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EXPRESS CYCLE GVOSPECIALIST No. 118 January 1992 • Circulation 10,500
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West's longest serving councillor to step down West Swindon's longest serving councillorRicky Midwinter has announced exclusively through The Link that he is not to run for reelection in May. The popular and at times outspoken councillor said his health, work and family considerations were the reasons for not seeking to keep his place on Thamesdown Council. Ricky successfully fought off cancer two years ago after long and physically demanding treatment. He said he wanted to repay the support his family had given him by spending more time with them. He was promoted recently at his company Emerson Electric, and decided that he could not continue his council work. Ricky was first elected in March 1981 shortly before West Swindon was transferred to Thamesdown
fromNorth Wilts District and has been reelected three times since then. During the 1980's he fought hard for social and community facilities to be built whilst the houses were being constructed. Healsoprovided advice and advocacy on behalf of thousands of people living in Toothffl,Westlea and Shaw/Sparcells as they were built. At different times he was chairman of Thamesdown's Community Development Committee and
DeputyLeaderof the Council. "It'sbeenadifficult decision to make, but really the only one I could make, considering the circumstances," said Ricky. "Council work has been central to my life over the last ten years and I've enjoyed working with people. "Some say that the West has ree ceived an unfair ceived share of resources. I say that it needed them, given that there was nothing here except houses. What kind of place would it be without
Good neighbours fight to keep Bert on site Residents in Grange Parkare campaigningto keep a pensioner in his caravan sited close to their homes. Bert Cheeseman, 65, has lived in a caravan off Hay Lane since 1978, on land owned by Bradley Homes, whoheworkedforasasecuntyguaxtl. Bradley closed down on 1 January 1992. In an attempt to clear up their affairs they tried to evict Bert during the week of heavy frosts before Christmas. The site heoccupies under licence is designated as public open space and the company wanted to hand it over to Thamesdown Council. However when Bradley gave Bert three days notice that they would be towing him away, his friends living in houses built in Grange Park over the last 10 years rallied around to support him. They disabled the caravan, mounted a guard and rang the newspapers to get publicity and local councillors to get action. Bert lives without running water, drainage orelectricity and heats
Bert Oieeseman, supported by neighbours
his caravan with a wood burning stove. He suffered a stroke in 1987, but his disability hasn't dented his resolve to live an independent life. "I've lots of friends around here and they've been very kind to help me out," said Bert. "I've never had so many Christmas cards."
Local people bring him meals, water, firewood, do his washing and allow him use of their baths. Janet Saunders from Chandos Close said people wanted Bert to stay where he was. "He's a lovely man, everybody knows him, he's like a night watchman. He was here long before we arrived; it's inhuman to uproot him." Jim Strutton from Rochford Close said Thamesdown Council were prepared to accept the land with Bert on it, providing Bradley applies for planning permission. He said, "Bradley allowed Bert to live here for 14 years, but now he's an inconvenience they want to tow him to common land. "The Council will allow Bert to stay where he is and are offering Bradley a legal way out of their problem. But they seem to want to get rid of him and refuse to negotiate." The residents have vowed to continue their backing for Bert in his battle to keep his home.
meeting spaces, the Link Centre and schools? "It's been a privilege to represent this area because of the challenges for all of us living here. The support for my actions from local people and at times their willingness to lobby the council to get things done is a tribute to community spirit. "On the down side, the frustration and the lack of power to help the increasing number of homeless and housebound people has at times left me in despair." Ricky added that strong voices were still required onThamesdown Council to keep the needs of the West at the forefront. He commented that he may start a campaign to support the idea of Parish Council's which could generate income to support community activity in the future.
Motor Show on the road for July A date has been set for the Motor Show featured on the front page of last month's Link magazine and some of Swindon's leading motoring names have indicated they will take part. The show, organised by Greendown School parents, is set to take place on 11 and 12 July. So far Honda, Walker Jackson Ford, Dick Lovett Mercedes, Mazda, BMW, Great Western Garages Peugeot and VW Audi have said they will be putting on displays of their vehicles. The fire and police services will be represented and the GWR MegaRig will also be on hand. Motorbikes and custom cars will be on show, as well as stalls, activities for children and refreshments. The organisers are still interested in recruiting help from parents and other people living in the area. If you have ideas or can offer practical assistance, telephone Veronica Hammond on 0666 825800