July 2003 Swindon Link

ff

No. 254 • July 2003 • Circulation 22,000

r

I1% are ju.sti/iably proud of the quality of our products and our reputation fin, reliable service and attention to detail.

N RM1 J WINDOWS 3 Overton ( =arded+. Strattnu St. .lasgaret, Swciudou SN3 411. • Tel: 01793 824419

FENSA L. - .::

1

^r

i

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

1

What's this strange shape which will appear in ^ Faringdon Road Park from 16 to 20 July?

Find out on page 19.

I

Creative Charlotte While The Link was conducting an interview about the survival of Toothill After School Club, Charlotte Pont was busily sketching her view of the photo she and other club members had posed for a few minutes before. It's the first time one of our pictures has been re-created as we spoke.

Charlotte holds up her creative surprise. Read about the club on page 10.

Up and away

There's a warm welcome from Mr Ali and his staff at "Purton 's hidden Indian treasure"

ahawajah Fully licenced Tandoori & Balti Restaurant

6 High Street, Purton Tel: 01793 770998/770253 Fax: 01793 770998

Free takeaway delivery incl. West & North Swindon Open: 7 days a week, 5.30pm to midnight (incl Bank Holidays)

Sunday lunch: 12noon - 2.30pm The Maharajah

F.

ca

Frea ^^

qa n

as

aa

We take to the skies above West and North Swindon with Cameron Balloons. Look out for aerial views in this and future editions.

sans Park.TOOhlll

www.themaharajah.cc) uk e-mail: khalique@themaharaj;ah.co.uk

t

TiJTT '

I

IiiTT^

S

IES 24HR GYM

t

?+

L ES FOR EQUIPMENT! -

Pr1mebod4es Fi!n

PYM +1

s

e • Sensor House • Langley Road • Hillmead • Swindon • SN5 9W8

GYM

I

The Link Magazine • July 2003

Abby's dinosaur could be on the way to Isle of Wight A five foot high model of a dinosaur was due to go under the hammer, with items donated by local and national celebrities, politicians and football clubs, on 27 June at a fund raising event in aid of the cancer appeal set up in the memo ry of Abby Smith from Middleleaze who died of a brain tumour in July 2002 aged 3.

The fierce looking deinonchysus owned by Rachel Carter from Haydon Wick was first featured and offered to the highest bidder in the April Link. In a response to a letter from Rachel's father The Link received an offer of £500 from the Blackgang Chine attraction on the Isle of Wight. Assuming no higher bid comes in the model will become a centre piece for the dinosaurland at the amusement park.

Over 150 people bought tickets for an evening of live music and

Plan your holiday from home with your own travel counsellor and an award winning company There's no substitute for inside knowledge, good, clear advice, matched with a passion to make your holiday the best ever.

And with 25 years in the travel industry, 8 years spent managing a well known agency in Swindon, Sharon Benson from Grange Park, right, knows the travel business intimately.

As a seasoned traveller and mother of four, Sharon has a vast knowledge of destinations suitable for families, singles, couples, older people and also the business traveller.

ravel counse

"Planning a holiday at home at a time suitable to you cuts out the delay and frustrations," says Sharon. "Travel Counsellors provides you with all the services of a high street travel agent, at a competitive price and with the industry protection from ABTA and IATA. I'll take on the hard work of finding you the right holiday through the Travel Counsellors' database."

Call Sharon on 01793 881747

Mail: sharon.benson@ travelcounsellors.com www.travelcounsellors.coin/ sharon.benson

EXPRESS CYCLES w

Rachel Carter and Helen Smith with the harmless model of the fi erce deinonclnisns

Firefighters break record in leukaemia fight A firefighter at Swindon station who lives in Westlea made the ultimate donation to save a life in May by responding to a call for his bone marrow from the Anthony Nolan Trust.

{t'

Now, as an independent advisor with Travel Counsellors, recently a winner of the Queen's Award for Enterprise, Sharon will not only find the holiday you want: cruises, two weeks in the sun, short city breaks, skiing or camping holidays - in the UK and worldwide.

auction in aid of Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital cancer ward 4B and Swindon children's cancer charity CALM which supported Abby and Helen during her illness.

Donations can still be made to the Abby Smith Cancer Appeal via the Royal Bank of Scotland, Commercial Road, Swindon, sort code 16-33-11, account: 10073212.

Les Jeffries, right, is the third person from Swindon fire station to have been successfully matched and supplied bone marrow to a leukaemia suffererer.

Les said things moved quickly after he was asked to undergo further tests. "I was then told my bone marrow was compatible and went to London for the marrow to be taken under anaesthetic. It has to be used within 36 hours; all I know is that someone in America had received the transfusion."

The trust manages one of the world's largest registers of bone marrow donors and every year thousands of young people with bone marrow diseases like leukaemia reach a stage when only a

transplant can save their lives.

It does not get any Government funding for its work of tissue typing donors and maintaining the register and relies entirely on public donations and fund raising events such as:

Take the dare on Sunday 6 July.

Abseil 100 foot down the WH Smith HQ at Greenbridge. Entry fees are: £15, £20 per couple, or £36 for a group of 4.

Wessex Cycle Challenge Take a 50 or 100 mile ride through Wiltshire's countryside, starting from Salisbury on Sunday 14 September.

Call 01865 875757 to book or mail sharon.wells@anthonynolan.org.uk

EXPRESS CYCLES . EXPRESS CYCLES • EXPRESS CYCLES • EXPRESS CYCLES

m -u

J

ri

m

Cl)

U) C) C)

a.

r-

m

N

SOME BIKES U

m '^"v,'

l

m

U) C) C)

r m

w

EXPRESS CYCLES

EXPRESS CYCLES

.

EXPRESS CYCLES • EXPRESS CYCLES • EXPRESS CYCLES • EXPRESS CYCLES

EXPRESS CYCLES

The Link Magazine • July 2003

Make your nominations for the new Citizen's Awards After the success of the first Swindon Citizen awards established last year under Mayor councillor Stan Pajak, councillor Derek Benfield is continuing the scheme during his term of office as Mayor.

Nominations are invited in the nominate those unsung heroes and the preceding year's Mayor. same categories: who they feel deserve recognition."

Nominees and the person choYoung people; Good neighbour; All nominations will be placed sen will be invited to a presentaCarer in the community; Environbefore the Mayor, deputy Mayor tion ceremony. mental award; Sporting achieveThe dates for making nominations and when the award will be made are ment; Work for charity.

Category Closing date Presentation Date The broad criteria for nominaYoung person 10 July 24 July tions will be accepted for or from a 24 July Good neighbour 10 July person: 25 September Carer in community 11 September 1. Who was born, lives or works 20 November in, or who has strong links with, Environmental 4 November the Borough of Swindon.

15 January Sporting achievement 8 January 2. Who has made a contribution in 1 April 15 April Work for charity their community of interest.

For an application form contact Coun Benfield said, "this is an the Mayor's secretary, Carole award for the people of our town I4 IJ Deamer, Civic Offices, Euclid as a celebration of their achievements. There are so many people important work that needs to be Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH. Tel: (Esta6[ishcd over 10 out there who carry out a lot of recognised. We want people to 4 63599.

Swindon Cares gives everybody the chance to contribute We've had the extravaganzas like the nationally focused Red Nose Day and the annual Children in Need Appeal. Now a group of Swindon organisations and businesses have come together to promote a big fundraising drive which will involve as many schools, community groups and company staff as possible. n s tournament.

The first ever SwinI NI DOO N a sports Swindon Cares is supdon Cares week, from ported by Nationwide, 12 to 19 July, aims to ` =: Zurich, the GWR Comd raise money for Age munity Trust, Swindon Concern, which celCouncil, Swindon ebrated its Golden JuChamber of Commerce, bilee last year, the Makin ae the Evening Advertiser NSPCC and the MacDifference Together and the Rotary Club of millan Cancer Relief Swindon and Marlborough Appeal. Swindon.

Age Concern director Jo Osorio A glossy fundraising pack has been sponsored by Nationwide de- said, "if we're to meet the increasscribing the organisations backing ing demand for our services we Swindon Cares and the work of just have to raise more funds.

'We support at least 500 older the charities which will benefit.

Most important is a list of people in very practical ways in fundraising suggestions, from and around Swindon every single picking up sweeties with a straw week. This takes both time and or eating a doughnut without so money - and we can only carry on much of a lick of the lips, to selling doing it with the help of Swindon cakes at school or work, to hosting people. That's wh y Swindon Cares

Caries

{

1

is so important and why we hope Link magazine readers will get behind the fundraising campaign."

For a fundraising pack, call Pam Webb on 502450 or mail: pam.webb@uk.zurich.com Full details are also to be found at www.swindoncares.co.uk

' WE COME TO YOU AT HOME OR WORK'

°

* FREE collection & delivery * Servicing & repairs

BIKE WE ALSO SELL DOCTOR * New cycles • Parts & accessories

Meet the leader, discuss the issues Swindon's new leader councillor Mike Bawden is planning to tackle critical issues in the running of the town by giving the public the chance to engage in discussions at meetings to be held over the next few months.

In a council press release pro- tion was reviewing all aspects of claiming the Conservatives as 'the next year's budget to ensure the face of modern Swindon, who took council delivers value for money, over from 'New' Labour, in May, in order to rebuild trust between coun Bawden said, "we are deter- the council and the people it serves.

"Get involved, come to the pubmined to deliver better public services and believe that the role of the tic meetings, let us know your residents of Swindon is critical to views," said coun Bawden.

The first meeting on council that process.

"We want an open and account- housing was on 25 June. able administration, so that the Future public discussions will public can understand the prob- take place between 5.30pm to lems that we are tackling, and the 6.30pm on: policies that we are implementing. • Monday 11 August Transportation Any resident of Swindon is welcome to attend the meetings, and • Wednesday 10 September Culture and Recreation get involved in the decision makFor details call Victoria Guilling process."

He added that his administra- aume on 463420.

JET & TONER CARTRIDGES SIVE SAVINGS ON CARTRIDGES FOR MOST PRINTERS: LETT PACKARD, EPSON, CANON, LEXMARX, XEROX, ETi

Every item we supply is quibble-free guaranteed Support your friendly local independent business AND SAVE MONEY!!

KJET PEOPLE GREAT

is SUPERB SERVICE

4

The Link Magazine • July 200 3

Are there 7,094 people willing to support the case for a directly elected mayor?

WORRIED ABOUT DEBT?

Just before the local elections in early May, Swindon Council quietly published a notice that 7,094 people on the register of electors - 5 per cent of Swindon's electorate - is the number required on a petition to call a referendum on whether the council should be run by an executive, led by a directly elected mayor.

Fewer than 30 per cent of Swindon's voters turned out at the elections a couple of weeks later, leaving no party able to exert decisive control over Swindon Council.

Lack of clear leadership has been identified as contributing to the poor performance record of the council. Past editions of The Link have suggested a politically strong mayor might improve the running of the council.

Two years ago, the council carried out a consultation exercise asking for views on options prescribed by central government for administering council business, including the directly elected mayor option. As we explained at the time, the process was flawed because of the way the government determined the choices and the fl acid attempt by Swindon to raise awareness of the issues.

At the time community activist Martha Parry wrote in The Link, "the leader of the council is the choice of a party political group.

The benefit of directly electing a mayor is that all voters across the

MORTGAGES/

REMORTGAGES, OVERBORROWED CCJ'S, BANKRUPTCY. CREDIT CARDS

I COULD HELP Stop seeing Red. Start seeing a future.

For a sympathetic ear and a fully confidential chat, call Swindon based RON WEBB, Independent Financial Adviser Office: 01635 43515.

Mobile: 07710 412849 THE HOPWOOD ASH FINANCIAL PLANNING CONSULTANCY 6 Oxford Road, Newbury, Berkshire Your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loans secured on it. Loans subject to lenders terms and conditions, written details on request

CONSERVATORIES WINDOWS & DOORS UPVC FASCIA & GUTTERING

INSTALLATIONS

L ^i

RIB

school children.

Most mayors have had difficulty getting budgets passed, with backbench councillors retaining much control in fi nance decisions.

An Audit Commission report states North Tyneside is in'political deadlock.' And Hartlepool Council actually increased the budget proposed by the mayor.

Reliance on a single person is also problematic. Morgan in North Tyneside has resigned following police investigations into matters not related to the local authority.

The government's enthusiasm for elected mayors waxes and wanes. Where elections have Would you vote for one of Swindon's party taken place, Labour has not been leaders, Conservative Mike Bawden, La- very successful, outnumbered by bour's Kevin Small or Lib DemMike Evemy. independent, 'fringe' and ConOr would it be somebody entirely different? servatives. And, of course, London's Ken Livingstone is a major Mayor Chris Morgan in North irritant.

Underperforming councils have Tyneside axed a major festival and been threatened with votes for an cut the number of senior posts.

In Middlesbrough, 'robocop' elected mayor, but this has not been Ray Mallon undertook to reduce carried out. If there were serious crime by 15 per cent in the first intent, it would be easy to have a year, 10 per cent in the next, re- referendum combined with the flecting his zero tolerance stance May local elec ti ons and legislation when police chief in the area. He could be framed accordingly. also swapped his chauffeur driven Swindon's political parties are Jaguar for a self driven 600cc two entrenched into the present cabiseater. Local MP Ashuk Kumar net system, hoping that next year's has grudgingly said of the inde- elections will free the log jam of a pendent Mallon, "after 9 months hung council. the mayor experiment has been a For ordinary people tired of the success." political wrangling, the amount of However, it is not all good news. effort and organisation required Of 12 elected mayors, some were to raise a petition of 7,094 names is fringe candidates, such as Hartle- daunting and the benefits are not pool United's 'H'Angus the Mon- guaranteed. Nevertheless, is there key' promising free bananas for anybody out there up for it? town choose the person who will have responsibility for leading the decision making. It would connect voters with how the town is run and could lead to less partisan behaviour by councillors."

Where towns have elected mayors, they have attempted to get to grips with council expenditure, such as restricting members' expenses and benefits and cutting travel budgets.

_._— ca .

uw

1' Ip

Rii

6 t

MI

The Link Magazine Published by Swindon Publications Ltd.

Papermakers House. Westlea

Make your dream a reality

Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 e: publisher@swindonlink.com www.swindonlink.com

FENSA REGISTERED COMPANY 10 YEAR GUARANTEE

• Free 3D dimension drawing

Publisher/Editor:

Roger Ogle

• References available on request

Editorial:

Tel: (01793) 872282

Free survey and quotations

Tel/Fax 01793 331551 Mobile 07775 621764 Mobile 07799 284998

"The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978.

It is completely independent of Link Centre

and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994."

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority

The Link Magazine • July 2003

5

Regenerating the heart of Swindon. Why bother?

A perspective from Peter Andrews, Chief Executive of The New Swindon Company, (Swindon's urban regeneration company) Over the last few months we've been talking to many different groups of people about what is good in Swindon and what needs improving.

I have to say, although there's a lot of support for revitalising the central area, there's also a great deal of apathy about the town of Swindon and very little mention of the great features that the place has to offer.

So before we take a look at why we should bother about renewing the town centre, I'd like to highlight just some of the factors that Talking ideas regeneration at seminar at the old railway museum on 7 June, really work in Swindon's favour: from left, Martha Parry of the New Mechanics Institution Preservation Trust, • Good levels of employment and Rosemary Wells of the New Swindon Company, Peter Andrews, chief executive, Eddie Bedwell, Swindon 21st Century Forum, S'pal Patel, seminar income; participant, Malathy Sitaram, New Swindon Company board member, Brian • Location and connections - a key position between the South West Burrows, Swindon Civic Trust member and South East regions with great of 47% over the last 10 years, town truly great place to be — and a town rail and road links at the heart of centre employment has declined that has its rightful place up there some of the country's most beau ti- by 7%? amongst the leaders in the regional ful countryside; economy.

• There's been no new speculaShould we bother? If we don't • Great Western Outlet Centre - tive office development in the centhen the town will die and with it the largest covered designer outlet tre for over a decade? the heritage and opportunities for in Europe; • Our town has the 30th largest generations to come. That must • Location for major businesses - population in the UK but our retail surely be worth it. and The National Trust, soon to offer ranks 70th - and that's down What's your view? Let us know move their headquarters from Lon- seven places in the last five years? what you think could make a real don to the town; Added to these, we have consid- difference to Swindon.

• Investment interest — Westfield erable room for improvement with Shoppingtowns are considering a our transport (links over the railmajor retail extension and rede- way line to name just one), public velopment of the Brunel Centre; areas and open spaces (not always the University of Bath have ex- pleasant and can feel intimidating pressed interest in having their at times).

Institute of Contemporary and Although thousands of people • Business Start Up Interdisciplinary Arts in the town work in the centre, many don't • Book-Keeping centre; come back in to the town to shop or go to the theatre, or out to din• Annual Accounts • Rail heritage — the STEAM muner. So much of the wealth that's seum and the Railway Village.

• Self Assessment Tax created goes to neighbouring The list is by no means complete.

Short & long term towns rather than in to Swindon.

Swindon has so much going for it assistance and projects And we don't have an adequate but the town centre is failing and if supply and mix of housing in the Free initial meeting we don't address the problem, the centre to encourage more people decline will get worse. For examTel: 01793 871790 to live in the town. ple, did you know that: Free phone: 0800 5422 778 I believe that we have the op• Although employment in the portunity to create a town that is a www.graaccountancy.co.uk borough shows an overall increase

Contact us via our website at www.newswindon.co.uk or come along and see some of the proposals at our exhibition in the Brunel Centre on 4 and 5 July.

PALM JOINERY Unit 10, Oaklands Ind Est, Braydon, Swindon

Tel/Fax: 01793 854 777 Design, make & fi tt ing se rvices Guaranteed quality craftmanship Let u.s help you unlock your imagination Fitted and freestanding finrniture. household items including: Handmade bedrooms & kitchens Doors, windows, stairs, mouldings. radiator covers and fire surrounds.

Flat packs assembled Standard sizes and designs available Please ask for items not listed

THE Need COMPLETE clirtains CURTAIN orbl^inds

SERVICE

`GRA'

CCOUNTANCY

made?

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

Home Sew Curtain ' 1

L

Supplies

1 00's of fabrics in stock from £2.50/metre Heading from 25p/metre Lining from £1.50/metre Cushion pads from £2 each L_ All types of rails _Il

Home visits arranged or

n^

2F /

.

4

f

CCU//L ^r ^'^^iPl(

o

CRAFTSMail

l

KIT,C [ . ,; , '

NS

s Road), Swindo Phillips Lane (off Devize Tel: (01793) 495500

6

The Link Magazine • July 2003

Police sectors proving successful as new stations open in West and North The June 2002 Link featured the switch by Swindon Police from community policing to sector policing, six months after it was introduced in January 2002. Here we get an update on the set up. operations And a major investment in new do more to stop. In North Sector, Under the old in Swin- technology is going to keep offic- covering Gorse Hill, Penhill, systempoliceof ÂŽ don, Su- ers in the field in closer contact Haydon Wick! Greenmeadow and ficer beats coincided with counperintend- with supervisors. Before the end the new houses in North Swindon, cil ent Wayne of this calendar year the way crime from April 2002 to March 2003, electoral ward boundaB o n n e is recorded will change and po- there was a twenty per cent inries which says sector licemen and women will be able to crease in vehicle break-ins (678). A meant specific ; policing is phone in directly from the scene of recent campaign to raise awareofficers were - provine a a crime for the information they ness by sending letters to drivers telling them they could avoid crime need immediately.

Within about 12 months they if only they hid belongings on diswill be able to get this from com- play in their vehicles, and also inputers fitted into police cars and telligence work to catch opportuneventually from hand held com- ist criminals, has reduced the puters. number of offences for the time "There has been criticism that being. however, with By contrast, vehicle crime in the crime rate officers are burdened by papershift patterns, leave and special compared with other parts of the work which distracts them from West Sector during the same peduties, the officers were sometimes country and the force is in the top tackling crime, but the government riod fell by twelve per cent (420). absent from their patch for long five of the 43 in England and Wales initiatives to cut back bureaucracy As always the only effective periods. And with under staffing, in terms of performance related to is starting to come through," said method of reducing crime is to some areas often did not have the crimes reported and cleared up. Superintendent Bonne. "We build a better partnership between benefit of a named officer.

But we are constantly looking for closely analyse where officers the police and the public accordNow the town is split into five ways to improve efficiency and to spend their time and at present 53 ing to Superintendent Bonne. "It is sectors, each with between 15 and bear down on criminal activity, per cent is spent on patrol. Using not possible for the police to keep 20 officers covering the shifts dur- and the potential for crime." technology to improve the flow of crime under control on their own. ing the 18 core hours when there is The move to sector policing was information and better manage- The public have a big responsibilmost demand. The teams are a first step in reorganisation. The ment of resources, our aim over ity in helping us use our time effecbacked up by a 24 hour response opening of sub-police stations in the next few years is to increase tively by passing on information team to deal with 999 calls and West and North Swindon to pro- this figure to 60 per cent on patrol, about anything suspicious in their other emergencies, as well as spe- vide local points of contact for the making the police more visible to community and by keeping their cialist units such as the helicopter. public and the awarding of plan- the public." homes safe by improving locks on Eighteen months after the new ning permission for a new HQ to He added that the sector teams doors and windows, turning on system was introduced, head of the east of the town is another stage. are also concerned to boost crime the alarm if there is one installed, prevention. Vehicle crime is a con- and ensuring garden sheds are kept stant problem which drivers could secure."

Police points open in North and West Whether you are looking for a new style, cut or colour call in for a , . consultation with a member of our highly qualified team or phone 874825 to book an appointment

.

R -

, .

t

_.

Chief Constable of Wiltshire Dame Elizabeth Neville opened two new community based police points at the West and North Swindon District Centres on 20 June with Bertie Woolnough, head of the Wiltshire Police Authority, and Swindon Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Patrick Stayte.

The stations will serve as local con tact points for sector police staff and provide a local rest area for ambulance service paramedics awaiting a call out.

Open: Tuesday & Wednesday: 9am-6pm; Thursday & Friday: 9am-7pm; Saturday: 8.30am - 3.30pm

Special discounts for senior citizens Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Unit 3, Ramleaze House, Shaw Village Centre Tel: 874825

Public enquiry office opening times: West Swindon, Link Avenue, West Swindon Centre Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday 12noon to 2pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 4pm to 6pm North Swindon Swindon Centre Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday gam to 11am Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 7pm to 9pm

The Link Magazine • July 2003

Crime & Disorder team up to strength and aiming for a safer Swindon Swindon's Crime and Disorder team has a new head and is working hard to coordinate strategies to tackle crime.

Set up under the Crime and Dis- These include the establishment of order Act 1998, the police and lo- six Neighbourhood Safety Teams cal authorities are required to form (NeSTs) which involve residents partnerships with community or- and businesses in identifying and ganisations to share information addressing safety concerns at a and worktogether to reduce crime, local level. In the last year a street warden pilot scheme has started disorder and the fear of crime, The increasing effectiveness of in Parks and Walcot and a Junior the partnership is demonstrated Good Citizen Award has been in the development of a range of launched in 27 schools across the community safety initiatives. town.

The UNBEATABLE

Pi r e ^Car^e y

SALE

if

Sorting out Crime and Disorder, front, Site Tilley, Crime and Disorder Manager with team members from left, Jane Dudley, NeST coordinator; Carol Woods and Sharon Large, administrators; Inspector Simon Dicks, Wiltshire Constabulary liaison officer; Cheri Wright, Anti Social Behaviour Co-ordirtator; Jean Goncalves, manager of the Safer Swindon Shop; Julie Riggs, Vulnerable Persons' Development Officer; Emma Payn, Safer Swindon Shop customer care assistant

Safer Swindon in London Safer Swindon Shop manager Jean Goncalves attended a Parliamentary Reception in the House of Commons in June to inform MPs about the work of the Community Legal Services and the help constituents could receive when requiring good quality legal advice or Legal Aid.

Parliamentary reception from South Swindon MP Julia Drown, centre, with from left, Geoff Mountjoy, Regional Director Legal Services Commission, Ellen Wilkins District Manager Swindon and Wiltshire, Jean Goncalves Safer Swindon Shop manager, Karen Wilkinson, District Manager Swindon and Wiltshire

Home on the range. From Swindon to Montana Imagine becoming a cowboy for a week, driving thousands of head of cattle on the dusty trail from the remote highlands of Montana in the USA down to the railhead - just like in the old movies.

Keen rider Denise Jones from Nine Elms has signed up for a cattle drive in August and is seeking sponsorship with all proceeds going to the International League for the Protection of Horses.

"I'll be joining horse wranglers who do this every year for a living and I'm told it's extremely tough," said Denise.

Call Denise about sponsorship on 778070 or attend her Race Night at the Nine Elms Pub on 12 July to raise money for the ILHP. Denise on her horse Millie

Pi ne .Cane High St

Pine & Cane .

3

-

Cent e ,

Devizes Road

—

1

Victoria Rd

gown

wioughton-1 C o„ 3m^

EASY PARKING in Old Town

34 WOOD ST. OLD TOWN, SWINDON Tel: (01793) 535320 OPEN : Monday to Saturday 9.00am till 5.30pm.

Sunday : 10.30 am till 4.30pm.

7

The Link Magazine • July 2003

8

Community party planned for Taw-ny Owl opening

ADVANCED AERIAL & SATELLITE SERVICES

The comment from a Taw Hill resident, looking forward to the new pub, is: 'its brilliant.'

Campaigner Mark Edwards, liant; bigger and better than we breakfast rooms to let on the first coming down from the Taw-Ny ever expected. The Taw-Ny Owl is floor.

Sky Digital Outside there will be a waterOwl scaffolding, where he had going to become a very successful authorised installer wheel and stream running through helped brewery directors James pub for our area."

Free View installation Two years ago The Link exclu- the grounds as well as a bandstand and George Arkell 'top out the building, said, "it's absolutely bril- sively featured Mark's campaign and amphitheatre suitable for pie• On call until 10pm to have a pub built on flies and performances.

7 days a week James Arkell is optimistic about the site at the entrance • FM aerials the success of the Taw-Ny Owl. to Taw Hill on Queen p • European & motorised Elizabeth Drive. House "This is going to be a fantastic famsatellite systems buyers had been led to ily pub with plenty going on. It's • All work guaranteed • Free estimates believe it had been des- an unusually exciting opportunity • Security and CCTV systems ignated for leisure use for an experienced landlord or Tel/Fax: 01793 705945 but developers had put landlady to develop a business Mobile: 07939 425067 = ., forward plans to build which caters for the needs of the growing community around it." flats.

An impression of the completed Ta -Ny Owl Mark Edwards added, "we can't Due to open in the Autumn, the second wait for opening day; we're going Arkell's pub to be built in North to have a great community party."

The Taw-Ny Owl will be the one Swindon will be much larger th an the average neighbourhood hos- hundred and second in the Arkell's Conveyancing (On-Lint telry. It will feature a variety of chain and will open in the compaEmployment themed seating areas around a ny's 160th year.

For details about the brewery, largeloungebar,agamesTVroom, Famil Law a function room and six bed and visit www.arkells.com

FOR SPECIALIST y

Wills & Probate

For more information or detailed conveyancing costs visit

Toasting the Taw-Ny Owl, Mark Edwards, left, with Peter Wilkinson of building contractors Edmont, George and James Arkell

www.crd.org.uk

_

U

Or contact its at: Commerce House

34/35 Commercial Road Swindon SN1 5NS Email: info@crd.org.uk Tel: (01793) 617617 Fax: (01793) 511249

"" •, mot_

^+w _

rl^r AI

' KINGFISHER rvoows.

W

•

DOORS CONSERVATORIES

THE CLEAR CHOICE FOR QUALITY, VALUE AND SECURITY Full Range of PVC-U and Aluminium Products • Various Colours & Finishes

•

• 10 Year Guarantee Visitors are always welcome

An impression of the Co-op being built at Tazo Hill village centre

Open 6 days a week Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm Saturday 8am - 12.30pm

FOR FREE LOCAL ADVICE AND ESTIMATES:

New village centre work underway A year ago Taw Hill was the forgotten community with few facilities other than a doctor's surgery.

A worship room opened at the temporary medical centre when it moved to the village centre last year. Building work on a Co-op neighbourhood store and six smaller shop units has started and construction of a church linked to an aided primary school is about to commence.

The June Link reported on the successful planning permission for the permanent medical centre and building work should start in July.

^^

I

UNIT 7, BARNFIELD ROAD, GREAT WESTERN WAY, SWINDON SN2 2DJ

""

MORTGAGE SERVICES

B

Associates

Serving the community since 1987

Mansfield Begbie Associates Ltd

IS YOUR MORTGAGE AS GOOD CIS YOUR HOLIDAY DEAL? Whether you're moving to a new house or re-mortgaging your property,with over 15 years experience providing mortgages in Swindon, including tracker mortgages, you can be assured of excellent service from Mansfield Begbie Associates Ltd.

3.79% (APR 4.4%) fixed until 30/9/05 ®

For example, £50,000 would cost £261.50 per month capital repayment (excluding insurance). This is fixed for two years. (Maximum loan to value 97%). Daily interest, £199 fee.

. -

Rates from 4.05% (APR 4.6%) or 3.85% (APR 4.5%) (subject to 'loan to value') for two years. Available with special remortgage package (No arrangement or valuation fees; £250 cashback). Maximum available 95% for purchases and remortgages.

For a limited period: 5 year fixed rate of 3.99% (APR 4.8%),, (J2199 booking fee. Max loan to value 95%)

I

RE-MORTGAGE SPECIAL I II

- -

A fixed rate of 3.69% on a daily interest basis (APR 4.4%) for two years.

No 'Tie-Ins' at end of 2 years. (Maximum loan to value: 75%).

Free valuation, £199 arrangement fee, £250 cashback.

100% mortgages now available for first and second time buyers. Negative Equity Mortgages also available.

You tell us what your requirements are and we will try to provide the arrangements to suit your individual needs.

Mansfield Begbie Associates can arrange mortgages with the majority of building societies and banks in the IJK For free advice and further information, call us now on

Swindon 772779 e-mail: info@mansfieldbegbie.co.uk • www.mansfieldbegbie.co.uk Registered with the Mortgage Code Compliance Board: No. 5508399 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 499646 Mansfield Begbie Associates Ltd. is an Introducer Representative of Allcover Financial Services authorised to give investment and pensions business intoductions only.

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

Credit broker fees of up to 1% on the advance may be charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. A written quotation on loans can be obtained on request.

Only available to persons 18 years of age or over. Subject to status. Subject to our current lending criteria. A life assurance policy maybe required.

®

General Insurance No. 6740

Example: A m married couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non-smokers, applying for a repayment mortgage mortgag of £50,000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly m payments). completing before 30/9/03 against a property being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £261.50. Total amount payable £78.844 calculated to include £199 arrangement fee. This calculation is based on the assumption that the fixed rate will apply throughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £150,000. Rate applied is 3.79% (4.4% APR) fixed until 30/9/05. Rates may vary. The rate applies to loans up to and including 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The fixed rate is applicable until 30/6/05, after which the then current variable base mortgage rate will apply.

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

Incorporated in England and Wales - Company Number: 3217240 - Reg. Office: 311, Ballards Lane. Finchley, London N12 8LY

10

The summer holidays boredom beater page Plan now for `The Great Escape'

Here's an active way to combat the complaints of 'there's nothing to do in the holidays. the success of last year's Great Escape, these two weeks Greendown Community School has the answer. The are going to be a lot of fun. Children from any school are 'Great Escape' summer holiday activity weeks for 9 to 13 welcome to join us. Places are limited so call us for a year olds returns to give those sultry summer days a booking form now." zing of excitement.

The vital details: Organised and run by a qualified PE teacher and Week 1: 28 July - 1 August responsible leaders, children have the opportunity to Week 2: 4 August - 8 August develop or learn a variety of sports such as football, Time: 9.30am - 3pm netball, hockey, tennis, badminton, volleyball, gymnasCost: £50 a week. Payment by instalments can be artics, rounders, cricket, athletics, dance, tag rugby and ranged. orienteering.

To book a place call Greendown on 874224.

"If your child enjoys sports then this is a don't miss Left, Great Escape organiser Christian Dobbs opportunity," says PE teacher Christian Dobbs. "After

After school and holiday club survives to offer help to working families Vital childcare provision offered by Toothill After School and Holiday Club has been saved for another year, but is still threatened by the lack of grant funding.

The club founded and managed by parent volunteers for over 15 years was Swindon's first after school facility and provides essential support to families with children who attend Toothill Primary School and Oliver Tomkins Infant and Junior Schools.

However a reduction in funding support by Swindon Council from £20,000 five years ago to nothing in April, whilst having to pay the council increased rent for using the Toothill Farm Centre on Bodiam Drive, has put the club onto a knife edge.

This and an apparent reduction in the number of families needing care for their school age children has meant the club has run at a loss for several months and care sessions on teacher training days have

ing to find ways to survive.

End of term party We think things are stable Working parents looking for group for the rest of the financial child care are invited to meet year, but it's essential we at- Toothill After School Club staff, tract more families to use the children and families at an end of club." term barbecue on Wednesday 23 The staff organise group July, 4pm - 8pm. activities alongside crafts, games and quiet activities like reading and watching TV after school.

During term time children from any school can attend the club, though only children at Toothill and Oliver Tomkins schools are col'In At The Deep End' is a six day lected by staff. exploration of large scale sculpture making, inspired by sea life, Holiday club bookings both real and fantastic. needed by 4 July To be run at Peatmoor Primary not taken place. Fees have had to Children from any area can attend School at the end of July, the week be increased and the four staff have the holiday club which runs from is aimed at gifted and talented artnot had a pay increase for two 7.30am to 6pm. Breakfast, a cooked ists in years 6 to 9. lunch and an afternoon tuck shop years.

Working with sculptor David "The after school and holiday are provided.

O'Connor, children will make To register for this summer's care is absolutely essential for the drawings from small sketches to families we work with and the chil- holiday club, parents should conenormous collaborative works usdren love coming to the club," said tact Annette by 4 July on 433640 ing many unusual drawing techsupervisor Annette Proberts. "The between 2.30pm to 6.30pm on niques. parents committee and the staff weekdays, or leave a message at They will also develop ideas on have been through a very difficult other times. computers using the power of www.thetasc.co.uk time over the last few months tryAdobe Photoshop before moving onto small scale metal work, metal shaping and colouring.

Peatmoor headteacher Terri Peaad cock said, "we aim to construct a -- F number of large suspended sculp-

Free arts summer school for the gifted and talented

Children's ,Activttj' Wee}

Pea- moor

rkdaj 8 Th ATA^TAst

Nlonc a^

tures in mixed media such as

For further details and an application form, call (01793) 881613. Leave a message

wood, metal, cloth and paper which will be animated using light and sound in a final interactive installation. We're going to have amazing fun discovering new skills using Photoshop and creating large artwork pieces."

The summer school takes place from Thursday 24 July to Thursday 31 July at Peatmoor Community Primary School.

A grant from the Standards Fund means that the week is entirely

if the office is unattended and your call will be returned as soon as we are able.

free.

Closing date for bookings is 11 July.

For a booking form call Peatmoor School on 887473.

at Peatmoor Community Facilities Peatmoor Primary School, Pepperbox Hill

From

1 Oam -12noon

Cost

Age

1pm-3pm Cost

Monday 4th

"Lollipops" Theatre workshop

£5.00

5-10

Athletics

£3.50

8 - 11

Great flan for rimarj

Tuesday 5th

Tri-golf

£3.50

8-11

Athletics

£3.50

8 - 11

aged children:

Wednesday 6th *Parent and child art 'n' cra ft 10am - 3pm

Athletics • Tag rugby • Tri-golf • Fit base

Thursday 7th

Tag rugby

£3.50

8-11

Athletics

£3.50

8 - 11

Parent and child a rt 'n' craft day includes T-shirt designing

Friday 8th

Tag rugby

£3.50

8-11

Fit base

£3.50

8 - 11

'Lollipops' Theatre workshop sing, dance, act and enjoy

ook1 eavk to aye

Free

Age

For 5- 12 years

*Free creche for under 5s for the parent and child a rt 'n' craft workshop (subject to

places). Lunchtime care for children with a packed lunch at a extra cost of £2.

If you are lookingfor a large selection of...

V

M ` BEDS & MATTRESSES & HEADBOARDS

Any size

n i.

• LOUNGE, DINING & BEDROOM FURNITURE in a variety of wood

colours and finishes

• 3 PIECE SUITES Li

in a wide choice of fabrics and styles

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

you must be lookingfor

. .

MANOR

(

::ij

FU.'.^ITURE

..

V.

www.manorfurniture.co.uk

TEL: 513444 •

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

n LARGE SHOWROOM

-±►

n AMPLE FREE PARKING

•

YELLOW PAGES'

-

r

wsn•

•

F

Great Western Way follow WE ARE signs for Cheney

HERE

Manor

.

Cheney Manor Ind Estate

0

Industrial M4 Estate

— '

SSEPa^aV ^t^E

8 fir. s+^^ r .^,--

nr

-

L

oasis ST WESTERN WAY

Sainsbury Britlgemea0

fl

',

AKERS WAY

FYOyyt

-

-

FREE DELIVERY OVER A WIDE AREA

^`I ^`7

Rodbourne

_

_

^,[Q► ^ ^`^ ^ `^\ J

^

12 The Link Magazine • July 2003

Better play on offer at Link Centre pre-school Rosemary Conley Diet mu7 Fitness Clubs

Follow Rosemary's new low-fat eating plan which now includes treats & watch the pounds and inches disappear!

• Monday: Noremarsh Junior School, Wootton Bassett, 5.30pm & 7pm * Thursday: Saltway School, Middleleaze, 6pm * Thursday: Warneford School, Highworth, 8pm Call Dawn on (01793) 782639 Membership £6.99 Class £4.50 Exercise only £3.35 (no membership)

r

I

Headstarts Day-Nursery School I •

9

The Link and Learn pre-school boosted the range of play activities on offer when it was able to spend money on new equipment in early June following a year of busy fundraising activities organised by staff and the volunteer management committee.

Playgroup supervisor Gilly Betts said she was particularly pleased that the group had been able to afford a proper sand tray at last, instead of having to swop with the water tray.

The group which meets every morning at the Link Centre has vacancies for 3 to 5 year olds from September. For details, call Lisa McCormack on 871243.

Animal studies in the nursery

Delta Business Park. Westlea. West Swindon }leadstarts is a friendly, `family' nursery offering a warm. happy and relaxed environment where ever y child benefits from individual attention.

I

Conveniently located within afew minutes drive from M4 Junction 16, Town Centre, Westlea and Abbey Meads. q Monday - Friday 8am till 6pm all year q Sessions for 0-5 year olds - am, pm, school day, all day.

LI Real value for money. From £108 per week full time LI Funded child-care credits available." q Government Funded Nursery Sessions" Claim up to £37 worth of Nursery Credits per child per week.

For further information or to arrange a visit, please call Alison on 877779.

— — — — — — — — — —

.-

Staffand children at Link and Leant

I

Established 1990

I

I I

'

— Conditionsapply

The curriculum at Headstarts Day Nursery in Westlea took an interesting turn at the end of May when Jacqueline Stamatopoulos brought Roves Farm to see the children.

Youngsters were able to fondle the lambs and ask questions about them. Headstarts in the Delta Business Park is currently offering Link readers £50 worth of free child care places. For Roves Farm information see the advertisement on page 26 or go to www.rovesfarm.co.uk

RatesmayvaryJ

r

Foundation degree course for childcare workers now recruiting A new career and qualifications pathway specifically for Early Years Practitioners, which will lead to a new level of professional practice known as Senior Practitioner, has been announced by the Swindon Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership Endorsed by the Department for Education and Skills Sure Start Unit, the Foundation Degree will enable early years practitioners, teaching assistants and play workers to have access to an alternative higher-level qualification that will raise standards and give individuals the recognition for advanced skills with children.

The courses offered by both Swindon College and New College in conjunction with local universities from September will build upon the participants' Level 3 achievement to provide the

competences, knowledge and understanding required at Senior Practitioner level and can be used as part of a study programme leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), or can be used towards another degree in the Early Years, Care or Playwork area For course details, duration, burseries, fees and loan of laptop computers, call New College on 0808 172 1721 or Swindon College on 0800 731 2250.

Or phone the Early Years Partnership Training Co-ordinator on 466314 for an informal discussion.

The Link Magazine • July 2003

More help for North parents planned

13

reveal the real you

A project to develop more groups for parents with pre-school children, particularly in North Swindon, has been launched.

Annette can be contacted on To combat the isolation that said, "this is an exciting new project many mums feel with being stuck to enable both organisations to of- 541786 or call Mandy Whitaker at in a new community with small fer information, support, training the Pre-school Learning Alliance children and limited support net- and learning opportunities for on 611145.

For details of existing parent and works, Swindon's Children's In- both parents and children across formation Service(CIS) and the Pre- Swindon. If you would like to find toddler groups, call the CIS on school Learning Alliance have re- out more about becoming in- 541786. ceived a grant from from Swindon volved or if you are aware of a Summer holiday plans Council to create and develop new demand for a new group in your The CIS has produced a summer community, we would like to hear parent and toddler groups. holidays activity leaflet to help CIS coordinator Annette Palmer from you." parents and carers arrange fun and safe things to do with their children.

Playgroup places in Shaw The leaflet includes details of Jellytots playgroup which meets at Brook Field School has vacancies events at parks and museums, for pre-school children aged 3 to 5. For details, call Sandra Medcraft sports activities, as well as holiday on 349862.

Firefighters from Westlea fire station gave a safety talk to Jellytots in early playschemes. Call 541786 for a free copy.

June. Mark Truckle joins the children to show off his breathing kit

at the new Slimming World class Tooth ill Community Centre Tuesday 9.30am & 6pm Call Sharon for details on 01793 527332 Ideal

shift

£10 membership £3.75 a week Phone for special o ff ers

}J

WORI^

www.slimming-world. com

Children's Information Service Swindon

Benefits confusion

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

The CIS launches a new leaflet in early July on the types of financial benefits and benefits in kind that are currently available. For a free copy telephone the CIS on 541786.

Craft morning Visit the CIS in Market Street for a fun morning on 12 July.

Children and parents will be invited to make craft items which can be stuck on the walls specially decorated as an art gallery by staff from Zurich.

for

workers

13 Market Street, Swindon Tel: 01793 541786: 9.30am to 4.30pm

(with ansaphone) We provide FREE information on anything to do with children aged 0-14 years. e.g. childcare, social activities. funding and working with children CIS is supported by the Early Years Development ^^ & Childcare Partnership ° O Reg. charity: 1081621

,AfORMATl04,

SF Yy

^

SWINDON

r .;

Pre-Prep School 4-7 yrs

It was the best

start

possible for my child • Excellence in all areas of care and development • Qualified, experienced and caring staff • Fun, exciting and imaginative environment • Nurturing individual development for children aged from three months to five years

Nursery School 2-4 yrs Baby Nursery 0-2 yrs

With over 30 nurseries, Teddies Nurseries is one of the UK's leading childcare providers.

Flexible fees From £2.50 per hour Nursery Grant

^: ^_

Meadowpark School

For more information call

Meadowpark

0800 980

Nursery and

www.teddiesnurseries.co . t

' 4

Holiday School

Open 7.S0am-6.00pm

Open 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, with flexible hours and full-time, part-time and half-day sessions.

i

Prior Park Prep School 7-1 3 years

Pre-Prep School Calcutt Street Cricklade Swindon SN6 688 Contact

Mrs S Hanbury or Mrs R Kular

Tel: 01 793

752600

A Meadowpark is a well established thriving school with faultless DfEE and OFSTED

reports across the 0-7 years age range A Conveniently located for Swindon and the surrounding area in a pleasant rural environment in the grounds of Prior Park Prep School

A Come and see why past and present parents believe we are unique A Registrations being accepted for 2004.

Certain places available fo r 2 003

14 The Link Magazine • Jul y 2003

New classroom at church school on its way Youngsters at Oliver Tomkins Infants School in Toothill have been getting behind a big campaign to raise £12,000 by buying 'bricks' for a new classroom, toilets and cloakroom which will be ready in September.

Children and their parents purchased £550 worth of bricks in the first part of June and the school governors were hoping for a big boost at the school fete on 21 June.

As a voluntary aided school, the governors have to find ten per cent of the building costs over a five year repayment period.

Headteacher Penny Summers said, "we'd like to pay off the loan as quickly as possible so that we can focus on other needs."

From Victoriana to mobiles as head prepares for new North school The headteacher of Swindon's newest school is used to working in small schools in cramped conditions, with a small budget. Having come from the 300 hundred year old East Harptree church school in the Chew Valley, south of Bristol, with four classes, Jane Rodbourn will open Bridlewood School in two mobiles next to the site off Lady Lane in September until the permanent building is completed by Easter 2004.

The school was planned for completion at the beginning of the academic year but Swindon's School Organisation Committee could not agree whether it should be built before other planned schools in the area. However, the Government Schools' Adjudicator agreed in February that Bridlewood should go ahead and building

work started in March.

Ms Rodbourn acknowledges that she has been set a challenge.

"A school very quickly becomes an important focus for a community and my aim is to create a strong feeling for Bridlewood. There has been a lot of uncertainty over the last few months and I know that sending a child to a new school is

a leap of faith for many. But it's very i mportant that the children are not affected by these con-

cerns.

L'

s

I__ I

"Seeing our new y school being built in front of us provides a wonderful educa-

{

tional opportunity, so is the chance to be involved in planning

SCHOOLWEAR

A'JA I I_A B L E ALL YEAR RO U PI D '

Blazers • Sweatshirts • Knitwear • Trousers • Skirts • Blouses • Shirts • Shoes • T-shirts • Polo shirts • Football shorts Cycle shorts • Snorts socks • Judo & karate suits & belts • Dancewear OFFICIAL STOCKISTS OF • Linzi Jay Communion Wear & Christening Gowns • Hush Puppies Shoes

r,

UNIT 39, THE ARCADE •` r +A _BRUNEL CENTRE, SWINDON SN1 1LFm_

`

TEL: 01793

520843 ^.4Gq

' M National \' Schoolwear

c

^r

the decoration. Next Jane Rodbourn at the Bridlewood site Easter we will have a brand new school to MDSA vacancies move into and the previous months will quickly become a memory." at an exciting new venture The permanent building will Midday supervisory staff are eventually accommodate 210 childreninsevenclassroomsandhave a hall, hard and soft outside play areas. However the first intake in September will be for reception and year 1 children,

needed at Bridlewood School in North Swindon. For details write to Ms Jane Rodbourn, Swindon Education Department at Sanford House, Sanford Street, Swindon or call 465153.

The Bridlewood site top left in late May, close to Ash Brake and the Roman site on Groundwell Ridge, foreground. St Andrew's Ridge top right

Guide Association Uniform • Scout Association Uniform ..

0

L L -^=^

The Link Magazine • July 2003

Award for adding value

15

I maginative stories created for film

Year 3 children at Catherine Wayte Primary School in Abbey Meads became TV stars recently when a film crew spent over 10 hours recording their literacy lessons.

On a visit to the school earlier in fantastic chance for the children to the year regional advisors from see how productions are made for the National Literacy Scheme were television; they were able to look so impressed with deputy head- at the cameras and sound equipteacher Celia Messenger's lessons ment and ask the crew questions." that they asked if she would teach Miss Messenger had to deliver her class whilst being filmed for a the lessons as naturally as possible training video, to be used as part ignoring the production team, alof a learning module on the lit- though children were sometimes Three awards on show. Len Spiers with from left, Darren Dereitas, Chloe eracy hour, aimed at year 3/4 asked to repeat group discussions to satisfy the soundman. teachers.

Little, Laura Marsden, Kate Phillips, Tom Martin The classes filmed focused on Describing how the children story writing for the unit of work coped with the filming Miss Meson mystery and adventure. To en- senger said, "their behaviour was hance the experience the Depart- brilliant, they took no notice of the ment for Education and Skills cameras being pointed in their faces funded a trip to Lydiard House so or the sound boom above them as that the children could feel the at- they spoke. The experience of visitmosphere of the St John family ing Lydiard really added detail to some excellent stories." ancestral home.

Whilst in one of the rooms the Greendown gets film crew captured children 'disleft over cash covering' a treasure chest which was brought back to school to be Having agreed to build an extenused as a basis for story writing. sion to accommodate another 185 Describing the visit, 7 year old children over five years at GreenHead says tests results Katie Goodwin explained "it was down, Swindon Council's cabiexcellent, the trip was great. Find- net is allowing the school to spend do not measure whole school ing and exploring what was inside £192,400 on computer equipment, West Swindon's Brook Field Primary School is celebrating a £10,000 the chest was best of all." networking and furniture. grant from the government for receiving a School Achievement Award Filming at school took place over The money is the balance of the for its SAT results which are in the top ten per cent in the country. four days when the classroom £3 million capital already allocated, sometimes resembled a TV soap after the building contract came in set. Miss Messenger said, "it was a under budget at £2.7 million.

Bradon Forest School is celebrating receiving a School Achievement Award worth £26,780, the third year it has been recognised in this way.

Headteacher Len Spiers said he education and it puts us in the top was delighted for all those who fifteen per cent of schools in the work at Bradon. "The first award country."

Chair of governors David was for improvement in the education we offer. For the last two Procter said the governing body years the award has been for per- was proud of the achievement. "All forming at Key Stage 3 and 4 at a who work at Bradon deserve the higher level than comparable award for their professionalism in schools which is an indication of delivering a well balanced quality the value added to our student's education to all the pupils.

I

I

Start September 2003 Degree

Modern English Studies Early Years (Foundation pegree, Health Studies Psychology to association with Oath Spa University College

Sociology

HNCHND

Computing Sport Science

Keeping up creativity. Printing covers for school journey books, Roger Nicholas with year 6 children, Paul Hunt, Gem ma Rees, John Cushion, Kayla Rejek

But in welcoming the success dren and teachers. headteacher Roger Nicholas " Unfortunately primary schools warned against over expectation are manipulated by a system that of teachers. "There is no doubt, we emphasises the core subjects. Test are all very proud to have gained performances can only be one asthe award which recognises the pect of how a school should be immense teamwork of all who seen. At Brook Field we've always work at Brook Field, a hard work- been committed to being judged ing governing body, and also good by how much creativity can be support from advisors from Swin- found in the school and how well we prepare children as citizens. " don's education department.

"However, it gives me the op- Commenting on recent Governportunity to point out that getting ment recognition that education awards like this are not the most should be a wide experience, Mr Nicholas added, "it's all very well important thing in education.

"Test results vary with the abil- for ministers to encourage schools ity of children in a school in a given to take more initiatives in the arts. year and high levels of achieve- Yet they still want them to deliver ment cannot be sustained without higher SAT scores; the pressure on putting immense strain on chil- schools is relentless."

In association with Gto-cat

Management

Certificate Diploma

a n

In with the Chartered Management Imtttute

Study?

Loc 3 . Caring B. triendly tutors • Flexible day S evening ttmetabling . Excellent exam result: Interestinq progcslon routes

Why

aN . Local P

iJ;iic;i

Wb'a'IMAI

16 The Link Magazine • July 2003

Pharmacy start

Artistic fun at the GW Hospital

Toothill should have its own permanent pharmacy by the end of September.

Last October The Link exclusively revealed that former West Swindon pharmacist Ken Schofield was planning to open a branch of his Park Lane pharmacy. Now with permission, builders should start on the vacant plot next to the Phoenix Surgery at Toothill Village Centre in mid-July.

Ken said, "the new facility will make up prescriptions and offer a full range of over the counter medical products. We're looking forward to renewing old contacts."

Youngsters undergoing treatment for cancer and leukaemia went back to school over the half term break at the end of May to make their mark on the children's ward at the Great Western Hospital.

Organised by hospital teacher Megan Brown, the children aged 'w - from five to 15 worked with local c .; ` ` community artists Toni Robinson and Gordon Dickinson of No ,-i W Added Sugar over four days to ` ,^ '^ create murals on a treasure island P a ' N, theme to compliment the seaside decoration of the paediatric area. v ^'r ! , .

"It's the first time we've don ^.^ such a big project and it's been 4 .'

N 4 ' < ' ,'" fantastic," said Megan. "During termtime we work with individuals to ensure their school work is kept up whilst they undergo treatment. It's been lovely to invite children to come in during their hal term break and have a lot of fun." ^'*" Danika Schofield, 14, from Toothill said, "I'm not very good at art, but it wasn't like school at all. Avast there inc hospital heartics,from left, Megan Brown, artist Toni Robinson, I was a bit surprised to be able to Sarah Butcher, Danika Schofield, David Gallagher, Abbi Taylor-Silk, Alicia do this during half term."

Webber, artist Gordon Dickinson with Fyn ton Vaughan

W LLS

Professionally drawn by

THE AND REWS PART NE R S HIP A professionally prepared will can avoid delay and distress for your family Home visit service: Single £49.95 • Double £69.95 Tel: (01793) 642245 07771 627982 www.theandrewspartnership.co.uk

yM

Smiley people are happier says dentist Patients at the Shaw dental practice were provided with a distraction whilst waiting for treatment during National Smile Week in May. "The emphaOn display were ten photos of the staff in their childhood days sis of National which had to be matched with Smile Week was present day images. Children also the impression had a colouring competition to your teeth can enter , make on other people, said dentist John Wilkinson. "Re search shows that healthy — teeth and a 3 ' happy smile 111 says so much about you and -^.

—=° your state of r mind.

"Gum disease Putting on their best smiles, Brigette and John Wilkinson, and tooth decay standing, with Julie Oakland and Alison Hall is not inevitable and there are many techniques shaping teeth which do not require nowadays for repairing and re- invasive treatment."

Still sitting in that traffic queue Isn't it about time you thought seriously about a scooter?

Did you know....

• You can ride one on a car licence?

• They can do over 100+ m.p.g.?

• Road tax is only £15 per year?

• You can buy a brand new scooter from only £999 O.T.R.?

/^

•

Ll

e^Q

^,^/j^

Playstation winner ^ ^`

50 cc

N'. ^ See the fabulous new Peugeot Jetforce scooters only at the Cycling Centre. From £2.149 OTR Ask about our special package deal for beginners Cycling Centre

LI

A.

®

I Y^4i1W _

a,

Jason Wheatley from Stratton St Margaret had a surprise upgrade to his game playing skills when he won a Playstation 2 in a draw sponsored

by Fuji Imaging at Coopers Chemist at the West Swindon Centre.

Manager Jean Wood presents Jason with his prize, with shop staff, from left, Rachel Walker, Nadia Jones, Kirsty Hall, Danielle Spall, Elizabeth Cosgrove

Ferndale Road

Finance & insurance arranged to suit your personal requirements

i

n

OOasis

233 Ferndale Road, Swindon • Tel: (01793) 536657

The Link Magazine • July 2003

Free new patient consultation *

Personal Coaching Al{so^lciates

IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM: 0 Backache, Leg pain 0 Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain O Headache & Migraine O Sciatica O Sports Injury O Arthritis O Whiplash

.eikt 'cjjoot

Advanced Hypnotherapy, Stress Management and

Free Chirocheck always available

Andrew Hill

Want to lose weight; stop smoking; change your life; overcome anxiety, depression, panic attacks or fears; improve your confidence, sports, exam or work performance?

B.Sc (Hone) Dip Hv p .MAPT

Call 01793 873451

Then get help here

SWINDON Professional Healing Courses Learn this ancient healing art Reiki is a safe, completely natui at and highly effective

BA Hons, DABCH, MCAHyp. NLP Cert, MNCH

complementary therapy.

Reiki is not a religion or belief system

Tel: 01249-740506 or mail: hnorrise@hotmail.com

enquiries@ahassociates.org www.ahassociates.org

Now working at Best Of Health, 127 High Street , Wootton Bassett

YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CONSULTING A CHIROPRACTOR

CHIROPODIST

Shaw Chiropractic Clinic

Advanced Reflexologist & Kinesiologist

SANDRA E. DAVIES D.C. SIMON BODLEY BSc. D.C.

CLINIC AT 113 HIGH STREET

Tel: (01793) 887801

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

'Presentation of this advert will entitle you to a free new patient consultation which will i nclude othopaedic and neurological testing

together wil a confidential report of findings

Call Freephone 0808 108 8545 (01793) 849914 anytime

COOPER CHEMIST o 0

10

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

After course guidance and support.

FREE INFORMATION PACK

WOOTTON BASSETT

Members of BCA • Registered with GCC Members of the College of Chiropractors

WEST SWINDON CENTRE

auub Eiiiitt

Hilary Norris-Evans

Or email:

(Treatment will incur a fee.

Offer excludes insurance claims)

17

Reiki Master/Teacher. Guild of Complimentary Practitioners F. J. Ta ylor, (01793) 529360 Mobile: 07740 516238 email: reikifred@aol.com Reiki t reatments available for relief of st ress, pain. depression, Iotir energy, etc. www.reikischool.org.uk

Acupuncture at Taw Hill Medical Practice Mark Ackland BSc PhD Lie Ac MBAcC

Also at Coopers West Swindon Centre Fine fragrances, toiletries, ear piercing, allergy testing and

Appointments call: 07973 - 185158 SESSIONS: Mondays 9am to 12noon and Fridays 4pm to 7pm Please contact the practice or visit www.tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk for details.

Tel: 872033 Open 7 days a week. Mon - Fri 9am - 8pm, Sat 9am - 6pm. Sun 10am - 3pm

----------------------------- TAW HILL MEDICAL PRACTICE, QUEEN ELIZABETH DRIVE. SWINDON SN25 1 WL TEL: 01793 709500 • FAX: 01793 723875 E-MAIL: ENQUIRIES@TAWHILLSURGERY.NHS.UK

PHOENIX SURGERY Dunwich Drive,Toothill Village Centre Queen Elizabeth Drive, Swindon SN25 I WL Reception open: Monday to Friday lam to 6.30pm Tel: 01793 709500 • Fax: 01793 723875 E-mail: enquiries@tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk www.tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk New patients always welcome

W Serving West t 4' Ce ttva.G Sari

Former patients of 1)r Robert Forrester will continue to receive professional and caring attention from 1)r Peter Swinvard and 1)r Aiike Lehuikuhl New patients welcome • (01793) 600440

18 The Link Magazine • July 2003

Race relations in Swindon 35 years on Swindon Racial Equality Council (SREC) celebrates a big anniversary in July. Director Jaginder Bassi looks back.

Swindon has changed enormously over the last 35 years. It has seen some major changes from a railway town to a mixed economy. Yet racial discrimination has continued and many institutions have failed to deliver on racial equality.

Schemes. These agencies include Swindon REC began its work in Jaginder Bas s jd'rector, Swindon Council, Police, Swindon 1967 and it was reported at the second from ,left with WHAT WAS WORSE' College, Probation Service and the time that 'it will probably have a i-e'e ? ff?es, Angela THIS ADVERT Fire Service. short life - everyone expects that.' McDo.iiallt, receptionist, OR YOUR SREC's current work indicates How wrong we were. Over the Tony Hagger, employmen t FAILURE TO COMPLAIN? that racism, marginalisation and years, SREC has played a vital role officer, Margaret Pearce, exclusion are experienced on a in raising awareness of racial dis- I acting office manager daily basis by individuals and crimination and the need to tackle groups. There is ample anecdotal it has operated in a hostile enviWHAT WAS WORSE" evidence which shows that Black ronment.

THIS ADVERT Minority Ethnic communities are It has gone through three perinot engaging with key decision ods of varying strategic emphasis: R YOUR and policy makers. !t PRE TO COMPLAIN? 1967-1981 when language barriers Much of our work with ethnic were identified as an obstacle to minority groups tends to be inforsocial integration; 1982-1990 when mal, through networking, rather SREC focused on campaigning for than structured arrangements. Our equality; 1991-2003, where the formal partnerships are estabwork has shifted to promoting ra- from East Africa, Vietnamese, Chi- meet their needs.

Some of the key race equality lished via the Race Coalition which cial equality and equal opportuni- nese, and Irish.

There is a growing community factors are the low ethnic minority was set up by Swindon Council to ties and supporting individuals from Goa, Somalia and refugees representation in the workforce of consult with black and ethnic miwith legal remedies.

The Race Relations (Amend- and asylum seekers from other large public sector agencies. For nority groups, the Crime & Disorment) Act provides a regulatory parts of the world. According to example, last year, we supported der Strategic Board of which SREC is a member, the Race Hate Forum, framework for promoting racial the 2001 census, ethnic minorities 35 cases of racial discrimination.

There has also been a 110 per the Police's Equality Forum and equality and provides a new op- form 8.5% of the local population, portunity for organisations to stop slightly below the national aver- cent increase in reported racist in- the Ethnic Minority Liaison Group. and assess their racial equality age. Because of the relative small- cidents last year and from April Also we are members of the Comness of the ethnic minority com- 2002 - September 2002, there were munity Legal Services Partnership. policies and practices.

There is a perception that we Swindon has a population of munity, the problems they face go 122 incidents reported to Swindon only serve the interests of black about 180,000 and ethnic minority largely unrecognised. Much of our Police.

We work with other agencies on and Asian people but this is not groups include the Polish, work, therefore, is centred on senPunjabis, Jamaicans, Pakistanis, sitizing organizations such as the issues to ensure that the needs of true. In fact we are here for anyone Italians, Bangladeshis, and Asians council, the police and schools to ethnic minority communities are who has experienced racial disconsidered and planned for. We crimination and harassment, black provide regular surgeries on im- and white. We are here for the migration/nationality matters at whole of our community.

Swindon has come a along way Millen Advice Point. We are currently involved in giving advice to in terms of race relations but there public sector agencies on their poli- is no room for complacency.

We can be contacted on 528545, cies and procedures for implementing their Race Equality mail: swindonrec@srec.fsnet.co.uk

tt'OifA

itt

YOUR LOCAL PVC-U MANUFACTURER • Buy direct from our factory • We make it and we fit it • High security • 10 year guarantee • Lowest prices

Meetings for minority group Weekly support and social meetings for elderly and disabled people and their carers have been launched at the Link Centre, thanks to a grant from the lottery funded Community Innovators Millenium Awards Scheme.

Salas Khan and Syed Naqvi made the bid to trial a nine month pilot project for Swindon's Pakistan Welfare Association.

Mr Khan said, "this is the first time the welfare association has run a project which brings elderly and disabled people in our community together for activities like cultural arts and crafts, naat programmes (cultural poetry), telling stories and group games.

Syed Naqvi and Salas Khan hold up the lottery grant award letter with members of the support group

Why not let us handle everything from start to finish?

Call today 01793 790944 or 07973 232435 (evenings and weekends) The Marsh, Lower Wan borough. S N4 OAS

19

Do you need a hat but don't want to BUY one?

Then call

T

he Mad natter

Located in Haydon Wick

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

Summer is here and there'll be dancing SUMMER

t

in the streets

eS '^^^ World music, dance, street theatre and the luminarium 2003

(01793) 704005 or 07710 298790

to see the large selection of Hats to HIRE! Make a personal appointment to find just the right hat for you

Swindon &

20

SwrndGr Wide Digging into Swindon's Roman past

Two teams of archaeologists are trying to Road or processional way . . throw light on what the Groundwell Ridge Roman site between Ash Brake and ., . ^' St Andrew's Ridge actually contains.

— TV archaeologists from Channel 4's Time Team spent 28 and 29 June _ t Administrationand exploring the north east area of the accommodation .. for ri dge. outside the site scheduled as an ancient monument, for the naticn wide weekend Big Dig programme.

A scientific team from English Heritage have started a scientific search ^• r ` • ^'^ for evidence of Roman use and will

A mini-digger will be used to open up the line of a water main laid by Thames Water in the early 1990s before the Shrin,sand;.,wo,pics archaeological remains were discov^ Bred so that the sides of that trench can be investigated. ^ ^ •'^' The results of the dig will be added 1 + Y to last year's geophysical survey by ^ English Heritage and presented at a public display on National Archaeol•+ r r

or ^.mCha

` ?.+.

m>hxq.,",b,E,rmn hInc ,^. ^h.^^^mCM1.i

ogy Day on 19 and 20 July. Site tours `°•

, Y

will take place at 10am, 11 am, 12 noon, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm on each day. These

should be booked on 07889 808139.

be on site until 25 July.

The work is being carried out to evaluate the effects of a proposal by +n Swindon Council to build a footpath and '1 cycle-way over part of the site.

The team will be excavating a 30 metre trench by hand to see what lies below the surface.

'` /

An impression by Vince iffin of English Heritage of the Swindon site, thought to be some kind of religious shrine. What will the diggers find?

Tours will also be available on the weekends of 5/6 and 12/13 July and during the week from 1 July. Call the number above to book a place.

There is no car parking on site. To minimise inconvenience to residents please use Abbey Meads Village Centre and walk.

Where's your favourite Swindon place?

Swindon Civic Trust is running a free competition to find 'Swindon's Favourite Places.'

Entries can be in any form suitable for exhibition visually or acoustically such as graphics. photos, drawings, writing, recordings, videos, DVDs. models and art installations.

Any place that can be readily visited by the public can be featured.

Submissions in several age categories, as well as non commercial

groups will be welcomed.

The judges will look at the quality of the personal entry and its ability to evoke a positive response: vision, imagination and public rapport will

all be highly valued.

The closing date is 24 October, ready for an exhibition in November.

For details, call 520592.

Swindon's Amazing Maze The Great Western Maze is a 7 acre maze carved from a living maize crop set in the glorious North Wiltshire countryside.

The allure of a maze crosses all boundaries; the appeal to children of being outside with a huge puzzle to solve is equally enjoyed by adults.

The notion that it is fine to be lost with the absolute certainty that you will be victorious is a great, good feeling. But that does fully explain the mystery of the maze, the courtyard with its world class puzzles and games acids to the equation, but still there's a missing ingredient.

SWINDON T

^-- WALES

L0000N.

Maybe it's the people that come to the maze?

Everyone of them is pre-disposed to have a fine time and .... they do !

Now two mazes to enjoy: The Great Western Maze Swindon is 1 mile south of M4 Junction 16 And... The Great Western Maze, Bath is 3 miles west of Bath on the A4 Call 01793 731170 or visit our web site www.greatwesternmaze.com

}

Opening times: 10am - 6pm • Daily from 11 July to 7 September • Weekends from 7 to 30 September Admission • Adults £4.50; children/concs. £4 • Family of 4 £15.

• All 'Maises' free (with ID) Conditions • Under 14s to be accompanied by a

THE

responsible adults • Regrets no dogs please GREAT WESTERN MAZE

Swirdc r wide

21

Town centre history gradually fades into memory The Golden Lion mural, an important but seemingly forgotten part of Swindon's history, will soon disappear unless a major sponsor is found to save it.

In 1981 West Swindon photog- past. Itshould be preserved and I'd Ken's work was created when The work of art can be found on the side of a house on Fleming Swindon had Britain's most impres- rapher Tony Leggett had the fore- li ke to think business in the town Way and Corporation Street: see it sive collection of muras which sight to create the most compre- would sponsor a restoration." hensive record available of all the before it flakes away. or the owner became a tourist attraction.

They were an important feature murals in town. decides to redecorate the wall.

He said he was saddened by the The evocative picture was cre- of Thamesdown Council's public ated by Swindon artist Ken White art policy in the 1970s. However state of the Golden Lion Mural. "It ' OAK in 1975 to mark the centenary of this form of social art went out of is a fantastic landmark which has "= poet Alfred Williams. He was com- fashion and Swindon Ccuncil no so much atmosphere of Swindon's longer supports missioned to repaint it in 1983. ^ y The Golden Lion mural The eerie scene evokes the 1904 the maintenance in June photo of the canal that ran through of its murals, most the town centre and the Golden Lion bridge installed by the GWR.

of which have been painted over.

Above, the bridge in 1904.

Below, Ken White holding an advertisement which appeared in the Sunday Times colour magazine in the late 1980s describing Swindon's tourist attraction

Tony Leggett's 1981 record of the Golden Lion mural

for lull programme uetaiis , peso. wind ,...

Information Centre:

01793

530328

Sponsored by

RE cKerr

BENCKisER

.

Swmnon abaouchcounCa

^o

S IN0C ARTSCAPE

22

Swindon Wide Carnival time

I

Outdoor Shakespeare 1

Former England cricketer Roland Butcher will join Swindon's Mayor I Heartbreak Productions make their annual visit to Lydiard Park on 19 coun Derek Benfield, to launch Swindon's very own Afro-Caribbean i and 20 July with two rumbusteous performances of the Bard's favourite carnival in Buckhurst Park, Walcot on Saturday 12 July, 12noon to 9pm. i comedies.

King Tubbys, the top carnival sound system in London will be playing reggae and soul and atropical mix of calypso and soca music will be provided by The Ebony steel band.

Afro Caribbean food will be in plentiful supply and also stalls selling CDs, clothes and arts and crafts. and a bouncy castle.

The after carnival party will take !

On Saturday 19th, the much place in Drove Social Hall between loved Midsummer Night's Dream 10pm and 4am. turns the lawn in front of Lydiard The big attraction is one of the House into an enchanted grove superstars of reggae music, where comedy, magic. charm, roGregory Isaacs. Sounds will be mance and exotic, ethereal qualiprovided by King Tubbys and also ties combine to make a story 'more a leading SOCA DJ from Reading. i strange than true.'

For centuries the play has been Tickets are £12 and only availheld in great affection by young able on the door. and old. its dark. mystrical qualiThe Ebony steel band to liven up Afro-Caribbean carnival ties set against bawdy, rustic humour make it both visually and textually appealing. But this year, Heartbreak put a 21st Century twist on it: don't expect doublet and hose or a heaving Elizabethan bodice.

Political correctness is swept away on 20 July when John Falstaff and his outrageous friends show us how to enjoy life in The Merry Wives of Windsor. above.

This raucous comedy abounds with exuberant game playing and larger than life characters. There are midnight frolics, mistaken identities. jealousy, a capacious launThere's a very warm welcome dry basket accommodating all manner of antics, and fast and furious Be rp ro p for a farce of ex traordinary proportions. ine E 71 1 louse action.

1 u blic 1

to all our customers

iris

N

Old Shaw Lane, Nine Elms Now under new management -A Traditional fine ales An extensive beer garden ^t Free pool nights - Tuesdays Quiz nights with jackpot round - Thursdays Karaoke - monthly. Next date: Saturday 5th July Charity raffle and race night: Saturday 12th July ,t Functions catered for

NEW DINING ROOM NOW OPEN Due to popular demand the dining room at the Nine Elms is now open for business.

Our new head chef Warren Fuller has over 9 years experience working in top quality hotels and restaurants, including The Savoy, London and The Carlton, Bournemouth.

Moules Marinere Creme de Vieulle Smoked Salmon wrapped Poached Egg on a bed of Rocket Mains

riccotta risotto Desserts Deep Fried Ice Cream Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding Rum & Vanilla Creams

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS FOR ONE OF THE PLAYS Name one character from either Midsummer Night's Dream or The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Send your name and address to The Link, Papermakers House, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7BD by 11 July.

Outdoor Shakespeare 2 1 Take a trip into the country for a picnic in the grounds of a beautiful Cotswold manor house and enjoy a lively performance of Much Ado About Nothing The Meysey Players will be presenting the play between 3 and 6 July in the grounds of Ampney St Mary Manor, off the A41 7 between Fairford and Cirencester. Distinguished TV and theatre director Roger Jenkins (The Onedin Line.

Poldark and Howard's Way), gives this enchanting comedy the 'TexMex' treatment.

To give the production the authentic mix of old and new world, a crew from RAF Lyneham helped the players by taking a bus into Mexico whilst on exercise in California with their Herculus to buy a

pinata, a tall, green paper donkey filled with sweets, and traditional Mexican wide brimmed sun hats.

Ticket prices range from £8 to £13.50 depending on the day and the type of seating required - fixed or lawn picnic space.

Performances are at 8pm and 3pm for the Saturday matinee.

Gates open for picnics two hours beforehand. There will be a cash

bar.

Tickets are available from the Cirencester Tourist Information Office or from the Box Office on 01285 850158.

Dominic Valentine. who plays Dogberry, with Emily Jenkins, who plays Hero picking up their Mexican kit from RAF Lyneham

Examples from our menu Starters

Roast Rack of Lamb Red Snapper Wild mushroom, asparagus &

Tickets: £8 and £4 for juniors before 13 July and £9/£5 after that date. from Lydiard House during opening hours, or on the gate if available,

We look forward to you sampling our extensive and frequently changing lounge and bar menu Book your table now

01793 770442

23

Swindon Wide Buffy styles on display

Artwork on show in West library

Outfits by youngsters with an eye for fashion will be put on show at the West Swindon library from 28 June until 4 July.

A West Swindon artist mounts a one woman show at the West Swindon li brary from 6 to 19 July.

Using a cut out figure of Buffy came up with a new look, if she the Vampire Slayer in the middle of were to make another TV series.

May, 25 girls working in groups Some of the entrants were pictured in the June Link before Swindon College lecturer in fashion and design Su Fahy chose the efforts of five year 9 girls who attend Bradon Forest School.

Chloe Little said, "we came up with something hippiesh with punk overtones: its great our idea was selected to win.'

The girls received a bag of goodies from sponsors Bodyshop. George at Asda also supported the project run by the library service.

Giving Buffy a new look. back Chloe Little, Jane Orchard.

Front, Laura Barrat, Pari Shahrokui, Holly Dowling

Take a stall at Swindon's Indian party Old Town Gardens will be taken over by professional groups and DJs and local dancers will feature on a community stage when Swindon celebrates all things Indian at free Mela on 2 August.

There is still space for stalls with an Indian theme. Stall holders serving food should have public liability cover and relevant food hygeine certificates.

For details call Toby Rathbone at Swindon Artscape on 466522 or mail: trathbone@ swindon.gov.uk

cfeo nle %'c aft 'td.

Stained Glass & Ceramics "Paint Your Own" Useable kiln fired Pottery and Glass Decorating

Traditional Stained Glass

JJ'tai ten J P, ten Cart Maker & supplier of plaster models for you to paint Moulds for you to take home and try for yourself Have fun in our painting area

Leaded windows, Tiffany style glass work. and Kiln art

Your only limitation is your imagination

Studley Grange Craft Village Hay Lane, Wroughton, Swindon

Why not have a painting party?

Open Tuesday to Sunday - for All Ages Tel:

01793 849372

Email: fun@peoplekraft.com WEB: http:/,www.peoplekraft.com/

Visit us and many other working crafts at: Studley Grange Craft Village Hay Lane, Wroughton, Swindon Telephone fax: 01793 855850

Monsurat Balogun. 21. who at- impression on me. I would like to tended Freshbrook Primary School explore a r t from other cultures and and Greendown School before the work of other famous artists." going onto a GNVQ art and design course at Swindon College, creates large abstract works and also J(^zf^roi^l ^///^rruzc^J paintings influenced by references Wedding cakes made to order to Africa.

Special occasion cakes catered for, decorated " My main influences are modern with sugar crafted hand made flowers abstract works by artists like Paul Exquisitely hand-made original tiaras & favours Klee," said Monsurat. "I went to an Mobile: 07951 017664 exhibition of African art in Paris I Evening contact: 01793 695075 two years ago and it made a big li At Studley Grange Cra ft Centre

Studley Grange Craft Village Tu a#

cel4I4e a

Gt4

doa4s

• Portraits ft party pictures • Dried ft silk flowers • Models £t figurines • Fine art • Jewelle ry, sewing, dolls houses • Painted ft embroidered cushions • Hand painted fur 'tune • Pewter work • 3D decoupage • Silk paintings

i/T7 t

LAY AREI " ' Fully interactive play for all ages - no height or age restrictions Open: Monday 10am to 6pm school and bank holiday l-Pa yj Tuesday - Saturday's loam_- 6prn!

Sunday 10.30am - 4.3dpm

^'

^ ;•

=n

Greeting cards 8 statione ry Textile design • Cake decorating ' ' • Picture framing £t rubber stamps eonkers soft play ;_ area .

See craftspeople at work.

Have a go at making and decorating your own craft work.

Visit us through the rear of Blooms Garden Centre, Hay Lane, close to Junction 16 on the M4

Swindkn Wide What's

24

Transfer VHS to DVD anld all taped media Wedding videos Irreplaceable TV programmes and spo rt s events Children's first steps. Bi rt hday pa rt ies.

Christenings & Confirmations.

Multiple copies: overseas copies: edited copies Obsolete formats. i.e. Betamax.

Video2000; camcorder tapes DON'T LOSE THOSE MEMORIES Tel:01793 612187 Mobile: 07940-810733 DVD e-mail: vhstodvd@btinternet.com www.vhstodvd.co.uk Unit 2a. Grime to Shine. Greenb ri dge Road, Swinaon

Music

Is your PC

bugging you?

Tuesday 1st, 7.30pm Fascinating Aida One Last Flutter.

Call Practical Britain's raciest, sassiest and most Applications Ltd. q successful theatre cabaret trio are for a friendly services taking their final curtain. £17.50.

• Upgrades 4 Repairs Wyvern • Networking & the internet Wednesday 2nd to • Web hosting and design I Saturday 5th, 7.30pm • Home visits, collection South Pacific presented by Ray & delivery Dance and Judith Sharp with music Or for help getting started, call by Richard Rogers and lyrics by us days, evenings or weekends on Oscar Hammerstein II. A full stage production including all the classic 01793 321361 songs. £7. Arts Centre Mobile 07919 263072 Thursday 3rd, 7.30pm E-mail: allen@practicalapplications.co.uk www.practicalapplications.co.uk The Ultimate 60's Show with a romp through the swinging sixties. £12.

Wyvern Saturday 5th, doors 6pm Roberto Pla's Latin Ensemble. One of the most influential and long standing musicians on the UK Salsa scene with an all star 15 piece band. £7.50/£9. The Bowl. Town Gardens, Old Town. see advert on page 29 Saturday 5th, 7.30pm National Youth Jazz Orchestra starring some of Britain's finest young talent. £12. Wyvern Sunday 6th, 7.30pm I Tony Hadley UK tour 2003. Fresh Woodworking since 1969: from the USA Tony Hadley and his an excellent finish and band sing a mixture of tunes from his personal service guar'ctteed, forthcoming album along with some all at an aftordablc' price of his favourites. £17. Wyvern Friday 11th, 7.30pm Matt Goss (below) returns to the UK after a decade away. £15. Wyvern i

Monday 14th, 7.30pm Wessex Male Choir with the North Ridge Singers from the University of Southern California. £7. tickets from Information Centre or 825378. Holy Rood Church, Groundwell Road Saturday 19th, doors 6pm Shooglenifty. This Scottish band mixes the melodies of their traditional roots with shades of electronic and dub reggae to produce a potent musical brew. £7.50/£9. The Bowl, Town Gardens, see advert page 29

LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUALITY?

Teter ^albraith Handbuilt fitted bedrooms + Individual handbuilt finish on all bedrooms ♦ Manufactured individually to customer requirements ♦ Choose from over 40 different finishes - hardwood, pine sprayed and vinyl wrapped

Tel: 01793 526335

Sunday 20th, 2pm to late Show case for bands linked with San Bleu Records, the new Swindon based independent record label featuring solo spots by Alex Bridges. & Sam Bates (above), plus Teabo, The Silent Getaway, The Green Room, Buswell. The Omegas and others. Free. Zu Bar. Shaw Ridge Friday 25th, 7.30pm Kentwood Choir concert in aid of the organ/general fund. £5, tickets from 693230. St Augustine's Church.

Summers Street. Rodbourne Friday 8 August Jimmy Jemain, Stars In Your Eyes winner, performs as Cliff Richard. £20, includes buffet, cabaret and disco. Raffles with donations to Tear Fund. To book call 833700 or 01235 768324. Village Hotel and Leisure Club. South Marston

Venues

I

Saturday 12th, 6pm (gates 6pm) The Lacock Proms with firework and laser spectacular finale. Michael Reed conducts the Royal Philarmonic Orchestra playing favourite classical pieces along with Proms favourites and a few special surprises. £25. under 16:810. group rates available.

Lacock Abbey. Early booking advised, buy tickets online at www. this is Wiltshire.co.uk Sunday 13th, 7.30pm Janice Thompson Songs from East to West. Local singers aged four upwards present a concert of solo and choral music centred around the American and Russian folk, classical and popular song themes. £7.50.

Wyvern

The Arts Centre, Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Brewe ry Arts/Corn Hall Cirencester Tel: 01285 655522 Cineworld, Greenbridge Tel: 420710 Lydiard House. Tel: 770401 National Monuments Record Centre Kemble Drive. Tel: 414600 STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 Swindon & Cricklade Railway Tadpole Lane. Blunsdon.

Tel: 771615 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Town Hall Studios Regent Circus. Tel: 463210 The Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square. Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

On it Jul4

25

Film

Theatre

Friday 4th, 7.45pm The Hours (12A) £4. Wyvern Monday 7th, 1 pm Confess (tbc) Directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1953 and starring Montgomery Clift, Anne Baxter. Otto Kellar and his wife Alma work as caretaker and housekeeper at a Catholic Church in Quebec. £2.50. Cineworld Saturday 12th, 1 pm The Jungle Book 2 (U) £4 (adult proceeds go to NSPCC).

Wyvern Monday 14th, 1 pm Ideal Husband (PG) Sir Robert Chiltern is a successful Government minister, well off and with a loving wife. All this is threatened with the arrival of Mrs Chievely. Starring Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, Rupert Everett and Julianne Moore. £2.50. Cineworld Friday 18th, 7.45pm Lord of the Rings The Two Towers (12A) £4. Wyvern Monday 21st, 1pm Saturday Night & Sunday Morning(PG) The life and loves of a brawling, boisterous factory worker stuck in a dreary industrial city in the midlands.

Starring Albert Finney and Shirley Ann Field. £2.50. Cineworld Monday 28th, 1 pm Amelie (15) Amelie (Audrey Tautou), a young and naive girl in Paris. with her own senseofjustice, decides to help those around her and along the way discovers love. £2.50. Cineworld

Friday 4th, 7.30pm for 8pm A Mid Summer Murder Mystery.

Look for clues (and the body) in the woodland before Daggers Drawn Theatre Company further sets the scene while you tuck into a barbecue. £28. Blunsdon House Hotel, to book call 721701 Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th, 8pm & Saturday matinee 3pm Much Ado About Nothing, details page 22 Saturdayl 9th, 7.30pm (gates 6pm) A Midsummer Night's Dream, details page 22 Sunday 20th, 7.30pm (gates 6pm) The Merry Wives of Windsor, details page 22

Comedy Tuesday 8th to Thursday 10th, 7.30pm Roy Chubby Brown. £17. Wyvern

D & L Blinds Rollers • Verticals • Venetians Pleated Blinds • VELUX"' Conservatory Blinds QUALITY BLINDS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES Fast and reliable service Evenings & weekends no problem All blinds fitted free Choose from a wide range from the comfort of your own home

of fabrics

Contact Paul on 01793 619428 FREE QUOTES NO OBLIGATION

uklinks4 There are some great resources on the Internet.

°ts. hat s

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

But do you know where they are?

Framework Art & Craft 63 Pembroke Centre

We do!

www.uklinks4.com

Cheney Manor Trading Estate Swindon SN2 2PQ Tel/Fax 01793 513069 Email: enquiries@facswindort.co.uk Phone for directions. Free p arking

Friday 11th, 8pm Linda Smith (above) with a brand new show creating an exhilarating evening of sparkling comedy for connoisseurs of stand-up comedy. £8.50. Brewery Arts, Cirencester

Talks & tours

On your doorstep offering you unrivalled facilities to

Thursday 17th, 12.30pm 100 Years of Collecting. Ten minute talk to accompany exhibition. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Friday 25th, 7.30pm for 8pm An Evening with Cynthia Payne. Enjoy a four course candlelit dinner, followed by the amusing entertaining guest speaker Cynthia Payne. She hit the headlines in 1979 when police raided her suburban home to find a sex party in full swing. £28. Blunsdon House Hotel, to book call 721701

Royal International Air Tattoo RAF Fairford, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July Celebrating 100 years of powered flight Fantastic aerial show and massive display of aircraft on the ground, as well as hot air balloons, trade stalls and other attractions.

Avoid the q y co n Take the very convenient and regular express shuttle bus run by Thamesdown Transport from Swindon bus station. Purchase bus and Tattoo entry tickets at a discount at the Travel Shop in Fleming Way.

enjoy your leisure time.Visit and see for yourself.

Friendly, informal, good food, ideal for family gatherings. Senior citizens discount buffet & ai,ro, a g_11 mid week lunchcimes.Usually need to book for Sunday Lunch.

/Gtei

Mrs V Morgan, Honeysuckle CI, Haydon Wick: Ms C Hathaway-Mills. Cottington CI, Freshbrook: Mrs S Perren, Caraway Cl, Haydon Wick: Mr T. Bowyer, Aden Court: Mrs P Ellis, Mildmay CI. Grange Park; Mr G Bilsborough. Osterley Rd, Hayden Wick; Mr R Smith, Portmore CI, Sparcells; Mr M Chivers, Redcap Gdns, Ramleaze: Mr C Anscombe, Kimbolton CI. Freshbrook: Mr M Lidsmore, Blunsdon

C!L^GttvLGNt tip

Special occasion, birthday, anniversary or just celebrating?

Superb a la carte menu, AA rosette, smart casual atmosphere, expensive but not over the top.

Get fit, feel better, enjoy a healthier lifestyle. The best Q, ^_/_ ffi,_e. facilities including pool, golf, tennis, squash, fully +^un^"iio^4u+nc^e trained and supportive gym instructors. Low cost off ceisuee CLUB peak membership.

Thamesdown

Winners of The Link RIAT competition in June:

2G Pi

e

A place of tranquillity for body and mind. Body wraps, Spa treatments, Sports massage, Therapies including Reiki, Facials, Waxing & Gift Packages.

U

**** Tel: 01793 721701 Blunsdon, Swindon, Wiltshire SN26 7AS www.blunsdonhouse.co .ul<

5wirdtr Wide W^ (A-Vs

26

Exhibitions

Fundraising THE VILLAGE TAVERN

Senior Citizens Lunchtime Special Choice of 5 [setl main course dishes + tea or coffee

Only £3.95 12noon to 2pm on Tuesdays Toothill Village Centre, Swindon -a (0 1793) 42 I 124

DE \ERE 7 0 's Disco Ni ht at the SWINDON

****

De Vere Hotee Swindon Friday 25th July 2003

Enjoy a delicious 2 course buffet and dance the night away with our fabulous 70's disco!

The evening starts at 7.30pm, carriages at 12.30am.

Tickets £18.00 per person, booked in advance.

(Fancy dress is optional!)

For more information or to book call our Special Events Co-ordinator on 01793 878785 Tickets to be pre-booked. * The Management rese rv e the ri ght to attar or change the event without p ri or notice.

De Vere Hotel, Shaw Ridge Leisure Pack, Whitehiii Way, Swindon, SN5 7DW TeIr 01793 878785 Fax: 01793 877822 www.devereswindon.co.uk

Moredon Infants School Summer fair Saturday 28 June. 11 am to 3pm Boot fair, stalls, games, barbecue, attractions, ice creams.

Boots £5. to book call 535992 Westlea School Summer fayre Saturday 5 July, 1.30pm Barbecue, stalls, games and attractions Toothill Community Centre Table Top Sale Saturday 5 July, 1 pm - 4pm £3 in advance/£4 on the day Cafe open for refreshments Lydiard Millicent School Fete Saturday 5 July, 1.30pm - 4.30pm Tag rugby with members of Wootton Bassett Rugby Club, Over The Top Motor Cycling Team, guess the number of balloons in a Mini. In aid of new school hall Tregoze School Fete Saturday 5 July, 1 pm - 4pm Stalls, family games Opened by 'Sting' Abbey Meads Community Primary School Summer Fair with Romans theme Saturday 5 July, 2pm - 4pm Roman games, to-ga war. arena games, custard pie fight. barbecue Purton Helping Hand Carnival Saturday 5 July 1.15pm: Procession from Witts Lane 2.15pm: Fete at St Mary's School 8pm: Dance in the Village Hall with Heartbeat. £6 Carnival details from 770251

Friends Meeting House, Eastcott Hill Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th, 1 Oam - 4pm; Sun 13th 2pm - 4pm Photographic display of Quaker tapestry panels Celebrating the story of Quakers in Stitches. Free, details from Muriel Aplin on 496336 1

°^y t

. :

Q utikEr £nterprtse 0 n 0 tnu EARLY RAILWAY$

'

.-'-.: ^_t

_

$^(7^ dP p son f^ t cor

^

Etaraltway.

'; ti

Ouc godliness don t m, out a(tbbc oDr ld tume» but obtes, them to vcbcttermit' WIL Pr

e

h_,:

t

^ to their handiworl, c.,as tr^e^r omyer'

Wyvern, Lower Foyer Tuesday 1st to Saturday 26th ACE Art The fruit of this year's artwork by Swindon College Adult and Continuing Education students.

Wyvern, Harlequin Bar Tuesday 1st to Saturday 26th Back to the Future Open exhibition Arts Centre to Saturday 5th Artists in their Studios - Bruce Bernard Uniquely penetrating photographs of Francis Bacon, Lucien Freud, Frank Auerbach and Leigh Bowery. A national touring exhibition organised by the Hayward Gallery for the Arts Council of England.

St Augustine's Church, Summers Street, Rodbourne Summer fete with a railway trip holiday theme Saturday 12 July, 1 1 am to 4pm Stalls, refreshments, games

Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon Tel: 01793 763939 Map: www.rovesfarm.co.uk Open daily 10.30am - spin Signed off the A361 Swindon to Highworth Road * Meet and feed the animals * Tractor and trailer rides & electric tractors * Animal racing & sheep shearing at weekends Huge big bale straw stack & bouncy castle * Adventure play area and giant sandpit * The largest living willow maze in the world!

Indoor heated toddlers soft play & sandpit Crafty half hour Toddler story time during term time Granary tea rooms

*

* * *

Barn dances & wedding receptions Children's birthday parties

North Swindon Family Centre Atworth Close, Penhill Family Fun Day Saturday 12 July 12 noon to 3pm Barbecue, bouncy castle, juggler, magic show, craft activities, badge making machine, music, road safety, hospital awareness Parking: Royal British Legion in Downton Road from where there will be a regular mini bus service.

Phoenix Toy Library Drove Road Social Hall Friday 25 July, 10am Fun Day Ride on a fire engine, bouncy castle, face painting, flowers and books for sale, hook a duck & Pedal Push in aid of Childline Come and join in on bikes. trikes or scooters, sponsorship forms from the toy library open Fridays 1 Oam - 12noon

Francis Bacon Arts Centre Tuesday 8th to Friday 15th Amarello Helen Brown's watercolours on canvas capture the feel of flowers, boats and atmospheric places Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Saturday 5th to 21 September 100 Years of Collecting An eclectic display of works from the Swindon Collection of Modern British Art. West Swindon Library 22nd July to 1st August From Darkness to Light by Frederick James Taylor The exhibition illustrates the artist's life in South Africa showing working conditions down the coal mines and wildlife, as well as his recent heating reflexology and reiki work.

Or it Jul4

27

Family events & childrens activities Tuesday 15th to Sunday 20th Swindon Summer Festival. A dazzling array of international street theatre, comedy and music on the streets of Swindon. For details: www.swindonartscape.co.uk or call Information Centre on 530328

Dance

Workshops

Sunday 5th, 8pm Jaleo. A potent cocktail of explosive flamenco footwork, haunting singing, virtuoso guitar playing and percussive hand clapping from southern Spain. £12. Corn Hall, Cirencester

Saturday 5th Painting in the Park. Open-air painting in Old Town Gardens with Geoff Glover. Bring own materials. £18. To book call Arts Centre.

Thursday 24 July to 2 September Secrets of the Past. Holiday trail for 5 to 11 year olds. Hidden around the museum are clues to lead you to a very precious object. 60p/ child. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Thursday 24 July to 29 August Picture Palace. Make a Victorian style postcard of Lydiard House, using doilies and lace, and enter the competition below. £1.30/child, includes admission. Lydiard House to 29 August Picture Postcard competition.

Collect your template for the price of a stamp and create a picture, painting, cartoon or photograph showing any aspect of Lydiard House or Park to send to the Mayor of Swindon.

Open to all ages. The winning entry will be printed as a real postcard to support the Lydiard Park Project.

Postcards and details from Lydiard House Tuesday 29th, 2 - 4pm Poster Colour Challenge for 5 to 11 year olds. Try out your painting skills in the open air. £2/child. Richard Jefferies Museum. Book on 466556 Saturday 26 July to 2 August Wiltshire Archaeological Festival.

Talks, Anglo Saxon crafts and identifications of finds to celebrate the 150th birthday celebrations of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society. Details : archaeology2003@hotmail.com or pick up a leaflet in Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

Lower Shaw Farm Old Shaw Lane, Shaw

_ ^'

t° =i

Children's Activities Wednesday 2 July, 10am - 12.30pm & 1pm to 3.30pm Fun on the farm for young children and their parents or carers. Follow the nature trail, feed the hens and collect the eggs. seasonal art and craft work. A snack is provided, and you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. Free, but places must be booked on 771080.

Open day Sunday 6 July, 3pm - 6pm An opportunity to see what goes on at Lower Shaw Farm. Meet the sheep, hens. ducks, and friends old and new and see what's in the gardens. ponds and polytunnel.

Free, no need to book

Thursday 10th and Friday 11th, 7.30pm & Saturday 12th, 2pm Rhythm N'Rhyme celebrating the wealth of young talent at Swindon Dance. £5.35. Town Hall Studios Saturday 12th, 1 pm - 5pm An afternoon of Christian Dancing for all abilities. 'Let the King of Glory enter in today. £5, 17 and under, I £2.50. The Christian Outreach Centre, Regent Street, Swindon. For programme and details call 338331 or 331579

WI meeting Tootleabrook WI meets on Wednesday 16th, 7.30pmatToothill Community Centre, when Mrs Fraser will talk about China - Land of the Dragon. All welcome.

For more information call Jean Brock on 539456

Sunday 13th and Sunday 20th, 9.30am to 4.30pm Mystery Painting Trips. Join watercolour expert Geoff Glover for a day of painting in a rural setting. Bring own materials. £18/day. To book call Arts Centre.

The Old Town Vi^t^riar

28

rieker Black, tan or red.

A\

Sizes 3-8 £40 Black

Victoria Hill, Old Town, Swindon Tel: (01793) 527057 Open Monday to Saturday, 9am - 5.30pm • Full range of diets

• All medical, baskets, beds, leads, collars & grooming

£40

• Vast selection of cages and homes for all

BLAYLOCKS y

Swindon's Fwnil Shoe Shop. Est. 1920

Bath Road Corner, Old Town

Tel: 534271

Programmes at £1 are on sale at Swindon Information Centre in Regent Street and Victoria Bookshop in Wood Street, Old Town and also the Festival Office at the Arts Centre on Devizes Road, providing details of all events during the week including themed walks, performances by the Tanwood School, Janice Thompson Singers and Stage Struck.

'I'

(Royal Caning Hills, Beta, Techni-Cal, etc)

or brown Sizes 4-8

This year's Old Town Festival returns to its Victorian roots with visitors invited to show off in 19th Century style. The volunteer organising committee says it will be the biggest and best yet.

Pets Kitchen-

• 20 years experience Local free delivery

Saturday 5 July All day entertain! ment in the streets and on The Lawn from 10am to 5pm and Farmers' MarI

We have birds. rabbits, guinea pigs.

ket in Market

hamsters, chinchillas. Also cold &

I Square opposite I the Co-op.

tropical fis h and aqua r ia supplies

Grand Proces-

INI)IS'IDL.1l. FASHIONS FOR THE DISCERNING LADY Hucke

Belinda Ch'ng Luis Civit Joseph Ribkoff

Doris Streich Alterna Solola Mamut

26 Wood Street Old Town, Swindon Tel: 513196

sion from Lloyd's Bank at 1 1.30am, through the streets to The Lawn by 12noon, with street performers, dancers and musicians.

Dress up and join in the fun. Call Glyn Harris on 344792 for details.

Queen Victoria Mary Ratcliffe at last year's festival with iris from the Celtic Academ of Dance Entertainment y & on The Lawn: musicians, clowns, displays, dancers, a craft fair, face painting, a bouncy castle, lots of stalls, refreshments, Jamaican storyteller, children's drop-in art and craft workshop, family sports at 4pm, pony rides, Punch and Judy.

SPILLER 5 O ^, FURNISHIIN oy^;'

^q'

4

Established since 1843

Parker Knoll

G"

r lumbe 1

S

03&rbeFrne M c DONAGH

ALL PIRICES EVE RYI IIING

MUST GO BY 30'1I1 JULY Nathan Compact Unit RAP: £1509.

Now £999. Saving £510

Open 6 days a week Free delivery

Dining Room Furniture • Suites & Sofas • Chairs Beds & Bedroom Furniture • Occasional Furniture

132 VICTORIA ROAD, OLD TOWN, SWINDON TEL: (01793) 522329/541146 www.spillersfurnishing.co.uk

Festival 30 )une - 6 JL4k

29

Sunday 6 July Town Gardens & The Rec in Quarry Road.

Entertainment of all sorts from 1 Oam with live music and dancing on the Bowl stage and the bandstand, stalls as Saturday.

Car boot sale, tel. 642368 to book a space.

Songs of Praise, 11 am - 12 noon, in the Bowl with the Pegasus Big Band. r

. DIY-.â&#x2013;º

e

All ages can dress up in Victorian style to enjoy the Old Town Festival.

Left, this year's Mayor Derek Ben field at the Old Town Festival in 1998 with a festival goer

Friday 4 July Music in the Town Gardens Bowl, 7pm - 10pm Local bands. Free admission. Food & bar

Soul Band 24/7 to perform in the free music event in the Bowl

GILB RTS 0

D WI DON THE PREMIER OLD TOWN CARPET STORE

GILBERTS GENUINE SUMMER SALE * 10% off all carpets * 15% off all upholstery

inc. special orders * 10% off lamps, mirrors, pictures, etc.

Free measuring & fitting service with quality service and choice

GILBERTS CARPETS & UPHOLSTERY 1 Newport Street, Old Town, Swindon

Tel: 0179 3 431992

m

BATH

pSWINDONARTSCAPE

S

ion

30 The Link Magazine • July 2003

Kick off with FC Abbey Meads

CYCLECARE - Purton sales • spares • repairs TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. THE BROMPTON Folding bike light -,. ^ - V

weight,

use with bus/train ' ^,,•

,

Bicycles from GIANT & PUKY

pt' ^l►.

89 High Street, Purton Tel: 778123

Kelly's Salon Middieleaze,West Swindon • NAILARTAIRBRUSHING •:• NAIL EXTENSIONS v STTROPEZAIRBRUSH TANNING v MANICURES & PEDICURES v MASSAGE v WAXING v VIRGIN VIE FACIALS Open 6 days a week

For a friendly & professional service call 01793 886863 or 07720 051013

^onsu/ta^^^

^

Sixteen boys are appealing for sponsorship to help support their newly formed football team FC Abbey Meads.

The boys have already been playing together for two seasons as

part of Blunsdon Football Club and have just had a very good season in the Swindon and District Under 9's league. However, as the majority of the team live in Abbey Meads their parents decided it was time to 'go it alone' and set up a club to represent the expanding northern development area.

Chairman Dave Mulley explained. "We held a meeting and unanimously decided we had the dedication of the parents and a strong enough squad to become a successful team in our own right."

The club has affiliated to the Wiltshire FA and has joined the newly formed North Wilts and District Minors League. They will initially field one under 10's side, Team managers from left, Simon Hennell, Dave Mulley, Adam Piatek, Tanya but look forward to running addi- Parkinson, Steve Clarke, Jason Hackeborn. Players, middle from left, James Piatek, Dale Clarke, Fraser Berry, Jack Willoughby, Ben Parkinson, Jamie tional sides once established.

Secretary, Tanya Parkinson

Achieve Success ^

Hackeborn. Front, Robert Peare, Danny Hale, Joel Prowting, Alex Walshe,

spoke of the need for financial sup- Jamie Mulley, Nick Smith port. "We are in the process of kits and the soon to be launched choosing kits, booking pitches and website, as well publicity. Arkell's obtaining equipment; we are there- Brewery and Asda Wal-Mart have fore appealing to any companies already sent donations and Swinor individuals who would be able don Town Football Club have to help us in some way." agreed to help in a variety of ways.

There is the opportunity for a Dave Mulley summed up the company logo to appear on the mood in the club. "Everybody is really positive and looking forward to being the first to represent our

Vets stretch their legs in summer tournament Greendown Veterans FC holds its annual 6-a-side tournament with barbecue on 12 July, 10.30am to 2pm on the astroturf at Greendown School in Grange Park.

Organiser Peter Cejer said, "we'd like any group of blokes to enter.

Those who have entered before know it's fun to take part."

The entry fee is £20 per team. Contact Peter on 876696 or mail: gvfc@bigfoot.com The team can be found at www.communigate.co.uk/

C s ultancy J Fitness Cons w

LATES

community on the football pitch."

FC Abbey Meads' first game will be at a tournament on 31 August.

Anyone able to offer financial support should contact Tanya Parkinson on 705105 or Simon Melville on 728646.

Parents of boys who would like a trial for the team should contact Simon Hennell on 07789 935066.

... ^^^/// /^

SSES

Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre Monday: 6pm - 7pm; Wednesday: 7.30pm - 8.30pm

wilts/gvfc!index.html

Taw Hill Worship Centre Tuesday:8pm - 9pm

School wins football organising award

Primebodies Fitness Centre Tuesday: I Oam - I I am

Greendown School has been named a Charter Standard School by the Football Association for its 'outstanding contribution to football' through community initiatives, particularly a students sports leadership programme and training for primary teachers.

PERSONAL FL . NESSTRAINING

Great for weight loss, increased motivation, fitness & energy levels

' AL MASSAGE

SPORTS & RE

* Reduce muscle & back pain =, Relieve headaches =;' Relieve sciatica

r---

._ 11 r—^®. _

20% off

5O% off

sports or

your first pilates exercise

remedial massage or personal fitness

training with this advert

'

class (booking advised) with this advert

I

i Bristol City footballer Robin Hulbert attended a primary schools football Charter Standard Football Festival on 19 June to help Greendown youngsters organise the event. The former Swindon Town player presents the FA certificate to four of the students involved, from left, Dan Head, Christopher Garrett, Farrell Copp, Mark King, with youngsters from Shaw Ridge and Freshbrook Primary Schools

31

The Link Magazine • July 2003

Cycling for heart health Lydiard Park is again the setting for the start and finish of the annual British Heart Foundation's Wiltshire Heart Cycle Ride which takes place on Sunday 13 July.

Two marshalled routes through sion to engage in a healthy, chal- Bike in Commercial Road arid Barthe Wiltshire countryside: a chal- lenging and fun day out with fam- gain Bikes in Wootton Bassett. lenging longer route of just over ily and friends plus the opportu50 miles for the cycling enthusi- nity to contribute to the ongoing Breathing easier asts and a shorter 25 mile circuit fight against the miseries of heart Swindon Breathe Easy Club profor a gentler day's exercise. Or- disease.

"Every two minutes, heart and vides friendly meetings for anyganisers say the routes have been carefully chosen to combine inter- circulatory disease kills somebody one suffering from lung and in the UK. The British Heart Foun- respiritory difficulties on the third est, safety and scenic beauty.

Departures take place between dation is the largest independent Friday of each month, 11.30am at gam and 10.30am, with everyone fund provider for heart research in Haydon Centre, Thames Avenue.

For details call group secretary, this country. back by 4.30pm.

The foundation also plays an Chris Rickards on 637566 or Alison Paul Bancroft, the British Heart Foundation's Area Organiser for important role in funding educa- Sarjeant, respiratory nurse, Great Wiltshire said, "the Wiltshire Heart tion, both of the public at large and Western Hospital on 604098.

Cycle Ride offers a unique occa- health professionals, and in pro^, viding life saving cardiac - s r equipment and support for rehabilitation and pa tient care."

The advanced registra tion fee is £5, or a £10 fee for those who register on i q,Call Freephone 08000 648748 to register or pick up a form from Swindon Tuesday: 6.30pm & 8pm !

If Cycle Superstore in Abbey Meads School Beechcroft Road, Total Paula, 701442

r

On your bike for men's cancers Cancer Research UK's Swindon 'Cycle for Life' sets off from Lydiard Park on Sunday 27 July, 10am, one of eighteen rides across Britain to raise funds for research into cancers that affect men.

The 15 mile route is suitable for families and cyclists of all abilities. All are well sign posted and marshalled.

Toby Fielder, Cancer Research UK, Swindon Cycle for Life organiser said, "the support from Swindon people at last year's first event was fantastic. We are hoping that people will get their bikes out of the shed, dust off the saddle and have a really enjoyable day whilst raising funds for research into the diseases that most effect men like lung, prostrate testicular and bowel cancer."

Enter online at www.cycleforlife.co.uk or call 0870 161 1010. The fee is £7.50 for adults and £4.50 for children under 18.

Spring into the saddle with

• THE choice is great

THE price is right THE forecourt parking is free

r Il F (UTTIN4 CL

UB

London trained mobile hair stylist

Call Sue on 0779 6432700

-WeightWatchers WESTLEA SCHOOL Thursday 5.30pm FRESHBROOK CHURCH Wednesday 7pm ST JOHN'S CHURCH, HAYDON WICK

Saturday 1 Oam HAYDON CENTRE Monday 9.30am.

Wednesday 6pm & 7.15pm Discover the new Time To Eat programme

Call 08457 123 000 for other meetings in the area or visit Meeting Finder at www.weightwatchers.co.uk

Health & Beauty at the De Vere Swindon...

Open to both members and non-members alike, the exclusive Health & Beaut y Suite at the De Vere Swindon offers treatments and products by E'spa, Jessica and St Tropez. Being open 7 days a week means you have ample ti me to pamper yourself.

For more information or to book treatments call the Health & Beauty Suite direct on 0 1 7 9 3 8 8936 2 De Vere Hotel, Shaw Ridge Leisure Perk, Whitchill Way, Swindon, Tel: 01793 878785 Fax: 01793 877822 ww .derere,windon.co.uk

Ii

With 230 bikes on show

www.highlandwebsolutio^ns.co.uk

For a really long lasting tan the only choice is St. Tropez, the most natural looking tan around and available now from the Health & Beauty Suite.

SWINDON C C

Thursday: 6pm & 7.30pm St John's Church.

Haydon Wick. Peter, 764684 Class fee £3.75

HIGHLRND WEB SOLIJTIONS

Affordable Web Design & Hosting for the small business owner Tel/Fax: 01793 875789 Mob: 07967 503531

Parts and accessories Repairs workshop Open: Mon to Sat gam to 5.30pm

Closed Sundays Ti

CIREISttR

173E

D E VE.RE

SN5 7D"\

S ' DON aaaa _,_

Sports Massage at Taw Hill Medical Practice R ob M arshall IHBC , 11ST, MHFS

PENNKIr

ROUXNFN[AE gtECNC(tOfl flopâ

$

6VERE HERE GUMEEN11 GNU

60a Beechcroft Road (ex car showroom) Between Stratton Crossroads and Kingsdown

For appointments call: 01793 - 709500 SESSIONS ON MONDAYS 4pm to 6pm Please contact the practice or visit www.tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk for details.

TAW HILL MEDICAL PRACTICE. QUEEN ELIZABETH DRIVE, SWINDON SN25 I TEL: 01793 709500 • FAx: 01793 723875 E-MAIL: ENQUIRIES@TAWHILLSURGERV.NHS.UK

WE

32 The Link Magazine • July 2003 Dog show for all classes in aid of Swindon & District RSPCA

Sunday 6 July. Coate Water Registration 11.30am.

Entry £1.50 per class Opened by the Mayor at 12.15pm • Local heat for RSPCA Dog of the Year competition for rescue dogs.

• 7differentcategoriesforallcomers pedigrees to cross breeds: prettiest bitch, most handsome male, waggiest tail, dog which looks like its owner, best veteran, junior handler.

• Agility course for any dog and owner, £1 • Lots of other attractions Call Anna on 829630 for an entry form

Animal Portraits Lovingly drawn in pastel or pencil from your favourite

photograph.

For a free brochure, call Vikki Loeber

• .^

t

01793 513536 07799 605045

1

v.loeber(a'virgin.nct View the gallery at www.vikkiloeber.co.uk

PETS AT HOME

Worried who will look after your pet whilst you're on holiday?

Pets At Home could be your answer

Paintings illustrate inner feelings

Exhibitions at the North Swindon Library

Reading group to form at West library

Former coal miner Frederick Taylor exhibits paintings at the West Swindon Library from 22 July to 1 August.

Now a reflexology and Reiki therapist Fred calls his exhibition

1 - 31 July Paintings and ceramics by Steve Amey 1 - 9 July Swindon Focus on Carers. Information on the support provided to people who care for others in their home.

12 - 31 July Swindon Volunteers' recruitment display. Information on volunteering opportunities across the town.

With the popularity of reading groups spreading across the land, much prompted by the BBC, staff at the West Swindon library are planning to launch one on Tuesday 22 July, 7pm.

Anyone interested in joining is invited to attend. Or for details, call Tracey Dowling on 465554 or mail: tdowling@swindon.gov.uk

From Darkness to Light.

"I am self

trained and for me, although I really love h' painting, it It's fun, it's free, it's amazing One of Fred's paintings is ninety The Reading Maze is the theme for this year's summer holiday five per cent perspiration an d five reading game which will be running in all Swindon libraries from 19 per cent inspiration," said Fred.

July to 13 September writes Librarian Pat Gould.

Each child will receive a special or call Rachel Douglass on 463238 folder to collect sets of stickers as or mail: rdouglass@swindon DOG & CAT they read the books they've cho- .gov.uk Your library can help in many sen, to progress through the maze GROOMING to receive a medal at the end. Those ways to keep the children amused who get to the end will be invited during the holidays with books, to a fun party at the end of the story-tapes and videos to enjoy as All breeds catered for holidays, well as ideas on hobbies and things General health check The reading game is great fun to make and do. You'll find lots of Saturday and evening for all the children but the empha- information about places to visit appointments available sis is on sharing the enjoyment of in the Swindon area and free reading so we hope that mums, internet access through the PeoCollection & delivery dads, carers and siblings will want ple's Network terminals bring you service available to get involved, information from further afield.

Kind, qualified staff Volunteers play a vital part in So encourage your children to For more details and offers enrolling the children and listen- enter the Reading Maze and come ing to them talk about the books and see for yourself all the other call Jo on 01793 731829 they've read. To get involved con- amazing things your library has to or 0798 4647744 tact your libra ry for more details offer.

NN

6oiv1S

'Jct1 fl SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE

" eno C

t

bLtsiness?

David Warnes BVSc MRCVS • Stefania Glowka DVM MRCVSI

Creature Comforts offers a professional, caring and reliable home pet feeding service when you are away.

You can be sure of a total peace of

Consultations by appointment: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.30pm Saturday 9.00am - 4.00pm

mind service for cats and small animals within your own home (sorry, no dogs).

Contact Helen Murphy Tel: 01793 635498 Mobile: 07798 568462 E-mail: helen.murphy2@ntlworld.com

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 hours)

sheila@hannahlightfoot.freeserve.co.uk

THE DROVE VETERINARY

'r" Thameswood

HOSPITAL

Abbeymeads Veterinary Surgery

1

Small Animal

,

to our web site -^

Swindon's most modern .small animal hospital, offering high qualit surgical and medical care at competitive prices 11 115111 Cl caring, ,'u'ndh and professional environment. y

Opening hours:

,

Mon - Fri 9am - 6.30pm Saturday 12noon - 3pm

t r`

62 - 64 Purton Road, Swindon Tel: 01793 526780

Consulting hours: By appointment Mon - Fri: 9am - 10.30am: 3.30pm - 5pm: 5.30pm - 6.30pm Saturdac 12noon - 3pm y

~ Hospital P

For offers

pri ces, advice& information, log on w

24 hour Emergency Service

For all your pets needs when healthy or ill Unit 5 Abbeymeads Village Centre Elstree Way Abbeymeads Swindon Tel: (01793) 728728

ova

holiday oN

Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 5PY

A friendly, caring service for you and your pet

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

Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on 873062

away

y

24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE - All Sunda and Emergenc consults hr appointment at The Drove Veterinar y Hospital - Telephone (01793) 5224S3J

Open all day: Monday - Friday. n..

—

Saturday 9am - 11 am Consultations by appointment. Ample free parking

33

The Link Magazine • July 2003

Swan sanctuary benefits from e-book A Swindon e-publisher who got her first publicity when The Link wrote about her in February has produced a new book, this time with help from youngsters who attended her workshop at the Swindon Festival of Literature children's day in early May. Jo Dunningham from Old Town said she wrote the story Where have all the flowers gone about the fragility of the planet, as seen from the point of view of bees and spiders, and the children provided the illustrations. "What they achieved in an hour and a half was remarkable," she said. "The children had so much insight into doing something about saving the world and they worked really hard."

She added that her e-publishing activities did not get a lot of attention before The Link story. Now she appears regularly in the media Jo with some of the illustrations for and has been asked to run workher new book shops at local schools and the Peatmoor lagoon vandals Chippenham Arts Festival. "Epublishing allows anybody to get - reward offered their work online; it really is quite Swindon Services and the Naeasy to set up," said Jo. tional Swan Sanctuary are offerWhere have all the flowers gone is ing a reward of £350 for informaavailable as a .pdf download at tion leading to a successful convic£3.45 or £3.99 as a printed book. A tion of the person or persons recontribution from every sale is sponsible for dumping vegetable made to the South West Swan Sanc- oil into Peatmoor Lagoon. Several tuary based in Swindon. swan signets are believed to have Jo's books can be found at drowned from the oil in their feathwww.dunningham.be and can ers. also be purchased from the cafe at Call Martin Hambidge on 464572 Coate Water. if you can help.

the UK's leading cash & carry wholesaler, is looking to recruit warehouse assistants.

The position involves various duties including some lifting.

There are full/part time positions available.

Applications should be made in writing to: Mr P Kent, Batley's Cash & Carry

Frankland Road, Blagrove Industrial Estate West Swindon SN5 8TF Batley's do not discriminate against men or women whatever their race, religion or age

CO-OPERATIVE FUNERAL SERVICE SWINDON ^, ^^oN oFp^^^

439 Cricklade Road (01793) 534759

& Temple House, 4/5 Temple Street (The closest fimeral di rector to the Registrar)

(01793) 491091 24 hour service Private Chapels of Rest • Monumental masonry Funeral pre-payment plans ,^ ^h^^,^^^•^ ^^_^^^

Swindon's town crier in the world's top ten per cent The town's noisest promoter gave a good account of himself and the town when he competed at the tenth Town Crier World Championships in Newquay, Cornwall. Now Fred Ferris from Penhill hopes to raise sponsorship to take part in the next world gathering in Australia in September 2005.

After a week of calling at the end of May, Fred was placed eleventh out of 96 criers who managed to R stay the course, the first time he had entered since becoming Swin don's town crier in 1997.

Despite suffering discomfort caused by his diabetes and tiring r »: days walking around Newquay dressed in his fine green, black and gold ceremonial outfit of a 19th Century station master on the Great Western Railway complete ' .. with large brass bell, the 71 year old said he would not have missed Fred at the Eden Project during his the experience for anything. "The visit to Cornwall at the end of May people were really friendly and Fred is unpaid for his efforts and listened attentively to the calls by meets his own travelling costs and town criers from all over Britain, often accommodation at competiBelgium, Holland and Poland and tions around the country.

However getting to Australia for also from the USA, Australia and quite a few from Canada. It was the next world championships is a amazing to see such a variety of bit beyond his means and he would outfits and to chat about being a welcome support from anybody town crier in other countries, or businesses willing to help "I met lots of people who wanted project Swindon's good name to know more about Swindon's down under. He can be contacted on 721800. attractions."

www.mywishes.coop

0

i i

0

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

returned to projects

to benefit the local community

through the

Community Dividend Scheme.

The Co-op helped Greendown Playgroup with an £800 grant to replace gas heaters.

In 2001 the group received £900 to help refit the building when it was moved to its present site in Grange Park

If you think a project you know of could qualify for a grant of up to £ 1,000, call 01865 256235 for details.

Oxford, Swindon & Gloucester

♦♦1

34 The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ July 2003

Twenty year chip shop man hopes for number 1 spot The Trawlerman fish and chip shop at the West Swindon Centre celebrated its twentieth anniversary on Lydiard Beefeater 23 June with its one and only manager Alan Clarke saying that he hopes it will be voted Britain's best I Beefeater in 2003.

Great Western Way M4 Junction 16 In last year's competition run by The winning entry was selected on the Sea Fish Industry Authority, 23 June, after The Link went to press. â&#x20AC;˘: Part-time bar staff evening/weekend The Trawlerman was in the top ten Customers will be able to cast v Part-time waiting staff evening/ in the South West which puts it in their vote on the best fish and chip weekend the top one per cent in the country. shop in the land later in the year v Part-time receptionist/ The only criticism was the exter- and judges will also make inspecadministrator for Travel Inn nal appearance of the unit which tions before regional finalists are &Touchbase Centre was described as 'traditional.' So announced and the national final v Full-time receptionist for Travel Inn to prepare for this year's judging, takes place in January.

For more details on the owners Coach Caterers invited art Coach Caterers operations diabove positions please call in students from Greendown School rector Ian West paid tribute to and Swindon College to submit Alan. "A business does well for a chat and an application form designs for a new shop window through its managers and Alan has Tel: 881490 which customers could vote on. made an enormous contribution to the success and popularity of M The Trawlerman in West Swindon Alan with the display of shop front and much further afield." www.dy-namic.co.uk DYNAMIC Alan was typically modest about designs from Greendown and Swinhis achievements. "I've really en- don College which customer have been CONSERVATORIES Ltd joyed working at The Trawlerman vo ting on For the more discerning customer all these years. We have a very ment. I have high hopes of doing loyal clientele, an excellent staff really well in the Fish & Chip Shop Design the conservatory team and good company manage- of the Year Competition." ^^ I

you have always dreamed of - in the comfort of your own home - using our latest technology.

Haydon residents oppose skateboard plan

Once we were just another conservatory company .. now we truly live up to our name of Dynamic

Also specialising in the installation of windows and doors 1 0 year insurance backed guarantee

i

Tel: 01793 727297 FENSA istered Company Reg

Proposals by Haydonleigh School and the Haydon Wick Parish Council to site a kickabout and small skateboarding area on Westfield Way next to Haydonleigh School has generated objections from residents living opposite, many of whom believe such an amenity will attract unwanted youths to the school in the late evening.

Parish council chairman Rich- kickabout and skateboarding arard Hailstone explained that an eas were a high priority for the intense campaign in the mid-1990s youngsters we consulted. prevented Wiltshire County Coun"It is meant to be enjoyed by cil selling off the land for develop- local children. The skateboard area ment before Education was trans- is small with three basic features ferred to Swindon Council. sited on it and we do not think it The parish council consulted lo- will attract young people from far cal youngsters about their require- and wide. Skateboarding already ments and an all weather kickabout takes place unofficially in the area was requested. The parish school playground at present. council and Asda-Walmart have "The facility would be used by agreed joint funding. school pupils during the day and Later the Haydon Wick junior be available to the public in the parish council suggested that a evenings; the site would be cleared skateboarding area would be a before the start of each day. popular addition to the scheme "Local people are entitled to have and the grant application to the their say, but I think it is wrong Government's New Opportunities that Safeway should try to underFund was successful. mine a valuable community project Despite the fact that the outline in this negative way." proposal was reported in the par- The proposal will not be submitish newsletter and to parents of ted to Swindon Council's Planning pupils attending the school, objec- Committee until after an assesstions have only been made since a ment of anticipated additional plan was drawn up. Parishioners noise and light has been produced. turned up in force at a council meetAnglo-French links get ing to express heated objections.

A petition opposing both the closer in Haydon Wick skateboard and the kickabout ar- Following a visit on 31 May by the eas has been raised with copies Mayor of La Garenne-Colombes, a being available for signature at small town on the edge of Paris, Safeway store in Haydon Wick. Haydon Wick parish council chairPeople from remoter parts of North man Richard Hailstone and counSwindon and places like Pinehurst cillor Phil Eagle, accompanied by have added their names to those their wives, made a return visit on more directly affected.

20/22 June with a view to firming Richard Hailstone is disap- up a twinning between communipointed by the turn of events. "We ties. Details can be obtained from are always trying to provide for all the parish council offices on sections of the community; the 722746.

_ ON

T HE ROAD

^t\iilli\i\ilt\tai\t\ili^i\tti ►/I/1{1t1{1/1/1{lt//I/1/1/lt/II ILf/f/1t1Lf/f/1L1L1Lf/1/1t1/=tl

35

Freshbrook Way humps cause grief for drivers The June Link highlighted how Freshbrook Way has been made a safer road to cross for pedestrians, particularly children going to and from Oliver Tomkins Infant and Junior Schools after Swindon Council created a 20mph zone and installed a series of humps.

Since then local councillors have getting caught up been fieldingresidents'complaints in the Whitehill of damage to their backs and their Way rush hour d vehicles. Councillor Mary Martin many drivers are - ' said that there had been general now usingRowton support for the 20mph zone, the Heath Way and pelican crossing and the rubber Beaumaris Roa d humps to the west of Freshbrook outside Oliver Way. However people do not like Tomkins School, the concrete humps to the east and where there is no council workmen have reduced traffic calming. their height from 85mm to 70mm.

A fifty name peTo avoid the humps and also tition has been submitted by people calling on the He added that before the humps co ,,,.,,',l tore view the wi der effects 15 p er cent of vehicles were travelling at over 38mph. Since then of the Freshbrook Way humps.

Council road safety officer speeds have been reduced, with 15 Adrian Dean said the 20mph zone per cent recently recorded doing had been installed after six serious more than 22mph. and slight accidents onFreshbrook Toothill councillors: Mary MarWay in three years, three involv- tin - 870705; Steve Wakefield "SELF DRIVE HIRE ing children, one who nearly died. 881962. * la 4acae »^ec^tae ftau^ Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates Cars • Vans • Luton Tail-Lifts

GARY WILKINSON

272 Ermin Street Stratton St. Margaret. Swindon

Car Body Repairs and Paint Spraying M.o.T. Repairs and Welding

Tel: 822193 Radio de-coding while you wait FREE PARKING Open daily 8.30am - 5.30pm Sundays 8.30am - 9.30am

Free Estimates

EA

Unit 12 Brindley Close Cheney Manor Industrial Estate Swindon

01793 421 125

v

MOT Cars • Motorcycles

01793 428430 More than just your local bus company

Thamesdown /1t

k tt'w

£

n don'/ ow Swr

Corporation Street. Swindon SN1 1 DS

BRITANNIA TOWING CENTRE The BEST, BAR NONE, for quality, price and service

NEW CAR, NEW TOWBAR Are

you EC24/90 compliant? We are!

0860 808061

YSHIOLS \1lOCt`1171CtlliIC

SERVICE & REPAIR

Cars - People Carriers Vans Lorries - Agricultural Vehicles "Ong Site Mobile Service"

YOUR SPECIALIST VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONING REPAIRER

I^r r r r ,

Car Servicing & Repairs

=

'5

• Brakes

• Clutches • Exhausts • Welding

We offer free

• Timing belts collection & delivery • Shock absorbers of your vehicle or a • MoTs arranged cou rt esy car • Major engine work 1s•o;.„o,•s•,a.ealda,a c;y, Established 1996

IPS Autoservices Ltd 1 Dores Road. Upper Stratton. Swindon.

Tel: 01793 700220

- ► ag- n :rfl^-ii-7e Providing friendly & efficient * servicing * engine & gearbox rebuilds * electrical repairs * brake and clutch repairs * cam belt replacement CONDITIONING * MOT repairs re ai serviced & repairs makes 5 on allof car * sales

OPTIMA Tel: (01793) 840667 email: optima-wb@freenet.co.uk www.optima-wb.co.uk

39b Station Road, Wootton Bassett Unit 16. Station Industrial Estate, Sheppard Street, Swindon

Tel: 01793 613147

(Opposite St Ivel)

ALL MAKES OF CAR SERVICED AND REPAIRED

36 The Link Magazine • July 2003

Eco-homes ready for first residents Seven environmentally friendly integer Homes in Abbey Meads were completed on 20 June ready for tenants to move in at the end of the month.

Redstone Construction managDesigned by the Westlea HousThe innovative design includes: made from recycled newspapers; ing Association architects and built • timber frames constructed from • using stored rainwater for flush- ing director Graham Carter said

by Swindon firm Redstone Con- trees grown under Forest Stew- ing WCs; the project was both interesting struction, the houses incorporate a ardship Council guidelines; • solar panels on the roof for wa- and challenging. "This is the secwide range of energy saving fea- • high levels of warm cell insulation ter heating; ond major Integer project we have tures, whilst being cost efficient to built. At Abbey Meads we've used build. a range of new and innovative products; this is definitely housing for the future.

CEW BUILDERS

Monday evenings down the bowls club

Brickwork carpentry, patios, driveways.

Painting and decorating Loft conversions 117YEARS EXPERIENCE

Tel: 0781 823 3249 01672 516760 for a no obligation quote and excellent service

Windows & Conservatories A family business with over 25 years experience PVCu Windows and Doors PVCu & Hardwood Conservatories

SOLUTION

Composite Doors Primar y & Secondary Glazing COMPETITIVE LOANS CAN BE ARRANGED SUPPLY & FIT SUPPLY ONLY TRADE OR RETAIL

I tIri

y4

ceao6LC

The Haydon Wick Bowls Club continues its efforts to introduce local people to the joys of the game.

Qualified instructors are on hand every Monday evening all summer to explain the basic skills to anyone considering taking up the sport.

All necessary equipment for the initial practice is supplied by the club, just turn up at the green sited behind the Hayden Centre between 6pm and 8pm. For details The Integer homes nearing corn piecall Nigel Martin on 336839. tion at the end of May. Note the solar The club, which is celebrating panels and the large windows facing its tenth anniversary, held a sucthe afternoon sun cessful President's Day on 7 June.

This year's president, Pauline • reduced use of plastic, gutters Edge, and her family put a lot of are made from galvanised steel; • external walls partly clad with hard work into the event and £150 home grown cedar boarding re- was raised for the Prospect Foundation. quiring no redecoration; • low maintenance zinc roofing; • high quality argon filled double glazed windows; • use of mineral based environmentally friendly paints; • marmoleum floor covering for kitchens and bathrooms, as recommended by the Asthma Society as this inhibits the dust mite; Maintenance free • laminated spruce timber floors for warmth underfoot; UPVC fascia boards • passive ventilation system procladding & guttering viding natural clean air without Expertly fitted at DIY prices the use of electric fans; • provision for recycling houseFREE SURVEY hold waste; NO DEPOSIT • incorporation of a solar space to utilise heat from the sun; Work it out for yourself 1 • intelligent cabling and controls 20 fascia board fitted £ 60 for multi-computer, TV, telephone £135 20' fascia & gutter fitted and electrical consumer use; £205 20' fascia, soffit & gutter • low energy light fittings and use £130 20' fascia & soffit of PIRs which automatically turn (prices correct at time of publication) lights on and off in stairwells; • provision made within the structure for future internal lift for disabled person access to the first floor if and when required.

The energy saving systems are designed to run with little intervention by tenants.

Although building costs are about ten per cent greater than For a free quote other houses, tenants will see major savings in the cost of running their homes, at least a fifty per cent reduction in electricity and gas e-mail: rapers Ctinyworld.co,uk bills.

F E N SA

Y

y

is

Re8istered Company Gom

Wtftdowo d eotweatcxieii Limited

Station Road, Minety, Malmesbury. Wilts SN 16 9QY

Tel: 01666 860736 Fax: 01666 860761 Tel: Steve 01666 860885 or David 01793 772463 eves & w/ends www.classic-windows.com

37

The Link Magazine • July 2003

Plan your Priory Vale plot to get maximum eco-friendly effect

Lards Weddi

Ro m

o

It must be said, some of the gardens at the new houses in Priory Vale are compact, so getting the advice of experts on how to make the most of them is essential.

V 150 gorgeous gowns ^^ % That's the aim of a workshop for discuss design I in sizes 8 - 20 residents at the Priory Vale visitor ideas and which * Vast range of veils, J ^))) ^. centre on Thursday 10 July run by plants work well shoes & tiaras the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. On together and are V Beautiful f hand will be Maggie McDonald, beneficial to wildbridesmaids dresses author of the new RHSi Wildlife life.

V All at half the The trust has Trusts green gardening website, original price and trust worker Catherine Rice to been commisChoose your dream ^^^ -^ sioned to work gown for your special Site connects new with Priory Vale . day with a private J residents to make r: o North community appointment in relaxed Although the 180 homes at Priory the area a haven for g and friendly surroundings doing green in Priory ' ale, from left, Catherine Vale are scattered across ten wildlife. Each new kRice, resident Charlotte Clarke, Maggie McDonald Tel: 01249 446021 building site, the area's website homeownerisP ro- - www.prioryvale.com has been re- vided with an information designed to connect residents pack on how to turn their gardens h peidox ^.` C'o into an eco-friendly habitat for with each other. c ^zidnl S tudio birds, bees and small animals, to • Stunning bridal gowns „t,t,z,b,,,. compliment developers work to • Extensive selection of 18+ sizes i Allred Angelo preserve and enhance the hedgeRon,annea • Over 70 beautiful and modem rows between the building sites.

Jasmine bridesmaids dresses Avica The series of workshops was • Eveningwear • Proms Jona th an Moss launched in June with a session on Cheeky Little Madams • Communion dresses planting to encourage birds and Elizabeth Dickens Largest selection of Copperbox Designs butterflies, as well as tips on Leigh-Anne McCague • Bridal shoes • Veils The site has interactive maps composting. `'^1 Rose Belinda • Handcrafted tiaras &jeweller}' victoria & Edwara The plot planning workshop on showing how to get around Priory Trudy Lee Visit No Borough Fi elds Vale and highlights future devel- 10 July, between 7pm and 9pm, is Annie )Designs Asfuur Crystal Shopping Centre opments like schools, shops, play- free. However call Catherine Rice \'te,,dows Wootton Bassett on 526 244 to book a place. grounds and bus stops.

Kai/ y Henp Kaye 01793 851051 The Priory Vale sustainable garA new residents section of the shades site will list activities being organ- dening information pack can be www.copperboxbridalstudio.co.uk Dine Hassan S od.,ore... www.copperbox.co.uk ised and opportunities to get to downloaded as a .pdf file from www.prioryvale.com know the neighbours. \I

making life a little easier As you'd expect, Olivia Reeves offers a comprehensive

range of high-quality products. So if you need help with;

llj

^•

•

••

»xg

going up and down the stairs, or just enjoying a good night's rest, we have the right product for you.

••

•

getting out and about, stepping in and out of the bath

What's more, we make it easy for you to get the right product at the right price. You can visit us locally in comfortable surroundings, or speak to us on the phone. and we'll only send someone to see you

o r,

•

•

if that's what you want.

po -

locally based

expert advice •

o

•

,,

,_

,

,

F

BLOOMS S Bfeccc

great choice - best value - excellent service Once you've decided what you need, we'll install it, show you how to use it and put it

right if anything goes wrong, because we

^9 hnm t Bloom's Garden Centre

think that's important too.

Just off the M4, Junction 16

or visit us at: Bloom's Garden Centre.

Make your life a little easier, call us

/^n^

hi-

38 The Link Magazine • July 2003 Fuchsia show Bonsai on display The Swindon & District Bonsai So- Saturday 26 July, 1pm - 4.30pm Haydon Wick ciety show takes place on Saturday 5 July, 10.30am to 4.30pm at Community Centre Coleview Community Centre.

Entrance £1, children 50p Entry £1. Refreshments. Trade Disabled access stand. For more information call Organised by the Swindon 07870 995727.

Fuchsia & Pelargonium Society.

ZANDSERVE Garden Maintenance

;filly

& Landscaping

Professional Care ryt f, For four Garden ^' 1 d^^ Grass Cutting Regular Maintenance

Open gardens at Westonbirt School A delightful mixture of formal and informal features, rare and exotic shrubs, an extensive terraced pleasure garden, Italianate walled gardens, water features, wooded walks to a lake and spectacular views of Emma Russell and Ben Callaghan ad- the Westonbirt House. miring a 50 year old Japanese white pine Open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 13 July to 5 brought into Westlea School by Bonsai September, 11am - 4.30pm. Free parking, access for wheelchair users, Society chairman Paul Bowerbank ear- dogs welcome if kept on leads. Entry: £3.50 adults, £2 for school age lier in the year children, under 5s free.

Enquiries during weekday office hours, call 01666 880333.

Westonbirt School can be found on the A433, west of Cirencester.

Landscaping

Patios & Brick Block Paving Hedge Cutting & Pruning No Job Too Small. Free Quotations

Call Martin Emery iMII Hort. on 01793 870956 or Mobile 07771 956294

Dm yotto

g6RIeK

CL Timber

Keefl) 4

4

tif^y-top ok a ks l2e-ovek

1

New & old

Do you tack the tilde ok

sleepers, ply,

l^kow-kow Keebea?

pressure treated ti mber & decking for garden use, close-board fencing

We can help Call J & J BEATTIE Garden Maintenance & Design Tel: 01793 770955 Mob: 0776 2244925 Local & reliable

Delivery arranged in Swindon area,

Drop by or tel: 829715 Mo pen; The Yard yam Sat) Tate Estate SPJ Kingsdown Road Stratton St Margaret, Swindon

Regular maintenance work also welcomed c._

M SMITH LANDSCAPES

Consider it done st The complete landscape service from survey to completion. s7 Make your dream garden a reality :Y Patios designed. laid & repaired dY Walls, steps, all brickwork considered Yt Fencing and fence repairs !7 Block paving with new designs s7 Turf supplied and laid * Water features installed :r References available if required

Every aspect of your garden undertaken. Call now for your , free no obligation quote

Tel: 01793 812496 or 07789 231329 Tel: 855800 Fax: 840139 e: sales@kudosfencing.com Unit 23 & 24 Oaklands Ind. Estate Braydon, Swindon

• Locally run family

Closed board/

panel or picket fencing & gates • Repairs & refurbishments

A celebration of contemporary garden design at the Westonbirt International Festival of Gardens: 6 June - 14 September The Westonbirt International Festival of Gardens together with the Swindon Link is offering readers the opportunity to visit this year's event using the 'four adults for the price of three' voucher below.

The festival runs until 14 September at one of Britain's most popular visitor attractions, the National Arboretum at Westonbirt in Gloucestershire.

Now in its second year, it is dedicated to contemporary conceptual garden design with cutting-edge work by 14 international designers, highlighting colour, water, light, shade, unusual plants and even more unusual materials, all within walking around and on them, and the unique environment of the ar- the 'typical' British summer. Each has to look as good on the final day boretum.

The open landscape of the festi- of the festival as it did on day one, val site invites designs free from allowing for evolution and growth inhibition or pretension allowing over subsequent months.

During the three month festival, designers to take advantage of encouraging visitors to become 'part the Arboretum will reveal a few of the garden', to interact with it, more surprises - hidden amongst enjoy it, wander in it or sit and the trees and clearings will be the reflect, as opposed to merely ob- work of eight installation artists.

Created specifically for the Arboserving it from afar.

Designers had to consider not retum, their pieces will add a new only the aesthetic qualities of their dimension and raise a few eyegardens, but also give careful con- brows and questions in equal sideration as to how their ideas measure.

The Festival of Gardens is open can attract and relate to the visiting audience. A key challenge was daily from 10am to 6pm. For furthat the gardens should be able to ther information call 01666 880220. www.festivalofgardens.co.uk withstand three months of people

4 tickets for the price of 3

business •

Gardens without borders

New & reclaimed

u

_

• Pressure injected

timber treatment an all closed board • Made to measure gates • Concrete posts

Cut out and present this voucher at the ticket sales o ff ice on arrival at the Westonbirt International Festival of Gardens and you will receive one free adult ent ry ticket for every three full priced adult entry tickets purchased.

-

Friendly help and advice on all fencing matters Suppliers to trade public Free home quotations

This offer only applies when three full priced at the ticket holder's own risk. The voucher adult tickets are purchased — concessiona ry is not to be re-sold or transferred for profit and child tickets are not eligible. The offer is or commercial gain. The event organiser is valid from 6th June 2003 to 14th September Westonbi rt , The National TTiT 2003. This voucher may not be used in YI^]ti:1fLlsa7.g Arboretum. Tetbu ry, conjunction with any other offer. Tickets are , n t 0 n a t i0na Gloucestershire sold subject to the rules and regulations of the event organiser. The festival may be Gt_8 803. f e s t i v a ( cancelled or postponed by the organiser 9 TL07 without giving notice Ent ry to the festival is -

available

' I

----

•

-=

----

=

----------

39

The Link Magazine • July 2003

G \ ^E3rJ LAN D CAPIING

EDEN LANDSCAPES

DOCTORSj

O Paving, Walling

LANDSCAPIN

GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION

• Fencing - closeboard, panels etc.

• Drives and patios - slabs. concrete, shingle • Patio cleaning, grass cutting, gardens tidied up • Turfing and grass seeding • Ponds & pergolas ntact: 01793 692687 .mcobile: 07711 253508 Lc

0

LANDSCAPING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Fencing, Patios

A

Mr ROTAVATOR Creative Gardens Get your

Tel: 01793 702076

garden fit

M i10 :

O Water Features

"No job too small'!

For reliable service and quality work

Tel: 01367 710772 Mob: 0775 4245160

G

GARDEN

• Trained team • Fully insured For free quotation Tel: (01793) 526571 Mobile: 07760 1 27139

LAWNHOPPERS

N

LANDSCAPE SERVICES www.horticare.co.uk

9wameu

LAWN & HEDGE CU TTING

* Patios * Ponds * Turfing * Fencing

PATIO & TURF LAYING GENERAL GARDEN TIDY FENCE ERECTION, STAINING & MAINTENANCE

* Garden maintenance * Garden design

Give your garden a makeover

* Decking * Pergolas

grasscutting 7

A grasscutting service for both large and small gardens

Weekly, fortnightly or monthly visits All machinery supplied to keep your garden neat and tidy

For all landscaping reeds: patios,ponds, block paving, fencing, clearance, free estimates, competitive rates. big or small - we do it all! mrrotavator@hotmail.com

Terra Forma Garden Designs Outline garden plan to^^ a full purchasing and planting service R.H.S. trained & Competitive

All rubbish removed

Tel: 01793 873630 Mobile: 0781 8430556 e-mail: davidsmith@garden-groomers.con www.garden-groomers.com

ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Full garden maintenance service available

Tel: 704204

THE TIMBER DECKING COMPANY

www.timberdeckingco.co.uk

rates

1st consultation FREE

Tel: 01793 495915 01793 727221

Beautiful Garden

LTD Your complete TIMBER DECKING Specialist

1

AI

0 Timber Decking 0 E asy Assemble Customised Decking Kits

O Tanalised Timber O Pergolas, Arbours & Gazebos

6 Brindley Close Cheney Manor Industrial Estate Swindon SN2 2YW

O Decorative Aggregates

O Ornamental Fencing [ws

^

y

01793 488899

Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm; Sat gam - 5p m S un 12noon - 4pm (April - Sept)

FREE DELIVERY COMPETITIVE PRICES Discounts available on large orders Block paving • Driveways • Paths • Patios Decking • Rockeries • Fencing • Pergolas • Turf Side of Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor Ind Est, Swindon. Tel: 484455

40 The Link Magazine • July 200 3

Wonderful Wings Weekend 19 & 20 July, 12 noon to 5pm. Walled Garden, Lydiard Park Would you like to know what goes on inside a beehive, see falcons swoop down at 60 miles per hour, and find out what plants will attract butterflies into your garden - all for free?

Artspark will show Harris and Jane Grell, will be followed by a you how to make a flying bird, make a bird night walk at 9pm to see box, have your face bats and trap moths r painted with a winged around Lydiard's lake. design and learn more A bat walk takes place ' ^x about Swindon's wildt on Sunday. Places are limited so book with Neil life from local conservation organisations.

Pullen, the Swindon (' :' Wildlife Officer, on Bring a picnic to enjoy'NightWings'onSaturday7pm. 526228 or Kathleen Wyatt on Entertainment called Journey on the 436909. Call them for a full proWings of Imagination with Tom gramme of events.

LETTERS TO THE LINK should be sent to the address on page 4 by 9th of the mouth

War time attacks on Swindon From Mr Mapstone, Hughes Street, Swindon

I was interested in your story of the air raid on the gas works in 1943. I was eleven years old when I witnessed the raid.

Our family were due to catch an early train to Paignton that morning for a holiday. I remember my mother saying the night before that the hooter would probably wake us all up. Well that's what happened. It was decided to wait for the all clear before we set out.

I was ready to go, but with noth-

ing to do I went and stood by our front gate. I was looking down Hughes Street towards the gas works when I saw an aircraft flying towards me. I didn't know what type it was because I could only see the front.

Then I saw it release its bombs so I ran through the house to the shelter in the back garden. Between the backdoor and the shelter I saw the explosions; needless to say I dived straight into the shelter.

Litter responsibility From Eddie Bed well, Haydon Wick

1

x

If --ii

COMPLETE PROPERTY SERVICES (Formerly Merlin Property Services)

Kitchens + Bathrooms + Renovations + Alterations Industrial maintenance • Plumbing + Electrical • UPVC Doors & Windows d• Carpentry + Floor & wall tiling + Painting & decorating

L

For free & friendly advice on our full range of Gutter/Fascia systems professionally installed and guaranteed, CALL US ON

Mobile: 07785 522377 Tel: 01793 616170

Tel: 855700/855800 • Fax: 840139 Unit 23 & 24 Oaklands Ind. Est. Braydon, Swindon

carpet

•

cleaning professional is ready to help

\N TSIIPE OF „i-C

CA

PNOtSiEP`' ^tAN1NG RPET U d

&

q3)

e

^'

aoME Sri

COMMEpC IAI, ^hSUP1

c,

A&

* Professional spotting L kits available Stain removal made easy

Alan Trask of Ultra Clean

* Deodorising treatment Leaves carpets &

fabric smelling fresh * Leather suites cleaned & treated

the problem by imposing a plastic bag tax. Well done them.

Packaging on some products is very necessary to prevent damage and contamination, but in many cases I see packaging that is totally over the top and y ou pay for that and then throw it away.

Supermarkets, it's way over time you too took your responsibilities seriously, so why can't you get together and do something about it?

Answers please.

Top shelf in your face. What is acceptable?

From Jacqueline Horrre troni We f lea

As a young mother with an 8 month old baby I regularly walk through the West Swindon shopping centre and more often than not this will include a trip to Martin the newsagent where the local post office is situated.

Over recent months I have become very concerned about the display of the Daily Sport close to the entrance. Recently this so called daily newspaper front page featured a female with her legs spread apart revealing her underwear.

This obviously was not revealing enough, they also had a close up insert of her crotch.

There are many magazines for men, women, and now most teen magazines, where sex and nudity is freely published. Usually these

MAIN

Swindon's

* Fully trained & insured operators * Commercial rates available

Litter is our fault — but it starts in shops and supermarkets.

Isn't it time our shops took up their share of responsibility for this major problem?

Few take any action to stop trolleys being taken off their sites which end up littering streets and streams. They give away millions of plastic bags as if they grow like leaves on trees — which is where many end up. Why can't we be expected to use our own bags?

Ireland has drastically reduced

* Anti allergy treatment For asthma & allergy

sufferers * Satisfaction guaranteed

Phone now for free no obligation estimate on

01793 - 870756 ULTRA CLEAN (WILTSHIRE) Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm • Sat 9am - 1pm

priate place for the paper. He advised that he sees no harm with material such as this being down low in full view of children and sug-

gested that I use the other entrance -

great.

This response

was inadequate.

Martin's customer services told me that moving the Daily Sport away from the entrance would lose sales and money and they were only willing for the paper to be turned upside down. As the stand is see-through this seems a pointless exercise.

So I was well and truly hitting my head against the 'it's acceptable brick wall, or is it?

How many of us are truly happy with what society says is acceptable. How many of us don't bother saying anything because they think magazines are placed higher on nothing will get done?

What kind of a world do we live the shelves inside the store, not right down low at the front where in where sales and profits are valsmall children can see. People have ued over the impression left on a choice if they want to look at our children? I don't think it is such magazines, but Martin's do acceptable but because no one else not allow this choice as far as the has complained I got nowhere.

Maybe if more of us did comDaily Sport is concerned. Why is plain we would get heard. Marthis so?

I raised my concerns with the tin's customer services can be conmanager requesting a more appro- tacted on 01277 376376.

41

A 2 Z Home Improvements All your needs in one number Kitchen/Bathroom fitting, Tiling, Plumbing, Electrics,

Painting, Decorating, Carpentry and much more Tel: (01793) 339671 Mobile:(07778) 207977

111 Pinehurst Road Swindon

AMI

SKIPS

Specialists in PVCU, windows, doors and conservatories.

2, 22,3,4.5

yards capacity 5 days given to fill skip

Also house clearances

Freephone 0800 - 387613 Tel: 848425 8am - 6pm

Tel: 01793 848177 or 770596 ,22 Ravens Walk, Wootton Bassett,

Brewster Hire Centr Carpet cleaners £20 days hire; £25 2 days/weeken hire (includes shampoo) 20% off all other tool hire (Includes half day and over-night hires)

1 78 Rodbourne Road Near Designer Outlet Village Tel: 01793 522306

..

•—-

.2 -

rJ FREE FITTING SELECT AT HOME 1 ! BUY DIRECT

v NOW 9am - 9pm any day

Choosing wallcoverings is a pleasure in our new look showroom...

Great news! We have completely refurbished our Swindon showroom to bring you an even better selection of wallpapers, paints and decorating materials in brighter, more comfortable surroundings.

FABRICS Great selection plus full cu rt ain making service. /

Swindon & Surrounds

/

i i i t

BLINDS Dazzling selection / of Sunway & Luxaflex roller, / All the i leading I venetian and ve rt ical blinds. /

•a

/

names1

PAINTS 1 ,000s of colours A Blendwo rt h instantly available from top . Crowson . Harle uin i i

01193 814983

names. Albany.

X r

If no reply 0800 212532 *off current prices on selected ranges e-mail us at enquiries@albanyblinds.co.uk

ri' A

bany

`

Monliwell . Sanderson j Shand Kydd . Wilman

Crown.

and many more! ,/ Oulux, Permoglaze.

Farrow & Ball. Fired Earth ♦ o/ and Sanderson also available ^/ Ono

order. 0 ,'

WOOD TREATMENTS Full range including Sadolin

and Sikkens.

.

i A

—

all WALLPAPERS FABRICS & BLINDS

On production of this adoerl.' E:c special offe —

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

rs .

—

J

1.

1

t

{..'

RSV

AIR

42

BATHROOMS M&M PROPERTY SERVICES

BATHROOMS

• Bathroom & kitchen ^—p installation • Floor & wall tiling • Plumbing • Guttering & fascias

QUALITY HANDFITTE BATHROOMS

by Mark Hughes

Tel: 01793 723407 Mobile: 07990 847623

CA RPENTRY

E ,J4ROOM S

BUILDING SERVICES

BUILDING S ERVICES

AH MCHUGH

A.L. SERVICES

COMPLETE BUILDING SERVICE

for all building & home improvements

Extensions

^• Alterations

New build r te.— Conservatories i

Free quotations s

Friend advice

Tel/Fax: 01793 875559 Mobile: 07748 964433 e-mail: admin @ bathroomsms. net

SWINDON ` 01793 727659 Mobile 0775 774533 IM

www.bathroomsrus.net

CONSE RVATORIES

DEC ORAT OR

3 Extensions /Building work

1 l

3 Roofing repairs 3 Carpentry 3 Plastering /Decorating & much more

Call Tony on 487762 Mobile: 07751 924588

DECORATOR

NATHAN PERKINS LTD

S c' rvke O Fitted bedrooms and kitchens Replacement doors & staircases O Laminate floors O Household repairs and general maintenance O Decking - supplied and fitted

Windows Doors Porches Conservatorie

^^

10 years '

independent

trading

Full range of finishes

Free no obligation quotes

Insurance backed guaranteed

Kevin Cook

Tel: 01793 887690 Mobile: 07798 682271

Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

ELECTRICIAN NEWTECH U.K. Ltd New electrical installations Additional sockets and lights Additional telephone points Security lighting & alarms Fault finding & repair Electric showers -; Rewires P.C. networks FREE QUOTES

Phone 01793 877032 Mobile 07711 458026 All work guaranteed and undertaken by a qualified engineer

HOUSE/GARDEN M&M P ROPERTY SERVICES • Patios • Pergolas • Fencing • Turfing • Walls Tel: 01793 723407/701469 Mobile: 07990 847623

ELECTRIC IAN

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

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294

KITCHENS

f

Painting and decorating Domestic & Commercial FREE ESTIMATES Quality & Service Tel: 01793 882093 Mobile: 07957 934536

[ELECTRICIAN

Ladsworth ELECTRICAL Quality Domestic Electrical Installations Extractor fans Outside lighting Pond pumps Power to sheds & garages Extra lights & sockets Small plumbing jobs Experienced & reliable Tel: 01793 821377

Mob: 07905 949734

MA INTENA NCE GENERAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES

All interior and exterior maintenance problems solved

• Bathrooms & • Carpentry kitchens • Fascia/ cladding • Plumbing • Painting • Electrical Plus much more Quality service guaranteed Fully insured Free no obligation quotation Tel: 01793 434184 or 07719 272393 chris.garrett2@btinternet.com Our reputation is built on your satisfaction

• I nterior/exterior painting & decorating • Tiling • Wallpaper hanging • Replacement skirtingboards, coving, picture rails • Laminate flooring fitted No job too small • Roonrs left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

Contact Andy: 01793 729354/07900 835116 Mitch: 01793 537324 / 07977 562288

ELE CTRICIAN SP Selley Electrical Contractors Your local 24 hour electrician • New Installations • Security lighting •a ♦ Showers / • Storage heaters ° • Extra lights/sockets • Consumer units JIB Approved & RCDs

Free estimates and wiring inspections Tel: 01793 823851 Mobile: 07931 838318

P LASTERI NG

Brian Jones Plastering Services ** External rendering * Plastering two coat * Re-skimming ** D ry lining * Coving * New or repairs

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

a BUILDING SERVICES Fairways Building Specialist O Maintenance & repairs O New buildings/extensions O Stonework O Renovations O Conservatories Fast friendly service Quality work at reasonable prices

Call Phil on 829068 or 0799 0534575

DECORATOR

BUILDING S

G.Y. Building Specialist

Extensions and loft conversion specialists Also painting, decorating and paperhanging

Maintenance work undertaken Est 15 years

For a free quotation call 07767 417079 (day) or

JAMES

Professional

O'SULLIVAN

painter and decorator Personal one-to-one service Clean, reliable, quality work - no job too small

Interior & Exterior Painting and Decorating Wallpapering, Coving, Artexing Established 22 vear.s

For free quote call Paul on

For a professional finish telephone 07971 347345 (mob) or 616933

07712 749315 or 337557

DETAILS @

www.swindnlink.com

DOUBLE GLAZING

DECORATOR

Paul Comer

GK DECORATORS Interior & exterior

painting and decorating Coving • Dado rails No job too big or too small. Free estimates and friendly service

FENSA See our advert on page 4

HEATI NG & PLUMBING

SHAW Electrical & Plumbing Ltd

At

ROB HALL

W.

All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet

lighting ^r MASTERFITTER

rewiring security lighting garden electrics power & electric showers heating r bathrooms

Tel: (01793) 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364

_

©

PLU MBIN G & HE ATING

Plumbing & Heating Services

^o

For gas central heating, bathrooms, showers and all other plumbing & heating work

CALL 01793 522579 MOBILE: 0781 6906437 mps.uk@btinternet.com

`.

Reg No 67416

Building Small roof repairs Guttering and

Tel: 01793 815254 5,;.07606

A LL W ORK GUARANTEED. FULLY INSURED

boiler servicing and repairs,

PLU MBIN G

PLUMBIN G

General plumbing

• Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Outside taps • Power showers • Bathroom installations Res1o12sry All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

• Radiators • Pumps ^^^ • Tanks • Boilers • Cylinders • Burst pipes • Taps • Washing machine installed

Mobile: 07973 663367

Tel/Fax: 01793 723495 All garden work Concreting paths Patio repairs

Fascia

Quality Plumbing & Heating

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905

ALL EXTERNAL & INTERNAL WORK

All carpentry External painting Internal painting & decorating Electrical Replace sockets Extra sockets Outside lights

All aspects of plumbing

PLUMBING & HEATING

D & G HOUSE & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Repair or replace

bathroom and power showers

07970 865883

HOUSE/GARDEN

small walls Grass cutting Hedges & trees cut Plumbing repairs Toilets, wash basins, bath taps, overflows repaired or replaced

Central heating installations,

Call now for free, at home consultation

25 Kennet Avenue, G ree n meadow

M.P.S.

HEATING, GAS & PLUMBING SERVICES

Wood & ceramics • Supply or fit only Commercial domestic • Safety flooring All work guaranteed • 14 years experience

.dlI lI National Inspection Council o.EO w .o• for Electrical Installation Contracting

I. For quality windows and doors Tel: 01793 331551 07775 621 764 / 07799 2134998

FLOORING

installations. Maintenance & repairs

S,G

INSTALLATIONS

Tel:01793 701394 Mobile: 0790 0216618

ELECTRICAL/PLUMB ING

Domestic, commercial & industrial

TO GET YOUR MESSAGE ACROSS I N SWINDON'S MOST CLOSELY PUBLICATION, CALL

01793 872531

01793 435876 (eve)

DECORATOR

interior/exterior

43

services

A local service by

o 0 _D oEc c

r,

Tel: 01793 828882

ire

ba/jhroonis

general plumbing Complete Bathroom Installation • PLUMBING • TILING • ELECTRICS • EN SUITES

FREE QUOTATIONS

01793 431211 or 07771 998929:

SERVICE

44

ACCOUNTANCY

AERIAL S E R VICES

AERIAL SERVICES

Aerial & Television

Give us a call

Services TAxAssisrDaecr

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses and taxpayers

• TV & FM aerials • Extra satellite points • Video & TV repairs • Signal amplifiers

Self assessment • Tax returns Annual accounts • Book-keeping PAYE • VAT etc • Employed Self employed • In business

No call out

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

guaranteed

APPLIANCE REPAIR S

BOOK-KEEPING

Jf

4

Same day, local service wherever possible Washing Machines Twin Tubs, etc.

Me ©erof Tumble Driers I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Se rvice Spares Repairs

Tel: 01793 702601 Mobile: 07774 943 783

• Management accounts • VAT return • Sage - payroll • Sage-accounting Self assessment • Self employed Small business For a professional & friendly service

BLOCKED DRAINS CLEARED FAST • CCTV surveys • High pressure jetting • Pipe relining • Locally based - competitive rates 24 hour call out • • No call out charge

Tel: 01793 828882 RE MOVALS/STOR AGE

ABBEY MOVE eve

Sky Digital & Freeview No call out charge New home specialists

CARPET CLEANIN G

S§a

LEATHER • Expe rt cleaning • Expert advice • Expert products

CARPETS • Expert assessment • No dirt attracting residue • Carpet repairs and refitting services

Professionals in domestic & commercial furnishing care For your free evaluation call Freephone: 0808 144 5425

GARDEN S ERVIC ES Grass cutting Hedge trimming

WE

SPARES • REPAIRS • SERVICE

Chris Reed Swindon 538839 Mobile: 07702 285865

Tel: 01793 854378

REMOVALS & STORAGE kireuvAa r

rs _

^►.f

7r7^

°'

LL

Li X15 a ^•s ilj ero blyger Shsn we seundl

Tel: 01793 772888

Single Items / Full House Long / Short Distance Storage Specialists Packing Service Late Bookings

• Regular, occasional or one-off • Long grass no problem • Clean, tidy work • Sensible prices • Odd jobs, fencing repairs. etc.

Friendly, 7 day service

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

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE 11 The Arcade, High Street Wootton Bassett

SFW^tf

eclea

UPHOLSTERY

Eeeue sewer

i 9F/S A M[[X

f

• Fabrics revitalised • No shrink or colour run • Dry in the shortest time

'a44ee

O D

Ukcic

nHer

• • •

ELECT RICAL SERV ICES

DRAINS

Member of

3^ne r ^`L' ='^' - ^ s , ^re^rrir^ii^n nom ^re^m^if/

for a free no obl igation consultation

y

• TV & FM Aerials • Extra TV points • Same day service

The toughest stains tackled

Complete Book-keeping Se rv ices

call 01793 616170

j'

01793

488688Confederation of Aerial Industries Ltd

charge

All work

J Savage

I

Tel:

t

REMOVALS / PACKING / STORAGE DENNIS'S REMOVALS THORNHILL IND ESTATE SOUTH MARSTON, SWINDON SN3 4TA

TEL: (01793) 828224 FAX : (01793) 828248

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

Tel (01793) 727307 Mob 07811 188564

Tel: 01793 772888 Fax: 01793 772444

WWW.ABBEYMOVE.CO.UK

EMail: ashobbs@theashgroup.freeserve.co.uk

Established over 30 years • UK & European domestic moves Container storage in our own on-site secure warehouse Professionally trained staff • Packing materials supplied Packing service available • Commercial removals & storage Archive storage & document retrieval Confidential shredding and disposal • Free Estimates

SECTOR

45

AERIAL SE RVICES

AI RPORT TRAVEL

CHRIS PAYNE

AIRPOR TS

AERIALS

Satellite TV Sky & digital terrestial Extra TV, telephone & electrical points Storm damage

C^

Specialist airport transfer services by car, MPV or 8 seater minibus Reliable travel for holiday makers

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

11 SIGMA

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

NEW PCs/Spares/Repairs Upgrades/Service/Support Internet & Network Solutions For friendly EXPERT advice & PROMPT on-site service

Tel: 01793 633924 Mobile: 0781 6014363

or mobile: 07808 355487 Email: diff.whiteway@htinternet.com

sales@sigmacomputersoIutions.co.uk

GLASS & GLAZING

IRONI NG I RONING A

CHORE?

call 01793 728377 RU BBISH RE MOVALS

Not an^^,» ?^Z vYto'(e!

Ironing done in a smoke free enviroment at sensible rates

jusr TRE JoB Domestic Services Agency

ARE YOU TOO BUSY TO CLEAN? We offer: Regular house cleaning • Ironing ♦ Gardening r ♦ Carpet cleaning

4

•

/ f

For full details, call us on 01793 861112 (teVfax)

IRONIN G Creaseless

DVD TRANSFER DVD Disc Services DVD Pictures We professionally transfer anything to DVD disc.

Watch it on your TV using your DVD player or computer.

Transfer you home video or cine films to DVD disc. Photos weddings, holidays or birthdays Legal and business documents transferred to DVD disc All enquiries Wiltshire office

Tel: 01793 705333 Mobile: 07831 575758 PO Box 2079 Manvers Street. Bath BAI 3TJ

OVEN CLEANING

Ironing

Services

by Kas

O i XLE N, The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

Need help keeping that pile of ironing down?

One-off, weekly, fortnightly or simply whenever!

Pick up and delivery back to your front door the next day.

Good Prices

Call Karen

To book your Oven Clean call 01793 520362 We use caustic free cleaning products with a fresh solution each time. Hobs, extractors. microwaves and barbecue grills

01793 341644

Mobile: 07752 020722

also undertaken

SIGN S

SUNBED HIRE

LTV & VIDEO REPAIRS

Deb's Sunbeds

Home

CLEARANCE

Tel: 01793 772268

A SUDS

Call Jackie on 721878 or Donna on 721719

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC RUBBISH DISPOSAL & HOUSE You name it, we move it Quick and clean service Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

• Same day servic call out charge • No VAT

ESTIC HELP

COMPUTER SU Computer Solutions

24 hour service Glazing Boarding Double glazing units Safety glass Toughened glass Greenhouse glass Leadlight repairs For further details

Guaranteed repairs

'liTIJ

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

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

•

32 years experience.

No VAT. All work guaranteed

SKY

f Whitewa

Most leading brands

John Phillips Servicing

Competitive prices

CARPET C LEANING ^

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

w

& SATELLITE SYSTEMS

Tel: 01793 700018 Mobile: 0777 6236415

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Rental

GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE

Fast tanning canopies and doubles also available Free installation & local delivery

Tel: 01793 430027 Fax: 01793 727294 Email: paulr3 dt-impressions.freeserve.co.uk

Tel: 01793 619758/726906

anytime ( Mobile: 07778 - 641052)

Free home estimates -j

r

No call out charge All repairs guaranteed

Tel: 01793-812738

46 The Link Magazine • July 2003

Digital Cameras PCs, Laptops & Accessories Specialising in supplying and sourcing pre-owned. refurbished & end of line

AMETHYST '-'CRYSTAL & REIKI HEALING • --y •

Julie Hopkins Crystal Healer & Reiki Master Tel: 01793 870109

Also PC Services Setup, spares, upgrades, tuition etc.

T: 01793 531201 M: 07747 747000 Fax: 01793 430774 Email: sales@amos-uk.com website: www.amos-uk.com

•

on St Andrew's Ridge n n Call Penny on 341214 WE/LA

to

book an appointment

Tel: Sam 01793 872996

Specialist Artexing

(Gents by referral only) www.Rainbow-Health.com

Tel: (01793) 791388

To book an appointment calf Barbara on 07986 042 366

Indian Head Massage Nutritional testing Gift certificates available

Amos Computer Technology Solutions

Hairdressing Salon

Pure Essence Aromatherapy • Rei1i Indian J-fead 9l1assage Ear Canifling St Andrews Ridge Area

Mobile Therapist

Please telephone, fax or email with your requirements

The Cutting Room

ACS

13

DECOTEX Painter & Decorator

/

/ [ aaL [1

For Sale

For Sale

Fo For Sale

For Sale

Ladies Raleigh bike. Pioneer. clean condition. £20. Ladies racer, working order. £10 one or both for £25. Tel: 706923 Boys mountain bike, 5 gears. vgc. suit 6 yo 8 yrs. £25. Tel: 882868 Professional set-up street/trail BMX, call for spec, £350 ono. Tel: 07745 000437

Britax car seat 9 - 18kg (9 months - 5 yrs) good condition, £25. Tel: 812750 Umbrella folding pushchair as new. used once. £15. Tel: 874131 Bob The Builder workbench. £30. Fitness step-up machine, £15. Beech effect wood/metal frame futon, £150 one. Tel: 433484 Two sets of Tae Kwon Do junior sparring kit, metallic blue/black. fit 8/14yrs. Tel: 882466

Black ash wall unit with shelves and cupboard. £20. Tel: 723935 G Plan video television teak cabinet as new, £50 ono. Tel: 535989 Brand new single bed, mattress, headboard, £45 ono. Tel: 871968

Clarinet Buffett Bio, excel cond. nearly new. £120 ono. Tel: 07970 977586

Ladies bike, excellent condition, £50.

Young ladies bike, good condition, with helmet. £40. Tel: 538901 Boys bike, 5 gears, metalic blue, suit 6 to 8 yrs, vgc, £25. Tel: 882868 Bike rack, incl towbar fitting, vgc, £20.

Tel: 531162 McClaren 2 in 1 pram/pushchair, complete with apron, rain cover, cosytoes and sun canopy, £45 ono. Tel: 876384 Graco double pushchair tandem style. shopping basket. 3 position lie-back rear seat. vgc, £40 one. Tel: 336775 Newborn baby car seat, vgc, £10. Baby bath. vgc. £5. Tel: 879998 ELC climbing frame with monkey bars, slide and extension. platform and pole. £100. Tel: 330147 Wooden playpen. £5. Listening monitors, £5. Tel: 879998 Bag of baby boys clothes, 0 - 3 & 3 - 6 months, excellent condition, £5/bag. Tel: 879998 Stairgate, extendable only £10. Tel: 723935 Pram/pushchair Rapido yellow/blue raincover. cosytoes, changing mat, shopping net, from birth. £60. Tel: 874768 Cotbed, wardrobe, drawers and changing unit, pine effect in good condition, £150 ono. Tel: 873276

Jay-Be Studio 3 bunk bed/work station.

10 yr guarantee. 2.5 yrs old, plus chair. new £500. sell £250. Tel: 721539 Bedside table with two drawers, pale grey with glass top. excellent condition, £8. Tel: 723935 Bedside table with one drawer, good condition. £6. Tel: 723935 White childs wardrobe with two drawers. £5. Tel: 723935 Dining table and six chairs including two carvers and middle extension, £40.

Tel: 695881 DFS Naples sofa and two armchairs. 18 months old, vgc, £500 one. Tel: 703475 Front room large cabinet, reasonable condition. £20. Tel: 611688 2 headboards for single beds. blue cloth finish as new condition, £20 each. Tel: 882868 Black laquered three tier floor standing shelf unit, ideal ornament display, unwanted gift, £22. Tel: 871426 Sideboard, oak, 53" x 1'6" x 2'8" tall. excellent condition. £60. Tel: 872915 Settee with 2 armchairs, brown/green pattern, good condition, £80 ono. Tel: 886009 Antique cast iron brass double bed, good condition, cost £850 new, £350 one. Tel: 882269

___________________-1

Free private for Sale & Wanted ads Send to: The Link, Papermakers House, Rivenhall Road, Westlea,

Tel: Name & Address (not for publication)

L ------------------------------------

Three saucepans, pressure cooker, roasting meat tin etc, & two rugs. free.

Tel: 879505 Pair curtains, new, floral design, 60" x 90", £8. Tel: 529025 Two single wool blankets, £1.50 each or £2.50 for both. Single flannellette sheets, blue, £1.25 each or 4 for £4. Tel: 871426 (after 6pm) Two pairs curtains, cream background with pink rose design, tie backs, frill, 66 w, 721, £15. Tel: 529025 1 silver/grey and 1 pink king size, 5ft. bed head board in good condition, £40 each. Tel: 722455 Carboot assorted items (house clearup) offers. Tel: 639877 Beko double oven with ceramic hob. grill/top oven, full size fan oven, insured.

Tel: 487661 Electrolux freezer, white, 3 drawers, 8 months old, excellent condition, quick sale wanted. £75 ono. Tel: 323832 Iceline fridge/freezer. 1 301tr fridge. 3 drawer freezer, 1 32h, 54w, 56d, 4 years old, excellent condition, buyer collects, £100 ono. Tel: 881147 Bosch washer. white, 3 yrs old, great working order. £120. Tel: 728177 Zanussi washing machine and dish washer only 2 yrs old with instructions, £75 each. Tel: 728608 Bissell hoover Majic broom, good working order, £7. Tel: 871157 Gas fire, black with brass trim, coal effect, dual control, cost £300+, vgc. £80. Tel: 07765 258969 Wall fan heater, ideal for bathroom, pullcord. thermostat control, good condition. £12. Tel: 723935 Eltax Symphony Centre speaker for home cinema, as new condition. £20.

Tel: 882868 JVC music system. CD. double tape, radio tuner, remoter control, speakers, immaculate condition, £125 ovno. Tel: 870047 JVC 14" TV, good condition, £25. Tel: 877682 Goodmans TV with stand plus video & mini hi-fi system with CD, good working order, £50. Tel: 729068

Rail enthusiasts: collection of nearly 40 popular hardback railway books, all vgc. Tel: 722455 for details.

Hitachi 24" teletext television with stand and remote control, good working order, £45. Tel: 876060 Computer games. minimum 64mb, Championship Manager, Links Golf.

Airport, Fly simulation. boxed. £2 each.

Tel: 631314 Computer games, minimum 64mb.

Barbie Sleeping Beauty, Maths Blaster 6-9yrs, Maths 7 - 11 yrs, £2 each. Tel: 631314 2 hamster cages, with many accessories, both in good condition. £8 & £5.

Tel: 875218 Sturdy wooden step ladder, £20. Tel: 871426 (after 6pm) Greenhouse, 8' x 6' vgc. buyer dismantles, £85 ono. Tel: 725602 20 paving slabs, £1 each one. Nissan Micra wheel trims, offers. Ladies Raleigh Compact bike, offers. Tel: 0781 7061290 Conway Cruiser tent 1990. 4/6 berth., cooker. fridge. wardrobe, toilet tent & extras, good cond, £825. Tel: 724079 Hydraulic trolley jack & 2 axle stands, £20 ono. Tel: 887106 VW Golf. V reg, blue, ex cond, low mileages, tax & MOT, female owner, £6.995. Tel: 490266 Scooter Piaggio Zip 125cc, Y reg, 2,000 miles. top box incl, £995 ono. Tel: 875274 Motorbike Honda CG 125. 1992. 15.000 miles. MOT. tax, £450 ono. Tel: 875274 CD stacker for Honda Streem or CRV. 6 months old vgc, £150 ono. Tel: 882783 Halfords roof bars for Cavalier, Vectra, never used. £45. Tel: 423081 Car ramps. factory made. £10. Tel: 875469

Wanted Garden maintenance required in Hayden Wick, 2-3 hours per week. time to suit, sometimes more hours if required.

Tel: 727158 Cona coffee m/c, must be in vgc. Tel: 534368 Wagner CDs. operas. Tel: 877184

To rent Therapy room to rent/share, West Swindon area. Suit alternative health or massage therapist (not beauty). Tel: 07733 120485

The Link Magazine • Jul y 2003

Gardeners raise cash for breast cancer The second West Swindon Open Gardens over the weekend of 14 and 15 June raised around £2,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Joint

organiser

Lesley Dredge said, I` "eighteen gardens were open and the fantastic weather showed them off to their best. So rj y many people commented about the 1 lovely community feel there was as they wan- Ir ,> w dered around. How about more people organising Cream tea volunteers, fiom lift, Carole similar events in their neighbour- Staples, Jean Hayward, Caroline hood, perhaps on the same week- Rackham, JennyMachiu, JackieHughes, end next year?"

Lesley Dredge. Front, Glennise Brain

47

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH WEST

^ Evangel c

o

I

Worsley Road 7/

SUNDAYS 10.30AM PEATMOOR SCHOOL (except... last Sunda y of the month when we meet at the Winners Loun g e. Swindon Town FCJ

For details visit our website at www.sfc-uk.org ,

call Nigel on 526130 or e-mail info_west@sfc-uk.org

(s„ m^ °g building with people Come and join us

Sunday at I Oam & 6.30pm For further information of other meetings ri ng: 873050, call into the Church office or visit www.freshbrook.org Jesus said: -I have come that YOU might hare LIFE and have it in its fulness"

Summer sunshine in the Prospect garden Spend £10, win £1,000 writes Jenny Evans Our courtyards at the Prospect other weekly chances to win our Hospice provide an oasis of smaller cash prizes. All winners tranquility and calm for every- cheques are posted to them. There one and at this time of year the is no need to claim. gardens are looking particularly Please bring some extra sunshine lovely. into Prospect by sending your It's very important that patients cheque with your name and adand their families can experience dress and 'Link Sunshine' on the the sights, smells and wildlife that back, and we hope that winners our gardens attract. Keeping them will soon be telling us about the beautiful is expensive, but we feel brightness their winnings have it's worth every penny. brought them through supporting To help us with this cost we are us. asking Link readers to join our lotWith many thanks from The tery for 10 weeks. In exchange for Prospect Hospice Lottery, 12 your £10 cheque you have ten Havelock Square, Swindon SN1 chances of winning £1,000 and 78 1LE. Farewell from Dr Robert Forrester formerly of Phoenix Surgery Dr Forrester will be speaking at Toothill Church on Saturday 12 July, 2.30pm and would like to invite all his patients to a farewell get together with refreshments.

Sunday Worship 10.30am Sunday School and Creche

NSBC

Meeting at Greenmeadow Prima ry School creenmeadow

Primary School

^ra m•sgyQO4e E]

Dare nren.e

Vft worth Rd

C_ _ 0 84006

ci wdcoe

Christian Aid collections in West Swindon From Nicola Hoar of Toothill Church:

A big thank you to all the residents of Toothill who helped to raise almost £800 during Christian Aid week this year. Well done.

Ok4ne

Vol Henmiens from Shaw Church writes:

I would like to thank all the people in Shaw, Nine Elms, Middleleaze, Ramleaze, the Bramptons, the Prinnells and Peatmoor for their generous contributions to the Christian Aid house to house collection in May. Many thanks also to the willing helpers who took round the envelopes.

A total of £1,577.93 was raised, an increase of £300 on last year.

James Butcher Housing Association provides a wide range of quality, a ff ordable

West Swindon & the Lydiards churches All Saints' Lydiard Millicent Holy Trinity, Shai St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze

Toothill Church Westlea Church

letails of our ?ekly services lease contact

Partnership Office on 874221

homes for rent or purchase throughout Central Southern England.

Tel: 01672 515622 www.jbha.co.uk

James Butcher Housing Association Providing accommodation throughout the central and south of England.

A charity, incorporated as an Industrial and Provident Society No. 16602 R.

Summer holiday activities We have the following courses available throughout the holidays:

^1iildcare/Holiday Camps Multi activity camps Tennis camps

co

p _s .

at Oasis, Haydon and The Rec

S

â&#x20AC;˘

s'

Ho//

Gu ae

1,

t/vity

at Delta Tennis Centre

Mini Sports camps at Dorcan Football at Croft and Dorcan

Fun afternoons at Croft and Link

The following courses will also be running: Rookie Lifeguard at Health Hydro & The Rec Intensive Swim Lessons

at Dorcan, Health Hydro, Link & The Rec

Gymnastics

at Dorcan

Tennis at Delta Tennis Centre VII

ff

Ice Skating

at Link

Climbing at Link Football at Croft & Dorcan Golf at Broome Manor Golf Complex

Badminton at Dorcan Challenge Swimming Awards at Health Hydro

For more information pick up a Kids' Courses and Holiday Activity Guide at a Centre near you or visit our website at www.swindon.gov.uk/sporting Broome Manor Golf Complex Tel. 495761

Delta Tennis Centre Tel. 445555

Dorcan Recreation Complex Tel. 533763

Haydon Centre Tel. 706666

The Rec at Highworth Tel. 762602

OasisLeisure Centre Tel. 445401

Croft Sports Centre Tel. 526622

Health Hydro Tel. 465630/465631

Link Centre Tel. 445566

Enrol now

Swindon Services f Swmoon