January 2009 Swindon Link

1979 - 2009: 30 YEARS OF THE LINK No. 320 January 2009 • Circulation 27,000

A Happy New Year from the positive newsforce in Swindon

Millbrook backs mayor’s Afghan footie shirt appeal

YOUR CHILD DESERVES THE BEST

Redundant football shirts used by two primary schools in Freshbrook will help children in Afghanistan thanks to the mayor’s appeal. See page 33

Excellent standards of Education and Daycare at

Who makes you proud of Swindon?

The mayor wants to know. See page 6

Shaun helps The Link mark thirty years This winter’s panto season had a tremendous start with a sell out first night sponsored by The Link in early December - see page 21

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Diabetes sufferer gets Parliament hearing Sam Stafford from Redhouse was called to the House of Commons to talk about living with diabetes - see page 13

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swindonlink.com • January 2009

3

30 years on - a model for the future of printed news

By Link magazine publisher Roger Ogle

How things change, and don’t change. When the first edition of the then un-named publication arrived at the first 600 homes in West Swindon in December 1978, the Bank of England base rate stood at an eyewatering 17 per cent; now it’s 2 per cent.

There have been about four economic downturns over the last 30 years but The Link has come through them and continued successfully.

By comparison to today’s glossy colourful magazine, The Link in the early days was a primitive cut and paste, stapled together, eight pager produced by a group of volunteers bashing out stories on an old typewriter with a fading ribbon.

By January 1987, it was clear that the newsletter could not be sustained as it had grown to 16 pages with a print run of 8,000 every six weeks. It did not appear often enough to keep up with the news, the volunteers were moving onto other things and the small army of distributors was dwindling away. Thamesdown Council ran a competition to name the new West Swindon leisure The Link either had to disap- centre. The Link newsletter entered and was chosen to christen the Link Centre in pear or become more relevant to April 1984. The volunteers, pictured from left, Nick Jansen, Thamesdown Council its readership. In April 1987, it leader Tony Mayer, Janice Oliver, Roger Ogle, who went on to publish the magazine was relaunched as a professionally and Eric Edwards. Sharon McColl, front, from Old Town also suggested the name produced monthly, featuring the Link for the centre opening of Greendown School by Charitable Trust and the goodwill of is a great deal of trust between the local printers. But from mid-1979, magazine, its readership and its Princess Anne on the front page.

Two features of The Link have Swindon business has sustained commercial supporters. It’s a key, remained the same. It has always The Link with advertising. Obvi- valued relationship which we work been free and it has contained a ously we’ve been doing something hard to enhance. high editorial and visual content. So right for the advertisers and we many people tell us they read The must give them a big thank you for Link from ‘cover-to-cover’ because placing their business with us.

But more importantly, even of the high quality news, views and Refused a Loan? greater appreciation should go to useful information.

The first editions relied on you, the readers, for responding to We can help you Thamesdown Council, Hambro Life the advertisements. It means there For FREE LOCAL no obligation advice and a solution that’s right for you call Glyn in confidence at • Geoff Richmond came up with the idea for a newsletter shortly after Swindon Debt Helpline on: moving to Toothill with his young family.

Debt Problems?

A name to keep people in touch

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• The first edition in December 1978 ran a competition to name it and twelve year old Malcolm Patrick from Toothill suggested the new publication be called Toothill Link because it would connect people together through the information it would carry.

• The name soon changed to The Link as West Swindon expanded. In 1994 we started distribution in Haydon Wick, then Abbey Meads and later Priory Vale, to provide a quality publication with essential information as soon as people moved into their new homes.

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swindonlink.com • January 2009

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From: Alicja Young, from Middleleaze I have three children and have read The Link for many years. I have found many opportunities for children and have been well-informed about local issues. Thank you very much.

From: Glenda Prothero, Haydon Wick I always look forward to receiving it as it is so full of information and a good read. It’s an excellent magazine. Keep up the good work.

From Pam Pixton, Freshbrook It is hard to believe that The Link is 30 years old and that I have been living in Freshbrook for just over 28 years.

The Link was a valuable source of information when I moved in although it looked and was produced very differently from the magazine of today.

When I was a community worker in West Swindon it was always the best way to communicate news to residents.

The magazine has grown with West and North Swindon and continues to be an excellent resource. I’ve found an excellent plumber and someone to fix my computer through reading The Link It now covers a wider area and I see copies right across the town and I believe it is still a free magazine that is actually read.

Happy Birthday Link Magazine – long may you continue.

From Linda Street, Woodhall Park The Link is an extremely informative magazine. It certainly has ‘it’s finger on the pulse’ when it comes to reporting current issues in Swindon. It enjoys a wealth of useful advertising and is an excellent free read.

Swindon Publications Ltd. 71 Basepoint, Rivermead Swindon SN5 7EX

www.swindonlink.com Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle Editorial: Tel: (01793) 608840

repairs, accessories, back up stock

advertising Enquiries Call (01793) 602540 or mail: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for February advertisements: 7 January “The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978.

It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984.

Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994.”

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in Copy for March: 6 February printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027. sought permission. Articles and Registered Office: 130 High Street, Hungerford, Berks.

Printed by pcp, Telford photographs require similar authority The Link cannot be held responsible for goods or services offered by its advertisers

Editorial copy date for February: 7 January Published: 24 January

Open: Mon to Sat 9am to 5.30pm Closed Sundays

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Thirty years is a very long time for anything to remain the same but still be useful and relevant, but The Link is a great example of a publication which has stayed fresh and interesting, absent of gimmicks, and amazingly still free to all.

The early newsletter was a vital information lifeline to the newly arrived residents of the new expansion area many of whom were not native to Swindon or even Wiltshire. It followed the development of the schools, shops and the many other amenities. Anyone interested in the history of West Swindon can find invaluable information about the various villages and some of the services and the residents within its pages.

The Link, over the last 15 years, has also been at the forefront of reporting developments across North Swindon.

It is the quality of the production and interesting articles that it contains that encourages advertisers to advertise and readers to enjoy reading it.

Long may The Link continue and congratulations to Roger and Ruth Ogle, the writer Barbara Prothero and sales person Sue Roberts for creating an always informative and enjoyable read.

Tel: (01793) 608840 Fax: (01793) 608841 e: publisher@swindonlink.com

The choice rs is you Parts,

Tel: (01793) 700105

From Sheila Mitchell, Westlea: Information fitting the needs of the community

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swindonlink.com • January 2009

5

Congratulations on achieving three decades By the Mayor of Swindon councillor Steve Wakefield

I have been reading The Link for over 20 years and during that time I have never missed a copy.

The magazine captured the early years and growth pangs of neighbourhoods across West and North Swindon and has made a major contribution to the development of local identity in these areas which have increased the size of the town so significantly.

In these uncertain times it is reassuring that The Link continues to be a strong and constant feature, providing high quality news and information. It never reinvents or regenerates itself because it continues to do what it does best ed by you the readers. Well done to - keeping people in touch with The Link for bringing it together in everything local and encouraging such an interesting and informative them to participate and contribute way, in words and pictures. Here’s to community development. to another 30 years of reporting Of course, all the news is generat- Swindon in print and online.

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Matt Holland, from Lower Shaw Farm, says being positive is a good thing

Once upon a time, in the early 1980s, posh-looking men and women on horseback used to come clip clopping up Old Shaw Lane, and then, at a gallop, head out across the fields of West Swindon, to chase foxes.

In those same fields, black and thing has remained constant, and white milking cows grazed, and has helped create a sense of comfarmers made hay in May and munity: The Link Magazine. UnJune. Then, the western expansion like the buildings, it has not been of Swindon began. The haymakers, knocked down and rebuilt in some the cows, and the fox hunts gave new fashionable guise but rather, way to earth diggers, commercial remained outwardly the same but buildings, and homes for new inwardly different, ever-changing citizens. Swindon was hailed the with the times, bearing news and fastest-growing town in Europe good tidings from West and North and people needed somewhere to Swindon and beyond.

By promising, all those many work and live.

During this period, and since, years ago, to be a ‘positive newsliving and working at Lower Shaw force’ for Swindon, The Link might Farm, I have seen buildings in West have been setting itself up for a Swindon go up, go down, go up, go fall. But no, it did not fall. In fact down, go up, and go down again. it has risen and delivered a ceaseThere is one site, beside a little less stream of good-news stories roundabout near the yellow Renault about activities and achievements building, where, in less than three in Swindon.

In setting out to tell us the good decades, three completely different buildings have been put up, used for news rather than the bad, during its 30 years of commitment to the a while, and knocked down.

Change, change, and more community, The Link has become change, which may be fine for com- something of a local good prophet, mercial and economic reasons but creating a real and positive desire does not exactly generate a sense of for well-being in Swindon.

It deserves our thanks, and good community and continuity.

But throughout this time, one wishes for continued success.

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To mark The Linkʼs 30th year, and a year of charity curry nights at Peatmoorʼs Bombay Lounge restaurant, weʼre jointly organising two curry get-togethers at the Bombay on Monday 9 February and Tuesday 17 February with all profits going to Age Concern Swindon, Chernobyl Childrenʼs Lifelinea and Rainbow Club for bereaved children

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swindonlink.com • January 2009

Mayor to launch new people’s awards

Do you know somebody who does something for Swindon, whether it be on a neighbourhood, town wide or national scale because the mayor of Swindon Steve Wakfield is launching a new scheme to recognise the commitment people make to their town.

Now coun Wakefield wants to for our town and they need to be Swindon Council agreed to set past mayors that the majority of up an award mechanism in 2004. people have been excluded from involve everyone in a consistent recognised. The details are still beHowever every mayor has inter- the nomination process because approach to acknowledging good ing worked on but I hope this new preted the scheme differently and they don’t happen to buy the local works. He said, “I’ve met so many approach will be received well.” people doing extraordinary things The Link has expressed concern to newspaper.

The nomination procedure will be published in the February Link.

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Swindon Cares coordinators want to hear from organisations concerned with mental health, carers and families, and financial exclusion.

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Deb Joffe, chair of the Swindon Climate Change Action Network, has called on Swindon Council to reverse a proposal to shed two members of staff responsible for sustainable issues, at the end of Michael and Sue Barnes, Mayor and Mayoress of Swindon 2007 - 2008, handing March. over the last amounts of money raised from their mammoth fundraising total of over She said, “council leader Rod £26,000 for his year in office to Bill Fishlock of Swindon Cares and Alan Holland of Bluh wants Swindon to become Therapeutic Work In Gardens (TWIGs) the most sustainable town in Britain and has recently made this a cabinet level responsibility. Making two experienced members of staff redundant does not make sense.

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swindonlink.com • January 2009

7

Community interaction is what The Link is all about and was the reason it was started in December 1978. Indeed back then Thamesdown Council had a large, successful community development department to assist people connect with each other and voice their views to the council and other organisations.

Its responsibilities were divided across all of its services in response up between other departments in to government demands, creating the early 1990s, but many of the partnerships with the large organiideas are set to reappear in a new sations we work with like the police council policy called Connecting and health services, and getting to People, Connecting Places or CP2 grips with the regeneration of the town centre. for short.

“CP2 is a long term project to Seven existing council staff are to be appointed as ‘area directors’ to get the council more in touch with spend two days of their week focus- neighbourhoods to build a much sing on the needs and problems of stronger pride in Swindon.

“This means the council has to particular neighbourhoods.

Although they officially start look at different ways of working their work on 1 April 2009, they to deliver services which try to meet will spend the next three months the needs and problems of each talking with ward councillors, area. The council has to get closer looking at data for the areas they to communities and involve people will be working in and discovering in decisions.” what makes a neighbourhood tick by meeting community groups and organisers.

All political parties subscribe to the idea of ‘localism’ and central government is keen for local councils to make the way they operate more accountable to voters. But the practicalities and details of delivering services at a local level have still to be worked out.

Swindon Council chief execuGavin Jones, promoting change tive Gavin Jones said Connecting Outlining what will be taking People, Connecting Places was part of a long process going on in place he said the council will Swindon. “The leader of the council have to: Rod Bluh and I share a vision which • start discussions on topics of loreaches out and involves people in cal interest; • use the right language to encourtheir communities.

“Over the last few years the age people to participate; council has spent a great deal of • offer training to people so that time and energy reorganising the they can better understand how way it operates, raising standards councils operate and the limitations on what they can do; • train elected councillors to West forum to talk involve and encourage people to more involved and be more about humps again become responsible for their neighbourSorting out the traffic calming hoods; humps on Freshbrook Way • work towards setting up local and the volume and speed of groups which have responsibility vehicles on Rowton Heath Way for making local decisions on the will again be discussed at the way some of the council’s budget West Swindon Forum on Monday is spent.

12 January, 7.30pm in the com“This is a five year project to munity suite at Link Centre. change the culture of the council,” The problems on the two roads said Mr Jones. “The criticism that have been going on for years. the council is detached from the Engineers from the council highpeople it serves has been valid ways department will be present in some situations. CP2 is about to talk about ways forward. changing fundamentally this.

The rebuilding of play areas “It won’t be easy because local in Westlea Drive and in Middlegovernment is phenomenally comleaze near the Salt Way Centre plex. It has to respond to governwill also be discussed. ment demands to meet standards of Anybody interested in comservice, as well making sure street munity issues is welcome to lights work. raise other concerns with the “But Swindon has a strong civic eight councillors representing leadership which wants to make West Swindon wards. this process work.”

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swindonlink.com • January 2009

Domestic violence and abuse could be a consequence of the crunch

The number of victims of domestic violence seeking help tends to increase in January each year and agencies fear that the situation will be worse in 2009 as the pressure of recession bears down on couples.

When people ask for help from agencies such as the Swindon Com- their victim to be believed. One of the best ways for friends and fammunity Safety Partnership, they won’t be told what they should do. Lin ily to help is simply to take victims seriously and not doubt their story.

And abuse is not just about physical assault, says Lin. “It can be Williams, Domestic Violence Coordinator said anyone seeking help will emotional, with put downs or ridicule, or it can be financial, being kept be asked what they want to happen.

“Most people want the relationship but not the violence,” she said. short of money or having to account for every penny.”

Many victims of violence decide at the start of a new year that it is “Each victim will want something different but most just want to be time to leave an abusive relationship. They may have endured Christbelieved.”

She explained that many male perpetrators of violence appear to be mas for the sake of the children or tensions may have heightened over charming and likeable to others, which can make it more difficult for the holidays.

Lin Williams’ check list of warning signs of an abusive relationship: At the start of any relationship we tend to view the other person ‘through rose tinted glasses.’ It’s human nature to see the positive things and overlook the negative.

When a relationship becomes abusive it is sometimes possible to look back at early warning signs, which were not, for a variety of reasons, apparent or recognised early on.

Women who have experienced this suggest that some of the following may help you to decide whether your relationship is abusive or not: Are you afraid of someone you live with? Y/N

Does he or she decide who you may be friends with, how you should dress, what you should/ should not spend money on or try to control other areas of your life or relationship? Y/N

does he/she use threats against the children as a way of controlling you? Y/N

RESPECT (for perpetrators of domestic violence/abuse): 0845 If you have said ‘Yes’ to two or more 122 8609 of the above, then you might be in The websites listed below give an abusive relationship and may information about covering your Does he/she get jealous when there find it useful to have more informatracks so no one knows you have is no reason? Y/N tion about domestic violence and visited them: Does he/she physically harm you abuse from: www.womensaid.org.uk (or others) even if it’s just grabbing 24 Hour National Domestic Viowww.refuge.org.uk or pushing? Y/N lence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 www.mensadviceline.or.uk Do you ‘never know where you are’ MALE (Advice line for men as www.respect.uk.net as your partner’s mood changes all the time? Y/N Have you ever made change to your life e.g. no longer see friends/ relatives, do things in secret, so as not to provoke your partner to anger? Y/N

Does it feel as if you tip-toe around in order to keep your partner (or other relation) in a good mood? Does your partner involve your children in arguments? For example Y/N

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To sell or not to sell - is it the question you have to consider?

Trevor Morkham, Mediation Practice Manager, reflects on the new pressures on couples in these recessionary times

In a recent edition of the popular TV property programme, ‘Location, Location, Location’, presenter Phil Spencer drew attention to the factors which he believes are ever-present drivers of the property market and which he termed ‘The Three D’s’ - Death, Divorce and Debt.

His point was that even in an economic downturn, when mortgages are hard to come by and house prices are on the slide, there will still be people either wanting or having to sell and therefore bargains are to be had for those in a position to buy.

Inevitably, many of those who pass through the doors of the Family Mediation Service are doing so as a consequence of, or in anticipation of, a divorce. Increasingly, we are finding that debt is a contributory - or complicating - factor.

Sometimes the sale of the family home may be part of the solution to the problem, to free up capital to clear outstanding debts and enable the parties to make a fresh start.

However, even if the couple are able to find a buyer, the depressed state of the market may leave insufficient funds for a deposit on a new home, quite apart from the difficulty of obtaining another mortgage.

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Although each of the trainers has their own style, they all offer a consistent and supportive coaching style and are every bit as good as having your own personal trainer.

I am now in the routine of doing a circuit three or four days a week, usually going over with a group of friends from work, and I also do Pilates on Wednesday lunchtimes.

Pilates classes are just one of the other “services” available at the gym, as there is also a running club, a beautician, a Cambridge Diet counsellor session and a sports massage therapist.

My intention when I joined was to try to get a bit fitter, lose a bit of weight and make some new friends. I have succeeded on all three of these goals and am most pleased with myself for losing over 2½ stone with the help of the Pink Gym and the Cambridge Diet Counsellor – Lisa. Thanks Ladies!

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1 - 21 January 09 Extreme.indd 9

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10 swindonlink.com • January 2009

Mega town centre youth venue could be just the ticket

Work to refurbish the former Railway Museum to create a centre for young people is on track for completion by mid-summer.

Scaffolding went up in October as work began on the £1.1 million refit, funded by Swindon Council.

The Platform youth centre will provide a 580 square metre area to be used for events, performances, concerts and possibly sports. Between the pillars in the main hall, there is a space large enough for a full size tennis court which could be large enough to accommodate 200 people at an event.

A wing of the building - once a chapel, dormitories for railway workers, a museum and a temporary base for the New Mechanics’ Trust - is being converted into offices for Swindon Youth Service and also information and advice services

such as Connexions. A small cafe area and an internet facility is planned.

The scaffolding should be removed in January and the offices are due to open in April. The main hall should be ready in July.

Almost half of the budget is being spent on stabilising the structure for the future.

“Repairs to electrics, chimneys, windows and roofs will ensure that the building is sound,” said Councillor Nick Martin, cabinet lead member for buildings. “We’ve been spending money to protect the fabric of the building for the next hundred years. We’re preserving Swindon’s history.”

Use your local halls or lose them

Coun Martin is taking a hard look at social halls managed by the council, particularly Roughmoor social hall on Swinley Drive, Peatmoor.

“The council’s budget is under terrific cost pressure so we need to be looking at our income generating assets. We need to see if buildings are being used effectively and whether alternatives would be appropriate.

“Roughmoor social hall is an example of an under-used community resource which has to be considered for review.”

At the end of the year or early 2010 Upper Shaw Farm social hall will be closed when Shaw Ridge Primary School opens with community facilities.

The location of Swindon Council’s social halls and conditions for community and private hire can be found at: www.swindon.gov.uk/ community-hire-2 or call 466486.

Sale NOW ON

Nick Martin on the roof of The Platform with contract manager Steve Webb

Back to the drawing board for Mechanics’

A Government Planning Inspector has declared that not enough work has been undertaken to discover whether the derelict and crumbling Mechanics’ Institution building in the town centre should be restored for social and community uses in the town centre.

The inspector has told Swindon that a hotel is not a form of ‘public Council to consider the availability access.’

“We are contacting the council, of grant assistance and ownership options for the restoration of the Me- the owner and our MPs with a chanics’ Institute to its historic use view to negotiating a purchase with as a centre for learning, cultural and grant funding to achieve the uses social activities before alternative for which the people of Swindon and commercial redevelopment have worked for so long.

“A wide range of charitable uses are considered.

The Mechanics’ Institution has organisations are poised to supstood empty for 22 years. Owner port us publicly; this news is just Matthew Singh has made several what the Trust needed to break attempts to secure planning per- the log-jam.”

However Swindon Council mission to demolish parts of the Grade II* listed building and erect a leader Rod Bluh said that whilst multi-storey hotel, with conference he would like to see the Mechanics facilities, offices and luxury flats, saved, the council does not own but English Heritage has blocked the building and does not have the cash to rebuild or run it as a such radical treatment.

Daniel Rose, chair of the New Me- social facility. chanics’ Trust, said, “this decision • English Heritage rates the building throws the council’s past actions at its highest level of risk.The Grade and policy towards the building II* puts it among the top 6 per cent into disarray. The inspector clearly listed buildings in England. www.new-mechanics.com understood the Trust’s argument

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1 - 21 January 09 Extreme.indd 10

15/12/08 15:10:29

swindonlink.com • January 2009

11

Keeping good company in Toothill

Although The Link has been going for 30 years, one West Swindon group has been going for longer, and they’re looking for more members.

scooters are able to drive right in.

Costs are kept to a minimum with a 50p charge per visit.

Chairwoman Cath Grayhurst said, “the club is very social and everybody is very jolly. Come along; with the cost of winter fuel , turn off the heating and spend the afternoon with friends.”

A Grassroots Grant of £300 from Swindon Council helped pay for Christmas dinner which was cooked by lunch club volunteers.

For details about joining call Cath Grayhurst on 522561.

The Good Companions Club for over 60s started in a new house in Toothill in 1976. Jean Carey, one of the first members recently stepped down as chair, aged 92. She remembers the days when the club met in the old hut that served as a shop and community centre. “It’s lovely to see the Good Companions still going. It has an important place in the community.”

The club meets on Mondays, 2pm to 4pm, at Toothill Community Centre. Some members attend Toothill Lunch Club beforehand.

During the afternoon they play games such as dominoes and cards, catch up with friends and enjoy a game of bingo. The hall has excellent access and those using mobility

Good Companions committee ready to welcome new members, from left, Ann Kippin, Jean Carey, Arthur Pryke, Cath Grayhurst, Jean Mark, Kit Pooley, Norma Cooper

Club in the West gathers ladies together

It started out with a few Toothill ladies getting together for tea and grew into a friendly club that has been running for thirty years. was fed up with looking at the four Now the West Swindon Ladies skittles alley and meals out.

Club secretary, Maureen Spours, walls; I’ve not looked back.

Club gets together twice a month “It’s a really fun club and a meetin the Cafe Room in Toothill Com- joined when she moved to Grange munity Centre and new members Park 24 years ago. Working full ing of friends all of whom enjoy time, she was unable to get to a laugh and a good natter on an are always welcome.

Guest speakers give members daytime clubs and wanted to get evening out.”

Fees are a modest £12 per year food for thought and entertainment to know people her age. “It was all such as a quiz or beetle drives are or- young people with babies when I to cover running costs. For details ganised on other evenings. Popular moved here. I read a small piece about joining call Maureen on dates for the diary are the summer about the club in The Link and 871360. picnic at Lydiard Park, visits to a thought I’d give it a try because I Ladies gathered at the Woodlands Edge for their Christmas outing

Practical help for colder older people

Age Concern Swindon has a supply of emergency electric convector heaters available in return for a donation.

To borrow one just phone 692166 or call into Number One Milton Road from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. An answerphone is available outside these hours.

Heaters can be collected or delivered in the Swindon area.

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Two annual meetings in January The West Swindon Children’s Centre holds its Annual General Meeting on Monday 19 January, 12noon at 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook. A report will be given on the work of the children’s centre followed by a buffet lunch. For details call 871303 or mail: berisdrew@ westswindoncc.org Peatmoor Community Facilities holds its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 20 January, 3pm at Peatmoor Community School.

This not-for-profit organisation offers learning and leisure opportunities to children and adults in the area. Current users are a parent and toddler group, fitness classes, judo, army cadets, dance, workshops and pre-school parent and child activities. It also hires out the school, hall for private bookings and the astroturf sports pitch.

For details call 887473 or mail: carolinebowles@peatmoor.swindon. sch.uk

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Family, friends, employer, co- help and hope to families and workers... all can be affected by friends of alcoholics, whether the alcoholism. Many spend a lot of alcoholic is still drinking or not. time and energy trying to ‘fix’ the Based upon the Twelve Steps of alcoholic: covering up for them, Alcoholics Anonymous, the groups punishing them, taking responsibil- provide non-professional, free and confidential support to parents, ity for them.

Living with alcoholism has been children, spouses, partners, friends, described as being on a merry-go- grandparents and co-workers of round, where each family member, problem drinkers.

For details of Al-Anon call the friend and employer plays a role confidential helpline on 0207 40 30 with the alcoholic in their lives.

Behaviour patterns are like the 888, open daily 10am - 10pm. www.al-anonuk.org.uk script of a play, repeated over and over, centring on the alcoholic. A player can learn a new role by attending Al-Anon meetings, gaining Daff collectors needed understanding of the disease and Marie Curie Cancer Care are deshow it has affected them. When this perately looking for volunteers to happens, and the person changes help their daffodil fundraising in their behaviour, they start to re- March - to take boxes of daffodil pins to workplaces and schools, write the script.

There is no guarantee that the and to assist with collections at alcoholic will change, but the al- shopping centres.

Every £20 raised pays for an ternative is staying on that merryhour of home support from a spego-round.

Changing one’s behaviour can cialist nurse. But every collection be uncomfortable and very difficult cancelled means fewer terminally to do, but members learn that they ill patients receiving the care and have to take responsibility for them- experienced assistance offered by Marie Curie Cancer Care. selves and their own recovery.

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15/12/08 15:12:00

swindonlink.com • January 2009

MP backs diabetes campaign after hearing teenager’s story

Sam Stafford and his mum Katy last talked to The Link about his newly diagnosed diabetes back in 1999 when he was three. Now a confident 13 year old, Sam is an advocate for youngsters with the disease and has visited the House of Commons to ask for more support in schools. since he developed Coeliac disSam wrote to Michael Wills ease. This means he is unable to MP as part of a national cameat biscuits, bread or oats which paign to raise awareness of provide slow release carbohydifficulties faced by diabetic drates and help to balance his children in school. In his letblood sugar. ter he explained that whilst His mum, Katy, said Sam has his teachers at Bradon Forest had to become very organised.

School understand his condi“Every day is like planning a tion, a recent survey showed military operation so that he that many children are not alleaves home with prepared lowed to eat snacks in school food and his injection kit. It which are needed to keep means Sam has to miss longer blood sugar levels constant school trips if the right food is and some are excluded from not available. school trips.

“I’ve always said diabetes “I was impressed by Mr should not be hidden which is Wills,” said Sam after a trip why we did The Link story in to the House of Commons 1999. Diabetic children are in with his dad. “He was very grave danger if their schools concerned that schools don’t don’t help them. Those diagrecognise what children dinosed when they’re older can agnosed with diabetes have Katy and Sam Stafford find it very difficult coming to to go through. He sent my letter to the Minister for Education injection. “I like talking to people so terms with diabetes and schools and Swindon Council asking them I’m not afraid of telling them about need to know how to support them, both practically and emotionally.” to make sure they are trying their my diabetes,” he said.

Since we featured Sam in 1999 hardest with diabetic children.”

Although he was diagnosed Mr Wills took Sam and his dad to when he was three, Sam did not he’s become a very confident, well the Commons tea room where Sam need to start injections until he was organised boy who is a member of enjoyed a hot chocolate after dem- twelve. Regulating his condition Swindon Young Actors, loves art onstrating a finger prick test and an has become even more complicated and music and also PE at Bradon Forest. www.diabetes.org.uk

Diabetes UK president to speak of ‘cure’

13

Train as an advocate in 2009

Volunteers are needed to help people with learning disabilities make their voices heard and get the services they need.

The Swindon Advocacy Movement (SAM) is looking for people who can give two hours a month to work with a partner who has learning difficulties. During regular visits, an advocate talks through their partner ’s concerns which can be accessing a service, making a complaint or moving house. The advocate helps assess the information so that the individual can make a decision on their own.

Advocates need to be good listeners and confident to speak out on behalf of their partner. This could mean attending meetings or court, making phone calls or helping to fill in a form.

SAM volunteer co-ordinator Cat Murphy says volunteers come from all walks of life. “We have a number of clients and the more varied our volunteers’ experience the better so we can match people’s interests. Our clients are aged from 16 to 93. The work is very rewarding as a lot of our clients are real personalities. “ A training course is planned for February. For details call Cat on 542266.

The Swindon group of Diabetes UK holds its annual general meeting on Tuesday 3 February, 7.30pm, at the Broadgreen Centre, Salisbury Street.

The guest speaker is Richard Lane OBE, President of Diabetes UK, who is one of the first in Britain to have undergone a successful islet transplant and thus to be ‘cured’ of type 1 diabetes.

Matthew Spencer, secretary of the Swindon group, said, “Mr Lane is an inspirational speaker, and we hope his visit will offer sufferers some evidence that science is making progress towards a cure for diabetes, as well as boosting awareness of the group.”

Mr Lane will be presented with a cheque from fundraising by the Swindon group. Diabetes sufferers and supporters are welcome to attend the meeting. For details call Matthew Spencer on 851229 or mail: diabetes.swindon@care4free.net

Walk raises cash for diabetic kids

Diabetes sufferers Holly Traynor, 6, from Redhouse and Kane Chilcott, 12, were joined by friends on a three mile trek down Thamesdown Drive in October which raised £750 for Swindon Children with Insulin Dependent Diabetes (SCWIDD).

Holly was pictured on the front page of the November Link. Her mum Charley said she wanted to thank all the readers who called with donations after the story appeared, and also family and friends who helped.

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14 swindonlink.com • January 2009

Space for specialists at Bridlewood

Two extra rooms at Bridlewood Primary will provide a quiet space for specialist teaching.

Brimble head retires at the top

Having realised his dream of a purpose built school for children with severe learning difficulties, Brimble Hill Special School headteacher, Bob Walker said a fond farewell in December.

Mr Walker, below, has seen the was a sad occasion as Mr Walker school through two moves: from said farewell to the 70 pupils who World War II hospital buildings he will miss terribly. “They come at Burderop, Wroughton to Park through the door each day with North in 1985 and into a state of the smiles on their faces. Most of our art facility on the North Swindon children confound predictions about their health and their futures.

Learning Campus in 2007.

In his 25 years as a headteacher, It never ceases to amaze me what there has been tremendous progress they achieve.” in special needs education. “There’s been a change from a culture of care to a culture where people believe our chil- St Francis Church of England dren can learn, Primary School, Taw Hill has been make progress awarded a government grant of and achieve no £1.2m to go towards building an m a t t e r w h a t extension. their disability.

In September, two reception It’s been a long classes started and older children hard struggle,” moved into mobile classrooms. The said Bob. extra places were agreed by school He paid tribute to Swindon governors on the understanding Council for making special needs that a permanent extension will provision a priority. “Swindon has be built. invested heavily in special schools “The grant is a significant step and that speaks volumes for the but we still need commitment from ambition of the authority.” the local authority to top it up,” said With Brimble settled in its new headteacher Clive Westall. home, Mr Walker says the time is Outline plans for the £5 million right to retire. “It’s time to stop. project have been drawn up and I’m at the pinnacle of my hopes include seven classrooms, a second and dreams and believe in quitting hall and possibly a children’s centre. while you’re ahead.”

Building work would need to begin Assembly on the last day of term in 2010/11.

Grant for growth

Mayor Steve Wakefield with some of the entrants in the naming competition

There had been a shortage of classroom space and, with nowhere to work with small groups of children, teaching assistants and music teachers were forced to use the corridors.

The school on Chartwell Road, was built four years ago and has been expanded with mobile classrooms to provide desperately needed places for North Swindon children. Ironically, it may not have been built at all if the council had agreed with former local councillor Owen Lister who, in 1999, recommended that the school would not be necessary because of the provision of new primary schools built by the PFI programme.

1 - 21 January 09 Extreme.indd 14

The two new rooms were officially opened by Mayor of Swindon Steve Wakefield after pupils were set the challenge of coming up with a name for them.

Thomas Barber chose Woodpecker because it appears on the school logo and Chloe Pearst continued the school’s theme of naming classrooms after trees by proposing the other room be called Acorn.

Headteacher Jo Garton said teaching assistants will be able to work with children who need a little extra help or who would benefit from some more challenging work.

“Previously, we had no small group rooms and they are so important in education now.”

15/12/08 09:59:29

swindonlink.com • January 2009

15

Competition causes admissions chaos in North Swindon

The uncertainty over who will run the new primary school at Oakhurst is causing parents in the area a lot of worry and making it difficult for other primary schools to plan for the school year starting in September. classes, but pointed out that Although Swindon Council Muslim organisations have not and the Department of Educahad access to funding to run tion agreed in January last year schools in Britain. that the 60 place community Melanie Eastwood, who was school could go ahead, the runthe only Oakhurst parent to atning of the brand new school tend a seminar which explained was still going to be subject to the competition process in July, the 2006 Education Act which described the public meeting required a competition so that as a ‘shambles.’ “My husband parent organisations, busiand I were left in no doubt that nesses and faith bodies could we will not send our daughter bid to manage it. to the school if it is not run by Swindon Council asked the Majority voting in favour of the Swindon Council bid to run Oakhurst primary the council. government in July for the “Residents are concerned that, if The school will start for Reception drawing Muslim children from Oakhurst project to be excluded Al-Habib are given permission to from the process because of the and Year 1 children in a temporary across the town. building at the site on Pioneer Road, The public have until 5 January run the school, in a very short time short time-scale before it is built.

This was denied and after the whilst a permanent two form entry to comment or object to the two it would become a complete Islamic September Link first revealed that school is built by Swindon Council bids. The School’s Adjudicator will school. There is already a major the Al Habib Islamic and Cultural ready for September 2010. Because assess the applications and com- shortage of primary school places in Centre was considering a bid to the body to manage the school has ments before making a decision. Oakhurst for local children and this run the school, Oakhurst parents not been decided, council officers This is expected by 13 February so will result in children not getting a with children due to start school in have been unable to involve a that parents and schools can finalise place at their local school.”

Parent Lizzie Fewings, who September 2009 have been apply- headteacher, governors or parents planning for next year’s intake.

At the public meeting parents started the campaign for Oakhurst ing for places in nearby primary in important decisions on the design heard that Swindon Council man- school in 2006, told the meeting that schools, rather than the new school of the building.

A straw poll at a public meeting ages an integrated family of schools children from the area attend 25 as they were unsure places would on 25 November, where represen- across the town in partnership with different primary schools because be available. they are unable to get into any of It means local schools have had tatives from Swindon Council and governors and staff.

Mr Shahi Sahu of Al-Habib ac- the four closest. to starting planning for Oakhurst the Al Habib Islamic and Cultural A full report of the public meetchildren knowing that parents may Centre explained their proposals knowledged his organisation only suddenly choose Oakhurst primary to manage the school, overwhelm- has experience of running after- ing and the document with two 0638 BP_economy_quarter_AW:Layout 1 3/10/08 16:12 Page 1 if Swindon Council is given permis- ingly rejected the idea that Oakhurst school and weekend supplemen- proposals can be found at www. primary should be a faith school tary mother tongue and cultural swindonlink.com sion to manage the school.

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16 swindonlink.com • January 2009

you would like to make Challenge to maintain iends, increase new fr Janet highest standards at Haydonleigh ng and your music makiHaydonleigh Primary was described as excellent in its latest Ofsted inspection and new headteacher Mosley Frances in ....

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in April. She was able to spend some time visiting Haydonleigh during the summer term to ensure a smooth handover. Looking back over her first seven weeks in charge she said, “I can see why Ofsted judged the school to be outstanding and with the team that we have in place, I have no doubt that we will keep up the standard.

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feel I’ve been here forever.”

“My biggest challenge is that I’ve inherited an outstanding school doing masses for every child in it: I have to think laterally about what I can do to sustain improvements in education.”

Future plans include developing Early Years’ outdoor play and work to improve systems of assessment of children’s progress which will be crucial if the government moves away from SATs.

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Hill Special School Community School .org on vice cser t us• Isambard tac con www.swindonmusi Moredon Primary School • Nova Hreod College • Orchid Vale Primary School 802 487 Red017 Oaks93 Primary • Uplands School ART1192/08

ART1192/08

site web visittoour 6pm - 10pm,or Monday Friday and weekends on ati orm inf for more FACILITIES ON OFFER: e.org ART1192/08

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ndonmu www.swi • Floodlit All Weather Pitches • Sports Halls • General Purpose Halls • Dance Studios • Drama Studios • Classrooms • Meeting Spaces • Community Rooms • Catering available • Grass Pitches (Football, Rugby, Cricket) ART1192/08

CURRENT LETS: • Football Teams • Indoor Cricket • Badminton • Netball • Martial Arts • Children/Adult Parties • Ballet/Dance Classes • Wellbeing/Health Sessions • Hockey • Ad-hoc bookings available

STREET, HIP HOP & ADULT TAP

Classes from two and half years upwards Lessons held at Haydonleigh School, Abbey Meads Community School, Blunsdon Village and also Stratton Community Centre Official Dance Centre of the ISTD offering FDI & CDE Units

10+ weeks of Block Bookings are welcome with no VAT to pay* Community Groups/Organisations able to use spaces free of charge* On and Off Peak prices available on selected facilities Excellent external and internal spaces for private functions/events. Free parking* *Terms and Conditions apply

Contact Amy Hutchinson (Third Party Let Manager) for details on 01793 707592 or 07884 117185 e-mail: amy.hutchinson@laing.com

1 - 21 January 09 Extreme.indd 16

BALLET - TAP - MODERN - JAZZ MUSICAL THEATRE & RAD MAJORS

Bring this advert with you and receive the first two lessons free

Contact Sarah Watson on 01793 524112 or 07825 543529 before 8pm

15/12/08 15:13:18

swindonlink.com • January 2009

17

Top tech pupils scoop national award

Bradon Forest School has been recognised as one of the top schools in the country for use of technology.

The Purton school reached the ogy at the core of their everyday school providing advice to others, final six in the ICT Excellence activities,” said Becta director Niel regionally and nationally.

Headteacher Len Spiers said he Awards, organised by Becta, the McLean. “The school as a commugovernment agency promoting nity benefits from the rewards that was thrilled to have reached the use of technology in learning. The technology can bring to education, final six in the prestigious competiawards recognise schools across the whether through interactive white- tion. “It’s a fitting reflection of the UK that make use of technology in boards, blogging and messaging dedication shown by our teachers and students to ensure that Brafacilities, or podcasting.” outstanding or innovative ways.

This is not the first time that don Forest is a true 21st Century Five assessors spent a morning talking to pupils at Bradon Forest the school’s use of ICT has been school.”

Pupils made such a good impresand looked at all aspects of the way recognised; it was among the first hundred schools in the country to be sion at the Excellence Awards that ICT is used in the school.

“It was inspiring to see the enthu- awarded the ICT Mark. Following they were invited back by Becta to siasm which Bradon Forest School this success, it joined the Specialist speak at an E-Safety conference in has invested into putting technol- Schools Trust ICT Register as a focus Taunton in November.

The Blackthorn School of Photography Digital image-making and black and white printing based at our specialist teaching centre near Cricklade Evening, day and weekend courses for beginners and advanced photographers www.photography-courses.com Tel: 01454 416937 or 07920 116492

Some of Bradon’s ICT enthusiasts, Lewis Bolton, Lauren Stannard, Ben Keep, Rosanna Fish, Jacob Roberts, Janes Lentschner, Molly Hall

NO

W

SWIN W BA IN ES C DO T K N

Why not make

Swindon College

2009 your year?

The NEW part time course guide is out NOW! CliCk www.swindon-college.ac.uk Call 0800 731 2250 VisiT Swindon College

Swindon College, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1DY

1 - 21 January 09 Extreme.indd 17

15/12/08 15:14:42

18 swindonlink.com • January 2009

Parent and Toddler Club at Toothill Primary School

Every Tuesday 1-3pm during term time

Enquiries:

01793 497250 Professional, evening childcare in your own home provided by a family run business Call Emma on 0117 230 9053 emma@elfsitters.co.uk www.elfsitters.co.uk All sitters hold an enhanced CRB disclosure

First report rates pre-school as good

A report by Ofsted on Freshbrook Daycare - which took over from the long running Freshbrook Playgroup in August - has found that provision is good across all areas.

Inspectors say that staff have good knowledge of each child’s needs and children’s learning is evident through their time in the pre-school which is attached to Millbrook Primary School. Children have a wide range of planned opportunities to learn which ensures they move forward in personal and social development, language and number skills.

Pre-school owner Hazel Clark said she was delighted with the staff team who had taken it from a satisfactory rating to good.

Be the star that you are at Drama Babes

Lynne Jacobs and Hazel Clark, centre left, with chidren and staff members Emily Stevens, Katy Fallon, Susan Butler, Fiona Wood, Julia Pirt, Dan Forrester. Not pictured, Mandy Steele

Voted No.1 in ‘The Times’ Top 5 for Kids (Published in The Independent & The Guardian)

Manager Lynne Jacobs said this had been achieved by good team work, clear understanding of the early years foundation stages and planning how best children can benefit from their pre-school experience.

“We work closely with parents in their child’s development and encourage them to come in for happy hour where they can play or read to

Imagine ... flying through the sky on a magic carpet ... diving under the sea or shooting through the sky on your space rocket!

Where shall we go today? You decide!

Independent local theatre practitioner Classes in North & West Swindon and Cricklade

www.dramababes.co.uk Call Fiona on 07799 691328

Fr e Le e T ss ri on al

“This is the best thing I have brought any of my children to in the last ten years”

Mum of Amelia, aged 2 and a half

children. In January we’ll be holding a day where we meet parents to discuss what we’re doing in the pre-school with their child and how we can enhance their development together.”

She added that children are already signed up for 2011, but there are places from next September.

Call Angie Evans on 528738 for details.

Lots of family activities in Toothill

After a term in their brand new building, staff at Toothill Primary School have developed an exciting range of activities aimed at families in the area which take place in a set of purpose built community rooms.

• The nursery unit offers places to all 3 to 4 year olds. At present, including the free two and half hours available to children, parents can place children in school for the whole day for £10.

• A daily after-school club was launched in November providing care for children of all ages from 3.05pm to 5.05pm. Children can attend for an hour or for the whole session, and parents can pick the days they want children to attend. The sessions offer crafts, games, cooking, quiet activities and outdoor play. Cost: £2.50 an hour.

• A parent and toddler group meets on Tuesdays, 1pm to 3pm, and is open to any parents living in the area with pre-school children. There are themed craft activities and a nursery rhyme time. The cost is £1 to cover materials and refreshments. Just turn up and take part.

For information on all the groups call the school on 497250.

• Toothill Ministry of Food. See page 46

NEW TO THE AREA! Phone Chrissie on 01793 725259 www.musicalminis.co.uk

1 - 21 January 09 Extreme.indd 18

15/12/08 10:00:40

swindonlink.com • January 2009

19

Bringing dads and kids closer together

Saturdads is a monthly group for fathers and children between the ages of 0 and 11 years living in the Rodbourne Cheney and Moredon area which meets at Moredon Children’s Centre, within Rodbourne Cheney Primary School.

The aim is to provide social and educational group activities for dads with their children in a fun and safe environment. The sessions are organised around a themed activity. In November members enjoyed an American Thanksgiving Saturday with basketball, popcorn and hotdogs and in December they made personalised photo Christmas cards.

Saturdads next meets on 10 January and 7 February.

For details about joining call Mumtaz Kamal on 436295 or 435679.

Close to M4 junction 16, just a short drive from West Swindon For children 3 months to five years Open all year from 8am to 6pm Extensive outdoor play & garden Grant places available For information call: 01793 851495

Village pre-school to expand in twenty-first year

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

The 20th anniversary of Lydiard Millicent Pre-School comes at an exciting time in its history, as it plans to offer families morning and afternoon sessions to children from the age of two.

Little Foxes Childcare & Education

For children and their parents Established 1986 The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts Tel: 01666 510356 Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042

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l l l l

The pre-school, which is still run by a committee of volunteers, has come a long way since opening in the local village hall in 1989, when a group of parents first met as a toddler group. Twelve years later, after a major fundraising effort the pre-school moved to its current location at the primary school, where it can currently have up to 18 children.

Ofsted rated the group as ‘good’ in 2007 and it was recognized by Wiltshire County Council in September for its excellent practices in child initiated activities.

The pre-school is now planning

to expand to cater for working families and give children the chance to experience this social, fun and developmental environment over a longer period before starting mainstream school.

Jenny Watson, deputy supervisor, who has been involved with the pre-school in one way or another for most of the last 20 years, said, “we’re very excited about the preschool’s future and looking forward to both taking the younger children and extending our opening hours in January.”

For details of places at Lydiard Millicent Pre-School call 772981.

The Springboard to Confidence for your child Britain’s leading National Active Physical Play programme for children from 6 months to 7 years.

Your child will learn agility, balance, climbing, co-ordination appropriate to his or her age.

Structured programmes designed to build self confidence and develop essential listening and language skills.

Supervised by trained staff in a fun and caring environment.

Tumble Tots now in your area!

For information about local centres call

Liz Davies on 0844 800 0219

1 - 21 January 09 Extreme.indd 19

Headstarts Day Nursery Established 1990

Delta Business Park, Westlea West Swindon. Tel: 877779 & The Children’s Centre at Robert le Kyng Westcott Street, Swindon. Tel: 484934

Headstarts is a friendly, ‘family’ nursery offering a warm, happy and relaxed environment where every child benefits from individual attention. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Monday – Friday 8am till 6pm all year Sessions for 0 - 5 year olds ~ am, pm, school day, all day Real value for money. From £160 per week full time Funded child-care credits available.** Government Funded Nursery Sessions**

Free nursery sessions for 2.5 hours per day worth £44.88 per week Monday - Friday during term time for funded 3 & 4 year olds* For further information or to arrange a visit, call 877779 or 484934

✁

Jenny Watson with pre-school youngsters and parents and her son Chris who attended in 1991 and now helps out on his days off

An independent family run nursery offering quality care and education within a safe, secure, stimulating environment for all babies and children from 0-5 and an out of school club for children aged 5-11 years Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for 3-5 year olds High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching staff and nursery nurses Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room, school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about

Special offer FREE child care worth £50 with this advert* *Conditions apply **Rates may vary

15/12/08 15:16:16

20 swindonlink.com • January 2009

Sending our boys into battle on tea and buns

Mansfield Begbie Associates Ltd

They say that an army marches on its stomach, and Edith Glennie from Westlea went to meet Elsie Youngman, an 87 year old grandmother from Freshbrook, who revealed to The Link her secret mission to keep the troops fed before the D-Day landings in 1944.

Providing mortgage services for the community since 1987

COULD YOU PAY LESS FOR YOUR MORTGAGE in 2009?

The earlier you carry out a review, the sooner you might save We may be able to find you a lower interest rate.

You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.

Whether you’re planning to move to a new house or to remortgage your property, with over 21 years experience providing mortgages in Swindon, Mansfield Begbie Associates aim to provide an excellent and personal service.

There may be a fee payable at completion for placing your mortgage. The precise amount will depend on your circumstances but the maximum will be £300.

However, no completion no fee.

to all Link readers Mansfield Begbie Associates arranges mortgages with the majority of building societies and banks in the UK For a free mortgage consultation and further information, call us now.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

Swindon

e: info@mansfieldbegbie.co.uk www.mansfieldbegbie.co.uk Mansfield Begbie Associates Limited is an appointed representative of Legal & General Partnership Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority for advising on and arranging mortgages and insurance

1 - 21 January 09 Extreme.indd 20

H0096015

772779

Elsie Youngman was only 18 when war was declared in 1939, and with her sister Edna, joined the NAAFI (Navy, Army & Air Force Institute), They were sent for training at Blandford camp in Dorset. The huge base held 15,000 men, and Elsie, her sister and 16 other girls were responsible for providing food and drink for 3,000 of those.

Being twins, they would sometimes play tricks on the soldiers at mealtimes, serving tea and cakes at opposite ends of a long line, and pretending to be the same person.

“We never let on that we were twins,” she said.

But it was not all laughs and Elsie recalls glancing out of a window and remarking, “look at those sticks in the sky.”

Hearing this, the soldiers fell to the floor just before bombs landed on the camp.

Many of the men were badly hurt or killed, but the girls, protected by the thick serving counter, were uninjured.

Shaken they ran to their barracks, tore sheets from beds to bandage the wounded as best they could before ambulances arrived.

When, having worked at Blandford for four years, a senior staff officer addressed assembled NAAFI girls to ask for volunteers for a secret assignment, Elsie and Edna stepped forward. “We didn’t really sense any danger, even though we didn’t know what it was about,” said Elsie.

On a chilly night in February 1944, the girls were taken to Botley camp, near Southampton. The location was top-secret. “We were allowed to send letters home, but they were heavily censored,” said Elsie.

“We were told only our instructions for work and ordered not to have any contact outside camp.

“You could tell there were preparations for something big.

There were just so many soldiers and equipment in the camp. On 4 June us NAAFI girls were gathered together and told all the men would be leaving for France. We were given strict orders not to accept any letters from soldiers. It was one of the saddest things I’ve ever

experienced. I can see the faces of the young boys in tears, pleading.

Any letters taken by the girls had to be handed over to the commanding officer, and burnt.”

That night, a special service was held at the camp chapel which every soldier and NAAFI girl attended “We knew God was the only one to turn to,” said Elsie. “And we prayed so hard for the soldiers.”

The NAAFI girls had been told to expect bombings after the troops had left and the invasion soon started. Elsie described a terrifying night of bombing, in the first wave were the new the Flying Bombs or Doodlebugs.

Some 22 bombs fell on or near the camp and though none of the girls were hurt, there were some casualties among the few men left behind.

Elsie and Edna stayed to clear up the base before returning to Blandford camp now converted into a hospital for wounded Americans, and where they stayed until the end of the war.

At first they had difficulty understanding their patients because of their accents and found them very different to the British soldiers.

“They were much more easy and friendly,” said Elsie. “I received several proposals of marriage but I was never tempted to become a war bride and go off to live in America.”

Despite the hardships she has seen and experienced, Elsie said, “looking back, I wouldn’t change any of it. It was lovely to be able to do something for the country.

People nowadays take prosperity and affluence for granted and don’t understand the privations of war and what civilians had to go through. But we were all in the same boat facing adversity then.

Elsie has done her bit to raise awareness by speaking to primary pupils about her wartime experiences. Even though she describes herself as ‘a nobody,’ and claims that what she’s done is nothing exceptional, it could be said that the war was won by a nation of brave, heroic nobodies, all doing their bit for their country.

15/12/08 15:17:05

21

Primrose

Flower Design

Louise Duffield Flowers for all occasions

www.primroseflowerdesign.co.uk

The Holocaust to be remembered

There will be time for reflection at events to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January.

Swindon has marked the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camps in 1945 since 2001 and as well as the Holocaust,

other human rights tragedies around the world, including past and present wars and persecution, are remembered.

This year’s theme is Stand up to Hatred. There will be a short wreath laying ceremony by the Cenotaph,

Play harks back to medieval times

Whilst the village hall is being rebuilt, members of Broad Hinton Amateur Dramatics Society are doing what village actors did hundreds of years ago, taking a morality play to four ancient churches across the Wiltshire countryside near Swindon.

Regents Circus at 12noon followed at 12.30pm by a gathering at the Friends Meeting House, Eastcott Hill for readings and reflection, and a light lunch.

In April, the exhibition, Anne Frank + You will be visiting the Town Hall. The aim is to help young people understand more about the Holocaust and to think about the moral choices faced by people in the 21st Century. Organisers hope it will promote discussions about the value of democracy and a civilised society.

If anyone would like to give a personal account or read at the Friends Meeting House, call Matt Holland on 771080 or matt@lowershawfarm.co.uk www.holocaustmemorialday.gov.uk

The play - Everyman - is based on the medieval belief that every man’s deeds, both good and bad, were written down in a Book of Reckoning. He would be called upon to show that book to God when he died, and God would judge him fit for heaven or hell based on what was written in the book.

Specialist in Weddings, Funerals, Corporate Work, Special Events

Tel: 07813 287515 louise@primroseflowerdesign.co.uk

Gold Wanted

Any gold items bought for cash!

Broken or un-wanted jewellery 9 – 14 – 18 or 22 carat Best Prices Paid We buy scrap Gold; any amount any condition

Call Barry on 07798 - 682198 Turn that unwanted Gold into Cash

Performances take place from Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 January at churches in Broad Hinton, Winterbourne Bassett, Winterbourne Monkton and West Overton.

To buy tickets for this unusual production evoking past ages and present questions call 731050.

Shaun makes Aladdin the best ever

Shaun Williamson launched Aladdin, the Wyvern Theatre’s biggest pantomime in association with The Link on 5 December, which included a collection for Swindon’s parent run charity CALM (Cancer & Leukaemia Movement in Children).

Aladdin runs until 4 January. To book a ticket call 524481.

Shaun is pictured with CALM volunteers Maureen Morlant and Jo Telling

21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 21

16/12/08 11:40:22

Swindon Wide

22

Echoes in painting and sculpture

An exhibition at Swindon Museum & Art Gallery in Old Town until 7 February is the first time that paintings from Swindon’s famous Collection of Modern British Art have been exhibited with sculpture.

Echoes, co-curated by sculptor James Castle from Malmesbury, explores the dialogue between his own sculptures and paintings and he has selected works which focus on mythology, personal associations and the use of symbols such as the sun and moon.

These themes are evidenced in James’ own painted, carved and laminated wood sculptures which both stimulate the imagination and chalBarbara Dixon and Will Dew with one of lenge how gallery space James Castle’s sculptures is used.

“If you’ve not been to Swindon ing matching photographs with Museum and Art Gallery, this exhibi- exhibits.

Echoes is at the Art Gallery on tion is an excellent way of discovering an interesting and somewhat Bath Road until 7 February and hidden feature of Swindon,” said entry is free. acting manager Barbara Dixon. • Work by French painter, sculptor “Make a visit in early 2009 one of and designer Henri Matisse will be displayed with paintings from the your new year’s resolutions.”

Graduate trainee Will Dew has Swindon collection at the art gallery devised a quiz for children involv- for a month from 14 February.

Search is on for The Watchers

When the shops were built at Toothill village centre in the very early 1980s, developers RS McColl paid for a sculpture called The Watchers by the late Carlton Attwood. It is still located at the centre, but in a different position.

Every councillor on the then Thamesdown Council was presented with a small copy of the family and dog and we’re helping the Mayor of Swindon to find at least one example.

Toothill ward councillor and current Mayor Steve Wakefield is keen

for one of the models to be presented to the new Toothill Primary School when it officially opens later in the year. “I’d like to appeal to anybody who was on the council in the early 1980s, or their relations if the former councillor has passed on, to have a search for their model of The Watchers,” said Mayor Steve. “It would be really nice if the new school could display a historical artifact from the early days of Toothill.”

If you know who can donate their model, call The Link on 608840.

Folk dancers look after heritage

Wroughton Folk Dance Club, formed in 1986, meets on Wednesday evenings during school term time at the Wroughton Infant School to learn various styles of English Country Dancing.

The club, with some 50 members, is proud of the fact that it plays its part in helping to preserve the country’s heritage of folk dancing and folk music. New members and visitors are always welcomed, with or without a partner. No experience of folk dancing is necessary, but knowing right from left and having a sense of rhythm are useful assets.

Dances are always ‘walked through’ before being danced and instructions are called as the dance is in progress. If you’re looking for something new in 2009, in terms of meeting people and getting some exercise, call 812282 for details.

FANTASTIC CHINESE CUISINE AT TWO GREAT VENUES A LA CARTE and our famous ALL YOU CAN EAT MENU

Choose from over 100 dishes from Sunday to Thursday: £16 per person. Fridays & Saturdays: £19 per person and 20% off menu prices on all takeaways STILL AVAILABLE

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL SET DINNER FOR ONLY £10 PER PERSON

at both restaurants Sunday to Friday ONLY AVAILABLE IF ORDERED BEFORE 7.30PM Starter

Imperial Hors D’Oeuvres Aromatic Crispy Duck Satay Chicken on Skewers served with hoi sin Satay Beef on Skewers sauce, pancakes, Spring Rolls cucumber and spring Barbecue Ribs onion Crispy Seaweed Main Course Sweet and Sour Chicken HK Style Beef and Mushrooms King Prawns with Green Peppers in Black Bean Sauce Special Fried Rice EXTRA FREE DISH FOR FOUR PERSONS OR MORE

or

LADIES’ NIGHTS OFFER SWINDON RENDEZVOUS ON MONDAYS ONLY

LADIES EAT FOR ONLY £12.50 LE RENDEZVOUS ON TUESDAYS ONLY From 5 January 2009

Sunday lunch £12.50 all you can eat only at Le Rendezvous RESERVE A TABLE FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY AND EAT FOR FREE

AVAILABLE AT BOTH RESTAURANTS (Also available at Lunchtime)

All offers shown above are subject to change without notice SWINDON RENDEZVOUS 11-12a Theatre Square, Swindon Telephone: 01793 523570 www.swindonrendezvous.co.uk

21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 22

If a table is booked for 6 or more the birthday boy or girl eats for free (For example 5 pay and 1 eats for free.

Birthday must be on actual day booked.

(Only valid on all you can eat or any set dinner. I.D. WILL BE REQUIRED)

LE RENDEZVOUS 36-39 Haydon Street, Swindon. Telephone: 01793 526111 www.lerendezvousswindon.co.uk CLOSED ON MONDAY Private free parking after 5pm (George Whites yard opposite)

15/12/08 10:51:52

Swindon Wide

23

Swindon is not so rubbish

‘It’s ugly, dirty, boring, there’s no community spirit, nothing ever happens, there’s no culture, all it has is a famous roundabout, and that’s rubbish too: do you agree?’

This provocative statement and question was put by Mike Pringle, Director of the Swindon Cultural Partnership, the independent body that brings together business, arts organisations and local government, in the January 2008 Link.

But where there’s muck, there’s brass, as the saying goes, and Mike, for January 2009, has brought out a sixteen page booklet which looks at ‘culture’ in Swindon, in its widest sense. He uncovers a wealth of talented people, opportunities to participate and a remarkable depth to the town’s cultural foundations.

A survey in 2006 found that 93 per cent of people engaged in at least one cultural activity during the previous twelve months.

Culture is officially at the heart of Swindon because work to improve it - in terms of building community cohesion and social inclusion, and the impact made on the town’s sense of identity and image - is measured by government inspectors who check up on Swindon Council’s performance.

A year ago Mike wrote, ‘Swindon is, above all, the people who live and work here. We’re not rubbish; we’re great, and it’s about time the world gets the message.’

For a paper copy mail: mike.pringle@ creativeswindon.org.uk or find it at: www. swindonculture.org

21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 23

Blunsdon’s Masquerade Ball SATURDAY 14th FEBRUARY 2009 An evening of opulence and elegance Not to be missed - dress to impress Enjoy the evening with friends and family (not suitable for children)

Spectacular 5 course candlelit dinner and a complimentary glass of pink bubbly Dance the night away to Locomotion band followed by Skywalkers Disco A mask will be provided but bring your own to win the prize for the best one!

£45 per person

• • • •

No contract – no fuss State of the art equipment Where members come first 9 hole par 3 golf course

Call 01793 720640

What’s culture to you?

Some or all of the above?

16/12/08 11:48:24

24

the bigger picture

Swindon Wide

Over the next 12 months we’re going to be delving into The Link archives for pictures used over the last 30 years, and for interesting images never used - such as the dome over the entrance at Isambard Community School in North Swindon.

An official opening has yet to take place some 15 months after the first children arrived although an event early in the year is being considered.

As recession looms, parents are recognising the need to invest in their children’s education to give them the best chances in a competitive job market.

Magnificent Nova leaves South African visitor speechless

There were two shocks for Anthony Classon as he arrived in Swindon on a teacher exchange from Cape Town: the freezing temperatures and the new building at Nova Hreod School.

“I couldn’t speak for a couple of minutes after seeing this magnificent structure,” said Anthony, a history teacher from Harold Cressy High School. “I can’t compare our schools at home with Nova Hreod, it’s miles ahead in terms of infrastructure, development and facilities; I’m completely blown away.”

In October, Anthony and his colleagues welcomed his brother Clinton Classon, Nova PE coordinator, and community coordinator Tom Wilkes to Harold Cressy. Shared projects were set up and continued on the return leg of the exchange.

Anthony met each year group in assemblies and taught history lessons about District 6, the area where Harold Cressy is situated which was forcibly cleared during the Apartheid era. Anthony and Clinton’s mother was one of the thousands evicted.

Lessons at Nova from young business star

The efforts of young entrepreneurs at Nova were definitely not to be sniffed at as they worked on a challenge to design and market their own brand of paper tissues.

The enterprise day was given a boost by Sabirul Islam who started his first business when he was just 14. Now aged 17, he is working with the BBC on a Dragons’ Den style youth programme.

The full story with photograph can be found at: www.swindonlink. com

21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 24

Money spent on education will pay long term dividends

Anthony and Clinton with Year 10 learners at Nova Hreod South African pupils will learn and hopes that Nova Hreod pupils about the industrial revolution will make the most of their opportunifocussing on Swindon’s railway ties. “Many of the children here don’t heritage. “In the assemblies here, I have an ambition to go to university tried to emphasise to the pupils that and study, whereas in South Africa they are absolutely privileged,” said it’s a bit different: people are very Anthony. “It was a shock to learn that aware that education is the route to a parents here don’t pay a penny for better life and they push themselves education. Our learners, with the harder in order to achieve.”

“I’m quite fortunate to be sitting little they have, are required to pay here in England today. Our mother school fees.

“I look round in wonder when I see raised us on her own and couldn’t a photocopier on every floor here afford to send us to university. We when we have one aging machine had to apply for bursaries and loans in a school of 800 learners. And it’s which had to be repaid.”

“The contact with Nova Hreod is nothing to walk into a class of 50 going to be so important in helping learners at Harold Cressy.”

Despite the hardships and lack make young people in both comof resources, Harold Cressy has munities more aware of themselves a proud reputation, producing and what they can offer others.”

Over the next year the two schools doctors, lawyers and the present finance minister of South Africa will use the internet to work on joint projects and there are hopes Trevor Manuel.

Clinton thought that the two that a student exchange can be schools could learn from each other arranged.

Families tightening their belts are being forced to prioritise spending but they are not cutting corners where education is concerned according to David and Andrea Parkinson, who own Aspire tuition at Basepoint Business Centre in Westlea.

They have had an increase in demand for places at their tutorial centre. It seems parents have picked up on the government’s view that spending on education is more important than ever in a recession.

Chancellor, Alistair Darling, has announced that school building projects are to be brought forward.

David said that a contributing factor is parents’ concern about the low examination results in Swindon.

With only 39.9 per cent of pupils gaining five good GCSEs including English and maths, the local authority was ranked 127th out of 150 for its performance last year.

“We’ve had more enquiries than we would normally expect at this time of year and our available spaces are filling up,” said David.

“Many pupils are desperately trying to ensure they achieve the basic requirement of many employers: grade C in English and maths GCSE. Some are looking to achieve higher grades to give them the edge in the competitive job market.”

In the purpose built Aspire tuition centre, youngsters from age 7 work with qualified teachers, usually in a ratio of one to four. During an initial assessment, strengths and weaknesses are identified and an individual programme is devised for each learner. Parents are kept informed of their progress with regular reports.

Call 07925 193321 for details. www.aspiretuition.co.uk

15/12/08 15:23:03

Swindon Wide

Second procession planned for March

A Springtime evening in North Swindon will again be lit by eyrie glows from lanterns when children and adults take part in the Flux Lantern Procession.

Last year’s parade saw a moving river of light from North Swindon Library to Isambard Community School and plans are being made for an even more spectacular event on Saturday 7 March.

Tw o w o r k shops will take place on Tuesday 19 February, 10am to 3pm, and Saturday 28 February, 10am to 3pm, in the library to make lanterns, masks, flags and banners to carry on the parade.

The procession will be the last community event in the three year government funded Flux arts project to develop arts activities in schools and across the North Swindon community.

Details of this grand finale will be published next month. To find out more beforehand mail Ella Bissett MacEwen: ella@artsmad.org.uk www.fluxswindon.org.uk

25

Free dance offered by Tanwood

Beginners and experienced dancers are welcome to sample free classes on Saturday 3 January at Tanwood School for Performing Arts at their spacious new premises at the Isis Industrial Estate.

Tanwood teaches ballet, tap, modern, jazz, singing and drama. Prospective pupils of all ages can try a variety of dance styles. Details of how to book a place can be found at www.tanwood.co.uk

January Sale

25% off

Biz Meet offers point for home alone workers

Realising that working from home or as a sole trader can be isolating, two local entrepreneurs have set up a face to face social network group Biz Meet.

Website developer, Arjun Thandi and Mary Parsons, an artist and disability consultant, met while attending a course for the self-employed organised by the tax office. They have since kept in touch and supported each other through the first year of setting up their own businesses. They want to help others find the same kind of supportive network through Biz Meet.

“We both work from home and find that meeting people does not always happen naturally,” said Mary. “You have to make the effort to get out.

We wanted to be part of a group where the emphasis is on socialising as well as networking.”

The rapidly growing group meets monthly and members talk about work, exchange ideas and socialise in a relaxed atmosphere. Because its aimed at home workers Biz Meet is attracting people who would not normally consider joining more formal business groups.

For details call Mary Parson son 686449. www.bizmeet.co.uk

21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 25

abSolutely everything

Samsung USA Fridge/ Freezer Black, White or Stainless Steel

Was £899 Now £449

Caple Wine Wi3113 Cellar 30cm

Was £399 Now £149

Bosch SGV43E03 Fully Integrated Dishwasher

Caple CGC900ss Curved Glass Canopy

Was £505 Now £100

Was £367 Now £60

Open Sundays 10am-2pm during January

15/12/08 15:24:52

26

Music

Swindon Wide What’s Theatre

Saturday 24th, 8pm Saturday 17th, 8pm Richard Smith Solo Guitar Concert.

Richard’s ever changing repertoire includes a wide variety of music from Scott Joplin Rags, Sousa marches, classical tunes, ballads to popular music. £10. Arts Centre

Children & Family

Until Saturday 3rd January, excluding 1st Jan, various times Scrooge. Empire Theatre Company presents the magical seasonal musical based on the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. Director/ choreographer Pollyann Tanner, musical director Sheila Harrod with a large talented cast and professional musicians. £10; family (selected performances) £30. Arts Centre Saturdays 3rd, 17th and 31st 10am - 4pm

Meet the Railway Workers. Former engine drivers, firemen and railworkers bring the days of steam to life. Normal admission charges.

STEAM Until Sunday 4th, various times Aladdin. Comedy, stunning sets and fabulous costumes combine with astounding 3D wizardry in a magical pantomime. Starring Shaun Williamson. £14 to £20. Wyvern Friday 30th & Sat 31st, 7.30pm Peter Pan presented by Thames Water Customer Services staff based at Kembrey Park. Singing, dancing and comedy for people of all ages.

Proceeds to The Children’s Liver Disease Association, Alopecia UK and Threshold Housing Link. £8. Wyvern

Comedy

Thursday 22nd, 8pm

Stephen K Amos. New comedy from star of Live at the Apollo and Royal Variety Show. £14. Arts Centre Friday 23rd, 8pm Jongleurs. Swindon’s Premier Comedy Club. £12. Wyvern Sunday 25th, 7.30pm Clive James in the Evening. Writer, broadcaster, raconteur - and Australia’s finest export, Clive James has been a British institution for longer than he cares to remember. £17. Wyvern Wednesday 28th, 8pm Mark Watson - All the thoughts I have had since I was born. Winner of numerous prizes Mark Watson returns to the road with a band new show. £15. Wyvern

21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 26

Vincent by Leonard Nimoy. American Jim Jarrett gloriously recreates the world of the misunderstood genius, Vincent van Gogh, giving a moving insight into the his turbulent life and times. £14. Wyvern Thursday 22nd, 7.30pm Animal Farm. Hilariously comic and powerfully poignant by turns, Gary Shelford’s breathtaking stoytelling creates the farmyard around you in compelling theatre. £13.50. Wyvern Friday 23rd, 7.30pm

Pathway to the Red Sun presented

by Rogue Theatre. Set in a futuristic landscape, this fantasy action thriller tells the story of love which unfolds in the dreams of a soldier and the heart of a woman, as they search for innocence and confront their destiny both in reality and in their dreams.The show contains poetry, live music, dance and acrobatics. £10. Arts Centre Saturday 24th, 8pm Sherlock Holmes... the Death and Life starring Roger Llewellyn. A wryly humorous tale of murder, mystery and the occult. £13.50. Wyvern Wednesday 28th to Saturday 31st, 7.30pm The Shell Seekers presented by Phoenix Players. Penelope Keeling and her family have experienced passion and heartbreak, that have held them together for three generations.

This play is a story of love, courage and determination and also of the Shell Seekers itself, a painting that threatens to tear the Keeling family apart. £6. Arts Centre Friday 30th, 7pm Murder Mystery Evening. Enjoy a sumptuous 3 course meal as you solve the mystery unfolding before you.

Watch the scenes, interrogate suspects and search for the hidden clues. £36. Circle Restaurant, Wyvern

16/12/08 08:56:52

On in January Dance

Monday 19th, 7.30pm The Nutcracker performed by Russian State Ballet of Siberia. £23.50 - £30. Wyvern Tuesday 20th, 7.30pm Giselle performed by Russian State Ballet of Siberia. £23.50 - £30.

Wyvern Wednesday 21st, 2.30pm & 7.30pm Swan Lake performed by Russian State Ballet of Siberia. £23.50 - £30.

Wyvern

Exhibitions

Until Tuesday 6th Frank Quinton Retrospective.

Frank’s recent paintings make a return to a freer, looser dramatic line reflecting a style used in early works.

Free. Arts Centre Throughout January, 10am - 5pm

Changing Trains: The Journey from Steam to Diesel. Meet the new characters on the station platform and get acquainted with Evening Star. Discover her rich history and experience the magic and romance that she brings with her. Normal admission charges. STEAM

Until 7 February Echoes. James Castle explores connections between painting and sculpture, through his own works and a selection from the Swindon Collection of Modern British Art. Free. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery From Thursday 8th With Art in Mind. Textured acrylics on canvas, printmaking and pastels are just some of the projects undertaken by the inspirational and structured Mind art group. Free. Arts Centre

Venues

Arts Centre Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Link Centre Westlea. Tel: 445566 STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway. Kemble Drive.

Tel: 466646 Swindon Information Centre Regent Street. Tel: 530328 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Wyvern Theatre Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 27

27

Film

Wednesday 7th, 7.45pm Golden Door (PG). A poor Sicilian family dreams of a better life in the US, land of plenty, equality and opportunity.... SFS. Arts Centre Wednesday 21st, 7.45pm The Marriage of Maris Braun (15).

A rare chance to see this landmark in German cinema, a heart-breaking study of one woman’s life in post-war German society. SFS. Arts Centre Swindon Film Society (SFS) films are for members only. It is possible to join at any film showing

Circus

Sunday 18th, 7.30pm Circus of Horrors: Apocalypse in the Asylum. This 21st Century performance threatens to stimulate all the senses and surpass everything that has come before it. £15. Wyvern

Fundraising

Saturday 31 January, 12noon - 5pm Health, Beauty & Well-being Day Taster sessions and advice Reiki, Thai massage, reflexology, facial massage, make-overs, manicures & pedicures eyebrow threading, aromatherapy and more. Also crystals & jewellery The Drove People’s Campus, Southampton Street Entry £2. Raffle and refreshments

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Line Dance with

Midnight Cowboys Even Swindon Community Centre Jennings Street off Rodbourne Road

Tuesdays 7.30 to 10.00 Wednesday: Highworth Thursday: Coleview CC 7.00 to 10.00 Absolute beginners welcome

Please ring for more details Lewis on 764732

Reductions on all brands Many lines half price Bath Road Corner Old Town Tel: 534271 Swindon’s widest choice of discounted 20ivterhsary ann

Art, Craft and Framing products

Lots of extra bargains Framework Art & Craft Unit 35 BSS House Cheney Manor, Swindon

Ample free parking Well worth a visit!

Tel/Fax 01793 513069

Email: mail@facswindon.co.uk www.facswindon.co.uk

Performance opportunities Free theatre workshop with Starlight Theatre Academy Saturday 10 January, 1pm to 4pm New College, Swindon Starlight is open to all abilities and offers dance, drama and singing classes for 7 to 17 year olds during term-time weekends.

There are no auditions to join.

Register for the free workshop on 320283 www.starlighttheatre.co.uk

New recording studio open

Take advantage of our customer loyalty discount at our larger shop with a unique range of hand made fruit & vegetables, and hand knitted clothing plus a fantastic choice of dolls houses, furniture, carpets, lighting and wallpapers

SoundsGood Studios, which already has a strong reputation for producing top quality recordings for local and national bands and also for supporting the local music scene, have invested in new facilities that include a large ventilated kitted out rehearsal room and a recording studio with a 32 input desk and separate vocal and drum booths.

Mail: andy@soundsgoodstudios. co.uk for details.

SoundsGood is located at Unit 24, Pembroke Centre, Cheney Manor, Swindon SN2 2PQ www.soundsgoodstudios.co.uk

15/12/08 15:44:26

21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 28

15/12/08 11:08:18

SARAH NEWMAN Oakhurst, Redhouse Taw Hill Haydon End Tel: 01793 729418 Mob: 07759 998543 sarah.cambridge@hotmail.com

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Swindon Wide

Bradon pupil £1,000 hope for Chernobyl children

29

Day to discover inner mind & spirit

The Universal Mind Spiritual Event on Sunday 18 January at Alexandra House Conference Centre, Wroughton is a one of a kind in Wiltshire.

A young fundraiser from West Swindon has set his sights on raising Experienced and passionate It’s a chance to explore ideas, £1,000 for Chernobyl Children’s Life Line (CCLL) in a year. experience a range of services and teachers are being brought together Sam Palmer from Middleleaze, purchase products from a variety to pass on their knowledge and with 9 classmates and three memof practitioners, therapists, readers experience through individual disbers of Bradon staff completed a cussion and a range of workshops and healers. six mile sponsored walk around “The Universal Mind is so named and demonstrations.

Avebury last March which raised “This is a chance to discover what because of the idea that we are all £150 and the cause inspired the one, all connected,” said organiser you need to take with you on your school to select CCLL to benefit from Stephanie Bell. “We all have the particular spiritual journey,” said non-uniform days. In October £300 power within ourselves to find the Stephanie. was raised and two similar events For details of the day and a list of answers we need to questions and are planned for 2009. problems in our own lives, and to workshops, see the advertisement Sam explained that his mum’s potentially also help others to do on page 5. best friend is Coral McGrady from www.universal-mind.co.uk so as well.”

Peatmoor who hosts Tanya Ramska from the village of Ozarichi in Belarus almost every holiday. “I’m in a group called TAC at Bradon which helps us develop lifeskills. When our Sam with Tanya before Christmas teacher asked pupils to come up with a charity we could help I suggested Gin McGiffin said initiatives taken CCLL. I’ve known Coral all my life by young people like Sam are a VISIT US FOR and have met Tanya a few times wonderful example of the care and support there is for children in need when she’s been on a visit.

NEW SEASON “Life for children like Tanya is very in Swindon.

She added that Tanya’s alcodifficult. It’s terrible to think of the radiation from the nuclear disaster that holic mother died in October from Also perfect for special occasions: Parties, hangs over them, and the families cancer. Tanya has been taken in Dinner Dance, Formal Cruise, Bridesmaids, by her grandmother after largely don’t have a lot of money.”

Mother of the Bride or Groom and more!

Chernobyl Children’s Life Line of- looking after herself over the last Sizes 4 - 26 fers respite holidays where children two years.

94 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, Westlea, Swindon To find out how to help CCLL mail: live with volunteer host families.

01793 608822 www.so-elegant.co.uk The Swindon branch is hosting 13 gin@mcgiffin.com Opening times: Tuesday - Friday 11am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm www.swindon.ccll.org.uk children until 11 January. Organiser

So Elegant

PROM GOWNS

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Louise is the new face of LighterLife

Weight loss counsellor, Louise Reynolds, has helped hundreds of clients lose weight and brings her expertise to Swindon’s LighterLife Programme.

For the past three and a half years, Louise, right, has run a thriving practice in Dorset and in addition to her LighterLife training, she is a qualified counsellor and hypnotherapist.

She has found that the counselling offered throughout the course makes the LighterLife programme an effective way for people to lose weight and avoid regaining it.

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16/12/08 11:42:29

30

swindonlink.com • January 2009

Gymnasts return from Beijing hungry for medals

Holistic Health at The Old Farmhouse Spa

Training at one of China’s top sport schools has paid off for gymnasts from Swindon School of Gymnastics who have produced two medal winning performances since their return.

Aromatherapy, Massage Therapy, Reiki, Bach Flower Remedies ✵ ✵ ✵ Gift vouchers available ✵ ✵ ✵

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Visiting the historic Olympic venue, back from left, Izaac Turner, Jim Hyner, coach Steph Vickers, interpreter Mae Ling, coach Andy Carter. Front, Oliver Shaykles, Chris Jones, Peter Newton, Ben Hyner

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t? gh i e rw Ove g n i e Fed up b

Make

Challenge Swindon is encouraging people to think about joining in sports they may have left behind at school.

Return to Sport 10 week courses start in January with qualified and experienced coaches. The aim is to help people have fun and build confidence so that they continue with their sport once the course ends.

Beginners will also be welcome to attend.

Your Year

• Return to Badminton starts Monday 12 January, 6pm to 7pm, at Greendown School. Cost: £30.

• Tennis courses run at the Delta Centre from Monday 12 January, 6pm to 7pm, and Wednesday 14 January, 11am to midday. Cost: £40.

• Netball will be at Dorcan Netball Dome from Monday 12 January, 7pm to 8pm. Cost: £30 • Cycling course at the County Ground Lifestyle Centre on Fridays. Call Rob Allan for details.

To book a place, call Sports Development Officer Rob Allan on 514401 or mail: rallan@swindon.gov.uk

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21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 30

day, there was some time for sight seeing, with visits to the Great Wall, Summer Palaces and the Olympic village and stadium.

The weekend after they returned, the team of 11 to 13 year olds took the bronze medal in the South West inter-counties floor and vault competition. They followed that success with another team bronze in the Gloucester Open.

Paul Turner said the club would love to go back to Shichahai to train but raising the £7,000 had been a challenge.

To make high level training available to more gymnasts, the club may pay for the Chinese coach to run a summer camp at their gym on the Isis Trading Estate. www.ssg-gymnastics.co.uk

Remember when PE was fun?

2009

Medical advice should be sought before embarking upon any diet.

Five boys from the club, accompanied by three coaches, spent ten days at Shichahai Sports School in Beijing. Boarding at the school, the boys followed a gruelling schedule of training with their Chinese coach who was an Olympic medallist.

Since their return, coach Paul Turner has noticed a difference in the boys’ strength as well as their motivation. Using assisted stretching techniques in China had improved their flexibility and the methods have been adopted by the coaches back at home. “The coaches have come back with big lists and notebooks of what they did in China. The trip has opened their eyes to different techniques and it has benefited the whole club.”

Despite training up to 10 hours a

®

MEND courses give children aged 7 to 13 years a chance to do fun physical activities such as games and swimming.

The courses include interactive discussions about how to improve self confidence as well as information on portion sizes and reading food labels.

Parents or carers are required to attend with children and take part in activities that will introduce a healthier lifestyle to the whole family.

Courses in early January take place in West Swindon and Highworth.

For details call Ben Humphrey on: 07815 776593 or mail: bhumphrey@ swindon.gov.uk www.mendprogramme.org

15/12/08 15:29:53

swindonlink.com • January 2009

31

Prize haul for young kickboxer

Ten year old kickboxer, Ryan Embling, came home to Toothill from the WUMA World Championships in Greece in November with four more trophies to add to his growing collection.

He picked up three world titles during the championships. His first success was in the continuous fight section, w h e re c o m petitors box for one and a half minutes. Next came a convincing win in the team event, and victory in the Ryan with his Toothill Primary School classmates points category and teacher Kristie Brown brought him the hat-trick in the under-135cm Cheltenham every Saturday never group. Ryan also tested himself in tires of the sport. "He loves it and the under-145cm group, coming practices at home all the time,” said his mum, Sandra. “He has a punch second.

Looking back at the competition, bag in the conservatory and kicks Ryan said that he is very proud that or fights with his dad.”

Since the trip to Greece Ryan has of his achievement. He is usually fearless but admitted to a few but- brought home another eight troterflies when he fought in the taller phies from a regional tournament.

With over 80 already in the category. "I was sometimes nervous; when you don't know the opponent living room Sandra has a major you don't know if you're going to problem. “Displaying them all is a bit of a headache; but its a nice win or get battered."

Ryans who trains twice a week one because Ryan is so successful,” at Cirencester and goes to a gym in said Sandra

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16/12/08 11:43:00

32

swindonlink.com • January 2009

Wild time on ice for adult learners

People with learning difficulties were awarded certificates for their achievements at the end of their skating course run by Swindon Wildcats in November and will be back for more fun on the ice.

The learning disabled group was a feel for the ice and some were one of the first to join the Learn to apprehensive. By the second and Skate programme at Link Centre. third week, there was no holding Launched by the Wildcats last back and coaches had to persuade

By Sue September the aim is to promote everybody to finish their warm up ◆ Your local family hairdresser ice hockey and teach the basics of before getting on the ice.

Fresh from university Jo is putskating to community groups and ◆ 25% discount for Seniors ting into practice three years of school children.

Coach Joe Dicken, right, said the theory and has learned a lot from Call now for an appointment sessions for the learning disabled former Wildcats coach Pete Russell on 01793 871120 adults had been less structured about making teaching relevant to than usual allowing for one to one the individual. or 07967 363322 “I don’t think there’s any work. When they first came to the Home visits available rink, everybody wanted to get preparation you can do for this kind of work,” said Joe. “It’s really rewarding working with the learning disabled group; it’s great to see the members enjoying ice time.

It’s good for their self esteem and confidence. We’ve built up trust over the time we’ve been working together.”

After completing the first six have signed up for another course week course, all of the learners in January. They have also been to were given certificates and they watch a Wildcats game.

Nicky helps slimmers shed the pounds

Monday 6.30pm & 8.15pm St John Church, Haydon Wick Sharon 527332 Tuesday 10am Toothill Community Centre Sharon 527332 Tuesday 6.30pm Abbey Meads School Paula 701442 Wednesday 6.30pm St Francis Primary School Taw Hill Julie 875903 Wednesday 7pm Brook Field Primary School Sharon 527332 Wednesday 9.30am Gorse Hill Community Centre Sam 723416

Footcare in your home Corns • Calluses Verruca • Foot massage Nail infections Thickened skin & nails Medical pedicure

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21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 32

Local therapist offers career choices

Swindon massage and bodywork therapist Raziya Sacranie knows about redundancy, having been shown the door after 17 years as an adult education tutor. She now offers a range of courses which may open opportunities to people who are looking for new directions.

Last year she set up Aloha Therapies to offer introductory and certificated courses in Ayurvedic face massage, Indian head massage, therapeutic massage, relaxation massage for couples, therapeutic yoga and Hawaiian Lomilomi massage.

For course details see: www.alohatherapies.com

DO YOUR FEET NEED CARE AND ATTENTION?

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Corns, Calluses, Verrucas, Thick Nail or Ingrowing Toenails

Local Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Clubs leader Nicky Gilpin provides some great classes to encourage ladies to keep their new year’s resolution.

Last year one of her class mem- not only offers useful dietary advice, bers managed to lose 56lbs after it gets you up and moving with an she no longer recognised herself optional exercise class to boost moin a photograph. It took nearly 12 tivation and show how important months but she feels much fitter burning calories is to any weight and healthier and has regained loss programme.

See Nicky’s advertisement on the confidence to enjoy Salsa classes right for class times and locations also run by Nicky.

The Rosemary Conley method or call 322179.

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16/12/08 09:18:40

swindonlink.com • January 2009

33

Millbrook and The Link helps the Mayor and the RAF to kit out Afghan kids

The names of Freshbrook and Windmill Hill primary schools, now combined as Millbrook, will continue to live on outside the RAF base at Kandahar after the school decided to pass on their old football kits.

The Mayor with Millbrook youngsters and the football strips being sent to Afghanistan, with Mauirice Watson and headteacher Clare Griffin-Felton

In October Swindon mayor Steve Wakefield made an appeal for kit to give RAF personnel the chance to encourage community development by setting up football teams.

“Squadron Leader Mike Neville at RAF Lyneham has told me that his people are setting up a school outside the base and they need all the help they can get to break down barriers and encourage Afghans to take up opportunities to learn,” said the mayor.

Maurice Watson, Millbrook’s site manager and football coach, said The Link had come up with the answer he was looking for. “We read about the appeal and knew immediately we could help the mayor. We’ve been looking for a use for the shirts and the children

immediately supported the idea that we help children in another community.

“Everybody is aware of the difficult work our military people are doing so we’re glad to encourage peace through football which is a worldwide language. We want the shirts to be a way for our soldiers to make contact with young people in Afghanistan and encourage peace.”

Coun Wakefield agreed that football is a universal language.

“I’m very pleased Millbrook have helped the appeal. Afghanistan is a very poor and unstable country.

Anything we can do for the people, especially the children, by reaching out into the communities, will break down barriers.”

Town player returns to old school to sample young cooks tasty ideas

Swindon Town’s midfielder Michael Pook was invited back to Haydon Wick Primary School in early December to enjoy lunch prepared by youngsters who have been studying the history of the club.

The 22 year old attended the school from 1990 to 1997, but had not been inside the building since he left.

Earlier in the week youngsters discovered how to write media reports and worked with the club’s conditioning coach to find out more about the healthy diets footballers must follow to keep on top of their game.

The best recipes were prepared by children for Michael and community coaches Shane Hewlett and Justin McKay.

NailBox Beautification of

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The Thyme Treatment Rooms

Tel: 01793 602480 • • • • • •

Laser hair removal All treatments Thread vein treatment carried out by experienced Acne treatment Registered Wrinkle injections Nurses Microdermabrasion Electrolysis Permanent hair removal using the blendmethod

• Jan Marini Glycolic Peels Full range of Jan Marini products available

• Advanced Cosmetic Procedures For the treatment of: skin tags, warts, milia

Free parking www.swindonlaserclinic.co.uk

MONDAY All Saints Hall, Church Road, Liddington, Swindon 10:00 - 11:30 am Malmesbury CofE Primary School, Tetbury Hill, Malmesbury 5:30 - 7:00 pm 7:00 - 8:30 pm - Salsa

Essensa Organic Skincare • plant derived ingredients • no artificial preservatives • paraben free • no animal testing

NEW YEAR DETOX with an Essensa DETOX BODY WRAP

January Sale!

Essena Winter Rescue facial only £15 when booked with a massage Winter Sun - St Tropez Spray Tan only £20 Free back scrub with aromatherapy massage Sports Therapy ~ Beauty Therapy Complementary Therapies

Tel: 01793 433338 709 Delta Office Park, Welton Road, Swindon www.thethymetreatmentrooms.co.uk

21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 33

Basepoint Business Centre Rivermead Drive Westlea, Swindon

TUESDAY Oliver Tomkins CE Infant School, Beaumaris Road, Toothill, Swindon 5:30 - 7:00 pm 7:00 - 8:30 pm - Salsa WEDNESDAY Wroughton Workmens Club, 15 Devizes Road, Wroughton 10:00 - 11:30 am Broad Town Village Hall, Broad Town, Broad Town 6:00 - 7:30 pm - Salsa Wroughton Junior School, Inverary Road, Wroughton 6:00 - 7:30 pm THURSDAY Wootton Bassett Memorial Hall, Station Road, Wootton Bassett 10:00 - 11:30 am St Marys C Of E Primary School, College Road, Purton 5:30 - 7:00 pm - Salsa Peatmoor Community Primary School, Pepperbox Hill, Peatmoor, Swindon 7:30 - 9:00 pm

Call Nicky on 01793 322179 nicola.gilpin@rosemaryconley.com Class Fee - £5.50 * Trialists lost on average 7.25lbs in two weeks. ** Valid until 31/03/09. Cut out this ad and bring it with you to claim.

free membership** worth £10 plus free portion pots® worth £4.88

15/12/08 11:09:43

34

swindonlink.com • January 2009

PERSONAL

Check out our new website: www.lspersonaltraining.com • • • • •

Make the Mad March Hare your first New Year’s resolution

TRAINING

On-line booking system Training tips On-line training session Shop • Members area News & events

Unit 86, Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, Swindon SN5 7EX Email: info@lspersonaltraining.com Tel: 0845 4718416

After the successfully organised run and power walk around Lydiard Park last year, Swindon Twin Peaks is taking entries for the second Mad March Hare on 15 March.

Organise your family or friends to support Breakthrough Breast Cancer on this local event sponsored by Les Slinn Fitness, the Big Adventure Store, Triumph, Legal & General, Doves Farm, Greendown School and Swindon Link.

Twin Peaks offers training sessions for walkers of all abilities and ages, both women and men, so that you’re prepared for the event: Mondays, 7pm - Link Centre, library entrance.

Contact Lynn Parfrey 07896 262 227

Tuesdays, 7pm - Dorcan Leisure Centre, Covingham.

Contact Margaret Nicholson 07999 566 945 Wednesdays, 7pm - Link Centre, library entrance.

Contact Julie 07710 578 577

Many of the walkers plan to take part in power walking events in aid of breast cancer charities during the year but all walkers are supported and you will not be left to walk alone no matter what your pace.

RUNNING, TRIATHLON & ADVENTURE RACING

✁

Mad March Hare entry form 15 March 2009 10km & 5km Runs and Power Walks around Lydiard Park starting and finishing at Greendown School, Grange Park Organised by Swindon Twin Peaks and Breakthrough Breast Cancer Wiltshire in aid of

Reserve your place

DON’T LET THE KIDS HAVE ALL THE FUN! Adult dance classes for all abilities from beginners to advanced Ballet, Tap & Jazz TBAS ads chosen.indd 3

New term about to start Classes held at Greendown School and the Haydon Centre For more information call Gemma on 01793 877429 weekdays before 6pm

21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 34

Fill in and send this entry form, with a cheque/postal order made payable to ‘Breakthrough Breast Cancer’, to: Mad March Hare, 8 Muirfield, Redhouse, Swindon SN25 2DD One entry form per person is required (Photocopies accepted) Entry forms must be accompanied by full payment. Please write your cheque guarantee card number and telephone number on the back of the cheque. Entry fees are non-refundable. All profits from the Mad March Hare event will go to Breakthrough Breast Cancer Entrants under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult (over 18) Please tick the event you are entering: 5km Run (open to all ages)

£6

5km Power Walk

£6

10km Run (minimum age 10 years)

£12

10km Power Walk

£12

■ ■ ■ ■

Total fee enclosed £ ________ Your contact details Surname _______________________ First name ________________

13/10/08 19:31:37

Date of birth ____________________ Male/Female Address __________________________________________________ _______________________________ Postcode _________________ Tel: ___________________

Email: ___________________________

Data Protection

The information gathered in this application form will be held securely and used for the purpose of running the Mad March Hare Event. Statistical data will be collected for the purpose of planning similar future events by Swindon Twin Peaks. All application forms will be destroyed within six months of the Mad March Hare Event. We would like to keep you up to date with the work of Breakthrough Breast Cancer and our supporters.

If you would prefer not to receive this information please tick this box ■

16/12/08 09:21:27

✁

swindonlink.com • January 2009

Hiking again for bear charity

Continuing their support of Moon Bear sanctuaries, Sarah and Dave Chilvers from Peatmoor will trek across the Vietnamese highlands from 3 to 13 October and are looking for people to join them.

Money raised will help bears res- was moved by the couple’s visit to cued from bile farms in China and China. She wanted to help and has Vietnam. Sarah and Dave trekked decided to complete the trek as a along the Great Wall of China in 40th birthday challenge. “This is a 2007 and a documentary of their once in a lifetime opportunity,” she experience, narrated by Terry Waite, said. “I really want to contribute to will be sent to everyone registering saving bears from such barbaric treatment.” for the challenge.

Each participant is asked to raise Last July, the couple organised a fundraising dinner at the Pagoda £3,000 towards the trip and a miniPalace, attended by Jill Robinson, mum of £1,500 will go to Animals founder of the bear rescue charity, Asia. At the end of the trek, walkers Animals Asia. The dinner and a will meet Jill Robinson at the newly sponsored iron man event by Leon opened sanctuary near Hanoi.

Call Sarah on 07866 519232.

Moore raised over £11,000. www.animalsasia.org “We would like to inspire other people to join us on the Vietnam trek,” said Sarah.

“We had such huge support at the event last year and we hope that there will be people willing to give us practical help and take the chance to visit the new bear sanctuary.”

They will be joined on the trek by a friend, Louise Wack from Oakhurst, centre, who

Vets keen to ensure your pet is cared for in the crunch

Thameswood Vet at Purton Road wants to make sure life is better for you and your pet during the recession and have come up with money saving ideas.

Linzi Matthews at Thameswood • We offer an easy payment plan said, “we’re all worrying about for pet care. Small monthly installfinances and unfortunately there’s ments mean you spread the cost been an increase in pets being aban- of routine vaccines, health checks, doned or being put to sleep due to worming and flea control. We’re redundancy and other financial offering 10 per cent off the lot plus difficulties. We have several offers a £50 voucher towards a dental treatment. that could help you: • Is your pet due a booster? Come • Do you have a happy but naughty along with the advert on the right puppy that gets into trouble? Join our youth club and get free monthly and get £10 off the price.

• Is your pet insured with Pet Plan? check ups for the first year.

“We know we can help you. Your Visit us and you will only have to pay the excess when you make a pet’s worth it” For details call 526780 or claim. We sort out the rest of the 511267. bill directly.

21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 35

35

Janet’s Puppy Skool Have some fun teaching your dog good manners and behaviour at one of our friendly classes ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Playskool for puppies Adult beginners/improvers Senior Skool/advanced classes One to one advice & training Fun workshops

www.janetspuppyskool.co.uk for February course details

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Tel: 01793 727158

Professional Call now friendly service about our in a large modern new doggy salon for every aspect of your dog’s day care service grooming needs Collection & delivery service Appointments not always necessary

Ring Denise on 01793 608747 or 07866 507633 www.hairofthedoggroomers.co.uk 74 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, Swindon

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Communication - we listen

Compassion - for you and your pet Cost - good value, great offers Continuity - of care throughout your pet’s life Convenience - a clinic near you Car parking - plenty!

Thameswood Veterinary Clinic 62 - 64 Purton Rd Swindon SN2 2LZ (end of Akers Way) Tel: 01793 526780 Open: Mon to Fri 9am - 6.30pm Sat 9am - 12noon

SLIM YOUR PET’S WAISTLINE IN 2009

24 Hour Emergency Service. Tel: 01793 526780 www.thameswoodvets.co.uk

16/12/08 11:45:45

36

swindonlink.com • January 2009

Ranger support for Shaw Forest

On 1 April Shaw Forest Park will be transferred from Swindon Council’s outdoor development section to parks maintenance to launch a new era for the largest open space near the town centre.

Two decades of copse concern

One of Swindon’s longest running volunteer outdoor groups has marked twenty years of woodland management and is looking for more people to join its activities.

for wildlife, and also human use.

Stuart is also tasked with including the community in practical work in the park such as wildlife surveys, coppicing trees and creating insect habitats.

“I’d like to hear of sightings of butterflies, dragon flies and insect life, as well as mammals, from users,” said Stuart. “Many now use the park for exercise and to walk dogs, but it’s early days, the majority of people have not come up here yet so we’re going to be looking at events Peatmoor Copse founder member Liz Emerson with volunteers that will encourage more use. at an outdoor party in October “The volunteer rangers will The Peatmoor Community the ancient Bradon Forest, a Royal start doing practical work later in the year and I’d like to hear from Woodland Group was set up in hunting ground that covered North residents interested in getting 1988 by Thamesdown Council to Wiltshire. It had been managed long look after the copse at the west end ago but we found a very dark, overof Peatmoor Lagoon, as the houses grown area with little birdlife.

“It’s nice to see the copse has were built around it. The aim was to reintroduce traditional woodland been properly managed. It is a very management by coppicing trees unusual environment right in the on a seven year cycle to encourage middle of a housing estate.”

Now in its third coppicing cycle, a diverse habitat for birds, insects the woodland group meets on the and mammals.

“Residents were invited to a first Sunday of the month and volmeeting at Lower Shaw Farm and unteers are always needed to help were given a guided walk around with the woodland maintenance Shaw Forest handover from landscape architect Chris Annis, left, with Richard Beale the copse to discuss ideas for set- work. Full training in coppicing ting up a management group with and also hedge laying techniques of the parks department and ranger Stuart Searl, right council officers in August 1988 is provided. said Shaw Forest is an evolving involved in the maintenance and For details call Roger Ogle on and we held our first workday in development of Shaw Forest. place. “Creating a park out of a October,” said founder member Liz 608840 or mail: roger_ogle@mac.

Stuart can be mailed at: coatvery big landfill site has made a Emerson. “The copse is a remnant of com fascinating environment. Nobody erangers@swindon.gov.uk knows the extent of the wildlife there; surveys are needed to find out Phase 3 start what kinds of plant, bird and insect The first two phases of Shaw For- Acorn Education are running winter workshops at Westmill Farm near life have colonised the area. est covering some 70 acres will be Highworth (near the wind turbines) on: The entrance road from Mead increased to 104 acres when the Way will be completed later in the third phase of development is com- • Saturday 3 January, 10am to 4pm. ID Your Tree. Learn how to identify year after a leachate drain is built pleted in five years. Work started in trees in winter, looking closely at bark, buds and branches, and discover (see right).

October to cap the recently used folklore and listen to stories about them. £20 • Saturday 17 January, 10am to 4pm. Green Woodwork. Enjoy a day Stuart Searl joined the Swindon landfill site. ranger team last May and will now As part of this contract a new filled making something rustic for your garden from natural materials without be responsible for Shaw Forest as ditch is being dug around the first electricity.

An organic lunch is provided with course members helping to cook a well as The Lawn in Old Town. phases of the park to provide a run His task will be to prepare a off for leachate which will drained cauldron of vegetable soup over an open fire. Reduced fees are given management plan for the site which into a new reed filtering bed. The for family bookings.

For details call Rebecca Brain on 07843 050073. will take a long term approach to public will see machinery at work www.acorneducation.com developing a diverse environment off Mead Way in the new year.

Work started in 1994 on turning the forty year old landfill site into an urban forest park. Huge amounts of topsoil have been imported and extensive landscaping has taken place, with some 60,000 trees planted, many by residents at community tree planting days.

Over the last 15 months a large events field has been seeded, a car park built and footpaths finished off. Signage and benches are to be installed by the summer, as well as a viewing area on top of the largest mound.

From the air the ground has been shaped into the Greek god of the earth Gaia laying on her side.

Landscape architect Chris Annis

All about trees and green stuff

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21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 36

15/12/08 15:32:31

swindonlink.com • January 2009

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

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❖ Fencing and gates supplied and erected ❖ Landscaping ❖ Trees pruned and felled ❖ Rubbish removed ❖ Patios and shingle laid ❖ Wood chip & compost supplied ❖ Turfing and grass cutting ❖ And all aspects of garden maintenance

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37

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21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 37

15/12/08 11:11:18

38

swindonlink.com • January 2009

Dial up a mobility solution

Cycle safety care with committed trainer

Dial-a-Ride provides transport solutions to people who are disabled Volunteer cycling proficiency teacher Paul Matthews has won a grant as well as hiring mini buses to community groups. for Catherine Wayte Primary School.

Their services are available to Dial a Ride helps people who are anybody unable to use public temporarily disabled, including transport because of impaired mo- those recovering from major illness bility. As well as wheelchair users, or injury.

A fleet of minibuses operates from Monday to Saturday with routes tailored to meet the demand Despite disruption from major each day. Passengers need to call roadworks on Station Road, in by 10am the day before they would Wootton Bassett, two Link adlike to travel. A shopper bus to vertisers welcome your New Year West Swindon Centre operates business.

See the Basset Signs adver- on Tuesdays and other buses run tisement on page 7 and Optima across Swindon from 7.45am to 6pm weekdays, and 9am to 5.30pm Motors below. on Saturdays.

Other travel options are available, Mr Matthews has taught cycling skills at the school for the past including an accessible car which two years. He works for BT and applied for one of their Community can be booked up to one month in Champions awards on behalf of Catherine Wayte. He said, “there are advance. For people wanting to good cycle routes across North Swindon so it is important for children travel further afield, a wheelchair to have good road awareness, especially if they’re going to be riding to access car can be hired for travel secondary school when they leave Catherine Wayte.”

• Servicing anywhere in the British Isles.

Headteacher Laura Brierley was pleased to receive the award of • Repairs Local community or voluntary £100 for additional resources for cycling training. “We are delighted • Brakes groups, such as scouts, sports clubs that all of our Year 6 pupils are given the chance to complete a Cycling or senior citizen groups, can also Proficiency course. Every child entered for the test has passed thanks • Exhausts hire a wheelchair accessible mini- to Paul’s support.”

• M.O.T. bus. Volunteer drivers aged 21 to 69 • Free call out are provided with full training.

• No VAT Before using Dial a Ride, it is • Engine necessary to register. For further The Driving Standards Agency has started conducting practical motordiagnostics details or a free registration pack cycle tests at its brand new centre at Hillmead, West Swindon. call 616050 after 12 noon.

SLATER’S MOBILE SERVICES A new motorcycle www.dialarideswindon.org.uk test will come into efTel: 079999 44262 fect in March to meet European standards.

It has been expanded to include more demanding special manoeuvres including a slow slalom, avoiding an obstacle while travelling at www.chipsaway-sven.co.uk 30mph and braking Entrance to the new West Swindon site exercises.

“Swindon MPTC opened on 29 To ensure that all tests are carried out in uniform conditions, sixty six September for motorcycle testing,” multi purpose test centres with a test said Michael Watkinson of the DSA. area roughly the size of a football “The centre will eventually conduct ★ Engine diagnostics ★ Welding ★ Electrical work pitch are being built across the UK. both car and motorcycle tests.” ★ MoTs arranged (no re-test fee) No date has been set for the cloThe DSA has had difficulties finding For a reliable local service with over 30 years experience suitable sites and the introduction sure of the old car test location near (No VAT to pay) of the new test has been postponed Marlborough Road in Old Town. www.dsa.gov.uk from October 2008.

CALL GRAHAM ON (01793) 873045 or 07867 556350

At your service

MOBILE CAR REPAIRS

Motorbike skills tested at Hillmead

MOBILE CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS

FIAT & ALFA ROMEO ✶ All cars welcome ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶

cam belt replacement engine & gearbox repairs & rebuilds electrical fault code reading MOT repairs CALL FOR WINTER vehicle sales CHECKS servicing to light commercials

Tel: (01793) 840667

21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 38

BMW & MERCEDES SPECIALISTS • Fixed Price Service & Inspection • Full Diagnostic Service • Full Air Conditioning Service

Open 8.30am 5.30pm

Call for friendly advice, reliable service & quotes. All major credit & debit cards

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39A Station Road, Wootton Bassett (Opposite St Ivel)

PC AUTOCARE

01793 772542 www.pcautocare.co.uk

Unit 1, Bagbury Park, Lydiard Millicent

15/12/08 15:33:50

swindonlink.com • January 2009

doctor glass

repairs & replaces cracked, broken or misted double glazed windows Also hinges and locks

Call: 01793 633336 or 01793 854448 Emergency call outs: 07976 219671

Tailor-made

by SueLynn Curtains Pelmets Roman blinds Swags & tails Cushion covers No job too small For further information call

Sue: 01793 870451 or Lynn: on 01793 330595

J.D. Upholstery Antique & modern Repairs & re-upholstery Large range of fabrics offered

D & L Blinds

Rollers•Verticals•Venetians Pleated Blinds•VELUX® Conservatory Blinds Made-to-Measure Curtains

QUALITY BLINDS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES Fast and reliable service All blinds fitted free

Free estimates

Choose from a wide range of fabrics from the comfort of your own home

Call Joe Lewinski

On 01793 871808 or 07803 982 011 for competitive prices

39

Contact Paul on 01793 619428

www.dandlblinds.co.uk FREE QUOTES NO OBLIGATION

KUDOS FENCING Bespoke Gates

• • • •

Full Range of Fencing Repairs/Refurbishment All Pressure Treated Timber Cash and Carry Supply Service • Family Business Since 1983 • Help and Advice on all Fencing Matters

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FARINGDON UPHOLSTERY 31 Park Road, Faringdon

See the carpet or floor covering of your choice, where it will be enjoyed, next to your other furnishings.

Home Choose Carpets - the family run business with over 30 year’s experience of serving customers in the Swindon area.

Free estimates. Luxury underlay, all accessories and installation included in the price!

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21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 39

Buy direct from your local manufacturer and save money At Faringdon Upholstery we manufacture top quality upholstery supplied direct to the public.

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16/12/08 11:43:31

40

MILESTONE

Semi-retired Plumber

Building Services

• Leaks and burst pipes • Blocked drains, sinks and toilets • Immersions & hot water cylinders • Tap washers & ball valves • Complete bathrooms refitted • Radiators changed

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

Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772

NO JOB TOO SMALL

For a prompt friendly professional service Telephone: 875354 Mobile: 07970 483393

DAY2DAY PROPERTY MAINTENANCE D & M Enterprises is now known as DAY2DAY Property Maintenance, part of DAY2DAY Property Management LANDLORDS - use us as your management company and we will give you discount on your property maintenance

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Give us a try For a free no obligation quote, call

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Professional, experienced tiler Specialist in all aspects of the trade • Walls & floors • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Conservatories Call Leon for a free, no obligation quote on: 01793 524147 or 07919 255673

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HOME: 01793 615321 MOBILE: 07775 842241

HIGH IMPACT ADVERTISING in Swindon’s most closely read publication The Link - offering high value advertisements alongside quality, relevant content seen by discerning readers

Call 01793 608840 for details • www.swindonlink.com

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ALL SEASONS 24 HR PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

A local reliable & friendly service 24 YEARS EXPERIENCE Installation & Servicing NG & LPG ✓ Boiler & System Upgrades ✓ Breakdown & Maintenance ✓ Bathrooms, Showers & Wet Rooms ✓ Power Flushing / Descaling ✓ DIY Assisted Projects ✓

For ALL your plumbing, heating & gas requirements call Assured on

01793 700 820 www.assured-plumbing.co.uk

COUNTYWIDE HEATING & PLUMBING SERVICES ❖ Gas and LPG ❖ Boiler servicing & breakdowns ❖ Boiler exchange ❖ Full system installation ❖ Landlord safety checks ❖ Power flush ❖ Plumbing ❖ Emergency call outs Reliable friendly service

Competitive rates Tel. 01793 887419 Mob. 07912 882090 countywideheating@yahoo.co.uk

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

TileSure

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

Qualified tradesman, 28 years experience

Extensions • Conservatories Garage & Loft conversions Alterations • Renovations Kitchens • Bathrooms Patios & decking • Garden walls No job too big or small!

18 years experience • References available

Call Neil Tanner for a FREE competitive quote

0800 1357063 / 07967 155502 Mail: info@benchmark-construction.co.uk www.benchmark-construction.co.uk

GB

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Bathrooms

& Kitchens

Painter & Decorator

For your ‘Superior Interior’ • Wallpaper specialist • Coving • Dado Rails • Special Effects • Tiling

Tel: 07976 885203 or 01793 723023

email: trevorwyse@uwclub.net www.trevorwyse.co.uk

• Kitchen/Bathroom Installations • Painting & Decorating • Plumbing • Tiling • Minor Electrical • Carpentry • Garden landscaping/Maintenance • Patios & Decking

Tel: 01793 721677 Mobile 07919415849

PB Plastering & Bricklaying General Building Services

♦ Plumbing inc. pumped showers, towel warmers ♦ Electrics

Including Patios & Fencing Block Paved Driveways Skirting & Coving Wall & Floor Tiling Painting & Decorating

Ideas to reality

♦ Wall & floor tiling ♦ Carpentry ♦ Laminate & wood flooring ♦ Appliance installation ♦ Also other home improvements No job too small

Call Mark Ashdown for a free quote Tel: 01793 887766 Mobile: 07979 267757

Unit 14a, Turnpike, Blunsdon

TREVOR WYSE

FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

Complete installations to dripping taps

Tel: 01793 704653 Mobile: 078899 21570

gbplumbing@hotmail.co.uk

For friendly help and advice call Michael on 07713 253380 or 01793 814690 after 6pm

Reliable & Reasonable

Walling • Extensions • Alterations Houses • Replacement Windows Plans drawn • Full design & build service • Insurance & Grant work Professional workmanship at competitive rates Please call us for a prompt free quotation. ‘No job too small’

Mobile: 07810 823 966

Home improvements Carpentry Plastering Fencing Block paving No job too small

Mobile: 07791 905 314 Tel: 01793 491 544 adeptrm@hotmail.com

Brickwork & Roofing Specialists

Tel: 01793 524 200

GARAGE CONVERSION SPECIALIST

Electrical (inc. insp & test) Plumbing Domestic/Commercial Design, installations & repairs Fully insured Guaranteed work

(SWINDON LTD) est. 1989

DOMESTIC PLUMBING LEAKS & BURST PIPES TAP WASHERS & BALL VALVES IMMERSIONS & HOT WATER CYLINDERS RADIATORS REPLACED TAPS, SINKS & TOILETS FULL BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS WALL & FLOOR TILING

MD BUILDERS

Repairs & Maintenance

PREMIER BUILDERS

PLUMBING SERVICES

• • • • • • • •

adept

Call Pete

Tel: 01793 542654 Mob: 07790 283186

HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE • Kitchen/bathroom upgrades • Painting and decorating • Electrical fittings replaced • Laminate flooring • Door hanging • Locks • Tiling • Leaking taps • Flat pack furniture • Fencing • Garden maintenance • No job too small & much more John Woodham

Phone: 01793 870040 Mob: 07765 002949

VINE UK LTD Plumbing, central heating, powerflushing

All plumbing, central heating and drainage Boiler servicing, repairs and replacements Natural Gas, LPG and Oil Approved Full Kitchens and Bathrooms Electrical and Gas Safety Testing Solar Heating • Building & maintenance Corgi and Part P Registered

Lee Avery (01793) 423000 or 07773 344715 16/12/08 09:24:50

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BATHROOMS

RS

BATHROOMS

BUILDING SERVICES

BUILDING SERVICES

Paul Rhind

Galaxy Construction Ltd

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS Wall & Floor Tiling

For a free estimate Call Sean on 703550 Mobile: 07749 862361 www.rsbathrooms.com

Free estimates

Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating

FREE ESTIMATES

HEATING & PLUMBING

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

DECORATOR MARK PONTING PAINTING & DECORATING Inc. WALL PAPERING

Domestic and Commercial

ain te

REDUCTIONS FOR OAPs

Roofing & building maintenance

r&

DECORATOR

Call 01793 334823 or 07788 572043

All work guaranteed

EP

ID PR

For free estimate call Paul Comer on 01793 321981 or 07775 840236

Conservatories, fascias and guttering

Approved Plumber

01793 876600 07748 964433

DECORATOR • High quality experienced workmanship • All work undertaken • A friendly reliable service with references available • Full Public Liability Insurance cover

UPVC windows & doors

❉ All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, machines installed

De cor ato r

FROM DESIGN TO INSTALLATION

Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted

❉ Quality bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring all taken care of

HEATING & PLUMBING

Free Quotations

PLUMBING & HEATING LTD Plumbing & Heating Services 30 years plumbing & heating experience British Gas trained

Central heating installations All Plumbing work undertaken Servicing & repairs Bathroom Installations All at competitive rates

• Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates • All work guaranteed • No job too small

Quality Plumbing & Heating

• • • • •

Boiler servicing & repairs Replacement boilers Outside taps Power showers Bathrooms & tiling Reg: 128966

All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

PLASTERING

PLUMBING

Brian Jones Plastering Services

KTL

Select Plumbing Services

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

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Two coat plaster/re-skimming Dry lining/coving Timber/metal stud partitioning External finishes Floor screeding Small building works No job too small

Home: 01793 709811 Mobile: 07778 665115

Plastering & coving

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

DECORATOR

A CHANGE OF COLOUR

PAINTING AND DECORATING

Independent decorator specialising in all aspects of interior and exterior decorating ✓ Domestic and small commercial ✓ Insurance work undertaken ✓ Full Public Liability insurance ✓ Free no obligation quotation ✓ References available Age Concern registered decorator

• Central heating installation

PLASTERING

Fully qualified with over 25 years experience

Block paved driveways

HEATING & PLUMBING

E-mail: alecmckay@aol.com

Plastering

Garden walls & patios

HEATING & PLUMBING

For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

External rendering Plastering two coat Re-skimming Dry lining Coving New or repairs

Garage conversions

Telephone: (01793) 497461 Mobile: 07919 671307

Alec McKay Tel: 01793 878353 Mobile: 07963 953439

✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Extensions

Tel: 01793 727942

RJ PEARCE

20 years experience in plumbing work

    

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

SERVICES Plumbing & Heating Prompt & Efficient Service Fixed Quotations No Call Out Charge

Call Nick on: 07875 088864

PLUMBING

Repairs, maintenance or new installation at a competitive price

• Everything from a new tap washer, to a complete bathroom suite.

• No job is too small.

• No callout charge.

• Free estimates.

For a professional, reliable service, contact us now Tel: 01793 875888 Mobile: 07951761764 www.selectplumbingservices.co.uk

From an annoying drip to a full bathroom re-fit No call out charge Free quotations Professional & friendly service

07747 752190 01793 529192

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CARPENTRY

J S Property Services Home & Garden Improvements General carpentry Fitted kitchens / bedrooms Laminate and solid flooring Replacement doors Skirtings / architraves Decking and patios General building maintenance

Free estimates Jamie Scanlon 704309 or 0777 594 8833 www.jspropertyservices.co.uk

DOUBLE GLAZING

CARPENTRY

J&R Carpentry Services

Supplied. Installed. Repaired Free estimates, free advice No Salesmen Your local choice

01793 611398 07968 757860

HOME MAINTENANCE

Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

01793 872054 0770 480 1959

arcelectrics@aol.com • Installations and modifications, interior or exterior • Full compliance to all regulations • P.A.T. undertaken • All work fully guaranteed • Free quotations • 24hr call out • Fast, top quality service

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879

PLUMBING

or 07900 835116

ELECTRICIAN SAFE & SHAW

ELECTRICAL SERVICES ✓ EXTRA SOCKETS / LIGHTS ✓ SECURITY LIGHTING/FIRE ALARMS ✓ GARDEN LIGHTING & OUTDOOR SOCKETS ✓ SHOWERS/COOKERS INSTALLED ✓ FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT ✓ COMPLETE RE-WIRING FREE QUOTATIONS, NO OBLIGATION

Please call 07769 883717

Steve George

for Kitchens & Bathrooms Tel: 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364

ALL KITCHENS FITTED

(Howdens, Jewsons etc.)

• Free survey • Building work • Plastering • Tiling & worktops • Electrics & plumbing • Wooden flooring • All types of worktops fitted incl granite

COMPLETE BATHROOMS FITTED Building work, plastering, tiling, electrics, plumbing, furniture APPROVED

30 years experienced tradesman

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

Call Neil on 01793 700436 07725 028776

Jan09Repair & Improv.indd 43

Call Andy: 01793 729354

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SERVICES

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

No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

Free no obligation quotes

ELECTRICIAN

DECORATOR & CARPENTRY • Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen • Bathroom internal alterations

❍ Fitted bedrooms and kitchens ❍ Replacement doors & staircases ❍ Laminate floors ❍ Household repairs and general maintenance ❍ Decking - supplied and fitted

Arc Electrical Services Ltd Windows, Doors, Conservatories

CARPENTRY

TILING

TileSure

CERAMIC TILING

Walls & floors Bathrooms, kitchens & conservatories Under floor heating fitted Complete bathroom fitting in conjunction with

ALL SEASONS 24 HR

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES QUALITY FINISH

Call Maurice on 01793 349704 or 07904 142692

FLOORING

P.J.J. FLOORING SERVICES All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet MASTERFITTER

N I CF National Institute of Carpet & Floorlayers

Wood & ceramics • Supply or fit only Commercial/domestic • Safety flooring All work guaranteed 17 years experience Call now for a free, at home consultation

01793 493119 07970 865883

MAINTENANCE

RETIRED TRADES ASSOCIATES Retired and semi-retired tradesmen available for all household tasks Electrical • Plumbing Carpentry • Decorating Plastering • Patios • Extensions

Call Andrew on 07718 022201

• Reliable • Trustworthy • • Affordable •

TILING

GILES BROS CERAMIC TILING FLOOR & WALL SPECIALISTS Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921 Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526

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AERIAL SERVICES

ACCOUNTANCY Lynette White MAAT

CHRIS PAYNE

AERIAL SERVICES

AERIALS & SATELLITE SYSTEMS

Accountancy Services

FIFTEEN YEARS EXPERIENCE OF: Book keeping - Sage Line 50 VAT returns Payroll - CIS Scheme Final Accounts Tax Returns

✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Personal service for small businesses Competitive prices

Guaranteed repairs to all makes of domestic appliances

Freeview & Sky installations TV & radio aerials Home cinema Extra TV & telephone points

No call out charge

Telephone: 01793 521020 Mobile: 07877 950625

Same day/next day service

Tel: 01793 700078 Mobile: 07904 330724

Email: lynettewhite48@btinternet.com

CHIROPRACTOR

Tel: 01793 469300

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

FREE SPINAL HEALTH CHECK • • • • •

NECK PAIN BACK PAIN HEADACHES SPORTS INJURY CAR ACCIDENT

Free 20 minute consultation to assess if Chiropractic will benefit you.

Please call

01793 602454

Chiropractic is a natural and safe approach to help the problems above and many more such as knee and elbow pain, repetitive strain, heavy lifting injury, etc. And we can help young and old alike.

54 Basepoint Centre, Westlea, Swindon

COMPUTER SUPPORT Com Master’s PC Repairs

Why go anywhere else?

When we’ll come to you..... ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻

Free home & business visits Jargon free advice & support Upgrades/repairs All parts & labour guaranteed Flexible hours, inc. eve/weekends

Tel: 01793 422534 or Mobile: 0792 005 6077

Clare Duncan-Hawes BSc (Hons) MSc DC

Member of the British Chiropractic Association & College of Chiropractors. Registered with GCC

www.cjduncan-hawes.co.uk

COMPUTER SUPPORT

Tel: 01793 325685 Mob: 07836 671860

OVEN CLEANING

SWINDON OVEN CLEANING

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

Regular cleans, Spring cleans, Moving in or out cleans Trained and insured staff Equipment and supplies provided Quality Service Guarantee

Call us now for free, no obligation quotation Tel: 01793 511885

DVD TRANSFER

Computer problems?

Let us help

We provide a range of computer services for both home and business including: • PC repairs and maintenance • System upgrades, networking • Custom built computers • Windows home server installs • Virus removal • Data recovery • Internet solutions With over 15 years experience, you can rely on us

OVEN CLEANING

ANYTHING TRANSFERRED ONTO DVD DISC Specialist in Cine Film Transfer, Camcorder Tapes, VHS Tapes, Camcorder Discs We collect and deliver over a wide area

Tel: 01793 705333 Mobile: 07831 575758 PO Box 2079, Manvers St, Bath BA1 3TJ

REMOVALS Single items to full house removals Hourly rates Fully Insured Disposal of unwanted items

To book your oven clean call Maggie on 01793 520362

Professional, friendly and reliable

We use caustic free cleaning products with a fresh solution every time Hobs, extractors and microwaves also undertaken

www.robbinsremovals.com info@robbinsremovals.com

Service Sector Jan09indd.indd 44

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Last minute bookings We guarantee to beat any written quote

Tel - 07876 338025

CLEANING

Bluebelles Cleaning We can clean your home for you and offer a quality service • Weekly, fortnightly & one-off cleans • Fully insured and pet friendly • Reliable and trustworthy • References available • Local business • Ironing service also available For a free quotation or further information call Mandy on

07955 374 201

IRONING

PRESSED NOT STRESSED

• Local Reliable Ironing Service • Free collection and drop off provided • 24 – 48 hours turn around • Price based on weight not items £1 per 1lb (rough guide 5 shirts = £2) • Fully insured Feel free to call Sarah for details:

01793 493488 07880 797959

Email: sarah@pressednotstressed.co.uk

REMOVALS

White Van Man SINGLE ITEMS MOVED ANYWHERE IN SWINDON FOR £20!

Great house removal prices

Disposal of unwanted items Garden rubbish removed 7 DAYS A WEEK, UP TO 9PM Fully insured. Call for a free quote

Tel: 01793 706821 Mobile: 07796 236436

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CARPET CLEANING

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

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

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

Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 15 years’ experience.

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748

www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

CLEANING MARIA BASKERVILLE the new cleaning company based in Priory Vale Offering great quality cleaning at competitive prices Daily, weekly, monthly or one-off cleans

You’ll be amazed how affordable it is ....call for your free estimate from your local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 Email: cliff.whiteway@btinternet.com

COMPUTER SUPPORT

• New PCs/Repairs/Upgrades • Virus/Data Recovery & Backup • Internet & Network Solutions • Home & Business Support For friendly EXPERT advice and PROMPT on-site service:

Give us a try Tel: 01793 702147 Mobile: 07934 668099

Tel: 01793 633924 Mobile: 0781 6014363

Swindon Freecycle the place to give your stuff to others

Wondered if there is an alternative to taking things you don’t want to the tip? Paul Davies says freecycling is a great place for your post Christmas clearout Swindon Freecycle was started in be sufficient.

As a moderator and member I 2005 with just a few enthusiastic members and has since grown into have personally acquired a Mac, an efficient and effective goods furniture, a car and motorbike, radio, juicer, food, plants, and other redistribution organisation.

This enables members to get garden items. I have given away a rid of unwanted goods and gain thousand things.

The continued success of Swinwanted items, for free.

Freecycle works on many levels, don Freecycle lies in greater numwhich is one of the reasons it is so bers and we want anybody and successful. Some people acquire everybody with an environmental fridges and sofas, TVs and PCs, conscience or just plain common whilst others free up valuable sense to make more people aware space in their house, garage and of it.

All you need to do is visit and garden. Smart and environmentally conscious people avoid wasteful register at www.SwindonFreecycle. production caused by the purchase co.uk to help yourself, your local of new items when used ones will community and the environment.

First year for Salt Way Children's Centre

The children’s centre managed by the Children's Society under the government funded Sure Start programme covers Shaw, The Prinnels, Nine Elms, Middleleaze, Ramleaze, Peatmoor, Sparcells, Eastleaze and Grange Park.

A range of groups and support services for families are run at the Salt Way Centre, Pearl Road, Middleleaze. For details call 465364 or mail: kay.kane@childrenssociety.org.uk Children’s Centre manager Kay Kane with mums and babes at the birthday party at in late November

GARAGE DOORS JUST PULL UP, PRESS A BUTTON AND DRIVE IN

The Automatic Choice

A wide range of garage doors to suit your requirements See our displays at

THE GARAGE DOOR CENTRE Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon or for information on installation and repairs

01793 513796

email: swindondoorservice@btinternet.co.uk

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

10% discount with this advert

VHS TO DVD

WINDOW CLEANING

Transfer VHS to DVD plus all Tapes & Slides • 8mm & 16mm Cinefilm • Frame-by-Frame, Broadcast standard • All Camcorder formats DV, Hi8 etc.

• Transfer your family’s heritage onto DVD • Photos & Slides onto CD or DVD • Obsolete formats, i.e. Betamax, Video2000, Laserdisc etc.

• Discounts for large collections

Brighter Windows - that stay clean for longer Competitive rates & free quotes

●

● ● ● ●

SAVE THOSE MEMORIES Call 01793 495733 or 07940 810733 www.savethosememories.co .uk DON’T DELAY SAVE THOSE MEMORIES TODAY

●

Windows, Conservatories, Signs, Facades, Panelling & Cladding Residential & Businesses Builders First clean Cleans up to 45’ – 4 floors Reaches previously inaccessible windows with ease Advanced ladderless high reach water fed pole system

t/f: 01793 706447 m: 07737 371393 e: trwindowcleaning@swindon.myzen.co.uk www.trwindowcleaning.com

TRWC 45x57 SwindonLinkMag.indd 1

Service Sector Jan09indd.indd 45 21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 45

Do you have arthritis or fibromyalgia?

A new Swindon Self Support Group has been formed to offer advice on pain management, a place to share experiences, meet new friends and enjoy social activities.

The second meeting takes place on 9 January, 2pm and 4pm at the Pilgrim Centre, Regent Street. For details call Audrey Evans on 729256 or 07934 474342 or mail: audreye@sky.com www.arthritiscare.org.uk

Traditional way to recycle fabric

Piecing together scraps of material, patchwork can produce stunning results using simple techniques.

Patches is a community patchwork and quilting group that welcomes complete beginners and those who have mastered the basics and want to develop their skills.

The friendly group meets on Tuesdays, 10am to 12noon, in the former Even Swindon school building in Rodbourne.

The venue is easily accessed and transport can be arranged if necessary.

Materials and tuition are free but participants can bring their own.

For information call Sian Barrie on 485374.

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swindonlink.com • January 2009

Yoga breathing to improve life

Petra trek is journey of a lifetime

A hike from the Dead Sea to Petra in the Jordanian desert has been a The Art of Living Course from 22 life changing experience for Redhouse resident, Marcus Dimbleby.

The fighter controller in the Opto 26 January (weekday evenings, Saturday & Sunday daytime) at the erations Squadron at RAF Lyneham Yoga Studio, Newburn Centre, Dean took part in the five day trek in aid Street, Rodbourne will introduce of the Douglas Bader Foundation participants to powerful breathing which helps servicemen who have techniques to reduce stress and lost limbs. His efforts so far have negative emotions, boost health and raised £2,400.

Also taking part was Douglas wellbeing and produce heightened energy, enthusiasm, concentration Bader’s son-in-law and chair of the foundation, David Bickers. and creativity.

Although well travelled with For details call Rebecca Brain on 07843 050073 or mail: rebec- the RAF, Marcus found the whole experience amazing because of cabrain@ntlworld.com the people he met. “It was an awe-inspiring, life changing thing to do.

We believe that Jesus Christ is able “In the military I’m used to evto forgive our past, give meaning to eryone being about the same ability. the present and hope for the future One lady on this trek had brittle bones and seeing her get through Marcus, left, with Douglas Bader’s it was quite humbling.”

Reaching the highest point of the son-in-law and chair of the foundation, climb on the fourth day was a poi- David Bickers gnant moment. “We had slogged up been an unusual sight for other the mountain for hours and hours tourists. “It was weird to arrive as and then there was the elation when a bunch of dishevelled, unshaven Sunday services are at we made it to the top and could see travellers, emerging out of the 10am & 6.30pm the trek that we had done over the desert.”

For further information you can past four days. That really had the Marcus, who runs Digital Attraceither ring (01793) 873050; wow factor and there was silence tion photography studio, packed e-mail: office@freshbrook.org as we all looked down.” his camera and a slide show of his By the time the group arrived in shots can be seen at www.justgivor visit: www.freshbook.org Petra, Marcus said they must have ing.com/hikejordan2008 “the gift of God is Eternal Life” (Romans 6 v23)

Join us in worship on Sunday mornings

Westlea Church, Westlea School: 10am St Mary’s, Lydiard Tregoze - the church in the park: 10am All Saints’, Lydiard Millicent - the church in the village: 10.30am Holy Trinity, Shaw: 10.30am Toothill Church: 10.30am For details of these and our other services call the Partnership Office on 874221 Email: partnershipoffice@btopenworld.com www.wswinlyd.org.uk Anglican • Baptist • Methodist • United Reformed Church

On Thames Avenue next door to Morrisons Contact: Revd Raymond Adams Tel: 634258

Alpha

Places offered at Peatmoor gym club Beginners places available to children aged 4 to 7 years on Thursdays 4pm to 4.45pm.

To try out a taster class call Caroline Bowles on 887473 after 5 January.

Free after-school club

Youth charity ncounter has launched the Remix After School Club for 11 to 14s at Shaw Church, sponsored by energy company npower.

Volunteer organisers offer sports, games, music, dance, drama, craft and cookery, DVDs, chill out time and a homework space.

The drop-in sessions take place on Mondays and Wednesdays, 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

Free on Saturday

A new Performing Arts Club for 11 to 15 year olds starts on Saturday 17 January, 10.30am to 3pm at The Base Studio, Purton Stoke.

Minibus transport will be available from Shaw Church at 50p per week. Members should bring a packed lunch.

For details of both ncounter groups call Claire Camm on 849425. www.ncounter.co.uk

Midwe ek Babies & Toddle rs Group (Wed) Alpha Courses in Midwe ek Small Groups n tow the oss acr s Home

Join us, Sundays from 10:30am at the Trinity Centre, Stonehill Green, Westlea, for a time of family worship & bible teaching

Kids Church & Ignite

11-18’s Youth Work

call the church For more information 130 or visit 526 93 017 office on ww w.gatewaychurchsw

indon.org.uk

Sunday Worship 10.30am Sunday School and Creche Meeting at Abbey Meads Community School

St. John’s Haydon Wick Sunday Services 9am 11am

Traditional communion service Eventful, contemporary worship with children’s groups meeting

www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

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swindonlink.com • January 2009

47

Spreading the word that cooking is not difficult

Taking as their example Jamie Oliver’s campaign to get people to teach each other how to cook good, healthy food, Toothill Primary School have launched Toothill Ministry of Food to start their own community food revolution.

“We want parents to join in and gain confidence in preparing food at home for their children,” said project coordinator Jo Redfern. “Some parents have said to me ‘I don’t know how to cook,’ which is why we have started the Ministry for them.

“If you’ve not seen Jamie’s programme, the idea is to teach a few parents a recipe Family cooks Helen Lound, Karen Evans, Janice Moss which they’ll cook in our brand new buying ready made at the supercommunity kitchen. Then they pass market or living on takeaways - and it on to another group.” a lot better for the children.”

Parent Janice Moss said, “making To become a food minister call Jo your own meals is a lot cheaper than Redfern on 497250.

Continued investment in the bank with a community interest

When Swindon Foodbank, the charity that feeds people experiencing difficult times, faced its own crisis in November, there was a tremendous show of public support.

Foodbank kept mobile by community support Foodbank collects food donations at supermarkets and churches and stores it, ready to give to people in an emergency until statutory services can step in.

The charity made a public appeal for help when it needed to quickly replace its van which had to be returned after the lease hire company demanded a final payment almost £3,000 higher than anticipated.

P ro j e c t M a n a g e r R i c h a rd Belsham, above, was amazed at the response to the appeal. £5,000 has been donated by the general public and support from small businesses raised an additional £13,000 to pay for a new van.

Marketing company Creative Rush and One Step Joinery have committed to meet the van’s running costs for the next three years.

“People came up to us at the Co-op and pressed money into our hands,” said Richard. “Quite a few

21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 47

of the donors said that Foodbank had helped them in the past three years and they wanted to help others in difficult situations.”

In the last twelve months, there has been a 15 per cent increase in the numbers of people calling on the Foodbank for help and demand looks set to rise in the New Year.

“Somebody said to me recently that the only light they could see at the end of the tunnel is another train coming the other way,” said Richard.

Fortunately, donations have also increased and there are enough stocks of food to last until February when supermarket collections will restart.

Charity ball in aid of Swindon Foodbank

6 March at Menzies Hotel Call 08444 154880 or www.fab-1.org.uk

Abbey Meads Village Centre, Elstree Way Menu available to 12th January 2009

Classic Meal for Two Prawn Crackers Sesame Chicken on Toast Crispy Seaweed & Mini Vegetable Spring Rolls Shredded Chilli Beef Roast Pork and Mushrooms Sweet & Sour Chicken Hong Kong style Egg Fried Rice Fortune Cookies

£17.88

Superior Meal for Two

Prawn Crackers Quarter Aromatic Crispy Duck Crispy Prawn Rolls Satay Chicken on Skewers & Mini Vegetable Spring Rolls Crispy Seaweed Shredded Chilli Chicken Beef with Green Peppers in Black Bean Sauce Egg Fried Rice & Plain Chow Mein Fortune Cookies Complementary bottle of Lambrini/ Coke/Diet Coke/two bottles of Stella upon ordering the Superior Meal

£21.88

★ Tel: 01793 703388 ★ Open: Sun - Thur 4.45pm - 11.15pm; Fri & Sat 4.45pm - 11.45pm Open every Bank Holiday Last orders for delivery 15 mins before closing time. Debit/Credit cards accepted in shop only for orders over £7.

Free delivery within 2.5 mile radius.

See our full menu at www.rendezvous.uk.net

Abbey Meads Rendezvous are licenced to deliver wine and beer

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The

X-Training passport

A whole month’s fitness activities for less than £1 per day Purchase a X-Training taster passport between 2 and 31 January 2009.

Valid for 31 days from date of purchase.

Unlim ite activit d fitness ies fo r only £29

1 month’s unlimited...

Gym*

Fitness Classes^

Ice Skating

Climbing**

Athletics Track Swimming (inc Highworth Recreation Centre’s new pool) Sauna, Steam Room & Turkish Baths#

Plus, discounted racket sports for adults *Users must be 14 years plus and have completed a free induction prior to use. ** Users must attend a climbing course/camp or be a competent climber. ^ Classes available for users 14 years plus. # Users must be 16 years plus.

Not all activities are available at every centre, conditions apply.

ART1355/08

433290

526622

445555

533763

706666 465630 445566 www.swindon.gov.uk/leisure-passports

445401

762602

21-52 January 09 extreme.indd 48

511033

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