June 2004 Swindon Link

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No. 265 • June 2004 • Circulation 23,000 are ,juu,jacbly tnoud of the quality of our products and our reputation for reliable service and attention to detail.

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the positive newsforce in Swindon and the swindo:n wide what's on guide

Musical June

Looking to help someone?

Find out how you could offer your skills and talents during Volunteer Week on page 6.

Old Town is the focus for world music, jazz, local bands and processions see pages 19 & 21, and the Old Town Festival on

page 27.

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

West Swindon Open Gardens

at the newly refurbished

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See page 38.

Sue from

''

Shaw She's a wonder mum.

See page 3 North Swindon parents hopes dashed - page 13

Protestors were out in force on May Day to object to Shaw Forest Country Park being redeveloped for a football stadium and sports facilities.

On 14 May Sir Jonathon Porritt, Tony Blair's advisor on environmental matters, visited the site and cal'ed upon Swindon Council to consider the implication of destroying a developing park where thousands of people have planted trees for their children and grandchildren.

See pages 23, 24 & 25.

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The Link Magazine • June 2004

Death defying stuntman ready for September leap A madcap world record breaking idea thought up by illusionist Phil Walker from Toothill is now becoming a reality, thanks to The Link.

Phil learnt how to dislocate his shoulder several Our October edition exclusively reported Phil's years ago and has done a number of high risk plan to be suspended in a straitjacket without a escapes, including one suspended from a one hunparachute from a hot air balloon at 13,000 feet. dred foot burning rope at the Wiltshire Festival in Four cables will hold him in place, each with an 1999. But doing it at 13,000 feet, the limit before explosive charge attached to go off at thirty second oxygen breathing apparatus is required, is another intervals. He has to escape within two minutes to thing. tear away the last charge before an assistant climbs Heather Walker said she had been quite relaxed down with a parachute on which to float to earth.

by Phil's world record fantasy but admitted inDespite the fantastic media coverage, Phil could creasing tension. "When the other media started not persuade sponsors to support him until The following up the story I started wondering if this Link story was picked up by the Evening Adverwas such a good idea. One moment I think 'good tiser and BBC Radio Swindon. Now he has teamed for you Phil, you can do it,' the next I panic about up with West Swindon TV production company 'Sounds Commercial' from Ashworth Industrial the 'what ifs.'

Estate to sell the idea to television companies.

"But I know Phil. He plans everything in detail Phil said, "I was getting despondent that noand has a team of experts working with him to body was picking up a stunt with such fantastic ensure he doesn't fail. After all he's 40 next year. It's potential until The Link story. Since October the a great way to prepare for a mid-life crisis." project has snowballed; we've done a promotional Whilst waiting for a decision on the TV provideo and are getting serious interest from TV gramme Phil and Heather are carrying out their companies who want to screen a programme with entertainment bookings and he's started a physical real danger involved." training regime in preparation.

Phil is well known as a magician, illusionist, In Swindon the Greenbridge Pub and the Ghost corporate event organiser and occasionally a chilTrain in Purton have been raising money for the dren's party clown, through his company Hemlock Productions. He project and the Link Centre climbing wall team have offered to help Phil once sky-dived as a hobby and with a military background he has with his training. assessed the risks of the world record bid and knows it can be done.

Ever thought of going into print?

"Some people think I'm nuts, but it's not in my interest or the Penpushers writers group holds a Self Publishing Event on 5 June, sponsor's to fail," he said. "It's been really frustrating to see David 10am to 4pm, at St Andrew's Hall, Walcot for anybody interested Blaine get all the attention for sitting in a box, whilst my idea would in producing limited edition books of stories, poems or anthologies. make spectacular television. Since The Link came out the project has Meet other self-publishers and prize winning author Anne Borrowdale. taken on a life of its own; other people are doing the negotiations with For tickets, send a £3 cheque & SAE to TV companies. I'm just waiting for decisions to be made so that we can Penpushers, 5 Denbigh Close, Swindon SN3 1 EU get down to detailed planning."

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The Link Magazine • June 2004 3

Wonderful mum is an inspiration With no doubt West Swindon mum Susan Trowbridge, 44, can really be called a super woman and deserved the all-expenses paid trip to London with her family to attend the Asda/Sun Wondermum awards for five finalists at the Savoy Hotel on 20 May. 4 is a wonderful nanny and my Susan from Cartwright son's best friend."

Drive, Shaw was nominate d Susan has had her own trials by her daughter Natalie in recently. Last year Kevin was t C recognition for the love and made redundant then a few ' '' '^" hope she has given to her weeks later a beauty salon ven. : three children, the eight lure collapsed when a partner .. children she and husband suddenly pulled out. The stress Kevin have provided long resulted in a bout of viral menterm foster care for over the ingitis. But Susan re-gained her last eighteen years, and also ° strength and now holds down their adopted son. three jobs as well as training to Natalie said, "my mother be a hairdresser at Swindon Colis an incredible person who lege. ' y^ i gives so much to all around : Although she did not win, her. She will do whateve Susan said she came away feel" '''=` * , she can for you and is the -, ing a winner in herself. "The most loving, fun, exciting, P other women finalists all had caring, brilliant mum in the truly incredible stories, told on world. Her commitment to an amazing day. I hardly rethe children who have come A toast for Swindon heroine Susan Trowbridge

by Craig Layhee, West Swindon Asda member anything about it beinto our home for long term availability manager, left, husband Kevin cause I was crying so much. foster care has been incredand daughter Natalie I've been spoilt so much and I ible; she and my dad have "When I had my son at an early would like to thank everybody made such a close knit and supage, she was my strength and now who has given me this experience." portive family.

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The first meeting of a new group for people with disabilities living in West Swindon takes place on 24 June and organisers want to hear from anybody who would like to get involved.

For experienced, practical help call tivities - Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook.

There is no Swindon 5 11 055 For details beforehand, call Tina whether it is group in the area regular coffee or Lorraine at the project on 871303. specifically aimand discussion ed at the disasessions or day bled, but chronic Can Chiropractic help me? trips in suitable arthritis sufferer transport.

Tina Mackie How much will it cost?

"The differwants to put that ent rooms at the We are often asked, "What's the best was right.

Family Project "Three years of finding out whether a doctor of that means ago I was crawlchiropractic can help my problem?" older people ing up the wall can chat in one We believe the answer can be found in a because I could area, whilst complete chiropractic consultation and not get out withmums with examination, including x-rays. And to help out help, and disabled chilthere wasn't find out for sure, we will do a complete These procedures normally anything to go Tina and Lorraine, looking for people dren, or chilconsultation and examination, including cost £100 or more! dren at special to," she said, with disabilities in West Swindon (Does not include personal school during x-rays, if necessary, for just "Then I started to join their new group

the day, can get to get involved with the family project. Now it's together in another."

She added that the group will ti me to start a group for others who cannot get about easily, and offer a free creche and a welfare also their families who may need rights' adviser will also be available. An internet accessible comsupport."

Tina is working with Lorraine puter is also available on the Pursey whose husband is disabled. ground fl oor and training can be "We have no idea how many peo- provided for new users.

The West Swindon Disability ple with disabilities live in West Swindon. As this is a new venture, Group first meets on Thursday 24 we hope they will come forward June, 10am to 12noon at the West with ideas and help organise ac- Swindon Family Project, 15 West Swindon Family Project multicultural dinner and dance The Winners Lounge, Swindon Town FC

Saturday 3 July, 7pm till 11 pm. Music from Sounds of Darkness Food and complimentary soft drinks included. STFC prices apply to drinks purchased at bar. Tickets: £7.50 adults; under 12s: £3.50 from: Amy Dhillon: 886665: Tina Mackie: 07980 861504 Mina Bhogal: 07773 267123 Free entry into Adult raffle on night. All proceeds to the family project

injury cases or car accidents resulting in insurance claims.)

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Blunsdon by-pass and Commonhead proposals on display The start of major construction work to upgrade the A419 from M4 junction 15 to Gloucester is programmed for 2005, and is being welcomed by people living in Blunsdon whose lives have been b li ghted for years by the increasing volumes of traffic.

To prepare the 1 The information ground the Highways centre will also proAgency and civil envide details of the flygineering company over scheme at the McAlpine will be Commonhead juncopening an information, south east of tion centre in Swindon near the M4.

Blunsdon village durAlthough the flying June where plans over proposal has genand aerial photoerated much debate, graphs will be disthe Highways Agency played and explained claim that 85 per cent by representatives of people consulted fafrom the organisavoured the scheme, tions involved. though there are still Swindon Council outstanding concerns planners are considto be addressed. ering the use of DurThe improvements ban House in Lady intended for the Lane (close to the AbBlunsdon area have bey Stadium) for this been much better repurpose. ceived and more than Jane Arbury from 90 per cent of residents the Highways Agency are believed to be in said the centre would favour. be open on two days Blunsdon Parish and an evening a week Council has been camover a lengthy period paigning for many so that as many people as possible years for the by-pass. Colin Shiner, can be appraised of the project. chairman of the council, has welThe precise details of the by- comed the provision of the inforpass are still under discussion but mation centre. "We think this is a it will run from the Turnpike very major step forward in comroundabout to the west of munication and has to be Blunsdon Hill, passing between the applauded,"he said. existing A419 and the speedway stadium, through land at Upper Widhill Farm, rejoining the A419 close to the Chapel Farm (refuse disposal site) to the north.

Cuttings and embankments wi ll ensure that the gradient is less than Blunsdon Hill.

'he link Magazine Published by Swindon Publications Ltd. Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 e: publisher@swindonlink.com www.swindonlink.com

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 Roger Ogle leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Tel: (01793) 872282 Swindon commenced in January 1994.'

Publisher/Editor: Editorial:

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in

BREWERS

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printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photo-

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in England& Wales. No: 4513027. Registered office: 130 High Street, Hungertord, Berks. RG17 ODL. Printed by pop, Tettord

Treat your family for a meal or dine out early evening and enjoy our Early Bird menu Dine out on any evening from Sunday to Friday and choose from three Early Bird menus priced from £7.50pp to £9.50pp (available on orders taken between 5pm and 7pm).

Children under 12 years of age will be charged half price. £7.50 per person

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The Link Magazine • June 200 4

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Community power has prevailed in a battle to stop Tesco from shutting the post office at Shaw Village Centre.

Residents led by the pensioners living at Elsie Hazel Court next to the centre reacted with anger when ' t Tesco announced in March that it • 40 had told the Post Office to quit when a refit of the One Stop shop A' ` took place in August.

Abarrage of letters, a 2,500 name T FI petition, a public meeting adtST OFFICI: dressed by Julia Drown MP and a losures rr picket of the Tesco store in Ocotal ne West' "t Way all contributed to Tesco's change of heart.

The company has submitted a Effectiireprotest,Keith WilliamsofShaw planning application to extend the Residents' Association and campaigner store into the rear service yard, Jean Waller making their point at the end of April leaving the post office in place.

Campaign organiser Jean Waller can now be good neighbours."

Swindon councillors still have said, "our need for a post office in Shaw has been heard by Tesco; we to give planning permission.

Following the huge success of the last International Food Fayre held two years ago, the Swindon Muslim Women are organising another mouth watering feast of food from around the globe on Saturday 19 June, 12noon to 4pm, at the Oasis Leisure Centre .

Organiser Saira Maguire said the sensational dishes and desserts aim of this family event is to bring from around the world. Entry is together the culinary talents and free and open to anyone who skills across Swindon to offer tasty wishes to enjoy a lunch with a foods from near and far, difference, whilst lending a helpThe last food fayre in 2002 raised ing hand to those in need locally over £2,000 which was distributed and in other countries." to organisations here and abroad.

As well as the exotic food stalls, This year the organisations to be there will also be children's activisupported are Swindon Koalas ties, henna painting, hair braiding, Special Needs Nursery and chari- face painting, bouncy castle, head ties working with children in Iraq massage and a range of gift and and on the borders of China and information stalls.

Just turn up, or call Saira on Mongolia.

Saira said, "come and taste some 07810 846534 for details.

Volunteers recognised in June Volunteers' Week is a national celebration of volunteers and volunteering that takes place from 1 to 7 June, writes Sarah Codd.

New national branding for what used to be called volunteer bureaux means we're launching a new name: 'Volunteer Centre Swindon.'

Our work involves helping over 120 organisations in the town to recruit volunteers. Help is needed by a wide variety of groups and there is sure to be something out there for everyone able to offer two or three hours a week. There are even some groups that are seeking help just once a month or on a short-term basis. Here are just a few offers: • help young people over the summer holidays by enabling them to take part in outdoor pursuits such as go-karting and horse-riding or indoor activities such as DJ workshops or car maintenance; • help people who've suffered a stroke — there's a new project running in Swindon providing an hour of exercise and education about strokes.

As a volunteer you'd help alongside a trained exercise instructor; • if you're an early riser you could help out at a breakfast club for homeless people — just one hour a week between 6.30am and 8.30am would do; • perhaps you're a good listener and could support those who are the victim of a crime. Victim Support would love to hear from you and they'd train you to support people; • maybe you could help a young family finding life stressful and needing a bit of moral and practical support; • or you could volunteer to help one of the many environment groups.

Help us celebrate Volunteers' Week, or contact us any time during the year: Volunteer Centre Swindon, 1 John Street. Drop-in Monday to Friday, 11am to 3pm, or call 420557. www.swindonvolunteers.org.uk

The Link Magazine • June 2004 7

Deep sea fishermen help

Get fit and help the lifesavers

Support for The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen (RNMDSF) by people who use the Trawlerman Takeaway at the West Swindon Centre has been recognised by a Government minister.

The Trawlerman responds to since it was first launched. "The requests for help from many local Fishermen's Mission has been groups, but makes a special effort around for over a century supto assist the Fisherman's Mission. porting and caring for fishermen, Businesses across Britain involved their families, often widows and in the fishing industry come to- children, and their communities. gether to donate a percentage of a They offer fi nancial and practical day's takings to the charity. support and are there to break the In December the Trawlerman news when tragedies strike.

"To put this into perspective, raised £1,092.65, which was made up of percentage takings and do- seven fishermen are killed or seriously injured and three boats are nations to its charity boxes.

Martin West, Operations Direc- lost every month. This makes the tor for Coach Caterers, said Sea fishing industry the most dangerFish Day had been supported ever ous occupation there is.

"We pay the cost and they pay the price with their lives.

The mission relies solely on volunta ry dona ti ons from us all."

Due to the amount raised Martin was invited to attend a reception at the House of Commons where he was presented with an award by Ben Bradshaw MP, minister for Fisheries & the Countryside.

Martin said, "it was a great honour to receive this award on behalf of the Trawlerman, its hard working staff and our generous customers. We look forward to beating the amount raised in our next the fishery minister Ben Bradshaw collection in December."

If you enjoy walking, cycling, swimming or any other fitness activity, the RNLI in the South West is looking to you to help them.

The RNLI spends around £650 a year to

train each lifeboat crewman and lifeguard in order to maintain the standard of quali fi cations needed.

But raising money for training is difficult, so the charity has set itself a two year aim of raising £200,000 by getting its supporters to get fit.

Robin Martin, RNLI Regional

Manager for the The Mayor coun Derek Benfield launches the RNLI Fitne^

South West said, Challenge with former RNLI crewman Matt Lane who lives "our south west in Swindon and Linda Swift who is organising a sponsored dog walk, and Swindon RNLI supporters appeal for crew training has raised £50,000 in need for training."

For a Fitness Challenge Pack, Devon and Cornwall and we are hoping people across the whole call 01179 444999. region will get involved.

"We were de li ghted when the • Wanted: young RNLI crew Mayor of Swindon invited us to The Swindon Lifestyle Unit is delaunch our campaign. We hope veloping a schools' training propeople across the town will join us gramme based on the fitness chaland use the fitness challenge as a lenge. Call Fran Pound on 511033 great way to raise the money we for details.

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The Link Magazine • June 2004

New club aims to get kids healthy

LIGHTING BUG

An experienced play worker who moved to Priory Vale last year is recruiting children for Kidsplay - a new kind of club where physical activity is top of the agenda.

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Linsey Williams is very concerned about the state of the health and fitness of many children and is offering parents a way to help their offspring have fun and "There has been a lot of publicity about the number of overweight children," said Linsey. "And many parents are concerned that

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youngsters get into the habit of housebound activities like playing computer games or watching TV for hours which just allows them to pile on the pounds.

"The British Heart Foundation recently published reports stating that childhood obesity is on the increase Linsey Williams with Abbey Meads School which has the devasting ef- youngsters Peter and Bradley Kewell, Sophie fect of causing heart disease and Mark Lorusso later on in life. Diet is a major issue and it's up to the parents caught in a dilemma as to how to to change what is offered at meal keep children active, especially if times, but lack of physical activity they are out at work during the to burn off calories is a key factor. after school hours."

"That's where Kidsplay comes Kidsplay will meet for two hours in. We hope to launch the first club during the week and sometimes at for to 11 year olds at Abbey Meads weekends. Linsey will be running Primary School in June. The aim of holiday sessions and hopes to launch the club is to promote fitness by the club at other North Swindon introducing children to well re- primary schools in the Autumn and membered favourites such as Brit- also in West Swindon. ish Bulldog, football rounders, Fizz To help your children break Buzz and many more fun games. away from all those electronic "Many parents will remember boxes around the house, press the playing those games themselves red button for stop, and call Linsey but society has changed. Letting Williams on 07810 514860 to regisyour child go to the corner shop ter for Kidsplay today.

Linsey is also looking for play seems to be enough to worry about, never mind letting there go to the workers who agree with her active park to climb trees. Parents are lifestyle outlook.

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The Link Magazine • June 2004 9

New prescription collection service from any surgery A small local pharmacy chain, Swindon Pharmacies Ltd, which opened a new branch at Toothill Centre in March, has launched a free collection and delivery service for repeat prescriptions throughout Swindon and surrounding areas.

The new From your Doctor to Your Door initiative will be a godsend for the many people who find it difficult to visit their doctor's surgery and pharmacy to collect regular medication.

Ken Schofield, Superintendent Pharmacist for Swindon Pharmacies, said, "we believe the service will make a real difference to hundreds of people across Swindon.

"For many elderly, infirm or disabled people, arranging repeat prescriptions can be a real ordeal which can involve two journeys to their doctor, then to the pharmacy. Depending on where they live this can prove to be both physically demanding and extremely inconvenient.

"From your Doctor to your Door

takes away the effort which we hope will make life for our customers less stressful."

The service applies to any doctor's surgery. To take advantage of Swindon Pharmacies new service pick up a leaflet from one of Swindon Pharmacies shops at: 1 Park Lane, Even Swindon; 22 High Street, Old Town; Dunwich Drive, Toothill.

To discuss the service or have a leaflet sent to you, call 434000.

Some doctors surgeries also have copies of the leaflets.

Complete the form on the leaflet and send it with your repeat prescription request to your GP. Let Swindon Pharmacies know on 434000 when the prescription is ready for collection and they will do the rest.

CHIROPODIST

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Free Chirocheck always available IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM: 0 Backache, Leg pain O Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain 0 Headache & Migraine 0 Sciatica 0 Sports injury 0 Arthritis 0 Whiplash YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CONSULTING A CHIROPRACTOR

Shaw Chiropractic Clinic Queen Elizabeth Drive, Swindon SN25 TWL Reception open: Monday to Friday lam to 6.30pm 01793 709500 • Fax: 01793 723875 E-mail: enquiries@tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk Tel:

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SANDRA E. DAVIES D.C. SIMON BODLEY MSc. D.C. Tel: (01793) 887801 Members of BCA • Registered with GCC Members of the College of Chiropractors *Presentation of this advert will entitle you to a free new patient consultation which will include othopaedic and neurological testing together wil a confidential report of findings (Treatment will incur a fee.

Offer excludes insurance claims)

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01793 43 4000

Swindon Pharmacies Ltd

Also at Coopers: fine fragrances, toiletries, ear piercing, allergy testing

Piclures 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.

Mon - Fri 9am - 8pm; Sat 9am - 6pm; Sun 1 Oam - 3pm

10 The Link Magazine • June 2004

(Police use Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 to crack down on West Swindon louts

IMPORTANT DECISIONS

Swindon Police now have the powers of a dispersal order to deal with anti-social behaviour around the West Swindon Centre and Shaw Ridge following the recording of over 100 incidents, predominantly by young people, since the beginning of the year. There probably have been countless other less irritating problems which have not come to their attention.

SOLICITORS qo .`'e+° sac` Notices have been put up around direction will result c105e D s the area and local secondary in arrest, and possi- • dos c^a£ w schools have helped distribute leaf- ble imprisonment or Ca rter Read & Dove lets telling young people the con- fine.

Contact: Commerce House sequences of not complying with West sector corn34/35 Commercial Road exec mander Inspector Ian e police requests to move on.

Swindon SNI 5NS I• 9s^ , owes The order applies to the West Bamber said the esca Swindon Centre, Link Centre, lating problems of • ^^^^ c°pro * Property Matters Shaw Ridge Leisure Park and the anti-social behaviour Commercial & Residential ^e^a play area on Shaw Ridge, allpopu has been escalating a m sat ° Conveyancing lar gathering points, over the last six ^^ ka ^a ce° * Employment It means that between 9pm and months. "This disperFor both the Employer . ,N^. •^ 6am, any group of two or more can sal order hasbeen au and Employee be directed to leave the area by a thorised in response ;^ o •• .

IF * Wills & Probate uniformed constable if the officer to over 100 reported ,• SeUgy Q ?^^^+^ ^ Efficient administration of °^° ' considers that those people are en- incidents, predomia loved one's estate gaged in activities which are in- nantly involving timidating, harassing or alarming young people, and a , Tel: (01793) 617617 t lu ardor applies to the oa°o outlined in re^9 the public. Anybody under 16 not similar amount of reE-mail: info@crd.org.uk people away, which impacts on in the effective control of a respon- corded crimes, Website: wwcvc.crd.org.uk "This is unacceptable and it is businesses and tarnishes the repusible adult can be escorted home.

Not complying with the officers hoped this order will assist in re- tation of the area as a whole.

"I am very pleased that bot ducing the level of incidents and if A Greendown and Bradon Forest possible eradicate them. am "I am fully aware that the de- Schools are very supportive of this fined area is a magnet for young process. I'm sure their input and people, but my hope and expecta- the support of students and their tion is that everyone using the fa- parents will play a big part in the cilities will do so in a lawful man- success of this order."

The dispersal order will stay in ner. Incidents that have occurred only serve to keep law abiding effect until 31 October 2004.

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IN JUNE You don't have to look into the stars for expert advice Whether you're moving to a new house or re-mortgaging your property, with over 16 years experience providing mortgages in Swindon, including tracker mortgages, you can be assured of excellent service from Mansfield Begbie Associates Ltd.

4.84% (APR 5.4%) discounted to 30/10/07 For example, £90,000 woulu cost £524.70 per month capital repayment (excluding insurance).

This is a discounted tracker rate for three years. (Maximum loan to value 97%).

Daily interest. Valuation refunded.

4.39% (APR 4.9%) discounted for two years.

Maximum available 75%.

For a limited period: 5 year fixed rate of 5.54% (APR 6.1%), (1249 booking fee. Max loan to value 75%)

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(Maximum loan to value: 90%. Minimum loan: £100,000).

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

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

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

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

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

Only available to persons 18 years of age or over, Subject to status. Subject to our current lending criteria. A life assurance policy maybe required. ® 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 31/8/04 secured against a property being purchased for £100,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £524.70. Total amount payable £157.909 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 4.84 % (5.4 % APR) discounted tracker for three years. Rates may vary. The rate General Insurance 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.

No. 6740

12 The Link Magazine • June 2004

Std , afth g for It sun' de s

Castles ainment ,, 0I Bouncy 1

Link Centre launches Hi5' holiday camp After an absence of seven years, the Link Centre holiday camp returns this summer offering a multitude of activities to suit 4 to 12 year olds.

Activities include ice-skating, weekends, and will run from to be able to offer such fun-packed swimming, racket sports, ball 9.30am to 4.30pm, with early start days. Our mission is to increase sports, inflatable, arts & crafts, options from 8.15am and a late participation in recreation activities. If we can get children involved quizzes and videos, trampolining finish option until 5.45pm.

Day prices range from £10.80 for in any kind of sports activities, we and climbing, all of which add up to a thoroughly enjoyable experi- Concession One SwindonCard hope they will maintain an interholders for a standard day and est and continue to be active ence.

Children can bring a packed early start and late finish options throughout their lives."

Hi5 is also available at Oasis lunch or they can pre-order food will be available at an additional charge. Concession Two and non- Leisure Centre, Haydon Centre from Lincoln's cafe. and Highworth Recreation CenHi5 runs from Thursday 22 July card rates are also available. to Friday 27 August excluding Link Centre programming man- tre. Contact the centres for details ager Dave Maine said, "it's great for specific dates and times.

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The Great Escape' from summer holiday boredom For the third year running at Greendown School there is a unique opportunity for your child to beat the boredom of a long summer holiday, writes organiser Christian Dobbs.

'The Great Escape' will offer two weeks focussed sport which will include football, netball, hockey, tennis, badminton, volleyball, gymnastics, rounders, cricket, athletics, dance, Danish long ball, tug of war and orienteering.

Organised and run by qualified PE teachers and responsible leaders, children of any ability have /` the opportunity to learn a new sport or develop their skills to higher levels. a The age range accepted is 9 to 13 years (school year 5 - 8) and the To book, call Greendown on cost is £55 a week.

The weeks are: 26 July to 30 July 874224 for a registration form. Payand 2 August to 6 August, 9.30am ment by instalments can be arranged. to 3pm.

Half term Bible fun North Swindon vicar Rev Ruth Crane will be running stories, games and activity sessions with a Bible theme at Asda Walmart on Tuesday 1 June, at gam and 2pm.

The sessions are free but parents will have to book children in at store reception. Under 5s have to be accompanied by a parent or carer.

New library success Handbell ringers, story tellers, an animation workshop, games club, a special session of the home work club and aromatherapy hand massage were just some of the activities on offer to celebrate North Swindon Library's first birthday on 13 May. Manager Gilli Palmer said the first year of opening had exceeded all expectations.

"We've had over 200,000 visitors and recruited 5,500 brand new library users. It's been a fantastic twelve months.

"Now we're looking forward and would like to hear from users what other activities we should be offering."

Assistant manager Shirley Colbeck hopes to start a reading group in June. Call her on ChristineGraygivesahandmassagetohome707120 if you would like to work club support tutor Michelle John, with Shirley Colbeck and Gilli Palmer join.

The Link Magazine • June 2004 13

North Swindon parents' hopes for new secondary school dashed As The Link goes to press the process of selecting a contractor to undertake Swindon's largest ever education project is being announced to build schools in North Swindon, involving nearly £100 million worth of Government backed Private Funding Initiative (PFI) credits and Council funding over the next 25 years.

The project will heard submissions see a new Hreod from Blunsdon and Parkway School Haydon Wick parish built on a single councils, from the site, adjacent to the temporary governing body and also parents present upper school, the buildcalling for a 2006 ing of a new secopening. ondary school, However it unaniknown as Sl on a mously backed the campus in Priory education departVale, alongside a ment's case that to primary school stay within the availand two special able budget and to North Swindon parents who attended the Schools Organisation utilise all secondary schools. A replaceCommittee on 17 May to lobby for a 2006 opening places across the ment for Moredon Infants and Juniors is also in- meeting in Abbey Meads to open town, 51 should open in 2007. The Si in September 2006 rather than department says it would be volved.

Swindon Council launched a 2007. She explained that lack of £400,000 short if the school started consultation process in July 2000 children moving into North Swin- operating a year earlier and on the with a view to opening schools in don and fewer than expected ba- assumption that40 children attend September 2003. But the first PFI bies being born in the area were schools outside the borough, bid failed before a better prepared two reasons for a proposed delay mainly those who travel to submission was accepted by Gov- in the opening date. ernment.

In May parents discovered that People living in North Swin- the education department had don will be very relieved to hear published a statutory notice in the that work is about to start. How- Saturday edition of the evening ever a decison not to open Si until paper in March and had not sent September 2007 has upset parents information to primary schools. By of about 120 children presently in the time the opening date was to Year 4 who will not have the chance be discussed at the independent • Central heating installation to go there.

Schools Organisation Committee, and efficiency upgrades Last September, director of edu- it was too late to lodge formal ob• Repairs to all appliances cation Hilary Pitts came under jections. and central heating systems pressure from parents at a public Nevertheless the committee

Fairford, there will still be twenty surplus places available in schools in other parts of Swindon for North Swindon children.

Joanne Wood from Abbey Meads said parents of children in Year 4 were dismayed. "My husband and I are very unhappy about this decision. We moved to the area in 1998 because we were told that a new, local secondary school would be ready. Now we don't know where my daughter will go."

The new Hreod Parkway School is due to open in January 2006. It is hoped that the community facilities to be included at SI will be available from September 2006.

Pictures of the new schools were released on 24 May. See them at www.swindonlink.com

GASTECH

Marching and musical fun for girls West Swindon based Blubelle Majorettes are looking forward to a busy year with displays planned for the Old Town Festival in July and the Purton and Hungerford carnivals, as well as local school fairs, carnivals and fetes.

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With 250 bikes on show Lastyearthegirlswei( m%,irded first prize in the Old Town Festival Parade and later visited the Mayors Parlour to be presented with a commemorative medal.

The troupe are also booked for events further afield, including a return to the Bournmouth Carnival where they won first prize last year.

Five adult trainers supervise marching routes for the 35 majorettes. The musicians teach each other how to play snare and bass drum and bell lyre, with help from organiser Christine Doyle,

passing on her experience as a majorette for 10 years during the 1980s.

Apart from performing at events, the majorettes also take part in team building days and a fun day, which this year includes a trip to Barry Island.

Christine said, "the majorettes give girls a great deal of self-confidence, team work and the exercise is excellent to keep them fit. If you are aged between 8 and 14 and

would like to make new friends, call me on 852979.

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14 The Link Magazine • June 2004

Latest North primary opens at last

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It's been a long time coming, but the official opening of the 210 place Bridlewood Primary School in North Swindon was officially opened on 20 May by Sir Maurice Johnston, the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire.

Although due to open in September ^.._.

2003, failure by groups in the North Swindon community to -. ., agree the location !1 Iii of the £2.6 million 1^^ n school delayed -_ construction r which meant the ti -^^ -=+^ r ° tr fw school had to op .{,y^` erate in temporary buildings for the " '+ first two terms. r J i Twenty chil -.

rr

dren joined the

fifty-three who moved into the permanent buildings after Easter.

Nicola Wilmer, from Pinehurst School, also took " up the position of deputy head, moment we're a bit like the Marie Sir Maurice, Swindon director Headteacher Jane Rodbourn Celeste with a number of empty of education, Hilary Pitts and local described the start of her new rooms, but we will welcome an- councillors toured Bridlewood and school as challenging for everyone other thirty children in September were entertained at an assembly involved. "We've had a few extra and numbers are expected to grow celebrating the future of the school. and unusual aspects to cope with as more houses in Priory Vale are On21 May, the children let loose but the staff and parents have been occupied. We are pleased to say with a noisy drumming workshop wonderfully supportive. At the that our school is well and truly and the Friends of Bridlewood held open." their first fete on 22 May.

GREAT HOLIDAY FUN with the Trio Cool Kids Holiday Playscheme at Tregoze School, Grange Park

New North primary catchment areas Swindon Council's education department has published the catchment areas for children aged 5 to 11 years living in North Swindon.

They cover Abbey Meads, Catherine Wayte, Bridlewood and Haydonleigh and Penhill primary schools for the year starting September 2005.

The most controversial aspect agreed by the education people is that parents living in the Groundwell area of Abbey Meads - to the east of the village centre - will have to send their children to Penhill Primary School, a long walk or a drive.

Parenting group

3 Mature experienced staff - NVQ Qualified at Levels 2 and 3 3 Trips and special event days 3 Wide range of arts and crafts to suit all ages 3 Skateboards 3 Roller blades 3 Extensive outdoor play area Some places 3 Cooke ry may still be a 3 Nintendo & Playstation games vailable for half form 3 Lots of fun 3 Opening hours Sam to 6pm Call now • Flexible 5 hour sessions • Flexible 6 hour sessions

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

If you would like to learn strategies to cope with your children's behaviour join the next community parenting group run by health visitor Geraldine O'Driscoll at Haydon Wick Parish Rooms.

There are six Tuesday sessions with a free creche, starting on 8 June, 12.45pm to 2.45pm. Places are limited. To book call Geraldine on 489545.

Young cooks aim for creative results Youngsters from West Swindon primary schools have been thinking up interesting recipes for a cook-off at Greendown School on 26 May in the Swindon Junior Young Cooks' of the Year competition.

This is the first year that Year 5 ing forward to some tasty dishes, children have been involved and without the tantrums you see on Oliver Tomkins Junior School, TV." Freshbrook, Shaw Ridge and The annual Young Cooks' comToothill schools sent the teams who petition for secondary schools is came up with the best dishes which sponsored by Nationwide Buildinclude vegetables and/or fruit to ing Society. Five schools will be be prepared in the finals. represented in this year's cook off Greendown primary liaison on 10 June in the catering departteacher Angela Procter said, "the ment at Swindon College North children have been very excited Star. The primary school winner about taking part and we're look- will attend to receive a certificate.

SMARTYPAN1 t will entertain the and 1's in the free crech(

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This event is sponsored by Swindon EYDCP & Swindon Jobcentre Plus. *Free entry to the museum & free creche (for under 7's) available for those registering on the day with Jobcentre '.'

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16 The Link Magazine • June 2004

Children's centre relocates to top of the town The Children's Information Service has become a vital part of the Swindon scene for parents and carers Now they have moved to larger premises near the Town Hall, writes manager Annette Palmer.

After three years in Market As well as offering free advice through from start to Street, we now have a new shop and information on all aspects of finish. Registration front in Theatre Square. childcare within the Swindon area, takes a mere three Staff from Zurich will again be we now act as an umbrella body months, and involves helping us decorate the large chil- for Criminal RecordsBureau(CRB) a premises and CRB dren's play area and Ikea have checks. This means we can process check, and attendence kindly donated seating for parents CRB forms for organisations that of an Introduction to work with young people or vul- Childminding Pracand carers.

It gives us a larger floor area and nerable adults. Please call for fur- tice course. The hours more space to display a wide range ther details. are very flexible and of free leaflets and publications. A Have you ever thought about it can often be cornnew larger notice board gives us becoming a childminder? pleted after registerspace for posters promoting The Children's Information ing. events, or groups that are avail- Service is dedicated to seeing the If you like to be self- Annette Palmer, centre, with left, Wendy Law, deputy able for children and parents. childminder registration process employed, be your manager, and Wendy Spence, outreach worker. Not own boss, work in pictured Gemma Liddiard, Ravi Panesar, Anne Sturgis your own home and decide your own hours, contact us some masterpieces to brighten up for advice and an invitation to one our walls and really make the place I' EARI1 HG I! UE of our monthly briefing sessions. feel like home. Please contact day nursery We have secured funding from Gemma Liddiard about this.

A brand new purpose-built nursery We look forward to seeing you. the Swindon Children's Fund to bring information and advice to Pop in for free advice and informaon the edge of Wootton Bassett children and young people in spe- tion, or just to familiarise yourself Near M4 junction 16, just a short drive from West Swindon cific schools and areas in Swindon. with the new premises at: Free 2.5 hour grant places As a result we are recruiting an 6/7 Theatre Square, Swindon. available throughout the day advice worker for outreach in Shop open Monday to Friday: schools, who will be able to listen 9.30am - 4.30pm. â Open all year from 8am to 6pm and identify individual needs and Phone lines are open gam - 5pm. â NEW BABY UNIT NOW OPEN x refer to necessary organisations Ansaphone operates outside these and services for further help and hours.

For information telephone: Tel: 541786. Fax: 541792 advice.

01793 851495 Artwork wanted. Having just Mail: info@cisswindon.co.uk www.thedaynursery.com moved it would be great to have www.cisswindon.co.uk Brinkworth Road. Wootton Bassett. Swindon SN4 8DS

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The Link Magazine • June 2004 17 Nursery helps Brandon's trip

Children and staff at Headstarts Nursery wished their classmate Brandon Humphries all the best at the end of April, just before he travelled to Hungary with his mother to attend the Peto Institute.

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Brandon has attended Headstarts part time for over two years and also goes to a special school in Megan Baker House in Herefordshire for conductive education. The Peto specialises in intensive education techniques for children with cerebral palsy so that they can learn to walk more easily.

Tracey and Tony Humphries from The Prinnells launched a public appeal in March to help them meet the institute's £4,000 fee. Children, parents and staff at Headstarts started fundraising for Brandon's trip in February. They presented him with £307, includ-

ing £97 raised by nurser y worker Heidi Sudworth from a sponsored swim.

Tracey said she would be discussing the possibility of surgery in Hungary to correct Brandon's bone alignments.

Headstarts manager Alison Barrett said Brandon is a delightful child. "He is such a bright, happy boy. His cerebral palsy never gets him down, he's always cheerful, and he has made such fantastic progress over the last two years."

Brandon returns to the nursery at the end of May.

SWINDON

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

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18 The Link Magazine • June 2004

Having a baby company is born

Focus on health during Carers' Week

Two women with expertise in the pregnancy services industry have In Swindon there are over 16,000 people who have responsibility for linked up to launch The Having a Baby Company. the care of a member of their family, a partner, friend or neighbour Experienced pre and post natal pies navigate the multiple choices who is unable to manage because of illness (including mental illexercise instructors and teachers available when giving birth. ness), frailty or disability. Approximately 450 of these are 16 years old Sandy Bridges and Sian BeautySandy and Sian also offer a corn- and under, and well over 3,000 of them are caring for over 50 hours a man believe that they will be pro- prehensive range of antenatal week. They are all unpaid. viding a service which is unique in classes, and luxury pampering The theme of National Carers' Road, to learn strategies for copthe UK. days which includes preparation Week this year is on carers' health ing with stress; They aim to help women pre- for birth and aquanatal swim ses- and the local Princess Royal Trust • Health screening at the Carers' pare for the new arrival, particu- sions, as well as exercise classes Carers' Centre, known as Focus, is Centre to provide carers with the larly those who work until very suitable during pregnancy and af- planning a range of actvities. opportunity to share concerns near their due date and don't have ter birth.

Gillian Barber, Focus general about their own health; the time to shop around for the They'll even teach massage skills manager, said, "many people with • A Famous Faces tea party - an various services on offer. They pro- to help relax your baby and build caring responsibilities ignore their opportunity to talk to as many invide emotional support where fam- bonds with him or her. own health needs in preference to teresting people as the organisaily networks are not strong, and For details, call Sandy or Sian on those of the person for whom they tion can muster including MPs, their antenatal training helps cou- 731046 or 814725. care. local councillors, Swindon Town "We all dread illness and possi- footballers, top officers from ble hospitalisation, but for people Health and Social Services, as well caring at home the impact of such as Focus staff and trustees; CO-OPERATIVE FUNERAL SERVICE a situation developing cannot be • A survey of practice managers SWINDON contemplated and often symptoms to discover best practice in the supoN OF .

-5 , c F are ignored. Our staff are often port for carers offered through 439 Cricklade Road concerned for carers with whom doctors' surgeries.

NVtsi<^a I N Ni,oNi.t. they work and seek ways of helpFocus offers information, out(01793) 534759 ing and supporting them." ings, activities and opportunities During the week Focus will be for relaxation throughout the year. & Temple House, 4/5 Temple Street offering stress reducing activities: Carers are able to become involved • Indian head massage at home in consultation and in support (The closest funeral director to the Registrar) for an identified group of carers of groups and can be offered access (01793) 491091 people with dementia who are un- to advice on state benefits and proable to take advantage of this old- fessional counselling.

24 hour service est form of relaxation to relieve Carers are welcome to telephone Private Chapels of Rest • Monumental masonry physical and mental stress; Focus on 531133 at any time for Funeral pre-payment plans • A stress management course for further information and/or an apwww.mywishes.coop carers at Kingshill House, Bath pointment with a support worker. %

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The world and its music in Swindon A fantastic selection of musical styles from across the planet hits the town through the summer months when some top names are booked to appear at the Old Town Bowl in Town Gardens, with dance workshops before the main act to get those bodies warmed up and in the mood for a great night out.

NAWAB FABRIC FASHIONS

5 June - Tex Mex Los Pacaminos. Led by eighties soul superstar Paul Young. Los Pacarninos present an incendiary mix of Tex-Mex classics, Spanish songs and original material, packed with bar-room foot-stompers including Woolly Bully. La Bamba and maybe even Speedy Gonzalez 3 July - Classical Extravaganza A magnificent evening of popular classics for everyone, including works by Rossini. Strauss, Bizet and Tchaikovsky. ending with Rule Britannia, Jerusalem, and Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance march accompanied by spectacular fireworks. The City of London Sinfonia conducted by Nicolae Moldoveanu.

Soprano: Rebecca Sharp.

07710 298790 to see the large selection of Hats to HIRE! Make a personal appointment to find just the right hat for you

VYe aiso sell Asian suits, designer & casual, saris and jewellery Tailoring service and

curtain making 25 Tennyson Street, Swindon Tel: (01793) 611869 31 July - Bhangra Following the Swindon Mela in the Town Gardens, Malkit Singh. the undisputed King of Bhangra appears with his nine piece band Golden Star. Be prepared for an evening of irresistible high energy Punjabi dance music.

19 June - Afro-Cuban Bana Congo. Papa Noel, one of the all time greats of Congolese music, teams up with renowned Cuban band Jovenes Clasicos del Son to produce a vibrant and danceable celebration of classic sounds of Kinshasha, Brazaville, Oriente and Havana

14 August - African August Albert Nyathi & Imbongi, who played the Bowl in 2001, delivers high-energy, must-see, fusion of words, song, music and dance.

Performing contemporary African music, hi-life and township jive direct from Zimbabwe. Imbongi are explosive, dynamic and visually stunning.

17 July - Salsa Caramelo Son is Havana's hottest all female salsa band. Touring Europe for the first time, they will add touches of R&B, NY style salsa, ragga muffin. timba and cumbia to a full on evening of sizzling salsa!

For concert times and ticket details. see the advertisement on page 21. For band details and preconcert dance workshops, pick up a leaflet at a Swindon leisure centre or library. www.swindon artscape.co.uk

Butterfly centre opens cafe The latest attraction at Studley Grange Butterfly World is the new Papillion Cafe, designed to overlook the butterflies flitting about the tropical indoor garden.

Since opening last year an increasing range of species have been introduced and guided tours by staff will help show them to visitors.

Papillion is also offering birthday party options which can include tours of the butterfly centre or combined with one of the other attractions

at Studley Grange, such as a plaster casting workshop, or a session in the Bonkers soft play area.

Visit Studley Grange off M4 junction 16. Tel: 852400.

20

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Sunday 6th, 7.30pm Carpenters Magic starring Jenny Sinclair and The Carpenters Magic Orchestra. £14.50. Wyvern Tuesday 8th, 8pm Jan Akkerman and his Band with all the Focus hits and songs drawn from throughout Akkerman's career. £16. Arts Centre Thursday 10th, 7.30pm Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri.

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

The Barn, 116 High St. Blunsdon

n f The practice of Indian Head massage is perfect for inducing ^

feelings of well-being, calmness & relaxation, it also aids Ncith the dispersal of toxins from tense knotted muscles and stimulates the circulatory & lymphatic systems.

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For more information or to book treatments call the Health & Beaut Suite direct on 0 17 9 3 889362

Fancy sow^eWln eYe Apey ev+ ^oy Sday WACV? W^ a tr

Wednesday 16th to Saturday 19th, 7.30pm, plus Saturday 2.30pm Guys and Dolls presented by Ray Dance and Judith Sharp. a full production of Frank Loesser's enchanting musical. £7. Arts Centre Thursday 17th, 7.30pm A Night at the Musicals. Fully choreographed favourite West End and Broadway show tunes. £14.

Wyvern Thursday 17th, 8pm Bob Fox. Bob's combination of a rich warm voice, a fluent and accomplished finger-picking guitar style and a huge repertoire of traditional and modern songs makes for great evening's entertainment. £8.50. Brewery Arts, Cirencester Saturday 19th, 7.30pm The Janet Thompson Concert Choir perform Songs From The Theatre. £7/£5. Bath Road Methodist Church. Tickets from Arts Centre or call 521822 Saturday 19th, 7.30 Let's Celebrate 85 Years of Song presented by the Swindon Male Voice Choir with guests The Aldbourne Band and Matthew Sims. £8.50. Wyvern

Kiki Dee plays acoustic music with guitarist Carmelo and percussionist Danesh in a show that features new songs, hit songs and stories. £12.50.

Arts Centre Thursday 10th, 7.30pm That'll Be The Day. Over two hours of 50s, 60s and 70s classic gold hits. £16.50. Wyvern Friday 11th, 8pm Grada. A mix of Irish and New Zealand musicians combine jazzy improvisation and the raw energy of traditional Irish dance music to deliver a band which can rock the house! £10. Arts Centre Saturday 12th, 8pm The Groundhogs. Founded in 1963. blues band, The Groundhogs were named after a John Lee Hooker track, and went on to back him on his UK tours. Featuring the original line up Tony McPhee, Pete Cruikshank and Thursday 24th, 8pm Geoff Achison and the UK SoulKen Pustelnik. £11.50. Arts Centre diggers. Backed by a three piece Sunday 13th, 7.30pm band, with a deep throaty voice, a Magic. A Kind of Queen - 30 Years contemporary, jazzy sound and at of Hits. £13.50. Wyvern ti mes a rock influenced blues, Geoff Achison (above) is a guitarist who deserves greater recognition. £10.

Arts Centre The Arts Centre. Devizes Road Friday 25th, 7.30pm Tel: 614837 The Animals and Friends. Original Brewery Arts, Cirencester.

Animals John Steel and Mickey Tel: 01285 655522 GallagherplusJim Rodford,Johnnie Lydiard House. Tel: 770401 Williamson and Pete Barton return Richard Jefferies Museum. with some of the greatest songs from Marlborough Road. Tel: 466556 the last 40 years. £15. Arts Centre STEAM - Museum of the Sunday 27th, 7.30pm Great Western Railway " We're Gonna Put On a Show ..'

Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 presented by Thamesdown Ladies Choir. An extravaganza of popular Swindon & Cricklade Railway Tadpole Lane. Blunsdon. songs from TLC and their special Tel: 771615 guests who include Bob Hill, Richard Abrams and the Ruskin Junior School Swindon Museum & Art Gallery choir. £7.50. Wyvern Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Town Hall Studios Tel: 463210 Wyvern Theatre. Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price Sunday 20th, 7.30pm with the venue Joe Pasquale. £14.50. Wyvern

Venues

Traditional Sunday Ro as t Carvery 12.15pm - 5.00pn1

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

Comedy

21

Cr in June Dance

Exhibitions

Friday 4th, 8 Mekwae.

Make Way' for an evening of inspirational contemporary dance, enriched with the colours. sounds, gestures and rhythms of RE £8.50. Town Studios

Arts Centre Wednesday 4th to Saturday 26th Leda and the Swan by Fiona Smith A series of seductive paintings which explore themes of beauty and violence.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Fab Forty!

Forty works of the Swindon Collection of Modern British Art have been chosen to celebrate the Art Gallery's 40th birthday.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Swindon at War Exhibition to mark the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings, by looking at the role of Swindon and its people during the Second World War. Were you here then? What do you remember? Swindon's Museum Service is collecting stories for an oral history project. To arrange an interview call into the museum or telephone 466556.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Swindon in Focus.

Some evocative images of Swindon, captured through the lens of local photographer Denis Bird (1923 2001), mostly during the 1960s.

West Swindon Library From Tuesday 8th Equivalents Pictures by international photographers. Kristianne Drake, Martin Isak Jansen, Giovanna Astolfi, Thierry Merre. who have links to Swindon. Meet them to discuss their work at an open day on Thursday 10th. 12noon to 7pm.

Sunday 6th, 6pm An Evening of Men Dancing! A hienergy performance following an afternoon of boys' groups classes. £5.50. Town Hall Studios Monday 14th & Tuesday 15th, 8pm Spirit of Dance. Breathtaking Irish dance combined with passionate Latin rhythms of tango. flamenco and salsa. £17.50. Wyvern Friday 18th, 8pm Alma Flamenco by a stunning nine piece Flamenco company - two singers. two guitarists and five dancers. £8.50. Town Hall Studios Thursday 24th to Saturday 26th, 7.30pm and Sat 2.30pm The Slipper and the Rose presented by the Estelle School of Dancing.

From £7. Wyvern

Workshops Saturday 26th, 10am to 4pm A Hands-On Approach to Printed Textiles. Create interesting designs on fabric using simple techniques with Crafts Council recommended tutor Edward Bolwell. Some materials supplied. £26. Arts Centre

Theatre Monday 31 May to Saturday 5 June, Mon to Thurs 7.30pm, Fri and Sat 6pm & 8.30pm Mum's the Word. The smash hit comedy about how children change your life forever. £16.50. Wyvern Wednesday 2nd to Sat 5th, 7.30pm Seeds of Doubt presented by The Western Players. Alan is fretting about middle age and doubts his wife's fidelity, while his peace is upset by squabbling neighbours. A secret message. and a chain reaction, sow doubt in a number of relationships in this cracking comedy. £4.50, tickets only available on 343500. Arts Centre Saturday 12th, 8pm Weekend Break by Jon Johanson.

A hard-hitting play which explores the breakdown of a once successful relationship. Betrayal, violence, sex and. ultimately. tragedy result in this strong drama. Not suitable for under 16s. £8.50. BreweryArts. Cirencester

Film Monday 7th, 7.45pm Mystic River (15) Tim Robbins, Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon star as longstanding friends brought together again when the daughter of one of them is murdered.

Directed by Clint Eastwood. £4.

Wyvern Wednesday 9th, 7.45pm Touching the Void (15) Oscar winning documentary maker, Kevin Macdonald has produced a gripping retelling of mountaineers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates ill-fated climb in the Andes. £4. Arts Centre Monday 21st, 7.45pm Seabiscuit (PG) The small horse that won the big races and became a legend of the American race course. £4. Wyvern Wednesday 23rd, 7.45pm Lost in Translation (15) Bill Murray gives a career best performance as movie actor Bob Harris. in Tokyo to shoot a naff whiskey commercial, in Sofia Coppola's acclaimed offbeat comedy drama. With Scarlett Johannsson as the girl he meets at the hotel bar. £4.

Arts Centre

5wfr GY1 Wide Wic i s

22

win vt1 SUMMER

Co io June

Children and Family Events

Summer fundraising

Saturday 29 May to Sunday 6 June.

Half-term travels with my mummy!

Find out where in the world (or in Wiltshire) the museum objects have come from! Free drop-in activity.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

Emmanuel Church, High Street, Haydon Wick Saturday 5 June, 10am to 12noon Come and buy your holiday reading

Tuesday 1st, 2pm Pucks Bottom. An enchanting and burlesque tale for audiences aged 5 and over. £6/£5. Brewery Arts, Cirencester Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd, 2pm to 4pm Make Do and Mend. Help to make plaited rugs and a patchwork quilt to display for the D-Day celebrations. and a small version to take home.

For ages 5 - 11. Two day course £5.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery.

Booking advised Friday 6 June, 2pm - 5pm African Afternoon. Zulu drumming and dance with Shikisha from South Africa, performances, children's activities, food, information. Free.

Even Swindon Community Centre.

Organised by the Terence Higgins Trust, Swindon branch Saturday 12th, 10.30am - 4.30pm Purton Model Railway Exhibition.

Many layouts, trade stands, refreshments. £1.50/£1, in aid of Purton Helping Hand. Purton Village Hall. Call 771453 for details Saturday 12th, 7.30pm Sing-A-Long-A-Sound of Music. a screening of the classic Julie Andrews' film musical complete with subtitles so the whole audience can join in. £13. Wyvern Sunday 27th, 11am to 4pm Teddy Bears' Picnic. Swindon & Cricklade Railway.

Lower

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Lane, Shaw

Sat 17 July (10.30 - 4pm) Sun 18 July (12.30 - 4.30pm) Comedy, acrobatics, juggling, stilt walking, music £t more... over 60 performances from 22 international acts, all free of charge in Swindon town centre!

Wed 14 - Friday 16 July, 12- 2pm A taste of the Big Weekend on the Parade, outside Debenhams.

Meet Simon Weston OBE Falklands War veteran and

Sponsored by /1

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Summer fete Oliver Tomkins Schools Sat 19 June, 11.30am to 2.30pm Barbecue, stalls, bouncy castle

Flower festival 'Through The Garden Gate' St Mary's Church, Lydiard Tregoze Friday 25 June - Sunday 27 June Fri & Sat:l Oam - 6pm: Sun: 1 pm - 6pm Floral displays and art work from local primary schools

Summer fayre St Mary's Church, Lydiard Tregoze Saturday 26 June, 1.30pm - 3.30pm Cakes, refreshments, plants. games, bric-a-brac, bouncy castle

Craft fair The Commonweal School, The Mall, Old Town Saturday 26 June, 11am to 3pm Wood, jewellery. glass, toys, knitwear, dolls' clothes, cards, healing zone and car boot sale

Swindon Live The Bowl, Town Gardens Saturday 26 June, 12noon - 10pm Featuring Bakers Dozen, Ode & the Bebops, Foggy Dew and more.

Also jive lessons. Compered by The Raving Loony, Roly Gillard Free concert with collection for local charities

Lunch club bazaar Freshbrook Community Centre Thursday 24 June, 1.30 to 3.30pm Tombola, cake stall, jumble. refreshments Food & Friends Lunch Club

Summer event Caribbean Carnival Fun Brook Field School Saturday 26th June, 11am to 2pm Lots of games and fun Fancy dress judged by Shelley and Mr C from BBC Radio Swindon

West Swindon Ladies

www.swindonartscape.co.uk

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Summer fair Moredon Infant and Nursery School Friday 18 June, 6pm - 8pm Barbecue, raffle, face painting, cakes, tranquility zone

booked on 771080.

Swindon Information Centre: 01793 530 328

BENCKISER

Family activity sessions Wednesday 9 June 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

Second hand book sale

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co-founder of Weston Spirit at Swindon & District branch of Soroptomists International 26 June, 7.30pm for 8pm, Winners Lounge, Swindon Town FC Tickets £35 from 702935 by 7 June.

You've seen Calendar Girls so why not join your local WI? Tootleabrook WI next meets on Wednesday 16 June, 7.30pm at Toothill Community Centre when Daphne Jones will talk about 'Life as a Voluntary Worker'.

For more details call Jean Brock on 539456.

FOREST OR STADIUM ON COUNTRY PARK

23

Campaign opposing football stadium move to West Swim ion gathers pace The announcement by County Ground, many from West Swindon. A Swindon Town Football different survey form was Club and developer St used.

Modwen Properties plc on 19 March that they 1 4 May - Sir Jonathon are discussing with SwinPorritt visited the coundon Borough Council the try park, see below. Recommercial developports on ITV West News. ment of Shaw Forest Channel 4 and BBC RaCountry Park stunned dio Swindon. thousands of people in Now that the initial conWest Swindon and sultations have taken across the town. place St Modwen and Not only is a football Swindon Town will be stadium proposed. draft considering whether to plans show a cricket submit an outline planground and athletics ning application which track to replace the fawill be considered after cilities at the County May Day in the rain. The police estimate that 1.500 people peacefully protested their the Swindon Council Ground, plus rugby opposition to the stadium proposal. followed by a ramble round the country park. elections on 10 June. pitches, a dog track, two It was the largest gathering of people in West Swindon since 2001 when 2,500 people Overleaf St Modwen hotels and fast food outattended the last community tree planting day organised by the Great Western Properties explain why lets. The County Ground Community Forest. See more protest pictures at www.swindonlink.com the project will benefit would be redeveloped Swindon and the leaders of the the room was far too small and These include: with 400 houses. political groups on Swindon CounSince the announcement West 29 April - up to 2,000 people tried many were amazed by a survey cil explain their position. form which gave no opportunity to to view the St Modwen plans at Swindon residents have turned out For information, plans and phoin force at several events to dem- RoughmoorSocial Hall. andtalkto express opposition; tographs. go to the Swindon For1 May 1,500 people protested club and St Modwen representaonstrate their oppositio n to any protives. Most had difficulty because their support for the forest by block- est Protection Group site: posal to rip up the country park. ing Mead Way; www.sfpg.org.uk and 6 May - fewer than 500 people www.swindonlink.com viewed the St Modwen plans at the Tony Blair's environment guru Sir Jonathon Porritt called on Swindon councillors to consider their legacy to the town when they discuss the future of Shaw Forest Country Park.

Visiting the site at the invitation into Swindon's future development. of the Swindon Forest Protection Adding his name to the petition Grouponl4MayhesaidthatSwin- calling on the council not to dedon Borough Council is creating stroy the country park, he said, "it something of national significance is horrible to think of this valuable at the 100 acre former landfill site asset to the community covered by and he was worried that a policy u- concrete. It goes against what the turn to allow redevelopment for Government is trying to encoursports facilities would set a worry- age. ing precedent. "I don't know how "The really critical thing is how many people in Swindon realise do you maintain co-operation bethe country park exists but a large tween the council and local comwoodland and open space close to munities to bring something into a town centre is both unusual and Swindon which will be here for all very special." ti me - for all generations. Forests Sir Jonathon chairs the inde- are about long term asset building pendent Sustainable Development - they aren't just for the next decCommission and has the ear of the ade. they are here for good.

"The issue of trust between counPrime Minister, though that did not stop him publishing a highly critical cil and community is very imporreport of the Government's envi- tant and councillors have to conronmental aspirations in late April. sider how they will go down in He is also a member of the South history. Do theywant to be rememWest Regional Development Au- bered for their vision of the future thority which gives him an insight orforshorttermcommercialgain?"

PM's advisor says don't concrete the park

Events coming up:

Saturday 12 June, 12noon. Shaw Forest Countr y Park Family Picnic. Show y our support. Details from www.sfpg.org.uk y Monda y 14 June, 8pm, Holy Trinit Church, Shaw Village Centre.

Shaw Forest Protection Group meeting. Updates on campaign progress. All invited.

FOREST OR STADIUM' Regeneration of challenging sites. How St Modwen Properties see the project 24

by Anthony Glossop. Chairman of St. Modwen Properties PLC St. Modwen Properties PLC is an experienced property developer, whose whole business is based on genuine hands-on regeneration of challenging sites. It also has experi-

ence of relocating a football stadium.

We developed Britannia Stadium, the home of Stoke City Football Club,

on Trentham Lakes, a 450 acre mixed use development which was formerly a colliery.

When we first spoke to Swindon Town Football Club, we were excited at the potential opportunity. There

appeared to be widespread acceptance that Swindon Town deserved a better stadium and by co-locating the cricket ground, the athletics facility and other sports opportunities, we

could create a Sports Village that would probably be unique in the country.

Shaw Tip was not selected as a location by us. It had been identified at some earlier stage. However, we could see considerable attractions: • It was large enough to encompass the whole Sports Village; • whilst it had been identified as a community forest, we felt that we could combine aspects of that with the Sports Village;

• Shaw Tip as it stands is a long way from being completed as a commu-

This approach doe

nity forest.

Much work is required be-

leave us open to the crit cism that we do not hay

fore a safe

all the answers at the ou

high-quality community forest could be created. Our scheme would inevitably resolve those issues.

We ex-

set, but if we did, then w would probably not b genuinely consulting.

What I can assure yo

proposal involving a foot-

is that there is no hidde deal. There is no undit closed agreement bs tween the council and th football club or ourselves Our commitment to cor sultation is genuine.

Our reading of the sits

ball stadium

ation so far is that:

would attract some oppositi on. Weexperienced the

• there are real concern

pected that a

same at Britannia Sta-

about locating a stadiur at Shaw Tip, but Bill Oliver, managing director of St Modwen 's Properties, explaining the proposal at the 29 April consultation at Roughmoor Social Hall

dium.

Concerns about noise, light pollution, traffic, football spectators

and on-street parking are real and would need to be addressed as the scheme was worked-up.

What has happened so far is a very early stage in a consultation process. We do not believe in coming forward with a fait accompli because to do so means there is

no genuine consultation.

Our approach is to put a concept into the public arena. listen to what is said and then improve the scheme in the light of what we learn. That is what we are now doing. We will then re-consult with more detail on whatever emerges from that consultation process.

• there is a wide recogn

ti on that a new stadium i

required somewhere; • there is concern about the poter ti al loss of a community forest; • subject to the above, the concer

of a Sports Village had good sup

port; • much more information on the de tails of any proposal is needed be fore any final or meaningful decisio

can be made.

The Liberal Democrats perspective From Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group

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Studley Grange

garden & leisure park

You can walk among hundreds of the world's most beautiful bu tt erflies.

Open daily Summer: 10am - 6p Winter gam dusk

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Season tickets available Full disabled access Tailored educational visits - Group visits welcome Large gi ft shop - Free parking for cars and coaches

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Tel : 01793 852400 info : stud leygrange.co.uk

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Free Admission r

At Studley Grange t .-.f. ( al.a. there is a range of beautiful and interesting L °̀ a handcra ft ed gifts, many of which are skillfully created on site. Not only a great place to shop _ o _ but also an Interesting and interactive experrience.

Tef: 01793 854606 Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park, Hay Lane, Swindon, Wilts SN4 90T a...,

The Liberal Democrats do not support the Swindon Town FC/St Modwen proposals to create a 'sporting village' on the former Shaw Forest Country Park.

Comments attributed to two Liberal Democrat councillors about the opportunities forthe County Ground site and the concept of a sporting village do not mean that those councillors or the Lib Dem council group support the forest park location.

As landowner, the council is legally obliged to consider any proposal made to it in respect of its land. The council is also required to consider any application for development through its planning process. The council has neither considered the STFC/St Modwen proposals nor has it received an applicati on for construction of a stadium or any other sporting facility on the Shaw forest site. As councillors, we are required to fairly consider any proposals put forward to us without pre-judging the outcome. If we are deemed to have pre-judged our position, then we can be legally disbarred from discussion or voting on any proposals.

So why does it appear that the council is supporting the proposals? Statements on the council's website make it clear that no decisions have been taken and that the council supports only the principle of a move for STFC, not any

specific location. The appearance c Coun Mike Bawden, the Conservativ, Leader of the Council, at the pres conference held by STFC and S Modwen to announce their plans was in my view, a serious misjudgement of his part. It has given the appearance that the council is supportive on thi plans when no formal discussion ha: taken place amongst members.

What will Liberal Democrat council lors do when matters come before Cabinet and Planning Committee fo consideration? We will consider all the evidence put forward by developer objectors and other interested partie as we are legally obliged to do. But, w will approach the decision from a vie point which seeks to preserve an enhance the environmental amenity residents.

This cannot be said of Labour an Conservative councillors, who hay supported greenfield developments Junction 15 in Swindon's rural buff (the new GWH), the Front Garden an most recently, the plan for the devel opment of a Bath University scienc park and housing at Coate. The recor of Labour and Conservative council lors alike is to support large greenfiel development in Swindon. The Liber Democrats are proud to have a recor of opposing them.

DN COUNTRY PARK Is this the right location? picture of how St Modwen Properties propose to site the various sporting • enues on Shaw Forest Country Park published in last month's Link was superseded at the first consultation meeting when a new drawing was displayed showing a land-take of 30 to 50 per cent greater than originally suggested The

Note: these illustrations have been copied from the St Modwen Properties plc plans with annotations added by The Link. St Modwen have not sanctioned the additions)

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River Ray parkway footpath, uggested to be route for No rth Wilts canal

Fhe view of the Labour Party =

rom Councillor Kevin Small, Leader of the Labour Group the Labour Group recognises that a colours) has long defended. r Any development must be commuariety of arguments and views suround the current proposals to de- nity sensitive and community focused. 'elop a new stadium for STFC at Shaw STFC have a long history in the town s and we as a council should not rush to orest Park.

We are open to the arguments and make decisions. which threaten that. It ire listening to the local community is also important to stress that the egarding the concerns they have with borough council is both the lease holder he plans. No decision has been made and the planning authority in this case, and the full scheme for development is so we should all be careful in commitar from complete. A number of group ting or supporting one side of the argunembers have openly expressed con- ment over another.

A sports village comprising a new :erns regarding the impact on their ocal area; this is healthy for the de- stadium will be an important addition to the regeneration of the Borough, let us )ate.

We have yet to commit to a fixed not squash it by not taking the long croup position of opposition or sup- view, or not doing our homework properly. tort, as we want to come out with a Labour candidates in West Swindon i tualified position that we can justify, ather than rush to gain popular sup- have all committed themselves to con- ' suiting with local residents and repretort for ill-considered options.

There are real issues surrounding senting their views at the Civic Offices he size, location, and access of the if elected. The Labour Group believes )roposed site. Shaw Forest Park rep- local councillors are firstly elected to esents an important part of the Great represent their communities. and Laestern Community Forest. some- bour's West Swindon councillors will hing that the council (of all political continue to encourage this approach.

25

The Conservative Party viewpoint From Councillor Mike Bawden, Leader of Swindon Borough Council Coun Bawden is quoted on the St Endorsing the position statement of Swindon Borough Council - approved Modwen website as stating: 'there are by the three political group leaders - still a lot of discussions to be had in Mike Bawden supports the concept of relation to the land identified.'

As emphasized in the Swindon Bora community sports stadium and leisure facility in the borough. The coun- ough Council Position Statement, the cil, as the local planning authority, has council is fully aware of the issues that a statutory duty to consider any plan- such a proposal raises such as traffic ning application. Neither Coun access, impact on the environment Bawden. nor the council, has taken a and the implications for the community formal position on the football club's forest, and will look extremely careproposals. We have not received a fully at how the developers will deal planning application, with all these issues.

The partners must consider the reMike Bawden would like to make it veryclearthatCounSueBates,former sults of this consultation extremely leader of the council and leader of the carefully before making any formal apLabour Group. first floated this idea. proach to the borough council.

Coun Bawden is not a member of She instructed officers of the council to enter into discussions with Swindon the Planning Committee, which will Town Football Club, and the Director consider any formal application put of Swindon Services visited the site forward. He would like to emphasise with Swindon Town FC representa- that no deal has been agreed between the council, the developer and Swintives on 10 July 2002.

Swindon Town FC and St Modwen don Town Football Club.

Ultimately the Office of the Deputy Properties plc partnership identified the Old Shaw Tip as their preferred Prime Minister has the power to aslocation for a new stadium and sports sume the role of decision maker and call in any planning application where development, When the council was first ap- the issues raised are of significant proached by the football club and its public interest. partner about taking the Shaw Tip proposal forward, the three political group ' i t i • i leaders on the borough council made it clear that the developers should go i i out to extensive public consultation. before any formal planning application was made to the council.

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26

Swindo) Wide

CYCLECARE - Purton repair

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English Heritage plot Lydiard Park, education post planned and Innogy makes further investment in the project Sarah Finch-Crisp, Keeper of Lydiard House, describes the gathering pace of park restoration activity

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In May the English Heritage Survey team based at the National Monuments Record Centre in Swindon, began their archaeological survey of Lydiard Park.

Their detailed plotting of the landscape, using the latest satellite technology, will show us where future excavations will be necessary. One of the areas they will be examining is the site of what is believed to be an 18th Century Palladian temple which once overlooked the lake.

CHARISMA BLINDS

The recording of the historic landscape has been principally funded

by English Heritage and further details about their investigation will be described in the summer issue of the Lydiard Project Newsletter and in The Link.

As we await Heritage Lottery Fund's decision to back the restoration and development project, there is welcome news of additional complimentary funding from The Ernest Cook Trust.

The trust, which has previously supported conservation work in Lydiard House, has awarded £13,000 to support a Lydiard Project Education and Outreach

post. The position has been devised to develop links with local schools to ensure that children across the town can be involved in the restoration programme.

Another very welcome bonus is news of a further investment of £30,000 from West Swindon based energy supplier, Innogy.

Thisbringslnnogy'scommitment to the Lydiard Park Project to over £110,000. The interest and involvement of the company's executives and employees, many of whom have joined discovery walks around the park. brings both goodwill and added impetus to the project. www.lydiardpark.org.uk

Visitors to the Lydiard archaeology day in April looking at the boat house excavations. Its location demonstrates how big the lake once was as it is about 100 metres from what remains of the lake today

inbow of colours to brigh p your home this Summer! ('The

tch the rainbow at Charisma Blinds ctory the place for quality and value

Manufacturers and suppliers of all types of blinds Full fitting service or cash and carry Factory showroom open Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm Friday 9.30am - 5pm, Saturday 1 Oam - 4pm BSS House, Cheney Manor Ind. Est., Swindon. Tel: 01793 43 4584

Come rain or shinile: at

Farm becomes stage for new theatre Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon Tel: 0 1793 763939 Map: www.rove!sfarm.co.uk Open daily 10.30am - Spin * 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

Roves Farm is offering a new and alternative style of theatre to performing arts groups in the Swindon area and is looking for artistes and an audience.

To demonstrate the new venue, r the farm holds its first family show on 12 June in aid of the Prospect -' t :'• ' 'rHospice.

On stage will be the have a go =;%^ Swindon Scratch choir, folk singer Rambling Jack, the Anti-Gravity Project, including Jake Holland. recently crowned the UKs unicycle king, Kit (on guitar) and the SwinI don Folk Singers, celebrating 45 years, and the whole ensemble In the Anti-Gravity groove at Roves will be coordinated by well-known MC Geoff Marsh. famous for his family event." work with the Stage Struck ComAs if this star studded show was edy Theatre Company. not enough, there will be a post Rupert Burr of Roves Farm, said, show barbecue included in the price "this new venture is very exciting of just £7.50 per adult and £5 per with great acts and an entertaining child.

Master of Ceremonies. Geoff is Only 200 seats are available, so well known to the fans and sup- call now for a new kind of fun porters of Stage Struck and we are entertainment. Cash, cheques and sure that he will help to make this creclitcards; are all acceptable. Call a very successful and enjoyable 763939 to reserve tickets.

27

Swindon Wide Two weeks planned for Old Town Festival: 22 June to 4 July

PARTY TENT SMALL MARQUEE HIRE

As a number of major anniversaries are being celebrated in the town this year, the festival is taking this as a theme, writes Jill Ryan-Browne.

Among them are the Evening Advertiser's 150th birthday. the Mechanics Institute also 150 years, the 120th anniversary of formation of the Midland and South Western Junction Railway (which ran to Old Town), the 100th anniversary of the coming of trams to Swindon, the Western Players' 100th, Tanwood School of Dancing's 60th. the Museum and Art Gallery's 40th. and the Shakers teenagers bar's 1 0th.

We hope these organisations and more will be represented at the festival - especially on the procession on Saturday 3 July followed by a fete on The Lawn.

Other highlights include a major classical concert, a hot air balloon lift, a skirmish by the Sealed Knot Civil War group, a country/folk dance, jazz performers. and many other popular events that cannot be listed here.

Of course there are plenty of

opportunities for people to get involved - by dressing up and joining in the procession, putting on entertainment, having a stall, or whatever else they can think of.

To take part in the procession call Glynn Harries on 344792.

To put on a stall or for more information, call the festival coordinator Brian Mattock on 522540, or mail: brianmattock@hotmaiI .com Programme details can be found at www.oldtownfestival.co.uk

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Old Town Festival brings together musical tastes FThe Swindon Jazz Society has picked up the mantle of the Swindon Jazz Festival after Swindon Council refused to continue funding to Swindon Arts which had built it up over the last two years (see story on page 28).

Taking place between 22 June

and 4 July, there will be gigs in the pubs and clubs of Old Town and many free performances indoors and on the streets of Old Town.

The festival ends with a concert 1I at New College featuring the world famous Stan Tracey Quartet.

Details at www.swindonjazz.co.uk

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Swindon's bands put on free 10 hour gig Also taking place during the festival is Swindon Live at The Bowl.

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All the bands come from the town and include Bakers Dozen, Ode & the Bebops, Foggy Dew and more.

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Tieing the whole day together will be Swindon's very own totally Raving Loony (not standing in this year's elections) Party Guy, Roly Gil lard.

It's all totally free with a collection for local charities.

Teddy Bears' Picnic**

Blunsdon Station Tadpole Lane Swindon Tel: (01793) 771615

Ticket only event **

Trains run 11 am to 4pm.

When special events are not scheduled a train service operates o n S un days and Bank Holidays 11 am to 4pm

Yous .'ould see who we'^ got'.on our shopping

list!

Join the growing band of regular weekly shoppers at the West Swindon Shopping Centre! You'll quickly discover that shopping has never been easier!

There's FREE and easy parking - with no chance of a ticket.

Enjoy a fantastic variety of good shops and se rv ices - all on one level.

It's a safe and secure family environment with a choice of places to eat and relax!

Enjoy all your shopping under one roof.'

ASDA - Superstore PRICELESS - Shoes BLO

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ENSONLINE - Internet Access COOPERS - Chemists DENTAL PRACTICE • D OMINO'S PIZZA HAY WOODS - Estate Agents HK97 - Chinese Take-away R. J. HOLMES - Opticians LA

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28

Swindon Wide

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The Jazz Festival lives on It is wonderful to know that a jazz festival will take place in Swindon this year, writes Rosa Matheson, former director of Swindon Arts which closed down in February when Swindon Council withdrew funding Thanks to the Swindon Jazz Society all is not lost and the work of Swindon Arts in developing a jazz festival over the last three years continues. They have pooled their resources and expertise and with the backing of Nationwide Building Society put together a fine programme of well respected and up-

and-coming groups.

Dave, Tony and Jane are pas-

sionate about jazz and supported the Swindon Arts Jazz Festival to the hilt. Devastated at the thought

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of losing ittheyapproached the council to offer their help in keeping the festival going. But their concerns fell on stoney ground.

This year's festival is in a different format. It returns to the pubs and streets of Old The name lives on. A plaque commemorating the Town and links work of Swindon Arts has been put up in the Wyvern into the Old Town Theatre and one of the studios has been renamed.

Festival. Despite Rosa Matheson with chairman of Swindon Arts, the lack of council coon Maurice Fanning, left, and former Wyvern interest the `show manager Ted Doan goes on.' There is a bright future for jazz because that Swindon people believe in local people are willing to invest themselves, to be able to get on and keep things going. themselves and their time in it.

What is needed is your support We have just had yet another wonderful and successful Litera- to show that you believe that this is ture Festival thanks to the passion what Swindon wants. This in turn and sticking power of Matt Holland will encourage business and the and his team of helpers and the council to back and support festiWiltshire Festival is also being re- vals and large events, to help them vived and will come back even grow, develop and take the town forward. bigger and better in August.

Perhaps with the coming of the Last years Mela was an amazing success that drew large num- new Swindon Cultural Partnership bers of excited and interested peo- this will happen: not only will they ple from all backgrounds. It seems talk the talk. but also walk the walk.

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s5 windkn Wide From sunny Highworth to sunny Spain

Line Dance

There's a special extra prize on offer at the Swindon Childrens' Cancer and Leukaemia Movement (CALM) annual golf day at the Wrag Barn course near Highworth on Thursday 24 June.

The first team prize will be a said, "we are really indebted to our "This year's golf day at Wrag superb three day holiday, for four friends at Antequera and Swin- Barn promises to be better than people and partners inclusive of don's Marriott Hotel for donating ever, and we hope that lots of local meals and golf, at the Antequera such attractive prizes to support golfers will want to join us and see Golf Course near Malaga. Spain. our work in our 20th anniversary if they can win one of the many CALM Chairman Don Macarthur year. magnificent prizes."

The Mayor of Swindon coun Performing for CALM Derek Benfield will tee off the comThe Estelle School of Dancing perform The Slipper and the Rose, an petition. Last year the event raised adaptation of Cinderella, in aid of CALM from Thursday 24 to Saturday over£5,000 for CALM which is run entirely by volunteers for children 26 June, with a Saturday matinee, at the Wyvern Theatre. and families in the Swindon area.

For tickets from £7, call the Wyvern Theatre on 524481.

For details, call Helen Willstead on 01672 841098, or mail: calmpost@hotmail.com

with

Midnight Cowboys Tuesday: Even Swindon. 7.00 Community Centre Jennings Street (off Rodbourne Road)

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 High worth and Swindon

For more details Ring Lewis Watson on 764732 Ten years of teaching!

Artists in their studios

The second Swindon Open Studios takes place between 5 and 27 June when over 50 artists, photographers and organisations display their work in studios or community spaces around the town. There will be have a go sessions and workshops to develop your skills as well.

Leaflets with artist details and display venues are available from Swindon Libraries and at www.swindonartscape.co.uk Or call Barbara Dixon on 466520. mail: bdixon@swindon.gov.uk

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Art in the open at Coate Wiltshire's GWR FM presents 'Art in the Park' at Coate Water Country Park on Sunday June 6. 11 .30am to 4.30pm.

All kinds of local artists and crafts people will be available to show visitors how to make, paint, mould, draw, cut or build. Everyone at the event will be encouraged to make their own kite, mask, painting, model, hat, nail-art, decorated tiles. biscuit decorating, hair braids or friendship bracelets plus much more.

Entry is free with only a small charge to take part in some of the activities on offer, with proceeds going to GWR FM's Community Trust.

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 y ou need.

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

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30 The Link Magazine • June 200 4

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Skipping skills could raise £1,000+ Every youngster and member of staff at Brook Field School took part in the , annual British HeartFoun- 1 QRoAp dation Jump Rope for a v Heart Day on 17 May. ® Year 5 children designed two huge displays about heart disease and how to r' stay healthy which were t`"-^ mounted in the school 1' halls. They hope that sponsorship will raise over .'

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Teams of ten paddlers and a Foundation fund vital research, drummer to beat the time will race education, care and life-saving against each other in 30 foot dragon equipment in the Wiltshire area. boats with a professional helms- For entry details call Paul person to steer the course. No pre- Bancroft on 01380 848 276. vious experience is necessary.

Last year the event raised over £5,000 to help the British Heart

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Dave hopes to complete the course in around 11.5 hours. The Link will include his account next month.

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32 The Link Magazine • June 200 4

Les S1inn

Walkers strut their stuff once again

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Swindon's famed Twin Peaks Breakthrough Breast Cancer walkers once again did the overnight Moonwalk marathon through the streets of London on 15/16 May.

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Because of demand, only 139 women and a few men from the town secured places amongst the 15,000 who took place.

Like last year, Swindon's walkers used the Magic Roundabout theme and decorated their bras with Dougals and Florences as well as painting the names of loved ones who have died from breast cancer on their chests and backs.

One of the youngest participants was 13 year old Hannah Tieleman from Grange Park who walked a

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half marathon with her mum Julie in four and a quarter hours. She said, "I've never been up that late before, there were all these cars tooting; it was really noisy and busy in London."

Julie, who has already done two Moonwalks, said that Hannah had done amazingly well. "She had been up all the previous d",, and had a dance lesson before we set off for London. But she found it a bit difficult when we had to walk another two miles across Hyde Park to get to where the car was parked after we finished."

Julie raised £181 in sponsorship

and Hannah collected £203 from family and friends and teachers at Greendown School. "I don't think my friends knew what I was doing," said Hannah. "Breakthrough is such a good charity; I'd like to enter next year."

Cycle marathon and treasure hunt Swindon Cares is recruiting riders to take part in a 25 mile White Horse Bike Ride and Treasure Hunt on Sunday 11 July, loam, starting and finishing at Stanton Park, just off the A361 at Stanton Fitzwarren.

The money raised will be split between Macmillan cancer relief, NSPCC, Age Concern Swindon and the GWR FM Community Fund.

For entry details and registration form, call Jacquie Sheppard on 692166.

Mobile phones needed urgently A Swindon Council team will be attempting to climb the three highest mountains in the UK - Ben Nevis, Scarfell Pike and Snowden within 25 hours on 3 and 4 July to raise money for the GWR/Mitchemp Trust.

Sponsorship or old mobile phones would be much appreciated.

Phones can be in any condition; they do not need to have batteries, chargers and the SIM card should be removed. For every phone collected £2.50 will be donated to the charity. For details call Joanne on 464199 (days).

Sleek head does not help marathon time Matt Light from Rushey Platt ran the London Marathon in just under five hours, about twenty five minutes longer than he hoped.

He said it was due to the cold weather rather than the No 1 haircut provided by the Barber Shop in Cricklade Road, who donated £500 in return for stencilling their name on the back of his head.

Matt and his wife Gail raised £3,000 for the Downs Syndrome Association after they lost a baby to Downs last year.

As the total was double the amount expected, they hope to present £1,000 to the Swindon branch of the Association for their work with local families.

To see other pictures of Matt, go to to www.justgiving.com/ mattlight Right, Paul Kirton and Angela White of the Barber Shop survey their work on Matt

The Link Magazine • June 2004

Running for life in Lydiard

Alternatives

Organisers of this year's Cancer Research UK Race For Life in Swindon are lookingforwell over 2,000 women to take part in a run run/jog/walk around Lydiard Park on Sunday 6 June.

Last year 2,115 entered the Swindon event individually or in teams, raising£140,000. Across the nation Cancer Research UK are aiming for 325,000 participants to raise £20 million.

The entry fee is £8.50. To enter call 08705 134314 or register online at www.raceforlife.org Wellbeing & Giftware Show Sunday 13 June, 10.30am to 5pm. Free Purton Village Hall, Station Road, Purton A one day show, focussing on personal wellbeing and gifts Demonstrations and taster sessions in aromatherapy. Indian head massage, reiki. reflexology or colour analysis Stalls include bath and body, natural beauty, makeovers and image, crystals and gems, candles and photo frames.

For details, call Debra Wright on 07788 596840 or mail: enchantmentretail@yahoo.co.uk

CHERRI ANN MATTHEWS II HHT FICHTATLM

• Banish fears, phobias, addictions and mental/emotional blocks holding you back with EFT.

• Reiki/EFT/Indian Head Massage.

ABBEY MEADS PRIMARY SCHOOL Thursday 6.15pm HAYDON CENTRE

Monday 9.30am., Wednesday 6pm & 7.15pm Discover the new 'Time To Eat' programme

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Acupuncture at Taw Hill Medical Practice 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.tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk for details.

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• Learn Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) - I -Day Workshop.

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34 The Link Magazine • June 2004 Zla vv 4acae 'e

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Women prepare teams for next season Swindon Spitfires Women's and Girls' Football Club are looking to enhance their squad in preparation for the 2004/05 season.

As the first female football club teams. The club is particularly inin the county to have been awarded terested in starting an u16s team.

As well as developing football the FA Charter Standard, players and parents alike can be confident skills, the club welcomes estabthat the Spitfires offer the oppor- lishedcoachesorplayersinterested tunity to play football in a safe and in developing coaching skills.

For details of training times, call enjoyable environment. Players of Bev Maull on 824505. The club can all abilities are welcomed.

Currently teams cover under 10, also be found at: www.communi u12, u14 age groups and women's gate.co.uk/wilts/spitfires

Splash for cash The Health Hydro is holding a parent and toddler Splashathon in aid of Tommy's, the baby charity on Monday 7 June, 1.30pm.

The Hydro is one of 900 pools Babies and toddlers are being asked to take the plunge with their across the country taking part. parents and splash across the jun- Register your splish splash for for pool and raise cash for vital dosh by calling the hotline 08707 research into premature birth, still- 7070609. www.splashathon.com birth and miscarriage.

Father's Day walk for whales The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society is asking people to raise money for their work campaigning to stop whales and dolphins drowning in fishermen's nets around the world on Sunday 20 June.

There are goodies offered if you reach a fundraising target and prizes.

The walk takes place around Coate Water Country Park from 10am.

To register call 0870 870 5001 on online: www.wdcs.org/walks

Don't let small but annoying damage ruin the value of your vehicle!

West walks online

We visit your home or premises for a convenient and fast repair To arrange a free quotation, call 07050 266325 www.trimlineswindo n.co.u k

Discover West Swindon on a Wednesday walk starting from the Link Centre. For details of routes during June, call 445566.

Find the walks online as .pdf or .jpg files at www.swindonlink.com

GREAT WESTERN ENTERPRISE Providing friendly & efficient * servicing * engine & gearbox rebuilds * electrical repairs * brake and clutch repairs * cam belt replacement * MOT repairs * sales

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PARKING IN CENTRAL SWINDON Annual long stay parking from only £58.08 per month Discounts for group and company bookings Contact Christine Jenkins Tel: 01793 - 690600

The Link Magazine • June 2004

35

Footballers say thanks to sponsors Last month's Link featured youngsters from Abbey Meads School choosing a new kit sponsored by Swindon garage MOTest. Now they've got it and everyone will agree the lads really look good.

The boys are delighted with their choice.

Martin Dallow said, "it really makes us look smart." Daniel Johnstone added, "I think it will make us more confident on the pitch."

They would be the first to admit that their performance

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great, due to th e small number e i Year 6 players Cfi,'c Lambden from MUTest, rear left, with coach Steve available. How- Bicknell and Year 6 players, back from left, Lee Habgood, everteamcoach Matthew Porting, Martin Dallow, Alan Frampton. Front, Steve Bicknell Joshim Miah, Daniel Johnstone, George Moulton reckons results will improve. "We've got more rugby coach at Wootton Bassett, boys coming through the school said he knows all about looking and we have some keen girls who good. "If you look good on the pitch, it really helps team spirit. can play at this level, "MOTest is pleased to have "The boys look really great on the pitch and the girls netball team helped the school." have laid claim on the shirts for Mr Bicknell thankedMOTestfor assisting the team and also The their games."

Clive Lambden, manager of Link for brokering the sponsorship MOTest in Swindon, who is ul4s deal.

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36 The Link Maaazine • June 2004

Pets left home alone?

Are you out at work all day?

I provide a friendly, professional service. caring for all pets in your own home.

Also dog walking, pet sitting, feeding and all round pet care Tel: Mand y 324654 or mobile: 07949 363502

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

looked after in the comfort of their home?

PET 40 SITTING

I offer a caring pet sitting service, looking after your pets in their own home whilst you are on holiday.

I can feed, walk and sit with your pets (dogs welcome), and live in if required.

Please call Estelle to discuss your requirements on

I provide a friendly caring and professional pet sitting service for dogs, cats and caged animals.

Magnets have been used for

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Many pet owners have seen dramatic changes in cats and dogs suffering with stiff joints.

For a full colour brochure, call 872282.

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Sheila Mitchell who runs Pets at Home has been feeding an unneutered male cat who has been visiting in Moresby Close, Westlea for some years. He seems to have a wide territory and has been seen in Langstone Way, Thornford Drive and Woodchester.

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The Link Magazine • June 2004

37

Busy month ahead for conservation group The Seven Fields Conservation Group, which, in conjunction with Swindon Council, preserves and conserves the Nature Reserve located between Greenmeadow, Abbey Meads, Penhill and Whitworth Road has a full programme for the next few weeks.

The group's AGM takes place has treated the conservation area on Swindon energy conservation Lord's and everything in it, and on Tuesday 8 June, 7.30pm, at the and the delays in undertakingcom- competition. Abbey Meads, we are called to be good stewards Hayden Wick Parish Council Of- mitments, the group had threat- HaydonWickandPenhillarethree ofwhatwehavebeengiven.'Envifices. ened to pull out of its involvement of the 11 council wards who have ronmentally Friendly Parade ServAninterestingeveningisinpros- with the preservation and conser- taken up the challenge to become ice with guest speaker Ruth Baker pect with the committee reporting vation of this important environ- more energy efficient communi- of Switch on Swindon. back in response to the members' mental haven. ties. Penhill is currently in second • Tuesday 29 June, 7pm, Rev angry condemnation of Swindon More positively, the guest place and Abbey Meads is in fifth. Stephen Waters of St Peters Church Council at an extraordinary gen- speaker is Ruth Baker of the Wilt- • Sunday 13 June, 12noon to 2pm. will conduct a traditional orchard eral meeting held last October. shire Wildlife Trust who will talk Wildflower Walk around Seven blessing ceremony at the Penhill Annoyed by the way the council about the progress of the Switch Fields led by Swindon Rangers. Community Orchard.

Book a place on 771419.

For details of the Seven Fields •• Sunday 20June,10.30am.Church Conservation Group, call Marilyn Swindon'$ E co- Agenda gets stronger of Christ the Servant, Abbey Meads Bealeon331516.ForSwitchonSwinSchoolchildren, businesses, residents and politicians gathered at the Village Centre. 'The earth is the don, call Ruth Baker on 526228. end of April for Swindon's first ever 'Eco-bash' at the University of Bath campus.

LAWNHOPPERS grasscutting

EMA Grounds Maintenance

Quality of Life winners. Members of the Peatmoor Community Woodland Group who manage 6 acres of ancient woodland close to Peatmoor Lagoon.

From left, Charlie Willard, group coordinator Liz Emerson, Richard Kearns, Ruth Ogle, Andy Tucker. To join in, call Liz on 876654.

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For a free quote

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Dozens of community groups and businesses displayed information about projects they are undertaking to improve the quality of life and / or the environment within the borough.

Run by Swindon Council's Local Agenda 21 Strategy for Sustainable Development, the event was an excellent opportunity for participants to learn about the wide range of environmentally positive effort going on across the town.

Entries to the council's annual Quality of Life Awards were read out; this year 28 organisations applied for the cash prizes on offer.

These were presented by South Swindon MP Julia Drown and Gavin Jones, Swindon Council's Director of Cultural Change to: • School - Covingham Park Infant School; • Business - Pulse Wholefoods Co-operative; • Community Group - Peatmoor Community Woodland Group.

The West Swindon group was also named as winner of the overall Quality of Life trophy.

If you or your group have an idea or are currently running an environmental project which could be entered for next year's Quality of Life Awards, call Lynn Forrester on 466167 or mail: lforrester @swindon.gov.uk

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL WORKS UNDERTAKEN • Grass cutting • Weed control • Hedge trimming Also Lawnmower serv icing Plugs - oils - filters blade sharpening collection & delivery service available Call Mike for a free quotation tel: 01793 722264 fax: 01793 724339 mob: 07919 556119

A grasscutting service for both large and small gardens Weekly. fortnightly or monthly visits All machinery supplied to keep your garden neat and tidy All rubbish removed Full garden maintenance service available Tel:

704204

Tool Hire Summer Deals Day Wallpaper stripper £10 Carpet cleaner c/w free 1 It carpet shampoo £20 washer 178 Rodbourne Road Pressure (ideal for patios) £20 (Near Designer Outlet Village) Concrete breakers £20 £20 Plate compactors Tel: 01793 522306 e

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Anita Barratt Garden Design

38 The Link Magazine • June 2004 Forest Family Picnic Saturday 12 June, 12noon - 5pm, Shaw Forest Country Park. off Mead Way. Show your support for the threatened community forest. Go to www.sfpg.org.uk for details

Open Gardens in Blunsdon Village LAWN & HEDGE CUTTING PATIO & TURF LAYING GENERAL GARDEN TIDY

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IAN CURTIS LANDSCAPING

Patios • Block Paving Fencing • Decking and all other aspects of landscape work Tel: 01793 854255 Mob: 07949 341724

Inside lout

Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 June, 1pm to 5.30pm Stroll around the village and visit 14 very different gardens.

Admission for both days by programme, £2.50. from the gardens.

Accompanied under 16s free.

Parking available at Portquin, village hall & Blunsdon House Hotel Breakfasts/brunch available at Portquin Guest House (on B4019) from 1 1 am. Teas in the village hall from 2pm.

Proceeds to St Leonard's church

Lower Shaw Farm Garden Open Day Sunday 13 June, 11 am to 4pm. Guided tours of the gardens. learn about organic gardening. growing food and encouraging wildlife in your garden. Adults £1. children 50p. proceeds to charity.

Third annual West Swindon Open Gardens in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June, 1 pm to 5pm

laminate floor laying general gardening painting fencing & turfing house clearance/tidy decking & patios cleaning windows, patios etc. hedge & tree cutting

18 gardens open mainly in Shaw and Nine Elms.

Entry by programme/map, £2 from participating gardens or Ridler's Cottage, Old Shaw Lane.

Proceeds to Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Call us now for a free no obligation quote on

Right. Carol Weatherburn, one of the keen gardeners opening up for Breakthrough

01793 870350 or 07766 465752

Haydon Wick & District Garden Society Tuesday 22 June, 7.30pm, Haydon Wick Community Centre Seven Wonders of the Natural World by R Harvey. with slides Annual membership £2. No monthly charge.

Details from Clair Abbott, tel. 436680

Environment events in June

COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 7 DAYS BUILDING MATERIALS

Block paving • Driveways • Paths • Patios Decking • Rockeries • Fencing • Pergolas • Turf Side of Manor Garden Centre, Chesney Manor Ind Est, Swindon. Tel: 484455

Wednesday 2nd, 2pm to 6pm. Magic Story Trail - Stanton Park. Visit a spooky wood. a ruined folly and a tranquil lake: hear stories of trolls. fairies and undiscovered creatures. No booking. For directions call Swindon Ranger Service: 771419.

Saturday 5th, 12noon to 5pm. Barbury Bumble. Barbury Castle.

Learn about the different types of bees and contribute towards a national bumblebee nest survey that aims to protect these endangered insects. Swindon Ranger Service. tel: 771419.

Sunday 6th, 10am to 2pm. Woodland conservation in Peatmoor Copse. Call Liz Emerson on 876654 for more details.

Sunday 6th, 10am to 12 noon. Junior Mini -Beast Hunt at Lydiard Park for 5 to 12 year olds. Book a place on 771419.

Thursday 10th, Wednesday 16th, Wednesday 23rd. Lydiard Park Project Bat Emergence Surveys. Help us find and count the number of bats using various roosts around Lydiard Park. Contact Neil Pullen on 526228 for details and to book.

Saturday 12th Moth Magic. Discover the variety and beauty of these jewels of the night. Times to be arranged. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear warm clothes and bring a torch. Meet at Lydiard Park Visitor Centre. To book call Swindon Ranger Service on 771419.

Saturday 12th. Lydiard Park Project Tree Survey Techniques. Call Neil Pullen on 526228 for details and to book.

Sunday 13th, 10.30am. Maintaining the Haven. Help with the upkeep of this wildflower garden at TWIGS, next to Manor Garden Centre. and take some samples home. Call John Ball on 877261 for more details.

Wednesday 23rd, 5pm - 9pm. 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, refreshments. For details call Jo Sayers on 526229.

The Link Magazine • June 2004

LANDSERVE Garden Maintenance & Landscaping

CL Timber Z

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40

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41

EM®

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A. R. Beveridge & Sons

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• Central heating installations

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Call Lee on 0771 8102 921 Call Mike on 0778 8444 084

11$4

DECORATORS High quality painting 8t decorating

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e: philip.stone@decorator-services.co.uk www.decorator-services,co.uk

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42

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INSTALLATIONS

o-A & &

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

Al

For quality windows and doors Tel: 01793 331551 07775 621764 / 07799 284998

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FENSA See our advert on page 40

HEATING & PLUM BIN G]

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All aspects of plumbing

Tel: 01793 815254 Reg:1.87606

Prope rt y Maintenance

• Ceramic floor & wall tiling • Plumbing Tel: 01793 723407 Mob: 07990 847623 Free estimates

All gas appliances serviced, repaired & installed Landlord/moving house safety inspections • Bathroom suites installed and all other plumbing work undertaken • Central heating systems flushed (powerflushi d !), • Hot water systems descaled • Quote on request • 24 hour call out • Natural gas & LPG qualified

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•

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Established 22 years

01793 537324 /07900 835116

KITCHENS

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I1 \^

Est 15 years

01793 431211

DECOR ATO R

•

BUILDING SERVICES

* Quality bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics,

general plumbing

•

BATHROOMS

• British Gas trained

Reg:202015

Tel: 722449 • Mob: 07956 410982

I

MAINTENANCE

Western

• Painting & Decorating • Laminate & Tiled Floors • Plumbing and Electrical • Fi tt ed Furniture Installation & Repair • Odd Jobs For a free quote call Mike Nuttall Tel: 01793 886032 Mob: 07729 722829

Retired and semi-retired tradesmen available for all household tasks Electrical • Plumbing Carpentry • Decorating Handymen Call Andrew on 01793 820991 or 08456 444170 (calls charged at local rate)

• Reliable • Trustworthy • Affordable

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BUILDING SERVICES

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CARPENTRY

CARPENTRY

P.R. GALL

Paul JZhind Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted UPVC windows Ft doors Conservatories, fascias and guttering Roofing S building maintenance Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

ELECTRICIAN

CARPENTRY

J Fitted bedrooms and kitchens Replacement doors & staircases ` Laminate floors Household repairs and general maintenance 3 Decking - supplied and fitted Free no obligation quotes Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

ELECTRICIA N

Ladsworth Domestic Electrical Installations Extractor fans & showers Extra lights & sockets Garden power & lighting Aerial, phone & PC points Inspection & testing Free quotations Experienced & reliable

Tel: 01793 821377 Mob: 07930 284293

HEATING & PLUMBING M.P.S. For gas central heating, bathrooms, showers and all other plumbing & heating work

CALL 01793 5 22579 MOBILE: 07816 906437 matt@mpsheating.co.uk www.mpsheating.co.uk •^

`

22

Reg. 67416

I PLASTERING

Rodbourne. Swindon

Painting and decorating Domestic & Commercial FREE ESTIMATES Quality & Service

Tel: (01793) 484490 Mobile: 07919 915386

Tel: 01793 882093 Mobile: 07957 934536

'0 Laminate floors n Doors/skirting n Household repairs Kitchens All work guaranteed 1 4 Morrison Street

ELECTRICA L/PLUMBING

M.D. ELECTRICAL SERVICES SOCKETS AND LI6H 7N6 TO SHOWERS AND RE- WIRES. FOR FREE ESTIMATES AND ADVICE, TEL

01793 495365 MOBILE 077438 74621

HEATING & PLUMBING PLUMBING & HEATING LTD ?0 years experience in plumbing work

• Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates • All work guaranteed • No job too small For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

•• Reg 203455

PLASTERING

*: lighting rewiring security lighting Q —

garden electrics power & electric showers

bathrooms

Tel: (01793) 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364 MIS:

ENVNational Inspection Council o.,•.ROw for Electrical Installation Contracting

HEATING _& PL UMB ING

Plastering two coat z Dry lining Coving * New or repairs

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

M: 07766 525959

Wood & ceramics • Supply or fit only Commercial/domestic • Safety flooring All work guaranteed • 14 years experience Call now for a free, at home consultation

07970 865883 25 Kennet Avenue. Gre e nm eadow

HOUSE/GARD EN

• Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Outside taps • Power showers • Bathroom installations Reg: 128966 All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Mobile: 07771 617992 All garden work Building Concreting paths Guttering and Patio repairs Fascia All carpentry Patio jet wash Repair or replace External painting small walls Internal painting & Grass cutting decorating Hedges & trees cut Plumbing repairs Electrical Toilets, wash Replace sockets basins, bath taps.

Extra sockets overflows repaired Outside lights or replaced

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

PLASTERING

PLASTERING

All aspects of plastering covered Tel: 01793 882329

Z!!

MASTERFITTER

Quality Plumbing & Heating

L.P.A • Fully insured • Quality workmanship • Competitive rates

All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet

D & G HOUSE & GARDEN MAINTENANCE ALL EXTERNAL & INTERNAL WORK Tel/Fax: 01793 723495

* External rendering Re-skimmin

I• L IJ •

Domestic, commercial & industrial installations. Maintenance & repairs

Brian Jones lastering Services

FLOORING

SHAW Electrical & Plumbing Ltd

heating

RJ PEARCE

Heating & Plumbing

DECORATOR

From a patch to a whowoA

ALL WORK GUARANTEED. FULLY INSURED

PLUMBING General plumbing services • Radiators • T nks • Tanks • Boilers • Cylinders • Burst pipe

1

, p^

house

• Taps

Free estimates Mobile: 07909 983462 Tel: 01793 703936

• Washing machine installed A local service by

o 0

02ev [ -,nc Gtachh

Tel: 01793 435392

44

SERVICE

ACCOUNTANCY

ACCOU NTANCY U.S.A.

AERIAL SERVICES Aerial & Television

Day & Co.

Accounting Services

Chartered Management Accountants

for all your accounting needs

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses

Our friendly and experienced staff are ready to help you with: VAT Returns • Tax Returns Payrolls • Construction Industry Partnerships • Sole-traders

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

We offer a tailored service to suit all your needs

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

Call us now for a free no obligation quote Tel: 01793 632249 Mobile: 07810 543325 helen@hsaaccountingservices.fsnet.co.uk

CA R PET C LEANING_

CARPET CLEANING

jff Whitewa

SAFECLEAN IT

v

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist • Carpets. rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured • Quickly usable ^^'^

• carpets

Adam Elmore Freephone 0808 144 5425

IRONING

YENCLEAN (est. 1998)

1,OR

REMt.v.41S a a">

SERVICE OPYS A WEEK

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SECURITY SYSTEMS

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"Were blggar #hsn wa sound!

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

Tel (01793) 727307 Mob 07811 188564

Tel: 01793 772888 Fax: 01793 772444

WWW.ABBEYMOVE.CO.UK

EMail: ashobbs@theashgroup.freeserve.co.uk

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

also undertaken

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Tel: 01793 772888

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

o Or plied & fitted from I £15_00

NOT ANYMORE!!

REMOVALS & STORAGE

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IRONING A CHORE??

REMOVALS/STORAGE

'i V

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service I

LH IRONING SERVICES

Mobile: 07702 285865

l3'MOVE

OVEN CLEANING

LOCKSMITH

Ironing collected & returned to your door within 24 hours.

Fully insured For a friendly, reliable service telephone 321665

ABBEY MOVE

Tel: 702000

throughout the UK

good clean call. . -

Chris Reed Swindon 538839

Tel: 01793 702601 Mobile: 07774 943 783

Competitive prices

• Established in the UK since 1971 • Guardsman Anti Stain Protections Spot Stain & Odour Removal

for a thoroughly Sai eclewi

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

Friendly, 7 day service

r ...

All work guaranteed

Reliable travel for holiday makers

* Recommended by Leading Retaileo

You'll be amazed how affordable it is

GARDEN SERVICES Grass cutting Hedge trimming

No call out charge

Specialist airport transfer services by car, MPV or 8 seater minibus

• leather

...call for your free estimate from you local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 Email: cliff.whitewav@btinternet.com

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

AIRPORTS Connect Ltd

• rn g s

. curtains

• upholstery

Services

AIRPORT TRAVEL

Crown

Security

Burglar alarms Access controls CCTV • Fire alarms Installed, repaired, maintained 24 hour monitoring for police response

For details call Doug Marshall on 433999

SKIP HIRE BASSETT SKIPS LTD 0 2, 4 or 6 ton skips Same day off road delivery 20 to 40 yard roll-on roll-off containers J Hire the grab lorry to pick up a pile of waste O Hardcore/crushed concrete available J Domestic, industrial or commercial

Tel: 01793 848951

45

SECTOR APPLIANCE REPAIRS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

ARCHITECTURAL

i 6 i

j;,'•s!

Same day, local service wherever possible

ARCHITECTURAL

No call out charge • No VAT

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

A SUDS

For prompt service,

• Most leading

brands

Washing Machines ^^ Twin Tubs, etc. ^ Member of Tumble Driers I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Service Spares Repairs

• Guaranteed

repairs • Same day service

BOOK-KEEPING J Savage

Complete ` ^r Book-keeping *4 Services • Management accounts • VAT return Sage - payroll • Sage-accounting Self assessment • Self employed Small business For a professional & friendly service call 01793 616170

for a free no obligation consultation

tel: 321943

COMPUTER SUP

COMPUTER SUPPORT

IT

11 SIGMA

PC Support straight to your door

Computer Solutions NEW PCs/Spares/Repairs Upgrades/Service/Support Internet & Network Solutions

Computer running slow?

Need some advice?

Looking to upgrade?

Equipment required?

Virus and Internet attack questions?

• Wishing to backup?

• • • • •

For friendly EXPERT advice & PROMPT on-site service

Tel: 01793 633924 Mobile: 0781 6014363 sales@sigmacomputersolutions.co.uk

PLUMBING SUPPLIES

mannng* j 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

2-U•Com

01793 887883 / 07949 288996 contact@it-2-u.com Pro-R..

www.it-2-u.com

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

DRAINS '

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

&i4dett 6^ecu4€ Seut 4 SPARES • REPAIRS • SERVICE YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT From a 13 amp fuse or cleaner bag to fridges or vacuum cleaners we offer an efficient & personal service.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE 11 The Arcade, High Street

Tel: 01793 435392

Wootton Bassett Tel: (11793 854378

REFRIGERATION I

RItK RIIDAGAWSKI REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING ENGINEER J.I.B. REGISTERED ELECTRICIAN • FRIDGES • FREEZER • CHILLERS • COLD ROOMS • AIR CONDITIONING UNITS All domestic, commercial and industrial repairs, maintenance

GASTECH Offering full preventative maintenance, annual service, parts and labour cover for your entire central heating system The Blue DiamondService Contract

and installation work undertaken

Tel 01793 435722 Fax 01793 435722 Over 20 years experience

Compare the Blue Diamond Service

Full strip down & service of gas appliance Flue gas analysis including CO, CO2 and burner efficiency

TV & VIDEO REPAIRS

!GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE * Free home estimates * No call out charge All repairs guaranteed

Tel: 01793-812738

VHS TO DVD DON'T LOSE ® THOSE MEMORIES `'^' Wedding videos Irreplaceable TV programmes and sports events

Annual service carried out

at the same time every year

Limited exclusions Two tier price structure, depending on size of system

c, Cine films, Super 8, Regular 8: repaired, recorded & digital editing

Local direct labour, highly trained engineers

Tel: 01793 495733 Mobile: 07940 810733 e-mail: vhstodvd@btinternet.com

www.vhstodvd.co .u Close. Covingham, Swindon SN3 5BT

lI

Full check of operation of radiators, hot water and storage tanks

:c: Children's first steps. Birthday parties.

Christenings & Confirmations,

Obsolete formats, i.e. Betamax, Video2000: camcorder tapes

3 3 Us

Guaranteed call out within 24 hours in the event of a breakdown

3 3

Other

46 The Link Magazine • June 2004 Tenerife: Amarilla Golf 1 bed apartment,

sleeps family of 4 £150 per week Call 01793 871055 or 07790 303107

LETTERS TO THE LINK , DISC

We transfer anything onto DVD Disc - Cine Film, Video tape, Wedding Photos Phone for a leaflet or advice

Tel: 01793 705333 Mobile: 07831 575758 H.O. Bath PO Box 2079 Manvers Street, Bath BA1 3TJ

ANNA ELISABETH

H ERBALI FE

Beautiful hanifmale

wedding

stationery `LL'

Individually designed stationery created with exquisite materials Contact Anna on 07717 775577 or annaelisabethdesigns@yahoo.co.uk

MOBILE HAIRDRESSING

by 'Varian Looking for a change?

Cuts, perms, hi-lights, tints

Reasonable rates 91

f

4

t7

I5+ years experienc For an appointment telephone 57433

Y.D. 'Upholstery Upholstery repairs & recovering from 118 Large range of materials or in your own For, further details

call 01793 871808

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SERVICES

The way to lose weight We're there for life Call your Independent Distributor Colin Ward on 01793 343323

Nicola Joy I,IIHT

Retlexologist

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11

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• Reazxoh,g, • Advanced Aromatherapy Massage Indian Head Massage

L

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For appointments and advice,

call 01793 321777 Mobile: 077454 10355 Yonr first step

in

melt being _. mfnd. bode and sent

DES :OTEX Painter & Decorator Specialist Artexing Tel: (01793) 791388

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Biased journalism regarding a stadium on Shaw Forest Country Park From Phil Allen, West Swindon

As a resident of West Swindon for many years and aSwindonianborn and bred, I write to complain regarding the obviously biased views your magazine has taken regarding the new stadium proposal.

Whilst I recognise you are free to publish any material you wish, I believe you are doing a great disservice to your readership.

Only indicating the possible negative points of the development and attempting to give the impression that the vast majority of residents are against the proposal, surely goes against the values and the whole basis of a community magazine, which I assume is to represent all views in said community.

Without exception, the friends and neighbours I have spoken to have either been for the stadium because of the much needed sporting and leisure facilities it will bring for the whole town, or are simply indifferent to it, seeing it as another development in West Swindon along with Cell Ops, Skurrays and the recently completed warehouses in the area.

Whilst there are always positive

Swindon's carpet

cleaning professional is ready to help • Fully trained & insured operators

James Butcher Housing Association provides a wide choice of quality,

a ff ordable housing for those in retirement in the

Swindon area.

Tel: 01672 515622

www.jbha.co.uk

and negative views on any development in any location, I find the coverage you are giving the opponents of this brown-field development in strange contrast to your silence on the green-field development in northern Swindon. In fact your web-site even contains advertising from the developers in Priory Vale.

I wouldn't wish to accuse anyone of hypocrisy, but I would suggest your continued bias stance on this issue will only alienate or annoy a large number of your potential readers even further.

My personal view is that if we only have to sacrifice an area which is currently used as a rubbish tip in order to gain a state of the art sporting resource the whole town can enjoy, then we should grab it with both hands.

• Editors note: The debate on the North Swindon development took place during the 1980s and planning permission was granted in the early 1990s.

• The response to this letter and further communications on the subject can be read at www.swindonlink.com

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EPCIAt INSUAahc:

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* Commercial rates ^OMES11C available • Professional spotting L kits available Stain removal made easy Alan Trask of Ultra Clean * Deodorising treatment Leaves carpets & fabric smelling fresh * Leather suites cleaned & treated

* Anti allergy treatment For asthma & allergy sufferers * Satisfaction guaranteed

Phone now for free no obligation estimate on

01793 - 870756 James Butcher Housing Association

ULTRA CLEAN Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm • Sat 9am - 1pm

Providing accommodation throughout the central and south of England.

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

( WILTSHIRE)

www

.ultraclean-wiltshire . com

A

The Link Magazine • June 2004

Newest church holds open house

e

Flower Festival

47

3egist red childminder with a fun approach

Anybody who has driven along the A419 past Stratton St Margaret in Through The Garden Gate' the last few months will have noticed the white spire of Swindon's Friday 25 June newest church. to Sunday 27 June The chapel replaces a smaller, older building and with completion St Mary's Church. Lydiard just a few weeks away, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Tregoze, Lydiard Park Day Saints congregation are holding an open house for the community Fri & Sat:1 Dam - 6pm; from 18 to 20 June.

Sun: 1 pm - 6pm A barbecue takes place on Saturday 20th. For information about the Magnificent floral displays and art church and its services, call 07800 614558. www.lds.org . work from local primary schools

Noisy youngsters put in positive effort Over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend young people from Freshbrook Evangelical Church joined forces with Swindon Youth for Christ to take part in a national weekend of social action called 'The Noise.'

Thousands mill Court were rea lly apprecia'The Noise' taking a break from decorating across Britain tive of the digging and weeding at Freshbrook Community Centre got involved in and cutting back of shrubs in part f' f'1 litter picking, of their garden. £+ painting, free Terry Iles, chair of the commucar washing, pity centre management commit gardening, fun ~' tee, said he was impressed with activities for the enthusiasm and commitment children to help of the youngsters. "We would make a differwelcome them back anytime." ence in the community, and to dispel some of n!

LEARN TO PLAY the myth that THE VIOLIN with young people are 'all vandals' or 'just sitting at Organiser Chris Davison said, Swindon Suzuki Strings home doing nothing.' "the young people worked really Suitable for all ages The Freshbrook group under- hard and had a great time. They took a number of projects includ- were very positive about the 01793 700099 ing painting the Freshbrook Corn- project and really got a buzz out of http://www.mab.tgis.co.uk munit.7 Centre kitchen servin ghel inpothers as well showin t g gtha teas from the centre and free car they really do care about the cornwashing outside, and gardening munity they live in. Many have at Windmill Court sheltered hous- asked when can they do it again." ing.

The staff and residents at Wind-

>e Drama, singing, art and music .e French, German or Spanish available >r Weekly parties and plays c Weekdays. weekends & nights .c Ofsted registered (8 years) .. Quality care and education (negotiable rates) Call Maria on 01793 704089

Registered Childminder Experienced 7 years Flexible, friendly, negotiable rates Available Monday to Friday for school drop-o ff s from 6am to 9am. and pick-ups from 3pm to 9pm Also available all day on Monday. Thursday, Friday. weekends & late evenings

Call 07957 166529 or 871466

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6uilding with people

Sunday services are at IOam & 6.30pm

For further information you can either ring (01793) 873050:

e-mail: office@freshbrook.org or visit: www.freshbook.org "the gift of God is Eternal Life" (Romans 6 r23)

Sunday Worship 10.30am

Air Ambulance needs extra help in June The Wiltshire Air Ambulance holds an Appeal Week from 14 to 19 June when a series of collections take place in towns across the county.

The appeal desperately needs volunteers able to donate a couple of hours to help and would also like to hear from people willing to organise their own fundraising activity.

The Air Ambulance relies totally on donations from the public to keep the joint use helicopter flying. Last year it undertook 291 missions.

To offer time and effort, call Tracey Edwards or Mary Laing on 01380 739453 or 07970 920414 or mail: wiltshire.airambulance@virgin.net

Sunday School and Creche Meeting at Greenmeadow Primary School Greenm dow Primary School t

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Dart Avenue

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Concert to celebrate choir's 85th year Swindon Male Voice Choir has been at the heart of the town's choral music scene since its formation in 1919 when a group of Welsh choristers moved from the Valleys to work for the GWR. Eighty five years on the works have gone and many concert halls have disappeared to developments across the town. But with 58 members, Swindon Male Voice Choir is still a strong and positive force for choral music, filling churches, halls and theatre with lusty male voices.

A concert at the Wyvern Theatre on Saturda 19 June, 7.30pm, will celebrate an important link in Swindon's community heritage. The Aldbourne Band will provide accompaniment and young baritone Matthew Sims from Wales will be the guest soloist.

Tickets, £7.50! £8.50, from the Wyvern Theatre box office, tel. 524481. y

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West Swindon & the Lydiards churches 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

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

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Broome Manor Golf Complex 9 & 18 hole 9 hole Highworth Golf Centre 9 hole Moredon Par 3 Pitch & Putt Coate Water

Enquiries: 01793 495761 Bookings: 01793 532403

Broome Manor Golf Complex, Pipers Way, Swindon SN3 1 RG