January 2001 Swindon Link

I F1'

No. 224 • Janua ry 2001 • Circulation 21,000

XPRESS Skips in all sizes delivered to your home or workplace Sand & gravel delivered as required Call Swindon 496703

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

Swindon's bra walkers take to the road again

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SW Discover a course on

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pages 29 - 32 SWINDON S

TWIN-PEAKS Last year over 100 women raised over £30,000 on an overnight walk through London. its ti me to

Will Swindon's new hospital be big enough?

There's a warm

welcome from Mr Ali and his staff at

train for Twin Peaks 2. They want to do better in

"Purton 's hidden

May. Join them on page 2.

Indian treasure"

Farewell Mr Burke Mc kc j a h

Former West Swindon GP Ian Matheson speaks out on page 4

Fully licenced Tandoori & Balti Restaurant

Who ever heard of the Armenians?'

6 High Street, Purton Tel: 01793 770998/770253

Adolf Hitler asked the question, so why is histo ry being rewri tt en for the first National Holocaust Day on 27 Janua ry ? See page 5

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Shaw Ridge School said good-bye to their long serving head at the end of term. Story on page 8.

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The Link Magazine • Janua ry 2001

Twin Peaks team plan second London marathon moonwalk

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Last May 103 women teamed u under the banner of Swindon Twin Peaks and walked a marathon though the streets of London to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

There's a chance to find out how to join Twin Peaks 2 on Thursday 16 January.

Organiser ni Eunice Salmon said the publicity in The Link a year ago was largely responsible for the huge in terest. "Our initial meeting was attended by over thirty women and numbers just kept on growing. The Swindon group was the largest from any town, raisingover£30,000sponsorship out of the £600,000 total. It really was fantastic."

This year some of the money raised w ill go the Bristol Cancer Help Centre, which is famous for its holistic approach to treatment.

"This is a great way to get yourself fit and have fun at the same time," windon Lifesaid Eunice. " The Swindon r eU esroesstyle Unit will bel^rovidin g prof sional advice and organising training sessions. Here's a chance to take charge of your health.

"Come along on 16 January to the large meeting room at Link Centre at 7.30pm, see the photos and talk to

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Smiling at the end of the walk. Twin Peaks team members Sarah Bailey, Alison Pewsey and Tracey Lewis

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The Link Magazine • Janua ry 2001

www.swindonlink.com

Shop to make Swindon safer Pop in and you could win a personal alarm Home Secretary Jack Straw will open an innovative project designed to improve safety and reduce crime in the town at the end of January.

THE Need COMPLETE curtains CURTAIN ; or blinds SERVICE made?

Design, making and complete fitting service available Large range of material samples Free estimating and advice Call Tracey or Amanda on 01793 611051

Home visits arraneed or

We have two large barns full of top quality furnishing Loos END fabrics (often more than 50 metres) which are the ends of ranges.

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Why not come and see us?

Sue Cutcliffe. Giles Green, Brinkworth, Nr Chippenham.

Tel: 01666 510685 Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 4pn

Opening up: Jean Goncalves, right, with Councillor Barrie Thompson, chair of the Crime and Disorder Partnership, Inspectors Bob Markham and Zbig Wozniczko, Miriam Minty, Swindon's Crime & Disorder Coordinator, Paula Harrison, Crime & Disorder development worker

The Safer Swindon Shop in the newly pedestrianised Havelock Street gives people a convenient place to get advice on safety matters, and informa ti on on a wide range of services across the town.

The project, funded by a155,000 government grant from the 'Invest to Save budget, is a joint venture between Swindon Council and Wiltshire Police.

Inspector Bob Markham, in charge of community beat policing, said the shop was physical evidence of the work between council and police since the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The aim is to approach crime prevention in a different way. This is not a police station, nor a substitute for police work. But it does give people a new place to draw attention to crime and safety issues."

Shop manager Jean Goncalves said, "this is a really innovative and exciting project for Swindon, providing a central point where people can pick up information

and be put in touch with the agencies who can help them. If we don't have the answer, we know someone who has."

The shop will promote advice and support from a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies such as Wiltshire and Swindon Health Promotion Service, Victim Support, Age Concern, Road Safety, Druglink, Family Mediation Service, Relate and Trading Standards.

Specific projects and initiatives will be piloted through the shop, such as advice on health education and child safety, employment opportunities for young people and Trading Standards.

Jean and her staff at the Safer Swindon Shop at 38 Havelock Street are keen to meet readers.

The Link is helping by sponsoring a personal attack alarm in a prize draw.

Cut out the slip on page 38 and take it to the shop. You could win the device to help make you safer.

The Link magazine Published by West Swindon Publications Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 e: publisher@swindonlink.com www.swindonlink.com Publisher/Editor: Editorial:

Roger Ogle Tel: (01793) 872282

TO BOOK ADVERTISING: Call Jenni Fowler on (01793)872531

Booking deadline: 9 Janua ry Printed by Wiltshire, Bristol

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Editorial copy date for February: 12 January Published: 27 January

School leavers, parents & friends welcome to come & view:

Copy for March: 9 Februa ry 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

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The Link Magazine • January 2001

Is Swindon's new hospital big enough?

Former West Swindon GP claims it will not satisfy need Some medical practitioners around Swindon are concerned that the hospital being built at Commonhead will be too small for a town expected to grow to over 200,000 people in the next ten years, as well as serving the surrounding region.

The Swindon and Marlborough Health Trust insist the £148 million Until now The Link has not covered the issue, but Dr Ian Matheson, project, which will have 460 beds, 53 fewer than the Princess Margaret one of the first doctors to work in West Swindon, from 1979 until he Hospital it will replace in November 2002, is being built to provide new retired in 1997, was a present at consultative meeting in the mid-1 990s.

He writes: methods of caring for sick people. rom the early planning stages of the new hospital for SwinF don and well before a site was finalised local doctors expressed concern about the proposed size which was, from the information available at the time, to be smaller than the presentPMH. In common with many hospitals PMH experienced difficulties coping with seasonal surges in demand in spite of the predictability of these variations. In recent years these difficulties have become more apparent with red alerts being posted and admissions cancelled for smaller and smaller increases in demand. Current bed management practices, with their high occupancy rates and rapid turnover whilst producing apparent increased efficiency, leave only minim al margins to absorb emergencies and unpredictable needs.

When known demographical factors are added to the equation, such as:

i. ii.

iii. iv.

v.

vi.

vii.

The annual growth rate of the Swindon population; The government's planning proposals which will impose several thousand more households onto the immediate catchment of the new hospital; An ageing population with their increased medical needs; An increasing number of single occupancy homes (nobody at home to tend to the unwell person); Advances in medical and surgical fields which offer treatments in areas which were previously untreatable; Patients increased expectations of high tech intervention in their conditions; An increasingly litigious population (tends to increase frequency of referral from primary care source);

For your retirement living we currently have vacancies at Brain Court, Stratton St. Margaret and Windmill Court, Freshbrook, Swindon.

Please contact our Regional Office: Western Region, 10 The Parade Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 1NE

Tel: 01672 515622

Our concerns were repeatedly expressed to the planners at several consultative meetings. Their eventual enlightening, but very worrying, reply was that the size of the new hospital would be a business decision and the community would just have to adjust to it!

At a subsequent meeting this response was put to Jeremy Hallett, chief executive of the Wiltshire Area Health Authority (the body charged with purchasing health care for the population of this area).

His response was that he expected that the spokesman was 'just having a bad day'.

The outcome however has been the building of a hospital that will viii. An overworked and be too small for the needs of those demoralised primary care living in its catchment area, with service; all the attendant problems and ix. An increasing failure rate in miseries of delayed admissions, private sector homes for the cancelled operations, overelderly; crowded outpatients, and more x. A decline in the numbers of and more frequent red alerts that local authority funded this will inevitably mean." accommodation for the • We have asked the Swindon and elderly; Marlborough Health Trust to reply it seemed inconceivable that any next month. planners could consider that a Names in the frame smaller hospital with fewer beds could meet the needs of the popu- The Swindon & Marlborough NHS lation now, yet alone in the future. Trust has shortlisted five names for When asked to explain their rea- the hospital and is inviting people to soning to GPs in 1996, health au- vote for their preference. They are: thority representatives advised us • The Great Western Hospital that they were confident that more • The Brunel Hospital facilities would be made available • Swindon District Hospital for care of the elderly in the com- • Swindon and Wiltshire Hospital munity - although this was not • North Wiltshire Hospital Send yourvotes to The Communiwithin their control - and that they had expectations that the primary cations Officer, Swindon & Marlborcare services were ready and eager ough NHS Trust, PMH, Swindon by to absorb a substantial part of the 18 January. The trust board will make a decision on 26 January. shortfall.

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The Link Magazine • Janua ry 2001

www.swindonlink.com

What are you doing for Holocaust Memorial Day? The date was chosen as it marks the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945. In January last year forty-four governments including Britain attended a conference in Stockholm to commemorate the Holocaust and unanimously signed the Declaration of the Stockholm Forum that has led to the Holocaust Memorial Day to ensure that the horrendous crimes, racism, and victimisation committed are neither forgotten nor repeated.

After half a century it remains an event close enough in time that survivors can still bear witness to its horrors. The day is also very much about looking to the future. Genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda and Kosovo show how persecution and

wilts

mass killings are part of human behaviour. It provides a national focus for educating younger generations about the continued relevance of the lessons learned from the Holocaust and showing a continuing commitment to oppose racism, anti-Semitism, victimization and genocide.

As we go to press no formal civic events have been planned in the town but council leader Sue Bates said, "I hope that people of all ages in Swindon will take part in the activities to mark the day and to show their commitment to building an inclusive society that is free from the evils of prejudice and racism."

More information and an education pack is available from www.holocaustmemorialday.gov.uk

SN 1 3B0 gel/fax: (01793) 43 57 57

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The focus on 27 January 2001 will be upon the Jewish victims of Nazi persecution between 1936 - 1945, and subsequent oppression by fascist regimes.

I do not, by any stretch of the imagination, intend to undermine this important memorial, but this sacred memory seems to crudely neglect a previous Holocaust, the first genocide of modern history: The Armenian Genocide.

To quote the perpetrator of the Jewish Holocaust Adolf Hitler ' Who now remembers the liquidation of the Armenians?'

A photo of victims of the Armenian genocide displayed the National Genocide Museum in the Armenian capital Yerevan, taken by Rhoda on her first visit to Armenia last summer

Armenia is a tiny landlocked country which was the first nation to be pronounced Christian in 303 AD. Tucked away between Turkey, Iran, Georgia and Azerbaijan on the major trade routes, it has been fought over and its people oppressed for centuries.

Towards the end of the 19th Century, in particular 1915 to 1918 when the world was preoccupied with the first world war, the

Ottoman Turks issued the extermination, the first ever termed ' Genocide' of this century, of the whole Armenian race. Some one and a half million Armenians were massacred.

My grandfather (when he was 6 years old), was himself made a refugee in this genocide, being dressed by his mother as a little girl, walked across Eastern Turkey to the south of Iraq, losing a significant number of his family who Sim p could not walk any longer.

Only his mother and Aunty Miriam survived. His father was

taken, in a line along with other men, to be put to Rhoda Manook death.

Interestingly, strengthened by his Christian faith, my grandfather's ordeal did not result in a hatred of the Turkish people. But he always sai 'd .'donoth a te bu td ono orge tf t what has happened.'

All Armenians will have a story to relate from previous generations.

Today the Armenian race is found all over the world - Cher, Charles Aznavor, Andre Agassi, Gary Kasparov, Calouste Gulbenkian, Katchachurian, Youri Djorkaef, Boghosian to mention but a few.

Their stories include the horrors of children, who were thrown to the air and spiked on Turkish officers swords and atrocities of horse shoes nailed to peoples' feet. The killings, ordered from above, were unspecified of method, which was left to the creative evil of the individual executors.

Our eovernment is seemingly

seeking to deny the truth of history, and thereby aligning itself with the Turkishgovernmentwhichhitherto has refused to admit the occurrence of this heinous crime against humanity: the Armenian Holocaust.

Faced with recent human right violations across the world, dare we give Hitler's words the status of prophecy and let his conclusions linger on today?

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Forget-me-not Rhoda Manook, 21, from Toothill, a former Ridgway School student and now at Cambridge University, gives a very personal reflection on the first National Holocaust Remembrance day in Britain and says history should not be used selectively to ignore victims of repression.

102 victoria road old town Swindon

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B ritain's first national Holocaust Memorial Day will be held on 27 Janua ry, an annual day of remembrance to both commemorate the Holocaust and act as a reminder of other human rights tragedies.

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Children take the lead in play Year 6 youngsters wearing red sashes can be found in the playground at Freshbrook School organising play activities and working with younger children.

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Trained play leaders with sashes and children being trained with trainer Sarah Denley, rear left, and project coordinator year 2 teacher Sarah Jones, rear right

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The ini ti ative follows an earlier a fair an d kind way. They act as project last year when playground good role models and help to keep assistants were given training in the peace in conflicts. It boosts traditional games to engage chil- their self-esteem and gives them a sense of responsibility." dren in constructive activity.

The training sessions took place The young playleaders received training during the Autumn term after school over three weeks.

Trained playleader Emily Bathe, from Sarah Denley who works for Swindon Council's primary behav- 10, said, "there's a lot of running iour support team at the Stratton around and kids bumping into Education Centre. She said the each other. Sometimes people get training provided children with a hurt because they are not looking. range of skills. "It involves teach- The games help calm younger kids ing them how to talk to and be- down and I think behaviour is have towards younger children in changing. It's good to have the responsibility."

Ben Poppy, 10, did the training Pizza parlour kids in early November. "We've learnt Children at Rainbow Playgroup how to be patient with the small played with a different kind of children. Behaviour is good in the dough in December when they playground. We're helping playpaid a visit to Dominos pizza at time to be more interesting." the West Swindon Centre.

Christmas Dickens style

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Keen pizza makers with Nikki Murray of Dominos, Frances Cottle, supervisor, Shannon Godon,Warwick Horsburgh, Brian Milsom, Kiran Bhraj. Back, Lorraine Frost With sleeves rolled up they busily kneaded and rolled and also watched the Dominos experts make proper pizzas for their lunch.

Rainbow Playgroup is based in the community room at Freshbrook School, Monday to Friday 9am to 11.45am for three and four year olds; Monday to Thursday 1pm to 3pm for two year olds.

There are places available.

Call Fran Muncey on 872948 for details.

All 232 children at Windmill Hill School took part in a production of a Christmas Carol. The central characters were Adam King as Jacob Marley, rear, Catherine Fidler as Scrooge, John Sharp, the ghostofChristmaspresent, Natasha Dell, the ghost of Christmas past, Scott Matheson, the ghost of Christmas future

WESTLEA

7

Battling Ben chosen as one of Britain's bravest Brave Ben Fox, 5, from Westlea was one of ten young people to be recognised for their brave ry in the face Children of Courage awards on 13 December after being nominated by his grandmother Pat Saunders.

The children, who visited 10 fects: a missing right leg, holes in help him with eating, changing for Downing Street before a service his heart and lungs, a gap in his PE and going to the toilet.

Despite his physical difficulties and award ceremony at Westmin- oesophagus, two extra vertebrae ster Abbey and a lunch attended and missing muscle and bone in a nothing stops Ben taking part in by sporting and television person- hip. He is also doubly incontinent, everything he can. He wears a alities, included Lee, Luke and Now in his second year at false leg and plays football in the Charlotte Payne, whose sister Westlea School, Ben is a veteran of playground, rides a bike adapted Sarah was murdered last summer. 15 major operations including open by his granddad John and has Within hours of birth Ben was heart surgery and there are more started swimming.

The three days in London were diagnosed with a catalogue of de- to come. But he has won through with his parents Carol Hearne and 'a fantastic experience to rememAndy Fox, and older brother and ber always' said Carol. She is one Celebrating caretaker sister, Wayne and Clair. of the privileged to have cuddled At Westlea School Ben is sup- Leo Blair when the families visited A birthday surprise was sprung ported by classroom assistants who Downing Street where the children on Westlea school caretaker Colin Price in December when staff proBen Fox, standing with his year 1 classmates at Westlea and classroom duced a cake for him. assistant Liz New, rear left, mum Carol Hearn and teacher Sarah Latimer Colin, who speaks in a bo ^i+ C .= croak after losing his voice box to throat cancer ten years ago, said, "I really didn't expect such a surprise. You Colin with y could say I'm Suzanne Seaton speechless."

Headteacher Suzanne Seaton

said the school wanted to celebrate Colin's sixtieth year. "He's an excellent caretaker who gets on with everybody."

of adversity at the Woman's Own turned on the Christmas lights.

"It really was absolutely brilliant to meet the other children and the families who have been through so many difficult times. Each one has a remarkable story to tell.

"It was lovely how the Duchess of Kent picked Ben up when he walked up for his award and to be entertained by Michael Barrymore as Father Christmas was amazing."

Ben proudly wore his special Children of Courage medal at the end of term. "It was the best time of my life," he said.

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SHAW AND ROUGHMOOR

Headteacher says farewell at Shaw Ridge Christmas shows, parties and a special goodbye event made the end of the year a special time for Shaw Ridge School headteacher Keith Burke, who retired after 15 years as the first and only headteacher. Deputy headteacher Sally Cowell has been appointed by the school gove rn ors as his successor.

"It's been a wonderful fifteen supportive parents and governors. years at Shaw Ridge," said Keith. We have created a caring environ"There are incredibly committed ment where children have felt safe and hard working teachers, and and secure in their learning, where they have been able to enjoy going to school."

Keith opened Shaw Ridge in 1985 with nineteen children. For the last five years there have been around 300 on roll.

CENTRE The school has always done well in the academic league, but Keith OFFICE & SHOWROOMS has also promoted healthy sports Specialists in fireplaces, gas competition and cultural activities.

Sally Cowell, well prepared to take over at Shaw Ridge effect fires with or without flues, Shaw Ridge teams regularly apelectric fires, gas & mutt fuel pear in Wiltshire and South West stoves, baskets & accessories tournaments and individual pupils have done well in football and The Kidzone After School and Breakfast Club is starting its second Dare to hockey. term, since opening in September.

Chair of governors Moira be It meets at the Upper Shaw Farm children are escorted to Shaw Webster paid tribute to Keith. different "Everybody without fail comments community centre and provides Ridge. After school, the club runs on the welcoming warmth at Shaw care for children attending local between 3.15pm and 5.45pm, Ridge. Keith had time for every- primary schools, in particular where there are arts and crafts activities, board and electronic one and knew each child by name. Shaw Ridge.

"It's been a hectic but exciting games, trips to the library and outHe has been an inspiration to all of or stick few months," said organiser Jennie door play in good weather. us and we wish him well."

The holiday club runs between Cumming who was at a loss to find with Keith Burke, playing the Duke of Mistaff to open the club last year until 8.30am and 5.30pm with a full prolan in the Two Gentleman of Verona tradition an article in The Link helped her gramme of activities, including in last year's West Swindon Shakeattract applicants. "We now have outings to local attractions such as speare Festival with Andrew Stewart, eighteen children attending, the Mega Bowl.

Sarah Gill, Lia Neave 0 Kidzone has received funding mostly on a part time basis, and H

AWKINS ST PERCY ST W W for its first year from the national have been providing care before C THE and after school and during the lottery and is registered by SwinIz . CENTRE don Social Services. For details on holidays."

DOLPHIN Kidzone is open from 8am to places, call Jennie Cumming on Q W2ET VILLAGE D TH PUB 9am where breakfast is served and 876959 or 07957 551159.

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The Link Magazine • Janua ry 2001

www.swindonlink.com

9

Village centre cleaned up and looking forward Toothill Village Centre finished last year in better shape than it began, to the surpise of some residents.

Improvements were carried out during the second half of the year following a council report on the state of local centres, particularly with regard to graffiti.

The community centre, shops and street furniture have been completely cleaned of graffiti and treated with a special barrier coating.

In November trees and shrubs were cut back to open up the car

park to make it easier to see what is going on.

Community centre treasurer Marie Denton said, "lots of people have commented on the improved appearance; they're surprised that the buildings have remained graffiti free for over four months."

She added that local beat police officer Phil Connor is doing a good job by talking to groups of youth who hang around the local shops about respect for others using the centre and visiting parents where

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Scouts take the strain Hundreds of hard pressed Christmas shoppers at Asda were helped with bag packing on 9 December when Toothill Scouts lent a hand.

Later this year there will be additional lighting installed in the car park and one of the existing CCTV cameras at the community centre is to be re-sited to give better coverage. However a general plan for CCTV cameras around the centre has not been approved

by Swindon Council.

The annual event at the West Swindon Centre raised £479 which will be used to refurbish Toothill barn.

A Beavers group, two Cub packs and a Scout group meet on four nights in the week. A new ExFirst NeST Meeting plorer group for 14 to 18 year olds The first meeting of the Toothill is to be launched in the Spring.

NeST - Neighbourhood EnvironBut more adults are needed to mental Safety Team - takes place keep the scouts going, says group on 9 Janua ry , in Toothill Commuscout leader Chris Rawling. nity Centre (time to be confirmed).

"Parents are keen for their chilYou are invited to attend if you dren to join cubs and scouts, but are concerned about community we have a desperate need for adult safety or crime in the area. helpers who will consider training Teresa Led ster from Middleleaze gets See the posters at the commusome help from Anthony Nutt and nity centre for the time of meeting as leaders."

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Choosing the best childrens books for 2001 F. K Q).

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Teenagers in years 8, 9 and 10 at Greendown School are currently reading books shortlisted by Swindon libraries for the Carnegie and Greenaway medals, writes Lesley North.

On 14 February the pupils will discuss all the titles with library staff and vote for the one they think should be recommended for both. Come and borrow them from the library and see what you think.

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There is a new Tom Clancy Net ward to Acorna's People from Anne Force: Hidden Agendas, assorted McCaffrey and there is courtroom crime fiction offerings including drama in The Jury by Steve Martin.

Simon Brett's Death on the Downs, You can make your heart beat with JM Gregson's The Lancashire Leo p- another Nicholas Rhea Constable and and Jonathan Kellerman's Doc- along the Highway.

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Throughout the year we have many school and playgroup visits to the station. These are always welcome and the fire safety information that we can give the children is invaluable. If you cannot get to the station then we are always happy to come to you with a fire appliance, providing you give us notice and we are not called to an emergency.

The result of this contact with the community is a reduction in the number of house fires that we attend as well as a drop in the number of wasted calls where we are not needed.

There are various reasons for the drop in the number of domestic fires. People are becoming more aware of fire safety, for example the need to unplug electrical appliances at night and that it is dangerous to overload sockets. The chip pan is slowly being replaced and the introduction of flame retardant foam furniture has made a difference, not only in the number of calls but also the ferocity with which the foam burns.

Smoke detectors have made a massive impact in reducing injuries and fatalities, and the amount of damage. As I mentioned, the education of your children is vital in the area of fire safety. It undoubtedly saves lives.

However some young people can have an unhealthy interest in fires which is a worry to parents.

Wiltshire Fire Brigade offers a serv-

Conor Fowler from The Prinnells was given a personal tour of Westlea fire station in December by Andrew Mangnall, in the cab, and from left Tim Elliott, Neil Chamberlain, Martin Lloyd

ice to parents designed to address the problems. The Firesetter programme has been running for approximately five years and there are some twenty male and female advisors from the brigade who counsel children and young people up to the age of seventeen.

If you are concerned then there is a twenty-four hour hotline you can call: 01380 731138.

I would like to thank all of you who gave so generously over the Christmas period and for your support during the year. Westlea fire station managed to collect approximately £5,000 for various charities. It's an effort that we - you and us - can all feel rightly proud of.

HAYDON WICK & WOODHALL PARK

11

Visit boosts Euro understanding Students at Hreod Parkway School learnt more about Anglo-German relations and European issues when the German ambassador to the United Kingdom Hans-Friedrich von Ploetz visited the town in late November.

Talking to young people selected rules of cricket, and how Euro- that he had enjoyed some British the best town in Britain because of from across the school, Mr von pean nations have to work together beef when visiting Prince Charles the business based here. Twin sisPloetz answered a wide range of for a better understanding of each at Highgrove a few days previ- ter Tara said, "he described the school day in Germany. Finishing questions on what he thinks of other. ously.

Before leaving the Ambassador school at one sounds nice, but startBritain, the football rivalry beHe told the youngsters of his tween England and Germany, the meetings with the Queen and said looked at displays of work by ing at eight o'clock is a bit too Hreod students. Afterwards Mar- early."

Headteacher Andrew Fleet said tin Frankland said he had asked about unemployment in Germany. the visit had been excellent. "Mr "I was surprised that he said un- von Ploetz was very open and employment there is quite high warm, and encouraged the students to express themselves. We compared to Britain."

Year 9 student Jodie Manners need to have more contacts like said she was pleased when Mr von this to expand horizons and have a Ploetz had said that Swindon is positive view of Europe."

Commerce House, 34/35 Commercial Road Swindon SN15NS Mr and Mrs von Ploetz with Hreod students and staff in front of the banners made by year 7 children, featured in the December Link. Headteacher Andrew Fleet is on the left, with Swindon Mayor coun Arthur Archer, Reg Clarke of the Swindon Salzgitter twinning association and banner artist Susan Carr

Offering more to children A classroom assistant at Greenmeadow School was one of twelve across Swindon to receive specialist teacher certificates in late November after successfully completing a year's course.

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Sue Love from Haydon Wick said the course, taken whilst working in the school, covered literacy and numeracy from key stage 1 reception to year eight children.

She undertook a project to produce seven 'sound sacks,' each one containing games, tapes, toys and books related to a phonic sound.

"The course has helped me to understand better how children learn and how I can work to extend their capabilities," said Sue. "It was very demanding but good to return to study. I could not have done it without my mentor teacher in the reception class Mrs Pat Lawro."

Sue added that people had suggested she take a full teacher qualification, but in the short term she was thinking of taking a child development course.

Sue with Jodie Henderson and Lewis Hughes

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12

NORTH SWINDON (including Abbey Meads, St Andrew's Ridge, Ash Brake, Taw Hill)

Expansion moves towards start The Haydon 3 development between Abbey Meads and Taw Hill goes to Swindon's planning committee on 9 January, following a major public consultation exercise in November.

Apart from 5,500 houses in the Oakhurst and Redhouse villages, the area will have a village centre and sites for the North Swindon secondary school and three primary schools.

Haydon Wick parish council has from the primary school. It would submitted a range of comments on also like to see youth provision the proposals. In particular it wants established early on, as well as to see a community swimming housing or sheltered accommodapool as part of the secondary school tion specifically for elderly peoand a community centre separate ple.

On environmental issues, the council is calling for safe walking routes so that children do not need The people of St Andrew's Ridge have taken the Jovial Monk to their to be taken to school by car. It stresses the importance of retainhearts, says landlords Oliver and Sheila Cleary. ing existing hedgerows and trees.

The Jovial Monk also has six enThey opened Arkell's 99th pub The first house completions are in November at the new St An- suite rooms to let, one specifically expected in late August, after the drew's Ridge local centre and en- designed for people with disabili- new Northern Orbital Road byties. All ground floor areas are joyed a very busy Christmas. passing Haydon Wick and "It has been an excellent six wheelchair accessible and there is Woodhall Park is finished. weeks since we opened," said a disabled lift to the first floor. For Oliver. "We've made a lot of new further information call The Jovial friends; people have been really Monk on 728636 New on the beat pleased that there is now a friendly North Swindon will have its own pub in their neighbourhood." beat police officer soon.

Now the busy Christmas time PC Denis Taylor, 47, who has has passed, Oliver hopes to form covered the central area since 1997, darts and pool league teams starts patrolling from 7 January.

An officer with Wiltshire ConIndoor play area to close stabulary for 24 years, he spent Swindon's planning committee sixteen years with the CID before accepted proposals to demolish returning to beat work. the Wacky Warehouse play barn "I'm certainly looking forward at The Friary pub at its meeting to the new task," said Denis. "The on 11 December.

Abbey Meads development is enSome remodelling of the pub tirely new to me, so I will be getwill take place and the car park ting to know the people, the groups Oliver and Sheila Cleary, showing increased in size, but plans to build and the geography of the area." off the chairlift at The Jovial Monk a hotel on the site were dropped.

Warm welcome for pub

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A senior Swindon education official said at a North Swindon schools public consultation meeting in November that it would be a'catastrophe' if a new secondary school did not open in 2004.

The comment might be prophetic after the government turned down Swindon Council's bid for £28 million in private finance initiative (PFI) credits to contribute towards the new school, five primary schools, and rebuilding Hreod Parkway. The total cost will be £75 million.

The plans would remain on track if the council is successful in a second application in six months time.

The issues could have been raised by the public at a joint meeting between the Northern and North Central area panels on 14 December. But due to poor publicity only four people turned up.

Councillors agreed to adjourn the meeting as there was no point in debating such major education provision without the public being engaged in the process.

• The provision of schools in North Swindon is the subject of a public questionnaire entitled Investing in Swindon's Future sent to every household before Christmas. It should be returned by 4 January.

For a copy call 463000.

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14

The Link Magazine • Janua ry 2001

Stable story told Children at Tregoze School per- the stable who are vying for a prime formed a new musical for Christ- position that has recently come free mas with an unusual local con- due to the demise of a horse. nection in December.

But before any of them can claim The production Stable Manners' the spot two humans move in and tells the story of the nativity from take it. One of them produces a the perspective of the animals in baby, angels appear and three men

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at Tregoze School in fine clothes bearing gifts arrive and the magical story became the central feature of Christmas.

What is the local connection?

This biblical story set in the Holy Land was composed in West Swindon by Margaret Carpenter from Shaw. Stable Manners is the latest of the fourteen musicals she has written, the fourth published for performance by schools, youth and church groups throughout the country.

She described Stable Manners as an allegory on what Christmas means. "Nowadays most people think they are the most important and are jostling for position. But the story of Christmas is about the coming of Jesus into the world, and we should give thanks for the love he brought."

The 45 minute musical has ten songs, including a rap, which give children lots of fun in singing them.

Last summer children from Tregoze and Brook Field schools came together to record a CD of Stable Manners which is distributed with the lyrics and musical score by Out of the Ark Music.

Sales have been going well and many schools around the country will have performed the work before Christmas.

Some of the Tregoze children joined a much larger cast at the Christian Outreach Centre in midDecember to sing to over 400 people at each performance.

"It is thrilling to see local schools perform my work," she said.

"Swindon children have such enthusiasm for singing."

Refugee play is an eye opener Youngsters at Greendown School have written a hard hitting play about how refugees are treated when they come to this country entitled 'The Greetings of Strangers.'

Quiz to test Abbey Meads brightest The Friends of Abbey Meads School (FOAMS) are planning an exciting programme of fundraising activities to get people involved, and raise money for the pond and wildlife area within the school grounds.

The new year starts with the best quiz since Who Wants to be a Millionaire? on 26 January. Teams of up to six people are needed and the organisers say that intelligence is an optional extra. However, a licenced bar is being organised to cloud judgement. The cost is just £5 per team and entries have to be returned by 15 January.

Children's discos are being organised for later in the year, as well as 'A Ladies Night,' a fashion show and the summer fayre.

For more information on FOAMS and to enter the quiz call into the school office for an entry form.

Children's Information Service Swindon Tel: (01793) 541786

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The players, back from left, Kimberley Knapp, Karl Breaks pear, Rachel Walker, John Heavens, Tim Noble; middle, Anil Bains, Anna Hirsch-Holland, Naomi Clemo, Robyn Boosey, Jazlyn Pinckney; front, Lauren Thornett, Natalie Hughes

It tells the story of a young Kosovan woman forced to leave her homeland after a vicious attack by Serbian soldiers on her husband and daughter. She ends up in Swindon but has no idea where her family is. Scared and bewildered she is helped to come to terms with her plight and to start searching for her relations through aid agencies.

In November the year 9 students, who are due to take GCSE expressive arts two years early this summer, won the local heats of the National Drama Festival on Human Values for 11 to 16 year olds.

On 10 December they came second in the South West regional, just missing the chance to perform at the national finals to take place in the Old Vic Theatre in London.

Their play includes drama, dance and song and the students were given help in their research

by Stephanie Glennie from Westlea

who is involved with the Asylum Seeker's Support Group.

Natalie Hughes said her visit had been a real eye-opener.

"Stephanie got us to imagine what it was like to be forced out of your home by people with guns and perhaps have your father or brother taken away, never to be seen again. It was shocking to find out things that you never see on television."

John Heavens said the group had learnt a great deal for both their studies and about the society they live in. "We were more and more shocked as we found out how society treats foreign people."

Expressive arts teacher Tim Noble said "the students gained a deep understanding of the issues around persecution and the reasons people feel compelled to leave what they know for completely unknown futures. Their work has shown great maturity."

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The Link Magazine • January 2001

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Double fun at designer village Mums of multiple births get together twice a month at the Toybox Junction creche in the Great Western Outlet village and newcomers are always welcome.

e-mail: asbigasyoulikelingerie@ukgateway.net website www.asbigasyoulikelingerie.com (from November 2000)

Group organiser Charlotte Corfield said the West Swindon Twins Club reformed in October largely as a result of an article in The Link. "It's lovely how the group has come together and the mums who attend look forward to coming with their children. We all agree that it makes such a difference to talk to others who go through the similar experience of having twins. Mums also say how the children enjoy the social contact with each other.

"Toybox Junction is an excellent place to meet and Marlene Mistry and her staff are very helpful."

At present there are twenty families with twins in the club, and one with triplets. The West Swindon Twins Club next meets on 15 January, 10am to 12 noon, and thereafter on the first and third Mondays of the month. A health visitor drops into one of the monthly meetings to chat to members.

For more information about joining, call Charlotte on 881015.

Shaw dad becomes 'Mr Mum' A father in Shaw has has spent the last five months at home looking after his four year old son who started school last September.

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Paul and Mary Mullery from Ramleaze decided that when their son Rick started at Brook Field School, one of them would give up work to look after him, rather than both trying to cope with demanding jobs together with family commitments, especially as Rick would be going for mornings only until Christmas.

After discussion it made more sense for Paul to be the one to give up work. "It's a choice that many parents are making these days," said Paul. "It's no longer a foregone conclusion that it will be the mother who gives up work to care for the children."

It was also goodbye to the company car and hello to buses and the bike, but according to Paul, "the last five months have been the chance of a lifetime for me, as fathers don't often have the opportunity to spend so much time with their children. Many dads drop their children off at school in the morning but I am the only one in Rick's class who has the chance to

drop off and collect every day. As it's mainly mums who pick up the children, Rick's teacher has sometimes referred to me as'Rick's mummy' by mistake."

It hasn't all been housework though; there has been time for fun as well. "It has given us the opportunity to do things in the afternoons that we could not have done if Rick was with a childminder, such as swimming and tennis lessons."

"In this age where so many people are 'cash rich, time poor' it's nice to have time for Rick. It paid off recently when he had chicken pox. We were able to keep him at home without the pressure of needing to get back to work."

Paul hopes to be able to continue being at home for Rick now that he goes to school full-time. "I have managed to fit in some work doing freelance IT consultancy. If I can expand that over the next few months it will be feasible to look after him when he gets home from school and during the holidays. It would be nice to maintain this balance between work and home."

The Link Maciazine • Januar y 2001

www.swindonlink.com

Fashion and crafts

Open evening

Lydiard pre-school is planning a Spring fashion show at the DeVere Hotel on Sunday 18 March.

Crafts people and small businesses are invited to exhibit their products on the day by calling Pina Brown on 770081.

Ridgeway Pre-school in Wroughton holds an open evening on

Thursday 25 January, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Parents have the opportunity to view the facilities and meet the staff. There are some places for children aged 18 months.

17

Centre of support in the North TV actress Belinda Lang took time-out from her BBC1 comedy2Point4 Children to meet some Swindon kids and parents on 27 November at the new NSPCC North Swindon Family Centre in Penhill.

Based in a house close by for a year whilst the centre was built in Atworth Close, the centre and its staff aim to provide support to families in Penhill, Abbey Meads Pre-school focused on play as learning and Pinehurst. It offers drop-in Learning through play is just as important as formal education sessions for parents and children, activities when children are at the pre-school stage says Sian Pinchen, an after school junior club for six to chair of the St John's Pre-school in Haydon Wick. ten years olds, play courses, a toy Recent Government guidelines library and a school start programme to help families adjust to emphasise the need for play-centhe first days at school. tred learning and giving children Belinda Lang said, "no one tells the opportunity to discover the you how to be a parent; as anyone world through creative activities, who has children knows, you learn as well as developing writing skills, as you go along." reading ability and mathematical Centre manager Garry Holmes understanding. said the centre emphasises posiThe pre-school, which meets in tive parenting, but also offers pracSt John's Church, Haydon Wick tical help and support to individufollows the programme set out in the Department for Education's Youngsters at St John's, wearing py- als at times of stress. Although Early Learning Goals. jamas, about to take part in an obstacle staffed by ten workers from the An Ofsted report last summer course in aid of Children in Need last NSPCC and other agencies, the centre has recruited a team of volwas very complimentary about the November quality of teaching and learning unteers to help run activities and and the development of children's • A vacancy for a play supervisor groups. has arisen at St John's. NVQ3 child For information on the groups personal and social skills.

For details of places at St John's, care qualified applicants are in- and services at the centre, and to offer voluntary help, call 705810. vited. Call the number above. call Sian Pinchen on 724151.

Belinda Lang cuts a cake to launch the centre with James Brown

Courses starting in January Monday 15th & 22th, 1pm -2.30pm: Infant massage

Tuesday 16th, 1pm - 2.30pm: Confidence & assertiveness building

Exercise for mums Ruth Barrett, a member of the Guild of Post Natal Exercise Teachers, is running classes for mums with babies starting on Tuesday 9 January, 9.45am to 11.15am, at Toothill Church.

For details, call Ruth on 886394 or e mail: ruthbarrettabi@cs.com

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LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER

SLAY

Hope for the world's poorest

Julia Drown MP, Labour MP for South Swindon looks forward into 2001 For many people across the world way on tackling set up an Internaone of the major objectives for the debt. Twenty of tional Criminal year 2000 was to have the debts of the 41 heavily inCourt, so I was f the world's poorest nations writ- debted poor delighted a Bill on ten off. countries will be that subject will I was impressed and proud that getting debt rebe introduced. so many people in Swindon have lief via the IMF In Swindon we taken such an active interest in and World Bank. will see good debt relief. Many constituents have The remaining 21 progress on our Reductions on all brands written to me on the issue and have not qualinew hospital and Bath Road Corner have campaigned for action to ben- fied for help unI will be working Old Town efit the world's poorest countries. der the current for more rehabiliThe UK Government has led the international Tel: 534271 tation beds, conrules because of tinuing expancivil wars or sion of NHS denother factors. tistry and more Following investment in Gordon Brown's Julia Drown with members of the schools. And, afand Clare Short's World Development Movement to ter putting in a lot announcement or work over promote Fairtrade last year in December, many months on these countries will also benefit improving our bus services, I am from one hundred per cent relief also optimistic that in 2001 we will on their debts to the UK. In the finally see significant moves toshort term, Britain will still collect wards the efficient and reliable bus payments from these countries and services that Swindon deserves. the money will be held in trust for I hope everyone has had an enthe time when they become eligi- joyable break and that the New ble for debt relief. I hope our inter- Year will bring peace and prospernational partners will follow Brit- ity to all. ain in renouncing any future benTo get in touch with me on any efits from debt interest. issue, please write to 13 Bath Road, December saw the Queen's Swindon SN1 4AS. Tel: 615444.

Speech, laying down Labour's projuliadrownmp@parliament.uk posals for this session of Parliament. The main focus is on health Wake up to a and crime with legislation to introâ&#x20AC;˘.â&#x20AC;˘ duce fixed penalties for offences of Fairtrade breakfast disorderly behaviour in public places, to allow the confiscation of Breakfast, some people say, is the drug traffickers' passports and to most important meal of the day, give police powers to close licensed but have you ever thought how it premises immediately to deal with affects farmers and growers overseas?, writes Ben Hammond. disorder.

Whether you prefer tea or coffee Also announced were two new and cereal, or hot chocolate and a Bills on health. The Health and croissant, you can give the proSocial Care Bill will help to deliver ducers a fair deal by buying items the vision outlined in the new NHS displaying the Fairtrade Mark. plan. It will legislate for nursing With this in mind, the Wiltshire care to be provided free to those in Fairtrade Coalition is making nursing homes, for health and so- breakfast its theme for Fairtrade cial services to work more closely Fortnight from 5 to 18 March. They together and extend the arrange- are looking for people to organise ments for nurses and other health events to promote the work to professionals to prescribe medi- guarantee fair wages for farmers cines where appropriate, which and decent working conditions will help patients get the right treat- using farming practices that rement more quickly and easily. spect the local and global environThe Tobacco Advertising and ment.

Promotion Bill will set out the timeThe Wiltshire Fairtrade Coalitable to end all tobacco advertis- tionincludes Wiltshire Agenda 21, Est 1848 ing, including promotion and Christian Aid, Oxfam, the World sponsorship.

Development Movement, local 11 - 15 Wood Street I am pleased that for the second authorities and local Fairtrade Old Town, Swindon year running there will be legisla- groups. tion that I have particularly lobFor a free action pack about orTel: 01793 522072/527530 bied for. Last year, I spoke in a ganising a breakfast, call Ben parliamentary debate for the pro- Hammond or Lindsey Allen on Fax: 01793 480149 tection of wildlife. I also lobbied 01380 729 218 or e-mail www.deacons-jewellers.com the Prime Minister on the need to fairtrade@wiltshirewildlife.org

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19

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We have rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, chinchillas, tropical & cold water fish

Sale time in Old Town Sales are all the rage in January and the shops in Old Town are no exception, except that you may find something quite unusual there.

That's because the shops offer items which cannot be found elsewhere.

One in particular is ladies dress shop Juvals run by Val Richman.

"We specialise in individual fashion and accessories not found elsewhere in Swindon," she said.

"We offer personal attention and will have genuine reductions during the sale."

SALE STARTS Wednesday 27th December Don't miss out on genuine reductions

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___

20 The Link Magazine • Janua ry 2001

German Shepherd promotes dog positive attitudes Specialists in PVCU, windows, doors and

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If you represent a children's group and would like to teach them more about dogs then help is at hand.

Pat Oborn from Old Shaw Lane takes part in a scheme to visit groups to promote the positive aspects of dogs. She decided to get involved in Pets as Therapy, PAT, over three years ago after learning about it at Crufts dog show. Since then she has visited local playgroups, schools and homes for old peoples. Other PAT dogs visit hospitals and therapy units.

Her specially trained German Shepherd dog, Creegan, is the star of the show. As well as lying still to be petted, he performs tricks which amuse and fascinats children.

Pat says the visits give an opportunity to become familiar with dogs and help overcome their fears whilst learning how to approach them safely. The visits also reinforce how to look after dogs properly, including clearing up their mess after them.

Pat is very supportive of the dog bins trial due to take place in West Swindon, as reported in December's Link. She has bred and trained dogs for 34 years including many best of breed and best of show winners and is currently training a

puppy, Leska, to be a PAT dog.

She also runs a dog class that teaches clicker training, which uses rewards rather than force.

Pat and Creegan are fully insured under the PAT dog scheme in case of any little accidents during the visits. If you would like them to visit a group, call contact her on 339608.

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A plan to install twenty bins for dog droppings in West Swindon

by Christmas has been delayed a few weeks whilst Swindon Council completes negotiations with contractors to empty them.

The £5,000 trial scheme was agreed by the council after Beverley Harris from Westlea raised a petition protesting against dog mess on footpaths on her route to school.

The council hopes to have the bins in place by the end of January.

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The Link Magazine • January 2001

21

The Swindon Well Woman Centre: the fight goes on Women's courses Elizabeth Payne, volunteer at the Well Woman Centre in the Health Hydro, Milton Road writes We are on our knees trying to keep the centre open for the women of Swindon. Due to a complete cut of funding more than two years ago we have been left to raise over £30,000 each year. This is a sad state of affairs, but we remain positive and are fighting back.

I have been a volunteer for nearly eight years and I love my job seeing first hand the good the centre is doing. We are somewhere women can feel safe and be in a friendly environment, which is free and completely confidential, knowing that they will be listened to and seen by women staff.

There is no need for an appointment as we run a drop in service.

When you visit make sure you allow yourself plenty of time because you will be given much more than a five minute appointment.

We have library books on many subjects that you can borrow and filing cabinets full of information.

We offer refreshments, magazines and background music while you wait to be called. To see a woman leave the centre with a smile and feeling happier than when she arrived is so rewarding.

If you have been putting off a problem make a New Year resolution to come and see us.

We are open Monday, 5.30pm to 7.30pm: includes family planning and Wednesday, 12.30pm to 2.30pm, free creche available

Committed to women's health: Elizabeth Payne and chair of the fundraising committee Marlene Wheeler You don't have to feel unwell to come and see us. Why not drop in and find out what we do. We also run a listening service, which support voluntary workers provide.

Clients are seen on a one to one basis and you can talk through any problems.

Our nurses give talks on medical issues regarding women's health to organisations and I would be pleased to give talks on the centre and being a volunteer.

I arrange table top sales in the Health Hydro to raise funds for the centre. Donations of books, toiletries, toys (but not clothes) can be left at the main reception.

Please help us to fight on. For more information call 511064, 10am to 1.30pm, or when a session is in progress. There is an answering machine at other times.

With your help we can keep going and continue to help women and who knows, maybe in the future help the men in our lives by having a Well Man Centre?

New for 2001 The centre is launching a monthly Menopause Support Group on Wednesday 31 January, 5.30pm to 7pm with a talk on all aspects of the menopause.

Topics for future meetings will include breast awareness, diet, HRT, alternative therapies, exercise and osteoporosis.

Give-up smoking in 2001 A group is being planned for women and men with help from a specially qualified nurse. Call the number above for details.

The Swindon's branch of the Workers Education Association (WEA) runs courses aimed at women.

Coming up: Confidence & assertiveness - Accredited course Monday 15 January, information session 10am - 11am. Ten week course starts 22 January, 10am 12noon at Even Community Centre, Rodbourne. Cost £3. Build confidence and say what you feel with honesty.

Make your experience count - Accredited course Wednesday 17 January, information session 1pm - 2pm. Ten week course starts 24 January, 1pm 3pm at Walcot Dome community centre. Cost £3. For anyone thinking of making changes in their life.

Fragrant ideas Saturday workshops on 10 February and 10 March, 10am - 4pm, at Health Hydro, Milton Road. Cost £28. Introduction into the use of essential oils.

Painting for the petrified Six weeks starting Tuesday 27 February, 7pm - 9pm at Wyvern Theatre. Cost £27. Take the fear out of art.

Courses free for women on benefit; concessions for low income.

For details, call 618233.

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22 The Link Magazine •

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2001

Is global warming creeping upon us?

The scientists say things are changing in the atmosphere and the we tt est Autumn since records began could be a sign of this. But even though world governments could not agree on the next stage on combating global warming at the climate conference in November, there is eve ry good reason for individuals to take action locally to benefit the environment.

Resolve to recycle in 01 Eve ry household in Swindon produces a tonne of waste each year on average, enough to fill your kitchen from floor to ceiling.

But an EU Landfill Directi ve requires large reductions in the amount of waste sent to landfill sites which means local governments will have to meet tough targets over the next few years.

Other countries are already well The EU targets will require 30% in advance of Britain, for example households in The Netherlands re- of domestic waste to be recycled cycle more than half of their waste. by March 2004. In Swindon we Studies by environmental currently recycle 15% of our rubgroups show that the average dust- bish and a recent survey showed bin contains twenty per cent veg- that the town recycles a higher proetable waste, which could be portion of waste than others, and composted in the garden. This at a lower cost. This could be rewould reduce the amount of waste duced if more rubbish was recycollected by Swindon Council by a cled or composted.

Swindon Council will be profifth and make a significant dent in the 77 thousand tonnes of rubbish ducing a new Recycling Guide that will be delivered to every housesent to landfill.

A further 33% is paper and card- hold in the town later in the year board and 9% is glass. These can and a series of school workshops is be recycled at the forty recycling planned to help tomorrow's decisites around Swindon, or at the sion-makers understand the imBarnfield Road Household Waste portance of reducing and recycling rubbish.

Recycling Centre.

CHIROPODY WILTSHIRE 76 Bridge Street Swindon (01793) 511284 fI^CP%( 'b

For appointments Freephone 0800 7316879

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The council is also investigating door-to-door collection of recyclable materials but that would require additional funding.

Make a pledge for polar bears Would you like help to save the polar bear's home?, asks Jo

Recycle Christmas Don't just throw your Ch ri stmas cards and tree in the bin.

Two recycling schemes in January will help put those cards and trees to good use and help more trees to be planted in the Great Western Community Forest.

For every thousand cards recycled one tree will be planted in our area. Heather Lilley, community education officer for The Great Western Community Forest, said, "last year we recycled nearly one million cards which resulted in one thousand trees being planted. This year we hope to beat that target."

The GWCF is sponsoring a Christmas card recycling point at Sainsbury's at Bridgemead until 31 January. Alternatively many schools will be collecting cards to be included in the scheme.

Christmas trees can be recycled during January if they are taken to the Barnfield Road Household Waste Recycling Centre. They will be shredded and used as compost on the council's parks and gardens.

• A rt from scrap: turn to page 25

BELVOIR

Badham.

The polar bear, which lives in the arctic, is just one of the species whose homeland is threatened by global warming.

Warm Hearted Homes, a partnership between local councils, is asking you to make a 'Polar Bear Pledge' to help reduce global warming by improving energy efficiency in your home.

To make your pledge you can install low energy light bulbs and insulate your loft. Any group of ten people or more who make a pledge and complete a home energy survey will receive free low energy light bulbs.

They are also running a cashback scheme, which will give you £1 back for every £2 spent on selected energy efficient materials. This scheme offers efficient condensing boilers at a saving of between £200 and £400.

To find out how you could save money and help save the world call Jo Badham at Warm Hearted Homes on Freephone 0800 0284885.

Call for advice on: • Letting your home • Buy to let and let to buy • Rent, legal & household insurance services • Free internet advertising and listing in our nationwide branches • Service individually tailored to your requirements • Free information pack on request Prope rty to rent

Call for details

Tel: 01793 601631 '.heck out our website t www.beivoirgroup.com E-mail: swindon @ belvoirarouD.com

23

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Planning a literary feast Matt Holland, director of the Swindon Festival of Literature, describes the hard work that has to take place before an event can be successful Making plans for next May, as winter rain falls and Christmas li ghts flicker, for a fantastic festival of outdoor literary frolics and indoor intellectual delights, requires a particular leap of faith. Now is the ti me I make that leap and t ry to keep the faith.

The timetable is a tight one and the schedule gruelling. First there is funding: arts festivals cost money which is not easy to secure. Then there are authors, performers and venues to be found and booked.

This means countless letters, journeys, meetings, 'phone calls, not a few a tricky negotiations, and the occasional slice of luck. No different, perhaps, to anyone else's business and work in these challenging twentyfirst century times.

As the year draws to a close things are looking good. Authors already booked to appear in 01 include Booker Prize-winning novelist Ian McEwan, television seafood cook Rick Stein, all-age bestseller Philip Pullman, and, back by popular demand, impressionist Alistair McGowan, and favourite son-of-Swindon Desmond Morris.

:t1 i

Also lined up are agony aunt columnists Virginia Ironside and Margaret Cook, author of the Nation's favourite poem Warning, Jenny Joseph, scathing psycologist Oliver James, and no-nonsense teachers' guru ProfessorTedWragg.

Talks are also underway with Stephen Fry, Sue Townsend, John McVicar, Terry Pratchett, John Humphrys, Linda Grant, John Pilger, and Meera Syal.

The eighth Swindon Festival of Literature starts in Lawn Woods at dawn on May 1 with the ever popular Dawn Chorus. The subsequent 12 days includes the fourth Clive Brain Memorial Lecture, the now Nationwide building society has nationally-famous Swindon Poetry agreed to sponsor Norman Butler Slam, plus a wide range of literary from Westlea in his preparations talks, performances, discussions, for the epic Ward Evans transand readings at arts venues, libraratlantic rowing race next October.

They will also be helping him set ies, schools, pubs, parks, and even woodlands in and around Swinup fundraising events and with administrative backup, in particu- don. It is very exciting!

The 2001 Festival will be made lar putting together an education possible by sponsorship from sigpack so that children can follow the progress of Norman in his self-built nificant local businesses Dominic Winter Book Auctions and boat 'Spirit of Swindon.'

Waterstone's bookshop and also by support in kind from Lower Shaw Farm and Swindon Borough Council. It is heartening that these organisations see the value of a literary festival for Swindon.

For further details or to be on the festival mailing list, telephone 771080.

Nationwide backs Norman

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Aladdin's antics continue until 13 January Aladdin, this season's pantomime at the Wyvern Theatre, is well into its run, but there is still time to buy a ticket before it closes.

And for the second year, the star of the show is an Australian soap actress: Aleetza Wood from Home and Away. Although she emigrated down under with her family at the age of four, Aleetza has returned every year for Christmas and always saw a panto with her mother.

"It's really exciting to actually appear in one," she said. "Pantomime is uniquely British and really makes you work in a different way.

Every show is different and and anything can happen. I really enjoy ad libbing my way through the part and working with experienced actors like Juliette and Geoff is a great experience as well."

Although well known for her role as Pearl in Last of the Summer Wine, the one with the brown beret and glasses, Juliette Kaplan has

Geoff, Aleetza and Juliette

played a wide range of characters on stage and TV. The other lead, Geoff Hinsliff also has a long background in theatre and film, as well as his most public role Don Brennan in Coronation Street.

To book a ticket for Aladdin, call the Wyvern Theatre box office on 524481.

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Co-Op combines with railway to combat vandals Swindon's steam railway restoration project between Blunsdon and Purton has benefitted from a £1,000 grant from the Co-op community dividend scheme, thanks to Merle Cooper from Upper Statton.

She read that vandals had destroyed a fence around the picnic area at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway Society and wrote to the Oxford, Swindon and Gloucester Co-op to say that the railway society was a deserving cause.

The former Co-op shop manageress in Cheney Manor Road said "the railway gives so much enjoyment to Steve Austin and Jim Larkin for the railway children and adults. It's society receive the grant cheque from Merle a great shame that all Cooper and Karen Webb, with fence buildthe voluntary effort ers Bob Simmons and Dave Mabey should be undone by vandals."

Geoff Austen, chairman of Swindon and Cricklade Railway Society trustees, said that the application form had arrived out of the blue and he was delighted that The Swindon branch of the Wilts Merle had recommended the soci- and Berks Canal Amenity Trust ety. "It's a mark of recognition that has secured a huge grant of a member of the public put us £40,000 from the Hills Group of forward for a grant. We are re- Marlborough, the largest single building yesterday's railway for to- amount ever received by the trust morrow's children and the support in 23 years.

This will allow the 220 metre of the community is essential in stretch of canal at Kingshill, behind helping us achieve this aim."

Karen Webb, Co-op corporate the filling station, to be dug out, marketing manager, said the divi- bringing the canal closer to the dend scheme is open to any local town centre and a part of Swindon organisation that benefits the com- history back to life.

Hills occupied the adjacent site munity. Leaflets and application forms are available in Co-op stores, from 1906 to 1991 before it was redeveloped for housing. or call 0800 435902.

Big boost for canal group

25

Visual Feast to be had at first summer arts festival Rosa Matheson writes

Swindon has had for the past eight years an increasingly wonderful Literary Festival. Last year there was a City Festival with amazing street entertainers. But what it does not have is a special event focusing on the visual arts. All that is about to change when the Swindon Arts

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Art from scrap sponsored by Swindon Arts Community Fund is on show at Swindon Scrapstore at the Pinehurst People's Centre. Artist Gordon Dickinson, who made the sign, with Rosa Matheson, Swindon Council recycling officer Amelia Craighill, Ann Billingham of the Scrapstore management committee and Scrapstore manager Chris Fisher Be it cooly classical, marvellously modern or wonde rf ully wacky, art will be on show in lots of different ways. And it will truly be a festival for the people with activities and events embracing businesses, schools, community and cultural groups, from the young to the young-in-heart, with the emphasis on fun and life-long-learning.

Think Art Week takes place during the last week in June and we're looking for businesses, community groups, art societies, town

councils, and also individual artists, to join in and create their own

' A rt Happening' in their location.

These 'happenings' linked to each

other will create art trails in and around the Swindon.

Desmond Morris, locally wellloved writer and people-observer, has agreed to be the Think Art Week Patron. A painter of international repute (one of his works

hangs in the Tate Modern), Desmond is enthusiastic in his support for this event. He said, "Swindon gave me my first chance with

my art thanks to the courage and vision of Joliffe and I am more than happy to give this venture my time and energies. I am sure it will be a great success."

Competitions, talks, workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and fun-happenings are being planned but we would love to hear from you. If you are interested in taking part and/or being in our Festival Information Book contact us for further details. Do it now, don't miss out, you will want to be part of the fun.

For further information contact Rosa or Sue at Swindon Arts Community Fund on 764968 or

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Swindon Wide

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To Saturday 13 January Pantomime Aladdin. See adve rt on page 23 Sunday 14 January Music Mamma Mia Tribute Show.

Wyvern, 8pm. £14.50 Thursday 18 January & Friday 19 January Pantomime Jack & the Beanstalk presented by Thames Water Customer Centre staff in aid of Cricklade Cancer Research, TWIGS and Wateraid. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £5 Friday 19 January Comedy Dave Gorman. Arts Centre, 8pm. £8.50 Saturday 20 January

Westland multi-purpose compost 70 litre £2.99 r

-l aif pricy selected gi ftware

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Theatre The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes presented by Footloose Theatre. Arts Centre, 8pm. £7 Music/film Sing-a-long Sound of Music. The classic film with subtitles so eve one can join in. Wyvern, 7pm. £10.50 Wednesday 24 January to Saturday 27 January Amateur theatre The Odd Couple presented by The Phoenix Players. Arts centre, 7.30pm. £4.50, tickets available on 525616 from 1 / 1/01, 3pm - 8pm Thursday 25 Janua ry to Sunday 28 Janua ry Family Postman Pat. Wyvern, Thurs 4.30pm; Fri 10am; Sat & Sun 11 am 2pm. Suit 2-7yr olds, £9 ry

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A tale of table dancers: 'Delicate characterisation, great one liners and some exceptionally good performances' The Guardian. Arts Centre 30 Janua ry

Friday 26 January Music Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Wyvern.

Saturday 27 January Music Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen Wyvern, 8pm. £12 Sunday 28 January Music Sheila Harrod in her own show - I Dreamed a Dream. Arts Centre, 8pm. £7, in aid of the Prospect Hospice Tuesday 30 January Theatre Soho: A Tale of Table Dancers. Arts Centre, 8pm. £8.50, unsuitable for under 15s

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January overview

27

Boy band auditions coming up

The Dance House

There are just a few days left for young men who see themselves following in the steps of Westlife, Take That and Five to register their interest in auditions for the next big act in the world of pop music.

High energy Christmas ceilidh with The Woodpecker Band

PM Music Management is running a competition to discover a group of lads aged 14 to 18 years who will be the biggest name to come out of Swindon since Billie Piper and they need a photo, CV and demo tape/ mini-disc/CD by 12 Janua ry .

The most promising submissions will be invited to audition on Saturday 10 February at Ridgeway School. The band will be then groomed for stardom by Paul Gray and Mark Pounder from Shaw who have songwriters, choreographers, vocal and fitness trainers in place to make things happen, as well as business and public relations managers.

Send details to PM Music Man-

agement, PO Box 2191, Swindon SN5 5LL. Application forms can be found at www.pmmusic.co.uk

The Swindon Socie ty monthly meeting Wednesday 10 Janua ry , 7.30pm The Upper Thames Patrol

by Bill King

Saturday 20 January, 8pm -11.30pm Ellendune Centre, Wroughton

Broad Green Centre, Salisbury Street, Swindon Admission 50p members; £1 visitors

Bridge birthday The fifth annual Swindon Mayor's charity bridge tournament takes place on Saturday 27 January, 9.30am for a 10am sta rt .

The Chicago System will be used whereby couples rotate clockwise when they have won each rubber.

Lunch will be served at midday.

The Mayor of Swindon coun A rt hur Archer will launch the event and present the trophies.

Contact Phil Rashid on 07803 197826 to take part

= Film at Swindon Arts Centre Wednesday 3 Janua ry , 7.45pm: Ratcatcher (15) An evocation of 1970s Glasgow combines unsentimental realism with the lyrical visual poetry of acclaimed first time director Lynne Ramsey.

Presented by Swindon Film Society Tuesday 9 Janua ry , 7.45pm: Dancer in the Dark (15) Musical melodrama. Singer-actress Bjork plays Selma, a Czech single mother in America who is tragically losing her eyesight. £3.50 Wednesday 17 Janua ry , 7.45pm: Mifune (15) A dark comedy of manners set in rural Denmark. Presented by SFS Thursday 18 Janua ry , 7.45pm: Miss Julie (15) Set over one midsummer's night in late 19th Century Sweden, Saffron Burrows stars as the count's daughter having an a ff air with his servant.

Wednesday 31 Janua ry , 7.45pm: Ghost Dog (15) A beguiling eccentric thriller with a mellow hiphop soundtrack from director Jim Jarmusch, a blend of disparate cultural influences and Samurai philosophy. Presented by Swindon Film Society SFS membership details available at the Arts Centre

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The Red House Club, bring the family, and enjoy prices you probably haven't seen for years.

Learning about Lydiard's past If you are interested in learning more about local histo ry , or even just a fan of 'Time Team', a new course in Janua ry based at the National Monuments Record Centre (NMRC) could be just the thing.

Understanding PastLandscapes

will introduce you to the range of materials and information held at the NMRC and their use for historical research. Archeological surveying, aerial photographs and buildings records are some of the resources used to study clues hidden in the landscape all around us.

One of the main attractions for West Swindon residents is that the course will focus on the individual parish histories of Lydiard Tregoze and Lydiard Millicent. Four Saturday morning workshops will enable you to apply your new knowledge 'on the ground' in practical sessions with the added attraction of a pub lunch afterwards.

Museum staff at Lydiard House have already signed up with the aim of fu rt hering their knowledge about the house, ancestral home of the St John family.

"Documenta ry evidence before 1743 when it was remodelled in Palladian style is quite sparse," said museum assistant Teresa Squires, right. "By studying other forms of historical evidence we hope to learn more about the house in relation to its gardens, estate and the parish as a whole."

There are still a few places left on the ten week evening course starting on Thursday 18 Janua ry .

To enrol contact Jane Golding at The National Monuments Record Centre on 414735. The cost is £90.

Teresa and Sarah Finch-Crisp, keeper of Lydiard House will be writing regular reports for The Link as the course progresses.

Finding your way through the mortgage maze in 2001 Over the past two to three years that have been major changes in the mortgage industry in the UK, mainly through the introduction of the Mortgage Code Compliance Board (MCCB) and the various levels of advice aimed at giving the consumer the help they specifically require, writes Mike Rees of Mansfield Begbie Associates.

There have also been a number of mortgage and remortgage deals made { available by various lend ers which give the consumer a much better choice of -' product and far more flexibility than before. For example, no redemption penalties, no 'tie-ins' at the end of a particularfixedordiscountedproductand also the ability to pay off lump sums with no penalty at any time.

All of this has made the choice for the general public much more appealing and with the introduction of 'fee free' remortgage packages (sometimes only available through brokers) there has never been a better ti me to review your existing mortgage situation.

However, there has also been a high level of criticism (unjustified in some cases) of endowmentlinked mortgages, with the result that there have been record numbers of endowment policies being surrendered, which is not usually the best action to take.

We at Mansfield Begbie have tried to ensure all our clients understand that the press speculalion has not been due to poor performance of endowment providers (although some have not performed up to the levels indicated at the start of the policies) but more

to do with a change in the forecasts for projected growth rates on endowment _. funds in the futur e .

As we are entering a period of low inflation and, hopefully, lower interest rates, economists estimate that this will have an effect on fund growth, resulting in a possible reduction in growth rates. The PIA (Personal Investment Authority) has instructed all endowment providers to review all their policies at a lower growth rate from now on. This obviously has the effect of showing a potential 'shortfall' at maturity. There are a number of options available to deal with this.

However, policy surrender is not a good choice. If clients prefer the guarantee of a capital repayment mortgage, in which there is no doubt that the mortgage will be repaid at the end of the term, a remortgage to a better rate is a good option but maintaining the endowment is also recommended, subject to budget.

For a general discussion about the options available, please call Mike Rees, Certified Mortgage Specialist, of Mansfield Begbie Associates on 01793 772779 to see whether a review of your finances for 2001 could set you off to a good start in the New Year.

Live and Learn in YOUR Area Adult Courses for the New Year January 2001 Alexander Technique -An Introduction Alexander Technique Aromatherapy -An Introduction Aromatherapy Calligraphy Car Maintenance for Beginners Clait I

Computing & Word Processing for Beginners Dance - Tap Beginners Dance - Tap Improvers Dream Interpretation -An Introduction Dream Interpretation Embroidery - Stitches for Beginners Fitness - Tone & Shape Up Flowers for the Home - Beginners Flowers for the Home - Improvers Flowers for the home - Seasonal Functional Anatomy -An Introduction Gardening for the New Home Healing & Self-Healing Infant Massage Interior Design - Real Rooms Internet -An introduction Ladies Fitness Moderate KFA Style Massage for Relaxation Meditation & Relaxation Motor Cycle Maintenance â&#x20AC;˘ Basics Neurolinguistic Programming -An Introduction interested? For Further Information FREEPHONE 0800 731 2250

Live and Learn Ii Adult Courses for the New Year January 2001 Jan Painting & Drawing Painting in Watercolours - Beginners Patchwork - Cathedral Window Patchwork - Log Cabin Philosphy & Ethics Photography - Basic Practical Lifestyle Skills Psychic Studies - Part I Reflexology - An Introduction Rock Guitar - Intermediate Soft Furnishing Soft Furnishing - Blinds Soft Furnishing - Roman Blinds Soft Furnishing Upholstery Tai Chi Gong-Advanced Tai Chi Gong - Beginners Tai Chi Gong - Improvers Travelling Solo Understanding Horses BNB Level 2 & 3 Yoga Yoga - Im provers Yoga - Mixed Ability You Can Sing Too

Interested? For Further Informa FREEJIH ONE 0800 "731 2251

w C

don College

LINK LEARNING CENTRE A Computer is for life, Not just for Christmas!

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Tel. 01793 873877 Link Library Learning Centre The Link Library Swindon SN5 7DL open: gam - 9pm Monday - Thursday gam - 5pm Friday & Saturday *subject to certi fi cation fee

MORTGAGE I I I SERVICES

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DISCOVER A NEW MORTGAGE IN 20 1!. l With 13 years experience providing mortgages in Swindon, including the new tracker mortgage, you can be assured of excellent service from Mansfield Begbie Associates.

For example, £50,000 would cost £743.33 per month interest only (excluding insurance). This is a discount of 1.9% for 18 months, with 1% cashback at completion. No arrangement fee or 'Tie-Ins.' (Maximum loan to value 97%)

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Maximum available 95% for purchases and remortgages RE-MORTGAGE SPECIAL A discounted rate of 5.74% (APR 6%) for two years. paid. Free valuation. No 'Tie-Ins.' (Maximum loan to value: 95%)

100% mo rtgages now available for first and second time buyers NEGATI VE EQUITY MORTGAGES ALSO AVAILABLE ` fixed ra % (t /a) ne year folio noble rate for two y ° ' count off sta ` Is' (£ 195 arr , nt fee, ref d of valu fees paid).

y ` ith fee

You tell us what your requirements are and we will try to provide the arrangements to suit your individual needs Mansfield Begbie Associates can arrange mortgages with the majority of building societies and banks in the UK.

-ree o: ce and further inks °ation, call us now on

Swindon 772779 e-mail: info@mansfieldbegbie.co.uk "Registered with the Mortgage Code Register of Intermediaries: No. 5151731 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 222123 Credit broker fees of up to 1 % on the advance may be charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. Rate applied is 5,84% 60% APR) for 18 months. APR is variable. Rates may vary. A written quotation on loans can be obtained on request. Only available to persons 18 years of age or over. Subject to status. Subject to our current lending criteria. A 1,9% reduction applied to the variable base mortgage rate, currently 7.74%. A life assurance policy may be required.

Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non-smokers, applying for an endowment mortgage of £50,000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 31 March 2001 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of 0243.33. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96. Total amount payable £145.642 calculated to include valuation fee E155. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply hroughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £150,000. The rate applies to loans up to and including 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable for 18 months, after which the then current rate will apply.

When an applicant is borrowing more than 75% the Society will require additional security. This is usually in the form of a Risk Charge. Rates correct at time of going to press.

34

The Link Magazine • Janua ry 2001

Name link up across the world and through time

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A single word on the swindonlink.com web site has linked up Amy Blocher from New York state and a Link reader.

Mother of two Amy has been the collection born in 1913 and researchingherfamilybackground of creepy emigrated to the for the last five years. Earlier in the crawlies.

USA in the 1930s year she entered a single word Apart , and died recently.

'Waddicor' into a search site. Of from James' We put Amy r all the billions of words on the surname, it and James in touch with each internet, it found the name at was his swindonlink.com where a story photo on our other and they -. about Peatmoor insect collector web have been exchanging information site t 4!

James Waddicor appeared with his which fasciby e-mail. James has talked to his photograph, right. His passion for nated her beparents about the family backtarantulas, stick insects and cock- cause of the ground. roaches was featured in the Febru- striking like"I was quite surprised when The ary Link. ^^r^f Link first passed on Amy's e-mail ness to her / ' Ill message," said James in DecemBut Amy was not interested in great uncle William, far right, By e mail Amy explained that ber. "We have not yet been able to there are very few 'Waddicors' - establish a family connection, but about 200 world wide - and they Amy has been investigating the all originate from Darwen, Lanca- family tree back to the 1881 censhire, where it seems to have been sus. With so few people with the adopted by workers in the cotton same name, I suppose we must be industry. William Waddicor was related if we go back far enough."

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Greetings across generations Teenagers attending youth clubs at Freshbrook community centre and Greendown School designed, signed and sent giant Christmas cards to people living in the four elderly persons group dwellings in December.

"We thought it would be a good way to break down the barriers between young and older people," said Wendy King, 14.

3704

ULTRA CLEAN (WILTSHIRE) Open: Mon - Fri 9.00am - 7.00pm • Sat 9.00am - 1.00pm.

Children at Peatmoor School raised £285 in late November for the British Heart Foundation by taking part in a 'Jump rope for heart' event.

Teams skipped for an hour with one child jumping at a time.

Teacher organiser Rachel Brittain said the event was linked to a topic on healthy lifestyle. "They had a lovely time and enjoyed raising money for people who are unwell or suffering.

"We would like to thank all the people who helped us make such a large amount."

Year 3 skippers Lauren Holmes and Katie McHugh

Link Centre basketball fun day Saturday 27 January 1 Oam - 12 noon for 7 - 11 years (boys & girls) 1 pm - 3pm for 12 - 16 years (boys & girls) The day hosted by Swindon Sonics Basketball Club aims to promote junior basketball and will include skills, coaching and games.

The cost: £1. Turn up and take part or contact Link Centre on 445566 for more information.

35

Make your fitness resolutions here Tips for 2001 from Lee Hogan of Bodies By Design

Sin and Slim!

Luxurious Chocolate Velvet - the ready to drink Cambridge Diet.

Tempted?

'Phone your Cambridge Diet Counsellor on 873201

It's that time of year again, the last of the turkey has long since been devoured along with copious amounts of pudding, brandy butter and alcohol. The New Year celebrations have gone well finishing off nearly two weeks of festivities.

Your resolution, yet again., is to get fit, lose the weight and enjoy a healthy life-style. You try every year and by the end of January it is all over. Your resolve has gone along with a few pounds and you are back to your old habits.

Here are some tips that many clients have tried and found to be successful: • Stop finishing the children's meals • Cut your alcohol down to four units a week or out totally • Reduce the amount of processed food you eat - fresh is best • Cut out chips and chocolate • Get some exercise, daily, at least half an hour • Stop smoking • Try not to skip meals • Eat more fruit and vegetables Go on try them, you've only got one thing to lose!

Good luck

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36

Are your nails nt for the party . season?

Get Fit and Look Good with The Link OK, what's it gonna be?

The Tranquillity Link advertisers offer so many opportunities to get fit in mind and body.

Martial Arts? See the adverts by Leigh Childs below and Sarah Nash on page 11.

Workouts? Casses by Rosemary Conley below, and Bodies by Design and Amberley Shields opposite will get your heart pumping.

And Dawn Cole will give you invidual attention and help you to achieve succeess. The Link Centre and the Living Well fitness club at the Hilton Hotel are good places to

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The Tranquillity Zone is held in a candlelit setting, surrounded by fragrant flowers and drapes. Guests can enjoy a few unhurried moments to reflect on some inspiring words with music to uplift the heart and refresh the spirit.

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Looking good? West 1's new salon in Old Town gives you a taste of the West End right here in Swindon. Kelly's nails and Lasky nail treatment will improve your hands no end, whilst Natural Beauty and Express Beauty opposite offers a range of treatments, from aromatherapy to reflexology.

Back problems? Call up Sandra Davies at the Shaw Chiropractic Clinic on page 22.

There's no excuse to get overweight, stressed out or under the weather.

visit as well.

A New Year!

Slimming? Rosemary Conley, Slimming World, the Beauty Studio or the Cambridge Diet will all get you onto the right track and provide lots of encouragement.

Stress busting therapies? Fred Taylor on page 23 wi ll introduce you to Reiki and a visit to the Tranquility Zone will help you see the world differently.

ANewYou

chieve Success Fitness Consultancy & Massage Therapy s

I • Back pain Weight loss Personal training • Muscle tension

Discover well-being Swindon people can discover an oasis of calm and well-being for body, mind and soul at the Health Hydro all year round.

The project is an initiative of the Baha'is of Swindon, who have been running sessions for two and a half years. Co-ordinator, Fidelma Meehan, says, "the programme is held in a quiet and peaceful candlelit setting, where inspiring and soothing words are read, followed by uplifting and beautiful music.

"Guests can experience an extraordinary sense of well-being and inner peace. And that's what the Tranquillity Zone is all about.

It's a gift to everyone who comes along."

There are day and evening sessions planned from 11 to 14 January and 25 to 28 January. Tea and coffee will be served after each session. For details contact Fidelma Meehan on 873684.

20% off all prices until 31 January Call Dawn Cole BSC (Hons) ON 01793 430400

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Tired of the usual New Year fitness programs that you just don't stick to? ^a The key to life long fitness is motivation.

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Work-out Weigh less (

Follow Rosema ry 's new low-fat eating plan which now includes treats & watch the pounds and inches disappear! * Monday: Noremarsh Junior School, Woo tt on Basse tt , 5.30 - 7pm * Thursday: Saltway School, Middleleaze, 6 - 7.30pm

Wednesday: Greenmeadow Prima ry School, Penn Close, 6- 7.30pm A Wednesday: Abbey Meads Community School, Hugo Drive, 8 - 9.30pm * Call Dawn on (01793) 782639 A Call Sally on (01793) 731148 Membership fee £6.00 Class fee £4.25 Exercise only £3.25 (no membership) A

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Acad y

37

Get Fit and Look Good with The Link

_0berle ,

From hangover to health Dr Adele Steptoe, GP at Ashington House Surgery writes "Wine is only sweet to happy men" wrote an unhappy John Keats to his sweetheart. His observation seems to be true enough - being miserable predisposes to hangover.

Indeed a quarter to a half of drinkers claim not to experience hangover symptoms despite being intoxicated - presumably the healthier and happier half.

It's time to plan for a healthy happy 2001 and as Dr William Buchan (18th Century physician) said, "of all the causes which conspire to render the life of man short and miserable, none have greater influence than the want of proper exercise." As we arrive in the 21st Century his observation still stands with stacks of evidence to support his statement.

We know physical activity reduces rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, anxiety and depression, strengthens bones and prevents falls. Importantly, increasing activity combined with warm houses and extra clothing reduces death rates in the winter months. Active people have half the risk of a heart attack. A third of deaths from heart disease

are due to lack of exercise. Yet, despite these startling statistics, fewer than half of all adults are regularly active. How much more evidence will it take to get us moving?

Any regular activity will start to reduce your risks. The more you increase activity the more benefit you get. Rebel against the couch potato majority. Chose activities you enjoy and can make part of everyday life, for example: walking, gardening, cycling, swimming. Make it a wide range of enjoyable options. As a result an active life will be less miserable, not only because it is healthier but because the activities are fun ... much more fun than nursing a hangover.

Being healthier and happier will minimize your hangover but a completely effective cure is unlikely as there are many factors causing the symptoms. Arguably a cure is undesirable since fear of the consequences prompts most people to limit their alcohol intake. Even moderate amounts can be damaging so a penalty for consumption is in our interests.

Wishing you a happy, healthy New Year.

/1atura! beauty Non -Surgical Facelift Smoothes away facial lines and

Ultimate Top To Toe

wrinkles, rejuvenates ski n

A workout that has got to be tried!

Slim-Gel Body-Wrap Lose inches as this treatment detoxifies the system and helps to drain off cellulite, leaving you firm and toned.

and texture.

Monday 8 to 9pm Westlea Primary School, Langstone Way Tuesday 7 to 8pm Ho ly Tri n ity C h u rch, S haw Wednesday 7 to 8pm Even Swindon Community Centre,

Now offering nail extensions & other beauty treatments Gift vouchers for Christmas

EXPRESS BEAUTY Is waiting for you!

Jennings Street, Rodbourne

Thursday 8.15 to 9.15pm Holy Trinity Church, Shaw

* Luxury facial treatments & aromatherapy massages * Cellulite treatment * Reflexology * Waxing & sugaring * Eyelash /eyebrow tinting * Eyelash perming * Manicures and pedicures * Bridal make-up package

Also: Aerobics, Thursday 7 to 8pm, Link Centre, West Swindon

Any queries call 0410 158085 £3.50 PER SESSION

'Wishing you a!!a Happy New Year

Call Paula on 01793 423276 to make an appointment

t look forward to seeing "everyone" back in 2001

GE Flt, HAVE FUN IN 2001 WHERE & WHEN TO FIND A BODIES CLASS DESIGNED FOR YOU

Home visits available

!

i J•

# ww

BY DESIGN LTD.

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

Lee's Low Impact Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre. 6.45pm to 7.45pm

Lee's Hi-Lo Gym, Greendown School, Grange Park. 7pm to 8pm

Carol's Body Blitz Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre. 8pm to 9pm

Carol's Body Blitz Gym, Greendown School, Grange Park. 8pm to 9pm

Lorna's Shape-Up Peatmoor Primary School Opposite The Chinese Experience 6.30pm to 7.30pm

Beginners with Lee Li me Kiln Sports Centre, Wootton Bassett. 8.15pm to 9pm. Price: £3.40 includes FREE SWIM

TUESDAY

Lorna's Shape-Up Peatmoor Primary School 6.30pm to 7.30pm

Carol's Hi-Lo Gym, Greendown School, Grange Park. 6.30pm to 7.30pm Lorna's Shape-Up Peatmoor Primary School Opposite The Chinese Experience 6.30pm to 7.30pm

THURSDAY Low Impact with Carol Peatmoor Primary School Opposite The Chinese Experience 7pm to 8pm

NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED!

Established 1989. Swindon's longest serving independent keep fit organisation

FRIDAY The Total Body Workout with Lee Gym, Greendown School, Grange Park. 6.30pm to 7.30pm

SUNDAY Complete Body Workout with Carol Gym, Greendown School, Grange Park. 6.30pm to 7.30pm

• All classes £3.50.

• Pre-payment discounts • Students, Gold Card & OAPs half price at Holy Trinity, Haydon Leigh and Greendown • Call us for details of personal training

38 The Link Magazine • Janua ry 2001 ATIp

PHILIP STONE

GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE

PAINTER & DECORATOR

Eq

Free home estimates * No call out charge * All repairs guaranteed Tel: 01793 - 812738

A 2 Z Home Improvements All your needs in one number Kitchen/Bathroom fitting, Tiling, Plumbing, Electrics, Painting, Decorating, Carpentry and much more

Tel: 870515 or Mobile 0374 - 208527

For Sale

was £32, bargain £5. Activitiy table 9 months + (Argos), excel cond, £10.

Baby bath (ABC) white, £4. Tel: 01285 862513 Baby clothes, birth - 2 yrs, outfits, wellies, socks, coats etc, all good brand names & clean, from 25p. Tel: 01285 862513 Child's bike seat with harness, £10.

Childs car seat, 6 months to4 yrs, excel cond, £20. Tel: 870151 Kit for dollshouse -a country store with conservatory, new, unopened, £300 new, accept £1 50, collectors item. Tel: 723611 Li tt le Tykes, double buggy and rain cover, £45. Steam sterilizer, £5. Baby monitor, £5. Tel: 870851 Barbie Christmas wrapping paper, £1 roll 4 metres, (Boots). Tel: 01285 862513 r

Aaa Z\L For Sale Desk, solid beech, 5ft by 2ft, excel cond, £80. Tel: 702814 Solid pine 13 drawer storage unit, 4ft long, 2 ft loins high, £50. Tel: 870851 Cocktail bar, teak colour with lights, £300 ono. Tel: 347404 Stannah stair-li ft , left side, 13 steps, £350 ono. Tel: 724615 Dyson, upright, nearly new, £100. Bicycle, ladies, basket on front, needs new tyre. Tel: 704511 (eves & wk ends) Balsan hydrotherapy portable bath mattress to massage away pain, tension & stress, offer IRO £250. Tel:

862513

Collectors-various pig ornaments 1 Op to £10 each, o ff ers for complete collection. Tel: 616674 Selection of ladies coats, winter and rain coats, all in excel cond, size 14-16, o ff ers. Tel: 642529 Motorcycle leather, modern style, hardly worn, red & black, £55 ono. Tel:

347404

Zanussi table top dishwasher in gd cond, £85. Tel: 612500 Hotpoint d ry er, Delux Reversomatic TS12 model white excel cond, £40.

Tel: 727196 Books, Catherine Cookson, various titles, all hard back, vgc, £2 each. Tel:

07721 402045

Motorcycle leather, traditional style, well worn, £20 ono. Tel: 07721 402045 Yew reproduction furniture, dining table, 4 chairs, bookcase: 132 cm h x 87cm w, nest of tables & lamp table, gd cond, £300. Tel: 872829 Dusky pink velvet fully lined curtains, pelmet, tie backs, to fit patio doors, brand new, cost £150 sell for £60. Tel: 706403

Coffee table, £3. Dining table and 4 chairs, £15 ono. silver Cross pushchair, £8. Lightweight child's buggy, £3. Tel: 882429 2 seater sofa bed, blue/yellow, excel cond, £40. Tel: 872531 Ex-display double futon, dark blue wooden frame with unused reversible ma tt ress, £100. Tel: 339687 Monaco range extending dining table, six chairs, plus buffet and display unit, £600 ono. Tel: 01249 817161

--------------------1

881551

PC software unwanted by Mac user, all shrink wrapped: PhotoStudio (special effect & image manipulation; Panorama Maker (stitch together photos); Photo Montage (posters made from micro images); Photo Fantasy (fantasy photo templates); Media browser & Photo Relay (image manager); Photo Printer Pro (templates, frames. borders, collages); £25 each. Tel: 872282 (day) Midi CD stereo system with remote control, £15. Ironing board, new cover required, £5. Tel: 701400 HI-fi speakers, Tannoy M3, as new, still boxed, What Hi Fi winners, £110 ono. Tel: 402045 Cornet suitable for beginner, complete with sturdy case and music, £75 ono.

Tel: 791359

him- ---

Name & Address (not for publication)

Saxophone Alto Boosey & Hawkes

400, complete with case, stand, books and accessories, £380. Tel: 871765 Musicians flight box, nearly new, excel cond, black, ringfordetails. Tel: 874767 Fish tank & accessories, £60. Hexafun fishtank & accessories, £20. Tel: 879147 after 8pm Brass round bird cage, suit cockatiel or lovebirds, vgc, £10. Tel: 615918 Dog kennel/cage by Rosewood, like new. 31 "L x 21 "W x 25"H, fully folding, includes plastic tray £45. Tel: 487814 Rabbit hutch (new) 4ft long, 4 doors & run underneath, weatherproofed felt roof, hand made, £40. Tel: 724512 Mobility scooter, electric, four wheel, as new cond, comes with rain cover and charger, £925 ono. Tel: 702186 Philips car 400 radio cassette, suitable for Vauxhall, £20. New Alpine car speakers, 30 watts, £15. Tel: 704169 Crown Regent caravan, 5 berth, gas fire, cooker, shower, toilet, 1998 model, excel cond, £4,500 ono. Tel: 345443 Volvo 340 1.4 3dr hatchback, G reg, 67,000 miles, mot Aug 01, tax Feb 01, v. reliable town car, cheap to run, lower tax, lady owner, vgc, service history, £995 ono. Tel: 538152 (eve)

Wanted To help refurbish Story Sacks: Horace and Maurice by Dick KingSmith, will pay up to £2 for excel cond.

Ga rf ield Pa rty Game in good cond, or at least with all menu cards

3 piece wooden Noah's Ark. Li tt le Red Riding Hood casse tt e tapes (2 needed)

5 Little Monkeys cassette tape.

8"-10" knitted 'Handsome Prince' doll Call 873594 if you can help

n a personal

Send to address on page 3 by 12th of the month

I

For Sale

For Sale Nintendo 64 with 5 games - WWF Wrestlemania 2000, Toy Story 2, James Bond Golden Eye, Vigilante 8, Super Mario, excellent condition in box with 2 controllers, all cables and manuals, £100 ono. Tel: 422383 Pool table complete with cues, balls etc. Tel: 07787 503607 Coca-cola items for sale, idea for a collection, need space. Tel: 01285

Tel:

Tel: (01793) 339671 Mobile: (0378) 207977

111 Pinehurst Road Swindon

Free private for Sale & Wanted ads

I I I I

^^

Contact Dave on 01793 488470

LQAA Girls Raleigh bike, 3 gears, vgc, suit 8 to 12 years, £70. Tel: 871331 Mamas & Papas 3 in 1 pram and pushchair navy check, hood, bib, cosy-toes, raincover, was £550, immaculate cond, £200. Tel: 705719 Pram carrycot with cosy toes & raincover, £40. Sonic hair remover, unwanted gift, £10. Tel: 423898 Cot, white inc. mattress £10.

Silvercross Wayfarer 3 in 1 pram/pushchair £25. Tel: 729361 Klippan baby seat, birth - nine months, with raincover, excel cond, £10. Tel: 610470 Klippan baby car seat, 0-9 months, polka dot style with head hugger, excel cond, £10. Tel: 01285 862513 Britax reclining car seat, 5 point harness from 9 months to 5 yrs, excel cond, £50. Tel: 872531 Silvercross Weathershield, brand new,

o^

BU

All work fully insured

For a high standard of work References available Telephone now for a FREE ESTIMATE

*

Hillside Building Services

Extensions, loft conversion, ^:.^•d'd specialists in all types of building & plastering

sSr

tackT alarm I

Competition from page 3

I To enter the Safer Swindon/Link draw, cut out this slip and take it to the Safer Swindon shop, 38 Havelock Street.

I Closing date: 18 January.

I Name I Address

I I I

L-------------------J

I I

L -------------------J

See us on the net © www.swindonlink.com

Community correspondent required The Link needs a writer to cover the North Swindon distribution area:

Haydon Wick, Woodhall Park, Abbey Meads, St Andrew's Ridge and Taw Hill.

Tanya Parkinson has been with cisely and to us for over two years but is mov- the point is ing on to pursue her interest in crucial.

The position -; education. The journalistic experience is one she would encourage will take up beothers to try. "I've thoroughly en- tween ten and h> joyed myself and had great fun twenty hours a ' gathering stories for The Link," she month and resays. "I'd like to thank all the peo- quires daytime ple who have provided me with availability to Into education, information and helped me report pursue stories.

Tanya Parkinson a the news from North Swindon."

WeP Y a1?To report for The Link, we are proximately £8 looking for an inquisitive person an hour and cover expenses such with a wide range of interests, who as use of telephone and travel.

In the first instance send a CV to gets on with people. A background in journalism is not essential, but The Link, Papermakers House, the ability to write clearly, con- Westlea, Swindon SN5 7BD.

Dance those Christmas calories away

The Link Magazine • Janua ry 20001 Greendown Community School

Vacancies at KidZone

^.^ Grange Park, Swindon

Do you have experience of working with children aged between 4 and 12 years?

Are you looking for pa rt ti me work?

CLEANERS REQUIRED

We have vacancies at all our clubs for enthusiastic playleaders.

Excellent rates of pay from £5 per hour.

Training opportunities.

Staff children welcome.

Call Jennie Cumming on 01793 876959 or 07957 551159 or call in and see us at the clubs.

Flexible hours to suit APT&C Scale 4: £4.60 per hour Working weeks: term time + 2 weeks For further information, call Greendown School on 01793 874224

r--------7

Citizen Advocates

DUNCAN

Volunteers needed to get to know a' person with a learning difficulty, listen to their point of view and support them to defend their rights.

Salsa is the fastest growing popular dance in the country. Apart from being great fun it is one of the best forms of exercise for burning off excess calories.

Swindon's Salsa Club Ritmo Latino has moved to a larger venue to ' If you are interested in speaking up for someone who might not accommodate the newcomers and now meets on Wednesdays, 7.30pm, otherwise be heard, and have an at the Pattern Store Bar, opposite the Designer Outlet Village.

No partner is needed an d all ages are welcome. £2 for absolute ' hour or so a week to spare, we would like to hear from you. beginners; £3.50 for improvers. For details call 812177.

/ SELF DRIVE HIRE ?loa 4iea eat48 Leo

Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates

Cars • Vans • Luton Tail-Lifts 272 Ermin Street Stratton St. Margaret, Swindon

Tel: 822193 Radio de-coding while you wait

Training begins January 2001

The Kentwood Choir in conce rt for Haydon Wick Bowls Club Saturday 2 January, 7.30 pm, The Haydon Centre Tickets: £4 (£3.50 conc.) from the Haydon Centre or 722972

39

Swindon Advocacy Movement

Telephone 465640/60 IL --------J

FREE PARKING Open daily 8.30am - 5.30pm Sundays 8.30am - 9.30am

§^

SUPERGLIDE WARDROBES Affordable h fitters ar Plumbing building • All types of showers supplied and fitted • Also full installation and maintenance service on all types of plumbing

• Evening visits by appointment

Telephone: 01793 436 539 FREE survey, advice and quotations

The Bedroom Specialists

lljI'

$. ._

}u P1E 1

q

__

_:i

* Superb award winning wardrobes made to measure in our workshops * Our wardrobes will utilise your storage space to the maximum ik Wide range to choose from in the comfort of your own home * A local company with 15 years experience built on quality & service with excellent guarantees on all products

Call now for free estimate on 01793 861584

40

SERVICE APPLIANCE REPAIRS

ACCOUNTANCY

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

`GRA ' TAO

ACCOUNTANCY

Tw x Ass,sT D,necT

• Business Start Up • Book-Keeping • Annual Accounts • Self Assessment Tax

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses and taxpayers Self assessment • Tax returns Annual accounts • Book-keeping PAYE • VAT etc • Employed Self employed • In business

Short & long term

assistance and projects Free initial meeting

Tel/fax: 01793 871790 www.graaccountancy.co.uk

For a free initial discussion call Lyndon Day Tel/Fax: 01793 766000

CARPENTRY/JOINERY

CRAFTSMAN WOODWORKER

Free phone: 0800 5422 778

Palm Joinery

ROOFING

Quali ty carpentry & joinery for the home/office * Manufacture & fitting * Supply & fit * Fit only Doors, kitchens, fitted & free-standing wardrobes and bureaus, mouldings and panelling No job too big or small

n

(cut & trussed)

RENOVATING to country houses

FURNITURE & UNITS made to order

CALL STANLEY 01793 343350

ELECTRICAL SERVICES I ELECTRICAL SERVICES'

empire

5

Electrical Engineers & Contractors • Electric showers fi tt ed from £260 + VAT • Consumer unit change from £160 +VAT • Security lights/extra points • Full rewires

-

• Free site survey • Domestic/Commercial/Industrial

For a free quote call now 01793 436539 all work guaranteed

JOB MAN Small building work, carpent ry , joinery, painting & decorating, fitted wardrobes and kitchens, plugs and washers fi tt ed "No job too small" Ve ry reasonable prices Free estimates Call Tony, the Odd Job Man on 01793-886022

No call out charge • No VA

A SUDS

I

DECORATOR

GK

IDECORATOR

DECORATORS Tel: 01793 701394 Mobile: 0777 5894563 painting and decorating Ceramic tiling Coving • Dado rails No job too big or too small. Free estimates and friendly service

ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING

GAS REPAIR S

Shaw Electrical

Sewc • REPAIRS • SERVICE

YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT From a 13 amp fuse or cleaner bag to fridges or vacuum cleaners we offer an efficient & personal servi ce.

DOME STIC APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE 11 The Arcade, High Street Wootton Bassett Tel: 01793 854378

OVEN CLEANING

THE ODD

Washing Machines Twin Tubs, etc.

Member of Tumble Driers I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Se rv ice Spares Repairs

• Most leading brands • Guaranteed repairs • Same day service

Interior & exterior

& cottages

Tel: 01793 721401

Same day, local service wherever possible

OVENU® The UK's favourite oven cleaners Our technicians will safely restore your oven to uI sparkling condition using our own product range & patented equipment.

LPG & Natural Gas Services

& Plumbing Ltd Domestic, commercial & industrial installations Maintenance & repairs * lighting * rewiring * security lighting * garden electrics * heating * bathroom installation

Tel: (01793) 874480 Mob: 07860 760364 E o National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting

UMBING & HEATI

Lee Orton Plumbing Sc Heating

• Boilers • Fires & fire

Dennis Brown Gas Engineer 29 Meares Drive Shaw, Swindon

Tel: 01793 874742

places • Cookers • Boiler changes • Also riverboat appliances ,

installation & servicing

Mobile: 0468 027860 Sponsor to Wroughton Shotokan Karate Club

'

• Aga, Rayburn specialist

E iZW C_

CONTRACTOR

NG & HEATI

Quality Plumbing & Heating • Central heating installation • Boiler se rv icing & repairs • Replacement boilers (^^ U • Outside taps • Power showers • Bathroom installations °°' All plumbing work unde rt aken

We also clean hobs, hoods & microwaves to the same amazing standards.

* Cen tral heating * Bathroom and showers * Boiler servicing and repairs * All plumbing work undertaken * Reliable service * Corgi registered

Reliable service, realistic prices

Call OVENU today for free quote (01793) 831944 www.ovenu.co.uk

Tel: 01793 874076 Mobile: 0378 787868

Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 0973 663367

Superb results in 2-3 hrs No aerosols, no sprays, no residue

41

SECTOR APPLIANCE REPAIRS

BUILDING SERVICES

,6rRAFr Extensions, repairs, 47 alterations and maintenance Blockpaving, patios & driveways Drain clearance & repairs Garden construction & design Fencing, turfing, ponds/water features & regular garden maintenance We offer a complete building service for your home and garden For good quality with efficient service and competitive prices call 01793 485539/07811 698457

Repairs to most makes of: 3 Washing Machines 3 Dryers 3 Dishwashers 3 Microwaves 3 Vacuum Cleaners

John Phillips Servicing 25 years experience All work guaranteed

E RIN WHELA High Quality Painting & Decorating Interior & Exterior FOR FREE QUOTATIONS CALL 01793 OR

725699

Traditional carpentry & building services Kitchens, loft conversions, stairs, doors, building work, bedroom fitments, domestic & commercial works undertaken Free, no obligation quotations

Call 01793 644313 or 0468 271994

PREMIER

Dave Ody

to make for quality: • Painting & decorating • Paper hanging • Coving & artexing • Ceilings repaired • Wall & floor tiling

For all your domestic & commercial requirements New installations • Showers Extensions • Extra sockets Re-wires • Security lighting New fuse boards Free quotes 24hr call out facility

Domestic and commercial Insurance work undertaken

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 0585 543294 Ramleaze, Swindon

CL

HEATING & PLUMBING

FT for quality & affordability..

ROB HALL HEATING, GAS & PLUMBING SERVICES

empire

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

8

A reputation built on quality

PROPERTY SERVICES The only call you'll need

07833 147327

Tel: 07989 950070 or 01793 339546 Reg

Hall & Son Ltd

:t y

Free surveys & estimates Velux windows, dormers, roofing In-house design & drawing service Full planning and building regulations approval All work guaranteed

1

01793 469552

01793 436 539

SUNBED HIRE

Deb's Sunbeds Home Rental

V & VIDEOI

ILLIAMS

Fast tanning canopies and doubles also available

Specialists in repairs of TVs, videos, satelite, microwaves, audio equipment & in car hi-fi's.

A computer builds & repairs.

Free installation & local delivery

Free estimates

Tel: Swindon 726906 anytime (Mobile 0378 - 641052)

Business birthday for local fitter A West Swindon gas fitter is celebrating his fifth year in business.

Dennis Brown (below) from Shaw set up Gas Care after returning from work in New Zealand in 1995.

Before thathe spent 17 years learning the trade with British Gas and, unusually, ten years with Calor Gas. Dennis covers a wide area around Swindon, servicing, repairing and fitting gas equipment in country properties, boats and caravans, as well in the town. He also specialises in Agas and Rayburns.

ELECTRICIAN

DECO RATOR

DE

I BUILDING SERVICES

PAUL DRAPER uPVC Fascia, Guttering & Cladding

3M COUNTY ROAD, SWINDON

* FREE ESTIMATES *

Tel: 01793 423371

'el: (01793) 825965 Overton Gardens, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon

-Mobile: 0976 752073

Although he has advertised in The Link from day one, he was not convinced at first. "I must admit I was unsure, but I've had so much work from readers that I cut back advertising in other places some time ago."

Dennis is concerned that people always use a Corgi registered gas fitter when having appliances repaired or installed. "Gas is dangerous and it really is important that you use somebody who is properly qualified," he said. "I would also suggest buying an audible carbon monoxide alarm which is plugged into the mains, not the patches which change colour. It costs around £25, but it's worth the price of a life."

He added that during winter check lagging on pipes and tanks, and keep the central heating going in cold weather, even when you're away from home.

And in the Spring book a boiler service. "A break down in cold weather can be very uncomfortable. Gas fitters are often busy and may not be able to fit in an emergency," says Dennis. "So it's worth thinking ahead to avoid problems."

Contact Gas Care on 874742.

Competition winners November Link Craig Charles tickets: N McCormack, Kilben Close, Middleleaze December Link Aladdin tickets: RaviSamant,Wareham Close, Toothill. Postman Pat tickets: Jacob Giles, Hanson Close, Shaw. Mama Mia tickets: Mrs Oborne, Borage Close, Haydon Wick.

Swindon Remembered video: Mrs R Perry, Ferndale Road, Swindon

42 The Link Magazine • Janua ry 2001

2000 and all that. Was it just hype?

IRONING MADE EASY Give yourself 7— a break

Well here we are 12 months on from the par ty to out do all parties and the night of one thousand Can you believe how time has flown? asks Ian Howard, coordinator of The Filling Station.

Let me do your ironing Collection/Delivery available

What happened to the bugs, the dome and the brave new world?

How many of us really thought that the future would be any different from 1999? What happened to all that optimism and goodwill for the people of the world?

As predicted then we still have poverty, we still see wars and disasters on our TV screens and all is far from sweetness and light.

In Swindon we still have homeless people on our streets and the work of The Filling Station (a town

Tel: 876077 for details

Quality Haircare

by June Qualified freelance hairdresser 10 years experience ..;.-` Tel: 01793 702947 Mobile: 07747 061129 Free consultation for bridal hair

Cuts & Curls

Play the Piano

Ladies hairdressing 20 years experience Caff Debbie: 01793 881427 '< or 07790 432012 JUST THE JOB Domestic Services Agency requires Domestic Cleaners & Ironers Flexible hours, good rates of pay Phone Jill or Sue on 861112

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH SUNDAYS 10.30AM MEETING AT THE WINNERS LOUNGE SWINDON TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB AND AT THE PINEHURST PEOPLE'S CENTRE All ages of children & teens cared for Information: call Brian on 849731 in association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

Lea rn to Sing Phone Swindon 340437 for further information

DECOTEX Painter & Decorator Specialist Artexing Tel: (01793) 791388 BC The person who changed AD Histo ry is changing peoples lives Today ' 6p

-Worsley Road `?/^ m m m n

building withi people

Come and join us Sunday at 10am & 6.30pm For further information of other meetings ring: 873050 or call at the Church office sus said: "1 have come that YOU have LIFE and have it in its fulne

Greenmesdow

y

North Swindold Baptist Church

Sunday Worship 10.30am - Sunday School & Creche Pastor Dennis Weaver

Throughout the year

the numbers of clients remained the same and few of the faces have changed. The

problems are the same, pain, loneliness and an inability to cope with mainstream life in the 21st Century. It is so easy to judge this community of real people and expect them to pull themselves together but as all our workers will tell you, this is rarely possible.

As Swindon looks forward to possible city status, a new image, a redeveloped centre and continued economic growth, the reality for the homeless is the same; survival and making it through another winter.

The Filling will stand wit people pro• soup, sandy clothing and ocessities, thus ing some hu. for them.

Despite changing f< world in the s twelve mont cept a new da on our chequ challenge to yi support the work of organ; such as The Filling Statioi. need cans and packets of warm clothing (mostly money and volunteers to n shelter every Thursday eve Change in this world i; slow and comes as a result c work. How about playin, part? Call 881757 today.

Barnado's benefit from lack of unifor Students at Greendown School presented a cheque for £293 to Barr before Christmas, money raised from contributions to non-t> days during last year.

With Barnado's education undraiser Ruth Beesley, left, Matthew Kirwan, Loren Mayhew, Emily Gardener, Abbie Cook, Kati Joe Maher, Ashleigh Schofield, Matthew Hardy, Adam

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Primary School

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vangef1c

centre soup kitchen) is still as needed as ever.

We are

here!

An evening with Helen Shapiro Sixties pop star Helen Shapiro will be coming to Swindon to tell her story and sing songs which have had a real influence on her life, on Thursday 15 February.

This will take place at Freshbrook Evangelical Church at 7.30pm.

Tickets for the evening will be available from the church office. For further information call 873050.

OCAL CHURCHESI All Saints' Lydiard Millicent - 10:30am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor) Holy Trinity Shaw — 10:30am Revd Andrew Hetherington 770568 (the Church is at Shaw Village Centre) St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze — 9:00am, 10:30am Revd Ann Mackenzie: 870244 Toothill Church — 10:45am Revd Mark Roper: 692620 (also Free Church minister for the parish) Westlea Church - 10:00am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (this Church meets in Westlea School Hall, Langstone Way)

Li

The Parish of West Swindon and the Lydiards Baptist • Church of England

•_

Methodist • United Reformed Church

' 4'

If you are looking for a large selection of...

• BEDS & MATTRESSES

VFd• 1'

^

s^

^cP Oaf r

PF

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& HEADBOARDS all sizes including bunk and cabin beds

•

LOUNGE & DINING & BEDROOM FURNITURE in a variety of wood colours and finishes

I

• - 3 PIECE SUITES

n

in a wide choice of fabrics and styles

•

FIRESIDE CHAIRS & RECLINERS probably Swindon's largest choice on show

. . .

you must be looking for

MANOR

3:

FURNITURE www.manorfurniture.co.uk

5 l 3444

TEL:

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LARGE SHOWROOM FREE DELIVERY OVER A WIDE AREA FREE PARKING YELLOW

AKERS WAY

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SwinDon BOROUGH COUPCIL

' ONE MONTHS FREE TRAINING THAT'S 13 MONTHS FOR THE PRICE OF 12 WHEN YOU JOIN OUR ANNUAL PASSPORT TO FITNESS SCHEME SPREAD THE COST WITH OUR MONTHLY PAYMENT OPTION

Off er valid until 28.2.01

achieve your RA! W

SOLCJT/ON

LINK

Tel: 445566

HEALTH H I

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CENTRE

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Tel: 445401

Tel: 762602

HYDRO

Tel: 465630

Tel: 706666

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RECREATON GOMPLE (

sports centre

Tel: 533763

Tel: 526622