July 2004 Swindon Link

No. 266 • July 2004 • Circulation 23.000

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

Jam a sponsored toddle to help Brandon's appeal

-page 35

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7 new schools for North Swindon

Fete marks West school's 25th year

FESTIVAL FEVER Old Town Festival page 24/25 Town centre comes alive - page 21

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Across the generations, Don Lea one of the original residents of Toothill with his daughter Tracey, who

was in the first class at Toothill Primary School twenty five years ago. and her children who attend the school now. Jennifer. 9, Matthew, 7, and Callum, 3, who is in the nursery. Story on page 2

Pur-R—

After years of consultation, delay and decision making, Swindon Council has selected the company which will build seven new schools in North Swindon. One will be the replacement for

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The Link Magazine • July 2004

School celebrates 25th summer with fete on 3 July When Tracey Lowden (nee Lea) arrived as a six year old at Toothill School in September 1978, she was one of just 17 children to start at the first of the nine primary schools which would be built in West Swindon over the next twenty years.

As the school prepares to cel- 9, is well rehearsed for a piano solo ebrate its quarter of a century at a at an anniversa ry concert. fete on Saturday 3 July, Tracey is In the background will be proud ensuring her own daughter Jennifer, parents and grandparents Don and Pat Lea, who took Tracey to school in those early days of the town's expansion west, and now take and collect Jennifer and her brothers Matthew and Callum every day.

When the school opened, some 1,500 houses had been built since the first people arrived in April SOLICITORS 1976, and the area was still largely a building site. Toothill Church D opened in November 1978 and a shop operated out of a hut in April Ca rt er Read & Dove

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Contact: Commerce House 34/35 Commercial Road Swindon SN1 SNS * Property Matters Commercial & Residential Conveyancing * Employment For both the Employer and Employee * Wills & Probate Efficient administration of a loved one's estate Tel: (01793) 617617 E-mail: info@crd.org.uk Website: www.crd.org.uk

1980.

Tracey had already spent a year at Park North Infant School where she and other children had been bused. In the first two years Toothill only accepted infant children so she was bused back to the Parks to attend junior school.

Tracey, who lives in Haydon Wick, said that having her parents to help with childcare was one reason to send her children to Toothill School. But she has fond memories of her time there. "It was the only time I really enjoyed school; Mrs Jarvis was a really lovely teacher. I remember some of the others in my class and see them sometimes."

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Tracey, second from left, with headteacher Anne Newton, sitting, and the other children and staff in September 1978

Don, well known 25 years ago as the milkman for Toothill, said, "Tracey was very happy at Toothill

development of the community, and continues to do so."

School and her children cannot

St Francis School at Taw Hill holds inductions for North Swindon children. See page 12

wait to get there every day to be with their friends.

"It's a very important place in our community and I'm worried that the council thinks it might have to close because of falling numbers."

Present headteacher Richard

Jackson, said, "Toothill School has played an important part in the

• New school meet first children

Toothill School Fete

Saturday 3 July, 11am - 3pm Stalls. tombola, dance display, splat the teacher, treasure hunt, barbecue, football tournament and penalty shoot out

The Link Magazine • July 2004 3

Swindon people Together on Planning -STOP march against development on town's green spaces They came from the east to oppose the University of Bath building on green belt land next to Coate Water, they strode in from the west to object to a stadium for Swindon Town FC being built on Shaw Forest Country Park, and they were joined in the middle by those who don't want development of the Front Garden, as well as members oft he New Mechanics' Institution Trust, who want to see the derelict eyesore in the town centre returned to community use.

Around 1,000 Faberge egg to make a concrete omelette?" people of all ages L;,, . } Terry King said the fight against arrived in front of , , development of the Front Garden the Civic Offices was not over yet. "This march has to express their • a ^ , y id f woken people up to realising what frustration with '_. a planning shambles we have in the council's apparent willingthis town. Council decision makness to allow de- v.,/ ing should be based on people's velopment on ^o, ` . wishes and not on money."

Martha Parry of the New Megreen areas in and " chanics' Institution Preservation around the town. ' (, ^^ Trust told the crowd that returnJulia Drown, ingthebuildingtocommunityuse MP for South was about the quality of life in Swindon, told the "Swindon and the sustainability of protesters she `. its culture. '" supported the After the event STOP alliance football club and 0, ,_ .

• organiser Alan Hayward, from the ( its aspirations for Swindon Forest Protection Group, an up to date said, "there is terrific concern at venue but said, the threat to our town from over"the people of this development. We have delivered town value their open spaces and you are making it courage you to continue doing so." a message to councillors that our Save Coate supporter Mark green areas have to be preserved clear to the borough council that the development on Shaw Forest Wheaver, said, "we're only here for all the people of the town, for cannot go ahead. The supporters because we love our green spaces. our children and grandchildren of the different protests are using There is no point in developing and not sold for commercial gain.

"We will not allow promises to the democratic process to make Swindon if it destroys the reason your views heard and I would en- for being here. Why break a be broken."

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The Link Magazine • Jul 2004

150 years marked by battle for control Seven thousand people came to Swindon in late May 1854 to witness the foundation stone being laid at Swindon's Mechanics' Institute, a remarkable event considering the town only had a population of 3,000. village has been blocked by EngBuilt with money raised by workers of the GWR through their lish Heritage. He is now locked in own company, the New Swindon negotiations to find a way forward.

Martha Parry of the New MeI mprovement Co., the building included at various times reading chanics' said the campaign to save rooms, a library which pre-dated it is stronger than ever. "The MeEngland's first public library by chanics' was originally built with several years, tea rooms and theaworkers donations and the trust is tre, and in the early days, shops continuing that legacy of commuand a market - everything to susnity support. tain the growing community based "We could not work out how around the railway works.

7,000 people turned up in the town The building was re-modelled on a working day 150 years ago and extended twice to provide for until we established it was Queen New Mechanics' supporters Joyce different needs, until it closed in Victoria's birthday and a holiday.

Lines and Ted Browning marking 1986 as the town's railway works "With so much pressure on shut down. Swindon Council 150 years of the now derelict building Swindon today for redevelopment turned down a British Rail offer to ics' in 2003 and was awarded out- and regeneration, it is more imbuy it for £1 and it was sold to a line planning permission by Swin- portant than ever that we preserve private developer whose plan for don Council to re-develop it as a this important social centre for the a hotel was turned down. hotel and apartments, with a gym. community, but fashioned for the In 1995 the Swindon New MeMr Singh's detailed plans to re- modern age." chanics' Institution Trust was move the central section of the • Book a stall at the 150th anniverformed to try and save the derelict building and put up a 10 storey sary New Mechanics' childrens fete building for community use. Due blue glass slab, to provide 104 bed- at Faringdon Road Park on 14 to their hard work, English Herit- rooms, towering over the railway August, 1 pm - 9pm. Tel: 520592 : a age uprated its classification to Grade II* to reflect its contribution to the social and community hisNorth community association closes tory of the town. This puts it Abbey Meads Community Association has decided that there is no Thames Avenue, Greenmeadow amongst the top 15 per cent most longer the support to continue its activities following a poor turnout important buildings in the UK. Call 520813 to book an However new developer Mat- at its annual meeting in April. appointment Outgoing treasurer Graham Smith wrote in the last edition of the thew Singh acquired the Mechanassociation's newsletter, Abbey Chat, that it is a happy ending. Pointing out that the body was formed in 1997 when the development was young and residents faced many problems as an emerging community, he feels that many issues have been dealt with and that good community facilities now exist.

There are outstanding issues, but Abbey Meads residents have shown themselves in the past to be capable of combining to tackle these as they did over the proposed siting of a fast food outlet on their doorstep. There will be a final meeting of the association on 30 June at the Church of Christ Servant when the only business will be the formal dissolution of the body.

PEUGEOT AA1, ouch, With the closing of Abbey Chat, The Link will continue to cover stories from the area. Please contact the number below.

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Editorial copy date for August: 9 July Published: 24 July Copy for September: 9 August

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: Call Jenni Fowler on (01793)872531 advertising@swindonlink.com Booking deadline: 2 July "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 adve rt iser or publisher has. sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority

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The Link Magazine • July 2004

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Councillors in The Link's West and North Swindon target areas West Swindon

North Swindon

Toothill Ward (Toothill & Westlea)

Abbey Meads (inc. St Andrew's Ridge, Ash Brake & Priory Vale)

Mary Ma rt in (Con) 12 Gartons Road

Dr Charles Lister (Con) 165 Whitworth Road, Rodbourne Cheney. Tel: 490182

Middleleaze. Tel: 870705 Steve Wakefield (Con) 14 Middleleaze Drive, Shaw Tel: 881962

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Council chamber log jam broken After several years of no party having overall control of Swindon Borough Council, the Conservatives gained a majority at the local elections on 10 June.

They now have two years to convince the electorate that their actions warrant continued support at the next elections in 2006.

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Peter Stoddart (Con) 16 Portmore Close, Sparcells. Tel: 879127

Freshbrook & Grange Park (inc. The Prinnells)

Justin Tomlinson (Con) 68 Ravenglass Road, Westlea. Tel: 873883

Peter Greenhalgh (Con) 50 Goldsborough Close; Eastleaze Haydon Wick Ian Dobie (Con), 21 Darius Way, Tel: 878146 Abbey Meads. Tel: 706463 Geraldine Robertson (Lib Dem) Wayne Lawley (Con) 4 Sheen Close, Grange Park 43 High Street. Haydon Wick Tel: 877356 Tel: 07665 694332 Chris Sheppard (Lib Dem)

David Renard (Con) 5 Borage

22 Tyburn Close, Grange Park Tel: 631033

Close, Haydon Wick. Tel: 638552 Moredon (inc. Woodhall Park, Pembroke Park, Taw Hill)

Shaw & Nine Elms (inc. Ramleaze, Middleleaze, Peatmoor & Sparcells)

Maureen Caton (Lab) 32 Carraway

Nick Martin (Con) 12 Gartons Road, Middleleaze. Tel: 870705 Douglas Stewart (Con) 1 Newmeadow Copse, Peatmoor Tel: 882550 Gary Perkins (Con) 57 Oakbourne Park, Liden. Tel: 527806

Drive, Woodhall Park. Tel: 724029 Colin Lovell (Con), 17 Ashlar Court, Marlborough Road, Old Town.

Tel: 07963 952827 Derique Montaut (Lab) 61 Olive Grove, Meadow Park Tel: 343507

Post office plan goes through ...

Swindon Council's planning committee has passed plans by Tesco to extend its Shaw Village Centre shop to accommodate both the company's expansion plans and the existing post office.

Shaw residents rose up in April and May to protest against Tesco's proposals to close the post office. A 2,500 name petition and a picket of the Tesco superstore in Ocotal Way encouraged the company to reconsider its moves, whilst pressure in the background from local councillors and South Swindon MP Julia Drown helped ram the negative community relations message home.

George Tweed Gardens sheltered flats' resident Jean Waller was delighted when Julia rang her. "It's excellent news, we're all delighted that Tesco saw sense in our demands and changed its mind. There were times I thought we would not win, but our loud protests were heard."

Now Jean and fellow protestors will be battling to preserve the open space adjacent to George Tweed Gardens. See the story on page 8.

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The Link Magazine • July 2004 7

Town awaits stadium on the forest planning proposals Swindon has declared in no uncertain terms that building a new football stadium at Shaw Forest Country Park is unacceptable.

Objections at public presenta- 400 houses built on the only green stadium will be located on phase and fast food outlets, alongside a III of the country park, about 400 cricket ground and athletics track. tions by St Modwen Properties plc space close to their homes.

However objections will be just Although the country park was metres to the east, on the currently and Swindon Town Football Club and protest marches have made it designated by the council in 1994 operational Shaw Farm domestic as loud - on the grounds that vehiclear that there will be opposition as a part of theGreat WesternCom- waste disposal site where several cle access will still be totally inadat every stage of the planning proc- munity Forest, a planning applica- million tons of rubbish have been equate and West Swindon will still become a giant car park on match ess and the developers will have to tion to redevelop the site will be tipped over the last 20 years.

Phase I and II adjacent to Mead and event days. justify why their proposals should submitted in mid-July. CouncilAlan Hayward of the Swindon overturn established environmen- lors will see the plans at the end of Way is still likely to be built on, though the majority of the 46,000 Forest Protection Group said, June. tal policies at a public enquiry.

The proposal is likely to be trees on the north and south ends "what do they not understand?

People living near the County Ground have said they don't want scaled back from the original. The of the site could be left. The grey- We are not going to have a stahound track proposal has been dium on our forest." dropped, but to create a revenue • For photographs, plans, and stream for the club, St Modwen the forest or stadium latest, go Swindon shows the way in housing It's not all doom and gloom at Swindon Council, where a new manage- will still want to include hotels to www.swindonlink.com ment team has set about the task of improving se rv ices and performance.

Part of that new management Can Chiropractic help me? team is the Housing Department under director Bernie Brannan How much will it cost? which has recently been congratulated by the Government on three We are often asked, "What's the best way occasions. of finding out whether a doctor of First, the business plan which chiropractic can help my problem?" sets out how management and We believe the answer can be found in a maintenance of the council's houscomplete chiropractic consultation and ing stock will be financed and imexamination, including x-rays. And to help proved, was given the thumbs up.

Only one other council in the South find out for sure, we will do a complete These procedures normally Swindon Tenants Voice representatives West has achieved this. consultation and examination, including cost £100 or more!

Ruth Kiddle from Toothill and Sandys Next, the council's decision to x-rays, if necessary, for just (Does not include personal Powell from Grange Park with Governremain as landlord of its 11,000 injury cases or car accidents ment Office of the South West housing resulting in insurance claims.) houses, flats and bungalows was officer Bob Deacon formally agreed.

Third, the council's five year council homes decent by 2008, two Testimonial strategy for housing, which in- years ahead of the deadline.

Hi! Something aura-ing has happened!

Bernie Brannan said, "It's been a cludes the provision of new homes On Friday evening I went out with Dale to the cinema, had a Chinese, for those in need, measures to re- good year for housing in Swindon. a few glasses of wine stayed up until midnight!!

There is still a lot of work to do to duce and prevent homelessness, Nothing amazing about that I hear you say. But for me it is! I have not been and improving homes in the pri- i mprove services and levels of cusout with my husband on a Friday night for seve r al years. All the weekend has vate sector, has also received the tomer satisfaction." ever held for me was headaches, pain, exhaustion and bed before 10pm. After Mr Brannan identified Swindon Government's seal of approval.

5 weeks of treatment my quality of life has al ready improved. Thanks Paul No other south west council has Tenants' Voice and the Tenants' achieved this 'hat trick' and Swin- Association for Sheltered Housing If you want to get a life - get a chiropractor don recently hosted a visit by as particular reasons for his deLove Valerie Taylor Housing Minister, David Jamieson partment's success. "We could not If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, have achieved any of this without MI' to recognise this.

"4361 call our office for an appointment The Government set an interim the dedication and commitment of target for all councils and housing our tenants and leaseholders who 01793 814567 04005 p^^zes 4 associations to reduce the number freely give their time to work with Mark Blokland and Associates (GCC Registered) " M4 „s of 'non-decent' homes by 3 per councillors and staff to improve Ridgeway Chiropractic Clinic o M4 cent by 1 April 2004. Swindon has services and to make sure that ten"4361 "s www.ridgeway-health.com achieved a 42 per cent reduction ants' priorities are at the top of our Fairwater Stables, High Street, Wroughton and are on target to make all their list."

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The Link Magazine • July 2004

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West GP practice recruiting in advance of new build completion

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Making a real difference to young futures Swindon Independent Visitors is looking for adult volunteers of any age to befriend a child or young person (aged 8 to 18) looked after by Swindon Social Services, by foster carers or in residential placements outside the town.

Children who become part of especially if they can offer comThe project is managed by the care system can often feel dif- mitment, support and a listening Spurgeon's Child Care, an interferent to other young people and ear on a long term basis. national Christian children's charbenefit from having someone in Full training and ongoing sup- ity, with social services funding. their lives who can give them a port is provided, both individu- To find out more, contact Rhoda range of ordinary experiences and ally and in a volunteers' support Lewis, Project Manager on 615049 opportunities. The volunteers are group. Travel costs and out-of- or mail: spurgeons@swindoniv matched on an individual basis pocket expenses are reimbursed. .fsnet.co.uk and they plan together activities they might do, such as going to the cinema, swimming, cycling, walks and out for meals.

People prepared to befriend a teenager are particularly needed, After three years working out of very cramped conditions, staff at the Ridge Green surgery at Shaw Village Centre will soon be able to offer more patients a better service.

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The practice of Drs Amit Divedi and Dieter Nowotzin opened in March 2000 and took over the late Dr Godbole's facilities at the village centre in February the following year. The combined patient list of 5,200 was capped whilst negotiations to expand the practice took place with Swindon Council.

Dr Divedi said the new building linked to the existing surgery would more than double the floor area and should be ready by early August. "The surgery was originally for a single doctor but advances in health care policy means that patients should be seen within 48 hours. We now have nurses answering the phones and arranging appointments as well as providing more advanced treatment, with back-up from GPs. This means we are able to see patients within 24 hours and often on the same day.

"The extra consulting and treatment rooms will allow us to continue the same high level of service but in more comfortable purpose built surroundings. It also means that we can open up our list to new patients."

He added that Dr Bhambra would soon be going abroad and a third doctor was being recruited to join the practice.

To sign on, call 874894.

Community hall to be managed by doctors

To expand, the practice had to acquire land on the adjacent public open space from Swindon Council. As part of the deal, Ridge Green has paid for the construction of a social hall next to the surgery which replaces the temporary building which served as a playgroup room for many years.

The practice will also be responsible for its management, including hiring it to community groups.

The room is big enough to accommodate 24 children in a playgroup or seat 50 people in a meeting.

To find out about booking the room, call practice manager Julie Margaram on 874894.

Eyeing up Shaw village site

Now that Shaw has a social hall, council property officers are looking at how to develop the site between the church and pub at Shaw Village Centre which was always reserved for a community centre.

Initial proposals for a large building with car parking have been criticised by residents of George Tweed Gardens sheltered accommodation because it is too close to their flats. The Shaw Residents' Association is keeping the development under review at its monthly meetings.

The Link Magazine • July 2004 9

Big C carers group Providing help to sufferers of cancer and help to those who have lost somebody to the disease are i mportant aims for the Swindon Cancer and Carer Support Group which holds weekly social meetings at the Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, on Thursdays 12noon to 4pm.

All cancer patients, carers and the bereaved are welcome to attend these friendly and supportive get-togethers and to join in occasional outings to the coast, an arboretum or garden centre, or out to lunch locally.

Friends of the group are also needed to serve on the committee, to help organise events and raise funds.

People interested in becoming users of the group or finding out more about the organising committee are welcome to drop in on Thursday afternoons or to call Jock McAllister on 432042.

New book of help available The 2004 edition of the Swindon Self Help Directory featuring 72 groups and sources of support in the town is now available.

Published by the Swindon Carers' Centre - Focus - the directory includes new details on organisations such as the Anorexia/ Bulimia Helpline, Breathe Easy Group, Downs' Group, Endometriosis Angels and Support for Carers of Adults with Asperger.

Copies are available at £7.50, which includes postage, or £3.50 for updates, if you already have a Focus binder.

Cheques should be made out to Focus on Carers and Self Help and sent to Gwyneth Weir, 25 Morley Street, Swindon SN1 ISG. To contact Focus for information about a self-help group, call 531133 or mail: focus0@ breathemail.net

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Picfures like Film processing for 35mm & APS (Free 35mm film for every 35mm roll developed on premises) works of an In store duplicates and enlargements Open 7 days a week. Mo n - Fri 9am - 8pm; Sat 9am - 6pm; Sun 10am - 3pm

Ring or visit Toothill Pharmacy or ring the number below and we will do the rest.

01793 43 4000 Swindon Pharmacies Ltd

10 The Link Magazine • July 2004

Second Swindon Cares goes for it in July Four charities and a local trust will benefit from a week of fundraisin have just a couple of weeks to organise an event or plan to join in.

Organisers hope to raise £30,000 Swindon Pegasus Band with Lynn which will be donated to Age Con- Hawkins, soprano. Christ Church, cern Swindon, Macmillan Cancer Old Town, 7pm.

Tickets £6 (£5 cone). £15 ticket Relief, NSPCC Swindon and the includes concert and champagne GWR Community Trust.

Already planned and looking for buffet reception following the event. Tickets from Eric Walker on your support: 11th - 25 mile cycle marathon and 692903. treasure hunt. Call Jacquie 12th -The ultimate pub quiz. Enter Sheppard at Age Concern on a team by calling Craig Titchener on 823026.

692166 for an entry form.

11th - The High Sheriffs of Wilt- 13th - Company quiz night. Has shire's Charity Concert featuring yours got the brains? Call Pam Webb on 502450 to enter.

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events from 11 to 16 July and Swindon organisations and individuals 15th - Speed dating for charity. These are a just a few pre-planned Help a good cause and discover highlights. The consortium of Mr or Ms of your dreams. Ad- Swindonbusinesses involved want vanced booking essential via you to come up with more ideas. www.smartdating.com For an A to Z of fundraising ideas 18th - Dress Down Day and pay £1 and to register your fundraising to Swindon Cares. Get your col- plan, log on to www.swindon cares.co.uk leagues to do the same.

Trek beckons Nine Elms resident Eve Colaco-Osorio, 24, is training hard for a six day trek across Sri Lanka in November to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. She is looking for sponsorship to achieve a fundraising goal of £3,000 to help the charity meet its research budget.

Eve, a marketing executive at Nationwide, will trek for 5 to 8 hours a day through cool hill tea plantations, past fields and through tropical rain forest on remote paths and village trails as well as discovering more about the island's unique culture at the tip of the Indian sub-continent.

To support Eve in her challenge, make a donation by visiting a branch of Nationwide and make a donation to account number: 0350/703 600 476 or online by debit or credit card at: www.bmycharity.com / V2 / eveinsrilanka

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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 Ioans can be obtained on request.

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

Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non-smokers, applying for a repayment mortgage of £90.000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 30/9/04 secured against a property being purchased for £100.000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £538.20. Total amount payable £161,959 calculated to include £199 arrangement fee. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply throughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £500,000. Rate applied is 5.09% 15.6% APR) discounted tracker for three years. Rates may vary. The rate applies to loans up to and including 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable for three years, 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.

12 The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ July 2004

Taw Hill children gather to meet each other

The Big Adventure

After School and Holiday Care

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Youngsters due to start at the new St Francis Church of England Aided Primary School at Taw Hill in September will meet their new teachers for the first time in early July, with the youngest bringing their teddies to join in as well.

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BOOKINGS FOR

B SUMMER HOB II^AYS per day from ÂŁ13 Prices Contact Tracey and Peter Bailey on 01793 875992 or 07977 570488 Email: peterbailey@thebigaclub.co.uk

, nr , I ,LtheratStFrancis fromleft,financialadrnrrnstratorSandr poi ' aiii her son Danny, Richard Barrass, governor, Bluestone Construction project manager David Begg, headteacher Clive Westall, plant operator David Pinim, site engineer Chris Coates, chair of governors Rev Ruth Cranr, Theresa Turner, governor, and her children Ja y nes and Bethany

The school will open in temporary buildings providing four classes in September on the school site and transfer into permanent accommodation in January 2005.

Parents can still apply for places by picking up a form from Taw Hill Medical Prac ti ce, the North Swindon Library, Priory Vale visitor centre or by calling Rev Ruth Cram on 701353.

Meet the St Francis teachers:

29 June - Reception class and teddies will meet Stephanie Mundin 6 July - KS2 with deputy head Hester Milsop 8 July - KS 1 with Helen Woolls 13 July - Nursery class teddy bears' picnic with Georgina Hayward

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The Link Magazine • July 2004 13

Award for art as head retires Oliver Tomkins Infant and Nursery School in Toothill has become the third primary school in Swindon to be awarded the prestigious Artsmark at Silver level.

The award recognizes commit- ists, musicians and dancers in the ment to providing opportunities community enable the children to across all artforms from drama to develop their creativity."

The award is a particular pleasmusic, design to literature, dance to sculpture. The scheme also en- ure for Mrs Summers as she retires courages schools to work in part- at the end of term, after 13 years as nership with artists and arts or- headteacher at Oliver Tomkins Infants. All the corridor displays ganizations.

Headteacher Penny Summers in the school have been renewed said she was delighted at the news. ready for the annual arts week in "We work hard to create a well- July and have been dedicated to balanced arts education pro- Mrs Summers' teaching career.

Rhian Cockwell, deputy head gramme. Without a doubt this is due to the dedication of our tal- for five years, has been appointed ented staff, who together with art- headteacher from September.

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Headteacher transition, Penny Summers, right, with Rhian Cockwell and children in front of a Winnie the Pooh display, from left, Lauren Porter, Elliott Maggs-Franklin, Joe Derry, Hannah Green

Class work in art Artists Toni Robinson and Gordon Dickinson from No Added Sugar worked with youngsters in Year 4 and Year 5 at Westlea School to create three wall hangings marking their recent study of the Aztecs, Ancient Egypt and Indian culture.

Toni Robinson, left, and Year 4 teacher Louise Titcondbe, hold up a completed Aztec hanging whilst GCSE pupil Chris Ridgeway from Ridgeway School works with children to complete a large picture of the Taj Mahal

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14 The Link Magazine • July 2004

North Swindon schools to set national example for education delivery and design After years of discussions within the council and central government, consultations with the community, and not a few delays and setbacks, the building of seven new schools in Swindon is about to start.

Swindon Council announced on Finance Initiative contract worth 25 years. A planning application existing schools.

24 May that Equiion, a division of £98 million to design, build and was lodged in late June with a Director of Swindon Education, John Laing plc, had won a Private maintain the schools over the next decision to proceed expected in Hilary Pitts, welcomed the partAugust. A completion date is pro- nership with Equiion. "Council for mid-2006 with the members and officers have worked Places on offer at West secondary school grammed schools, apart from the Priory Vale hard to bring the project to this Greendown School has about 35 However, because Bradon Forest places available from September School has increased its usual nine and is inviting parents and year 6 form intake to 10 forms of entry for children to make a visit to see next year only, many West Swinwhat it can offer. don parents have chosen to bus The school opened a £3 million their children out of the area. extension last September to allow Greendown headteacher Steve it to accept up to 180 pupils a year. O'Sullivan said he would welcome enquiries from parents in other -1 "W th e t e -,1r -,--y part s o f own. have a contingent of children from O North Swindon, for example, GORSE whose parents share car journeys.

HILL "Visitors will be impressed with the facilities we offer and we won] d 1 979 - 2004 be pleased to show parents and SPECIALISTS IN WEDDING HIRE children round the school."

SENIOR SCHOOL NIFORM U Earlier this year the school was KING SIZE MENSWEAR officially recognised as a Microsoft AND IN-HOUSE ALTERATION/ Academy to provide industry TAILORING DEPARTMENT standard IT training and is planSwindon Council's education citing and will provide children ning to bid for maths and comput124 Cricklade Road department will be showing off with imaginative, bright, modern ing specialist status.

Gorse Hill, Swindon For a Greendown prospectus call the proposals in a roadshow and places to learn.”

Tel: 642211 Hreod Parkway headteacher 874224 or to make an appointment, pre-planning committee exhibiL Open: 9am - 5.30pm Andrew Fleet said his staff and call Mr O'Sullivan or primary tions during July (see below).

Wed & Sat 9am - 5pm The project encompasses a vari- children had met with all the PFI liasion coordinator Angela Procter.

Free car park ety of architectural styles, but us- bidding companies to state their ing similar finishes across all the requirements for a new school. "It schools. has been really good how different Hreod Parkway upper and council departments have cooperlower schools will be combined ated and coordinated the whole next to the existing south site. Built project. Equiiori s design will crein a circular form on three floors, ate excellent education opportuni0 five arms will radiate from a cov- ties to enhance what we are strivered central courtyard big enough ing for." for all 1,260 pupils and staff. An He added that he was looking amphitheatre will hold the same forward to working with Equiion number for outdoor events. on the detailed design features.

The planning application for The other major feature of the project is the 32 acre North Swin- building the North Schools was don Learning Campus which will lodged on 17 June and can be exbe accessed from Priory Vale vil- amined at Swindon Council's planning department, Premier House, lage centre off Redhouse Way. The site will be comprised of a Station Road. fublectt available at Higher secondary school with extensive Education level area Planning roadshow facilities for community use, a pri• Computing Meet representatives from Swinmary school and replacements for • Early Years Brimble Hill and Uplands Special don Education and Equiion, and see the plans and some of the • Health Studies Schools.

• Management Although the community facili- models at: ties will be open for use in 2006, the 28/29 June: Brimble Hill Special • Modern English secondary school will not accept School; • Photography its first children in Year 7 until 30 June/1 July: Uplands Special • Psychology September 2007. The June Link re- School; • Sociology ported the dismay of North Swin5/6 July: Moredon Junior School; • Sport & Exercise don parents of children now in Year 4 who will be denied a place 7/8 July: Hreod Parkway School; because of the later opening.

From 12 July at the North SwinA new primary school will be don Library at North Swindon built at Haydon End village, where Centre. j house building has yet to start.

Pictures of the models and Call for details Moredon Infants and Junior aerial photos of the sites Schools are to be amalgamated and New college can be seen at a new school will open on the www.swindonlink.com ^ present site, to the north of the

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16 The Link Magazine • July 2004

Castles Etfl tainment Bouncy 491 castles for all

occasions Birthdays, fetes, special events Indoors and outdoors Free collection

delivery

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Tel: 536020 Mobile: 07919 193746

GREAT HOLIDAY FUN with the TRIO COOL KIDS HOLIDAY PLAYSCHEME at Tregoze School, Grange Park

3 Mature experienced staff - NVQ qualified at Levels 2 and 3 3 Trips & special event days 3 Wide range of arts and crafts to suit all ages 3 Skateboards 3 Roller blades 3 Extensive outdoor play area 3 Cookery 3 Nintendo & Playstation games

West Swindon Family Project multicultural dinner & disco Winners Lounge. Swindon Town FC. Saturday 3 July, 7pm Tickets: £7.50 adults; under 12s: £3.50 from Amy Dhillon: 886665; Tina Mackie: 07980 861504 Mina Bhogal: 07773 267123 Food and complimentary soft drinks included

Star places at pre-school Bright Stars Pre-School in Moredon has places for children starting in September.

Based in the Moredon Youth Centre, behind Moredon Junior School, Bright Stars is an established, friendly group which is open five mornings a week from 9am to 1pm and on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, 1.15pm to 3pm, for two to three year olds.

Supervisor Debbie Garstang said other groups cannot offer five sessions and said, "we welcome children whose parents want to utilise all the sessions they are entitled to."

For details of Bright Stars, call Debbie on 526098 during pre-school times or 343024.

3 Lots of fun

3 Opening hours Sam to 6pm • Flexible 5 hour sessions • Flexible 6 hour sessions

Plan a great holiday for your children by calling Trio Childcare 01793 514422

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Call U9 r vi9r U9

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The Link Magazine • July 2004 17

Early Crimbo party for NSPCC

Registered childminder with a fun approach

Break out the decorations, Santa hats and seasonal songs, the Abbey Meads pub is holding a Christmas party on Saturday 17 July in aid of the North Swindon Family Centre run by the NSPCC. Children will be welcome to the party between 6pm and 9pm with a free disco starting at 8pm. Party goers are asked to bring a Christmas gift to be given to a child who attends the family centre.

,-,r French, German or Spanish available :c Weekly parties and plays 'f Weekdays, weekends & nights .. Ofsted registered r Quality care and education

Drama. singing, art and music

Children's Information Service A one-stop shop for FREE information' ^^ ySNFORMq i.

Call Maria on 01793 704089

Win musical sessions for your kids Tinkle Tonk is a new music group for parents and pre-school children which meets at Abbey Meads Community Primary School.

Organiser Claire Bennett says the mixed aged group of no more than 12 in a thirty minute session aims to introduce children to music, instruments, singing, role play and learning to have fun together.

The sessions are open to children from 6 months to four years and cost £3, payable each

half term in advance.

Claire is offering two readers who join Tinkle Tonk

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Call 07957 166529 or 871466

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To be entered

into the prize draw, sign up with her classes starting in September by 9 " < August. The winners will be announced at the end of August.

For registration details call Claire

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Claire with early joiners at a Tinkle Tonk launch class on 9 June

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18 The Link Magazine • July 2004

Discover the real taste of food, grown locally An organic 'veg box scheme' in the Swindon area is celebrating its tenth year supplying high quality food with a low 'food-miles' value.

When first launched, people ganic Farm, less than a mile from "We also supply local p =• • « who bought food grown locally, West and North Swindon, requires shops like Swindon Pulse organically and free of chemicals a change in the way you prepare in Curtis Street and run a were thought of as cranky. Now, meals. Apart from sometimes ha y - stall at local farmers' marwith worries about the quality of ing to wash a bit more mud away, kets; that might be the first food, its bland taste mixed with what is in the box is chosen by the step in buying organic veg the dangers of chemical residue, farm based on what is in season. for some people." and the fact that flying it in from Rowie Madison from Purton Alongside the veg-box, all over the world is damaging the House, right, said veg boxes might Purton House sell organi global environment, more and not suit everybody at first. "Join- cally grown fruit and free '• more people are joining the scheme ing requires a new frame of mind range eggs. In the Autumn and discovering what real food because the box can contain veg- they will be launching an tastes like. etablesyoumightnothavecooked organically reared meat _ However joining the veg-box before. It encourages you to be box scheme. scheme run by Purton House Or- flexible in your approach.

'Food miles' have become an important considCo-op shop opens for new community eration, added Rowie.

"Buying food from local The first part of a £2m developgrowers is less harmful to ment by the Oxford, Swindon & the environment in terms of the is little wastage."

Gloucester Co-op was launched distance it has to travel. We do With the growing season now in on 15 June when a Co-op convensupply fruit grown in other coun- full swing, now is the time to try ience store opened at Taw Hill tries, but will source as much as the box scheme. The different fixed village centre. we can locally. We also send our prices for boxes can be found at Store manager, Robin Hindle vegetables to other box schemes www.purton-house.co.uk or call said, "I'm really delighted with when we have a surplus, so there 770219 for an information leaflet. this fantastic new store which provides the full range of convenience shopping."

Dewhurst Estate Agent opens a Four youngsters from West Swindon primary schools teamed up new branch in July, to be followed with Greendown School and Nationwide Building Society in June to by five other retail outlets. The compete for the title of junior cook of the year.

Taw Hill Residents'Association is pressing for one of them to be a Robin Hindle, with Richard Barrass, pharmacy located opposite the chair of the Taw Hill Residents' Assonew medical practice. ciation and resident Jonathan Dove

Junior chefs show off their skills

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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.

A £1000 community dividend grant was made to the Swindon ileostomy Association to produce a video which provides information to people facing ileostomy because of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS), Crohn's Disease or cancer, where part of the large intestine is removed and If you think a project replaced with a bag outside the body From left, SIA committee members Kaye Byers you know of could (chairman), Dr Michael Hellier (president) and qualify for a grant video producer Frank Williams with Valerie Judd of up to £ I ,000, call: of the Oxford Swindon & Gloucester Co-op.

call 0800 43 59011 for more information

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Tucking into the junior divhes, from left, Marie Salmon, Freshbrook School teaching assistant, Faye Millen, Lucy Bullion, head of food technology at Greendown, Alex Baldwin, primary liaison coordinator Angela Proctor, Ryan Gray, headteacher Steve O'Sullivan, Sammie Sycamore, Gillian Miller, young cooks competition organiser

The Swindon Young Cook of the Year competition for secondary schools, sponsored by Nationwide, is well established with cash prizes to finalists and their schools. Eighteen pupils cooked off at Swindon College on 10 June and were judged on how flavoursome and nutritionally well balanced their dishes were and the proportion of ingredients produced in Wiltshire.

The juniors invited to cook off at Greendown had to put forward recipes along similar lines, but had to stay within a £5 budget provided by the school.

Greendown headteacher Steve O'Sullivan said it was a really difficult decision to judge a winner.

"They were really tasty dishes and the effort the children made was tremendous."

Primary liaison teacher Angela Proctor commented, "the standard of entry was very high; it was amazing how confidently the contestants took over the food technology room to cook their dishes."

Sammie's supreme chicken dish was chosen as the overall winner.

Global partnerships First Peatmoor Primary School established links with the Clarens district of South Africa, now Greendown School in Grange Park is going to start building a relationship with Moriteng High School in the same area.

The Peatmoor connection with Dihlabeng School in Clarens has been covered by The Link over the last four years and we will be reporting the developing Greendown link.

19

Flowers and Wood

' I AROUND SWINDON

Digging down into Swindon's history The archaeologists are back in North Swindon for the biggest delve into the town's Roman history. with lots more for the public to see and do until 25 July.

Working on a 25 metre square area at the Groundwell Ridge scheduled ancient monument site, at Ash Brake, archaeologists from English Heritage, helped by students and a number of supervised volunteers, will try to discover more about the Roman buildings dating from the 2nd to 4th Centuries. The investigation site covers remains damaged when builders started digging foundations for housing in 1 996 and found the site.

In the May Link Pete Wilson, Senior Archaeologist for English Heritage, wrote, the stripping of the housing estate road cut a swathe through the centre of a major Roman structure, but did not destroy it entirely. The area to be excavated includes the damaged pa rts and better-preserved features to either side.

We believe the building might be a bath house, or the bath wing of a larger building, perhaps with a cold plunge bath. We know it had an under-floor heating system and probably painted wall-plaster. It also may have had one or more simple mosaic floors. We also hope to dig a trench across the possible Roman road, perhaps a key element of the site, the interpretation of which is currently purely based on the appearance of the earthworks.'

This year children from several

An exhibition of finds will be on display in a site portakabin with information about the dig.

Romans join the diggers On Living History weekend - 10/11 July - 'Roman actors will recreate aspects of domestic life to show what it might have been like at Groundwell Ridge two thousand years ago.

National Archaeology Days.

The last weekend of digging takes place on 17/18 July - when there will be extra site tours and additi onal displays of material from this year's excavations.

For other information, the site telephone is 07889 808139.

Swindon schools will get a taste for archaeology. On visits with their teachers they will see the archaeologists at work, receive instruction on digging techniques and will carry out an excavation in a specially prepared site which does not interfere with the ancient monument.

View and tour the site A large raised wheelchair accessible viewing platform has been built next to the main dig site from which the public can observe the dig throughout the week.

The town centre comes alive with colour Archaeologists will be and noise for the summer festival working from Wednesday - see the advert on pane 21 to Sunday 8.30am to 4.45pm, with conducted tours at 1 1 am and 3pm.

Mela models Men and women are needed to show off Asian styles with charisma and energy in the fashion show at the Swindon Mela on Saturday 31 July, 12noon to 7pm in Old Town Gardens.

Call Sushma Patel on 870226 (weekdays) for details.

Quality flower arrangements made to order.

Weddings, floral tributes and other occasions, traditional or r contemporary designs.

For further details call Linda on 01793 344695 or e-mail your enquiry to lirldo flowers-and-wood.co.uk

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20

Swu'i Gr wide

Strawberries, bananas and words outpour Matt Holland looks back at the Swindon Festival of Literature 04 If you know who said the following in Swindon during the first fortnight

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4 'Pain will play a part in every true feeling that we find.' of May, then you are among the 5 'Time flies like an arrow and keenest of Festival of Literature fruit flies like a banana.' followers. And if you don't, then 6 'The role of the old is to simply enjoy these as literary tastencourage the young.' ers and titbits, to lure you to next 7 'Women create the quiet and year's festival frolics. bloodless revolutions.'

1 'If you want strawberries, don't 8 'I do most of my work on sow radishes.' the inside track.'

2 'Art is like love. It has no point 9 'Loving one person does not but enchantment.' mean that we love another less.

3 'They say that children say the 10 'Quick! I need a banana!' funniest things. No they don't.

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Of course, quirky and memorable as they may be, these few words cannot capture the full experience of the 53 events that made up this year's festival. With record

attendances and a real sense of

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excitement, it was a truly remarkable fortnight.

From the dawn drizzle, which failed to dampen anyone's spirits, at sunrise in Lawn Woods on May Day, to the final night Poetry Slam, won, for the first time, by a Swindon man, the festival buzzed. For fifteen days. between 200 and 500 people a day, in Swindon, were enjoying everything that literature has to offer: good talk, good thought, fine readings, funny stori es and serious ones, discussion and debate, exploration and entertainment.

And in the same way that one

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Blunsdon House Hotel Tel: 01793 721701 Blunsdon House Hotel, Blunsdon, Swindon SN26 7AS

entire festival. Mark Haddon, a predicted highlight, talking about his best-selling book set in Swindon to

a packed, patient, and enthralled audience in the Main Hall at Swindon College, lived up to his billing in the programme. Maths professor Marcus du Sautoy. waxing lyri-

cal about prime numbers, and former nun Karen Armstrong, asking all the right questions about love, life, and meaning, were other

Story Sacks inventor Neil Griffiths, right, was sponsored at the Literature Festival Family Day by The Link to get children involved in his stories. Matt Holland took the role of Itchy Bear who just cannot find what is causing him to keep scratching

Fomcy

Traditional Sunday Roast Carvery 12.15pm - 5.00pm

For me, certain events were key to the shape and success of the

book offers a different reading experience to each new reader, so too there were many and various ways of experiencing this year's festival. Each person had their own highlights. It could have been storytelling with family and friends round the campfire at Lower Shaw Farm, words of wisdom in the Wyvern, or philosophy in the Gallery on a Friday night.

gems. And then there was Matthew Collings, a standing festival

dish, at ease, at home, and in love with and eloquent about art, especially the Swindon Collection, in the perfect setting of the Old Town Art Gallery. And not forgetting those two memorably-named long-haired

lads and rebels with a cause.

Benjamin Zepahaniah and Bob Flowerdew, both of whom brilliantly

talked a great deal more sense than many of their detractors give them credit for. And Joan Bakewell

wasn't bad either!

From the point of view of festival organiser, the real highlight has been the sight of so many people over so many days absorbed in the pleasure of listening and talking, with others and one another, about the joys and trickiness of life, through literature.

My feelings of gratitude are like

that of a chef who has cooked a meal that people have really enjoyed. And now I'm doing the washing up, before setting off in search of ingredients for next year's festi-

val feast!

Quotes: 1 Bob Flowerdew: 2 Anne Fine; 3 Sean Hughes: 5 Barry Cryer: 6 Karen Armstrong: 7 Pauline Perry: 8 Jonathon Porritt: 9 Joan Bakewell: 10 Matt Holland

^n 11^

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22

Swindon Wide

PARTY TENT SMALL MARQUEE

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Comedy in the park Heartbreak Productions - the UK's premier open-air touring company - returns to the lawnoutside Lydiard House with Shakespeare's play of jealousy, lust, greed and confusion, The Comedy of Errors.

Heartbreak director Maddy Kerr promises an exploration of the dark underlying issues - class conflict, tensions between husbands and wives, as well the hardship endured by migrant families - within a setting of riotous comedy.

Tickets for performances on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 July, 7.30pm from the Link Centre, tel: 445566.

garden

6m x 4m

Celebrating diversity across the town

Great for any special occasion - weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, events, etc.

Lights included • Cheap rates

Call 01793 436052 or 07866 570344

Over 2,500 sq. ft. of products for the A rt ist, Crafter and Student D.M.C. Main Agency Daylight Lamps Stockist Picture Framing DIY Framing Supplies Well worth a visit. T ry us!

Framework Art & Craft 63 Pembroke Centre Cheney Manor Trading Estate Swindon SN2 2PQ

Tel/Fax: (01793) 513069 Phone for directions. Parking.

Four Swindon schools will be working together to discover the town's diverse cultures, thanks to a £10,000 grant from the Barclays Bank New Futures Fund.

The award presented by South Swindon MP Julia Drown at Drove Primary School will be shared by Drove, Peatmoor Primary, Lainesmead Primary and Greendown Community School to pursue the project aims.

The first phase called 'Looking from the inside out' will enable a group of ten children from culturally diverse backgrounds to document, through their own eyes, what it is like to be a child of that culture in Swindon.

In the second phase 'Looking from the outside in children from those cultural groups will look at the evidence collected by groups at the other schools and reflect and see what has changed in their initial perceptions. given their new understanding and knowledge.

Sheila Parsons, from Community Service Volunteers, who will

be coordinating the activity be- of the work in the different primary tween participants said the project schools. will involve over 2,000 children. Julia Drown welcomed the grant "The aim is to promote understand- from Barclays. 'This is an innovaing across Swindon's communi- tive example of money being made ti es. By 2006 all 69 primary schools to go a long way. The project recin Swindon will have access to the ognises that diversity is more than range of materials produced." tolerance, it's about celebrating Pupils from Greendown School whateachofourcommunitiesbring will be involved in making a video to our town."

Ajamal Ali from Drove Primary receives the Barclays cheque from Julia Drown, with Amaran Nawaz. Laura Boules and Anita Mander from Peatmoor School, Jordan Davies from Lainesmead. Back, Sheila Parsons. CSV Swindon coordinator and Elaine Arnold Barclays Regional Community Manager

Come rain or shine at

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Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon Tel: 0 1793 763939 Map: www.rovesfarm.co.uk Open daily 10.30am - 5pm * Meet and feed the animals * Tractor and trailer rides & electric tractors * Take a stroll around our 7 different nature trails * Animal racing at weekends * Huge big bale straw stack & bouncy castle * Adventure play area and giant sandpit * 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 - homemade cakes!

BARN DANCES & WEDDING RECEPTIONS CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Arts name lives on in new award Swindon Arts is no more, but its legacy will continue for the next five years in the form of an annual award to local artists.

Although instrumental in setting up Swindon Arts as an arts partnership thirteen years ago, Swindon Council decided to cut its funding.

Before closing down in February. the Swindon Arts Tim Carrel receives the Swindon Arts Maurice Fanning board set up an Award from Murial Goddard. left. former Swindon Arts award to supdirector Rosa Matheson and Maurice Fanning. Tim's port projectsi in exhibition of drawings and paintings made in India are the name of in on display at the Wyvern Theatre until 3 July chairman Maurice Fanning. award so that £400 will be availThis year Swindon artist Tim able for a residency in a school or Carroll was chosen to receive a community setting. £200 grant. In 2005 Swindon CounFor details of the Swindon Arts cil's own arts organisation Swin- Maurice Fanning Award, contact don Artscape will contribute to the Celia Yeoman on 466517.

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The largest selection of card making and scrapbooking supplies in the area with over 250 designs ofpaper and card ancfa huge range of embellishments

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Thursday 1 July: The Kentwood Choir at the Arts Centre. 7.30pm.

Tickets: £6 (concessions: £4) Friday 2 July: Tanwood School of Performing Arts 60 th Anniversary Review, 7.30pm at the Arts Centre. Tickets: £6 (concessions £4)

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Workshops in papercrafts, stamping and scrapbooking suita6le for alT abilities Please phone for details of our current workshop schedule

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Wednesday 30 June: Discover Old Town with `Blue Badge Guide Cilia Slipper. Meet at Market Square, 7 pm

Craft Supplies ancfWorkshops

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Highlights include: Wednesday 30 June: Pop Idol! a children's talent show organisaed by K School of Music at Commonweal School, The Mall. Start: 7 pm.

Admission: £3 (concessions £2)

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7ef. 01793 640333

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The Old Town Festival is underway with talks, performances and events on the streets and in the parks. Its a great way to discover the original village on the hill.

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THE PREMIER OLD TOWN CARPET STORE

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Free measuring & fitting service with quality service and choice

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Also at: 42 High St, Wootton Bassett. Tel: 01793 852945 www. deacons-jewellers, corn

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Te I : 01793 431992

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Town Festival Saturday 3 July: Festival procession and fair At 11.30am the Adamant Marching Jazz Band leads a grand procession along Wood Street, around Old Town back to The Lawn for displays by Roman gladiators and soldiers, Tanwood dancers, Moloney Irish dancers. Punch and Judy, sword fencing, martial arts, family fun sports and

all the fun of the fair Sunday 4 July: Festival in Town Gardens and the Old Town Bowl commencing with Songs of Praise at1 lam followed by dancing. music, Indian cultural programme, fairground and the Jonny Wilkinson drop

kick competition Swindon Jazz Festival at the Old Town Festival Sunday 27 June, 2pm to 4.30pm Pete Long All Stars. Free. Kings Arms, Wood Street Monday 28 June, 8pm to 10.30pm Max Brittain & John Coverdale. Free to diners. Pizza Express. Bath Road Tuesday 29 June, 8.30pm to 11pm Jim Hart Quartet. £7. Fusion, High Street Wednesday 30 June, 8.30pm to 11pm Forster Hammond Trio. Free. King's Arms. Wood Street Thursday 1 July, 8.30pm to 11pm Robin Jones Latin Jazz Sextet. £7. King's Arms, Wood Street Saturday 3 July 11.30am to 2pm. Adamant Band in the parade and at The Lawn 12noon. Debbie Arthur's Sweet Rhythm. Free. Pickle Johns. Wood Street 1.30pm to 4pm. Nuages. Free. Panache. Wood Street 2pm to 4.30pm. Jazz Jiants. Free. Fusion. High Street 4.30pm to 6pm. Dick Pearce with the Bill Taylor Trio. Free. Fusion Sunday 4 July 2.45pm & 4.40pm. Heavy Quartet. Free. Town Gardens Bowl 8pm to 10.30pm. Stan Tracey Quartet featuring Bobby Wellins. £8.

Phoenix Theatre. New College.

Tickets from Swindon Tourist Information Centre, 37 Regent Street.

Tel: 466454. www.swindonjazz.co.uk

rieker Black or tan. sizes 37-42. £40

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26

SwindGrn Wide What's

Dance Friday 2nd, 7.30pm Tanwood Dancers. Dancers of all ages come together to present a colourful montage of dance. £6. Arts Centre Saturday 10th, 7.30pm Then and Now presented by Metamorphosis Dance Company.

The premiere youth dance company of Trinidad and Tobago trace the development of Caribbean dance from its roots in African and traditional Trinidadian folk forms to the present day, mixing it with American modern and jazz along the way. £8.50. Town Hall Studios

'

Saturday 17th, 7.30pm Rhythm and Rhyme. A lively and varied platform of youth dance from Mugdha, Youth Dance Company, DMen. Swindon Youth Dance Co. Just for Kicks Youth Dance Groups and Youth Talent Programme dancers, plus a guest appearance by Metamorphosis Dance Co. £8/£6. Wyvern

Theatre Saturday 3rd, 8pm The Witch of Edmonton by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Middlesex 1621, trouble stirs, crops are failing, li vestock is agitated, women are bewitched and young men have murder in mind. £8.50. BreweryArts

ial Flights! experience of a lifetime! ... Something different for someone special!

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ights ft

minutes

Studley Grange

garden & leisure park:

p

You can walk among hundreds of the world's most beautiful butte rf li es.

Children and Family Events Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th, 10am to 5pm Steam & Radio Fundays. Train rides every 20-30 minutes (unlimited travel included in entrance price); amateur radio event and exhibition station; also car boot sale and craft stands on Sunday. £3.50/E2. Swindon & Cricklade Railway Saturdays 10th and 24th Meet the Railway Workers. Join former engine drivers, firemen and railway workers as they bring stories of the steam age to life with practical demonstrations and accounts of their experiences. Normal admission prices. STEAM Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th National Archaeology Days. Join with English Heritage staff at the Groundwell Ridge Roman Site in North Swindon for site tours. For more details see page 19 From Thursday 22 July Family Learning Trail. A new family trail to help visitors get more out of their visit to STEAM. Available all year round. Normaladmissionprices.

STEAM Monday 26th and Tuesday 27th Dance workshops for 3 to 10 year olds. Various sessions during both days. Call into Swindon Dance. Town Hall Studios for a leaflet and to book Wednesday 28th to Friday 30th Moving East - Indian dance and art for 8 to 10 year olds. £37.50. Swindon Dance, Town Hall Studios, call in for a leaflet and to book Thursday 29th, 2pm to 4pm Getting the Point Across. Posters and poems can make us think about things in a different way. Be inspired by clever posters from the Second World War, and design giant posters supporting something you think is important. For ages 8 and above. £2.50. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

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Family activity sessions

Season tickets available - Full disabled access Tadered educational visits - Group visits ivelcome Large gift shop . Free parking for cars and coaches

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Tel : 01793 852400 info : studleygrange.co.uk

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Free Admission •

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Studley Grange 4 ' r^ t":11 a.x. there is a huge range of beauti ul and interesting handcrafted gifts, many of which are skillfully created on site.Not only a great place to shop but also an interesting and interactive experience.

Tel: 01793 854606 Al

Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park, Hay Lane, Swindon, Wilts SN4 9QT

Workshops Saturday 10th, 10am to 4pm Holiday Painting Techniques ... in a pencil case. Quick sketching and fast painting techniques with Joan Miller, using watercolour pencils and pen and wash. £21. Arts Centre Sunday 11th or Sunday 18th, 9.30am to 4.30pm Mystery Painting Trips. Painting in a rural setting with Geoff Glover.

Starting from Arts Centre, with disabled access to minibus. Bring own materials. £18/day. Book for either or both

Monday 26th to Thursday 29th, 7pm to 9pm daily Watercolours for Adults. Outdoor watercolour painting in the picturesque surroundings of the Richard Jefferies' Museum, Coate Water. Suitable for beginners and those wishing to refresh their knowledge. £18. Book via Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

Monday 26th to Friday 30th, 10am to 4pm daily Summer Painting Week. Learn the basics of watercolour painting with Peter Robinson. Bring own materials. £90. Arts Centre

Lower

Shaw Farm Old Shaw Open daily Summer: 1Oam - 6pm Winter : 9am - dusk

Looking for Romans at Groundwell Ridge - Dr Pete Wilson, English Heritage archaeologist. See page 19

Wednesday 7 July 1 Oam - 12.30pm or 1 pm - 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.

Car boot sale every Sunday 8am - 1pm Redlands Airfield, Wanborough Call 07703 182 756 In aid of St Andrew's Church

Venues The Arts Centre. Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Brewe ry Arts, Cirencester.

Tel: 01285 655522 Lydiard House. Tel: 770401 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 Tel: 463210 Wyvern Theatre. Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

27

On in )ul4 Music

Exhibitions

From 22 June to Sunday 4 July Arts Centre Swindon Jazz Festival. See page until Saturday 24th 25 for details Re: A.D. by Joan Miller Thursday 1st, 7.30pm Joan Miller highlights design The Kentwood Show Choir in elements in art using colours, shapes concert. Musical director Sheila and textures with some quirky ideas.

Harrod presents a pot pourri of music. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery £6. Arts Centre Swindon at War A exhibition to mark the 60th Saturday 3rd, 6pm Classical Extravaganza with the anniversary of the D-Day landings, City of London Sinfonia. £18. Bowl, by looking at the role of Swindon and Town Gardens, see advert on page its people during the Second World War. Were you in Swindon then?

25 for details Swindon's Museum Service is Saturday 3rd, 3pm & 7.30pm collecting stories for an oral history Gala Concert produced by Swindon project. To arrange an interview call Music Centre, featuring over 500 into the museum or telephone 466556 talented local musicians. £6. Wyvern Still many months away, a VE Day Monday 5th, 7.30pm street party in 1945 The Kings of Swing recreates a musical era when everyone fell in love to songs like Come Fly With, Get a Kick Out of You, Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime, to name but a few. £16.50. Wyvern Saturday 9th, 7.30pm 4 Poofs and a Piano. The true stars of Friday Night with Jonathan Ross produce individual and quirky interpretations of ballads, show tunes, chart hits and classics as well as Swindon Museum & Art Gallery original material. £14.50. Wyvern Swindon in Focus.

Some evocative images of Swindon, Saturday 10th, 7.30pm An Evening of Song And Supper. captured through the lens of local Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo photographer Denis Bird (1923 and other nautical songs. £6, buffet 2001), mostly during the 1960s. included. Warne ford School, Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Highworth. For details call 763175 Fab Forty!

Saturday 10th, 7.30pm Forty works of the Swindon Collection The History of Motown Show. of Modern British Art have been Celebrating the music of Motown's chosen to celebrate the Art Gallery's 40th birthday. best loved groups. £13. Wyvern Sunday 11th, 7.30pm Trust Your Voice presented by Janice Thompson. A celebration of the vocal talents of Swindon's new Friday 4th, Educational Trust, featuring the 7.30pm Junior Singing Classes, the Concert Chris Eubank.

Choir, Swindon Youth Opera and Eubank has starred in his guest soloists. £8. Wyvern

Midnight Cowboys Tuesday: Even Swindon, 7.00

Saturday 10th July & Sunday 11th July, 10am to 5pm

Community Centre Jennings Street (off Rodbourne Road)

Steam

Wednesday: Rodbourne Cheney, 7.30 Rodbourne Cheney Club. Moredon Road (near Rodbourne Arms)

Thursday: Coleview 7.00 Community Centre, Nythe Road

Step by step instruction for absolute beginners Weekend socials in Highworth and Swindon For more details Ring Lewis Watson on 764732 Ten years of teaching!

Friday 23rd & Saturday 24th,

7.30pm & Sat, 2.30pm More Music and Dance presented

by New Youth Theatre and Piers Skelton Band. Avibrant and energetic song and dance. £7. Arts Centre Friday 30th to Saturday 7 August, 7.30pm, & Sat 2.30pm The Sound Of Music. The Summer Youth Project. Wyvern Saturday 31st, 7.15pm Malkit Singh - Bhangra. £10. Bowl, Town Gardens. see advert on page 25 for details

Panto auditions Open to 10 to 18 year olds on Sunday 5 September at the Wyvern Call 524481 for details.

POL E oTAD

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weekend & ,

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amateur

plu so ar becution

plus barbecue evening on

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Saturday 10th* Blunsdon Station, Ticket only event Tadpole Lane Swindon.

Tel: (01793) 771615 When special events are not scheduled a train service operates on Sundays and Bank H o li days 1l a m to 4pm

THE NINE ELMS PUBLIC HOUSE I TWO NEW CHILDREN'S PLAY AREAS I CHILDREN'S MENU > NEW SEPARATE BEER GARDEN I A LA CARTE / TDH / BAR MENU'S I SUNDAY BBQ £5.95 LUNCH £5.00 1 JULY 10 TH LOCAL BANDS PLAYING: NEBULAE & OTOKO - Enjoy a chilled out afternoon in the beer garden with a BBQ ! KARAOKE / DISCO - 10 TH & 24 TH JULY What are you waiting for? View all of our menus and what's on @ www.thenineelms.com

WRAG BARN Wrag Barn Golf Club, Shrivenham Road, Highworth, Swindon SN6 7QQ Tel.- 01793861327 Fax: 01793 861325 Email: info@wragbarn.com www.wragbarn.com

Sunday Cc v 'lunch Enjoy our superb 3 couse S: day Carveryfrom 12 noon. Advance booking advis

own TV show,

won numerous awards for his sartorial elegance and has battled some of the most dangerous men in the world. £14.50. Wyvern

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Talks

Saturday 17th, 6pm Caramelo Son - Salsa. £10. Bowl, Town Gardens, see advert on page 25 for details

Swindon & Cricklade Railway

Line Dance with

i

Special Events Weddings Birthdays, Anniversaries M planned to perfection, by onr dedicated A J feefed piartnef :snip for you vial occa ion 11 , E --Business

Meetings

The ideal

Comedy Tuesday 6th to Thursday 8th, 7.30pm Roy 'Chubby' Brown. Stay away if easily offended! £18. Wyvern Thursday 8th, 8pm Stephen K Amos. An expert at being himself, Stephen K Amos is supremely warm and wickedly funny with an ability to charm onlookers into the palm of his hand. £8.50.

Brewery Arts

ironment for totally stress free meetings Accommodating up to 200 delegates theatre style

Society & Company Golf Days The perfect location for yourgolfing Away Day' 3 18836 bole packages, tailored tR,y our requirements Golf Professional set vices can be included A WARM FRIENDLY WELCOME AWAITS ALL OUR VISITORS

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Swindc r Wide

28

SPANISH APARTMENT - COSTA BLANCA Swimming pool Sleeps up to 6 people Reasonable rates.

Call 01793 700253 or visit: www.soain-holidav-aoartment.co .uN Spanish Apartment Costa Blanca £200 - £250 pw

West Swindon Ladies

Retiring to Spain?

Tootleabrook WI next meet on Wednesday 21 July, 7.30pm at Toothill Community Centre for a talk on 'Fire Safety in the Home'.

If you've cherished the dream of getting away from the greyness of Britain and into the sunshine down south — or simply wondered what it would be like to be an expatriate Age Concern has published a book Retiring to Spain which will help you avoid many of the pitfalls.

Thousands have already made the momentous move to the sun and many others are considering their options. But upping sticks and li ving there is an entirely different experience from going there on holiday, and Age Concern looks at

For more details call Jean Brock on 539456

Tenerife: Amarilla Golf

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pip.

Available for rent Sleeps 8 - Large Pool 15 minutes to Disney £400 per week

large complex pool, fi tt ed kitchen, curtains, light fittings orivate fenclna and controlled entrance for just 96,000 Euros.

Tel: 01793 825378

Call our Swindon o ff ice tel/fax: 01793 704 089

or view www.jonesvilla.com

private parking,

villas

j' e^Pa

Inspain aoi.com

www.viltat,-in-spain.biz

the pros and cons and explains

how to make the transition to a sunny and healthy retirement a reality.

Apart from factual information Retiring to Spain is full of anecdotes and stories to reinforce the points made, as well as a list of useful contacts and addresses.

The book is available from Age Concern Swindon. 14 Milton Road at £7.99 plus £1.99 postage and packing. It can also be purchased online at www.ageconcern.org.uk

Summer Fundraising Second hand book sale Emmanuel church, High Street, Hayden Wick Saturday 3 July, 10am to 12noon Come and buy your holiday reading

Summer fete Westlea School Saturday 3 July, 1.30pm Many stalls, white elephant, games, barbecue, free entry

Summer fete Tregoze School, Grange Park Saturday 3 July, 3pm - 6pm Circus theme this year.

Lots of fun for all the family Followed by line dancing, bar and barbecue. 6pm - 9.30pm

Strawberry fayre Emmanuel Church, High Street, Hayden Wick Saturday 17 July, 2pm - 4pm Stalls, strawberry & cream teas

Proceeds to The Willows Christian Counselling Service

Bovis look for bright idea Bovis Homes are offering £100 in gift vouchers to the person who suggests the right name for their new retirement living development in Priory Vale.

Reservations are now being taken for the 52 apartments located off Thamesdown Drive (see advert left). Owners will have access to a sumputuously-furnished lounge, reception, gardens and a guest suite.

Names - which Bovis hope will include the word 'Manor' - should be sent by 5 July to Ben Murray, Bovis Homes, The Manor House, North Ash Road, New Ash Green, Longfield, Kent DA3 8HQ.

The all round winning lottery Jenny Evans, lottery manager for the Prospect Hospice writes.

To all our loyal lottery members we would like to say a big thank you for your continued support.

We are delighted to be able to

kept the prize money exactly the same. As before the 1st prize is a wonderful £1 000. Our 2nd prize is £100 and we have two at £50, four

say that we are continuing to pass

at £25 and the rest are £10 each.

on your kindness in the form of a monthly cheque to the Hospice where it is used to fund whatever is the greatest need at that time.

It can be the nurses wages, the gas bill or for the upkeep of our beautiful gardens which are so uplifting to our patients and their

So. every Monday morning twenty eight people receive a cheque through their letterbox and Prospect also wins through yourcontinued support.

To join please complete the form below. Send it with a cheque made out to The Prospect Hospice Lottery to the Lottery Office, 12 Havelock Square, Swindon SN1 1 LE and wait for your winnings.

If you would like to pay by standing order or through your wages at work please call us on 615870.

families. Each day around 250 local people are helped by Prospect.

We have made some slight changes this year to bring the lottery more up to date. The tickets

remain at £1 each and we have

Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms ..................................................................................

Address.............................................................................................. ..................................................... Postcode ...................................

Telephone..........................................................................................

I would like to pay cheque and enclose my cheque for £ ....... (min £10 suggested for ten weekly entries into the draw)

WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL

114

Aaa^o

ni ic IL

,

Tiles

A large choice at affordable prices from leading

manufacturers across Europe Why Navaho?

Manolito Chando is one of the few Native Canadians in Swindon, and also a chief of his band of Indians.

Q(1IA q IC TIIIAS DAT H ROO q`'ll S & 7J lfll o V^ fts

Supplied and fi tt ed at affordable prices Superb quality assured

The business is named

after his great, great grandfather Chief Navho of the Shuhuko' a clan of the Blackfoot tribes, originally from Montana, now in Canada.

In keeping with his Indian heritage, Manolito and his staff always provide a warm welcome to all visitors to his warehouse and to all who come to the West Swindon Centre

Also see our displays at Xes f Swindon on 2nd and 3rd Ju and 15th to 19th July Open: Monday to Friday 9am - 7pm • Saturday 9am - 5.30pm • Sunday by appointment Unit 7 • Wroughton Business Park • Swindon Road • Wroughton • www.navahotiles.com SURVEY CA.... US NOW Ft Please note this

tail unit

30 The Link Magazine • July 2004

Relax @ LINK Centre

PALM JOINERY Purpose made and standard size Joinery and Cabinetry Doors, windows, staircases, bedrooms, home studies etc To discuss your requirements call Derek Palmer on 01793 854 777

\ we're in Yellow

Unit 10 Oaklands Ind. Est. Braydon, Swindon

-

Pages

SWINDON C'' With 250 bikes on show THE price is right THE parking is free •

_

x,e Parts, repairs accessories, back up stock

4 tti

/^' `' i L

School bids to go places in style Greendown Community School has two mini-buses which are near their sell-by date, so they're going to raise £50,000 through a variety of sponsored events. our partner primary The fundraising schools to visit Green^ OWN S campaign kicks off down. We're appeal<<, 'y with an end of term ing to the community 0 whole school spon- C for support by either Bored afternoon on 16 making donations diJuly. rectly, or sponsoring a Campaign coordi" ^ pupil on 16 July.

QQ Christian nator "We are also lookDobbs, head of boys //V/. J S PE at Greendown,

.^

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

The Romans loved lazing about in saunas and steam rooms and for centuries Scandinavian people have enjoyed the benefits of heat to open and cleanse pores of the skin, ease aching muscles and joints and relax tired minds.

Now Link Centre users can experience these benefits in a brand new state-of-the-art sauna and steam room, with changing rooms, relaxation area, and access for people with disabilities.

It's open to all SwindonCard users, with concession rates and it's free to X-Training Passport holders. Combo tickets are available so that users of other activities can also enjoy the Health Suite at a reduced rate.

For details call into Link Centre or phone 445566.

Going Places with YOUR Support

ing for businesses in-

said, "mini-buses are essential to get teams to and from matches and classes to education events, as well as being used by

terested in advertising on our brand new mini-bus. Contact the school manager on 874224 for details.

Sit A ,Summ

da s

I ^ r W `^: x^Po0.

vt

The prospect of weeks without school beckons - joy for children, dread for some parents.

But even youngsters quickly get bored and want some structure to the holiday break. That's not a problem because there's lots going on.

Old Bell Pottery & Crafts High Street, Lechlade • Tel: 01367 252608 E-mail: victoria.h@virgin.net

For great gift ideas Knitting & Haberdashery Sewing needs: X-stitch — Tapestry ' Rowan Jaeger — Patons — Yarns and Patterns We'll also gladly order an y thing else you need.

Dolls houses E,- miniatures Traditional games & toys; local craft items

In the Stable A great selection of' local pottery.

Also: China seconds from Stoke-on-Trent

Trio Cool Kids holiday playscheme Open between 8am and 6pm at Tregoze School, Grange Park. Lots of great activities supervised by mature experienced staff. Call Trio on 514422 for details.

The Big Adventure Holiday Club Every day holds new surprises at the Big A at Greendown School from 23 July to 27 August, 8am to 6pm. Call Tracey or Peter Bailey on 875992 or 07977 570488 to book a place from £13 per day.

What about the Great Escape at Greendown School?

Two weeks focussed on sport run by qualified PE teachers and trained leaders: 26 July to 30 July; 2 August to 6 August, 9.30am to 3pm.

Play football, netball, hockey, tennis, badminton, volleyball, gymnastics, rounders, cricket, athletics, dance, Danish long ball, tug of war and orienteering to your hearts content.

Open to 9 to 13 years (school years 5 - 8) of any ability to learn a new sport or develop their skills to higher levels. Cost: £55 a week.

Call Greendown on 874224 for a registration form. Payment by instalments can be arranged.

Hey, try Hi5'?

Swindon's leisure services are relaunching holiday camps for 4 to 12 year olds at the Link, Oasis, Haydon and Highworth Recreation Centres.

Activities include ice-skating, swimming, racket sports, ball sports, inflatable, arts & crafts, quizzes and videos, trampolining and climbing, all of which add up to a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Children can bring a packed lunch or they can pre-order food from Lincoln's cafe.

In the Garden Pots, planters & ornaments from around the world

Mon to Sat 10 to 5 • Sun 11 to 5

Hi5 runs from Thursday 22 July to Friday 27 August, 9.30am to 4.30pm, with early start options from 8.15am and a late finish option until 5.45pm.

Day prices range from £10.80 for Concession One SwindonCard holders for a standard day and early start and late finish options will be available at an additional charge. Concession Two and non-card rates are also available. See the advert on the back page for details.

31

The Link Magazine • July 2004

Hockey added to West schools tournament schedule Brook Field School's football and netball teams were dominant at this year's West Swindon primary schools' tournament held at Greendown in mid-May. The girls also won the winter league whilst the boys came second. At the tournament organised by Greeendown Year 11 pupils, the footballers shared first place with St Mary's, Purton.

Brook Field teams, netballers, Ailie Waite, Emma Rolfe, Megan Staples, Jasmine Telling, Laura Moseley, Sarah-Jane Romain. Footballers, Russell Archer, Chris Olner, Jack Wilkinson, Connor Thompson, Dan Siddle, Chris Richards, Joe Rackham, Ross Shazve, Adam Farmer

Les Slinn Personal Trainer Pe r sonal Training Instruction for all ages, abilities & fitness levels.

Evening Advertiser Columnist & Swindon FMs Health (Fitness Advisor.

• Qualified & Certified Pe r sonal Trainer • Nut r ition & Weight Management Consultant • Circuits Instructor • Core Stability & Torso Instructor

CLIVE ELLIOTT'S MARTIAL ARTS ^.._ Kennet Valley ACADEMIES f

)

Cross Training

KICK BOXING

mss,

& CROSS TRAINING CLASSES

• Kids Fit Instructor "Learn how to get & stay motivated in a fun relaxed atmosphere, helping you to achieve that body you have always wanted."

ADULT & JUNIOR LESSONS NOW RUNNING IN MIDDLEAZE. SWINDON CALL NOW ON: 07879 404021 OR 07767 607170

0783 3582788 1.rl i nn (à supanet.

( om

The practice of Indian Head massage is perfect for inducing feelings of iccll-being_, calmness & relaxation, it also aids toith the dispersal of toxins from tense knotted muscles and stimulates the circulatory & l y mphatic systems.

Reiki harmonises your energy system, putting your body in the best possible position to heal itself on all levels, physical, Z ^ mental, emotional & spiritual. Prices from £30 per session.

For the first time, a hockey competition involving five Swindon primary schools was organised on the Greendown astro turf which was won

by Oliver Tomkins Junior School.

Jolly hockey sticks at Oliver

For more information or to book treatments call the Health & Beaut y Suite direct on 0 1 793 8893 6 2

Tomkins Juniors. Winning team members Lydia Peck, Steven Sharp, Nicole Harding, Becky Wood, Jamie Axford, Nabraska Muller, Matty Poole, Tim Taylor, Tom Frayling, Kierstin

Doing the dream at the extreme Dave Maine from the Link Centre reports on competing in the Lanzarote Ironman, the ultimate event which took him over 11 hours.

Running into the Atlantic with stand where family and friends 700 othertriathletes just after dawn scream, 'keep going' and 'you can is scary, arms and legs thrashing make it.' They dori t know my legs everywhere, trying to avoid being are concrete and there are still four kicked in the face or your goggles hours of running to go.

My brain kept telling me to stop, get ripped off. And it was so cold.

Eventually the field spreads out it was too far, too hot, too much, and you can get into your stroke but my legs kept turning - I can't for 1.2 miles around the bay. After let down all the people who have 63 minutes I a struggle to actually said good luck, sent me cards and stand up, before dashing up the given me words of encouragement.

After 11 hours 28 minutes 21 beach to set off on the112milebike section which covers the whole is- seconds I realised the months of land, including 2,600 meters of training had paid off. I only took climbing. Luckily for us the fa- up triathlon three years ago almous Lanzarote wind had though becoming an lronman has dropped which meant I could fo- been my dream for over ten. Anything is possible. cus on pacing the course.

The marathon course is four laps • Photos of Dave in Lanzarote can out and back. At the end of each be seen at www.swindonlink.com one you turn in front of the grandLadies wanted to join Abbey Meads Netball Team y

Thursdays 9am to 11am at Abbey Meads Communit Primary School Turn up or call Roxanna Cox on 0196 6023636

a

zIL

°^ seie -' Ilan

• verticals • rollers n Venetians n romans • pleateds n awnings m conservatory blinds

for fast local service call us now - freephone

0800 916 6512 gam-9pm 7 days a week evening and weekend appointments always available

to browse or buy just click www.hillarys.co.uk "off current prices on selected ranges t Applies to 127mm louvres only in blinds up to 2m wide

I

n

^^^

32 The Link Magazine • July 2004

Team sustains sponsorship from North Swindon developers The July 2003 Link pictured a group of enthusiastic children from Abbey Meads and adult coaches making an appeal for sponsorship.

As a result the consortium of development companies building ; V houses at Priory Vale came forward with financial backing for ^y . _-, AFC Abbey Meads and the club _ has gone from strength to strength.

The under 10s team finished , their first season as runners up in the North Wilts & District Minors League West Division.

Now, the club has launched a new team for under 9s.

• Read Tanya Parkinson's full re-

port, with club contact details at www.swindonlink.com Personal Trainer Laura Donnelly DipPT 07766 751649

AFC Abbey Meads, pleased to have the continued backing of Priory Vale

Play on the Wimbledon inspiration

Feel fitter, firmer & healthier

* Personal training - total fitness experience

* Sports massage therapy - sports injuries & prevention * Swedish body massage - relaxation & stress relief All provided in your own home Call now for your free consultation

I Pdgc Qualifed Nail TtctniididR 1)1793 72L

07734 432305

1ifli {idlr ' ^^Cck.ii .

:C0.11

Whatever Tim Henman does this year, you can do more than just watch because the Delta Tennis Centre is opening its doors on Sunday 11 July to give everyone, especially beginners, a chance to take advantage of the country's biggest and best sporting offer - to play tennis for free.

The day is open to players of all ages and abilities to have a go, said Delta manager Gail Light. "The Delta/Swindon Tennis Club is a welcoming and friendly place to start playing this fantastic game."

Sessions throughout the day include under 5's pre tennis, mini tennis, beat the coach, fastest serve, tennis for adult beginners, tennis for teenagers, with prizes on offer for best performers and tryers.

You can just tu rn up on the day but booking is advisable on 445555, as sessions have limited spaces.

WILTSHIRE PLUMBING & HEATING PARK HOUSE CHURCH PLACE SWINDON WILTS SN 1 5ED

TEL: 01793 698029 FAX: 01793 698074

Building relationships through professionalism •

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BATHROOM SUITES INSTALLED

Corgi 203590

The Link Magazine • July 2004 CHERRI ANN MATTHEWS II HHT FICHTATLM

(-WeightWatchers

Holistic Therapist & Reiki Master/Teacher

WESTLEA SCHOOL Thursday 5.30pm

• Reiki I st, 2nd and

Master Degree Courses.

• Learn Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) - I -Day Workshop • Banish fears, phobias, addictions and mental/emotional blocks holding you back with EFT. • I & 2-Day Meditation Workshops.

Re fl exology/Aromatherapy.

Reiki/EFT/Indian Head Massage. t: 01793871410 m:0772063576 www.cherriannmatthews.co.uk

Alternatives

FRESHBROOK CHURCH Wednesday 7pm ABBEY MEADS PRIMARY SCHOOL Thursday 6.15pm 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

J Lffeswes Are you interested in:

Aromatherapy, Reiki, Waxing & Hair Removal, Facials, Massage, Bronzing

Weight Loss. Gain or Maintenance Sports Nutrition Health Improvement & Energy Boosting

Summer Specials for Link Readers

Skin Care & Beauty

St Tropez tan - exfoliation, £20 moisturise, full body £15 Cooling collagen facial Cooling hydrating full £20 body massage £10 Half leg wax 113 High Street, Wootton Bassett 01793 345443 or

07811 291570

Wellbeing Simple, Affordable and Effective Our Herbal products have helped over 40 million people worldwide.

They are 100"/ safe, natural and doctor recommended For more information call or e-mail Jo or Paul on 01793 702475 or 07901 55408 0 jo@iplifestyles.co.uk www.jplif esty les.c o.uk

AMETHYST CRYSTAL HEALING 1^.

REIKI ^(► HEALING / 1 FLOWER REMEDIES Let me help y ou to Delp voursel f

Call Julie Hopkins VHF Dip. MCHF IPTI Reiki Master Tel: 01793 870109

Mark Ackland BSc PhD Lic Ac MBAcC

Laser (needle-free) acupuncture now available

Appointments call: 07973 - 185158 SESSIONS: FRIDAYS 2pm to 7pm Please contact the practice or visit www.tawhill su rgery.nhs.uk for deta il s.

TAW HILL MEDICAL PRACTICE, QUEEN ELIZABETH DRIVE. SWINDON 5N25 1WL-'.

TEL: 01793 709500 • FAX: 01 793 723875 E-MAIL: ENQUIRIES@TAWWH I LLS URGERY.NHS. UK

NEW GROUP

Wednesday:6.30pm Brookfield School, Shaw Christine, 324317 Monda y : 6pm a 1.30pm Rodhourne Community Centre. Kathryn 811430

New Shape - New You!!

Tuesda y : 6.30pm a 8pm Abbey Meads School. Paula, 101442

Wanted Serious people interested in weight loss 30 day money back guarantee FREE SUPPORT Still enjoy your favourite foods

Rob, 184104

Thursday: 6pm a 1.30pm St John's Church, Ha y don Wick.

Peter, 164684

NEW TIMES Tuesda y : 9.30am, 5pm a 6.30pm Toothill Communit y Centre.

Sharon, 521332

woRlo

,.

rot<ether we can do it

Call 01793 706289 www.slimondown.uk . net

)tdvancedf'herapies H Ipieg yoc •

^

,,. a ndsale, m,o,.,,.

.. or, the road to change_`

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L^ ^^ ssociates , .LLL •

Clinical Hypnotherapy and other advanced techniques offer safe and effective treatment for

Andrew Hill B.SI (flons) Dip Hv'p l'VLP MNCH (Reg.)

Hilary Norris-Evans

Acupuncture at Taw Hill Medical Practice

Your nearest group:

Monda y : 6.30pm & Opt St John's Church, Haydon Wick.

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Now working at Best Of Health, 127 High St reet. Wootton Bassett

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with Slimming World Get wet and go wild this summer - sun, sea

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

33

Call 01793 873451 to talk in confidence with the therapist or visit our website

www.ahassociates.org

Body treatments Cellulite reduction • Increases metabolism Banishes fluid retention Fat reduction - non surgical liposculpture • Re-shapes & tones the body • Lifts buttocks & breasts Flattens tummy • Tightens & firms skin Facial treatments Non-surgical facelifting • Skin firming • Reduces fine lines & wrinkles • Lifts & rejuvenates the face

®Skin problems ®Weight problems ®Smoking QPhobias eStress *Panic •Motivation •Confidence eI.B.S. Band many more conditions Call:- 01793 861364 for a free consultation G eorge Irwin PDCHyp. MBSC H Registered vtypn Binhing® Practitioner Now at Swindon and Highworth` e-mail: georgeirwin43@aot.com

34 The Link Magazine • July 2004

^—z e Rye e_

DUNCAN .

SELF DRIVE HIRE

Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates Cars • Vans • Luton Tail - Lifts Radio de-coding while you wait Open daily 8.30am - 5.30pm Sundays 8.30am - 9.30am v

Tel: 822193 272 Ermin Street. Stratton St. MargarE

Swindon

FREE PARKING I

MOBILE CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS y t EIectronic tuning ,t Welding * Electrical work * MoTs arranged (no re-test fee)

For a reliable local service with over 25 years experience (No VAT to pay) CALL GRAHAM ON (01793) 873045 or 07867 556350

PARKING Don't let annoying cosmetic damage ruin the look and value of your car

• Paintwork scuffs and scratches 'Interior tri m repairs • Bumper repairs • Alloy wheel repairs

CENTRAI L SWINDON Annual long stay parking from only £63.00 per month Contact Christine Jenkins Tel: 01 7 93 - 690600

Call 07050 266325 for a free, no obligation quote

-' i

www.trimlineswindon.co.uk

your partner in business

FIAT & ALFA ROMFE Providing friendly & efficient * servicing

* engine & gearbox rebuilds * electrical repairs * brake and clutch repairs * cam

Fairies prance for Abby Pink fairies were Abby Smith's favourite and to remember her, mum Helen and friends Debbie Swepson and Jayne Keen dressed up

for the Cancer Research UK Race for Life at Lydiard Park on 6 June.

Much loved Abby died of a brain tumour in July 2002. Since then

Helen has been ceaseless in her efforts to raise money for Swindon based children's cancer charity CALM, and the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

'Let's do it for Abby' - in pink tutus and trainiu,, shoes - from left, Helen.

Debbie and Jayne

Can ladies drive?

Find out at the Marie Curie Cancer Care 'Ladies Driving Challenge' on Saturday 14 August at RAF Colerne, near Chippenham.

Women can try out fire engines, articulated lorries, police cars, 4 x 4s, double decker buses and even JCBs to prove they can drive the biggest, longest, toughest and unusual wheeled vehicles.

The registration fee is £10 and all participants are asked to raise sponsor-money of £100 each towards their local Marie Curie Nursing Services. For details call Claire Cusak on 0117 924 7275 or mail: clair.cusack@mariecurie.org.uk. www.mariecurie.org.uk

M.O.T.

Cars • Motorcycles

01793 428430 More than just your local bus company

Thamesdown 5 `^

Corporation Street, Swindon SN1 1 DS

of

belt

replacement * MOT repairs

THE GARAGE DOOR CENTRE 7

* sales

Est. 1981

Your local garage door specialist • Up and over, roller and sectional

garage doors

OPTIMA Tel: (01793) 840667 39b Station Road, Wootton Bassett (Opposite St Ivel)

• Remote operation doors

• 2 years guarantee • Maintenance free doors • Superb security locking facilities • Stockists of the largest range of spare parts in the South West of England Telephone 01793 513796 Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon email: swindondoorservice@btinternet.co.uk www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

The Link Magazine • July 2004

35

Let's walk the forest for Brandon

Join the library's reading rollercoaster

Brandon Humphries is able to walk - a remarkable achievement considering that his feet are so deformed by cerebral palsy that it's as if he is permanently on tip toe like a ballerina. Now you can help out by joining a sponsored walk and treasure hunt around Shaw Forest Country Park on 10 July.

The four year old's Brandon's feet will first steps without the .rS'. have to be broken and help of sticks came half '' rebuilt and his tendon's stretched to way through a month y straighten his legs. of very hard work at Tracey hopes to the Peto Institute in Hungary where Tracey make the two week took him for world trip for an operation at leading conductive the end of August, with further visits to education. r Budapest in Novem"The conductors are tier and next March for ' very tough on the pa, more conductive edutients and Brandon ' " cation. found it exhausting," To help, the Swinshe said. "He wanted " don Forest Protection to give up, but as he Group have teamed up got stronger, he learnt with Tracey and Tony to walk with only one Il to organise a sponstick and then took steps on his Humphries own. That was so fantastic. Even sored walk to Shaw Forest Counthough he falls over a lot his confi- try Park on Saturday 10 July, from dence is sky high and he's now 10am to 12noon.

Come along and discover the pushing himself all the time."

The cost of the course and living woodlands threatened by commerin Hungary was over £3,000. cial development and raise money Fundraising and sponsored events to help Brandon walk again.

There will be a treasure hunt for made nearly £5,000, but the family now have to raise around £10,000 children and a few challenges for to pay for an operation and a lot adults. For a sponsor form, call more physiotherapy.

Tracey on 877301 or The Link on If he is ever to walk properly 872282.

Looking forward to the summer holidays, or need inspiration or a challenge to fill those long hours of freedom? asks librarian Rachel Douglas.

The Reading Roller-coaster arrives in Swindon on Saturday 17 July and will provide a lively ride right through to 4 September.

Whatever your age you are welcome to get aboard. All you have to do is read six books and complete an activity sheet to receive 6 fabulous sheets of stickers.

Finish the ride and you will be given a medal, a certificate and entry to a grand prize draw. !

Ask for a free Reading Rollercoaster \, _ pack at your local library, sit back and enjoy your summer reading.

For details call West Swindon Library ^,^ s on 465555 or Rachel Douglas on 707131. y

Take a seat in our new showroom -

Swindon's dining centre .

Also stockists of office/study furniture and lounge furniture

CLASSIC FINISHERS Shaw & North Swindon

My85^°"

Unit 19, Bridgemead Close, Westmead Estate, Westlea, Swindon

Police Vyestmeatl

Station

Wes°ea

Estate •

classic

Telephone: 01793 513155

Furniture

St Western Way & Town Centre

Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-3pm Sat9-4pm

r- ---------, ^^ ^

I

(am1lY Ash

rcsfavranh

I

6 takeaways

West Swindon District Centre I I 870 455

Three good reasons to use our money off voucher 1. If you've not used us for a while - Welcome back 2. If you've never used us before -

£1 off all orders I over £3 on production I I — of this voucher —

Try us

3. If you used this voucher last time - HERE'S ANOTHER REMIND YOURSELF WHAT NATURAL UNPROCESSED FOOD IS LIKE Chips from real potatoes and top quality fish from the sea - all with fewer calories than chicken tikka masala, sweet and sour pork* and more nutritious and satisfying than burger and fries.

LET'S MAKE FISH AND CHIPS BRITAIN'S No 1 TAKE-AWAY AGAIN! We now have a seating area so you can enjoy your fish & chips at a table with a hot cup of tea or coffee Soulcc: Carlson Bengston Consultants Ltd

Tra rman .omur ,;•n

esre,,,a,m a ,awe..,w^y:

And there's always a friendly welcome from manager Alan Clark and his staff

36 The Link Magazine • July 2004

Fun dog show

Running with bulls - naked

The North Wilts RSPCA Branch will be holding its second annual Fun Dog Show on Sunday 25 July at Lydiard Park.

Classes are open to all dogs, from cross breeds to pedigrees and include best veteran (8 years or over), prettiest bitch, most handsome dog and the one with the waggiest tail.

There will also be a heat for the RSPCA Dog of the Year competition for rescue dogs.

Registration starts at 10.30am and classes at 12 noon. The cost is £1 per class or £1.50 on the day. For a registration form, call the North Wilts RSPCA Branch on 829630.

Two West Swindon animal rights supporters are off to Pamplona, Spain on 3 July to take part in the famous running with bulls event. But Marilyn and Anish Harrison and others from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) will be there protesting against the cruelty of bullfighting.

Marilyn said, "bullfighting is a cruel gruesome bloodsport that many Spaniards find unacceptable. Most visitors who witness a bullfight are disgusted by the barbaric spectacle.

"For days before a fight bulls are weakened by beatings, debilitated with laxatives, muscles in the neck are cut to prevent them from lifting their heads and petroleum jelly is smeared in their eyes. The bulls do not stand a chance before a slow death in the ring."

Anish will be wearing body paint in the colours of a bull and also a red rag to highlight the plight of the animals whilst Marilyn will follow in a white sheet carrying her clothes. www.petauk.org

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

Pets At Home could be your answer 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 sheila@hannahlightfoot.freeserve.co.uk

Anish in l Marilyn from Tooth ill (Phot(: Calyx Multimedia, Swindon)

Would you like your pets looked after in the comfort of their home?

I provide a friendly caring and

professional per sitting service

`

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Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 5PY

A friendly, caring service for you and your pet

for dogs, cats and caged animals.

Whether you're away on holida\ or just out at work all day, I can feed, walk and care for your pets.

Service tailored to suit your needs.

For more details phone Carole on 01793 702098

David Warnes BVSc MRCVS Consultations by appointment: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.30pm Saturday 9.00am - 4.00pm 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 hours)

It' s Pets i e s a ad se 40 at Paradise Pets.

Superb selection of caqe and

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Abbeymeads Village Centre Elstree Way Abbeymeads Swindon Tel: (01793) 728728

Surgery Opening hours:

Mon - Fri 9am - 6.30pm Saturday 12noon - 3pm y Consultina hours b a000intment Mon - Fri: 9am - 10.30am; 3.30pm - 5pm; 5.30pm - 6.30pm Saturday 12noon - 3pm

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

Local care for local people and their pets

Everythin4j for jatvr ? et in one shop Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor, Swindon Tel: 01 793 51 2400 Fax: 01 793 51 2444

The Link Magazine • July 2004

North Swindon farmhouse plans before council A plan to restore the 18th Century Groundwell Farmhouse, located close to the junction of Cricklade Road and Thamesdown Drive at Groundwell West, has been lodged with Swindon Council and is due to go before the planning committee at the end of July.

"I believe some of our concerns Patrick Holmes who runs the plex negotiations between SwinSevenfields Dental Health Centre don planners, English Heritage, have been met, such as the plan to in Penhill Drive, bought the Grade English Nature and the county ar- re-open the old drive to the house for traffic to the surgery, but I am II listed building to expand his chaeologist.

Despite reports of unnecessary still concerned about parking in practice and to use it for other medical services. The proposed use delays in some local media, the mews."

The plans can be seen at Swinof the building has been welcomed Christopher Moore, Managing Diby the council as it involves mini- rector of NC Architects of don Council's planning departmal disturb an ce to the historic Wroughton,cornmendedtheplan- ment at Premier House, Station building but restoration is esti- ning officers for their co-operation Road. mated at around £800,000 and he and assistance, pointing out that . The architects plan and an needs to generate funding by us- with so many interests - including aerial photograph can also be ing parts of the site for residential local residents - the process was seen at www.swindonlink.com inevitably going to take some time. development,

EDEN LANDSCAPES O Paving, Walling

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Patrick llulntes, kccn to restore the derelict Giounflu'o°fl F o rnihou n' Mr Moore said the need to sacriThe planning application includes three new buildings on the fice the coach house was necessary site. One will have eight apart- to create enough revenue to fully ments which relate we ll to the scale safeguard the farmhouse, which of the farmhouse and the adjacent would otherwise be jeopardised.

Some residents fear the impact dwellings in Woodcutter Mews, a short cul-de-sac of just 20 houses. of the development on traffic, acThe other two, each with four cess and parking. But many are apartments, have been designed keen to see a long term solution as to match the original farmhouse. the building has attracted vandals.

Having seen the latest plans, One will be located on the lower part of the front garden amongst one resident of Woodcutter Mews the trees; the other will replace the said that there were still problems listed coach house which will have with the proposals. "A speedy to be taken down and the materi- resolution for the restoration of Groundwell House is in all our als reused.

The demolition of a listed struc- interests, even though it means ture has been a particularly sensi- turning the area back into a buildtive issue and has invol ved corn- ing site for a while.

Garden Design and Maintenance Why not get some help from a plant specialist and RHS Chelsea medal winning designer Professional designs drawn to suit your needs/budget • • I maginative planting plans for whole/part of your garden • Plant supply and planting Garden maintenance - lawn care, shrub pruning, hedge • cutting, border renovation Call John or Anita Barratt ND Hort A / Hort on Swindon (01793) 751403 for further information

Anita Barratt Garden Design

Westlea road for discussion - again The unfinished traffic management system outside Westlea School will be discussed at a public meeting on 20 July, 7pm, at the school.

Construction of speed humps and curb build-outs to reduce speeds to 20mph on Langstone Way which started at the end of August 2003 was suspended after residents' claimed that the scheme was different to the project proposed at a public consultation the previous February.

Now Toothill & Westlea ward councillor Mary Martin is trying to get the project completed by asking people what the way forward is. "This will be an open 'workshop-style' meeting to find an acceptable solution. We have a dilemma - do we go for the 20mph zone as proposed under the Safer Routes to School scheme? Do we look at alterna ti ves which would be more expensive and require bids for extra funding and therefore delay? Or are there some relatively simple steps to manage the traffic flow and leave the speed limit at 30mph?

"I hope residents, parents and people involved with the school will come along to discuss what the options are."

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Many more deals - phone for details. All prices include VAT

178 Rodbourne Road (Near Designer Outlet Village).TeI: 01793 522306

38 The Link Magazine • July 2004

Super Sue helps set up new empire a.,,m

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PATIO & TURF LAYING GENERAL GARDEN TIDY FENCE ERECTION, STAINING & MAINTENANCE Give your garden a makeover

Tel: 01793 873630 Mobile: 07818430556 nail: davidsmith@garder-groomers.com www.garden-groomers.com

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CL Timber New - Reclaimed For all your timber decking & pressure treated timber for garden use. ply. close-board fencing new & old sleepers

Delivery in Swindon area

Drop by or tel: 829715 The Yard, Tate Estate Kingsdown Road Stratton St Margaret, Swindon Open: Mon to Fri gam - 5pm. Sat 9am - 4pm

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• 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

L^^. bile: 0771? 253508 1

www.timberdeckingco.co.uk THE TIMBER DECKING COMPANY Your complete

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Now supplying easy to assemble Jungle Gym playhouses in a great range of sizes and modules to satisfy ery child's dreams is summer Call us about Hot Tubs Timber Decking O Easy Assemble Customised Decking Kits O Tanalised Timber O Pergolas, Arbours & Gazebos O Decorative Aggregates O Ornamental Fencing 6 Brindley Close, Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, Swindon. Tel: 01793 488899 r VISA

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Open: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm; Saturday 9am - 5pm

Swindon's supermum Sue Povey from Grange Park is starting to think of life after babies. would help me get my Having had 15 chilown business started f dren, Sue is helping which is great for both her third Charlie, 20, of us. We have high to set up a hair and hopes for Style & ? design studio called File."

Style & File at Studley ^ °' Suehad been thinkGrange craft centre i ing about a new dinear M4 junction 16. rection for some time.

Due to open at the + "I really do love ha y end of July, Charlie ing babies but nature will be specialising in is taking its course cutting edge hair styles for weddings, proms and and I have to consider other opballs and funky nail decoration. tions. It will be really good to help Sue will be staying at home look- Charlie establish herself and proing after the books and marketing vide child care at the same time.

"Who knows, we might be esthe business, whilst caring for her four pre-school children and three tablishing a hair and beauty job creation programme for the many grandchildren.

Charlie said, "I had my baby Povey girls and boys.

To make an advance booking Samuel 15 months ago and was talking to mum and she said she for Style & File, call Sue on 334791.

Celebrating Swindon's Wonderful Wildlife Following the success of last year's Wonderful Wings Weekend at Lydiard Park, attended by over 5,000 people, this year's celebration of wildlife, organised by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, will coincide with the public consultation on the Draft Swindon Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).

"Without being too stuffy, the plan sets out the importance of the wealth of wildlife that we share the planet with, for our quality of life and how we can all help to protect and enhance it," said Swindon's Wildlife Officer Neil Pullen. "We want the public consultation to attract masses of people and be a genuine exercise in finding out what people think. We have a range of groups planning events where people can have their say and find out about the wildlife around them."

July events include: 8th Regeneration and Diversity, Lydiard Park 10am to 4pm. Swindon Chamber of Commerce and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust come together to focus on sustainable development of the town.

15th Farmland Habitat Action Plan, Eastbrook Farm, Bishopstone. See how biodiversity can be integrated into farming systems.

18th Rushey Platt Water Habitats. Rushey Platt/Kingsdown Canal.

2pm to 5pm. Explore the canal, pond river and swamp area at this urban nature reserve and park.

20th Hedgerow survey techniques. Costows Farm off Wharf Road, Wroughton. Find out how to survey a hedgerow and help create a map of the wildlife rich historic hedges of Swindon.

21st Biodiversity in the Garden and Urban Areas at The Haven, Cheney Manor. Chat with local experts and find out how to create wildlife abundance in your garden.

22nd Owls. A talk by Vincent Jones of the Gloucestershire Barn Owl Centre. Lawn Community Centre, Guildford Avenue.

23th Richard Jefferies Society. An evening walk around Coate Water, the lake familiar to readers of Richard Jefferies.

24th Himalayan Balsam Bashing. Help remove this invasive alien weed at Westlea stream. Meet at the end of Barnfield Road by Minety Fences (SU 131854). Wear suitable footwear and old clothes and bring lunch, refreshments provided.

25th Discovering Dragonflies at Stanton Park. A gentle stroll around the lake with the dragonfly recorder Steve Covey.

31st Biodiversity indicators Project at the Seven Fields Local Nature Reserve. With support from the Heritage Lottery fund Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will be launching a project to involve everybody in the monitoring of wildlife.

For a full programme of events during Wonderful Wildlife Week and relevant contacts, call 526228 or mail: wwtswindon@cix.co.uk

i tut

The Link Magazine • July 2004

LANDSERVE Garden Maintenance

& Landscaping ``§§#1,1 ^,^' % Professional care for your garden Grass Cutting -regular

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Landscaping - Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning Hedge Cutting & Pruning No Job Too Small. All works insured.

Call Martin Emery MI Hort. for free quotation on 01793 570956 or Mobile 1)7771 956294

Patios • Block Paving Fencing • Decking and all other aspects oI landscape work

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39

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Also Lawnmower servicine Plugs - oils - filters blade sharpening collection & delivery service available

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tel: 01793 722264

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All types of fencing installed r Repairs/refurbishments • Made to measure gates • All pressure treated timbers • Help & advice on all fencing & garden ma tt ers

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Whether you need more space or wish to expand your house rather than moving, loft conversions are a cost effective way of increasing your living space without losing valuable garden area. We convert all types of lofts including modern 'W'truss lofts.

We are a professional engineering company, who make extensive use of computer aided design (CAD). to optimise the space and the head height within a loft and to accurately design stairs to fit into the complex geomet ry of a loft causing a minimum

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41

A. R. Beveridge & Sons 20 years experience in heating services

• Central heating installations • Boiler servicing and repairs • Combi specialist (repair and installations) • Landlords gas safety certificate • Boiler replacements • Bathrooms and showers • All work guaranteed

The decorating service you can trust, est. 1986 Interior and Exterior Painting Et Decorating Specialist in Wallpapering General Maintenance and odd jobs No job too BIG or too small

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7

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SOLUTION Maintenance free UPVC fascia boards cladding & guttering Expertly fitted at DIY prices

Call Lee on 0771 8102 921

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For details call Andy Tel: 01793 725161

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Call Mike on 0778 8444 084

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or 01793 520526

20' fascia board fitted £ 60 20' fascia & gutter fitted £135 20' fascia, soffit & gutter £205 20' fascia & soffit £130 (prices correct at time of publication)

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Tel: 01793 635000

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•

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•

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•

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call Richard on

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For details call Paul on 07932 013360 or 01793 812849

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• Cylinders • Burst pipe • Taps • Washing machine installed A local service

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Mobile: 07909 983462 Tel: 01793 703936

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Tel: 01793 435392

SERVICE

44

ACCOUNTANCY

Day Co. Chartered Management Accountants

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

For a free initial discussion call Lyndon Day Tel/Fax: 01793 766000 e-mail: info@dayand.co.uk

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

ACCO U NTANCY N•S.A. Accounting Services

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For prompt service,

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CARPET CLEANING The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

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call 01793 616170 for a free no obligation consultation

• Carpets, rugs, curtains. suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured NC'CE3 • Quickly usable

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

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AERIALS

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Complete design, plans, and planning service for New build Extensions Conversions Refurbishments

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Security

Burglar alarms

Access controls CCTV • Fire alarms

Installed, repaired, maintained 24 hour monitoring for police response

For details call Doug Marshall on 433999

45

SECTOR AIRPORT TRAVEL

APPLIANCE R EPAIRS

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

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

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COMPUTER SUPPORT

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Suppliers of Plumbing • Heating and Bathroom products All at competitive prices & free delivery Call into our showroom or ring Swindon 877444 Unit 8 Caen View, Rushy Platt off Wootton Bassett Road behind Lovett BMW

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el: 01793 848951

( Tel: 01793 - 812738

Tel: 01793 495733 Mobile: 07940 810733 e-mail: vhstodvd@btinternet.com www.vhstodvd.co.uk Lovell Close. Covingham, Swindon SN3 5BT

46 The Link Magazine • July 2004

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Phone for a leaflet or advice

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Swindon Volunteers, the agency that connects people with volunteering opportunities got a new name in early June to coincide with National Volunteers' Week.

The agency is now known as Volunteer Centre Swindon, in line with the national rebranding that links into the new national volunteering body — Volunteering England.

Sarah Codd, Manager of Volunteer Centre Swindon, said, "we were pleased to be the launch venue for the South West region and we are looking forward to using the new logo and materials to raise greater awareness of volunteering and get even more people involved in their local community."

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Call Sue on 0779 6432700

Every year the organisation places thousands of willing people who put in their time and effort free to helping Swindon's hundreds of community groups and charities.

Sarah added, "if you've ever

wondered about how to get involved in volunteering, come along to the Volunteer Centre and find out more about the organisations in need and the range of things you can do in your community."

Volunteer Centre Swindon is based at 1 John Street in the town centre and visitors are welcome to drop in from Monday to Friday 11am to 3pm.

For an appointment outside of these times call 420557. www.swindonvolunteers.org.uk

Seeking recognition, from left, Alex Mullins, outreach worker, Josie Brown, promotions officer, Penny Kinder, Millennium Volunteers officer, Tony Martin, management committee member, Sarah Codd, centre manager, Jan Aylwood, trustee, Kathy Liston, management committee treasurer I

J v. upholstery Upholstery rqxairs & recovering from £ 18 Large range of materials or in your own For further details

call 01 793 871808

DECOTEX Painter & Decorator Specialist Artexing Tel: (011793) 791388

h Aggro up as water pressure drops

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

People living across West Swindon have complained bitterly to Thames Water for reducing water pressure, causing expensive household equipment to function less efficiently.

Over the last few monthsThames Water have fitted new regulating valves to the mains pipes in the area to ensure a stable supply, fewer leakages and to reduce the risks of burst mains. They claim that the regulator Ofwat supports their action and the level of pressure is still twice the minimum level of service required.

However Mike Jarvis from Cavie Close finds Thames Water's argument inadequate and their actions thoughtless to customers. "This has been more than a small change, water pressure has dropped by half which means appliances such as electric showers and washing machines which monitor water pressure do not function as expected; water softeners reduce water pressure even more."

Mike advises people to make their views clear by writing to Thames Water, PO Box 436, Swindon SN38 1TW.

Letters to The Link Why not let us handle everything from start to finish?

Call today 01793 790944 or 07973 232435 (evenings and weekends) The Marsh, Lower Wanborottgh. SN4 OAS

Who were the candidates?

From Bev Cejer, Jewel Close, Grange Park A lot is made of 'voter apathy' to people.

Turnout was again poor and is especially in local elections. However, I would like to coin the phrase perhaps reflected in the results for of 'Party and candidate apathy.' our area. I voted because I feel I During the past two local elec- have a moral obligation to turn out tion campaigns I have not had one to vote, parties and candidates candidate or party supporter have an obligation to talk to peoknocking at the door trying to win ple and attempt to win support for my interest, never mind vote. their policies.

My grandfather used to keep Plenty of flyers yes, but no face to party members of 'the other side' face contact.

How can local councilors say on his doorstep to stop them talkthat they are representing the voice ing to someone else.

I would like to be given the of their ward when they do not find out what issues are important chance to do the same!

The Link Magazine • July 2004

47

Let there be light to make life easier for the poor of the world A holiday in Africa, a serious illness and an inventive mind have helped a Swindon couple come up with a life-changing and even life saving idea which could turn out to be just as significant as the wind-up radio for the poorer people of the planet.

By wiring together a small so_ gether and distributed to vilSee the light lar panel, a rechargeable battery lage families in return for work and two LED lights used in cars, _ in their communities.

Roger and Jean Mugridge Roger and Jean Mugridge from Apart from donations and will talk about Lights for Cricklade have designed a lots components offered at cost Learning and demonstrate their maintenance lighting system f i price, the project has been li ghting system at Holy Trinity people who do not have elecfunded entirely by Jean and — ----^----^n.3 Church, Shaw Village Centre tricity in their homes.

Roger, with Jean making ChristAnybody interested On holiday in Kenya in 2000 mas and gift cards to sell at is invited to attend on the couple quickly discovered q^ fundraising events and car boot life beyond the luxury of the I ': Tuesday 20 July, 8.30pm sales. beach front hotel when they beInApril, with help fromfriend Kindly hosted by the Holy Trinity friended Chirea, a Kenyan who Lawrence Cole, they were reg Church Eco Congregation had to travel 60 miles daily from istered as a charity called 'Lights his home village to look after the ! for Learning' with the aim of water sports equipment. He told p giving people worldwide the ' '' ' ' them about the basic living conchance to improve their educaditions and the difficulties of tion. providing for his extended fam+ 1 Now they want to spread the Evangoyzc ily from the commissions paid by get somebody from their HQ in word and also attract sponsors and O^ Wors ley Road tourists.

Canada to call. I thought it was a investors so that the components ^ Jean said, "we decided to spon- brush off, but within 15 minutes can be sourced, assembled as kits ; sor his children to attend school the 'phone rang asking for details. and sent around the globe. and on our second trip in 2001 They liked the idea and generously Jean said, "our dream is to be `L ^^8 building with people Chirea asked us to visit his village donated fifty twelve inch square able to go to an isolated village and Sunday services are at where we met his family. We also panels. lightitup.AlthoughtheyusehighIOam & 6.30pm met the school headteacher and "I made up three prototypes and tech components, the simplicity of offered to help the school." in 2003 we fixed the panels onto the lighting unit and low mainteFor further information you can either ring (01793) 873050; Over the next year they raised the thatched roofs of Chirea's nance makes it an ideal product to e-mail: office@freshbrook.org enough money through car boot house and his mother's, and the be fitted in countries where the or visit: www.freshbook.org sales to pay the local technical col- tin roof of his brother's home. They concept of 'instant light' is reserved "the gift of God is Eternal uli" (Romans 6 e23) lege to make 60 classroom tables, were bowled over to have light for the minority."

Roger contracted a virus in 2002 after sundown, rather than relying which destroyed his balance func- on the flickering of the wick." tions and he was out of a job. RegOn the same trip Roger and Jean istered disabled and having to get talked to the Lions Club in Momaround on sticks, he turned his basa. "We were keen to know how thoughts to the problems faced by local professionals would react," Sunday Worship 10.30am Kenyans. said Roger. "When we switched Sunday School and Creche On their visit to Chirea's village the electricity off and we turned Meeting at Greenmeadow Prima ry School Jean and Roger had met his wife on our lights, there was an intake Greenmeadow Prima ry School and seen how his new baby who of breath. They were impressed by had been badly scarred from scald- the brightness and couldn't stop A^ ^ ^ El ing water because of the poor light talking about the potential; they in their home. Many people use a asked us to send more as soon as Da Avenue paraffin wick in a tin can. possible. A doctor described how A TV documentary about light- he had conducted a caesarian secwhd—dh Rd 0 B4006 ing houses in Nepal using a bat- tion in a village hut using only a tery recharged with a bicycle paraffin wick." stimulated Roger to research a sysRoger uses LEDs found in car tem which stores the sun's energy. headlamps but these provided "I spent a lot of time on the light straight down which limited internet looking for suppliers; we their use indoors. As another exwere amazed by how eager people ample of support, the importer were to help," he explained. "When who supplies vehicle manufacturI contacted ICP Solar Panels in ers asked the factory in China to South Wales, they said they would produce a light with a 60 degree

NSBC

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West Swindon & the Lydiards churches

spread.

Roger has also adapted a spring clamp fitting so that the lights can be moved around with its battery and be used by medical workers in the field.

Encouraged by the Mombasa Lions, Roger and neighbour Chris Larkin have made up another 20 units as kits to to be shipped to Kenya where they will be put to-

All Saints', Lydiard Millicent Holy Trinity, Shaw St Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze Toothill Church; Westlea Church

`For God loved the world

so much that He gave His only Son.' John 3:16

A paraffin wick light used by most people without electricity in Kenya

For details of our weekly services please contact the Partnership Office on 874221

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