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No. 248 • January 2003 • Circulation 22,000

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Link introduces Swindon's ice racer to arctic adventurer to All

See page 41

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Two years after the earthquake Exclusive report on how Wiltshire people have helped victims rebuild their lives - see page 6

Games take off

A new games workshop has been launched at West Swindon library see page 25. Left: Games fanatic Steven Woo/ford from Shaw holds up a rare model of Grima Wormtongue, one of the baddies in Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers

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2 The Link Magazine • January 2003

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Link pic puts people first A photograph of peo!:' L Coif,, ... ... • ANNUAL REVIEW 2001-02 ple trying to save Swindon's derelict Mechan,n and the biographer ofchadnrrc The New echanics' In ut ics' Institute, which apitution ,ri. anJ m:mc (nmrwslrervs fi res,il eservation Trust 'urinal crusted the Icons, 'u se peared in The Link in . n Manchester M h Lin The New Mechanics' the Institution hr^ 1960 provide 2001, has been repro1 nnn and f P: rrt fist oruirse,. students, bus it is E^Wrm Squnto, Rnsiuu v Village, S,v, do duced in the annual reWiltshire sJ of Soc dc„d, rt^cqu, tu no .1 ^ -t n I rh. The Truss r„ view of historic buildmg ,. uh English f icrirage to find 2 FOG: 07,500 dishurwd A -9 1996 rnv a ni after an .application so ing regeneration by the aIL^ ror^sw^^'' PAG: 14, 9% altered Augnt; 2000. dnshntsea the age Loners Fund was tu rned d_,. ,uy 200, prestigious ArchitecRPOG: 015,000 offered SeWember 2001 tural Heritage Fund. ......_,•tRC3 an11ft .._., The fund supports community- that any viable led regeneration and revival of his- commercial use is unlikely. toric buildings at risk. The review With the incentive of major fidescribes the twenty five projects nancial support from English Her- across Britain in the review, the completed by voluntary organisa- itage, the council has finally agreed 'Still Standing for Swindon' pictions in 2000-01 and more than 150 to carry out emergency protection ture is the only one showing peowork on the privately owned build- ple of all ages campaigning to preprojects under development. The New Mechanics' Institute ing, and take part in discussion serve the heritage of their town,. Preservation Trust has received a about its longer term future, in"The people of Swindon want series of grants to pay for a feasi- cluding compulsory purchase. the Mechanics' Institute to be saved bility study into the possible uses Trust spokesperson Martha so that it can be returned to being for the Grade II listed building, Parry said the Architectural Herit- 'a great community place' with administration costs, and also the age Fund recognised the value of something for everybody, whether cost of professional design work the Mechanics' Institute soon after old Swindonians, or those new to to show how the building can be the Preservation Trust was set up the town. After seven years the modified and brought back into and had supported the volunteers trust is finally being heard." use. in their vision to restore the buildIn March the Trust expects to The trust has campaigned for ing as a feature of Swindon's cul- submit an application to the Heritthe last seven years to convince tural life, as it had been in the 19th age Lottery Fund for £10 million to Swindon Council that the Mechan- and early 20th Century. fully restore the building. ics' has a viable use as a commuShe said she was pleased The It only costs £1 to join the New nity, cultural and leisure centre. It Link photo had been chosen to il- Mechanics' Institute Preservation was responsible for persuading lustrate the Trust's entry in the Trust. Send a letter to Suite 12, English Heritage to upgrade the review. "Of all the photos of der- Newburn Centre, Newburn Creslisted building status which means elict buildings in need of rescue cent, Swindon SN1 5ES. M

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The Link Magazine • January 2003

Royal launch to close town's jubilee celebrations Swindon's celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee comes to a climax at the end of February when a futuristic clock is unveiled in the town centre by a senior Royal, understood to be the Duke of over 10 vec Edinburgh. ' WE COME TO YOU For detailsandtojoin,call520592 Located at the junction of ReAT HOME OR WORK' or mail membership@swindon gent Street, The Parade and Bridge \ civictrust.co.uk Street, the clock mechanism will * FREE What do you call it? be held aloft by polished stainless collection & delivery ° The Eye in the Sky and The Mekon t• a`N steel supports. * Servicing & repairs are two of the names the Swindon UK Each of the four clock faces will clock has been dubbed. What's have titanium hands, stainless steel BIKE WE ALSO SELL DOCTOR your suggestion? dials and blue back lighting. The * New cycles If the famously straight talking remainder of the sphere will be • Parts & accessories Duke of Edinburgh does visit the illuminated in gold. It is proposed . ? l x town, what epithet do you think that the clock will sound the hours he'll come up with? k ;.. and the quarter hours. Send us your suggestions by 10 Toothill councillor David Cox January. who, as last year's Mayor, initiated the appeal with the Swindon Chamber of Commerce for a jubi_ lee landmark, thanked Swindon companies Blick Time Systems and Step into another world and relax at... planning and architectural consult- expressed disappointment that ing firm DPDS, for their sponsor- Swindon people had not been involved in the decision about the ship of the project. ^^ However George Monniott, design or location. The reason we worked so hard chair of the Swindon Civic Trust,

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4 The Link Magazine • January 2003

Dysfunctional council + democratic deficit = Swindon Where has it all gone wrong? The high hopes for an effective borough council in 1997 when Swindon took back local government responsibilities, in particular Education and Social Services, have turned into a disaster. The stark reality is laid bare in a closely worded report by the Audit Commission published in December, which presents a damning picture of the council's corporate management. The Commission awarded the council one mark out of four, describing it as very weak with few or no identifiable strengths. In all nine of the Commis-

the council is not clear in what it is trying to achieve. Its ambitions are 'largely aspirational and lack clear targets' and there is no long term or medium plan in

that the corporate centre is 'almost non-existent' which leads to a fragmented approach with individual departments dealing with different plans and with no framework for integration. The council's ability to focus on its priorities, it is suggested, is limited by the shortsion's selected criage of skills and people at the corplace. ' Partly as a porate centre. teria, the council was rated very weak or In the last 15 months the Chief result of this lack of fairly weak. clarity, the council Executive and Directors of EducaAfter taking achas no track record tion and Social Services have recount of its previof sustained focus. signed, as has the council leader. Sue Bates, Swindon Council ously published Whilst the council Much blame for the shortcomleader from 1997 to September has some success in ings is placed at the door of the verdicts on specific 2001, and from May 2002 services like Educaidentifying issues political set up where no party has until August when she resigned and providing sound had overall control, at the same tion and Social for personal reasons Services, both of initial analysis, at- time as a new cabinet system was which, like some others, were rated tention too readily moves to another being introduced. 'This means that poor with little hope of immediate perceived problem and attention to much attention has been concentrated i mprovement, the Commission as- the first one lapses.' inwardly on political processes rather The inspectors found that inter- than directed on service delivery.' sessed the council's overall performance as poor. nal and external communications 'This concentration on issues which This national review of local are poor and this does not help divides the parties albeit in a minority government ranked all 150 county either staff or the community to of areas, inhibits joint working and and unitary councils. Swindon is understand the direction of the focus on the many important areas on one of the worst 13 performing in council. which there is agreement.' the country. It may surprise many people that Although operating without a According to James Strachan, the Commission claims that there clear majority in recent years, the Audit Commission chairman, 'The are not enough buLabour Party has been council lacks robust plans to improve reaucrats in place. in control of the council for the last 24 years, - which is something the Commission 'Leadership and manand other inspectorates will be work- agement within the apart for eight months between September ing with the council on in the next few council sufferfrom un2001 and May 2002 months'. der-investment in the when the ConservaAs the largest employer in the corporate centre, retives took over. Laarea, with some 8,000 staff, an an- sulting in an ineffecnual revenue budget exceeding tive management team bour had stepped £158 million and planned capital and insufficient people down after a vote of no spending in the region of £38 mil- at the centre to provide confidence following lion, that it lacks coherent and ef- the necessary support the dreadful Ofsted fective planning and prioritising to senior managereport on the EducaPresent Labour council leader must be of great concern. ment'. tion Department. The Commission believes that The report states Kevin Small, Swindon's Councillors' behavthird leader in the last year iour towards officers is criticised 'including threats to officers' continuing employment'. The report recognises that there is a large number of hard working and well-motivated staff and some effective and experienced second Published by and third tier managers. However Swindon Publications Ltd. councillors and Directors have not Papermakers House, Westlea found an organisational means of Swindon SN5 7BD tapping their potential, energy and Tel: (01793) 872282 experience. In the light of the serious situaFax: (01793) 878189 The Link was first published for the West tion facing the council, party poSwindon community in December 1978. e: publisher@swindonlink.com It is completely independent of Link Centre litical leaders are encouraged to www.swindonlink.com and, in fact, won a competition to name the I', cooperate more effectively. Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle The Commission makes several leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North recommendations to improve servEditorial: Swindon commenced in January 1994." Tel: (01793) 872282 ices and contribute to improving The contents of The Link are protected the quality of life for Swindon peoby copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden' ple. Most revolve around drawing unless an advertiser or publisher has up plans and procedures for monisought permission. Articles and photo- toring performance, strengthening ' graphs require similar authority senior management and consultaRegistered in England & Wales- Nc. 4513027. Registered Office-130 High Street, Hungerford RG17 ODL Printed by pep, Telford tion procedures.

The Lin k Mag a=i n e

Barks

Theinspectors pointed outthatauditors in the

past have drawn atten -•-^" tion to low levels of council tax and reserves. Mike Bowden, It blames the Conservative leader; of the council depletion of leader rom September f the corporate 2001 to May 2002 sector on earlier financial restraints. All three political parties can be blamed for restricting the level of council tax since unitary authority status was granted in 1997. It has to be said that tax payers, when

consulted, have favoured a minimum rise.

A standstill budget for next year is likely to require an 11% increase: a higher increase 'to strengthen the corporate centre' without adequate explanation is unlikely to be a popular option. The recommendations rely on the ability of the existing organisation to pull its socks up, when the Commission itself recognises that inter-party cooperation is 'fragile'. Outside expertise in the form of Tony Allen as Improvement Manager and other advisors from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister are now working with senior staff, while the council has to answer to an interim board set up in cooperation with ODPM to monitor council progress to improvement. The Audit Commission inspectors did not deal with problems in the political structure. For example, annual elections can result in political control changing each year and anticipation of change can be an excuse for postponing

decisions. It can be no coincidence that county councils are the best performing category of local authority with 72% rated good or excellent: all such councils are elected for a four year term. For the present however the Commission concludes that Swindon is only just beginning to tackle long-standing and serious weaknesses. 'Whilst the council has started to address these issues, progress is at present limited and it is unlikely that the public would recognise the improvements made'. To read the full report, go to www.councilperformance.gov.uk

• Education aims to make the grade in 2003 - page 14.

The Link Magazine • January 2003

BL A

What would have happened it Swindon had become a city? The shock and disappointment in public circles that marked the failure of both Swindon's bids to become a city - in millennium year and to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee - highlighted the detachment from reality in the corridors of power in the town. The Link expressed scepticism in way Swindon has been managed 1999 and 2001 about whether the is no surprise. It needed an extertown was ready for the accolade. nal force to cut through the fantasy Those pushing for city status did and spell out the failings. not bother to ask the town's people There is now a painstaking task whether they supported the idea, of rebuilding trust and confidence nor engage them in a debate as to in local democracy. One can only what kind of place Swindon should rue the lost opportunities of the last five years since Swindon bebe. Therefore the unravelling of the came a unitary authority.

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thority. While not a Mike Bell, third from left, with from left, LSP administrastatutory obliga- for Dilys Hugg ins, Deputy Mayor of Swindon eoun tion, the Govern- Derek Benf eld, South Swindon MP Julia Drown and ment did require coun Barrie Thor pson, council cabinet lead member for the initial 88 lo- community and equalities cal authorities who were eligible for the Neigh- up comprising sixteen representabourhood Renewal Fund to estab- tives from across the four sectors. lish a Local Strategic Partnership This year it is working with the by April 2002. various interest groups and Although not eligible for the stakeholders in Swindon to ensure funding, Swindon Borough Coun- the format for the full LSP meets cil adopted the principals and the specific needs of Swindon; it is brought organisations together. accountable and promotes What is a Local Strategic Partner- inclusiveness of all groups, organisations and partnerships within the ship? In 'government speak' it's an over- town. After public consultation arching partnership to bring to- later this year, the full LSP will be gether the different parts of the in place by June. In the meantime, because of the public sector with business, voluntary and community organisa- ti ming of government and local tions and people to better co-ordi- initiatives, the Project Board has nate services and target main- also had to undertake certain funcstream funding at local communi- tions of the full LSP, specifically working with Swindon Council to ties. In practice, what does this mean? develop both a Community StratSwindon, like most boroughs, has egy and a Neighbourhood Rea large number of groups, organi- newal Strategy. In addition, it is working on varisations and partnerships each lobbying for their own area of specific ous Government funding initiainterests. Inevitably, this can lead tives that require the LSP to be to a fragmented approach when involved in the decision process. shaping the future of the borough Last September, the Project Board and its communities. The LSP pro- worked with local communities vides a mechanism to connect the which resulted in a £818,000 encouncil and local communities to dowment for Penhill/Pinehurst enable all the issues and needs from the New Opportunities Lotacross the borough to be heard tery Fund. The LSP aims to find solutions when setting-out the future direcby bringing people, businesses and tion. agencies together, for the common So where is the LSP now? Last June, a Project Board was set- good of communities.

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6 The Link Magazine • January 2003

Earthquake victims move into new homes with Wiltshire's help Money donated by the people of Wiltshire has given hope and new lives to earthquake victims in India, less than two years after their world collapsed around them. 26 January marks the anniversary of a huge earth tremor centred on the bustling city of Bhuj in the state of Gujurat, in the west of India. The destruction of property was huge and several hundred died. The international aid response was immediate, and for Hindus across Britain, and particularly in Swindon, the worry was immense as many have family in Gujurat. The reaction from people of all backgrounds and faiths across Wiltshire was both rapid and generous. Individuals and organisations across Wiltshire turned to Swindon's Hindu Samaj to coordinate aid donations and a small committee was formed to sort and deliver the large quantity of clothing and blankets to central collecting points and to coor-

dinate how cash should be used. Thousands of pounds was collected within a short time and fundraising events in the following months took the total to £20,000. Samaj committee member Danny Hirani from Sparcells and his wife Manju are closely connected with Bhuj as their parents live in a village ten kilometres from the city. He said, "it's almost impossible to imagine what it's like to be in an earthquake. Large areas of the city just collapsed; it was very old and buildings had been put up without much control, even though there have been major earthquakes in the past. Our parents' village was badly damaged Members of the Madhavnagar sub-committee of the Swindon Hindu Samaj with and they were traumatised, but children who attend weekly cultural classes at Drove School, rear from left, Dhiru Hirani, Rajnibhai Lakhani, Sushma Patel, RambhaiMehta, Gujurati class teachers thankfully unharmed." Jyoti Bhakta, Rajesh and Kanak Samant, committee member Dineshbhai Patel He said that once the immediate relief efforts were mosques; the disaster touched a has purchased 12 houses, complete One of the new houses in Madhavnagar underway and local nerve and people from all back- with running water and electricity, families had been in grounds and faiths responded. built on a street which will be named touch with relations, the "From the beginning our aim was after the county. What was also imSamaj started to look at to ensure money raised locally portant is that the villagers have long term objectives. should make a long term difference worked together to rebuild their lives "People from Wiltshire to people and also we wanted it to and contributed their own money were extremely gener- be identifiable with the people of and their labour to make bricks and ous and money came in Wiltshire. We took a long time de- build houses. They were also infrom so many individu- cidingwhich was the als, community organi- right reconstruction sations, schools, project to get inchurches, temples and volved with. It was difficult knowing , >! .±. what to do from ^^. ^ ".. thousands of mi les o , away. We could • have combined our effort with other ^^ x towns and many of Nearing completion, Wiltshire Street in Madhavnagar the big charities wanted us to go with them, but our volved in the design of the site and £20,000 would have been hidden." the houses so that the best value The committee were given a clear could be obtained." idea of what to do when a member, Fellow committee member Rajni Lakhani, was able to visit the Chandu Ladwa said the Samaj comearthquake area whilst on a busi- mittee was overwhelmed at first by ness trip to India. the scale of the disaster and the worHe was particularly impressed by ries and emotional ties with the area the self-help efforts of the people affected. This was added to by the from the village ofNaniKhedoiwho generosity of people across the had decided to pool their compen- county and the responsibility of sation payments from the Indian spending the money wisely. "There Government to buy a farm and re- were so many projects we could build their village on another site to have got involved with but we We have a number of properties throughout be called Madhavnagar. Their wanted to have proper accountabilthe Swindon area, providing accommodation project was coordinated by the Shri ity. We made a good choice at Bharatya Sanskruti Trust, a local Madhavnagar and can show that for a comfortable yet independent retirement. charity who brought together vil- people's lives have been improved lagers with engineers, planners and compared with the standard of livPlease call us for further details on architects to discuss how the new ing in the old village. The first fami01672 515622 housing area should be developed, lies moved in at the beginning of Initially 58 houses are being built December and our contacts tell us and another 58 are planned once that they are very pleased with their more land is purchased. new homes." Danny said several British towns Housing Association were involved and large donations had been made from the USA. "AIthough there were many donors to Providing accommodation throughout the central and south of England. the project, it was possible to iden• , A charity, incorporated as an Industrial and Provident Society No. 16602 R. • . tify how the money would be spent. The Wiltshire contribution of £20,000

James Butcher

The Link Magazine • January 2003

Reinforcing Africa connections Four teachers and two governors from Peatmoor Community Primary School will be travelling to South Africa in February half term to build on contacts made last Easter. Last year headteacher Terri Peacock

and teacher Donna Bloomfield visited Dihlabeng School in the

mountainous Clarens district where they took part in school activities and taught classes. Together with Swindon Family Church, Peatmoor children and Children at parents raised over £1,000 for much needed educational resources. Since then a computer has been purchased to create e-mail links and Peatmoor is raising £3,500 through a sponsored brick scheme for two classrooms which will be ready in January. Other fund-raising projects included filling smartie tubes with pocket money and a car boot sale in the Autumn. "We have had magnificent support from parents, governors, children and staff," said headteacher

Dihlabeng School, linked with Pcatmaor

Terri Peacock. "We would like to

(

spread our appeal to the wider

community to help Dihlabeng which is a lively school doing excellent work. Our exchanges have already helped global awareness and creativity at Peatmoor and we want these to develop." The trip to South Africa is partly funded by a teacher's international development grant. To buy a brick and for details,

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Youngsters at Westlea School have been enjoying the company of a Japanese classroom assistant who will be helping out there until the end of January. Fumie Kamijima,26,isaqualified pharmacist wanted to see the world and improve her English. joined She Westlea School at

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tember and has been hosted by Wanda Allen and her family, where q^b she enjoyed Christmas. Of several EngTrrnn lish speaking Kimono kids, Fumie with Emma Russell countries, Fumie and Ben C allaghan, on screen and in person chose Britain because of the culture and the chance ered what school used to be like. She also enjoyed the school's to improve her hobby of drawing and painting in an English setting. Guy Fawkes night show, went to However she is a proficient pho- see Wind in the Willows in Bristol in tographer and brought a compu- December and took part in Christter loaded with images from Japan mas plays and parties. At Westlea she has talked about and has been taking lots of picdifferent aspects of life in Japan tures for her return "I had no experience of working and introduced children to the three with children so I spent some time styles of Japanese calligraphy. "At first I could not understand in a Japanese primary school," said Fumie. "Children sit in lines and what people were saying, but I learn different subjects. It is very have got used to the speed and the pronunciation," said Fumie. "Evestrict and different from here." Soon after she arrived Fumie rybody has been very helpful." She will return to her pharmacy dressed in period costume and accompanied Mrs Winterburn's year and hopes to become a volunteer 5 class to the Victorian classroom in a Japanese school. at Semmington where she discov- • Haydon French link - page 39.

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8 The Link Magazine • January 2003

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Building work starts on the £3 million expansion at Greendown in January and in the interests of safety, parents' cars will be barred from entering the site at the beginning of term until next October. Letters have been sent to par- adults on site, we need to ensure traffic flows at peak times for the ents advising them to drop and that there is maximum safety in a next six months." Children who ride bikes to pick up children in Sudeley Way very congested area. which loops round and joins "I hope Grange Park residents school may continue to park them Grange Park Way at two points, will bear with the change in the on the site. Headteacher Steve O'Sullivan _ apologised for any inconvenience.

"Construction will take place at

Teenagers get a place of their own

the front of the school and the existing turning circle will be removed. There will be heavy machinery moving around and delivery of materials throughout the building period. "With some 1,300 children and

Youngsters who want somewhere to meet and have a good time now have a place to go. And there's a free evening coming up. The Tuesday night out between With the reduction of nappy nights at the Brunel Rooms and 7pm and 10.30pm is run by well the closing of Eros at Shaw Ridge, known ex-teenagers Nikki and Zoe the places welcoming teenagers for Kingandcosts£2.50entryformemaneveningoutwerebeconinglim- bers; non-members can get in if ited. there is space at £3. Membership is £3.50 a year. Now the Village Tavern at Toothill village centre has On Tuesday 7 January entrance launched Teen Scene for 13 to 17 is FREE to members. Newcomers can join on the night. year olds in its function room,

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The Link Magazine • January 2003

Westlea road plans on display The long awaited proposals to make Langstone Way safer for school children will be put on display on 20 January (see details right).

Public Exhibition Langstone Way, Westlea 20mph Safer Routes to School Scheme Come along to Westlea School 3.30pm to 7.30pm on Monday 20 January 2003 See plans for the proposed scheme and give your views to Officers from Swindon Borough Council

Dangerous parking at Westlea School in 2001

For years Westlea School has appealed to parents not to park cars on both sides of the road, and to keep the front entrance clear. However response was only limited and usually temporary. The situation improved two years ago after traffic congestion had become acute and there had been a number of near misses. The police wrote to parents advising them that drivers who did not take due care and attention could be liable to prosecution. With publicity from The Link, and help from firefighters from Westlea who demonstrated that emergency vehicles would have difficulty getting into the school because of cars clogging up Langstone Way, drivers have generally taken a more re-

sponsible attitude and parked on one side, even though there are no official restrictions. Now with Government funding through the Safer Routes to School programme, Swindon Council can initiate a traffic reduction scheme to slow cars and limit the number of vehicles that can be parked in Langstone Way before and after school. Road safety campaigner and parent governor Dawn Dolphin welcomed the plans. "Traffic on Langstone Way has been getting heavier and we've feared a tragedy for a long time. We were promised completion of the work last Easter but I'm very pleased that the safety scheme is now taking shape."

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Road safety success in the west Over the last two years, pedestrians in West Swindon have been getting better protection from traffic calming and safety schemes which are already in action or nearing completion. Seven pedestrian crossings, five with lights, have been built by Swindon Council, or are planned, including: • Ashington Way, West Swindon Centre, where a major pedestrian and cycle route crosses next to the Pevensey Way roundabout; • Corton Crescent, after a campaign to make the road between the West Coun Nick Martin at the new Swindon Centre and Westlea safer Cartwright Drive lights following the tragic death of Shaun the Chinese Experience restaurant. Shirley in January 2000; The improvement schemes have • Langstone Way, outside Westlea School - by Easter; cost over £200,000, from Swindon • Cartwright Drive, outside Brook Council's road safety budget and also the Government's Safer Routes Field School; • Peatmoor Way, to provide a safer to School grant. Toothill councillor Mary Martin crossing from Peatmoor / Sparcells said that road safety was a major to Shaw - completed January; • Freshbrook Way and traffic issue for West Swindon residents. calming measures in nearby West- "I am pleased that local councilminster and Corfe Roads to im- lors have been able to push through prove safety for Oliver Tomkins changes to make roads safer. In School - complete by March 2003; particular the new crossing on • Gainsborough Way and White- Freshbrook Way will be a major hill Way, Freshbrook - to improve i mprovement; it's a very busy pefoot access to Grange Park and destrian and cycle route with a record of accidents. Greendown School. " When looked at together, we Additionally a speed restriction table and a 20mph zone have been have successfully bid for improved created at Pepperbox Hill, outside safety for local people."

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POINT Good health action plan underway Healthcare services in West Swindon, as part of an overall plan for Swindon residents, are coming under the spotlight — and everyone is invited to have their say at a special meeting at Toothill Community Centre on 14 January, 7pm. The Primary Care Trust (PCT), which plans and provides local healthcare services, wants everyone to help plan the future of healthcare and health promotion programmes in Swindon. It has come up with a draft health improvement and modernisation programme (HIMP) - a packed action plan for future services that looks at national health priorities like heart disease and cancer, as well as addressing Swindon's particular health needs. Now they want everyone to have their say to make sure the final approved plan reflects the real needs and concerns of local people. The HIMP is a rolling programme which not only sets targets for the year ahead but also explains how the PCT will work with partners — such as hospital trusts, the borough council and voluntary agencies - to make sure people in Swindon get coordinated services. Among health priorities highlighted in the programme are: • Reducing the risk of coronary heart disease; • Preventing & managing strokes;

• Making better use of surgeries and clinics; • Drugs and alcohol; • Freeing up hospital beds; • Offering equal services to all; • Improving services for cancer patients; • Mental health; • Promoting independence in older people; • Children and young people; • Diabetes. Director of Public Health Jane Leaman hopes as many people as possible will attend the meeting in Toothill. "We really need your help to make sure we plan the best for Swindon. Together we can make sure local people get co-ordinated services which tackle the challenges for health in our communities." The full plan can be seen at www.healthywiltshire.org.uk, at your local library, or by calling the PCT on 818200. Comments can be returned in writing to the PCT, Water Research Centre, Frankland Road, Blagrove, Swindon SN5 8YF or mailing: inquiries @swindon-pct.nhs.uk

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12 The Link Magazine • January 2003

Information service launches new website

Pre-school project on the farm

Swindon's Children's Information Service opens its doors on Saturday 11 January to mark the launch of a new website, as well as raising the awareness of the Early Education Funding.

The Lower Shaw Farm Children's Project holds its Annual General Meeting on 12 February, 7.30pm at the farm in Old Shaw Lane. The project holds monthly get togethers for pre-school children with their parents and carers where lots of arts and crafts using recycled and Palmer said that women natural materials takes place, plus cooking and baking with natural ^ ( l " ^: may be looking for new ingredients; nature treks and story walks round the farm and wildlife ` vr directions, perhaps by re areas; creative play in the barn and garden; environmental and sea" St e. ' "Ar, k turning to work when sonal games; and opportunities to learn how to care for the farm children start school, or animals and on-site wildlife. looking for a job in A new treasurer and chairperson are needed. To find out more, turn childcare. "You may be up or call 771080. Refreshments will be available. thinking of a job to pay •. for those Christmas treats. Pre-school places at Link Centre The CIS holds information on child-care, financial assistance to help with childcare costs, and other Melinda Messenger on a visit to parental information and the CIS shop in August 2001 support. We also have details of workChildren's Information ing with children, including be-

Service Swindon

Drop in and see what we have to offer Monday to Friday, 1 Cam to 3pm

coming a childminder or starting a new childcare facility." Drop in and chat to the staff at

Tel: 01793 541786: 9.30am to 4.30pm (with ansaphone) We provide FREE information on anything to do with children aged 0-14 years, e.g. childcare. social activities,

the CIS shop in Market Street between 10am and 3pm on weekdays, or telephone 541786 between 9.30am and 4.30pm. There is plenty for children to do in the toy corner. If you cannot stop by on 11 Janu-

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Link mid L°aiii chiirlren with enicriainer lack Stevens at their pre-Christmas party on 17 December

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which meets in the community years. suite at the Link Centre holds sesThe group currently has spaces sions on Monday to Friday morn- available for children aged 3 to 5. ings for 3 to 5 year olds, and Mon- For details, call waiting list secreday and Wednesday afternoons tary Lisa Iddon on 871243.

Information supported by the Swindon Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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Busy Bees working on Christmas play costumes, from left, Toni Hopkins with Adam Chadwick, Marie Woodhead, Amanda Brandon, Yvonne Bowden, Shirley Hayre with Harron, Susan Platten with Emma

Busy Bees went into suspension a few years ago but has now restarted to provide a link between school and parents, and also people living in the area. "It's a chance for parents to help the school in different ways," said group organiser Yvonne Bowden. "We did a lot of sewing and sticking to refurbish costumes for the Christmas production, and we're thinking up fundraising ideas for later in the year when the weather

improves. "You don't have to be a parent; anybody who would like to help out will be welcome." The group has a good stock of toys for toddlers who attend, many of which were donated by Asda after the play bus closed down. Busy Bees meets on Thursday morning from gam to 12 noon and members can drop in when they have the time. For details, call Yvonne on 07985 239810.

The Link Magazine â€˘ January 2003

Pre-school appeals for auction items

Taw Hill toddlers opens more often

Greendown Playgroup celebrated its fifteenth year in 2001 and also moved into its own building within Greendown School grounds after it had to find alternative accommodation because of expansion in secondary school numbers. .

Following the photograph in the December Link, the toddler group which meets at the Taw Hill Worship Centre has grown in numbers and has had to add an afternoon session. The toddler group now meets others and give their pre-school on Mondays 10am to 11.30am and children the chance to play with the large number of bigger toys from 2.30pm to 4pm. Parents who would like to meet can drop in at any time.

cl ffi ^

Growing into big oak trees Little Acorns playgroup held at Holy Trinity Church, Shaw village centre offers sessions for eighteen pre-school children from the age of two. The Mini-Acorns for 2 to 3 year olds meets on two afternoons a week whilst the playgroup for 3 and 4 year olds runs on four mornings. To find out more about availability of spaces, call Bettina Sullivan on 875014. The Mini-Acorns with pre-school supervisors and mums at their pre-Christmas parts, Playgroup staff, from left, Jackie Lambert, Julie Steward, Linda Sewell, supervisor Juliette Heal, Jayne Yalden

But the first anniversary in the solve to make sure Grange Park building was marred when a large continues to have its own self-sufheater was condemned. This will ficient playgroup. In the last year cost ÂŁ900 to replace, on top of the we have held several successful money needed to pay off the cost fundraisingevents. We'replanning of their building and developing more and we would like to hear an outside play area ready for next from anybody willing to help summer. fundraise or would like to attend.' "It's a constant battle to raise A charity auction and disco takes money for the group and we could place at the Swindon Pressings have done without the heater break- social club on Saturday 8 Februdown," said Tracey O'Connor, chair ary. To donate an auction item, or of the parents' management corn- to buy tickets to the event, call. mittee. "But it strengthens our re- Tracy on 873179.

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14 The Link Magazine • January 2003

Education department hopes to make the grade in 2003 In six months time education watchdog Ofsted make a repeat visit to Swindon's education department to assess the changes since the disasterous last inspection. The Ofsted report humiliated With the agreement of schools, Swindon in September 2001 by the council and the Government, describing a catalogue of failure and to avoid takeover by civil servmarked by chronically poor rela- ants, control of the education detions between senior officers and partment was effectively taken schools, inadequate leadership, away from the council. confusion, uncertainty and a lack Now reports are discussed by of transparency and trust. an Education Partnership Board In the last year there has been a made up of a wide range of interclear-out of senior officers, leader ested parties which makes recomof the council Sue Bates has stepped mendations about the way educadown and private company Tribal tion should develop in the town. were brought in to oversee changes The response to the 17 areas of in policy, and begin to rebuild the failure identified by Ofsted fifteen . relationship between the council months ago and its 46 recommenHilary Pitts with Greendown School graduates at their certificate evening on and its schools. dations has been set out in a three 12 December. From left, Liz Cosgrove, Daniel Lambert, chair of governors year strategic management plan Andrew Basson, Eddy Much in, Gemma Bastin, Jamie Shirley, Jennifer Tiley Starting school soon? and a whole series of achievement Was your son or daughter born milestones have been established will be joined in January by three will be borne out when the inspecbetween September 1998 and to assess progress, beyond the visit assistant directors to continue the tors visit schools." August 1999? by Ofsted in the summer. challenge of creating an effective For 2003, Ms Pitts sets out five If so, then he or she is due to In the relatively short time the education department. priorities: start school in September 2003, Tribal team were in the front line, She is the first to recognise that • a management culture marked January 2004 or April 2004. headteachers across the town were things must get better. "Despite by clear transparent leadership; The deadline date for applica- impressed by their openness and the local authority, schools have • delivery of high quality services tion is 12 noon on 31 January. straight talking. They are now worked hard to deliver education to schools; Application forms can be ob- moving into the background to to children in the town. At all key • across the board improvements tained from any of Swindon's provide management oversight stages, against national standards, in pupil progress; infant or primary schools. over the next three years whilst a improvements have been made in • raising of pupil attainment; Or call the admissions helpline new permanent senior manage- Swindon. With effective support • development of a learning culat Swindon Council's education ment team takes over. from the authority, we have a tre- ture across the community. This last point underpins the department: Linda, tel: 465790; New Director of Education Hi- mendous opportunity to help Jill, 465791; Sue, 465789 lary Pitts started on 1 October and schools exceed national stand- future for Swindon she says. "I believe education is at the heart of ards." Nevertheless preparations for community development, somethe next Ofsted are already taking thing that everybody should value place with schools being asked to highly. It is the key driver for rereturn Audit Commission ques- generation and all involved have a • tionnaires about Swindon's per- part to play in delivering improveformance and Ms Pitts hopes that ments in addition to schools and the changes at the centre will be the local authority - parents, busiWould you like these reflected in their responses. nesses, further education, the pobenefits for your "Schools are successful and make lice, the church, to name a few. a difference to a child's education "In the past education in Swinchild? if they have clear strategic man- don has been made up of many SelfRespect agement and leadership; the same parts. If we can pull together, the Discipline Defence applies to local authorities. There future for the town's children will Temper Focus are indications that relationships be much stronger and the effect on are improving and we hope these the community will be dynamic." irol Confidence g

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The University of Bath has announced plans to build a state-of-theart campus for 8,000 students next to M4 junction 15, close to the Great Western Hospital and a proposed science park. The University of Bath's vice-chancellor, Professor Glynis Breakwell, said, "as one of this country's top universities we want to build a major campus which will service local, national and overseas students, businesses and communities. This will be no average campus - we're planning cutting edge activity in Swindon." The move will enrage local environmentalists who objected to the hospital and will be against any further green field development.

The Link Magazine • January 2003

Ofsted success for the second time Five years ago Toothill's Oliver Tomkins infant school was described by Ofsted inspectors as: 'A good school providing a caring and well ordered environment in which pupils feel happy and confident.' Headteacher Penny Summers Now governors and staff are attitudes towards learning and said she was delighted with the delighted with the findings of a achieve well, Because the Oliver Tomkins In- report. "All members of staff at second inspection in October which found that not only have fants is a church aided school it Oliver Tomkins Infants have the good standards been main- was subject to a second separate worked very hard to provide a tained, the school has improved in inspection which looked at the re- good education for our children ligiouseducation,worshipandthe and we are delighted that the inall kev • issues. school ethos. This specters for both reports have recreport states that: ognised our effort." 'TheChristianethos In July Oliver Tomkins Infants of the school spar- School receed the Basic Skills

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16 The Link Magazine • January 2003

Company backs child safety course Youngsters at Peatmoor School are being helped to understand social issues and avoid a range of threats like drugs and alcohol abuse, smoking and bullying, through teaching materials sponsored by local mobile phone company Cellular Operations. Swindon South MP Julia Drown "Outside school children receive ° , 1 -r • L visited the school at the end of so much information about socia l November to hand over the mate- and personal issues and there is a i • .li • W• •• rials which include teacher lesson lot of misunderstanding. It's im t' plans, pupil work books, a safety portant that we give the facts in an board game, a First Aid CD and a interesting, clear and child friendly -, video on good health produced by way to bring out the important -' the charity Child Victims of Crime. issues that affect young people. 1 She praised the company for its Headteacher Terri Peacock said sponsorship. "The more we can the teaching materials were sensi t. educate young people, the more tive to children's needs and were ! likely they are to make a positive in line with the personal health "::; ! f^ contribution to a positive commu- and social education aspects of the `_ nity." national curriculum and thanked Year 6 teacher Rachel Brittain Cellular Operations for their sup ,

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Sewing group: People interested in cross-stitch, embroidery, quilting and needlework are invited to a meeting on Monday 13 January, 11am to 12 noon to discuss setting up a group. Refreshments will be available. Yoga for 11s to 16s: A 4 week taster course takes place from Thursday 16 January to 6 February, 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Book a place by calling 881613.

Over 50's: The established group next meets on Wednesday 11 January, 10am to 11.30am for coffee and a chat. Newcomers are always welcome. Book exchange: A book swop scheme where readers can bring in previously enjoyed items and exchange them for another from the collection has been started. Each transaction costs 50p which is put towards buying new books. The Book Swop shop is open during term time on Tuesdays 2.30pm to 3pm and Thursdays 6pm to 6.30pm.

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Swindon 772779 e-mail: info@mansfieldbegbie.co.uk • www.mansfieldbegbie.co.uk Registered with the Mortgage Code Compliance Board: No. 5508399 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 499646 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 maybe 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.

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The Link Magazine • January 2003

Walking for breast cancer cash Planning is well underway for May's Walk the Walk marathon, overnight through the streets of London in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Bristol Cancer Help Centre. The next meeting of Swindon Twin Peaks, the men and women who If you cannot get there, but would like to know more about joining represent the town on this giant fundraising outing, takes place on Twin Peaks or making a donation to a walker, call Eunice Salmon on Wednesday 8 January, 7.30pm at the Civic Offices, Euclid Street. 871016 or mail: eunice.salmon@ntlworld.com

Making the violin music to your ears An American living in Swindon is one of the few violin teachers outside London teaching a Japanese method of learning the instrument. j

tiWINf^^'^

Rhonda Hotop gave up the

Rocky Mountains of Colorado for marriage and Swindon and now runs a studio in Woodhall Park. She's also started Swindon Suzuki Strings which meets fortnightly at Peatmoor Community School. Developed by Japanese violinist Dr Shinichi Suzuki, the method is well known world-wide, but relatively unknown in England outside the captial. Rhonda says that Dr Suzuki has shown that children can learn to play an instrument in a similar way to the way people learn their native language — by ear. "It means pupils get used to the instrument before tackling music notation. Initially learning by ear also helps avoid that rather unfriendly sound a violin can make if not played well. " Other key differences of the Suzuki method are daily listening, parental involvement and group classes. Pupils listen to recordings so that they know the pieces well

Eunice Salmon with Walk the Walk founder Nina Baru when she visited Swindon in November

White goods for charity Top Drawer, Swindon's main furniture and electrical goods charity, is desperate for donations. In 2002 they recycled 100 tonnes of furniture and white goods to low income families referred to them by social services. Children who attend Swindon Suzuki Strings at Peatmoor Commuiiit y School Project coordinator Mike Dilley and learn notes easily in the les- through playing games. Rhonda has an urgent plea. "We need funcson. As well as ensuring that the also takes pupils towards Associ- tioning washing machines, tumpupil listens to the recordings, a ated Board exams. ble dryers, fridges, freezers, miparent attends the pupil's weekly Rhonda is a member of the Brit- crowaves, as well as double beds, one-to-one lesson with the teacher ish Suzuki Institute and the Suzuki and other furniture. We will collect, and practices with the child at Association of the Americas and but do allow a week's notice. home." as well as teaching, plays in the Together we can help many peoShe added that the fortnightly Swindon Symphony and North ple, and do a bit for the environgroup class gives pupils the chance Wiltshire Orchestras. To contact ment." to play together and also have fun her, call 700099 or look at Call 536613 between 10am and as they learn the elements of music www.mab.tgis.co.uk 4pm weekdays with offers.

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Arts Centre refurbished ready for performances It's really going to open this time After a major set back in October when dry rot was unexpectedly discovered during refurbishment of Swindon Arts Centre in Old Town. which led to the scrapping of the programme, and binning of printed brochures, the building reopens on 6 January with a strong season. On the bill are veteran film critic Barry Norman, Christine Hamilton, and acclaimed jazz pianist and one ti me Animal, Alan Price. plus lots of live music, comedy, drama and fil ms. See the Swindon Wide listings for dates and times of events, but what has £660,000 been spent on over the last seven months? Manager Clarry Bean explained that two main problems had to be solved in the increasingly aged facility. "The stairs up to the theatre and the layout of the old building made access difficult for many people. Secondly, access to the stage for performers was equally difficult and hazardous-, all equipment and scenery had to be carried up an external staircase. The building work provides a lift for customers and a second larger lift backstage." To accommodate this, the courtyard has been opened up, a glass atrium has been built over the entrance, with new offices, toilets and the ticket office downstairs, and new dressing rooms above. Customers of all needs will find it easier to get into the auditorium via stairs or lift, and also into the bar, studio and a new meeting room. Clarry is delighted by what has

a building which betbeen achieved. ter matches the qual"The courtyard and ity of what happens atrium will transunder its roof." form first impresBrochures and sions of the buildtickets are available ing. without losing from the ticket office the friendliness and on 614837. Ticket intimacy much apoffice hours are preciated by regu12noon to 5pm, Monlar visitors to the day to Friday, and Arts Centre. Artists, 1 Oam to 1 pm on Satstaff and audience urdays. J r will all benefit from The main auditoManager Clarry Bean the improved layout rium has yet to be and facilities. Most importantly, all areas including refurbished and a sponsor a seat backstage are easily accessible to scheme is running to achieve this aim. For details of how to contriball. "This theatre regularly sees out- ute, call 614837. standing performances on stage and I'm thrilled that we are creating

Airbrush Mosaic tiles Basket making Pergamano Beads & sequins Pyrography Candle making Quilling Glass paints Rug making Sculpting clay Sandy Art Silk fabrics Cross stitch Face paints Silk paints Hama beads Stamping Jewellery making Sewing threads Selection of haberdashery D.M.C. Main Agency Daylight lamps stockist 100s of other craft items and a huge range of products for the artist & student Picture framing service plus DIY framing supplies

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DYLAN MORAN Monster 19th Janua ry Tickets £ 12.00 Above. Pam Ayres will be guest of honour with the Mayor of Swindon at the official opening on 27 January and will return to perform on 29. 30, 31 May

MUSIC music

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Wyvern winner The winner of the famil y ticket competition in the December Link to see Dick Whittington was Penny Hutchison of Cheney Manor Road, Swindon.

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Swindon Wide Flight models and images wanted

Let Jake the Juggler bring props to your party, fun to your function, and balls to your birthday Fifteen year old Jake Hirsch-Holland from Shaw works with balls, clubs, diabolo, flower sticks and fire, and can juggle whilst riding a unicycle. He's been seen recently at publi c events, including the Swindon

Lions fireworks extravaganza at the Polo Ground in November and at the switch-on of the Old Town Christmas lights. Now Jake is offering his talents to party organisers looking for something different.

The Science Museum Wroughton is planning an exhibition in March celebrating flight and the site's former airfield associations. Opened in 1940, RAF Wroughton serviced orstored over 10,000 aircraft up to 1972. The exhibition takes place during National Science Week and will be open free of charge over the weekend of 15/16 March. The organisers are looking for i mages and models of the 84 types

"I've been practising circus skills

since I was a toddler and have joined in with workshops and shows at Lower Shaw Farm where I live." he said. "I've been thinking about going public with party workshops for some time and I was encouraged after the shows before Christ-

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Fire juggling is definitely not part of the participant's programme. However, where it is safe, Jake can show off his skill with flaming clubs as a finale to his show follow-

Sunday 19th January 12noon - 5pm Westlea School, Langstone Way, Westlea, Swindon Details from 07950 132 660 or 07817 437 032

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manager Matthew Applegate by 28 February on 814466 ext 36 or ing the workshop. These are suitable for over 8s right through to adults who want to get rid of their inhibitions and have a go. He can also run workshops for businesses in need of some team building and stress release. Later in the year Jake hopes to run a weekly course of more intensive circus skills training. However,

he first has to pass a few GCSEs at Greendown School where he is a student. To contact Jake the Juggler, call 771080 or mail: jake@lowershaw farm.co.uk

mail: m.applegate@nmsi.ac.uk

Poetry outlet There's still time to submit verse to the Pulsar annual poetry competition for publication next June. On offer is a first prize of £100. All entrants will receive a copy of

Pulsar magazine and recommend poems will appear on the web. For compeition rules, log on to www.pulsarpoetry.com or send an SAE to Pulsar, 34 Lineacre Close, Grange Park, Swindon SN5 6DA. The closing date is 28 February.

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The Link Magazine • January 2003

10th Fes ti val to put Swindon literally on the literary map Following last May's splendid and successful ninth festival, plans are now well underway for the tenth Swindon Festival of Literature, 1 -17 May. This will be the longest Festival of Literature yet, and to quote the star of last year Mo Mowlem, its the UK's best-organised. The programme is the most impressive yet with a string of nationallyknown authors and speakers already booked to appear. They include the BBC's chief news correspondent Kate Adie with her first book Kindness of Strangers, veteran television quizmaster Magnus Magnusson. political diarist, radio presenter, and sometime femme fatale Edwina Currie. children's author and broadcaster Michael Rosen, Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, satirist and editor of The Oldie magazine Richard Ingrains, controversial and popular philosophers C Grayling and John Gray. sartorially-snappy Royal correspondent Jenny Bond, prize-winning novelist Michelle Roberts. motormouth standup Mark Thomas, columnist broadcaster Melanie Phillips. and Archers' agricultural adviser and environmental writer Graham Harvey. Of local interest popular West Country author Robert Goddard will be appearing at the Link library. By way of celebrating its tenth anniversary, festival organisers have also booked a number of surprise acts. For example, the internationally-renowned word-juggling Chipolatas will bring their unique all-action cabaret to town; with their familyfriendly little big top and sawdust ring, Giffords Circus will bring terrific traditions and superb skills to literary proceedings: and internationallyselling local novelist Jasper Fforde will bring fa ns fr om all o ver t he w orld

Next month's Link exclusive: Thesecret life of an ex-cabinet minister and a festival director. Matt Holland with Edwina Currie on her visit to Swindon in 1999 to hear him talk about Thursday Next, his pretty private detective whose stamping grounds are none otherthan the mean streets of Swindon. And in the true festival tradition. number ten will start with frolics in Lawn Woods at 5.30am on 1 May with the ever-popular Dawn Chorus - a spring carnival of poetry, song, storytelling, and dance, plus a good deal of mayday morning mischief, which includes giants and a prancing horse. The subsequent 17 days of the festival includes the fifth Clive Brain Memorial Lecture, the now nationally-famous Swindon Performance Poetry Slam competition, a children's and a local authors' day, and a wide

Win art work by internationally renowed cartoonists Last month the work of transatlantic cartoonists Simon Grennan from Brighton and New Yorker Christopher Sperendio was unveiled. During 2003 it can be seen touring Swindon on the side of a double decker bus and also on billboards in the town and in the North Swindon Asda Walmart. Now you can win a collectable art piece by the two artists whose work has been seen in the New York Museum of Modern Art. We have three sets of a The artists with Swindon beekeeper Ron Hoskins in front of his po rtrait

mug. T-shirt and mouse mat designed on the Swindon project theme sponsored by Asda Walmart. All you have to do is visit the superstore in North Swindon and tell us the name of the billboard on display. Send your answers by 10 January to the address on page 4.

range of literarytalks, performances, discussions and readings at theatres, arts venues, libraries, schools, pubs, parks. and even woodlands in and around Swindon. Festival director Matt Holland says. "the festival's profile grows each year as it plays host to bigger names and attracts a larger following. At every level, it has become a fantastic celebration for Swindon of things well written and well said; something between a cultural communion and a literary frolic. People have agreattime. gettogether, meet authors, join in good talk, and make discoveries. It is very exciting." The 2003 festival has been made possible by financial support from from Dominic Winter Book Auctions; Thring Townsend Solicitors: the University of Bath in Swindon: Southern Arts: Lower Shaw Farm; and support in kind from Swindon Council and many other local and national organisations and individuals. The Link will again be providing glossy, full colour publicity in the run up to the festival. The full programme will be publi shed in March. To go on the mailing li st, call 771080 or mail: swindonlitfest@lowershawfarm.co.uk

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Venues The Arts Centre, Devizes Road. Tel: 614837 Lydiard House. Tel: 770401 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 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

Theatre Wednesday 22nd to Saturday 25th, 7.30pm Cold Comfort Farm presented by The Phoenix Players. Stella Gibbon's tongue-in-cheek classic rural novel has been adapted by Paul Doust with characteristic exuberance. £4.50. Arts Centre. to book call 525616 after 2/1/03 Tuesday 28th Mark. Told in the words of Mark, this is the Bible's most explosive record of the life of Jesus, one of the most influential figures in history. An epic storytelling experience presented by The Telling Place. £10. Wyvern

The Mayor of Swindon coun Stan Pajak welcomed His Excellency the Ambassador of Iceland Thorsteinn Palsson at the end of November to open an exhibition of Icelandic landscapes by Swindon painter Roy Bizley at the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery until 16 March. They are pictured with the artist's widow Pat.

Music

Exhibitions

Sunday 12th, 3pm Swindon Recital Series. Verity Butler, clarinetand Paul Turner, piano with a programme including Arnold, Brahms and Weber. £9. Arts Centre Friday 17th, 8pm An Evening with Alan Price. Alan Price brings his piano, songs and stories of a musical life with The Animals. £14. Arts Centre Saturday 18th, 8pm Otis Grand's Rhythm and Blues Band. Otis Grand (below) and his band have supported John Lee Hooker. BB King and Albert Collins and become one of Europe's preeminent blues musicians. £10. Arts Centre

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery until 16 March Roy Bizley: Icelandic Landscapes Roy Bizley was born in Swindon 1930 and began his artistic training at Swindon School of Art before attending Slade School of Fine Art. He made his first trip to Iceland in 1975 where he was inspired by the extraordinary landscape to produce a large body of powerful and paintings and prints. Free admission STEAM Storehouse - Unlocking STEAM's hidden treasures Discover STEAM's hidden treasures, from uniforms to nameplates. tools to wagons. Normal admission charge.

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Saturday 11th. 8pm Ricky Grover- Who's the Guv'nor. This show combines explosive comedy with powerful performance as befits a comedian who became an award winning film actor and star of Red Dwarf. £10. Arts Centre Sunday 19th, 8pm Dylan Moran "Monster" 2002-2003 UK Tour. Moran is quite a remarkable comedian, somewhat like a jazz musician playing with language, experience and the absurdity of life. £12. Wyvern Friday 31 January and Saturday 1 February, 8pm Robert Llewellyn Woman Wizard'. Armed with the latest in technogeek speak, stuffed with gags and delivered in the tones of a slick salesman. software has never been so funny. £12.50. Arts Centre

Talks & tours

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Saturday 14th, 2.15pm Tour of the National Monument Record Centre. An introduction to the work of the NMRC. Free Monday 13 January, 7.30pm Greenmeadow & Haydon Wick WI Speaker: Former Wiltshire Chief Fire Officer John Craig on 'Reflections of afire service career.' Haydon Centre, Thames Avenue.

The Gallery, National Monuments Record Centre to Sunday 12th Workers' Playtime Public parks and gardens reflected through postcards mostly dating between 1900 to 1910. Open Wed Fri. 11am to 5pm

Sunday 26th, 7.30pm Gordon Giltrap. Singer-songwriter, instrumentalist and composer plays a special benefit concert for the Arts Centre. £8. Arts Centre Thursday 30th, 7.30pm Music To Watch Boys By featuring classics from Elvis Presley, Tom Waits. Dean Martin, Elvis Costello, Andy Williams, The Kinks, Randy Newman starring Kate Dimbleby. £16.50. Wyvern Friday 31st, 7.30pm Symphony Bournemouth Orchestra playing Faure, SaintSaens. Franck. £18.50 - £13.50. Wyvern

Lydiard House The Grandison Book, (above). This rare 17th Century manuscript compiled by Sir Richard St. George. Clarenceaux, King of Arms was presented to Oliver St John, Viscount Grandison c.1621. The beautifully bound manuscript contains genealogical tables based on the Triptych in St Marys Church, Lydiard Park, together with vivid illustrations. Normal admission charge Swindon Museum & Art Gallery from Saturday 18th Music in Swindon This new exhibition explores the history of music-making in Swindon over the last 150 years, amateur, professional or just for fun. The displays include some unusual instruments, photographs, posters.

Or in )rAnuC4rq Talks & Variety Thursday 16th, 7.30pm An Audience with Barry Norman. The wittiest, most iconoclastic and astute reviewer of films in this country will reminisce about his life as a TV fil m critic and the people he has interviewed. £15. Arts Centre

Thursday 30th, 7.30pm Bob Dylan and the History of Rock'n'Roll with Michael Gray. A li vely and insightful look at the development of music over the last 40 years. £8. Arts Centre

Family events to 5 January The Snow Queen's Secret. Follow the snowflakes around the museum for a Christmas surprise. For 5 to 11 year olds. 50p, includes small prize. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

Pantomime until Saturday 11 January, 2pm & 7pm

Dick Whittington. The all singing, all dancing show starring Colin Baker, Geoffrey Hayes, Pollyann Tanner and the Tanwood Dancers. £13.50. Wyvern

Workshop Saturday 25th, 10am - 4pm Mosaic Workshop. Recycle crockery to make a contemporary mosaic with Nicole Tozer. £14. Arts Centre. book on 614837

Film Tuesday 14th, 7.45pm Possession (12) Gwyneth Paltrow and Aaron Eckhart star as two academics who discover an illicit affair between two Victorian poets (Jennifer Ehle and Jeremy Northam), in Neil laBute's film adaptation of AS Byatt's story of literary sleuths, ambition and passion. £3.50. Arts Centre Wednesday 15th, 7.45pm Me You Them (PG) Andrucha Waddington's film tells the true story of a feisty woman from rural Brazil and her relationship with three (simultaneous) husbands, shown with charm and sympathy. Swindon Film Society Wednesday 15th, 7.45pm Signs (12) Everything that farmer Graham Hess ( Mel Gibson) assumed about the world is changed when he discovers a message - an intricate pattern of circles and lines carved into his crops. £4. Wyvern Friday 17th, 7.45pm My Big Fat Greek Wedding (PG) Everyone in the Portokalos family is worried about Toula (Nia Vardalos), still unmarried at 30 years old. A few computer classes, contact lenses and a new attitude are all the jump-start Toula's life needs. In no time she is asked on a date ... £4. Wyvern Saturday 25th, 2.30pm Lilo and Stitch (U) The tale of a young girl's encounter with the galaxy's most ugly'dog'. £4, £3 concessions. Wyvern Tuesday 28th, 7.45pm Once Upon A Time in the Midlands (15) An affectionate look at family life with Shirley (Shirley Henderson) torn between herdull partner(Rhys (fans) and psychopathic ex (Robert Carlyle). £3.50. Arts Centre Wednesday 29th, 7.45pm The Guru (15) A young Indian dance teacher, Ramu Gupta (Jimi Mistry) embarks for New York in pursuit of fame and fortune only to find himself working as a waiter in an Indian restaurant. Through an encounter with Sharonna (Heather Graham), a beautiful film star, the shy Ramu is mistaken for a spiritual leader. £4. Wyvern Wednesday 29th, 7.45pm Kandahar(PG) This acclaimed film from Mohsen Makmalbaf charts the perilous journey through Afghanistan of a woman trying to find her sister. A bleak and sometimes surreal insight into life under the Taliban. SFS

Swindon Film Society (SFS) All films are shown at the Arts Centre; tickets are not sold in advance: Film Kandahar, a remarkable film about Society leaflets are available at the Afganisation in Taliban times, see Arts Centre: join the society when purchasing tickets right

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North library hand over imminent Fitting out of Swindon's newest library at the North Swindon District Centre nears completion and it will be passed overto library service staff in January. Head of Swindon's library service David Allen said stock was starting to arrive ready to be put on shelves, eventually there will be 30,000 books. CDs and DVDs. "It is a very exciting time getting ready to move into a brand new facility. Staff are currently being recruited for a Spring opening." There will be free access to the internet via the People's Network and the library will have a large IT training centre attached.

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Debs Osorio. right, with volunteer Amanda Butler, and West Swindon librarian Dawn Osborne. left Home Library is already well established at 12 libraries across Swindon and provides a free delivery service of books, tapes and CDs to nearly 140 users. It s available to anybody with a long-term disability which prevents them getting into a library, or for those who find it difficult to carry books home. Home Library coordinator Debs Osorio said some people might not think they qualify. "There is no age barrier if there is a need. We can visit able bodied people who have been in hospital and are recuperating, or are at home with a longer term illness. Others who should not lift weights can also be helped, for example a mum who has had a caesarian birth." She also pointed out that adults don't have to borrow adult books. "The library has a wonderful selecti on of children's books and grandparents might like to borrow books I—

suitable to read when grandchildren visit." Amanda Butler from Peatmoor joined Home Library after reading an appeal for volunteers to start the service at West Swindon in the May Link. "The library has such a wide range of books and we try to find items to match reader interest, whether it is autobiographies. which are very popular, or a risque novel. "We can also put in a request for a specific book if a client sees a review; they sometimes see new books before they get on shelves. And if Swindon library does not have a book, we can put in an interli brary loan request and this is free as well." Home Library has fifty eight volunteers working in pairs. all of whom are reference checked. To sign up for Home Library. call Debs Osorio on 463505 or mail: dosorio@swindon.gov uk or return the form below.

-------------------

I Please contact me about Home Library Name'

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

Address' ...................................................................................... ............. Tel: .................................. Send this form to Debs Osorio. Home Library coordinator. Liden Library. Barrington Close, Swindon SN3 6HF

Swindorn Wide Weekly workshop appeals to garners Brains whirr, strategies are hatched and tactics put into action every Friday between 5pm and 7.45pm at West Swindon Library because Friday evening is games night, and it's free.

Aimed at anybody aged over thirteen, newto games or well versed in the secret arts, the workshop gives participants the chance to prepare and paint game figures and also play on a board set up by library staff, including the brand new Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers. The project is being funded by Toothill and Freshbrook and Grange Park Neighbourhood Safety Teams (NeSTS).

Just turn up, or call Rebecca Bolton at West Swindon Library on 465554 or mail: rbolton@swindon.gov.uk Librarian Kristianne Drake with youngsters who attended a games workshop on 29 November to launch the Friday night sessions

Sw1n^odt1' Charity Gala Night at the Wyvern Theatre Sunday 2nd February, 7.30pm featuring special guests Swindon Pegasus Brass Band Society Thamesdown Ladies Choir Highwo rt h Warneford School Big Band

An evening of music, song and dance with over 100 performers in aid of Swindon Arts, the independent art organisation responsible for the Swindon Jazz Festival, the Think Arts festival, the Swindon Film Festival and small grants to pr omote social inclusion through arts activity

Exhibitions at the West Swindon Library 2 to 23 January: American art by Brian Snyder 27 January: Posters to mark Holocaust Memorial Day Nearly connected to the People's Network Twelve computer terminals will be available in January for free access

Tickets ÂŁ7 all seats from The Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square, Swindon â€˘ Box office: (01793) 524481

to the internet at the West Swindon Library. Some machines will need to be booked whilst others will be used on an 'as you visit' basis.

Sounds & rhythms of South America in North Swindon One of the highlights of the Swindon College community learning

programme from January is a new salsa and merengue class starting at Haydonleigh School on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8.30pm. ^5^-" Leading the sessions will be , *t Claudia Stroud who has recently arrived in the town from Chile where -' she grew up and took a degree in physical education, sports and recreation from the Metropolitan University. As well as establishing herself

as a dance teacher here, she is busily taking classes to improve her knowledge of English.

But dance is a universal language, so let Claudia find your

Claudia, performing in the national stadium of Chile in Santiago inner rhythms through the pulsating sounds of Latin America. To enrol on her course, or any other, call the Swindon College Freephone 0800 731 2250. BLUE PETER WATERWORKS APPEAL BRING & BUY SALE Friday 17 January, 3,20pm - 4.30pm, Brook Field School, Cartwright Drive, Shaw Raffle items wanted plus donations of books, toys. unwanted or previously enjoyed Xmas gifts. Please drop them into school. Organised by Cat Pinner and friends.

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The park at various times has been home to prisoners of war, GIs and to Swindon residents in need of housing. Mrs Norah Malden, who lives in Purton, describes what it was like exclusively for The Link.

army hospital in wartime and ourcouncil had taken about 100 huts over, and halved them into two bungalows so giving 200 young people afirstplace to be on their own. There were concrete paths to each bungalow and your own front door, and we were so surprised at the space inside. There was a large living room, and on one side there was a nice light colour stove where you could burn logs and coal, and in the corner nearby there was a large airing cupboard which was so thoughtful and useful in winter. Norah and Harry Malden with Sheila Through the The visit by Bob Walker and his Co-op passage was a bath room on one year it snowed to the tops of the travelling shop was always eagerly awaited the right with a large bath hedges and men had to dig some Extensions, Alterations, and sink and also toiletwhich parts of the roads to cycle to work in Renovations was new to us. Lots of the town. I worried a bit, but luckily All aspects of garden houses still had toilets out- we stayed healthy. The children side in the garden then. Af- around, including Sheila, only had construction including fencing ter the war that was one measles and chicken pox which they All general building work thing changed for the good. soon got over. It was a case of The kitchen was quite survival and keeping warm. Tel: Mr J.F. Keenan My husband was on two weeks large, an electric stove and (01793) 727824 a sink under the window, night work and two weeks days which and a nice large pantry with wasn't very nice, but in those days wide shelves and a stone or con- there was no thought of burglars and crete floor to keep things cool and we used to pop to neighbours and fresh, as lots of folk did not have not have to lock doors and windows. The fi rst week in April 1954 we got freezers then. I was so delighted with things. The two bedrooms were keys for a new house in Swindon, one large and a small one where we and soon moved. The strange thing was the houses were there but no used to store things. Well we moved surface on roads, no pavement all just in and soon made ._ = earth. No lights, no acosy place to live shops, no buses to in. It was April, a YOUR LOCAL PVC-U MANUFACTURER speak of and of lovely time in the course no school. countrywith snowBuy direct from Sheila had to start drops and primour factory school in a couple roses and later on of weeks. I had to bluebells. The • We make it and take her down to space open we fit it Pinehurstinapusharound was all • High security chair. wired round so Of course, later you were private • 10 year guarantee Bill Richardson digging his veg things got better but and could grow plot in front of the huts • Lowest prices as I had to walk back your own vegetables which my husband did and it to school later in the day to fetch her I had blisters on my feet, and wished was good to eat. There was a coal bunker outside for the country fields a bit. However, and so we stored wood and coal we survived and got a garden eventhrough the summer. We went for tually, and now were really settled. long walks with Sheila in a push- When we left Lydiard I brought a few bulbs of bluebells and we still have chair. some. Every year they multiply and I never regretted the move and think the council did a good job in I' ve given lots away, but they give a making the buildings into temporary splash of colour every Spring and homes. There was a social club and think of Lydiard and the memories the men had a darts team, my hus- we have of those days. band was in that. Otherwise we made • The Lost Estate, an account of our own ideas for leisure time and life on Lydiard Park Estate during the 1950s is available at Lydiard were never bored. .l'he Marsh, Lower Wanborough. SN4 OAS The worst time was the winter, House during opening times.

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This story is about when couples had to wait a very long time for a house that was newly built and such a lot of couples about. Harry and I were married in 1947, not long after war finished, and we lived in two rooms with my mother and young brother for four years. We had our baby Shiela meanwhile, and she was just two years old when the council offered us a place to live for three years, and then we would have a new house. Well we were very pleased to go and see. We soon realised the houses were three quarters of a mile from the main road and we had to carry Sheila. In the distance were all these long huts and then we saw what had been done. Apparently the Americans had an

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Swindon wide Intelligent and green: eco-homes show the future for housing

Seven environmentally friendly houses to be completed during the Spring in Abbey Meads will mark the end of the first phase of Swindon's expansion to the north, eight years after the first homes were occupied. Called 1 nteger Housing, the design by the Westlea Housing Association architects incorporates a wide range of energy saving features, whilst remaining cost efficient to build. The innovative design includes: • timber frames constructed from trees grown under Forest Stewardship Council guidelines; • high levels of Warm cell insulation An artist's impression of the Integer homes made from recycled newspapers within the timber • use of mineral based environframe; mentally friendly paints; • using stored rainwater for flush- • marmoleum floor covering for ing WCs; kitchens and bathrooms, as rec• solar panels on the roof for hot ommended by the Asthma Society water heating; as this inhibits the dust mite; • reduced use of plastic, gutters • laminated spruce timber floors are made from galvanised steel; for warmth underfoot; • external walls partly clad with • passive ventilation system prohome grown cedar boarding re- viding natural clean air without the quiring no redecoration; use of electric fans; • low maintenance zinc roofing; • provision for recycling house• high quality argon filled double hold waste; glazed windows: • incorporation of a solar space to

running their homes. "Because of the additional features, the cost of building i nteger homes is about ten per cent greater than other houses. But tenants will see at least a fifty per cent reducti on in electricity and gas bills." He added that the energy saving systems are designed to run with little intervention by users, and that the 1 nteger concept is the model being built at Mason Road, Abbey Meads for future housing. utilise borrowed heat from the sun; The seven dwellings are being • intelligent cabling and controls built by Swindon company Redfor multi-computer, TV, telephone stone Construction and will be manand electrical consumer use; aged by the Jephson Housing As• low energy light fittings and use sociation. of PIRs which automatically turn li ghts on and off in stairwells: • provision made within the strucRADIO SWINDON ture for future internal lift for disa103.6 FM bled person access to the first floor Listen out for this month's headlines from if and when required. The Link on BBC Radio Swindon's Drive Steve Parker from Westlea programme (Monday to Friday 4pm to Housing Association said tenants 7pm). at about 4.45pm on Wednesdays. will see major savings in the cost of

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The Link Magazine • January 2003

A 2 Z Home Improvements

Flying Kenny looks for sponsorship

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race at a higher level in 2004 . Whilst the team provides and maintains the bikes, Kenny has to find a lot of sponsorship to keep it on the track - £16,000 next year and is appealing to business for backing. Although in the sport for only 10 months, Kenny has his sights set on becoming a champion. "I've had many people in racing say that I can win my way to the top. It's now my ambition to get noticed by the big factory teams and with the right equipment I know I can do it." To sponsor Kenny, look at www.kennygilbertsonracing.com and give him a call on 702544.

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By May 2002, the potential of the former Greendown School student, had been spotted and he was invited to join the team managed by S/S Motor Cycle Tuning of Nottingham. Now he's out every weekend either practising, racing or attending team feedback sessions. In his own time, apart from attending A' level courses at Swindon College, Kenny is in the gym building strength, stamina and mental application to improve his ability to ride even harder in the coming season. He'll be racing an Aprilia 125cc and will also be getting experience on a Yamaha 600cc R6 ready to

Adults needed to give appropriate attention to offenders Thirty adults are being sought to assist the Swindon Youth Offending team provide a 24/7 service to young people detained by the police. Called Appropriate Adults, the the custody procedure." He explained that volunteers volunteers will be trained and supported so that they can be avail- have to be clearance checked and able on a rota to attend a police trained before taking on their dustation when an under 17 has been ties, which include being on a rota arrested and detained for ques- so that there is coverage at all times. "For the volunteers this can be a tioning. Former police sergeant Pat very challenging and demanding Morse has recently been appointed role. It may be the first time that a to the Swindon Youth Offending young person has been detained, team as the Appropriate Adult Co- so the volunteer will have many ordinator, to recruit, train and sup- issues to discuss with them when port some 50 volunteers across they first meet at the Police StaWiltshire with youth offending tion," said Pat. "On the other hand the young teams in Salisbury and Melksham, of which 30 are required in the person maybe a persistent offender and the adult may well encounter Swindon area. He said, "the role of an Appro- a different and possibly more difpriate Adult is very important in ficult scenario. "In all circumstances the role is the custody procedure when a parent or legal guardian is unable to challenging but very important" To find out more, call Pat Morse attend. I will endeavour to arrange for a volunteer to be present to at Swindon Youth Offending team support the young person through on 823153.

The Link Magazine • January 2003

Get fit.

i i 1003

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The Holistic Experience For calm inner peace

Here's the place to make a resolution

Massage Therapy

It's that time of the year again. front and back pages, you will find The season of excess has past; ways of changing your life for the the turkey is no more, the pud, better - whether it's a class, perthe brandy butter, the alcohol - sonal training, a hair or nail treatall a pleasant memory. Yet the ment, or a complementary therapy evidence is revealing itself in - this is definitely the place to look those extra pounds around the for help. middle or on the thighs. Remember it's not what you do

Indian Head Massage

So, did you resolve to rid yourself between Christmas and New of those extra pounds this year, or Year, but what you do between take some steps to reduce stress? New Year and Christmas that's Over the next four pages, plus the important.

Hanging up the lycra One person you won't see so much of is Lee Hogan who has run Bodies by Design fitness classes in West Swindon for 13 years. Still in fine physicentre bible. cal form at 46,

, _

Since 1989 Lee

though getting abit ' , estimates he has creaky in places, taken 2,500 classes Lee is letting attended by 75, 000 younger instrucpeople. "I've made tors take Bodies lots of friends and classes, whilst he will miss the concentrates on personal fitness weekly contact with them. But it's training, consultancy and publi- time to move on and bring in new cation of The Good Gym Guide which people to keep Bodies the premier he says will become the fitness fitness classes in the area."

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30 The Link Magazine • January 200 3

New SwindonCard to benefit residents with better prices People living in Swindon are going to benefit when Swindon Council introduces the new SwindonCard to replace the existing booking card, leisure passport and Gold Card. The card, which offers discount for the use of council facilities and activities, will cost Swindon council people less than non-residents. The new arrangement becomes effective from 10 February, though the card will be available for purchase from 13 January. Swindon residents will pay £15 for the card, non-residents £22. Nominal charges apply to juniors and students. Family cards will be available. Non-card holders, whether or

YOUR NEAREST CLASS Monday: 6pm & 7.30pm St John's Church, Haydon Wick. Nicole, 338786 Tuesday: 6.30pm & 8pm Abbey Meads School Paula, 701442 Thursday: 6pm & 7.30pm St John's Church, Haydon Wick. Peter, 831071 Class fee £3.75

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not they live in Swindon, will pay up to 30% more than card holders when they use facilities like golf, badminton, indoor bowls, ice skating, swimming, fitness classes, allotments, fishing permits, Swindon Dance and Steam railway museum. Another benefit is that card holders will have a day's priority in making advanced bookings for recreational activities. SwindonCard introduces two levels of concession to replace the Gold Card. Entitlement to the types of concessionary charge is set out below. SwindonCard will cost: • 'Concession 1' holders £5 (non residents £8). When they use the relevant sport and leisure facilities, they will pay between 10% and 50% less than cardholders. • 'Concession 2' will not have to pay for the card and will receive between 20% and 90% off when they use the facilities. Unlike the Gold Card, concessions apply throughout the day, with the level of discount reducing in busy times. Concession card holders living in the Borough of Swindon will also be entitled to discounts off pest control and skip hire charges. Examples of how the new charging arrangement will apply are set out to the right. The council believes that the new arrangement will enable them to target subsidy more effectively than at present. Access to facilities will be enhanced for those entitled to concessions and confidentiality will be improved as the card will be identical for all holders. The new SwindonCard will be available for purchase from leisure centres and Wat Tyler House. Proof of address and entitlement to concession, where appropriate, is required. Applicants will be

Lose weight in all the right places at your local Rosemary Conley class The ONLY national slimming club that offers diet AND exercise* in ONE class at one great value price! * Monday: Noremarsh Junior School, Wootton Bassett, 5.30pm & 7pm • Thursday: Saltway School, Middleleaze. 6pm * Thursday: Warneford School. Highworth, 8pm I Call Dawn on (01793) 782639 Membership £6.99 Class £4.50 Exercise only £3.35 (no membership) exercise session optional

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Link Centre receptionists Shirley Burden and Jane Murtough, ready to issue the new SwindonCard

photographed so all persons to be included on a family card must attend when the card is purchased. The signature of a parent or guardian is necessary for juniors under 18. The annual increase in charges for recreation activities will take place in February this year to coincide with the launch of the card. For cardholders, charges will increase by about 5%, for non-card holders the increase is around 35%. The council expects these revised prices to remain in place until March 2004. For the future, the council hopes to develop the benefits received by card holders which may be applied to other council services and for purchases made within the private sector. There is even the possibility of a 'loyalty scheme' for regular users. The council realises that this new arrangement has many complications and will affect different categories of users in different way. A telephone help line will be available from 13 January. Call 0800 328 2236 for assistance.

Price examples: Swimming at Link Centre, Health Hydro and Dorcan Swindon Card: £2.90 No card: £3.80 £1.50 Concession 1: £0.30 Concession 2: Bowls rink at the Oasis Swindon Card: £9.90 £12.85 No card £4.90 Concession 1 Conc 1 after 5pm £8.90 £1 .00 Concession 2 Conc 2 after 5pm £7.90 Fitness classes, including li ne dancing £4.00 Swindon Card £5.20 No card £2.00 Concession 1 Conc 1 after 5pm £3.60 Concession 2 £0.40 Conc 2 after 5pm £3.20

Concession categories Concession 1 Swindon residents and nonresidents who can provide proof in relation to: being a junior under 16 full time study age over 60 and not in full-time employment foster carers and their dependants incapacity benefit attendance allowance disabled persons tax credit tax credit and child tax credit Local Government Training Scheme Swindon LEA School Governors

Concession 2 Swindon residents only who can provide proof relating to: income support job seekers' allowance housing benefit council tax benefit National Assistance Act 1974 to avoid destitution 16 to 18 year olds unemployed and registered with a job centre children under 3 years foster children Note: People from outside Swindon who would otherwise qualify for Concession 2 status are eligible for a Concession 1 card.

The Link Magazine • January 2003

School soccer kids get power boost

Home Personal

A year 7 student at Greendown School came up trumps when his year group were asked to go out into the community, to approach family, friends and local businesses to sponsor a sports team.

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1 Linda Worley presents Christian Dobbs with Innogy sponsorship, while Andrew Westall and Kris Worley show off the new football shirts

Kris Worley asked his mum Linda said, "Innogy is a local Linda, who works at integrated company close to the school and power company Innogy at Wind- we are pleased to be good neighmill Hill business park, if they bours. I look forward to seeing the could help out. They were happy results of the team displaying our to dig deep and contribute £500. logo." Sports teacher Chris Dobbs said • Greendown's year 7 tag rugby he and his colleagues were de- team received the fair play award lighted with the donation which at the Innogy tag rugby festival has enabled the purchase of a foot- run by ex-England player Ben ball kit, equipment and also net- Clark at the Link Centre on 27 L ball skirts. November.

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32 The Link Magazine â€˘ January 2003

--WeightWatchers WESTLEA SCHOOL Thursday 5.30pm FRESHBROOK CHURCH Wednesday 7pm ST JOHN'S CHURCH, HAYDON WICK Saturday 10am HAYDON CENTRE Monday 9.30am, Wednesday 6pm & 7.15pm Discover the new 'Time To Eat' programme

Call 08457 123 000 for other meetings in the area or visit Meeting Finder at www.weig htwatche rs. co. u k

CHIROPODIST Advanced Reflexologist & Kinesiologist CLINIC AT 113 HIGH STREET

Duke's scheme comes to Link Centre Young people pursuing the Duke of Edinburgh award are now able to qualify for the physical recreation requirements of the scheme at the Link Centre. The Ridge climbing wall and the Active Lifestyle Centre have joined the award Access Organisation and can now issue credits to 14 to 24 ' year olds who regularly use the facilities for twelve weeks, on their own or in organised groups. Apart from the regular fee for using the wall or the ALC, there is no cost in being awarded the credit which gives participants a quarter r ; of the elements required to qualify for the award at the bronze, silver or gold standard. Seventeen Swindon organisa.. tions have signed up to become DofE access points. Any club, society or organisation which provides . activities for young people aged Danny Ik inson, centre, presents The Ridge climbing instructors Pete Cook and between 14 and 24 can become an Nikki Burridge with the DofE Access certificate, watched by Amrit Dulai, Maurice Access Organisation. Activities Hendrey, Adam Holton, Joe Stewart To find out more about becom- westbourne@freenet.co.uk don't have to be physical, they can Information on the DofE can be fit into the skills or service sections ing an Access Organisation, call Danny Robinson on 536066 or mail: found at www.theaward.org of the award.

WOOTTON BASSETT

Wacky teens in the North

For an appointment with Mrs Lesley Taylor

The Friday Night Thing is an 'action oriented club for teenagers run by North Swindon Baptist Church. During the autumn they took part Meads Community School. in Jedi training, a chocolate evening, 10th Jan - Blue Peter as well as making and eating a 24th Jan -Superteams training Newcomers are always weltwenty foot banana split, left. Meetings are held twice a month come. Call Jackie and Steve on on Friday evenings at Abbey 341743 for details.

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Rainbows need adults to help them shine Rainbow Girl Guides in West Swindon are desperate for leaders and helpers to keep the two groups in the area going.

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The 1-' Sparcells Rainbow Guides with their leaders, from left, Julia Bigley, parent helper Sarah Moseley, Rainbow Guider Brigitte Wilkinson

Rainbow Guides are the youngest members of the guiding movement, catering for 5 to 7 year olds. One group meets at Greendown School, the other at Sparcells social hall. Activities include all manner of arts and crafts, social and community activities, and outings, all designed to give the girls a wide range of experiences which create friendships and provide valuable life skills. But for the groups to survive, or for new ones to start, adults are

needed to offer their time to help organise activities and supervise the girls. Leader coordinator Alison Hall said guiding provides the opportunity to gain excellent organisation and people skills that can be used in other areas of life. "If you are aged between 18 and 65 years, are full of enthusiasm and willing to give it a go, girl guiding can help you shine. It's what being a leader is all about surprise yourself." For more details, call Alison on 873528.

Sparkling collection Bucket donations made at the Purton and Lydiard Scouts November bonfire night fireworks spectacular raised £540. The Scouts decided to match the amount from their gate takings so that two charities would benefit - people with learning disabilities at Bainbridge House in Park North for whom 1st Westlea Guides are raising money for a sensory garden, and Koalas opportunity group. Presenting the cheque, Scout leader Steve Kearns with Tim Kinch, Andrew Tedstone and Dean Kinch, right, Westlea Guides, Madeline Care, Lucy Dams, Sophie Sheppard, Hayley Davies, Amanda Perry, front, Koalas coordinator Stephanie Hathaway with Kate McCarthy and Guide leader Rachel Williams

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The Link Magazine • January 2003

Make your Christmas cards last a lifetime It's time to recycle your Christmas by turning all those thousands of cards into trees.

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GARY WILKINSON South Swindon MP Julia Drown with children from Lawns Junior school launching the 2002 Christmas card recycling scheme

The Great Western Community Forest with support from 21st Century Swindon Forum is organising the 2002 Christmas card recycling scheme which will run until the end of January. Eighty two schools have signed up for the campaign and pupils are being encouraged to recycle their cards to support tree planting in the community forest and reduce landfill. There will also be collection skips

at Sainsburys stores at Bridgemead and Stratton St Margaret between 3 and 31 January. For every one thousand cards

recycled, one tree will be planted in the Great Western Community Forest, creating a greener and healthier environment in and around Swindon. Last year over one million cards were recycled and it is estimated that 40,000 local people were actively involved.

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36 The Link Magazine • January 2003

Turning a school green Children at Peatmoor School took part in a muddy environmental day at the end of November where children, teachers and governors planted 500 trees in the grounds. Environmental artist Dave Gosling helped create large living willow sculptures around the school pond which will sprout with leaves in the Spring. Right, helping Dave sculpt shapes and figures, from left, Courtney McGill, David Hillman, Daniel Khan, Kieran Hemmings, Harry Doherty, Emily Bullock, Catherine Prot hero

Maintaining the Haven The Haven, next to Manor Garden Centre, is awildflower nursery in the heart of Swindon dedicated to turning the town into a butterfly friendly environment. On Sunday 12 January, 10.30am, John Ball will demonstrate techniques of how local gardeners can create a piece of haven in your own backyard. For details, call 877261.

Ground force goes storm force for the lifeboats Celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh is once again supporting the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's Gardens for Lifeboats scheme and urging West Country gardeners to show off for a day this summer in aid of the RNLI. be able to help on the open day. A description Organisers are hoping for a record number of of each garden, including directions, will also e participantsaftermorethan60gardenershelped k' in a special RNLI booklet available from to raise over £15,000 through the scheme last Easter. year. Alan Titchmarsh reminds readers that the " Clare Blight, scheme coordinator said, " its a RNLI is entirely funded from public donations. privilege for the visitor to have access to a "When I'm lucky enough to spend a couple of special garden which is normally private, and generous of any gardener to share it. A good - '--: days at sea, I gain a great feeling of security garden scheme has a wide range of places to visit and the RNLI is from knowing the local lifeboats are there, around the coast. It's good looking for every type of garden - from a country estate to an imagina- to know that gardening can help raise money to make that possible." If you would like to be involved, call the RNLI regional office on tively planted town plot - so there is something for everyone" The date and time is the gardener's choice and local volunteers may 01179 444999 where staff will put you in touch with localRNLlfundraisers.

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38 The Link Maaazine • Januar y 2003

Money worries can be sorted by advice in North Swindon Did you spend too much at Christmas? Are you worried about mounting debts? From January, if you are a member of the Clivey Credit Union, you could access money advice free of charge. The advice session is confidential and staffed by a fully trained money advice worker. If access is a problem arrangements can be made for the worker to visit you at home. Credit unions are regulated by the Financial Services Authority and by law can only charge 1% per month interest on the reducing balance; this means repayment of a typical loan of

Pets

£100 paid back over a year would be £106.50. ,^ts^•^

rJ'i

on 703506.

Left: Taking deposits at the Clivey Credit Union

Swindon's 5 Star Cat Hotel

n -- 4 4') nM

If you live or work in the North of Swindon you can become a member of the Clivey Credit Union. The credit union is open at the collection point at the Clivey Project, Clive Parade, by the Moonrakers roundabout, every Wednesday from IOam to 12noon and on Saturday from 11 am to 12 noon. To find out more about becoming a member drop in or call Dorothy Brown

SHANGRLLA

CATTERY Individually heated accommodation with comfortable bedding or outdoor facilities available To view book an appointment on 01793 770514 Common Platt, Swindon

Goiv.g

Worried who will look after your pet whilst you're on holiday? Pets At Home could be your answer

6ttsiv1ess?

Pets At Home is a service which cares for all your pets (except dogs) in their own home anywhere in the West Swindon area only.

Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on 873062

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Fully licenced cats holiday boarding home Fully heated cabins with spacious ru ns • Family runs also available All dieta ry needs catered for • Individual care and attention Professional in-house groomer Collection and delivery service on request Viewing available by appointment • Very competitive rates

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Creature Comforts offers a professional, caring and reliable home pet feeding service when you are away. You can be sure of a total peace of mind service for cats and small animals within your own home (sorry, no dogs). Contact Helen Murphy Tel: 01793 635498 Mobile: 07798 568462 E-mail: helen.murphy2@ntlworld.com

Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 5PY

A friendly, caring service for you and your pet David Warnes BVSc MRCVS • Stefania Glowka DVM MRCVS Consultations by appointment: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.30pm

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Saturday 12noon - 3pm Consulting hours: By appointment Mon - Fri: 9am - 10.30am; 3.30pm - 5pm; 5.30pm - 6.30pm 12noon - 3pm Saturda.

24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE - All Sunday and Emergency consults by appointment at The Drove Veterinary Hospital - Telephone (01793) 522483

The Link Magazine • January 2003

Councillors wanted to deal with local matters

From southern oceans to Swindon

There has been recent talk in Haydon Wick of twinning with a French counterpart. In the meantime the parish council has had a more exotic connection. Stephanie Aucus, from the island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean, has spent the last six months at the council's offices and returns home in early January. Fourteen parish councillors curTwenty year old Stephanie's Christmas this rently serve Haydon Wick, spendyear was distinctly chilly. "I ing about £112,000 of precepted Stephanie was found the placement by the Euromissed my parents and two council tax each year on services pean Training Service brothers and also the sumfor local residents. mer sunshine." After a review started in 1998, which helps youngsters to Before Christmas she the Local Government Commis- develop their skills and knowledge on a worldhelped distribute the annual sion has determined that the parparish council Christmas ish, with its ever expanding popu- wide basis. Although her English parcels within Haydon Wick lation, should be divided into three and spent Christmas Day in wards and have a further four was already good, Stephanie welcomed the a Devon cottage with her councillors. host family. Haydon Wick ward covers the chance to develop her When Stephanie returns to established part of the parish and skills and gain experience Reunion she hopes she will will return 13 councillors, Haydon of the English-speaking not have to go back to her End ward to the north-chiefly world. Although she less than exotic previous job Priory Vale and Taw Hill-will re- found us British rather re-serving in MacDonald's - in turn four, and Ray ward to the served on first contact, she her home town of St. Denis. west (the Clary Road area) will had no regrets over her choice of venue, and enjoyed her rishioners' views about the qualParish clerk Sue Martin said that have a single councillor. ity of council services. ithasbeen a pleasure working with Richard Hailstone, chairman of time in Swindon. Reunion, located within the tropIn Haydon Wick, she updated Stephanie and very interesting. the parish council, says councillors play an important role in local ics in the southern Indian Ocean, is the council's website, internet surf- "She did some invaluable work matters, influencing the develop- a French overseas departement and ing being one of her hobbies along setting up databases for us and ment of the local environment and so French is her first language. She with gospel and popular music. , these will continue to be used long Coming from tropical climes, after she has left." the community provision that goes also speaks the local Creole. The with it. "We are involved with the island is about two thirds the size provision and maintenance of open of Wiltshire, but with a larger spaces, play areas and allotments, population. The economy used to running the community bus, mak- be based on sugar cultivation, but ing grants to voluntary organisa- tourism is now of more importions and scrutinising planning tance and it is Stephanie's ambiapplications. We also get involved tion to find a long-term career in with youth provision, litter clear- this industry, perhaps as an interance and prevention of vandalism." preter or guide. During her stay in the town, she Nominations for election will divided her time between Haydon open in the Spring. To discuss qualification requirements, contact Wick and Stratton St Margaret parish councils. At Stratton, she was Sue Martin on 722446. involved with a survey finding paSale 25% oft everything New parish bus keeps Haydon Wick on the move Disabled and elderly residents of Haydon Wick will be pleased that the parish council has taken delivery of a new Renault Mast 12 seater V community bus to replace its unreliable predecessor. .l{d h : ^.;r la With a tail lift which allows two wheelchairs to be easily accommodated, or more if seats are removed, the bus has a five day a week programme of taking people to hospital, doctors surgeries and the shops. A team of four volunteers operate the bus and new helpers are always welcome. Anyone interested in driving, or if you require details about t i the service, contact Sue Martin on 722446.

rii

-I;

Residents of James Wilks House on their way to lunch in the new bus, from left, Win Wilshaw, Ruth Humphrey and Esther Pennell, Edie Lolley and driver Avril Morgan

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40 The Link Magazine • January 2003

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ONE ON ONE PERSONAL TRAINING HOME/GYM TRAINING v PERSONALISED PROGRAMMES v FREE FITNESS ASSESSMENT For details call Carol Loubser Mobile 07958 080863

Brand new & used designer. import and High Street clothing for premature to 10 years + including ladies

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For Sale

Boys mountain bike, front suspension, red. age 7 -10 yrs, vgc. £35 ono. Tel:

Ski salopettes. two pairs 12/13 yrs, 13/14 yrs, excellent condition, £5 each. Tel: 877496 Decorative china dolls, ideal for collectors, individually or together, prices from £5. Tel: 532131 Corgi diecast 1/50th scale commercial models for sale or swap, call for details. Tel: 07815 820577 (after 6pm) Real Welsh dresser in pine, £70. Tel:

Lime oak corner TV video unit, excellent condition, £70. Tel: 481004

Free standing portable basketball hoop, £40. Tel: 702858 Cosco adjustable highchair, heavy duty, white plastic, vgc, £30 ono. Tel: 870435 Italia pram/pushchair 2 in 1, raincover, cosytoes. excellent condition, Winnie the Pooh car seat headrest, £50 ono. Tel: 706403 Mothercare swinging crib, vgc, solid birch antique finish with sleepright mattress, new £95, bargain at £40. Tel: 700609

887647

Armchair, Chesterfield style, winged. high back, burgundy leather, excellent condition. £95 ono. Tel: 345238 Computer desk. Rio, height 73cm, width 150cm, depth 78.5cm. still in box, £30. Tel: 725586 Child's bedroom furniture set, pine effect with grey doors, super condition £50. Tel: 532105 Cabin bed. pine, Ikea. with mattress, excellent cond. £50 ono. Tel: 878691 Solid wood mantle, mahogany stained, 53" x 6.5", £30. Blue 3 seater couch & footstool, good condition, £80. Tel:

Graco travel cot. as new, rarely used, red, yellow, green & blue design, £25. Tel: 700609 Silver Cross Wayfarer 3 in 1 travel system inc car seat. 0 - 9 months, all accessories. exc cond. £75. Tel: 870506 Tippi Toes doorway bouncer suitable from 3 months, medically approved. £10. Tel: 874527 Cosatto playbead cot and mattress inc cargo bag of Disney bedding, excellent 347622 e condition. £75. Tel: 870506 TV wallstand, white. n w £10. Travel Ladies and gents skis, stick & boots kettle, £8. Blue Avon tankard, £30. oto. Mahogany, glass cabinetwith light. Cogie vans. £5. Tel: 347507 £100. White wall TV stand, £10. Travel Mahogany glass cabinet with lights. kettle, £8. Coffee machine, £5. Tel: £90. Wicker rocking chair, £10. Tel: 347507 r

Looking to start your own business?? Fabulous opportunity to work from home selling superb childrens' books. %-^ Earn extra income in no time Qualifications: a love of books and plenty of enthusiasm!! Call Bhagini Marshall. tel: 01793-322116 bhagini@hotmail.com

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L-------------------I

Painter & Decorator Specialist Artexing Tel: (01793) 791388

Peoplehnk Enquiries from The Link's website: www.swindonlink.com

Black ash dining unit, £20. Coffee table,

£5. Computer desk, £10. Computer chair. £5. Tel: 875489 Parkinson Cowan gas double oven, white. cycloheat. £100. Tel: 849279 Gas fire, black cast iron coal effect, £45. Tel: 721751 Game Boy. colour, complete with 4 games, vgc. £35. Tel: 876696 Sony Handycam vision camcorder CCD TRV 67E. vgc. £150. Tel: 692197 Laptop 12 months old, 16HZ, 256MB, 20 gigs. software and accessories. £499. no offers. Tel: 872974 Computer hideaway cupboard. solid pine. 1 m wide x 2m high x 56cm deep (approx) when closed, folding doors open to reveal drop down table (102x98x40cm approx). 3 pull out shelves for keyboard. scanner. printer, internal full width shelf, 2 drawers for diskettes,CDs plus 2 other shelves, £450 ovno. Tel: 881208 Smith Corona electronic typewriter VTX100 perfect condition, £35. Tel: 537326

B/W TV, working. £5. Tower slow cooker, orange colour, £15. Russell Hobbs Teasmaid. Tel: 347507 Metal chain link fencing with green plastic coating, 6' high, 36' long, brand new. £25. Tel: 881353 Flymo DLE 900 watt hover mower, 28cm cut, metal blade, good condition, £20. Tel: 881353 Shoprider mobility scooter. 4 wheel, new condition, incl charger. spare tyre, £650 ono. Tel: 877675 Mobility scooter. Silver Leader. four wheel, lights and indicators, excellent condition, £825 ono. Tel: 874151 BMW roof rack used once, £50. Tel: 07775 925736

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Wanted Citroen accessory roof bars. suitable for Xantia saloon. Tel: 870258

Looking for Justin & XTC fans From: dmlizzee@yahoo.com Elizabeth Banks from Carlsbad in San Diego county, Southern Ca4fornia wants to hear from fans of Swindon star Justin Hayward and 70s band XTC. She says knowing Justin, Colin Moulding and Andy Partridge come from Swindon is the reason she hopes to make a visit to the town later this year. Family connections From: loui_33@upnaway.com Amanda Couzins from Perth, Australia is trying to contact descendants of William James Watts and Elizabeth Skinner who had three sons William, Stanley and Leonard. She also wants to find out about Mavis Boulton. her son Richard, Mary Studham and her son Edward, and Michael Watts and his son Timothy, as well as the Skinner family originally from Blunsdon. CB fan from the 1970s From : anniecancanny@xtra.co.nz Ann Cox nee O'Neil, who emigrated to New Zealand 15 years ago, is looking for friends in Swindon who knew her at old haunts like the Kingsdown Pub, Moon-rakers and the Brunel Rooms, in particular Raymond Douglas Murphy, Tina Elbrow - nee Greening. Andre Greening and Shaun MalcolmStewart. CB users of the time may recognise her mail address.

The Link Magazine â€˘ January 2003

Arctic adventurer meets ice racer with help from The Link Norman Butler, Swindon's entry into the first ever polar ice race to the Magnetic North Pole (MAG) in April, has been given a few tips on what to look out for by somebody whose 'been there and done it.'

Norman and Richard in front of his sponsorship appeal display The Link suggested Norman Butler from Westlea contact Richard Bull from Hayden Wick who appeared on the Link front pages in August 1998 and in June 1999 after taking part in expeditions to the MAG in aid of charity. He has made six arctic trips since. Norman said he was very pleased to meet somebody who has made the trip. "The more I find out about the arctic, the more I realise how tough it is going to be. Richard is willing to help with equipment and has provided a wealth of useful information about conditions and the level of mental toughness I will need to have to win the race." Norman is no stranger to mental and physical stress. During the Autumn of 2001 he spent over 90 days rowing across the Atlantic. The polar race will involve skiing and pulling sleds in a team of

three over the ice for up to thirty days. He's discovered that at 6' 5" he is too tall for a standard tent and could suffer frost bite on his feet if he does not find a solution. "Without doubt Norman will find things uncomfortable out on the ice, it's an unforgiving place," said Richard, who runs Wiltshire Valeting Supplies. "You have to be permanently cold because sweat instantly freezes and will not evaporate which means hypothermia can set in. " Norman won't be able to stop and give up; he'll just have to keep going. And after six to eight hours pulling a sled he'll then have to spend two hours cooking; melting enough water to drink takes ages. "What you find out there is completely unpredictable. Storms can whip up in moments and temperatures can drop to minus thirty. Polar bears are a constant worry and whilst they look cuddly, they are both curious and very fierce, they should be avoided. " Having met Norman and learnt about his Atlantic row, he has a headstart in the necessary preparations." However Norman still needs major sponsorship to get him to the start line and would like to hear from Swindon businesses interested in finding out how he can put their name on top of the world. Call him on 882197 or mail: norman@benwell close.freeserve.co.uk For The Link at the MAG. Richard holding details of sponsorship, go the June 1998 edition which featured to www.swindonlink.com the visit by Princess Anne to Westlea School

Looking for age achievers Older people in the work place are set to be recognised by a new award being launched by Third Age Challenge later this year. The awards celebrates the Because, with proposed legislation on age discrimination sched- achievements of older people in uled to come into force at the end the workplace and community. of 2006, and the demographic move There are four category of award, towards an older workforce, or- open to those 50 or above on 1 ganisations will need to incorpo- January 2002 covering employees, rate non-ageist policies on all as- job finders, vocational learners and pects of recruitment, selection, pro- community volunteers. The directory questionnaire and motion, retention, training and redetails for making an award nomitirement. Swindon Third Age Challenge nation can be found on the TAC (TAC) supports older people with web site at www.thirdagers.net their career development and proFor hard copies of both forms, motes the advantages of an age call Julia Falaki on 533370. diverse workforce. Older people make an important contribution to business success and a healthy society, and TAC are producing a directory of age friendly organisations in Swindon. To compliment it, they are also organising an 'Achievers in Their Third Age' award. Both the directory and the awards will be promoted at a conference on Thursday 6 March. For the directory, all organisations in the town are invited to complete a questionnaire on their human resource policies and workforce forecasts. It will be published early next year, and will be available free of charge to all older job seekers, recruitment agencies, a ndy1 ountary odi e.

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O N PAGE 35

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The Link Magazine • January 2003

SECTOR AERIAL SERVICES

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

CHRIS PAYNE

Letters to The Link Should be sent by the 12th of the month to the address on page 4.

Winter respite from litter problems From Sirnon Thompson, Peatmoor

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You'll be amazed how affordable it is ....call for your free estimate from your local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487

There aren't many benefits you can attribute to the onset of winterhowever one very tangible benefit is the noticeable reduction in the amount of litter deposited in the Peatmoor Lakeside area.

THE MAN WITH A VAN (Est 1993) • 24hrs - 7 days a week • Single items to a full house • 8 different size vehicles • Disposal of unwanted items

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Cold nights and darkness mean there isn't the usual crowd of bored teenagers turning this otherwise pleasant and picturesque area into a rubbish tip. But while the litter issue largely starts with the litter makers, the broader responsibility and the solution must inevitably be a shared one. Surprisingly, the area does not come under the control of Swindon Council. Lakeside - that is to say the shops and flats on the north side of the lake - remains under the jurisdiction of the original builder, who in turn places the maintenance contract with Didcot Management Ltd. The council has, on two occasions, threatened the company with legal action for failure to maintain acceptable levels of cleanliness: but still the problem persists. Even on winter weekends, fast food wrappers, cans and cartons pile up - and this attractive development not only looks a mess, it poses

a considerable health hazard. So what can we do? For one, there's a woefully inadequate supply of litter bins. Better policing of the area would mean the offenders would feel pressurised to behave in a more public spirited manner, and wouldn't get away with it. The posting of signs reminding offenders to pick litter up and threatening fines would also play its part. But perhaps most importantly, we could all bring pressure to bear on the fast food outlets and the convenience store to take at least some responsibility to clean up the sorry mess their trade inevitably generates. Like everyone else, I'm longing for the summer to return. But I think I'm speaking for a lot of people in Peatmoor when I express the hope that it won't mean a return to the weekend bombsite at Lakeside that's become depressingly familiar.

Cash to benefit fishermen's families Front Martin West, Company Standards Manager, Coach Caterers

I should like to thank all the customers of The Trawlerman at the West Swindon Centre who made donations on 6 December when we were collecting for the Fishermen's Mission amongst widows and children. Few people realise the real cost of the fish and chips we all enjoy. All the high tech equipment in the world cannot fight against the force nine gales in the North Sea or heavy storms off the west coast where fishermen go to bring home the catch.

The donations along with our pledge to donate three per cent of our takings amounted to £150 for the charity.

www swind,inlink.comJ Right, Trawlerman managers Alan Clark and Helen Houghton

46 The Link Magazine • Jan

2003

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH

y vange j.

I Worsley Road Ca^

WEST SUNDAYS 10.30AM

am n Ly m m ^^8

VARIOUS LOCATIONS For details visit our website at www.sfc-uk.org, call Nigel on 849731 or e-mail

building with people

Come and join us Sunday at I Dam & 6.30pm For further information of other meetings ring: 873050, call into the Church office or visit www.freshbrook.org

info_west@sfc-uk.org

fetus said. -1 have ionic that YOU might Acme LIFE and hats it in iii dulness''

in association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

West Swindon & the Lydiards churches All Saints' Lydiard Millicent

For details c our weekly

Holy Trinity, Shaw

services

St Mary's

please

Toothill Church

contact the Partnership Office. 874221

Westlea Church

e-mail: partnershipoftice@ ht openworld.conu

Lydiard Tregoze

•

Community Dividend Scheme A minimum of 1% of the Society's profits are returne d'

Remembering injustice The Mayor of Swindon Coun Stan Pajak will plant a tree of memory in Faringdon Road Park to mark the third Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday 27 January, witnessed by representatives from faith communities, schools and community groups. Throughout the week there will The day remembers past and present human rights tragedies be a display of appropriate books in Swindon's Central Library and around the world. AspeakerwilltalkonHolocaust an exhibition in the foyer of the themes at the Friends Meeting Civic Offices in Euclid Street. House, Eastcott Hill, at midday. www.holocaustmemorialday.gov.uk

A year in a foreign land Rev Ruth Cram looks back over the last twelve months since she started work in North Swindon. 'Swindon is another country' about settling in a completely new commented a friend when I told area before the infrastructure is in her that I had been appointed as place and aboutestablishing a comAnglican Priest Missioner and munity from scratch. By placing a new church and a Incumbant Designate. The remit was to lead the congregation at St Church of England Primary School Andrew's Little Blunsdon, Lady in Taw Hill, it is hoped that the Lane, and to start a new congrega- local and wider area will be served in many ways by a lively and growtion at Taw Hill. Living just a few miles away, in ing congregation, in Jesus Christ's Cirencester, then moving lastJanu- name. Also that Christian values ary to Swindon, I found that al- will be explicit in a welcoming, inclusive school and though not another church at the heart country, it is a of the community. marked contrast to 2002 had many '' the surrounding rich moments: tencountry towns and derness and tears as villages of Gloucesmarriage vows were tershire and Wiltmade, joy and wonshire. der as babies, chilTaw Hill feels like dren and adults a strange place in were baptised, the which to live and sadness of funerals, work. The nearest the fun of parties, shops and schools toddlers and toys on are some distance away, so are nearly all the facilities Mondays at Taw Hill, the disrupwhich would be taken for granted tion of two house moves, the challenge of a new home and garden, in more established areas. In July, I had visited friends liv- satisfaction at seeing the high qualing in a wild remote community in ity of people forming the temponorthern Canada. Several times peo- rary governing body for the school. 2003 will be a crucial year for pie spoke of their grandparents as pioneers, suffering separation from Taw Hill and the Northern Develfamily and friends and enduring opment as decisions about the discomfort for the greater good of school, church and village centre opportunity and a brighter future, are made and many new houses With our beautiful houses and arebuiltandoccupied.Itisaprivieasy access to food, fuel and cloth- lege to be here at such an exciting ing, today's pioneering is more and formative time.

to projects to benefit the l ocal community throwgh the th

Community Dividend Scheme,

nmuri^ty ^, scheme

Co op Autumn boost for LEAVES (Local Enterprise And Vocational Employment Scheme) which provdes employment opportunities via a mobile gardening service and conservation projects in Swindon. Co - ordinator Anne Billingham with Martin Alley. one of those taking pa rt in the LEAVES initiative

Sunday Worship 10.30am \

Sunday School and Creche Meeting at Greenmeadow Prima ry School

Greenmeadow Prima ry School

Dan A—

If you think a project you know of could qualify for

a grant of up to £ 1,000, call 0800 435902 for more information

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