January 2002 Swindon Link

No. 236 • January 2002 • Circulation 22,000

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

We're all in this together 2002 and were

seriously into the new millennium.

And the problems facing

the planet we share are growing. Inside:

A Happy New Year from Mr All and

The Mayor of Swindon describes his recent trip to our twin town Ocotal

his staff at

on pages 12 and 13

"Purton's hidden Indian treasure"

Agenda 21 officer Lyn Forrester looks over the ten years since the Rio Summit on environmental

change on page 11

The Mayor of Swindon David Cox, with the Mayoress Jenny Dean and South

Great Western Community Forest

Swindon MP Julia Drown, joined members of the Sticky youth club from Christ Church, Old Town, before Christmas to highlight the growing global water crisis and help collect petition signatures. Story on page 14.

tree plant - page 14

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Children in Ocotal, Nicaragua - see page 12

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The Link Magazine • January 2002

Half a century for Swindon charity Cast your mind back 50 years. Can you remember or imagine what it was like in Swindon in June 1952, asks Jo Osorio, director of Age Concern, Swindon.

The 'old age pension was £1.62 Age Concern and an army of vol- tive citizens for the contribution for a single person and £2.70 for a unteers have been making more of they bring.

Today, 61,500 people over the couple. The national health serv- life in and around Swindon for ice was still newish, the Corona- half a century. age of 50 live in and around Swintion took place and Swindon CorSo 2002 is going to be a year of don. The state pension is £72.50 a poration set up its old people's celebration - and fundraising. Cel- week for a single person or £115.90 welfare committee. Remember? If ebrating the achievements of the for a couple - not enough to live on u do then Age Concern Swin- last 50 years and looking forward so means-testing is still with us. don would like to hear from you. to the next - getting ready for the Age Concern campaigns on that Now an independent chari ty, the challenges of a society which needs and a host of other issues too.

And, of course, these days, Age "old people's welfare committee" to value age and experience as has seen as many changes as the never before, a society where older Concern Swindon provides vital town. From Thamesdown in 1974 people get that bit of help when services and practical help to at and back again to Swindon in 1997, they need it and are valued as ac- least 500 older people every week,

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every year and needs to go on doing so.

Demand just keeps growing

which is why Age Concern is appealing to families and friends, local groups, clubs, Jo Osorio pubs, schools, and office colleagues to organise an event and raise funds to make sure the organisation can keep up with that demand.

Celebration plans in the pipeline include an art exhibition at the Jardinerie garden centre from 15 to 17 March, a sponsored walk and hokey cokey at the County Ground

AC' SWINDON on Get Active Day in September and perhaps a street party to relive yesteryear and enjoy the present.

If you can play a part in the 50' anniversary celebrations by organising a fundraising event, large or small, please call Jacquie Sheppard at Age Concern Swindon on 692166 and help make more of life too.

Worthwhile use for worthless cash

Age Concern Swindon want to cash in all those loose francs, marks and pesetas buried around the house.

They will soon become worthless as the Euro takes over. Help Age Concern's work with the elderly by dropping the cash into 14 Milton Road, Swindon.

Older in Peatmoor The coffee morning for over 55s at Peatmoor Community Primary School advertised in the December Link was a success and will be held regularly on the first Monday of the month. The next takes place on 4 February, 10am to 11.30am.

Get your childcare arrangements off to a flying start for the New Year

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT USING A REGISTERED CHILDMINDER FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CHILDCARE NEEDS? f`

Did you know that Childminders 1,004 nears oe` • Are Registered with Ofsted and are inspected annually?

• Meet a minimum of 14 Standards as laid down in the National Standards for Childminding? t It 3 • Have Police an d Health checks including members of their family over the age of 16 years?

• Unde rt ake training in Early Years • Can offer flexibility to care for children to cover working patterns, even sometimes overnight?

Investing in • Can offer a safe and homely environment? a our future gc`Q • Can offer Continuity of Care from birth to teens?

1'"scare Psr`Oet • Support each other through Area Group Meetings with other childminders?

• Have a dedicated support worker, Kathy Coates of the Swindon Childminding Forum to advise on childminding issues?

• Can become accredited to an approved network of childminders enabling them to take funded 3 and 4 year olds?

• Can be used to enable working parents to claim the Working Families Tax Credit?

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For up-to-date lists ofRegistered Childminders with vacancies in your area, lists of Childminding Area Representatives, how to register yourself as a Childminder, or lists of other childcare providers, telephone the CHILDREN'S INFORMATION SERVICE ON 01 793 541 786 or call into their shop in Market Street, Swindon between 10am and 3pm SWINDON EARLY YEARS DEVELOPMENT &

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The Link Magazine • January 2002

Start planning for a very special party

A Happy and Healthy New Year from all at

Monday 2 June has been declared People's Day to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Her Majesty's Coronation, to the day, when Princess Elizabeth acceded to the throne in 1951.

Some 362 beacons are already planned nationwide and street and garden parties will be a traditional feature of the day.

Events of such national importance, where people can participate and celebrate together, are rare, so the Golden Jubilee Summer Party Office has been set up to help people with ideas and information for organising events in their towns and neighbourhoods.

"This is a day for the nation to salute a woman who has given fifty years of her life in

public service. The Queen's Golden Jubilee is a unique opportunity for families, friends and communities to come together to celebrate a major milestone in history; it's a day we can all celebrate together," says Bruno Peek, OBE, chairman of the Summer Party Office.

He said that beacons can be set up and lit in any large open space, provided that land owner permission is given and insurance and legal issues are dealt with. The coordina-

The Iron Lady set for Swindon visit The town's premier cultural event - the Swindon Festival of Literature in May - has booked its biggest ever speaker. On the twentieth anniversary of the Falklands War, former prime minister Margaret Thatcher will be talking about her new book Statecraft.

To balance up the political divide, former Northern Ireland secretary Mo Mowlem will talk about her first book Momentum. Also in town will be an incredible range of controversial columnists, novelists and fantasy writers, actresses, comedians and broadcasters.

For details, go to www.swindonlink.com , or mail the festival director Matt Holland at swindonlitfest@lsfarm.globalnet.co.uk • Swindon Council's funding crisis could hit festival - see page 28.

Genocide remembered The horror of the terrorist attacks in the USA on 11 September, the war in Afganistan and the continued conflicts between Israel and the Palestinians form the backdrop for the second Holocaust Memorial Day on Sunday 27 January, which will be marked by events at a national and local level.

The date marks the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1945 and is recognised by 44 countries around the world to ensure that organised mass killings, racism and victimisation are neither forgotten nor repeated.

A national ceremony is planned for Manchester and locally Mayor David Cox will plant a tree in Faringdon Road Park at 12noon followed by a short ceremony attended by civic dignataries and representatives from community organisations. Members of the public are invited.

From 2.30pm there will be readings at the Friends' Meeting House, Eastcott Hill to give an opportunity to reflect on the themes of the day.

Anyone who would like to speak or read at The Friends' Meeting House to express concerns over injustice, human tragedy or to reflect on past horrors is welcome.

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The Link Magazine • January 2002

Greendown to offer more places to children in the West A bulge in the number of children reaching secondary school age in and around the town means Swindon Council has applied to the government for funds to increase the number of places at Greendown School in Grange Park by 150 over the next five years, and a parents meeting is being organised to discuss the proposals on Monday 21 January.

Whilst the number of children attending West Swindon primary schools is actually falling, numbers in North Wiltshire primaries which feed Bradon Forest School have risen, which means there is less space for children from Swindon. Last September, in an arrangement with Swindon Council, Bradon Forest took an extra 26 children from West Swindon.

Greendown's intake, currently 250 a year, is likely to rise to 280 and in the short term may go as high as 300. Headteacher Steve O'Sullivan said the governors and staff were pleased to have the opportunity to work with the local authority to provide the extra places needed by West Swindon families. "The quality of education on offer, the range of facilities and the location of the school makes it ideal for expansion."

He pointed out that more permanent buildings would be required to cater for the growth in numbers and as The Link went to press, an announcement on Swindon's bid to raise the capital to provide more classrooms at the school by September 2003 was expected from the Department for

Education and Skills.

A spokesman for Swindon's education department said that, in the absence of spare places at other schools in the borough, the application for funding was made under'basic need' criteria to meet the legal responsibility to provide school places, and he would be extremely surprised if the DfES did not agree to it. Assuming the

bid is successful, two meetings for parents to discuss the proposal will take place on 21 January at Greendown: 2pm to 4pm - an informal drop-in with governors and local authority officers 7.30pm - a formal meeting.

All parents whose children are due to enter secondary school in the future are invited to attend

either session. Meetings with primary headteachers, teachers and governors are also being planned that day.

Following the consultation exercise, Swindon Council will issue a statutory notice to increase the size of the school and planning applications will be made once a design for new buildings has been drawn up.

Practice makes perfect for Children in Need Year 11 student Jade Gordon is not put off by a challenge.

Back in July she decided that she would organise a big event in aid of Children in Need at Greendown at the end of November.

Jade organised auditions to select fourteen acts, then expected them to turn up to weekly rehearsals during the autumn term. So demanding was she, that she became known as 'Jade, she who must be obeyed' around the school.

But Jade's perfectionist approach paid off when people had to be turned away from the packed drama studio on Children in Need night. In total some £300 was raised.

Jade is now thinking of putting together an end of year show, but only after she has completed her couse work and sat her GCSEs. No shy fairy, Jade Gordon with show comperes, Dan Pratt and Tom Towers

North school plan goes to the edge Swindon Council's bid to the government to support a multi-million pound Public Private Partnership scheme to rebuild Hreod Parkway School, build a new secondary school at Priory Vale, five primary schools and special schools was submitted on 17 December. The wait is on for a decision in March.

With major changes expected in cation, as it did a year ago.

What Swindon will do to cope the way education is run in Swindon as a result of the failed Ofsted with the hundreds of children reinspection in September, it is un- quiring places without new schools clear how a PPP would be man- is unclear. One option will be to aged. This may have an effect on distribute them to other schools the timescale for providing much around the town.

Director of education Mike Lusty needed secondary school places.

The Priory Vale school has been stressed that he was 'very optimistic of approval of the PPP bid.' timetabled for September 2004.

In the meantime, the council has The Ofsted report recommended that the education department agreed to release £294,000 of the £1 draw up a contingency plan in case million promised last May to the Department of Education and Hreod Parkway School to fund Skills again rejects the PPP appli- urgent maintenance.

The Link We have a number of properties throughout the Swindon area, providing accommodation for a comfortable yet independent retirement.

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The Link Magazine • January 2002

Area panel basketball plan sent back for more talk A project put forward by councillors on the West area panel to spend £8,000 on a 10 metre square tarmac single post basketball court with 'teen shelter' at Nine Elms has been referred back by Swindon Council's scrutiny review board for further consultation at the next panel meeting on Thursday 3 January.

The scheme to provide a much plained about the lack of facilities by raised objections to the scheme needed play facility, surrounded for young people. Councillor Nick with the scrutiny board. Mike by fencing on the grass area beside Martin said he was surprised that Welch, whose house looks upon Roughmoor Way, close to the area panel was being accused the proposed play area, said peoCastleton Road, Sandacre Road of not consulting people when the plc did not object to making the and Old Shaw Lane came about project had arisen directly from a grassedopenspacesaferwithfencafter a meeting some 18 months meeting that had been held locally. ing, but they object to the siting of ago when parents in the area comHowever residents living close- a basketball court and shelter which is likely to attract teenagers late at night. Three sites near the

Green light for development

village centre had been suggested

for a The West area panelmeting Swindon's expansion to the south - between the M4 and Old Town in I starts at 7pm in the Link Centre. the east, opposite Toothill and Freshbrook in the west - is set to go ahead, following a judgement in the High Court on 23 November New Year - t eat yourself when Swindon Council won its case against objections put forward St Tropez self tanning from £19. by the Front Garden Action Group (FRAG) and Bloor Homes.

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The area is Swindon Council's preferred option for a further 3,800 houses in the Wiltshire Structure Plan. But it hasn't always been so.

On three occasions during the 1990s, the councillors opposed development in what was regarded as one of the 'lungs of Swindon,' dubbed the Front Garden at the

time. The council's stance changed when it became a unitary authority in 1997 and acquired ownership of two thirds of the land from Wiltshire County Council. Land sales worth up to £200 million will benefit the redevelopment of the town centre and essential facilities like schools. Alternative sites including east of the A419 were sidelined, perhaps to address future needs.

The Front Garden Action Group, comprised of local residents and environmentalists formed in 1997, argued a range of objections to the development, including noise and pollution from the M4 and railway line, the risk of flooding, loss of recreational space and environmental assets and unacceptable traffic flow to reach employment and shopping sites across the town.

FRAG chairman Terry King believes the fight is not yet over. He claims some of Justice Ouseley's judgement encourages continued opposition throughout the planning process. He sees hope in the judge's view that: 'If the planning

process reveals major constraints which have been unforeseen ... the legal framework ... is not so rigid that it must carry on regardless to an obvious and serious error.'

Terry pointed out that formal assessments will need to be carried out regarding the environment, noise, archaeological significance and wildlife and a master plan for development.

The area opposite Blagrove Business Park may become the site of a multi-use sports stadium and HQ for Swindon Town FC, with park and ride, but there is considerable uncertainty about this.

The publication of Swindon's Local Plan has been delayed by FRAG's actions but Terry said the opposition to the development has been justified. "Our actions, including the reference to the High Court, have generated a great deal of attention to the development. Our arguments have resulted in proposed housing being moved further from the noisy M4 and many aspects of our country park proposal have been accepted. We will continue to scrutinise plans, particularly the environmental issues so that they benefit all the people of the town, and those who may live there, if it is ever built."

Swindon Council is now drawing up an overall Master Plan for development. The first houses are unlikely to be built for four years.

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The Link Magazine • January 2002

Big names lined up for North Swindon Centre

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Homebase, Comet, Boots and Pizza Hut are just four of the major high street chains that The Link has learned could be taking up space in the second and larger phase of the North Swindon District Centre.

The first phase of the district ment is well advanced. It Thamesdown Drive centre was launched when the gi- should be ready in April. ant 150,000 square feet AsdaAlongside the big anWalmart Walmart superstore opened on 26 chor stores such as l November.

Comet and Boots, Pm , ,; „ T j^ Pilla, s a . tr The second part, now hidden there will be banks, ' ; Hut ^^ behind a high white fence, will building societies i a^ cover 210,000 square feet and and a hair salon in \e $ should be ready in the Autumn. smaller units.

'-' Phase II 6 ASda Work on the Pizza Hut restauHomebase in the ut mrt ;, rant at the centre of the develop- will also in'• elude a large p _.^ ,,. ;^; .;;^ garden centre. ^^ ^C _ A spokes Sayo ` Library, woman from °OF . youth, health ^^ ^,^ 3 Asda Property ^0 ^ ^ %^, t building = ^P was not prepared to `^4., when an anN reveal the tenants for nouncement will be the second phase of the development until early January made on the building time scale.

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Pre-opening tour of Asda Walmart An internet cafe is being planned in conjunction with the library for members of the Swindon Coali- service, but with the council reviewing every penny of expenditure to tion of Disabled People. Back left, balance its books, it is unclear when the money to fit out and staff the Steve Milner, development worker, building will be made available.

Val Vaughan. Front, Sue Beazeley, Swindon community education manager Alan Bailey said that the Lynda Gawke with grandson William shell of the building will be handed over to Swindon Council in January Deacon being shown around by man- and at least £30,000 is required for walls, fixtures and fittings before ager Phil Davies, right equipment and ongoing staff costs are considered.

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The Link Magazine • January 2002

Library plans to shelve old ideas Despite Swindon Council's serious financial problems, a staff team continue to work on plans for opening a library later in the year at the North Swindon District Centre.

Books, new technology and Ro- brary will have a good IT presence man history will be major features with PCs for free internet and efor the building in the middle of mail access under the governthe district centre development, ment's People's Network pronext to the car park and bus stops. gramme. There will also be trainLibrary services manager David ing facilities, similar to those at the Allen said the new library will hold West Swindon library. some 30,000 volumes for adults "We plan to introduce an area and children, as well as CDs and for reader development, a popular scheme elsewhere in the country, DVDs. " We are working on plans for a to encourage readers to try a wider library with different zones, based range of books, find new authors on our slogan: Learn, Enjoy, Dis- and share experiences."

David Allen would welcome cover.

"There will be sections for lei- comments and queries about the sure and for learning, as well as a North Swindon library. separate children's area. The II- Mail: dallen@swindon.gov.uk Ready or occupation by the library, y¢uth and health s^rviees

Public to have say in future of Roman site About sixty people attended a meeting at the Haydon Centre on 5 December to hear of plans for the development of the Roman site on St Andrew's Ridge.

Roy Canham, Wiltshire County cal nature of the site would need to Archaeologist and officers of Swin- be in place, with an interpretation don Council, which owns the site centre located within easy walkeast of Lady Lane, stressed that ing distance at the North Swindon local residents would be fully in- District Centre library. volved in discussions about how Artifacts gleaned from the site this important archaeological site could be displayed at the new lishould be developed. brary, at the proposed town centre Mr Canham described the area museum and art gallery complex in relation to iron age and other and on the internet.

Roman sites in Swindon and the The area itself is likely to remain BlunsdonRidgeinparticular.Early an accessible open space and the investigation suggests it was a ma- consultants will have to look at jor religious site on three terraces how the archaeological assets can which took advantage of the im- be protected. posin g locaion t ^' ^ -. ._ on the ragstone ^` ^1 ridge.

English Heritage, which assisted with the purchase in 1998, is keen that the site , should further `' ; interest in archaeology.

Consultants appointed by " Swindon Council will consider Their report is due in the Spring how this can be achieved, given its when a further public meeting will location within a large housing de- be held. In the meantime, commuvelopment and the inevitable prob- nity representatives are to be inlem of access. vited to join the professional steerRobert Dickinson, Swindon's ing group overseeing the project. community heritage manager, said • There have been sitings of peothe aim would be to maximise in- ple using metal detectors on the formation from minimum exca- hillside trying to locate items of vation, using modern techniques interest and value. Anybody seen like geophysical surveying. Only using a detector should be reported nominal indicators of the histori- to Swindon Police on 528111.

7

8

The Link Magazine • January 2002

MP welcomes new playgroup building South Swindon MP Julia Drown was the guest of honour when she officially reopened Greendown Playgroup in Grange Park on 8 December Now set up in their own mobile building in the Greendown School grounds, playgroup chairwoman Jackie Morgan said the last eight months had been very stressful for all the volunteer parents who manage the group. When the school told us they needed the Len Hobbs community room because of their rising numbers, we had the choice of closing after 15 years and taking our children to other groups or nurseries or getting our own building. We decided Grange Park should have a playgroup for families in the future. " We cannot thank Julia enough.

She put our case to local companies and helped us whenever we needed advice; her support has been fantastic."

Donations of £10,000 from power company Innogy at Windmill Hill and £5,000 from Nationwide Building Society enabled the

group to move a mobile building Farm, Motorola and Intel. Several from Chiseldon School, made businesses offered their services at available without charge by Swin- keen prices. Jackie said AJ Banting don Council.

Fencing and Park Flooring should Smaller donations came from the be thanked for their help.

Promise Church at Upper Shaw She reserved special mention for

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Julie Drown unveils a plaque covered by little hands, with from left, Jo Pierce, Nicky Gibson, Dominee Evans, Jackie Morgan, Tammy Cleverley, Paula Jones. Front, Brendon Pierce, Georgia Pierce, Ashlell-Rae Cleverley, Matthew Morgan

building contractor Steve Curtis from Chiseldon. "We were total novices in April when we took on this project; Steve has been incredible and has stuck with us all the way. He took on all our problems and got the building assembled, secure and serviced for us."

The playgroup set up at Toothill Farm through the Autumn while parents spent evenings and weekends decorating before Ofsted were satisfied the building could be occupied in mid-November.

Group supervisor Nicky Gibson said the children love their new home. "It's as if they have never known anywhere else. We have lots of space and we've already been for walks in Lydiard Park."

Julia Drown was impressed by the efforts of the group. "I'm really pleased to have helped; it's a tremendous achievement for the parents. It shows what volunteers can do when people work together."

However there is a lot more fundraising to do. The playgroup still has to raise £5,000 to meet debts and finish off an outside play area. To help out, call Jackie Morgan on 878278.

Julia also found time to attend a nativity play put on by Jellytots Playgroup at Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Centre on 7 December. The group is starting a session for 2 to 3 year olds. For details, call Beverley Walker on 346755.

Julia is pictured with supervisor Sandra Van Waz'eran and some of theJellytots children

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The Link Magazine • January 2002

Help on offer to working parents The Children's Information Service-Swindon (CIS) has settled well into its town centre premises at 13 Market Street and in January we will be looking for our 500th visitor to win a prize donated by Tesco, writes manager Annette Palmer.

In December calls to our telephone helpline decreased; no doubt everybody was concentrating on the festive spirit. However Christmas has past and you may t Via' need to start thinking about returning to work to pay for those a extra treats.

That's where we come in. The ' J' _' t!

CIS provides free information on childcare, financial assistance to help with childcare costs, or other parental information and support. a Do you enjoy working with chil^s dren? Have you ever considered becoming a childminder or openAnnette Palmer receives a donation o f ing up a new childcare facility?

1500 from Tesco manager John Turne Again, we're here to help with free whohas joined the CIS Board of Trusinformation on how to register as a tees childcare provider. The CIS now takes the names of interested peo- telephone helpline, 541786, is availple - not social services, able from 9.30am to 4.30pm (an The CIS, which is supported by answerphone operates outside the Swindon Early Years Develop- these hours). The shop at 13 Marment and Childcare Partnership, ket Street is open between 10am is open Monday to Friday. The and 3pm.

Vacancy The CIS is looking for a new member of staff to fulfill the role of Information Co-ordinator within the service. The job includes creating

and maintaining databases and deputising for the manager. If you feel you have the necessary skills to offer and would like to become part of a small friendly team, then call Annette Palmer, on 422909.

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10 The Link Magazine • January 2002

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Tea at No.10? Who me?

Imagine being invited to the House of Commons and then to meet the PM's wife. It just doesn't happen to us mere mortals, does it? Well, actually, it does, writes Vivienne Wise, member of the Swindon Parent Panel.

I've been a member of with Cherie. We chatted with the panel — a voluntary Cherie and even Leo Blair group which promotes the came along to play for a short parents' perspective in the while. The day culminated planning, decision-making with our daughters helping and delivery of maternityCherie switch on the Downrelated services in the town ing Street Christmas tree - for the last three years. lights in front of a jostling We meet for two hours mass of photographers. every six weeks during So, if you are about to beterm-time and a creche and come a parent, or already travelling expenses are have young children and provided. fancy doing something a litFour mums on the parent panel, from left, Vivienne In October, Baroness Wise and Lucie, Ruth Barrett, Nicki Sinclair with tle bit different for a few Sally Morgan, the Minishours - while enjoying a short Oliver, Amanda Heard with Lucy and Georgia ter for Women, visited break from your off-spring Swindon as part of a fact-finding abandoned my weekly visit to then the Parent Panel could be just mission for a report looking at ways Sainsbury's and headed for Lon- what you're looking for.

We also attend maternity servto improve the accessibility of don with my daughter Lucie and health and education services for Amanda Heard and her daugh- ice meetings and provide user input to a variety of projects, rangwomen. Parent Panel members ters, Lucy and Georgia. were invited to participate in a We joined Ministers, MPs and ing from the updating of a hospital discussion group with her and as a about 30 women from around the questionnaire for new mums, to result of this meeting, two of us country who had also contributed the provision of feedback on new were invited to attend the launch to the report, for lunch at the House information leaflets for mothers of the 'Better Services — Better of Commons followed by a quick about routine antenatal screening.

If you want to find out more, Working Lives' report at the House dash up to the Gallery to watch parliament in session, before be- please contact Ruth Barrett on of Commons.

So on Monday 10 December I ing whisked off to No. 10 for tea 886394 for further information.

Character parts at Greenmeadow Youngsters at Greenmeadow School ended a week at the end of November focused on books by dressing up as their favourite story character.

Volunteers dropped into school to read to the children and professional story teller Josie Felce fascinated each class with multi-cultural tales accompanied by a Welsh harp.

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Children's author David Caddy from Western Australia spent a day talking to children at Freshbrook School about his stories and reading excerpts from his books, about snakes slithering out of toilets and giant spiders appearing from nowhere.

A readathon took place through the week to raise money for the Malcolm Sergeant children's cancer fund and the Roal Dahl Foundation.

11

From Rio 92 to Johannesburg 02 .... via Swindon?

Lyn Forrester, Swindon Agenda 21 Officer, looks backwards and forward in time, and in between

'Global warming', 'greenhouse effect', 'acid rain', 'ozone depletion' — phrases first commonly heard in the early 90's - often misunderstood and easily dismissed as "nothing to do with me"! Like most of us, I thought this 'eco-stuff' was a fad, it would go away, someone will 'sort it out.'

But the concerns

Protocol (agreed by

grew bigger, the warnings more frequent and I, along with many others realised the problems were not going to disappear, nor was someone else going to 'sort it out' — there is no miracle cure.

171 governments) could become legally binding in the near future.

At home, 'green' is in: green cars, green petrol, green electricity, green vegetables (or-

please contact me on 466167, mail: lforrester@swindon.gov.uk In six months time world leaders will meet again in Johannesburg to review what they have achieved over the ten years since the Rio Summit. Over the next few months, I would like to be able to report on what we have achieved here in Swindon.

ganic), green tea

(not sure). these growing conWhat have we cerns, a United Naachieved here in the Lyn Forrester Swindon area? tions summit was arranged in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Swindon Borough Council has forBrazil. Leaders from all over the mally adopted its own Local Agenda 21 strategy called 'Seeds world attended.

The 'Earth Summit', as it later of Change'. This provides the became known, set down a frame- framework to ensure the borough work for saving our planet. Over is developed in a sustainable way 180 nations, including the UK, com- that is, in a way which will immitted themselves to an action plan prove quality of life today and for called Agenda 21 - a firm pledge generations to come. Early eviwas made to protect the environ- dence can be seen with the arrival ment, improve society and have a of the first park'n'ride, increased stable economy. The message from recycling facilities, better cycle Rio was clear, everyone - govern- paths and most recently with the ments, businesses, individuals and opening of four brand new 'lifecommunities - had to take action time' homes in Alanbrooke Crescent. now to save the planet.

Agenda 21 is a unique docuIn order to raise awareness of ment that has had an influence Swindon Council's Local Agenda unlike any other.

21 and sustainable development, Globally, nationally and locally, individuals, schools, community things have been happening and groups and businesses are being attitudes are changing. Across the invited to apply for a 'Quality of globe millions of people have been Life' award. These will recognise inspired to take action. and reward action which helps to Urgent, worldwide response to improve quality of life in Swincombat climate change has argu- don, ably been the biggest, single issue If you have an idea, are planover the last 10 years and it does ning or even currently running a now look hopeful that the Kyoto project and would like to apply, In response to

Recycle your Christmas Once again a useful future can be found for Christmas cards and trees once the twelve festive days have passed.

Collection points for cards are available from 3 to 31 January at Sainsbury's stores at Bridgemead and Stratton St Margaret and eighty Swindon schools will also have recycling bins where cards can be left.

Christmas cards which are turned back into paper reduce landfill requirements, and for every 1,000 cards recycled one tree will be planted in the Great Western Community Forest.

Heather Lilley, forest community education officer 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."

Support for the card recycling campaign comes this year from Swindon 21" Century Forum, Severnside Waste Disposal and Sainsbury's.

Real Christmas trees can also be recycled at the Barnfield Road Recycling Centre off the Great Western Way, which is open 7 days a week, Sam to 4.30pm. Decorations and bases should be removed.

For further information, contact the Great Western Community Forest on 466315 or look at www.forestweb.org.uk

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Make a Resolution to #1^ Reduce your Rubbish in 2002!

It's easy to reduce your rubbish. Here are some simple tips - they can also help you save money and time too. >k SNUB - Say No to Unwanted Bags. Use a 'bag for life' or reusable fabric bags. >k Buy fizzy drinks in large containers rather than lots of small ones. This means less waste and it's more economical.

Plan trip to the bottle bank around shopping trips, this helps reduce pollution and will save you time. >k Having a clear-out? Donate unwanted presents to charity shops or jumble sales. Old clothes and shoes can be put in a textile bank and old furniture can be collected by the Top Drawer Furniture Project, tel (01793) 536613. >k Take your old Christmas trees to the Barnfield Road recycling centre for composting. k Take old Christmas cards to the special skips at Sainsbury's Bridgemead and Oxford Road during January. The Great Western Community Forest will plant a tree for every 1,000 cards recycled.

Make a New Year's Resolution to Reduce your Rubbish in 2002!

^_Is ;A3

For more details contact the Waste Policy Officer on (01793) 464536

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Strengthening the links with our twin town on the The Mayor of Swindon, councillor David Cox, describes his recent trip When I chose the 'El Hogar De los Highway through breathtaking Ancianos, an elderly persons' scenery, Ocotal suddenly appeared home in Ocotal, Swindon's twin in front of us nestled in the mountown in Nicaragua, as one of my tains. We immediately could see charities, I never envisaged that I where Hurricane Mitch had hit the town in 1997; equally you could would actually make a visit.

When their Mayor, Edward see evidence of rebuilding. A new Centeno was in Swindon in July, road and bridge - the only way in below, on a friendship visit organ- and out of the town - had been ised by SOL (SwindonOcotal Link) totally washed away and had to be he extended an invitation to visit replaced.

Edward had organised an exhis country. tensive programme for us, beginning with a civic ceremony. He thanked the people of Swindon for their friendship and solidarity over 3 d '^ n ' M the years and all the help that had been provided after Hurricane Mitch. He declared that we were

honoured guests and granted the Mayoress and I the 'Keys of the City,' which had not been given to anyone before.

Although Nicaragua is a very poor country, there is lots of evidence of improvement. One striking project is a new housing estate on the edge of Ocotal. In the 1980s, after the revolution, people came back to live in the town and set up a shanty town on a former rubbish tip, with no proper sanitation and only a couple of standpipes for water. Now proper brick built

On the 17 October myself, the Mayoress, my partner Jenny Dean and three members of SOL, Bruce Clarke, Karen Mayell and Maria Luengo arrived in Ocotal.

I shall never forget my first view of the town. After a four hour drive from Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, along the Trans-America

c

houses are being constructed, above, with electricity, a dry toilet and a water supply.

The occupier of the house we visited said that it was 'their castle.' It had given them a better standard of life and something to be proud of. Their garden was a mass of flowers grown from seeds given to them

by Swindon Ocotal Link.

A wonderful health centre, right, had been built on the estate, funded entirely by SOL, which provides much needed health care and advice. At the moment it is only open three days a week, but this is soon to change when staff numbers increase.

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other side of the globe to Ocotal in Central America Another on-going project funded by international aid is the building of storm gullies and drains at the sides of the roads.

The majority of roads in Ocotal are no more than dirt tracks, which are awash with water during the rainy season. Some are extremely steep and homes can literally be washed away. The drains will take away the water making their homes safer.

Edward was also very proud of the project to install septic tanks to the poorer areas of Ocotal. Prior to this these people had no proper means of sewage removal.

'El Hogar De los Ancianos' is a bright cheery place and the banners were up to greet us. It is home to 21 elderly residents and is the only one in Ocotal; without it they would be on the streets. It is constantly under the threat ^ -. of closure for lack of funding. There was only one full time carer and two part time volunteers who did everything cooking, washing and cleaning. A nurse visits regularly but medication was limited.

It was noticeable that the residents had very few possessions. One elderly bare-footed gentleman approached the Ma y oress and said that all he wanted was a pair of shoes. Jenny was so moved by this that she bought a pair the next day and took them to him. He was overwhelmed and could not thank her enough.

The home relies heavily on charity for its day-to-day running costs.

They do get a payment from central government of $600 per quarter, though sometimes it does not arrive. While we were there we presented Edward with £500 that has raised through the Mayor's charity fundraising to be used for food and medicines.

Another item that we kept seeing were the water filter units that are sponsored by SOL. Although many homes have a water supply,

it is not safe to drink. These units are very basic. A plastic container with an earthenware filter and lid.

The filtered water is 100% pure and safe to drink. The cost is only $10, but many families are still too poor to afford one. For a few cents they can buy a small plastic bag of water or they send the children out to beg for water.

We visited various pre-school groups and the school. We fascinated the children. Every time they saw a camera they wanted their photo taken. Schooling is free in Ocotal, but as uniform is required and parents have to pay for all their books and pens, many families cannot afford to send their children. Consequently there are many street children.

A couple of years ago some of the young boys on the streets started boot cleaning opposite the Town Hall. Now a shelter has been built for them and they have formed their own co-operative and have a flourishing business. At the bus station there is a day centre, run by volunteers, where the street children are encouraged to go and learn to make things they can sell for small amounts of money.

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They are proud of what they have and extremely grateful for what is being done. These people have been through a terrible revolution and a disastrous hurricane. They deserve all the help they can get.

What they cannot give back in a material way they certainly make up for with their hospitality and the hand of friendship.

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Smile Menders to continue Ukraine dental link

Planting new lungs for the town

The Mayor and Mayoress of Swindon and several members of the council joined some five hundred people wearing wellington boots Swindon's links with Ukraine will be strengthon 2 December to continue the long running project to turn the old ened in August when Freshbrook dentist Shaw tip into a park of the future.

Brendon Ball, his wife Natasha and colleague (; Organised by the Great Richard Swift take a mobile dental unit to Western Community Forest, provide much needed care in rural areas. the tree plant added another The Link has featured Brendon and Richard's Natasha 2,000 saplings to the thouefforts to bring relief to sufferers in the Cherkassy and Brendon Ball sands that were planted at a region of Ukraine over the last two years.

They've now formed a charity called Smile Menders to attract dona- similar event in 1999, and by council staff since. tions of materials, equipment and money to support their work.

The 53 acre site will start A former health authority dental caravan is being refurbished so it can be towed into remote rural areas to provide clean facilities for to take on the look of a park examination and treatment. The dentists' plan to make the trip last year with woodlands and open spaces in about twenty had to be postponed because of bureaucratic difficulties. years, though forest officer For details on how to help Smile Menders, call 873044.

Dave Evans said that a cycle route through it would be ready within the next two.

"The team were delighted that so many families and Professionally drawn by supporters came along," he said. "There is a tremendous commitment to seeing Swinfor Independent don become a greener place Financial Advice and people enjoy being involved in creating their forA professionally prepared See us first !! for impartial guidance est." on investment and money matters will can avoid delay and Many youngsters went The Mayor David Cox and Mayoress Jenny distress for your family Offices in Swindon, away with painted faces and Dean tree planting with Sumaya, Tata and Wootton Bassett and Caine Home visit service: clutching bird boxes and Leila Ghannam from Grange Park with the Contact Jeremy Angell Single £49.95 • Double £69.95 wreaths made on site. houses at Sparcells in the background on 01249 814536

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Pushing for fairer trade Wiltshire Agenda 21 is looking for individuals and groups to take part in the fourth Wiltshire Fairtrade Fortnight, 3 to 16 March, to promote products grown by farmers who are guaranteed fair wages and work in decent conditions. A free action pack of ideas for tasting sessions and other events is available from 01380 729218.

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After their trip to Ocotal, described on the previous two pages, the issue of sanitation and clean water are more important than ever for the Mayor of Swindon Dave Cox and his partner Jenny Dean.

So they were pleased to support a petition signature morning organised by the Sticky youth group from Christ Church in Old Town in late November to promote the nationwide Water Matters campaign launched by Christian relief agency Tearfund and water industry charity Water Aid. The youngsters filled a bath in Regent Street with small buckets to demonstrate that people in poor countries have to walk six kilometres on average to find water. By 2025, two thirds of the planet's population will be facing water shortages. "Water related diseases South Swindon MP Julia Drown are the largest cause of death joined the Mayor and Mayoress and worldwide," said Sticky group or- the Sticky petitioners to raise awareganiser Rev Guy Donegan-Cross. ness of the shortage of clean water David Cox said, "the lack of sani- phasised how lucky we are in Eutation and clean water in Ocotal rope.

The petition calling for discusreally brought home to us how important it is to use water re- sionand action on the global water sources well. They had been in a crisis will be passed on to the Prime drought and water was frequently Minister before he leaves for the cut off during our stay which em- UN Earth Summit in September.

15

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THE LINK MAGAZINE'S GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON IN AND AROUND SWINDON

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Call (01793) 871342 for free brochure Swindon Works: Past & Present a new exhibition of fascinating historic photographs of the Swindon Works goes on display at STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway from 19 January.

Images from the past and pictures taken today from a similar viewpoint or perspective will show the changes which have occurred over the last 150 years.

The exhibition will concentrate on the buildings and areas of the site which survive, STEAM, the National Monuments Record Centre and the largest complex that now remains — the Great Western

Designer Outlet, and there will be photographs of buildings and views long gone.

"A Swindon railway worker of a century ago would hardly recognise the place today," said Tim Bryan, Curator of STEAM. "Even though many original buildings survive, they are now used for dramatically different purposes—from a shopping centre to a museum."

Admission to this special exhibiti on will be free and will be open daily, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm; Sunday 11am to 5pm.

Normal admission charges will apply for the STEAM displays.

For more information on STEAM, call 466646 or go to www.steammuseum.org.uk .

or email: enquiries@friends-and-partners.co.uk

Join Noddy, his best friend Big Ears, and a cast of friendly characters in his all new show for 2 to 6 year olds Friday 18th January, 1.30pm & 4.30pm Saturday 19th Janua ry , 10.30am. 1.30pm & 4.30pm Sunday 20th January, 11.30am & 2.30pm Tickets: £8.50 PRESENTS

The death of the broad gauge The image above was taken in 1892 from next to the Bristol to London main line, close to what is now Penzance Drive.

In the distance is the Boiler Shop of Swindon Works. To the left, the first houses in Radcliffe Street can be seen behind the high brick wall which surrounds the works.

Dominating the picture are the lines of broad gauge locomotives waiting to be scrapped after the track guage on Brunel's Great Western Railway was abolished to be replaced by Stephenson's standard gauge of today. The GWR had to buy the extra land west of Rodbourne Road, shown here, to store them.

Below, todays use for the Boiler Shop

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Calling all music lovers Friday 11 January is the closing date for entries to Swindon Music Festival 2002 which takes place from 11 to 23 March at the Arts Centre.

There are classes to suit every age and ability in singing of all kinds including choirs, solos, duets and groups.

Instrumental classes are available in pianoforte, strings, woodwind, guitar, brass and keyboard and a composition class for budding composers.

Entry forms and syllabus are available from Duck, Son & Pinker in Fleet Street.

High fashion needed The Swindon Branch of the Down's Syndrome Association is planning another fashion show at Cellular Operations on 11 May and are seeking donations or loan of garments from shops or suppliers to model.

Last year over £15,000 was one class a fortnight for many chil:. raised from a number of events dren and would like to have a sec— including £3,500 from a very suc and therapist which will enable cessful fashion show at CellOps in them to support weekly classes.

May. An England shirt signed by Other assistance includes the David Beckham raised £520 in an ,, provision of Numicon maths aids auction, a bargain considering what used by children with Down's Synhe did subsequently to get Eng drome in mainstream schools as land into the World Cup. well as training days for parents The association has many cornand school support assistants.

The target from this year's fashmitments to meet this year. includ' ing having to raise £11,000 to con- Stephen Thomas and Callum Brett ion show is £5.000. For details on tinue speech therapy classes. with Beck's shirt from the August how to help make it a big success, Currently they can only provide Link front page contact Jenny Brett on 344615. dog

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Male voices booked by bowls club Haydon Wick Bowls Club present the Swindon Male Voice Choir and special guests in concert at the Haydon Centre on Saturday 26 January, 7.30pm.

Tickets at £4.50 (£4 concs) from the Haydon Centre, tel: 706666.

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Technics techniques to the fore With so many buttons and hidden effects, the modern keyboard is something akin to a aircraft cockpit. But a social group for owners of Technics equipment aims to help the beginner discover how to get the best out of it, and the improver extend his or her range of abilities.

Coordinated by Technics expert Midge Dack, Keyboard Capers meets fortnightly at Moredon Community Centre. to share ideas, pass on tips and tricks of the trade and investigate the intricate effects that can be achieved, and make good music along the way.

The cost is £1.50 per evening, which includes light refreshment.

For details, call Midge on 335273 or mail: m_a_dack@hotmail.com

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Contact the reception for available dates whatever your occasion from reunions and birthdays to weddings. We can also provide catering from finger buffets to 4 course dinners.

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17

Swindon Wide Church appeals for saviours Old Town's 150 year old landmark Christ Church is crumbling before our eyes and could become unusable unless urgent repairs are carried out.

The Friends committee have launched a £1.5 million campaign and want to get the whole town involved in its Skyline Appeal. The first event is an Eleventh Night Party at the church hall in Devizes Road on 5 January. For details call 522832 or mail: skylineappal@hotmail.com Left, detail from a stained glass window at Christ Church

Success for young local dancer Dedicated Lee Meadows of Abbey Meads has enjoyed well earned success locally and nationally in folk dance through last year.

A series of heats around the country, with semi-finals at Paignton, led to an appearance in the all England finals at Sadlers Wells. With his performance of the Ukranian Warrior Dance. Lee won the national championship and went on later the same day to win the Anna Gale award worth £100.

Lee. 17. studies A level Dance and Performance at Swindon College and hopes to go on to dance college. His aim is to become a professional performer, ultimately in the West End. His recent part in the SALOS production Oklahoma last October was good practice.

He has been dancing since the

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Tel: 01 793 6011 631 age of ten and is a pupil of the Judith Hockaday School of Dance and Performance. Judith, who has a regular class at Westlea Primary School on Tuesday evenings, said "Lee is a very talented dancer and should go far in this field."

Step change at tavern in Toothill When Stacey and Michael Coombs saw a banner on the side of the pub at Toothill Village Centre advertising for new tenants, an idea sparked and life took an unexpected turn.

Having been ballroom and Latin dance teachers for nearly 15 years, they had been looking for a permanent base for their successful Step in Time dance school. Where better than a pub with a large function room even though it meant learning how to run one?

Six months later, Toothill's pub has been renamed The Village Tavern. The former pool room has a new wooden . '< floor, bar areas have Michael, Stacey and the staff with the Good Companions been renovated and years of overgrown shrubs have been cut back to reveal the unusual design that surprised people when the pub first opened in May 1981 (after The Link ran a competition to find its original name).

Stacey and Michael and their three children have lived in Toothill for many years, and they have a vision for putting The Village Tavern back at the centre of community life. "We are bursting with ideas for the Tavern," says Stacey. "We really do want to make it a place where all ages and all sections of the community feel eager to visit. The function room can host up to 150 people, seventy for a sit down meal. We were really pleased to welcome the Toothill Good Companions for their Christmas lunch; our first event for West Swindon's longest running group.

"We hold after school and evening dancing classes, and we're also planning coffee mornings and tea dances. Coming up on 17 January is a Ladies' Night and we're going to be celebrating lots of other events - watch this space.

"Do drop by and see what we can offer."

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THE VILLAGE TAVERN Come and enjoy a drink and a meal in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere Enjoy our varied weekend entertainment from Karaoke to live duos Families and groups welcome Large function room available for all Kinds of events

LADIES - get 2002 going with a swing at our first Welcoming you to a familiar landmark in LADIES NIGHT Toothill: new tenants and long time residents of on I 7th January the area, Michael & Stacey Coombs

TEL: (01793) 486027 Toothill Village Centre, Toothill, Swindon

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Venues

Music

The Arts Centre Devizes Road. Tel: 614837 The National Monuments Record Centre, Kemble Drive.

Tel: 414600 STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway, Kemble Drive.

Tel: 466655 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Town Hall Studios Regent Circus. Tel: 463210 The Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square. Tel: 524481

Tuesday 8th, 7.30pm Swindon Jazz Society. An opportunity to share Christmas CDs, books etc with members. The Kings Arms Hotel, Wood Street.

Membership details from 693093

Contact venues to confirm date. time and price

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Tuesday 15th, 8pm Acoustic Stawbs (below). Enjoy a mix of new music and old favourites from Dave Cousins, guitar, dulcimer and vocals, Dave Lambert on guitar and vocals and Brian Willoughby on lead guitar. £10. Arts Centre

Saturday 26th, 7.30pm Steel Magnolias presented by the Phoenix Players. Robert Harling's warm hearted and sentimental comedy about the importance of trivia in helping people soldier on. £4.50.

Arts Centre Tuesday 29th, 7.30pm Let's Dance presented by Swindon Dance Company. Dance and songs from the 1940s to the present day from a cast aged 4 - 18. £6. Arts Centre Thursday 31st, 8pm Mozart Preposteroso presented by Nola Rae, an international performer who trained as a dancer and studied mime with Marcel Marceau. She combines mime, dance, comedy and puppetry to hold the stage with absolute ease without a word being spoken. She explores Mozart the musical phenomenon as infant. child and man, to ask what made him so endearingly and disastrously absurd? £8.50. Arts Centre

Comedy Thursday 17th, 7pm and 9.30pm Dave Gorman's Better World.

Following an extended run in New York performing 'Are you Dave Gorman?' Arts Centre favourite returns full of inspired story telling. tangents and comic invention. £11.

Arts Centre Monday 21st to Thursday 24th, 7.30pm Roy Chubby Brown, one of the naughtiest and most successful British comics of recent times. If easily offended, please stay away. £15.50.

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Sunday 13th, 8pm Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen. For more than 40 years Kenny Ball has fl own the flag for his particular brand of traditional jazz all over the world. £12.50. Wyvern

to Saturday 12th, 2pm & 7pm. 3pm on 1 January.

Cinderella. £13.50. Wyvern

Friday 18th, 8pm An Evening with Robbie McIntosh and Gordon Haskell. Robbie McIntosh played for five years with The Pretenders and six in Paul McCartney's band, as well as with Tina Turner, Cher and Annie Lennox.

Gordon Haskell was in King Crimson and has written three number one songs. These accomplished musicians offer superb songs from blues to ballads. £8.50. Arts Centre Saturday 19th, 7.30pm Swindon Recital Series with Newbold Piano Quartet. A programme of Schumann, Dvorak, Bridge and David Matthews from this young chamber ensemble. Formed in 1995 atthe Royal College of Music, the Quartet made its Wigmore Hall and Purcell Room debuts to great acclaim in 1999. Since then the ensemble has broadcast on Radio 3 and Classic FM, and performed throughout the country. £8. Arts Centre Friday 25th, 7.30pm Steve Travis & His Band - So Far So Good. Guaranteed to entertain fans of country music and first timers too. £9.50. Wyvern Sunday 27th, 7.30pm Acoustic Rescue. Ray and Spencer Davies from Swansea are talented fingerstyle guitarists, whose style embraces blues, ragtime. classical and jazz influences. £7. Arts Centre Wednesday 30th, 2pm Roll Out The Barrel. A new show of pure nostalgia, featuring songs from the 20s to the 50s, devised and performed by Terry Bradford and Susie Arvesen. Sing along, or just sit back and enjoy. £6. Wyvern

MORTGAGE SERVICES Serving the community since 1987

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or example, £50,000 would cost £175 per month interest only excluding insurance). This is discounted to 31/7/03. Valuation -efunded on completion and £250 cashback. (Maximum loan to /alue 97%). Daily interest, tracker discount. discounted to 31/7/03

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Mansfield Begbie Associates Ltd. is an Introducer Representative of Allcover Financial Services authorised to give investment and pensions business intoductions only.

Allcover Financial Services is regulated by the Personal Investment Authority for investment and pensions business.

Credit broker fees of up to 1% on the advance may be charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. 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 life assurance policy may be required.

Example: A marred 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 28/2/2002 secured against a properly being purchased for £55,050.

300 monthly mortgage payments of £175. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96. Total amount payable £125,183 calculated to include valuation fee £195. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply throughout the term of the loan.

Maximum loan £150,000. Rate applied is 4.2% (4.7% APR) discounted to 31,7/03. Rates may vary. The rate applies to loans up to and including 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted tale is applicable until 31/7103, after which the then current variable base mortgage 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.

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Family activities

Family show

Saturdays 12th & 26th Meet the Railworkers. Join former engine drivers, firemen and railway workers to find out about life 'inside' the Swindon Works. Normal admission charges. STEAM

Friday 18th, 1.30pm & 4.30pm; Saturday 19th, 10.30am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm; Sunday 20th, 11.30am & 2.30pm

gauge layout featuring many locomotives including a GWR diesel railcar fitted with a camera giving a miniature driver's eye view of the tracks. Normal admission charges.

STEAM

adventures suitable for oor

Noddy and his best friend Big to Sunday 6th January Ears visit the Forgotten Toys. Find the poor Wyvern forgotten hidden toys. Some may be Theatre in familiar, but others may be a bit older an all new than you remember. 50p. Swindon show with lively Museum & Art Gallery songs and audi Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th participation. J( Model Railway Magic. Large `0' them for excitin

2 to 6 year olds. £8.50.

Hands on Hats Pose in front of the mirror in a choice of beautifully made period hats for children. Formal. grand, floppy or prim, see which hat you fit in! Normal admission charges.

Lydiard House Right. youngsters th ; lli S h 1 fremToo c o0

try them on for size

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THE GILBERTS GENUINE SALE starts Saturday 29th December gam '. 10% off all carpets . 15% off all upholstery, inc. special orders

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Film Wednesday 9th, 7.45pm Amelie from Montmartre (15) A naive and shy girl decides to help ______________ those around her and discovers

love along the ' way. Romantic, dreamlike and quirky and a smash hit in France.French

with English sub-titles A rts Centre.

Presented by SFS

Wednesday 16th, 7.45pm Requiem for a Dream (18) An unremitting portrayal of drug abuse and the consequent slide to destruction. Arts Centre SFS

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Wednesday 30th, 7.45pm Before Night Falls (15) Julian Schnabei's life of gay Cuban writer Reinaldo Arenas who joins his friends in the revolution but is subjected to homophobia, imprisonment and torture.SFS

Reductions on all brands

Swindon Film Society (SFS) All films are shown at the Arts Centre; tickets are not sold in advance. Join the society when purchasing tickets

Bath Road Corner Old Town Tel: 534271

Friday 11th, 7.45pm Lucky Break (12) Bill Nighy, James Nesbitt and Timothy Spall star in Peter Cattaneo's follow up to The Full Monty, an entertaining romp in which a group of prison Saturday 26th, 10am - 4pm inmates stage a musical play as a Drawing from the Model. Practice cover up for their escape plan. £3.50. your life drawing skills in a small A rts Centre supportive group, without a tutor.

Bring materials, and a drawing board.

Sunday 13th, 8pm £10. Arts Centre The Apartment (15) Romantic Max is planning a marriage. investigating a murder,chasing after a lost love and getting bizarrely hooked up with a mystery girl.

High energy ceilidh L'Appartement playfully ties its Random with Will Hall lovelorn characters in knots as the Saturday 19 January, 8pm -11.30pm. heady plot pulses along to its giddy Ellendune Centre, Wroughton conclusion. French with English subtitles. £3. World Cinema at the Victoria £6. £4 cones, £16 family, under 11s £1 pub, Victoria Rd, Old Town, Swindon Call 641107 for tickets.

SALE starts

Thursday 27th December Don't miss out on

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Workshops

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Swir kr Wide Wit's On in )CA i r^ Exhibitions & displays

Wyvern, Lower Foyer to 19 January y Mabinogion Drawings from Cardiff based a rt ist, Sarah Hope, with themes from the Welsh 'Mabinogion' mythical tales.

A family run business offering great service and very low prices. If you can find it cheaper, we will beat that price on the spot.

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STEAM to 6 January The Millennium Tapestry Over 300 metres square of colourful canvasses created by school children across the country, on display in Wiltshire for the first time. Free admission to exhibition, normal charges to museum

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The Gallery, National Monuments Record Centre to 13 January The Arts And Crafts Movement Examples of craftmanship and design from the workshops of William Morris & Co. and others, illustrated by photographs from the NMR. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery to 3 February It's a Gift This exhibition is dedicated to those generous individuals and institutions who have contributed to the Swindon Collection over the years.

F

Wyvern, Harlequin Bar 9 January to 3 February Nature and Music by Ceinwen Davies Paintings, wall hangings, batiks and 2D relief carvings capture the gentleness and spirit of music and nature.

STEAM from 19 January Swindon Works: Past and present Historic photographs from the museum collection, comparing them with views taken in more recent years.

Free admission to exhibition. normal charges to museum The Gallery,National Monuments Record Centre from 19 January Landscape history Work by students from the NMRC workshop on Lydiard Tregoze and Lydiard Millicent.

Arts Centre 16 January to 23 February In Memoriam by Jennifer Vickers Using fragments of letters and other contemporary material related to World War II and the Holocaust, Jennifer Vickers questions the validity of personal testimony and our i mpressions of the past. The exhibition is part of Swindon Council's commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day. Free artist's talk in the Arts Centre Gallery bar on Monday 28 January, 7.30pm.

Tours & talks Wednesday 9th, 7.30pm Yesterdays Runways. Stories of local airfields during World War II, by Bill King. Swindon Society Broad Green Centre, Salisbury Street Saturday 19th, 2.15pm Tour of the National Monument Record Centre. An introduction to the work of the NMRC. Free Saturday 19th, 2pm Guided walk of the Great Western historic area, highlighting the areas depicted in Swindon Works: Pastand Present exhibition (see page 15).

Normal admission charges. STEAM Friday 25th, 7.30pm Holy Rood and Christ Church by Teresa Squires. Organised by the Friends of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery. £4 (£3 members). Swindon Museum

^+ How many Mums consider how much of their valuable sale time' shopping in the town centre is actually spent shopping?

Just think of the bargains you could miss whilst finding somewhere to park and then returning to find you have a parking ticket. Why do it?

At the West Swindon Shopping Centre shopping can be fun for all the family because you can visit all your favourite shops in an all-weather, relaxing atmosphere.

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SWINDON COLLEGE'S COURSESFORE U INE S Swindon College's new Adult Learners' Directory has a range of courses aimed at people working in the business community.

Many of the College's business courses now allow for assessment in the workplace. This means effectively that there is no requirement to attend classes, as the College will send an assessor along to your place of employment where the assessment will be carried out. This approach is available for courses up to NVQ Levels 2 and 3.

A new development on the computing front is the European Computer Driving Licence. This qualification is swiftly becoming the standard IT qualification for many companies and can help your career development. Courses start in early January and run for 34 weeks in the evenings. In addition, the College has a full range of computing courses covering introductory level, through desktop publishing to IT support and networking.

The College also has a range of courses to help you with your continuing professional development. At management level there is the Certificate in Management, which is accredited by the University of Leicester and is a highly regarded course. In addition, and at an introductory level, there is a Supervisory course. There are also courses in professional areas such as secretarial studies (in association with Reed Training) and bookkeeping.

Another flexible programme is available through e-learning. Courses can be delivered either at home or work - in fact anywhere you have an Internet connection. Courses on offer li ke this include office administration, finance, leadership and management skills.

In one of the more unusual courses it is now possible to train in inn keeping at the College.

The Inn Keepers' Qualifying Course runs in March and is supported by the National Licensee's Certificate. There is also a range of courses covering catering and hospitality skills and techniques.

On the engineering side there are courses in Two Dimensional CAD. To learn more about these courses or for a copy of the full Adult Learners' Directory contact Swindon College on freephone 0800 731 2250. n

Swindon College . 'ISI I 'i1i1 .i .I If you don't know one end of a dipstick from the other, then Swindon College are here to help. Starting in January, there will be two courses running at Greendown School, West Swindon, designed to give you the skills you need to maintain your car or motorcycle.

These beginners' classes last for 8 weeks and cover important aspects of maintenance such as servicing and fault finding. At the end of the course you and your car or motorcycle will be working in perfect harmony!

Details of these courses are available in the new Adult Learners' Directory. To find out more or to order a copy, simply freephone 0800 731 2250. n

LIFE, THE UNIVERSE IN TUNE WITH YOUR BODY WITH & EVERYTHING WHOLEBODYSOUNDTM Wholebodysound TM is a unique experience to help you improve your over all â&#x20AC;˘ well-being through using your voice and body in harmony. A special one day course will take place from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturday the 2nd February 2002 at Greendown School in West Swindon. Come along and find out how to enhance your life and health through i mproved breathing techniques, relaxation skills and let the therapeutic power of sound re-energise you!

More details about Wholebodysound are available in the new Adult Learners' Directory. To find out more or to order a copy, simply freephone 0800 731 2250. n

Have you ever wondered what's really out there in space? Could there be life on other planets? When did the Universe begin?

Any budding astronomers out there will be delighted to hear that the successful "Astronomy for Fun" course will be running again at Ferndale Road as part of Swindon College's new season of courses.

This fun course is open to anyone keen to gain an insight into all sorts of aspects of astronomy such as the formation of black holes, how stars are born and die, solar and lunar eclipses and the make-up of meteors and comets.

More details are available in the new Adult Learners' Directory. To order a free copy, simply freephone 0800 731 2250. n

Computer Training Courses from as little as £11.00

Friendly, experienced tutors Relaxed, informal atmosphere Flexible attendance or taught classes - you choose Support for students with learning difficulties

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The Link Magazine • Januar y 2002

Fascinated with family history Richard Moore, founder of the Swindon branch of the Wiltshire Family History Society, describes how people can find their roots in the county.

The internet has generated huge people are always welcome to join. interest in discovering ancestors, We have a number of expert memtheir occupations and where they bers willing to listen to individual lived, especially from the USA and problems in tracing family history Australia. and to offer advice.

The Swindon branch has been Researchers visiting the county active since 1975, one of six in the can make an appointment to use county with a current membership the Society Workroom in Devizes of about 2,600. Some five hundred to explore our range of local members live in Wiltshire attend- sources including indexes and ing local meetings, hearing talks transcripts, and the Monumental and exchanging information. The Inscriptions Index. majority of the membership live A word of warning. The internet across the UK and also overseas, is useful for contacting people All have joined because of their worldwide but it is essential that Wiltshire roots and seek our as- all information gained in this way sistance in tracing their records is checked against original sources. and to give them guidance on local Many individuals input material research possibilities, which may or may not be accurate.

The amount of information now To find out more about the available to members is vast. The branch and for dates of meetings, Monumental Inscriptions Index, please telephone Richard and from gravestones and memorials Marjorie Moore on 537103 or send in all the county parishes, contains a SAE to 1 Cambridge Close, Swinsome third of a million entries by don SN3 1JQ. surname and then other names on New College is running a five each stone. This index is currently week Family history using a cornbeing transferred to a database for putercourse from 15 January. Cost easier use. The parish register is £25. Call 0808 172 1721 to book. also being compiled and published The PeopleLink section at by a large group of volunteers.

The Swindon branch meets twice www.swindonlink.com lists lots of a month at Gorse Hill Community people worldwide looking for old Centre in Chapel Street and new friends and former school mates.

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Spirit of Swindon's journey end

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Atlantic rowers taken to the extremes of endurance Norman Butler from Westlea and his rowing partner Phil Scantlebury from Poole in their boat Spirit of Swindon should have arrived in Barbados between Christmas and New Year, completing a long, hard 3,000 mile journey.

According to Linda Butler, with meant that a passing schooner spotted the Spirit and dropped off 400 miles to go as The Link went to some food. Welcome as it was, Norpress before Christmas, both men man ate some out of date salami were at the end of their tether with which turned his stomach and frustration and despair and were made rowing very difficult. They struggling to maintain the momenhave to use a bed pan for a toilet to tum to get to the finishing line. keep low in the boat and Norman She and baby daughter Melissa said he had to row for a day sitting flew out to the Caribbean to welon it," said Linda. come Norman and Phil with both The first half of the row was their mothers. mostly on calm seas but Norman At the end of November Nortold Linda that the conditions in man and Phil and the Spirit of December were very rough, with Swindon were nearly sunk by a the Spirit of Swindon surfing down ship that had dropped off food. forty foot waves. "They have had Norman had originally planned Just before departure, Norman, to concentrate to make sure the and packed supplies for 90 days, Linda and new born Melissa. boat goes up the wave and down but decided to leave twenty days Norman will have to catch up on the other side at the right angle to worth of supplies at home because videos to see how she has grown try and avoid being soaked more of the weight.

In mid-December Linda was tel- than they have to.

Because their journey was tak"It's been very hard work at a ing much longer than expected, ephoned by Dover coastguard affood stocks were starting to run ter the French coastguard had re- time when they are physically and low. A passing freighter hoisted ceived a message from a ship which mentally exhausted. They have food over the side but did not give could not locate the Spirit after a been plodding on and are desperthe rowers enough time to pull radio message asking for food. ate to finish.

"Hopefully they will arrive in Linda had talked to Norman by away before moving off.

In a choppy sea and with pro- then and was able to assure the Port St Charles by the New Year.

We'll all be glad to see each other pellers churning, the Spirit was coastguard they were alright.

However an 'all-ships message again." sucked along the side towards disaster, but somehow they managed to push away in time.

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No joy for elected Mayor idea

Martha Parry wrote of the need for an elected Mayor in Swindon in the December Link. Here she reflects on an unsatisfactory decision.

While I argued last month that much of counSwindon's consultation on a di- cil activity is rectly elected mayor was incon- regulated and clusive, and should be put to vot- funded by ceners in a referendum, the Govern- tral government office receiving Swindon's ment, it really report on the process has passed it is an agent of national govas meeting the guidelines.

Swindon Council has done noth- ernment and ing wrong; it is the guidelines is- party politics, no matter which sued by the Government which party is 'in.'

• Martha has won a Community are inadequate.

Reading the press about how Innovators Millennium Award to the council is run, I am struck by research a business plan to open a the use of words like 'authority,' town centre American style diner which would be run by young peo'control' and 'ruling group.'

In the context of local govern- ple. All profits would be put back ment, and considering how so into community projects

Arts in line for big cuts Higher council taxes from April have been agreed by Swindon Council to maintain and improve education and social services.

A 9.5 per cent rise - about £70 a • closing Cre8 Studios and Swinyear - is to be implemented. But don Dance; after a poor grant settlement from • closing the public art service and central government the council still cutting grants to activities such as faces a deficit and a range of serv- the Festival of Literature; ice cutbacks and price rises are • not introducing new payments to foster carers and closing a resiproposed. These include: • closing 10 small libraries to con- dential home for the elderly; centrate on 7 centres of excellence; • reducing subsidies to Enterprise • closing the Children's Univer- Works • increasing car park charges. sity scheme; Finaldecisionsonbudgetreduc• reducing grants to voluntary tions will be made in April. groups;

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30 The Link Magazine • January 2002

Making for better play

Lunch launch A new weekly social club is being launched atFreshbrook Community Centre on Monday

Childcare providers and voluntary play organisations in Swindon can call on a playcare resources se rv ice to supplement their own facilities.

Coordinated by Suzanne Graham, and funded by Swindon Council and the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, the service provides advice, information and play equipment for hire at reasonable cost. This includes parachutes, face painting kits, a badgemaking machine, giant Jenga and Connect 4.

Organisations which can hire the equipment include playgroups, nurseries, childminders and out-of-school childcare providers. They can also access a play information library located within Swindon Scrapstore at the Pinehurst Peoples' Centre which provides play activity books and information on child development, play theory, music and drama.

To find out more, call Suzanne Graham on 465414 or the Swindon

^11

4 February.

It will open at 10.30am for tea, coffee, biscuits, chat, and perhaps a game of cards or dominos which will be followed by lunch at midday• For details and to book a place, call Lorraine at the centre on

^4 ;` t . `_.

u;

871017 or Pam Pixton

Scrapstore on 513982.

Suzanne Graham, ready to make play more interesting

on 465466.

THE DROVE

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VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 5PY

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Swimming is suitable for all types of dogs and is especially helpful for the following conditions: Arthritis Spinal Injuries Hip/Elbow Dysplasia and Recovery from Surgery, Maintaining Fitness & Weight Loss Telephone Gill on 01793 706224 for details

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Get art; look good in 2002

31

The Link's resolution centre It's that time of the year again. The season of excess has past; the turkey is no more, the pud, the brandy butter, the alcohol - all a pleasant memory. Yet the evidence is revealing itself in those extra pounds around the middle or on the thighs.

So, did you resolve to rid yourself of those extra pounds this year, or take some steps to reduce stress?

Over the next seven pages, plus the front and back pages, you will find ways of changing your life for the better - whether its a class, personal training, a hair or nail treatment, or a complementary therapy - this is definitely the place to look for help.

Aromatherapy & massage Julie Morse Inner Smile Back care Shaw Chiropractic Clinic Chiropody Leslie Taylor Gyms, keep fit classes and personal training Achieve Success Bodies by Design Link Centre ALC Prime Bodies

Pilates & Yoga p35 Achieve Success p34 Bodies by Design

Trax

p34

Hair & beauty The Beauty Studio

p36

Duncans Salon Hair Razors

31

p p37 p36

Jackie Galati p34

p36

Reiki FJ Taylor Reiki Master Lorraine Mills Touch in Time

p31 p36

p33 p36 p31 p32 p35

113 High Street. Wootton Bassett Professional Healing Courses Learn this ancient healing art Reiki is safe, completely natural and highly effective complementa ry therapy. Reiki is not a religion or a belief system

I

p34

A p31 p37 p48 p1

p31 p32

Kelly's Salon The Hilton, Swindon • Nail Extensions •

p33

v Body Wraps

Sarah Nash

p32

•

p31 p35 p32

Courses available at all levels, small informal groups, individual attention, comprehensive manual, certificated.

After course guidance and support.

St Tropez Tanning

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Shiatsu Touch of Health Weight loss The Beauty Studio Rosemary Conley Slimming World Herbalife

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FREE INFORMATION PACK Reiki Master/Teacher. Guild of

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PILATES & YOGA CLASSES PILATES STRETCH CLASSES are great for strengthening deep

Call Dawn on (01793) 782639 Membership £6.00 Class £4.30 Exercise only £3.30 (no membership)

abdominal and lower back muscles, whilst increasing your fl exibility in a relaxed class environment.

Come along to the demonstration classes on: Monday 7th January at 6pm & Wednesday 8th January at 7.30pm at HolyTrini ty Church, ShawVillage Centre and receive 50% off normal class prices.

POWER YOGA CLASSES will teach you the art of

performing a flowing sequence of postures designed to increase strength and flexibility throughout the body whilst calming the mind.

Try out Nicki's demonstration class on

Thursday 9th January, 7pm at Dorcan Recreation Centre and receive 50% off normal class prices.

SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY Great for relieving back pain, muscular tension & headaches

^urzca^ 4

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Shaw Village Centre Olga Hladusz, who worked at Duncan's two years ago, has bought the business and with over ten years experience in hairdressin, feels she is ready for the challenge.

Olga says "I remember when 1 worked here previously, there was a good sense of community spirit and I am happ y to he back at Shaw."

t Opening times: Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 9am to 6pm Thursdays & Fridays: 9am to 7pm

To book an appointment, call 814825

Saturdays: 8.30am to 3.30pm

Get fit. look good

32 The Link Magazine - January 2002

NA4, 9YL[ WORT YOUR NEAREST CLASS Monday: 6.00pm & 7.30pm St John's Church, Haydon Wick.

Nicole. 338786 Tuesday: 9.30am

Toothill Community Centre, Dunwich Drive. Jenny. 613423 Tuesday: 6.30pm

Abbey Meads School.

Paula, 701442 Thursday: 6.30pm

Freshbrook Community Centre.

Worsley Rd. Jenny. 613423 Thursday: 7pm

St John's Church. Haydon Wick.

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Tel: 422824

44

Moonwalkers gather to plan May's marathon entry on 15 January Can the town send biggest team again?

For the last two years women walking under the banner Swindon Twin Peaks have been the largest group from any town in the UK to do the midnight Moonwalk marathon through the streets of London, wearing decorated bras, in aid of Breakthrough Breast Moonwalkers collecting in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Cancer at Tregoze School non uniform day last May, Bristol Cancer from left, Jayne Yalden, Julie Tielemans, Louise Cordas Help Centre.

Over 100 in 2000 and 200 plus and that walkers would be organlast May have contributed some ising training groups in different parts of the town, including one £80,000 to the totals raised.

The meeting takes place on Tues- for beginners.

One group have been walking day 15 January, 7.30pm in the meetevery Tuesday evening since last ing room at the Link Centre.

"It's a chance for newcomers and May. For details, call Jo Clarke on past Moonwalkers to get together, 831831 (day).

Application forms are now availshare experiences and encourage each other," said Twin Peaks coor- able at the Link Centre ALC or Oasis Leisure Centre. Apply early dinator Eunice Salmon.

She said preparation is essential as there will only be 10,000 places.

TAE KWON-DO Stuart Wokelc

PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION BY SARAH NASH BLACK BELT 3rd DEGREE

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Tae Kwon-Do is a traditional Korean martial art of self-defence. Through training in Tae Kwon-Do a student will achieve mental and physical well-being

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•

BEGINNERS CLASSES '1 Sunday 27th January Under 12s 5pm - 6pm (limited spaces) Adults 6pm - 7pm IIII'A

n 2002

The Link Magazine • January 2002 33

i

Ten top tips for the next 12 months Darren Gunter of the Link Centre Active Lifestyle Centre offers you some points to consider when pursuing your keep fit resolutions Diets don`t work per week when you can eat whatFact. If there was such a thing as a ever you like. This will help you be diet that worked, all the other diet disciplined for the rest of the week companies in the world would go and again will boost your metabobust overnight. The only effective lism. thing in the long term is consist- Do what you like ently sticking to sensible eating If you don't like to run then cycle. habits combined with exercise.

If you don't like to cycle, row. If Smaller waist? On your bike... you don't like the gym, try an exeror treadmill, or rowing machine, cise class. If you don't enjoy classes, or aerobics class or anything else swim. If you don't like the water, that gets you out of breath for at walk. least 15 minutes three times a week.

The point is, find something you This will help reduce body fat enjoy and you will stick to it and around your waist-doing hun- get results. If you try to persevere dreds of sit ups will not. with something that you find a Lift weights to lose weight chore, you probably won't.

Weight training is not just for Liquid calories bodybuilders. In fact regular If you're watching what you eat, weights sessions will boost your don't forget to watch what you metabolism (the rate at which your drink too. A cup of tea or coffee body burns calories) making it with sugar is 50 calories, a can of easier to lose weight. fizzy drink is 130, a glass of wine Eat five or six meals a day 100, a pint of beer 200. A glass of Smaller, more frequent meals also water has no calories. boost your metabolism and avoids Don't overdiet, or you'll get fat! overloading your stomach. Three If you are aiming to lose weight moderate sized main meals with you need to reduce your calorific smaller, low fat snacks in between intake, but by no more than 20%. is ideal. Your energy levels will be Any more will cause your body high all da y too. to go into starvation mode, slowHave a cheat day ing down the rate at which it burns If you are trying to keep to a healthy calories and speeding up the rate diet but crave treats, have one day at which it stores fat.

same things at the same level? It the answer is yes, then you are not giving your body any reason to improve, only maintain your fitness levels.

If you want to improve you have to up the intensity a little bit on a regular basis, lots of little improvements add up to a big improvement over time.

Don't overdo it

Your body doesn't like big shocks.

If your diet changes overnight, it is unlikely you will stick to it. If you throw yourself into an intense exercise programme from nothing, your body won't take it for very long and you will be exhausted.

Start small, progress regularly and success will follow.

Remind yourself, it doesn't matter what you ate and drank between Christmas and New Year.

But it matters what you eat between New Year and Christmas.

Progress

If you exercise regularly and have physically stayed the same for ages, ask yourself this. Do you train week in, week out and always do the

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Get fit. look good

34 The Link Magazine • January 2002

Shaw Chiropractic Clinic Shaw Village Centre IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM: -

0 Backache, Leg pain O Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain O Headache & Migraine O Sciatica O Sports Injury 0 Arthritis 0 Whiplash

YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CONSULTING A CHIROPRACTOR Free new patient consultation until 31st January For further details contact:

SANDRA E. DAVIES D.C. SIMON BODLEY BSc. D.C. Tel: (01793) 887801 Fax: (01793) 882298 Opening times Mon, Tues, Fri: 7.30am - 8.30pm Wed: 8.30am - 8pm Thurs: 8.30am - 7.30pm Sat: 8.30am - Ipm Members of BCA • Registered with GCC Members of the College of Chiropractors

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Reiki could be the healing answer for you.

Call Danny Small Tel: 07092 207103 Eve. (01793) 878052

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You're never too old to make resolutions Make changes, see new faces, go to new places Getting older does not mean slowing down. Swindon Council's lifestyle development team has dozens of classes and activities aimed at the 50+ in the town, writes June Newton.

Massage Aromathererapy .

Reflexology • Reiki I NNER SMILE Indian Head Massag HOLISTIC THERAPIES Therapist: Gayle /.C.H.T. Tel: 01793 724521 or 0771 448 6905 8am-9pm

Wootton Bassett Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Mrs Lesley Catling MCSP

Chartered Physiotherapist Tel: 01793 848424 Mobile: 07778 553703 60 High Street

June, front right, with instructor Brian Gardner and the Link Centre Thursday morning 50+ mixed training, recreation and relaxation group By becoming more active, you reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, stress, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer. Increased activity can improve muscle mass, bone density, posture, confidence and self esteem.

Also there is the social side of things. Meeting people through an active lifestyle shows there is a common interest. When people make friends they are more likely to arrange to go to the theatre,

cinema or on trips together.

We offer so many activities aimed at older citizens - from bowls to golf, badminton to tennis - in halls all over the town.

A Young at Heart wallchart and the Leisure Times newsletter is available from council leisure centres or you can telephone me on 514401 for your free copy.

Here's a warning. Exercising on a regular basis can seriously improve your health! Start today.

Youngsters ready to take off .

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For a no obligation tour of our facility call us on 01793 497123 for an appointment or simply visit us at your own convenience. You can be sure of a warm welcome.

One hears so much about rising levels of obesity as couch potato kids spend too much time in front of the TV and the computer.

But skateboard heaven arrives in West Swindon in late January when regular sessions start in the Link Centre coach park after boxes, ramps, kickers and quarter pipes built by forty young volunteers, parents and youth workers in December have been inspected by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

Funding for materials was provided by the Swindon Crime & Disorder Team and the community education team in West Swindon will provide staff for sessions on Monday and Wednesday evenings. When not in use the equipment will be locked away.

Equipment consultant Ed Russell said the boxes and ramps have been designed so that they work together and can be arranged in different ways to create obstacles and challenges.

Users will have to be registered and parents will need to sign a consent form. For a copy, visit the Link Centre youth unit.

in 2002

The Link Magazine • January 2002 35

Win a therapy session The Prospect Hospice has a problem. On Saturday 27 April they are holding an event at the Link Centre which will promote all aspects of healthy living - but it needs a name.

The day will profile a range of different therapies including reflexology, massage and shiatsu, plus many others. Taster sessions will be available in many, with the opportunity to book full sessions for the future. Other attractions include local sporting and fitness group demonstrations throughout the day, tarot reading, crystal healing and various craft and information stalls.

Prospect Community Fundraiser, Gillian Richardson, said, "this event, organised in association with Nationwide, will promote a more healthy and stress free lifestyle and will be about learning how to make each day count.

"We need a title which encompasses this theme. Please send us ideas by the end of January; the winner of the chosen name will receive a free therapy session."

Send suggestions to Gillian Richardson, 'Name That Event', Prospect Hospice, Moormead Road, Wroughton or mail: fundraising@prospecthospice.org.uk by 1 February.

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Three to treat Although the Link Centre Active Lifestyle Centre is well known for the high quality equipment on offer, three therapists also use a treatment room.

Kate Cady grew up in Freshbrook and now has a degree in Sports Science and Sports Therapy. Along with her part time work at the Link Centre, she treats rugby and ice hockey players and also lectures on the New College HND Sports Science course.

In addition to sports related injuries, Kate treats people who have been hurt in an accident or at work. She is qualified in Kate, Lorraine and Jenna massage, electrotherapy, peripheral and vertebral mobilisStress has become such a central ations, sports specific rehabilita- and demanding issue of so many tion, suturing and wound man- lives and Lorraine Mills specialagement. ises in relieving it through reiki, Jenna Arrowsmith is well known Indian head massage and reflexolat the Link Centre and in skating ogy. Her aim is to help clients recircles nationally. She has now set lax, to see their situation in a difup Complete Beauty and offers a ferent way and rebuild their emorange of beauty treatments, mani- tional strength so that they cope cures, facials, eye treatments and with what life throws at them. hair removal. She also offers masKate and Jenna can be booked sage and a home visit bridal pack- via the Link ALC on 445566. Conage. tact Lorraine on 07899 675318.

Babies good for business Jo Simpson was first pictured eight months pregnant in The Link in April 1999 when she opened her first West 1 salon on Westcott Place.

++ Sculptured extensions Protective overlays to encourage natural nail growth v Airhrushing nail art v Temporary body art e° Ear piercing using the latest safety equipment Why be rushed? Pamper yourself within a relaxing environment

Tel: 01793 611267/349536 HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM EVERYONE AT

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Chinese (Experience

MEAD WAY, PEATMOOR, WEST SWINDON

EAT AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE Sunday to Thursday: £14.80pp, £10/child Fridays: £16.80pp, £10/child Our New Year's resolution is to guar an tee you won't leave us hungry with this offer Over 100 meals to choose from including aromatic crispy duck and king prawn dishes.

(10% service charge will be added to the bill. Offer not available on Saturdays)

TAKEAWAY SPECIAL OFFER FOR 2 PEOPLE

Enjoy a new experience by choosing a dish that can be cooked at your table side (selected dishes only)

Aromatic crispy duck (quarter) Vegetarian spring rolls Sweet & sour chicken HK style Shredded chilli beef

A year after opening her

futuristic salon on Victoria Road, she is about to have her second child.

"There has been a fantastic reaction to West I in Old Town," said Jo. "People like the unusual design both in and outside, and also the friendly atmosphere. We're told the salon has brought business to the area."

DISCO/-'^ KARAOKE EVENING 25th Jan ^

(call for

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Stir fried mixed vegetables Egg fried rice Prawn crackers Was £24. Now set price for all seven items £16.50 Free delivery within 2.5 miles

Tel: 01793 877888 Fax: 01793 873883 www.chinese-exDerience.co.uk

" Get

fit, look good in 1001

CHIROPODIST

Reiki Healing

Advanced Reflexologist

Indian Head Massage

& Kinesiologist CLINIC AT 113 HIGH STREET

Tai Chi, the gentle martial art Free session on 9 January at Upper Shaw Farm

Reflexology

WOOTTON BASSETT

Treatment Room (gym) Link Centre

For an appointment with Mrs Lesley Taylor MBChA, MSSCh, MIIR, ASK

Lorraine Mills 07899 675318

Call Freephone 0808 108 8545 (01793) 849914 anytime

Dip.IHM. Reiki Master. MICHT Mobile se rv ice also available

Need to get i n shape

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after the Festive

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Season?

We have an extensive range of slimming programmes to help you achieve the body you want, tackling problems like cellulite and fatty tissue.

Phone the Beauty Studio on 01793 870902 Also available: fill range of beauty therapies including facials, waxing, nail extensions etc.

Hatha Yocra with Jackie Galati

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3Iand by r, Dan jer.

The word Yoga means union, join or bring together "Mind, Body and Spirit".

Yoga is one of the oldest health practices in the world, thought to be over 6,000 years old. It helps to p1 iM improve strength, flexibility and relieves stress, through poses, breath control and deep relaxation Following slow controlled movement and holding poses, learn the art of alternate nostril breathing and complete relaxation.

My aim is to bring you the joy of Yoga and leave you feeling better about yourself.

Classes at Peatmoor Community Primary School (near the Chinese Experience) Monday

1 Oam to 11.30am

Tuesday 7.30pm to 9pm 7.30pm to 9pm Wednesday

'

You will need an exercise mat, sleeping bag or blanket. Wear comfo rt able loose clothes.

For fu rt her information or to pre-book contact Jackie on 01793 876380

Do you need to make changes to improve your fitness but hate the gym and can't stand jogging?

Tai Chi (Tai Ji Quan) is an ancient Chinese martial art although these days it is usually practised for its health benefits.

Renowned for its calming effect, Tai Ji can help combat the stresses of modern life, improve strength and flexibility and promote balance and harmony in our lives.

The smooth flowing movements, postural alignment and focused breathing patterns means that the body is not over-stressed and you can improve at your own pace. It is non-competitive and suitable for all age groups and fitness levels.

The Old Town Tai Chi Club meets every Wednesday at Upper Shaw Farm community centre, opposite Shaw Ridge primary school in West Swindon to practise a range of Chinese health arts

that includes traditional exercise systems - stretching, remedial and breathing exercises, Qigong, Tai Chi dance, stick set and 88 Style Yang form Tai Ji Quan.

The teacher, Annie Naji, has trained with the Nei Chia Association and is registered as a Member of the Register of Complementary Practitioners (Chinese Medicine Division) qualified to teach Tai Ji Quan, Qigong and Chinese Remedial Exercise. Annie has visited China several times to train with eminent Tai Ji masters.

There is a chance to try Tai Chi at a free session on 9 January. Wear loose stretchy clothing and soft soled shoes! trainers.

If you decide to join, the cost is ÂŁ4 per week, payable in advance each term. Payment by instalment is possible and there are concessions available for people on low incomes.

Yoga is big, very big Yoga has been around for years and years, but with Geri Halliwell and Madonna proclaiming that Power Yoga is responsible for their fitness, well being and high levels of energy, there has been a boom in classes.

Locally, Bodies by Design run classes at Greendown school and Achieve Success Fitness Consultancy is offering a demonstration class at the Dorcan Rec. Centre on 9 January (see page 31).

At Peatmoor community school Jackie Galati offers more traditional Hatha Yoga classes which emphasise the purity of the poses, breath control and deep relaxation.

Mass stretch at Louise Harrington Bodies by Design class at Greendown

A Brand New You n 4002 !

Lee, Carol, Loi

Where f

Ind CarolinE

end Lee ___

MONDAY 7pm to 8pm Level Low Impact Holy Trinity Church,

MONDAY

6.30pm to 7.30pm Level 2 Total Body Workout Peatmoor Primary

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School

Shaw Village Centre f

WEDNESDAY 7pm to 8pm Level 2 Hi-Lo Gym, Greendown School,

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Opp.The Chinese Experience

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Grange Park

WEDNESDAY 8.15pm to 9pm Level 2 Lime Kiln Wootton Bassett

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Where to find Carol MONDAY

8pm to 9pm Level 3 Body Blitz Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre TUESDAY 6.30pm to 7.30pm Level 3 Hi-Lo Gym, Greendown School, Grange Park

THURSDAY 7pm to 8pm Level 2 Low Impact Peatmoor Primary School Opp. The Chinese Experience SMILE ON SUNDAY 10.30am to 11.30am Level 1, 2, 3 Gym, Greendown School

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Where to find Lorna

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Where to And Caroline

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Friday 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Level Greendown School

Established 1989. Swindon's longest serving independent fi tness organisation

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TUESDAY 6.30pm to 7.30pm Level 2 Total Body Workout Peatmoor Primary School Opp.The Chinese Experience WEDNESDAY 6.30pm to 7.30pm Level 2 Total Body Workout Peatmoor Primary School Opp.The Chinese Experience

38

The Link Magazine • January 2002

Call to tidy up Freshbrook in January Start the New Year with a concern for your community is the message from the Freshbrook and Grange Park Neighbourhood Environmental Safety Team (NeST).

The group, made up of representatives from community groups, Equipment, bags and gloves will be available and a community schools, business, Swindon Council's crime and disorder team and the service order team will also be on hand to help make inroads into the police, are calling upon residents of the area to turn out for a community litter which infests shrub beds and pathways.

For details about the NeST in both Freshbrook and Toothill and tidy up around Freshbrook Village Centre on Saturday 19 January, 10am to 12.30pm, starting at the community centre where tea and perhaps to attend meetings every two months to discuss safety issues, call Tim Hughes on 466509. biscuits will be provided.

Vandals strike another school Following the November Link's report of vandal attacks on Brook Field School, Peatmoor Community Primary School has become the latest local school to fall victim to unnecessary damage. have been used for drug taking.

The latest incident saw a play He said, "It's really sad to see peohouse used by playgroup and reple starting to abuse the school. I ception children being overturned put the shed together when the and a door was ripped off a shed. school first opened two years ago Caretaker Chris Moody noticed and it has brought pleasure to so candle wax in the play house durmany children. Why do people ing November and thought teenhave to behave in this way?" agers may have used it as a den, Head teacher Terri Peacock has but it also raises fears that it may appealed for local people to help the school tackle the problem. "The attacks happen mainly at weekends. The police are involved and Youngsters in Miss Messenger's are keeping a watch on the school, year 5 and 6 class at Catherine but I would like people to be vigiWayte School, Abbey Meads, spent lant for us. If they see anything the Autumn studying rivers. suspicious please report it to the In September they visited St police straight away."

John's lock at Lechlade to study The damage at Peatmoor follows land use and the effect of the river. a series of incidents at Brook Field In mid-November they did the same in London, including a top Look what they've done. Peatmoor School caretaker Chris Moody with Luke that resulted in the school closing its grounds outside of school hours. down view from the London Eye. Matthews, Keaton Fisher, Tessa Clayfield, Emily Saunders

In the Eye

In fl ight over the capital

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The Link Magazine • January 2002

Smoke alarms should be at the top of the resolutions list Make your house a safer place, says Leading Firefighter Mark Altree, new community fire safety officer for Swindon and north Wiltshire.

Last year six hun- alarm. They cost dred people died in from around house fires in Eng£4.50 to £25 and land and of the 4 should have the 13,000 call outs by British Standard Wiltshire Fire Bri; kitemark-BS5446 gade,2,700werefor We recomhouse fires. mend one per • Half of the deaths floor as the mini^+ in home fires hapmum, however pen between 10pm T the more you have & 8am. the more protec• A quarter of the tion you get. people who die in They should be house fires were fitted on the ceilasleep at the time. _ ing at the centre • Onaverage270of of the room, hallMark Altree holding the people killed in way or landing, a smoke alarm fires each year and at least 12 didn't have a smoke alarm. inches (30cm) away from any wall • Over 70 people die each year or light fitting. because their smoke alarms didn't Drop into Drove Road Fire Stawork — usually because the battery tion or Westlea Fire Station to pick was flat or had been removed, up a fire safety leaflet, or send me If there is one resolution you a stamped addressed envelope at: should make for 2002, it is install Swindon Fire Station, Drove Road, a smoke alarm. And if you have Swindon SN1 3AD and I will post one, test it regularly to ensure it you the information. has a fully charged battery and is Many DIY stores also have leafworking correctly. lets on the importance of fitting Smoke alarms are small self-con- smoke alarms. tained devices that detect the presMake that resolution now. Take ence of smoke and then sound an action to make y our home safer.

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39

40

The Link Magazine • January 2002

Two groups planned for Peatmoor Junior activities M.O.T.

Cars, Motorcycles, Class 7

U 01793 428430 More than just your local bus company

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A junior youth club for children in school years 5 to 7 starts at Peatmoor Community Facilities on Friday 18 January.

Meeting between 6.15pm and 8.15pm, there will table tennis, board games, arts and crafts, a pool table, air hockey and group activities.

People experienced in working with children or parent helpers are needed to make the club a success. For details, call 881613.

For pre-schoolers A new toddler group is being First try launched on Tuesday 15 January, 10am and 12noon at Peatmoor Two new courses for adult learners are launched in January by Community Facilities.

There will be plenty of toys and Swindon College at Greendown activities for pre-school children Community School. on offer, while parents and carers have the chance to chat. The first session is free.

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8 weeks from 24 January, 7pm, £36

See the centre pages for the college course booking hotline

On guard

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Thieves had a tougher time over Christmas targetting companies at Blagrove, Windmill Hill and Lydiard Fields after security staff teamed up earlier in the year to form Junction 16 Business Watch.

The area is often visited by criminals who use the proximity of the M4 to make a fast getaway.

The business equivalent of neighbourhood watch was set up with the assistance of Freshbrook and Grange Park beat officer PC Rob Mortimer who said the scheme is proving its worth. "The members communicate with text pagers to alert colleagues of suspicious activity and pass on numbers of escape vehicles.

"They have also been used to warn of incidents of 'steaming', where opportunist thieves enter offices and steal purses, chequebooks and mobile phones from unattended handbags and jackets."

He added that several false alarm calls caused by office Christmas decorations setting off motion sensors in offices were dealt with quickly.

The police are keen for companies in other areas to take similar initiatives. For details, call Crime Prevention on 528111.

For high impact advertising, call The Link on 01793 872531

The Link Magazine • January 2002

Helping to make a safer town The Safer Swindon Shop in Havelock Street is coming to the end of a successful first year of operation, fully staffed and offering an even wider range of services.

Run as a joint venture between gade to provide child safety equipSwindon Council and Wiltshire ment and smoke alarms for people Police, shop staff provide help and referred to them by health visitors advice on a wide range of topics and charities. including police and council servFrom 7 January the shop will ices, community safety and crime launch a new consumer advice prevention. They also act as a point service. Call in if you need help on of contact for a range of health and your rights. voluntary organizations like the Manager Jean Goncalves says, Coalition of Disabled People, Wilt- "if we don't have the answer, we shire Law Centre and Age Con- know someone who has." cern.

The Safer Swindon Shop is open During the year the shop started from 10am to 3.30pm, Monday to to work with Wiltshire Fire Bri- Friday. Tel: 525114.

Ready with advice and information, from left, Caroline Painter, Karen Wilkinson, Kate Butler and Jane Goncalvez

41

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42

The Link Magazine • January 2002 OfµATIO,Y

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A unique project to teach Shakespeare to young children will soon receive its first test in front of seven year olds at Oliver Tomkins Infants School in Toothill.

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Shakespeare sack starts to take shape

BUILDING SERVICES Extensions, Alterations, Renovations All aspects of garden construction including fencing All general building work

Tel: Mr J.F. Keenan (01793) 727824

Dave Rogers

The first ever Storysack featur- which children can use to study ing one of the Bard's works, which aspects of the play. There will also is being sponsored by The Link, is be a board game following the being created by students study- story, complete with bloody daging after school for GCSE expres- ger tiles and curse cards with quessive arts at Greendown School. tions to be answered correctly beOliver Tomkins headteacher Penny Summers and deputy Rhian Cockwell visited Greendown in December, with former Westlea School head Neil Griffiths who invented Storysacks, to get a progress report from the 11 to 15 year aids.

Working with assistant headteacher Tim Noble, the team have adapted Macbeth as a 30 minute shadow-puppet presentation,

children understand the story."

Neil Griffiths, who is director of the National Storysacks Support Project, is delighted with the Macbeth sack. "Storysacks have

been aimed at much younger chil-

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fore going on. This will be complemented by a model of Macbeth's castle, a sound tape, and notes for teachers on how to use the sack.

Rhian Cockwell said she was excited about what she had seen.

"Our Autumn topic was theatre and we will be studying Macbeth from January. The Storysack has huge potential for helping young

Parivar means family Asian women meet fortnightly at the West Swindon Family and Community Project in Freshbrook for a chat, demonstrations, talks and to discover aspects of each others' culture.

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The West Swindon based Pulsar poetry magazine is running its annual poetry competition for over sixteens.

Poems, on any subject, should be no more than 40 lines and submitted by 28 February. For rules and entry charges, send an SAE to Pulsar, 34 Lineacre Close, Grange Park, Swindon SN5 6DA or go to www.btinternet.com/ .pulsarpoetry

Holding the prototype Shakespeare Storysack bag in the shape of Macbeth's head, Greendown students with Neil Griffiths, Penny Summers, bag designer Mark Heard, Rhian Cockwell and Tim Noble, back

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you relax

v

The leading name in residential prope rty management and lettings Home Choice is a market leader in Swindon with over 100 rental properties under management, from small studio apartments to executive houses.

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dren up to now, but wherever I go in Britain I am always asked about how to teach Shakespeare to young children. I will be eagerly pointing people to Greendown."

• In March Greendown represents the South West in a national drama festival about communicating scientific ideas with a twenty minute play about genetic screening.

Guild wilts in the West as WI blooms

After 16 years the West Swindon Branch of the Townswomen's Parivar, or Guild is to close. family, was set The last meeting takes place at up a year ago the Link Centre on 10 January, to provide so2pm. Branch secretary Doreen cial and eduShaw said she was saddened that cational supthe group is shutting down. "We port with have been going almost as long as regularspeakthe Link Centre hasbeen open. We ers on health don't have enough members and and child care, the costs of the room and speakers interspersed are too high." with arts and However other women's groups crafts activiin the area are thriving. Bernice Parivar members holding Diwali lights ties and demShailes of the Haydon Wick branch made at a session in November onstrations of the WI said, "we are a flourishsuch as hairstyling and henna comed. For details, call Allyson ing group, organising evenings out Cardis or Mina Bhogal on 871303 and trying to make it interesting. decoration.

New members are always wel- or mail: project.house@talk2l.com Ladies from Abbey Meads and Taw Hill are welcome as we are on their doorstep and a few have joined us.

Free legal info " We would also love to attract The Well Woman Centre launches a free family law legal advice service younger members as we are going with help from Lemon & Co Solicitors on 4 January.

The sessions with a female solicitor, take place from 10am to 12noon into the 21st Century with new on the first Friday of each month, will cover child related issues, ideas."

Jean Brock of the Tootleabrook domestic violence and divorce.

WI said, "we have a steady memA free creche will be provided. To book an appointment call the Well bership who regularly attend our Woman Centre on 511064. meetings. We are a friendly group and other ladies are always welCompetition winners come."

For details of the Tootleabrook A meal for four at The Maharajah restaurant in Purton (October Link): WI call Jean Brock on 539456 and Angela Robert, Stanbridge Park, Ramleaze.

Family ticket to see Cinderella at The Wyvern (December Link): Nicola for the Haydon Wick WI, call Bernice Shailes on 693141.

Hooper, Mallow Close, Woodhall Park

The Link Magazine • January 2002 Grass cutting Hedge trimming

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MOBILE AUTO AIR CONDITIONING Service and repair at home or work on cars, coaches, trucks & tractors Call 01793 82 22 20 or 0794 603 6307 for free advice and estimates CITB Registered • INSTVAC Member

For Sale BMX good cond, silver and blue, boys, £30. Tel: 641650 Britax Freeway Excel car seat, stage 2, good condition, spare cover, £25. Tel: 611818.

Britax Ranger car seat with diagonal seat belt, conve rt s to a booster stage 2,3 to 11 yrs approx, £15. Tel: 876384 Maclaren 2 in 1 pram pushchair, complete with apron rain cover, cosy toes and sun canopy, £55 ono. Tel: 876384 Boys clothes, in excellent condition age 2- 4 years, some duplicates, large bin liner full, £30 or £1 /item. Tel: 347766 Mothercare pine cot complete with safety mattress and bumper £40,excellent condition. Tel: 347766 Mothercare pine playpen £45, excellent condition. Tel: 347766 Barbie duvet cover, pillow case, lamp shade, waste bin, vgc, £10. Tel: 631314 (after 6pm) Barbie horse and stable with most accessories, £15. Tel: 873528 Barbie in-line skates with carry bag and pads, £10. Tel: 873528 Ride on tractor trailer, 6 volt, 2yrs to 7yrs. £80. Tel: 872531 Antique pine cot, good cond. £30.

Mothercare fold away high chair, hardly used, £20. Tel: 485509 Ladies grey trenchcoat, size 12, vgc. worn twice, £5. Electric knife, 2 blades, vgc, £3. Tel: 488771

Red ski jacket and Columbia ski wear Company black ski trousers, suit 13/14 year old, good quality and condition. £30, will separate.Tel: 771892

please contact

® The Duty Manager

JAN'S MOBILE HAIRDRESSING

Ironing a chore?

Not any more!

on 01793 881490

NEW TO AREA

tunes on the piano

Ladies, gents and wriggling children!

All ages & all levels are welcome Contact 01793 871283

Ironing done in a smoke free environment at sensible rates Call Jackie on 721878 or Donna on 721719

20 years experience Competitive Rates • Excellent Service Call Jan on Swindon 706786

for further details

Mobile: 07931 271681

NEW CREATIVE PASTIME? Auto Climate Control

For further information on any of the above positions,

Visit h tt p://www.pc-specialists.co.uk Or call 07979276943

Learn to play your favourite

/

• Weekend night receptionist

No more unplugging all those cables.

Tel: (01793) 791388 JUST THE JOB Domestic Services Agency requires Domestic Cle an ers & Ironers Flexible hours, good rates of pay Phone Jill or Sue on 861112

• Waiting staff • Chambermaids • Hotel receptionist (fu ll & pan time)

THE PC SPECIALISTS

Play the Piano

Painter & Decorator Specialist Artexing

The Beefeater Restaurant & Travel Inn, Lydiard Field (next to Hilton Hotel) have the following vacancies: • Breakfast waitress • Grill chef • Bar staff

Stressed, lacking in confidence or interested in personal growth?

www.mab.tgis.co.uk

DECOTEX

43

chrissic

Cuts & Curls

Teacher of piano & theo ry in West Swindon All ages, beginners & elementary players welcome

Ladies hairdressing

•^ State Registered Hairdresser

' Home Oisits

20 years experience Call[ Debbie: 01793 881427 < or 07790 432012

Contact Mrs G Bush CTABRSM Swindon 873012

Full liability insurance

Tel: 01249 890036 Mobile: 07810 484818

vening & weekend appointments available

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

Single bed, £25. Tel: 639730 Two wardrobes, £10 each. Tel: 639730 Six oak matching dining chairs, £45.

Oak dining table, opens to 5 feet, very solid, £38. Tel: 435777 House clearance, no time wasters, good household things on the cheap, must sell, moving back to USA. Tel: 879481 Blue/grey two seater sofa, good conditi on, £25 ono. Tel: 486174 Green dralon ottoman, excellent condition, must collect, £30. Tel: 874767 Ikea Timra TV and hi-fi unit, beech veneer, takes 28" TV and hi-fi separates, £100. Tel: 872013 Single bed, £10. Boys Raleigh bike 7-8 year old, vgc, £30. Tel: 334871 Pair of professionally made linen curtains, flower pattern, cotton linings, good condition, 110" (w), 117" (I), £30. Tel:

Sunbed, Slimtan Finesse, overbed, 6 tubes with facial boost, timer, 2 spare tubes. £l 50ono. Tel: 637409 Electric guitar, Tanglewood Tomcat,

Mizuno 5-wood steel head and shaft (dynaflex), good cond, £25. Tel: 881353 Fold away jogging machine, odometer, speed regulator, as new, £40. Tel: 876631 Daihatsu Domino Dreg, no MOT or tax, good runner, offers. Tel: 727523 Maestro K reg, 29,000 miles, road tax Feb 02, MOT Oct 02, vgc, £1,500 ono.

Tel: 639730

881353

Patio doors, hard wood framed sealed units, approx 180 x 200 cm, available Jan 02, vgc, £250 ono. Tel: 875575 Black metal bunk bed, bottom is settee. folds out to double bed, £75. Tel: 635669 1 litre stainless steel thermos pot, push button dispenser, hot/cold, brand new. boxed. £10. Tel: 881353 Hotpoint fridge-freezer in good working condition. £80. Tel: 879097 Creda double oven, ceramic hob, £150.

Tel: 612500 Cannon Gasmiser gas fire, £15. Fluorescent lights/tubes, £2 each. Super SEA bottle gas heater, £20. Tel: 421716 Sanyo music centre with speakers. excellent cond, £60. Tel: 700205

with amps, leads, hard case, leather

strap. as new, £325 ovno. Tel: 490092 Remote control pickup truck, still boxed, little used, with charger & 2 batteries, £50. Tel: 490092 Play station with five games with memory card, boxed, £60. Tel: 349068 Baldur's Gate PC games x 2, £7 for both. Planescape Torment PC game (4 CDs), £7. Tel: 704169 Colour TV, Mitsubushi, 20", £29. Bush hi-fi CD/radio with 2 speakers (Bush), £19. Tel: 873411 Art course on six videotapes, £15, (half price). Tel: 702976.

4 videos on how to green bowl by Tony Allcock & 1 video by David Brynt, £40 ono. Tel: 638300 r

Room to let Double room, suit professional person, cable TV W/M T/D, £75/week inclusive. Tel: 07810 516878

Missing Large friendly brown male tabby, Pope Close area, no collar, 3 years old. Tel: 703356

Wanted Reliable cleaner 3-4 hours per week. house in West Swindon, Tel: 079039 49548

Free p rivate for Sale & Wanted ads

Send to: The Link, Papermakers House, Rivenhall Road, Westlea, I Swindon SN5 7BD by 12th of the month ^

I

I

I Tel: Name & Address (not for publication)

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SERVICE

ACCOUNTANCY `G RA' ACCOUNTANCY • Business Sta rt Up • Book-Keeping • Annual Accounts • Self Assessment Tax Short & long term assistance and projects Free initial meeting

Tel/fax: 01793 871790 Free phone: 0800 5422 778

ACCOUNTANCY

T n x A s s, s r D 1 rs e c r

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

BUILDING SERVICES

BUIL DING SERVICES ^

t

Services Extensions, loft conversions Specialists in all types of building & plastering All work fully insured Contact Dave on 01793 488470

Aerial & Television

ADVANCED AERIAL & SATELLITE SERVICES

Services

www.graaccountancy.co.uk

Building

AE R IA L SERVICES

TAO

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

Hillside

AERIAL SERVICES

ALL BUILDING WORK

UNDERTAKEN Extensions, garages, patios. fencing 20 years experience Free estimates Tel: 01793 330679 Mob: 0797 945 0326

• TV & FM aerials • Extra satellite points • Video & TV repairs • Signal amplifiers No call out

Y^

charge

All work guaranteed

Tel: 01793 702601 l Mobile: 07774 943 783

Hall & Son Ltd A reputation built on quality

Palm Joinery

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

GK DECORATORS

PAUL EXTON

For free estimates call Paul on

Interior & exterior painting and decorating Coving • Dado rails

• Professional painting & decorating services • Interior and exterior • Domestic & commercial

HOUSE MAINTENANCE

PLUMBING & HEATI

ROB HALL

,^IvGIlII Aaintenanve

PLUMBING SERVICES Central heating installations, boiler servicing and repairs, bathroom and power showers All areas of plumbing Tel: 07989 950070 Or

01793 339546

`a I 8; 187606

Tel: 01793 635187 Mobile: 07890 843259 Email: t.mcgilll ©ntlworld.com

BLOCKED DRAINS CLEARED FAST • CCTV surveys

• High pressure jetting • Pipe relining • Locally based - competitive rates • 24 hour call out

A quality finish at reasonable rates

HEATING & PLUMBING HEATING, GAS &

Mo ( Bm

• Specialist finishes • Free estimates

Tel: 01793 - 874139 Mobile: 07780 793253

All aspects of property repair and maintenance, painting and decorating, tiling, of o^ carpentry, ^s gardening, \/ fencing and patios.

Any odd repairs Call now for a competitive quote.

Free no obligation quotation and survey

DRAINS

No job too big or too small. Free estimates and friendly service

Mobile: 07712 749315

* Doors, internal & external * Ski rt ings & mouldings * Fitted wardrobes & kitchens * Supply & fit/fit only

Tel/fax: 01793 721401

or 07768 271994

Highly experienced

Tel:01793 701394 Mobile: 0790 0216618

Quality carpentry & joinery for the home

Call 01793 644313

DECORATOR

All interior and exterior work undertaken

Tel/Fax: 01793 705945 Mobile: 07939 425067

CARPENTRY/JOINERY

DECORATOR

decorator

• On call until IOpm 7 days a week • Free Estimates • FM Aerials • All work guaranteed • Security and CCTV System,

BUILDING SERVICES

DECORATOR

painter and

Sky Digital authorised installer ITV Digital installation

e- m a il: p au l e x to n@lin e one.net

• No call out charge

Tel: 01793 828882 PRO PERTY

Quality Plumbing & Heating • Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs (^^ • Replacement boilers Outside taps , , •• Power showers • Bathroom installations

to aeeO r"l tdL 9) bath.roows, sGcow-ers,

Pea aZB96fi

All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

g

atproC -

Y

Tel: 01793 886947

SI

45

SECTOR APPLIANCE REPAIRS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

BUILD ING SERVICES

GRAF?4 Repairs to most makes of: 3 Washing Machines 3 Dryers 3 Dishwashers 3 Microwaves 3 Vacuum Cleaners

• Most leading brands • Guaranteed repairs

John Phillips Servicing

No call out charge • No VAT

0

Same day, local service wherever possible etiz

• Same day service

i years experience. All work guaranteed

A SUDS

Washing Machines Twin Tubs. etc.

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

iIITt1I [ flLj

Buildings, extensions, paving, porches, garages, conversions Any alterations

Garden construction & design Fencing - new and repairs to wind damage

We offer a complete building service for your home & garden For good quality with e ff icient service & competitive prices Call 01793 485539/07811 698457

C LEANING

CONSERVATORIES

CLEANING

West ^I^V iCtshire

^ f ^ ^ jlltewa The Carpet &

^'

Upholstery Cleaning Specialist p p y curtains, 9 suites • Carpets, rugs, etc • Emergency call out available Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured • Quickly usable

NC °" ° 'a "

You'll be amazed how affordable it is ...call for your free estimate from you local independent on (11793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 Email: ctiff.whiteway@htintcrnet.com

ELECTRICIAN

Dave Ody 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

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294 Ramleaze, Swindon

REMOVALS/STORAGE E o ABBEY M®V

Single items * Full house * Storage specialists * Packing service * Late bookings

Tel: (01793) 727307 Mob: 0781 1 188564 24 hours • 7 days www.a bbeymove.co.uk

e Ceteb ► tiisj 15 yes

'Windows - Doors DIRTY OVEN?

Don't worry ... Help is at hand ^\ Our fully trained team Cr^

will restore your oven, hobs, microwaves and

U

extractor hoods to a

nearly new standard Non-toxic Non- caustic Bio-degradable Call OVENU today for free quote

(01793) 831 944 www.ovenu.co.uk

ELECTRICAL(PLUMBING

p

standard of

windows, doors and

available.

For a free, no obligation

Telephone for a

quote atyour y

ELECTRICAL SE RVI CES

work

with references

conservatories

355557

tJ J eeot•4tix

Offering a high

Quality double glazed

convenience. call 01793 873424 or

4i h

kotxes ix l4Jest ^wi4s ok

Conservatories

07968

free estimate:

•'•'' 07774 208527 days ^j

or 8705 15 eves.

GUTTERING

Shaw Electrical & Plumbing Ltd Domestic, commercial & industrial installations Maintenance & repairs * lighting * rewiring * security lighting 1k garden electrics * heating bathroom installation

rc 'EIc National inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting

-

Rental

Brilliant white fascias 6 month,

YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

interest

free offer!!

Written f details n request

From a 13 amp fuse or cleaner bag to fridges or vacuum cleaners we offer an efficient & personal service.

11 The Arcade, High Street Wootton Bassett Tel: 01793 854378

TV & VIDEO REPAIR S

SUNBED HIRE

Deb's Sunbeds

SPARES • REPAIRS • SERVICE'

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE

Tel: (01793) 874480 Mob: 07860 760364

Home REMOVALS & STORAGE

DECORAT OR

!GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE

The very best quality system for longer durability fitted by the pa rt ners for over 15 years

Locally run family business All work guaranteed • Cover or replacement Unit 67 Pembroke Centre. Cheney Manor. Swindon

UPVC CLADDING PAUL DRAPER

uPVC Fascia, Guttering & Cladding CLADDING

FASCIAS

Fast tanning canopies and doubles also available Free installation & local delivery Tel: Swindon 726906

anytime (Mobile 07778 - 641052)

Free home estimates GUTTERING

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Tel: 01793-812738

* FREE ESTIMATES *

Tel: (01793) 825965 3 Overton Gardens, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon

46

The Link Magazine • January 2002

Three way induction for new North vicar The church in North Swindon is growing and changing now that the housing developments at Abbey Meads and Taw Hill have been joined by the Thamesdown Drive extension.

I shall enjoy helping the local peoOn 26 January new Church of ple shape the type of community England vicar Reverend Ruth they want."

Cram will be inducted at a cerHusband Colin will be on hand emony which takes place at three to help. He has always been very churches, spanning the past and supportive of her vocation. As he present. With the title Priest already works for the Research Missioner, she will have responsiCouncils in Swindon his commutbility for developing the brand new ing should become a little easier church attached to the Taw Hill after they move to their new admedical practice building which dress in Waterdown Close. opened before Christmas. In a test Dr Peter Crouch, who was picof her versatility she will also be tured in the December Link viewthe minister for the long estabing the new buildings at Queen lished St Andrew's Church, close Elizabeth Drive, is pleased that the to St Andrews Ridge. practice is able to work alongside The Church of England boundathe church. "Everybody wins by ries have now been redrawn and Rev Ruth Crain outside the new church hall attached to the this arrangement," he said. "When Ruth will work in ecumenical partTaw Hill medical practice on Queen Elizabeth Drive not in use by the church, the hall nership with Rev Brian Sweetman This she sees as her main chal- will provide a location for health at the Church of Christ the Serv- for just over two years before comant, Abbey Meads. ing to Swindon served as an assist- lenge: holding the traditions and related groups, parent craft classes Ruth's early years were spent ant curate in Cirencester. Now her history of the church at the same and supervised activities for chilaround Torbay and before enter- task is to develop the congregation time as being alert to changing dren."

Ruth's licensing service takes ing the Church she worked in vari- at St Andrews and to encourage lifestyles. "The challenge will be ous parts of the country, mainly church membership in the Taw Hill made more demanding by the va- place on 26 January. Starting at the teaching and engaged in volun- area. But she places great empha- riety of ages, origins and family Taw Hill worship centre at 2.30pm, tary and political activities. "In my sis on her responsibilities outside groupings of the people who live it then moves to St Andrew's, daily life, I was very aware that the boundaries of the traditional in the new housing, not to mention Blunsdon Ridge, and ends at the many people were looking for God. church. "I shall constantly remind the constant changes to be faced Church of Christ the Servant, AbThat was my incentive for seeking myself of the 'missioner' part of by young, developing communi- bey Meads. All residents of North ordination: the chance to help peo- my role, whilst not forgetting the ties. Patience will be required, but Swindon are invited to attend. need to uphold the more formal pie find God," she said.

She was ordained in 1997 and aspects of church life."

An empty chair?

BC The person who changed AD Histo ry is changing peoples lives Today

o^Evangeyc 1

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Worsley Road

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH SUNDAYS 10.30AM

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THE WINNERS LOUNGE SWINDON TOWN F.C.

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PINEHURST PEOPLE'S C

building with people Come and join us Sunday at 10am & 6.30pm For further information of other meetings ring: 873050, call into the Church office or visit www.freshbrock.org

For more information, inclu. midweek activities, call B ri an 011 849731

Jesus said: "I have come that YOU might have LIFE and have it in its ftdness"

NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

NOW... WE ARE BACK ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH AT LINK CENTRE

in association with

Greenmeadow P

ri

mary School ^I

We are

r here!

After a funeral, once the busy-ness and the business is over, there is often a feeling of great emptiness and grief, writes Rev Jan Partridge of Toothill Church.

These feelings can be overwhelming, it is often difficult to share it with other members of the family because they too are experiencing sadness. So a 'brave face' is put on.

There is a group of people who have experienced bereavement and understand what is being felt and are willing to come and listen and to be there. Even when things are 'going well' it can be helpful to talk.

The Ecumenical Partnership of West Swindon has set up this informal service because we believe that there is a need for people to be able to talk and to share in this friendly and safe way.

For details of how to receive help, call Rev Jan Partridge on 534992.

Dedication and memorial service Sunday 17 February, 2.30pm, Toothill Church For anyone who wishes to remember their loved ones, and to commission the visitors.

OCAL CHURCHES -

All Saints' Lydiard Millicent - 10:30am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor)

N!C

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.

Holy Trinity Shaw -10:30am: (the Church is at Shaw Village Centre): 874221 St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze - 10:00am Revd Ann Mackenzie: 870244

North Swindon Baptist Church

uyo

Toothill Church - 10:45am Revd Mark Roper: 692620 (also Free Church minister for the parish) Westlea Church - 10:00am Revd Peter Knight: 772417

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

11'

(this Church meets in Westlea School Hall. Langstone Way)

Web: http://nsbc.org.uk TEL: (01793) 345051

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

Ma

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Natural look KRETA An excellent natural look carpet.

Ideal anywhere in the home.

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40

19 — Z5

A

Sculptured FLORIDA A value for money cut & loop 100% nylon.l3ft. Jute backed.

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20

£5

ASHGROVE A stylish sculptured carpet, good colour choice. 13ft. Felt backed.

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— £5 Saxony & Velour — A Patterned

Z'

STARLIGHT A popular and hardwearing pattern, subtle design.

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35

MAMBO 13ft 100% nylon scotchgard.

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EL PASSO An excellent value for money Saxony, in Scotchguard nylon.

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— S5 s 35 l — Z5 19 — 35

Zvi Fant

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