tan trea bruary 4th Fe 1st to 1 lly £20) (norma

Follow me

20/01/2012 14:56

swindonlink.com • February 2012

33

New Walk Fit groups step out

Join one of the groups starting from Link Centre in February and receive a free pedometer Evening Walk Fit. Fitness instructor-led group for moderate fitness levels. Starts Thursday 2 February, 7pm to 8pm; Daytime Walk Fit. Fitness instructor-led group for moderate fitness levels. Starts Monday 6 February, 10am to 11.30am.

Pick up a new Get Walking in Swindon leaflet from a leisure centre or library or contact Walk Swindon Development Officer Amanda Rothwell on 465413 or mail: arothwell@swindon.gov.uk

• Eyelash Extensions • Nail Enhancements • Children’s Parties • Fully Qualified & Insured • Weddings & Special Occasions • Flexible Appointments to Suit You

Tel/Fax 01793 706447

There are over 20 routes with distances and detailed descriptions that can be downloaded at www.getwalking.org/swindon

Ex-majorettes called to a party

West Swindon based Bluebelle Majorettes are inviting the hundreds of young people who have marched and played instruments with them since they first started in 2001 to a tenth anniversary party.

Thanks to the Chartridge Confer- House Conference Centre on Friday ence Company Ltd, Bluebelles are 24 February, 7.30pm. holding the get together at Lydiard There will be nibbles, soft drinks and a disco. The cost on the door is £2.

Let majorette manager Christine Doyle know if you can attend, mail her: christinedoyle@bluebellesmajorettes.co.uk Some of the Bluebelles with organiser Christine Doyle and conference centre manager Ashwin Roda

Advertising feature

Give your feet a new year makeover

Rachel Gale, proprietor of Sole Spa, Swindon’s first Garra Rufa spa is looking forward to welcoming customers old and new this spring to enjoy a fish pedicure and get their feet ready for the warm weather.

Sole Spa, a year old at the end of January, offers a luxurious and relaxing environment for individuals and groups to be pampered, using the centuries old fishy remedy for skin ailments.

Legend has it that a Turkish shepherd placed his injured foot in a hot spring where small fish nibbled away and promoted very fast healing. Today the Garra Rufa fish help to eliminate hard, dry skin, and are used for skin conditions such as psoriasis.

Countering last year ’s press coverage about the hygiene implicaRachel with her fish at Sole Spa tions of fish spa tanks, Rachel said: “Thankfully my customers have now and look forward to each been level-headed about it. visit. The fish nibbling away give a “Catching a human virus from pleasant, tingling sensation; I would fish spas is highly unlikely, as fish recommend it to everyone.” cannot spread them. The water in As a diabetic, husband Dennis our tanks is filtered and sterilised had his doubts at first but has found on a 10 minute cycle. We check the fish treatment beneficial. “My everyone’s feet prior to them using blood circulation has improved the spa, and provide disposable and as someone who hates having slippers to guard against any con- his feet touched I’m pleasantly surtamination from the floor.” prised with the whole experience.”

Retired couple Sandra and DenSole Spa is offering new treatnis Jerome are regular Sole Spa ments, packages and accessories customers, and are both very happy for the new season. Call 602466 with the ‘fish experience.’ for more information, or drop in “I find it very pleasant and my and see them at Basepoint Business feet stay soft for almost a week.” Centre, Rivermead Drive, Westlea. said Sandra. “I‘ve been five times www.solespa-swindon.co.uk

21-48 February 12.indd 33

Mobile: 07886 298881

e: nailbox@swindon.myzen.co.uk

By Sue

◆ Your local family hairdresser ◆ 25% discount for Seniors Call now for an appointment on 01793 871120 or 07967 363322 HOME VISITS AVAILABLE

McTimoney Phil Yalden Chiropractor BSc (Hons) LCC MMCA

Treat a loved one this Valentine’s

Gentle and effective approach for treating: • Backache and back pain

• Neck and

shoulder pain • Joint pain and muscular aches Clinics at the Link Centre

07793 596 334

chiropractor@bonyparts.co.uk

www.bonyparts.co.uk

www.nailbox.biz

Spa Days from £50 Gift vouchers available

The Thyme Treatment Rooms

at the Marriott Hotel

Tel: 01793 433338

www.thethymetreatmentrooms.co.uk

“LighterLife’s different.

Weekly groups and a WeightManagement Counsellor will help you change the way you think about food and keep the weight off. Set meals, with soups, shakes and bars keep you on track.”

Pauline Quirke For a FREE Initial Consultation, call:

Deborah Cripps Swindon West

01793 602472

lighterlife.com/deborahcripps

ssle. . No ha g n i h c t ts wa g. No poin No calorie countin lighten up with

20/01/2012 14:57

34

swindonlink.com • February 2012

Delicious catering inspired by family cooking

East West Caterers & Events is a brand new business set up by Shaw-based Ursula Nulliah, originally from South Africa, who is bringing the flavours of her childhood to the Swindon palate.

“I was 10 years old when work in the UK which opened up milk and all the spices I use are I realized how much I en- possibilities for her. “Suddenly I freshly ground to give a unique taste. joyed cooking,” she said. found myself in an entirely new Whilst the dishes may have similar “As I stirred my first curry environment where fashion was no names that are used here, it has a I recall the excitement I felt longer the only thing I could do. I distinctly Southern African flavour; at having created a meal. felt my first step toward fulfilling several are secret recipes handed But catering was never a a long lived passion to cook for a down from my grandmother.” career possibility. Cooking living, while listening to the music Ursula can accommodate parties for me was a loving gesture of Andrea Bocelli.” of up to 100 people, and provides that strengthened the bond Ursula’s menu consists of mainly for the needs of vegetarians and amongst family.”

Indian cuisine, with influence from meat-lovers alike. She also offers Ursula, left, developed her homeland. “I think my food is a non-spicy option for children’s a career in fashion design, a healthy alternative to the usual parties. until her husband was curries that are prepared in Britain.

Contact Ursula via the advertisegiven an opportunity to I don’t use a lot of cream or coconut ment on the left.

EAST WEST CATERERS & EVENTS

Specialist in Catering and Parties Delicious Indian food with a South African influence Corporate functions Dinners and lunches – pre-order Small weddings Birthday parties/Buffet platters Organic dishes available Give your event that East West flavour by calling Ursula Nulliah 01793 886727 or 07789 736231 Email: ewcaterersandevents@hotmail.co.uk

21-48 February 12.indd 34

Cafe provides a place for Toothill people to meet Toothill’s community cafe has moved back to the community centre after a couple of years in nearby Toothill church.

Drop in for tea, coffee, cakes and snacks on Mondays from 9am to 1.30pm.

C a fe r e g u l a r Jean Mark being served by cafe volunteers, from left, Sharon Pyle, Shelley Webb, trustee Pat Porter, coun Steve Wakefield, Mandy Starsmear

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swindonlink.com • February 2012

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Puppy carries BBC Wilts presenter’s name

Music making as therapy and to fulfil missed ambitions

Janet Garrett, the well known keeper of Bouvier des Flandres in Haydon Wick, has now added a beautiful blond, Mack who is currently ‘head Musician Andrew Watts of Amber Studios at Marshgate is offering boy in training’ at the Puppy Skool. courses for people with disabilities and mental health issues to get She explained that she fell in love the Gold Good Citizen demo team involved with music, learn to play an instrument, write a song and with the breed during her youth in for the Kennel Club.” have it recorded for broadcast on Swindon 105.5 community radio.

France. “They are very clever and Mack is named after BBC Radio quick to learn and they have such Wiltshire presenter Graham Mack, a lovely sociable temperament.” in honour of his scooping the 2011 Her first Bouvier called Blue came Sony award for Best Breakfast Show to her in 1999. “Blue was a rags to of the Year. riches story. He went from being Janet said: “Graham is a great rescued at four and a half years old friend of the Puppy Skool and has to appearing in front of thousands judged at our open day. He cared of people at Earls Court as part of so much about everyone that I told him my next puppy would have his Janet and Mack name. I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly.”

Andrew, Shirley Ludford of 105.5fm and pupil Tim Roache

He’s been in music for years, played in a band and now wants to pass on his skills. “I’ve always liked recording and believe music is really good therapy,” said Andrew.

“Words come out unguarded when people sing, and they can put to music whatever’s on their mind.”

Andrew has developed an easy method to get people playing as a band. “I show them how to strum pre-tuned guitars, use a snare drum or clap in time; it’s surprising how quickly it’s possible to learn to write,

play and perform.”

He’s also offering programmes to newly retired people. “There must be so many guys and gals who were into music as teens and yearned to play like their idols in the 1960s and 70s,” said Andrew.

“Here’s the chance to discover hidden talent and fulfill a dream.

Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, rock on.”

The courses consist of ten weekly 3 hour sessions at £15 each. For details contact Andrew at: amberrecording@gmail.com

The ‘snip’ at a snip of the price Open all day Monday to Friday: 9am-6.30pm Saturday: 9am-1pm

Tel: 01793 526780/511267 24 Hour Emergency Service 62-64 Purton Road, Swindon SN2 2LZ

Janet’s Puppy Skool 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

email: janet.garrett@virgin.net

Neutering Clinics

Our rescue centres are full to the brim with unwanted pets and we are seeing an increase in prostate, breast and ovarian cancers and gynaecological complications in our pets. So Thameswood Vets are running specialist neutering clinics for

TWO MONTHS ONLY in FEBRUARY & MARCH 2012 • • • •

•

Greatly reduced prices for dog & cat spays Greatly reduced prices for dog & cat castrates Excellent surgical facilities and caring professional staff Price includes pre op health check and advice to discuss options, hospitalisation for the day and two post op checks.

Extra discounts in March for cat clients on benefits

CASTRATE SPAY Cat £44.50 Cat £64.50 Dog Small >10kg £119.50 Dog Small >10kg £175.00 Dog Medium 10kg-20kg £145.50 Dog Medium 10kg-20kg £196.00 Dog Large 20kg-40kg £150.00 Dog Large 20kg-40kg £215.50

Thameswood Vets Neutering Clinics supported by:

www.thameswoodvets.co.uk

21-48 February 12.indd 35

20/01/2012 15:04

36

swindonlink.com • February 2012 Swindon & District Bonsai Society 10th ‘Winter Image’ Bonsai Show Sunday 19 February, 10.30am to 4.30pm Stratton Community Centre Grange Drive, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon, SN3 4JY View trees that have been regularly displayed at the Chelsea Flower Show and across Europe, and a special exhibit featuring some of the best Shohin and Mame (very, very small) Bonsai in the UK www.swindon-bonsai.co.uk Or call 07982 401103 for details

Rest awhile thanks to outgoing sponsor

Financial services company Legal & General paid for three benches, which have been positioned next to Peatmoor Lagoon, before it closed down its Swindon office in 2011.

Some of the Peatmoor Primary School children who campaigned for more benches last year, from left, Libby Baker, Peter Watkins, Brendon Curtis and Georgia Woollard

Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor, Swindon 01793 526691 Open 7 days a week

SALE

NOW

Quality TGB garden buildings for any situation Bespoke sizes available Base laying & installation available

ON

www.conservatorycentres.co.uk

UNITS 19-20 KENDRICK INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SWINDON WILTS SN2 2DU

TEL: 01793 536784 SANSUM SAND & GRAVEL SUPPLY TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND TRADE CUSTOMERS

BRICKS, CONCRETE BLOCKS, CELCON BLOCKS, BLOCK PAVING, PATIO SLABS, SAND, GRAVEL, TOP SOIL, BARK, CANTABURY SPAR, LANDSCAPE FABRIC, DRAINAGE CHANNELS, BUILDING CHEMICALS, ROCK SALT AND CEMENT

www.sansums.co.uk 21-48 February 12.indd 36

TREE SERVICES Tree works carried out to any type or size of tree ✓ Pruning ✓ Thinning ✓ Crown lifting ✓ Felling ✓ Stump grinding “We aim to achieve the very highest standards of arboricultural care and to work within tight deadlines to the highest standards of safety” All tree surgeons NPTC certified with 25 years experience All timber chippings are composted or used in energy production within the local area No job too big or too small. Free, no obligation quotes

Swindon Commercial Services Tel: 0845 600 6422 Email: scsinfo@swindoncommercialservices.co.uk www.swindoncommercialservices.co.uk

20/01/2012 15:06

swindonlink.com • February 2012

37

FREETH FENCING & GARDEN SERVICES LTD EST. 1990

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 R ou ITe! ISIT ebS Vew w n

• All Traditonal Fencing • Gates • Decking • Sheds • Landscaping • Pergolas • Timber supplies • Insurance Repairs • Planters

Call today for a free quote

01793 854943 or 07809075792 www.lindenfencing.co.uk

35 Spencer Close, West Swindon

❖ 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

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

David Hawkins Tree Surgeon ALL TYPES OF TREE SERVICES Hedge cutting Stump grinding Fruit tree pruning

Fully insured Free estimates 19 years experience

01793 832232 07967 594707

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:

SPECIAL RATES FOR WINTER TIDIES

• Full garden maintenance • Hedgecutting, pruning and weeding • Regular lawn mowing • Planting, clearance and much more For a free no obligation quote call Cliff on

01793 703986 or 07973 391 668

Email: info@gardencareswindon.co.uk

Garden Doctors LANDSCAPES LTD

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

ore-mail:gillian.blackwood@ntlworldcom

Mobile: 07951 014119

01793 526571 Mob: 07760127139

www.jillblackwoodgardendesign.co.uk

Block paving, patios, fencing, turfing etc

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

Tel: 01793 486507 Mob: 077382 98004

willslatergardencare@hotmail.com

PROFESSIONAL TREE SURGEONS Comprehensive service Qualified staff Fully insured

Tree & Shrub Pruning Planting . Tree Removal Soil Analysis . Disease & Insect Control Tree Consultancy . Stump Grinding Lightning Protection

• Pruning and Shaping • Felling and Removal • Hedge Cutting • Stump Grinding • Tree Planting Free quotations and advice Call Ian Walding (N.C.Hort N.D.Arb)

For a free consultation please call 01285 720579 enquiry@bartlettuk.com www.bartlett.com

01793 687357 07971 566880 Email: treeman@iwalding.freeserve.co.uk

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

Tel: 01793 878062 or 07866 523898

21-48 February 12.indd 37

LANDSERVE

Garden Maintenance & Landscaping

Professional care for your garden Grass cutting - regular maintenance Landscaping - Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning Decking Hedge cutting & pruning

No Job Too Small. All works insured

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

Call Martin Emery MI Hort.

Tel: 01793 731418

on 01793 703306 or Mobile 07771 956294

Established locally for over 8 years References available

for free quotation

Mobile: 07808 355487

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

20/01/2012 15:07

38

swindonlink.com • February 2012

Swindon Restore helps volunteers to succeed

Swindon Foodbank’s sister charity, Swindon Restore, was set up in 2011 to give local people the opportunity to volunteer to make, refurbish and sell items in aid of Foodbank.

Swindon Foodbank project manager Richard Belsham said: “Three long term unemployed individuals have got jobs after doing practical work with Restore. I truly believe it helped with their self-worth.”

Based at St John’s Church Hall on Whitbourne Avenue, Park North, Swindon Restore is always looking for volunteers to serve in the shop and café, help with van collections and prepare goods for sale.

Contact Alex Pollock on 978045 for more information.

Find Swindon-Restore on Facebook.

Furniture charity offers electricals

West Swindon based Gateway Furniture, which supplies free furniture to people in need and setting up a home, now also has washing machines and cookers available for a small charge.

De-clutter your house/garage - Saturday 3 March, 10am to 2pm For just £5 grab a car boot pitch and sell off all those things you no longer need or use.

Contact Swindon Restore to book your boot on 01793 978 045

Gateway volunteer Ken McIntosh checking washing machines in the project’s PAT testing area

Kevin Prosser, founder of the project, said: “People who would otherwise struggle to afford to furnish homes are being helped and furniture which would usually end up at the dump is being given a new home.”

Launched in 2009 with a small group of volunteers at Gateway Church Swindon, a trailer and a garage, during their first year the project helped over 120 families,

giving away over 6.5 tonnes of furniture and 40 electrical items.

The project needs more furniture and white goods. Electrical equipment is fully function and safety tested by qualified technicians before release. There is a small charge to cover this cost.

For more information about donating furniture, household and electrical items, mail: furniture@gcswindon.org.uk or call 07540 726431.

Scrapstore can come to you Swindon Children’s Scrapstore has launched ‘Let’s Play’ creative art and craft mobile workshops run by dedicated craft facilitator Mel Thompson who visits schools, community groups and pre-schools.

She offers sessions that can be focused on current topics or one off events for a small or large group. Whatever the theme the environmental aspect of reusing materials that would otherwise go to landfill is a key part of her project.

‘Turn Waste Things into Play Things’ by contacting Mel on 513982.

MOBILE CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS ★ Engine diagnostics ★ 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

FIAT & ALFA ROMEO ✶ All cars welcome ✶ cam belt replacement ✶ engine & gearbox repairs & rebuilds ✶ electrical fault code reading ✶ MOT repairs ✶ vehicle sales ✶ 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

21-48 February 12.indd 38

39A Station Road, Wootton Bassett

20/01/2012 15:07

swindonlink.com • February 2012

CALM thanks to Morrisons shoppers

Playgroup places on offer Greendown Playgroup in Grange Park currently has morning, afternoon and all days sessions available for 3 and 4 year olds.

The playgroup is rated outstanding in all areas by OFSTED and offers a high staff to child ratio as well as opportunities for indoor and outdoor play.

For details or to arrange a visit call Julie on 882234.

Players wanted Shaw under 7s football team is looking for players.

For details call Gerald Kent on 07533679298 or 613576.

Morrisons checkout lady Teresa Hughes trying to avoid distraction while serving customers, with from left, CALM member Sam Goodchild, Flt Lt Dan Wilkinson and Flt Lt Mark Brodie of 24 Squadron, MPs Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson

Swindon Children’s Cancer & Leukaemia Movement (CALM ) would like to thank all who contributed to their annual bag pack event at Morrisons, Haydon Wick on Friday 23 December.

Dozens of CALM family and friends were joined by both the town’s MPs Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson, former mayor of Swindon coun Rex Barnett, Swindon Wildcat players and airmen from XXIV Squadron, formerly at RAF Lyneham, now based at RAF Brize Norton.

CALM chair Richard Crowley said: “The day was extremely successful. Shoppers were once again very generous and contributed a grand total of £2,701.28. We’d like to thank Morrisons for allowing us to hold the bag packing event so close to Christmas.”

39

Looking for a business you can trust?

THEN LOOK NO FURTHER!

A new era for consumers and business is only a click away

www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

If you have a business and you are interested in joining the scheme, call Trading Standards

01793 466155

Northway Heating & Plumbing

All aspects of heating and plumbing work undertaken Gas Safe Registered

07795 166851 01793 728014

northwayheating.co.uk sales@northwayheating.co.uk

Unit D Alpha Centre Cheney Manor Swindon SN2 2QJ

for all your drainage supplies...

Swindon's independent supplier of: White Fascia & Soffit Systems

Geotextile Fabrics

PVC Rainwater Systems

Manhole Covers

PVC Underground Drainage Domestic Channel Drain MDPE Water Pipe & Fittings Underground Ducting

DPM & Radon Barriers Land Drainage Coil Twinwall Drainage Sewage Tanks

Now open on Saturday mornings - Trade & public welcome T: 01793 422040

E: sales@draindepot.co.uk

www.draindepot.co.uk

21-48 February 12.indd 39

Trad e Pr & FR ices E Deliv E ery

20/01/2012 15:07

40

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

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

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

The Fitting Crew

Electrician

UPVC, Facia and Guttering Specialists

Fuse board upgrade Rewiring New sockets Lighting Cooker & Shower installations No job too small Free quotations e-mail: iain@dixiain.co.uk

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

T: 01793 851374 M: 07860 689695

NO MORE PAINTING - DEAL DIRECT

Part P Approved Contractor

01793 725155

dixiainltd PB Plastering & Bricklaying General Building Services Including Extensions Loft Conversions Patios & Fencing Wall & Floor Tiling Block Paving Painting & Decorating

Call Pete

Tel: 01793 612499 Mob: 07790 283186

ASHDOWN A local reliable & friendly service

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

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

21-48 February 12.indd 40

Design to Installation • PLUMBING • CARPENTRY • TILING • ELECTRICS All Work Guaranteed. Quality Finish And Attention To Detail Is Assured.

No Job Too Small

Call Mark: 01793 887766 Mob: 07979 267757

www.bathrooms-swindon.co.uk FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION & ESTIMATE

• All aspects of Heating and Plumbing undertaken • Boiler and central heating installations and repairs • Gas safety certificates • Bathroom design & installation • General repairs and servicing • No VAT on labour

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

MILESTONE Building Services

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Complete Property Renovations & Alterations Kitchens / Bathroom Tiling / Flooring Brickwork / Blockwork Paving / Patios Fencing / Decking & Ground Works Carpentry / Plumbing

For a prompt friendly professional service

All Building Works Undertaken No job too small • Free estimates

Telephone: 875354 Mobile: 07970 483393

Contact: Dean Scanlon Telephone: 01793 422032 Mobile: 077 8968 1536

MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HOME

ALL SEASONS 24 HR

Interior and exterior decorating carried out to a high standard including: • Painting • Wallpapering • Coving • Tiling • General Maintenance

\

WILLING & ABLE

PROPERTY SERVICES • Plumbing and heating • Landlord safety checks & system upgrades • Kitchens & bathrooms • 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

www.willingandablepropertyservices.co.uk

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

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

TileSure

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

Qualified tradesman, 28 years experience

Semi-retired Plumber 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

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repairs & replaces cracked, broken or misted double glazed windows.

Also hinges and locks.

Call: 01793 854448 or 07976 219671

RETIRED TRADES ASSOCIATES Electrical (Part P registered) Plumbing Painting & Decorating Tiling • Plastering Carpentry • Cabinet Making • Reliable • Trustworthy • Affordable

• Kitchen & bathroom installations • Artex covered smooth • Plastering ceilings & walls • Stud partition walls • Wall & floor tiling • Laminate & wood floor installation • UPVC windows & doors • Full house refurbishments Free estimates. Quality service guaranteed Call David on 07796 262942 or 01793 226071 dlpropertyservices@yahoo.co.uk

West Swindon Plumbing

Call Charlie for a free no obligation quote on all your plumbing needs Covering Swindon and surrounding areas No job too small from leaking taps, dripping overflows, broken toilets, outside taps, radiators, pumps, emersion heaters to complete bathrooms.

All at competitive rates.

07766 565458 01793 432512

Call Andrew on 07718 022201

J.S

Home Improvement Specialist

DL Property Services

Doctor Glass

Home Maintenance ________________________ H Electrical work H Tiling H Plumbing H Decking H Fencing H Flat pack assembly H Painting H Decorating H Laminate flooring H Garden maintenance & landscaping

NO JOB TOO SMALL Call Jim anytime on mobile 07901 993312

• 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

Want your wall or floor tiles fitted?

& property maintenance

Call John for a free estimate on 01793 434442 or 07528 593223

Then call

• Extensions • Driveways • Conservatories • Patios • Garden Walls • Fencing All general building and landscaping projects undertaken NO JOB TOO SMALL Call Stewart on

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

01793 728039 or 0784 182 6390

B O U N DA RY WINDOWS

Providing High Quality Windows and Doors to Swindon for over 20 years • Windows • Conservatories • Doors • Fascias • Guttering

Large range of styles available Range to suit all budgets and tastes High Security Locks The highest attention to detail 10 Year Guarantees • Bi-Fold Doors Local Family Run Business Sash Box Windows - UPVC / FENSA Timber Replaced or Repaired Registered Company

SWINDON 01793 341546 MOBILE 07799 118283 www.boundary-windows.co.uk

Advert.indd 1

CARPENTRY & RENOVATION SERVICES • Supply and fit kitchens • Fitted wardrobes • Replacement doors, staircases and handrails • Supply and fit decking • Laminate & solid flooring

Call 07891 933420 or 01793 491046 www.CRS-carpentry.co.uk

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

24/7 Emergency Call Out • All Works Guaranteed • Reliable & Affordable

Swindon’s Heating & Plumbing Specialists • Full Central Heating Installations • Boiler Replacement, Servicing & Repair • All Plumbing & Maintenance Services • Full Bathroom Installations • Landlord & Letting Agent Services • Renewable Energy Installations

Free Quotation / No Obligation

21-48 February 12.indd 41

www.haynesconstruction.org.uk

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

for a Free Estimate

• • • • • • •

Mob: 07956 301957 Tel: 01793 348597

HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE

Phone: 01793 870040 Mob: 07765 002949

Fitted Kitchens/Bedrooms Replacement Doors Laminate and Solid Floors General building Maintenance Decking

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

01793 878636

T.

523887

Power Flus hing Agent

www.CentraHeat.co.uk

CentraHeat.co.uk

www.

07739 357617

M.

02/02/2011 09:58 20/01/2012 15:08

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Approved Plumber

01793 876600 07748 964433

mjplumbing64@gmail.com

DECORATOR

TREVOR WYSE

Not a ‘Jack of all trades’, just a ‘master of one’

High class painter & decorator with 35 years experience

Tel: 07976 885203 or 01793 723023

email: trevorwyse@btinternet.com

www.trevorwyse.com

HEATING & PLUMBING

01793 320773 07779 006360

darrenbakerstewart@rocketmail.com www.stylishbathrooms.biz

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

30 years plumbing & heating experience British Gas trained

tCentral heating installations tAll Plumbing work undertaken tServicing & repairs tBathroom Installations All at competitive rates

Alec McKay Tel: 01793 873697 Mobile: 07963 953439

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E-mail: alecmckay@sky.com

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Talk to us about combined advertising

01793 602540

For a free estimate call Sean on

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

DECORATOR

INTERIOR H EXTERIOR H WALLPAPERING H COVING H

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

Call Stuart on 01793 727659 or 07809 368051

HEATING & PLUMBING

HEATING & PLUMBING

Quality Plumbing & Heating

RJ PeaRce

All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Kevin Rolfe

Conservatories, fascias and guttering Roofing & building maintenance Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

FREE ESTIMATES

or 07900 835116

• Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Bathrooms & tiling • Power showers • Outside taps Reg: 128966

UPVC windows & doors

DECORATOR

Call Andy: 01793 729354

Est. 30 years

Plumbing & Heating Services

• Bathroom renovations • Kitchen renovations • Wall/floor tiling • All types of plumbing works • Carpentry/joinery work

20 years experience in plumbing work

• Central heating

REDUCTIONS FOR OAPs

Call 01793 334823 or 07788 572043

HOME MAINTENANCE Services

Plumbing & Heating ltd • Bathrooms & showers

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

De cor ato r

Free estimates

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

r&

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

Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted

ain te

❉ Quality bathroom suites

Paul Rhind

Stylish Bathrooms

EP

& Heating

ID

Plumbing

BUILDING SERVICES

BATHROOMS

PR

BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS

• Competitive rates • All work guaranteed

(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

Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367 www.swindonheating.co.uk

For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

PLASTERING

PLASTERING

ROOFING

KTL

Forest Plastering Services

HOUSEMARTIN

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

For a free no obligation quote call Gary on 203455

Internal & external All aspects covered Drylining & coving Artexing & patch repairs Painting & decorating Building & maintenance CRB cleared

CALL FREE - 0800 0320588 or 07876 505448

Mobile: 07764 511933 or Tel: 01793 879069

The Roofing Specialist

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

Call Neil on 01793 700436 07725 028776

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BUILDING SERVICES

CARPENTRY

Galaxy Construction Ltd

J S Property Services

4 4 4 4 4 4

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

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

DECORATOR

A CHANGE OF COLOUR

PAINTING AND DECORATING

Experienced in all aspects of interior and exterior decorating

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

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

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

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879

TILING

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

21-48 February 12.indd 43

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

DECORATOR Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating High quality experienced workmanship All work undertaken A friendly reliable service with references available Full Public Liability Insurance cover

For free estimate call Paul on 01793 321981 or 07775 840236

CARPENTRY

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 SAFE & SHAW

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

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SERVICES ALL KITCHENS and BATHROOMS INSTALLED • Free survey • Building work • Plastering • Tiling and worktops • Electrics and plumbing • Wooden flooring • All types of worktops fitted including granite

APPROVED

Tel: 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364

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

Had a New Year bright idea?

The Swindon Business Mums group provides working mums with a child-friendly place to network at Next Generation Kids in Kembrey Park.

Organiser Laura Golding said “the meetings are really informal and very useful; we bounce ideas off each other and discuss pitfalls we’ve come across and successes.

It’s a united spirit created by women trying to juggle being a mum and running a business.”

If you have an idea you’d like to discuss, are setting up a business, or are just lonely running your own enterprise, contact Laura Golding: golding582@btinternet.com for details of the next meeting.

Make things happen in Swindon

For a complete professional service contact:

STEVE GEORGE

Walk in memory

Prospect Hospice’s 5 mile circular sponsored Walk of Memories around Cotswold Lakes takes place on Sunday 26 February, starting at the Four Pillars Hotel.

The day is an opportunity to remember a friend or loved one, or simply to enjoy a peaceful and reflective walk with family and friends in support of your local hospice.

The walk is on varied terrain and not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead.

Registration is £8 per adult and £2 per child.

For details: www.prospecthospice.net/walkofmemories

30 years experienced tradesman

TILING

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

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

Swindon Lions Club, part of the world’s largest service organisation, is looking for new men and women to continue and expand the good work it does in helping the community.

The Swindon branch has been running for 47 years and in that time has raised nearly £300,000, a high percentage of which is given each year to worthy causes in Swindon.

The Lions firework display at the Polo Ground and collections at Christmas and other times of the year are major fundraising events, but it’s not all organising and holding buckets. Members enjoy varied social activities throughout the year.

Meetings are held at De Vere Village, Shaw Ridge at 8pm on the first and third Mondays of the month. Interested readers are invited to meet up with Lions members before committing. To find out more mail: mauricewatson44@yahoo.co.uk

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ACCOUNTANCY

ACCOUNTANCY

CJD

ACCOUNTANCY LTD

ACCOUNTANCY S J BAKER ACCOUNTING LTD CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

S J BAKER FCCA

• Self Assessments • Sole Traders • Partnerships • Limited Companies • Available evenings and weekends • Fixed fee quotes • No VAT • First consultation free

Self Assessments Limited company set up Contractor and Company Accounts Partnership and Sole Trader Accounts Corporation Tax Bookkeeping and Payroll * FIXED FEES * NO VAT * * FREE CONSULTATION * * AVAILABLE EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS *

Tel: 01793 343255 M: 07557 399987 Email: cjd.accountancy@virginmedia.com

TELEPHONE: 01793 495559 MOBILE: 07717 752116

Craig Dell FCCA Over 20 year’s experience for all your accountancy & taxation needs including:

AERIAL SERVICES

Chris Payne

aerials & satellite systems ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Freeview & Sky installations TV & radio aerials Home cinema Extra TV & telephone points NO VAT

Tel: 01793 700078 Mobile: 07904 330724

www.cjd-accountancy.co.uk

email: info@sjbakeraccounting.co.uk

BOOK-KEEPING

CARPET CLEANING

CARPET CLEANING

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

Abacus Cleaning Services

CARPET CLEANING

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Swindon

Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 20 years’ experience.

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748

www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

CLEARANCE

Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

Hard Floors Cleaned & Sealed Carpet & Upholstery Protection Treatments Insecticide & Anti-Static Treatments Spot & Stain Removal Fully Insured, NCCA member Independently owned & operated To arrange for a free estimate call

01793 421802

www.abacuscleaningswindon.co.uk

COMPUTER SUPPORT

• 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

COMPUTER SUPPORT

h Domestic and Commercial h End of Tenancy Cleaning h Stain Removal h Hard Floor Cleaning & Sealing h Quality Products Used h Quick Drying h Free Competitive Quote h Fully Insured

Mobile: 07506 740921 www.procleancleaningservices.co.uk

GARAGE DOORS

Computer problems?

Let us help

Skips are never this cheap View our prices online • House clearance • Rubbish removal • Sofas and furniture • Shed removal • Confidential waste

0800 6899988 or 07563 181500 email: enquiries@absolute-rubbish.co.uk www.absolute-rubbish.co.uk

ADVERTISING WITH IMPACT

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

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

Tel 01793 878176 Email enquiries@dimensions.org.uk www.dimensions.org.uk

Tel: 01793 325685

LOCKSMITH

OVEN CLEANING

KEY CUTTING KEY CUTTING KEY CUTTING

Ovens, ranges, agas, hobs extractors and microwaves

BROKEN OR FAULTY LOCK? LOCKED OUT? Local Locksmith and Carpenter Not a call centre with huge charges!

Genuine 24hr service

Call 01793 602540 for details

21-48 February 12.indd 44

Call now on 07734 253189 Registered Company CRB Checked/Fully Insured

KEY CUTTING KEY CUTTING KEY CUTTING

Fixed pricing examples Single Oven £35 - Range £55 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

01793 602550 or email:

oven@enlan.co.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

20/01/2012 15:09

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APPLIANCE REPAIRS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

HALE SKILLS • Washing Machines • Cookers • Dishwashers • Dryers • Vacuum Cleaners Over 30 year’s experience

‘Nick’ll Fix It’

Call 07963 131429

Guaranteed repairs to all makes of domestic appliances Same day/next day service

e.mail: haleskills@gmail.com

Tel: 01793 469300

CLEANING

CLEARANCE

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

Iron men training hard for marathon in aid of Chernobyl children

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

Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon SN1 5DR Tel: (01793) 618499 or 513796 swindondoorservices@ btinternet.com

SCRAP METAL

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

21-48 February 12.indd 45

Major fundraising for Kenya orphanage Seventeen students and two staff members from New College will be travelling in mid-July to work in the charity run Melon School for orphans and destitute children in Nakuru, Kenya.

A group visited the school last year and were shocked by the extreme poverty and neglect in the local community.

Whilst there the students worked as teaching assistants, renovated four classrooms and organised a day of Leading playground games last year sport and fun activities. They also provided clothes, text books and tickets mail: Fiona.simpson@ newcollege.ac.uk and stationery.

This year’s volunteers are put- 12 March - Kayleigh McKee from ting in another huge effort to raise Haydon Wick is holding a charity money for the school and have two evening at Peatmoor’s Bombay fundraising events: Lounge restaurant. Support for the Friday 3 February - Charity ball, Melon School would be welcome.

DeVere Village Hotel. For details Book a table by calling 887799.

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

TILE SUPPLIES WOOTTON BASSETT

TILE & STONE

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

•

Ceramic, Travertine, Marble Granite & Porcelain

• • • •

Kitchens Bathrooms Under Floor Heating Laminate Flooring

Phone: 01793 854149 Fax: 01793 840141 Email: info@wbtileandstone.co.uk Find us on

WWW.WBTILEANDSTONE.CO.UK

155 The High Street, Wootton Bassett, SN4 7AB

Three Swindon fitness fanatics are turning up the energy levels to raise £5,000 for Chernobyl Children in Need.

Before they run the London marathon on 22 April, Dave Colford 42, Chris Lennon 32 and Paul Bevis, 30, will swim 2.4 miles at Cotswold Water Park then cycle 112 miles from South Cerney to Greenwich.

Chernobyl Children in Need provides support to people in Belarus affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, particularly around for CCIN from Oakhurst, said, “it’s the village of Ozarichi where money brilliant what the guys are comhas been donated to renovate school mitting themselves to. The money kitchens and toilets, and to buy raised will allow us to do so much livestock to improve family nutri- for children and families in Belarus.”

Sponsor the iron men at www. tion and give a source of income.

They money raised will buy 10 justgiving.com/Dave-Chris-Paul chickens for three families, a cow • Dave, Chris and Paul would like each for three other families, pay to hear from anybody who wants to the cost of a summer camp for three take part in the swim or cycle elechildren in Belarus, and to bring ment of the challenge on 21 April. three children to Swindon.

If interested, mail: kerriecolford@ Gin McGiffin, Swindon organiser btinternet.com Two c h i l d r e n f r o m Ozarichi spent Christmas with the Coral family from Peatmoor.Tanya Ramashka comes here twice a year but this was the first visit for Tatsiana Kruk who visited Freshbrook dentist Brendon Ball where she received treatment with pain killers for the first time.

Tatsiana and Tanya with Brendon Ball and dental nurse Jayne Hall

20/01/2012 16:13

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swindonlink.com • February 2012

Jo’s Crimean epiphany

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 HQ Bath. Box 98. BA2 5PS

TERRY WINTER

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

Transfer your favourite vinyl record or cassette onto CD-R disc and play it back in HI-FI on your CD player.

For details call 01793 527226 info@videographics.co.uk

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

Operation Christmas Child supporter Jo Fox from Abbey Meads spent a week in the Crimea region of Ukraine in January, distributing goodie-filled shoeboxes and meeting some of their recipients in a number of remote villages.

Having been involved with the charity for 15 years, this was the first time she’d seen the shoeboxes handed out. She said: “The children were very grateful for the boxes, though it was quite hard to get them to smile. I don’t think they are very demonstrative people.”

The depravation in the area is a result of the previous communist regime, and although there are new amenities such as the children’s hospital in the capital Simferopol, the equipment is extremely Jo Fox with Nadia 12, Alyona 13, Karina 13, and Sveta 13, who have been fostered by the couple basic. “Their sterilising who originally ran the orphanage and on retiring decided to give them a stable home equipment consisted of a couple of saucepans,” said Jo. tist Church and runs craft groups to the items are going to children who At one orphanage Jo met an 11 create gifts to put in the boxes. “We appreciate them.” year old girl who had lost both her have one lady who knits gloves and To join a group mail Jo at: jofox7@ parents last year to cirrhosis of the scarves, and youngsters who make sky.com liver. Vodka consumption in the friendship bracelets. People can get Start planning for the Operation population of Ukraine is extremely involved at any level, either filling Christmas Child shoe box collechigh. Jo said: “It was very hard to a box themselves or making things tion next November. Mail Jo for leave her.” to go into the boxes. It’s quite nice details or see: Jo belongs to North Swindon Bap- to sit and knit together and know www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk

Join us in worship on Sunday mornings

We will provide trained teams to pray for you. We do not offer advice or counselling. Everything is confidential, there is no charge and no appointment is needed.

We are part of a Christian organisation, the International Association of Healing Rooms.

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

St. John’s Haydon Wick Sunday Worship 10.30am Sunday School and Creche Meeting at Abbey Meads Community School

On Thames Avenue next door to Morrisons

Contact: Revd Raymond Adams Tel: 634258

Sunday 9am Traditional communion service Services 11am Eventful, contemporary worship

with children’s groups meeting www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

Open to all, serving tea, coffee, cakes & light lunches Fridays and Saturdays: 10am - 2pm

21-48 February 12.indd 46

20/01/2012 15:09

swindonlink.com • February 2012

Historic church aims for first phase of refurbishment by Queen’s jubilee

St Mary’s Church in Lydiard Park has nearly reached its target to complete the first phase of its conservation, writes Hilary Gardner.

In 2011 English Rev Clive DeHeritage awardverell, team mined a grant to the ister at St Mary’s church to undersaid: “A huge take high level and thanks to all who emergency repair have given to works. our appeal so far.

Following preWhilst we have liminary investireceived a numgation last sumber of grants from mer it became other grant makapparent that the ing bodies, it is scope and extent of the generosity of the work required the public and is not as severe as our congregation St Mary’s appeal coordinator originally identiwhich has underHilary Gardner fied. The roof of the pinned the success St John chapel does not need to be of our appeal since it was launched completely replaced although some in May 2011.” repair is required. In addition, all The works will start in the Spring the rainwater goods on the church and be completed by the end of May will be completely replaced, some of in time for the Queen’s diamond the dormer windows repaired and jubilee celebrations. a start will be made on the cleaning The second phase of the project, and conservation of the unique wall will focus on the major refurbishpaintings inside. ment of the building and conservaTenders have been received tion of the historic monuments and and, with the amount of monies other artefacts. raised to date, only another £5,000 It is envisaged that this will cost is required to allow us to proceed up to £750,000. An application to and complete the first phase of our the Heritage Lottery Fund will be exciting conservation project. made at the end of this year.

47

Alternative transport advice at February networking event

Graeme Pitts-Drake of Electric Bike Solutions will be speaking at the Basepoint free networking event, the Networking Hub, on 8 February, on the subject of Alternative Transport, as well as offering free test rides on electric bikes.

Electric Bike Solutions at Basepoint in Westlea has become the official Wiltshire dealer for the Kalkhoff range, which Graeme describes as the Mercedes of the bike world.

“Kalkhoff from Germany, comprises high end, high quality bikes which are very much in demand, and I’m delighted to add this range to complement our own high spec ErgoMatic brand,” said Graeme.

“Research shows that people who own an electric bike will use it 10 times more than they would if it were just a push bike. You have Graeme and Jane Pitts-Drake with to pedal, so you’ll still get fit, but Basepoint manager Lyn Chapman you won’t get sore muscles trying how an electric bike could help to get uphill.”

In terms of running costs, Graeme their staff reduce the costs of getcontrasts a 10 mile return car jour- ting to work.”

The Networking Hub opens for ney at £2 with the same journey by electric bike at 2p. “There are registration at 12noon on Wednesno parking charges either with a day 8 February and includes a free lunch and refreshments. To reserve bike,” he said.

“I’m keen to support Swindon a place mail: Swindon@basepoint.

Council’s SWIFT programme to co.uk.

See the Electric Bike Solutions encourage commuting by bike, so local businesses can come along to advertisement on page 5. www.electricbikesolutions.co.uk the event and find out more about

Basepoint Swindon allows your business to grow whatever your business accommodation requirements are. Our ‘Easy In” and Easy Out” terms enable you to easily adjust to your needs, as and when you want to, and without any long-term financial commitments - leaving you free to focus on developing your business.

We provide: • A range of competitively priced offices • Double door access workshops of various sizes • Managed business centre with reception • FREE CAR PARKING • Large and small modern meeting rooms • Training rooms / boardrooms available • “Rendezvous” breakout area for refreshments • Hot desking • Virtual offices

Follow us @Basepoint_Swnd

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Kick Start Your 2012 Free fitness starter pack with Swindon’s biggest fitness provider Unlimited use of : • 5 Gyms • 6 Swimming Pools • 100+ Fitness Classes • Ice Skating • Health Suite • Turkish Baths • Indoor Climbing Wall • Athletics Track

Offer available 02.01.12 until 26.02.12 *Terms and conditions apply.

www.swindon.gov.uk/leisurepassports

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