March 1989 Swindon Link

west Swindon's

Magazine THE

LINK No.84 • March 1989 • Circulation 10,000

ChaneWear Furniture OFFICE FURNITURE BE "SAFE" Safes with combinations only £99

17- 20 HIGH STREET WOOTTON BASSETT Tel: 853887

Make an April Fool of yourself in The Link. WASPS children's playscheme Cherry Hobbs playworker has been been getting into the swing of things. :...

.... pfirl.Fools rite an A

Its Go for Chinese restaurant

Britain's largest Chinese restaurant is to be built in West Swindon after all.

Two years have passed since the plans were first revealed.

During this time rumours have been rife as to whether the scheme would go ahead, but ,now a land sale agreement has been reached between Thamesdown Council and the consortium of businessmen behind The Chinese Experience.'

The development beside Peatmoor lagoon will cost £1.6 million and willfeature a200 seat restaurant and banqueting suite, and a lakeside pavilion cafe set in Chinese gardens.

Its time for Update'89. The Link Centre has got together with The Link Magazine to bring you the latest programme and a new way of booking courses.

Nationwide Anglia

sanaloes

WEST SWINDON DISTRICT CENTRE, WESTLEA, SWINDON. TEL: 872222

The only estate agency office located in the heart of West Swindon.

Westlea, 4 bed det. house £126,995

, 1

Ram leaze, 3 bed semi-det. house £73,950

Freshbrook, 3 semi-bed det. house £67,750

We at SANDOES pride ourselves on the quality of our services. We market all our properties with:

Full Colour Photograph's! *High Quality Details! *Regular Advertising with Ph o to 's I *For Sale SignsU Accompanied Viewings in Our Vehicles if ReguiredM *No Sale — No Fee! We supply all this but we do not ask you to pay one penny extra. For more information call Swindon 872222 now!

Grange Park, 3 bed det. house £94,995

Westlea, 3 bed semi-det. house, £74,950

P.S. If you are not on our mailing list but would be interested in receiving details, why not give us a call?

(Sandoes are the ONLY local members of the Nationwide Anglia Estate Agency network, which has over 400 branches throughout the U.K. Dedicated to the highest professional standards, Sandoes has absolutely no connection with the various agencies trading locally as 'Nationwide Estate Agents.'

3

FRONT PIECE Half price entry to show at Oasis A great weekend for parents and children up to ten years is planned at the Oasis Leisure Centre in March.

There will be stands from many of the well-known high street stores and suppliers of childrens toys, equipment, clothes and fciMc. There will be dozens of designers and craftspeople who will have their individual products on display.

Postman Pat, the Care Bears, Count Duckula and possibly characters from Sesame Street will all be in attendance to enchant children.

There will be an entertainment

show on the main stage every hour.

Puppet shows and magicians, song and dance are all planned.

A baby and toddler photograph competition is being run by the Evening Advertisers with hundreds of pounds of prize money on offer. Take a photo' of your child along.

Voluntary organisations like the Pre-School Playgroups Associations will be in attendance and the National Childbirth Trust will be running a baby room where children can be changed and fed in calm surroundings.

On page 26, there is voucher giving half price entry to the showon 17and 18 March. Cut It out and present it on the door when you visit the Oasis.

Baby Walker on offer to readers at big show

The Link Published by West Swindon Publications 13 Castle Dore Freshbrook, Swindon.

Tel: (0793) 872282 Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle Advertising Sales: 872282

There is a great offer available to Link readers at the Mother and Baby Show from 17 to 19 March.

Woodland Toys, from Marlborough, are selling a baby walker, pictured below, to parents for less than half the price you would have to pay for It in the shops.

The walker is made out of wood with a bright red handle and sold rubber wheels. Its balanced to prevent tipping a child over as he or she takes the first steps.

In the shops the baby walker costs £11.95. By presenting this article, you can buy It for Just £5.

SAppie Macintosh design, layout & lasersetting

by IMacOgie.

Printed by Western Webb, Bristol.

Published on the Wednesday closest to the first of the month. Copy date: 12th of the preceding month.

"The Link was first published in December 1978 exclusively for the West Swindon community. It is completelyindependent of Link Centre and, in fact, won the competition to name the leisure centre in 1984."

Contents 3 Front Piece ToothilI 4 6 Freshbrook & Gange Park Westlea 7 10 Shaw For Women 11 12 At Your Library 13 Arts Scene 14 Local Services 16 Recreation 18 Education matters 19 Day In the Life The Church at Easter 20 21-28 News & Views Home & Garden 29 30 Round Up Reference Page 31

the coffl~)any com5any

32 Victoria Road Swindon

Wiltshire's brightest Introduction Agency and Social Register Telephone Rosemarie or Elizabeth on 487761 or 790927

The Sofa & Sofa Bed Spe I* ts -. -,

AMBLESIDE Just one of our large range of Sofas and Sofa beds all available in hundreds of fabrics from Liberty's, Sanderson's and many other leading fabric suppliers.

3 floors of Sofas, Chairs, SofaBeds An exciting range of upholstered furniture to suit every lifestyle at prices that are comfortably within your budget.

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5 Both Rood, Old Town. Sw,ndon Telephone (0793) 23550

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We are not only THE MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOP.

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We also stock most other shapes and designs and our price promise means we can meet or beat any offer in the area.

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MOUNTAIN BIKES

OVER 1,000 CYCLES USUALLY IN STOCK MOST LEADING MAKES FREE AFTER SALES SAFETY CHECK (1 MONTH AFTER PURCHASE) CHRISTMAS/BIRTHDAY CLUB SPARES + REPAIRS ALSO ASK IF WE HAVE ANY SPECIAL OFFERS CONSIDER WHAT WE CAN OFFER THEN RING

EXPRESS CYCLE SPECIALISTS SWINDON 34907 OR 513705 96-99 MANCHESTER ROAD, SWINDON

TOOTHILL Playgroup places available immediately

4

Dunwich Drive Playgroup has places for children at their five morning sessions. The well equipped playgroup meets at Toothill Community Centres and parents are invited to visit the group and chat to supervisor Janet Freeguard.

Advice givers

Ralph Palmer Pharmacy Ia1ph Palmer, M.P.S., Dispensing Chemist

3, Dcorhurst Way Toothill.

Hours of Opening:

Mon. - Fri. 9cnn-lpm; 2pm 6pm.

Sat, 9am- 12 noon.

-

Telephone: 512063

Miranda Mon and and Natasha Navorette explore what can be done with sand at Dunwich Drive Playgroup

Coffee Break aims to bring parents, kids and grans together Tamie McCombie wntes

We would like to invite you to Toothill Farmhouse on Tuesdays from 4 April between 10a.m. to 11.30a.m. for the opening of 'Coffee Break.'

There will be interesting activities and day tripsoncea month for mothers, and plenty of toys to keep the under 4s amused. If you are fed up with having your

OUR MANY SATISFIED CUSTOMERS ARE YOUR PEACE OF MIND • FROM A SINGLE WINDOW TO TOTAL REPLACEMENT • WE OFFER A FULL DESIGN & INSTALLATION SERVICE

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morning coffee alone, then pack up the kids and join us. Fifty pence will be all it takes to meet new friends and have an enjoyable morning.

If you do not have children, or area gran who cannot get enough of the little ones when they visit, then you are more than welcome to come and enjoy the company of other women and children.

Bring your ideas on how we can make each 'Coffee Break' something to remember. We look forward to meeting you.

Toothill Church

Toothill Boogie

-

ERMIN WINDOWS

87a ERMIN STREET SWINDON

TEL: 824419

EXCtJ1SIONS & TOURS Wed 8 Mar Sun 12 Mar Wed 15 Mar

Sat 18 Mar Sun 26 Mar Mon 27 Mar

Adult Ideal Homes Exhibition, £9.0C Earls Court (incl. admission) Ideal Homes Exhibition, £9.00 Earls Court (incl. admission) Ideal Homes Exhibition, £9.00 Earls Court (incl. admission) Ideal Homes Exhibition, £9.00 Earls Court (incl. admission) Weston-Super-Mare £5.00 Grand Easter Egg Hunt, £6.25 Littlecote House (inc. admission)

Child £6.00 £6.00 £6.00 £6.00 £3.75 £4.75

Thamesdown Transport ENQUIRIES & BOOKINGS: FLEMING WAY KIOSK, NEAR PRIMARK. tel.

M5399

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Credit Union nearly here

Following the launch of a Credit Union in Freshbrook in January, a CU in Toothill is about to be registered. A management committee has been formed and a savings club has started until the registration process is complete.

Credit Unions are a good way to save money and to take out loans at very low rates of interest.

Members of the Credit Union are available to provide information and receive savings deposits atToothill Community Centre on *If you want more details orwould Tuesday 12 noon to 2p.m. and someone to go with you to Cof- Friday 7pm. to 9p.m. fee Break,' telephone Lucie Har- • Officers of the Freshbrook CU are at Freshbrook Community tley on 26161 ext. 3092 Centre on Tuesday 2.30p.m. to June gets wed at 4p.m. and Thursday 6.30p.m. to 8p.m.

10 YEAR GUARANTEE FREE QUOTES WITHOUT OBLIGATION

~F '

Toothill's Advice Point has closed down its Thursday session but the Tuesday advice point is available to help with unemployment benefits, income support, social fund, family credit payments to low paid families, mobility allowance and a whole range of other welfare benefits.

The sessions take place every Tuesday between 10a.m. and 12 noon at Toothill Community Centre. The advice given is free and totally confidential. The advice point is backed-up by the Thamesdown Law Centre who can help with more complicated cases.

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Teenagers will be getting to grips with the complexities of electric guitars and drum kits on Thursday 2 March when Swindon Rockschool visits Toothill Farm Youth Club on Bodiam Drive.

Rockschool, based at the Pinehurst People's Centre provides the chance for people to develop musical skills at little expense.

Tuition is available in guitar, bass, keyboards and drums playing at all levels.

The session at Toothill Farm is open to all over 15 years of age June & Ian Provan after the church and lasts from 7p.m. to 9.30p.m. service

The wedding of the year took place at Toothill Church on 4 February when June Lawton, chair of Toothill' Community Centre management committee was married to Ian Provan.

Ian, although a McDuff, wore the Royal Stewart kilt and June wore a cream dress, sculp cap and veil. She was given away by her son Ian Chittock and the wedding was conducted by the Reverend Ian Hand. scomb.

160 friends attended a reception in the community centre.

Easter at the est sw0 1 n .,.ntfe A,

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ALL YOUR EASTER SHOPPING

THAT'S THE WAY TO DO IT!

The West Swindon Centre will be open on Good Friday (see local press for opening times) and Easter Monday from 10 am until 5 pm (in addition to the normal Saturday hours of 8.30 am until 7 pm). There's a whole range of shops to cater for your every need... and easy parking too.

While you do the shopping, let the kids enjoy one of the four Punch and Judy or Magic shows at the Centre.

Lots of games for the children to join in. Come along and have some fun!

CHILDRENSil FUN DA V! / L11'

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L'YI L')W . M .........1 . "r.E w

1'L'MTDL Ii

The West Swindon Centre, Tewkesbury Way, Westlea, Swindon

Find all the bunnies In the Centre shops and you'll be able to enter our Prize Draw. Entry form available at the Centre. Prize draw at approximately 3.30 pm on Easter Monday.

6

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK

'Too small' Grange Park School to go ahead Wiltshire County Council has deemed itself planning permission for a new school hat Grange Park in spite of criticisms from local residents.

Thamesdown Council's Planning Committee noted the permission at its meeting on 27 February, although Freshbrook ward councillor Bob Pixton said that the scheme is inadequate on a number of aspects.

Facechoice Pharmacy Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 870226

Opening Times: Monday to Friday 9am - 1pm; 2.15pm - 7pm Saturday 9am 1 2.3Opm

Playgroup Fashion Show Freshbrook Parent and Toddler Group Is holding a Fashion Show at Freshbrook Community Centre on Monday 20 March, 8.15p.m. Knitwear

by Unity Designs will be on show and there Is a free raffle and refreshments. Tickets cost ÂŁ1 from Pam Caddy on 873041 or Nicki Gray on 872483

CURTAIN DREAM • For Sophisticated Design in Curtains, Valances, Tiebacks, Quality Carpets, Furniture, Blinds, Wallpapers and Bedding Please call in to browse, you will be very welcome.

38 Havelock Street, Swindon Telephone: 513701

CAKTRAVIEUEAD, S 0 L I C I 1 0

R S

Contact us for all your legal needs including house sales & purchases, matrimonial matters and criminal law.

103-4 Commercial Road, Swindon.

Tel: 617617

He maintains that the school is to be built on a site which is smaller than originally proposed, there is insufficient car parking for staff, let alone parents and the junior playground is half as big as originally planned. The main complaint is that the school is just not big enough and local people have not been listened to when theypetitioned the County Council in December.

More than 300 residents of Grange Park signed a petition organised by mother Eileen Sawyer and Coun Pixton asking the County to build a school big enough for the needs of the area.

"It appears that the Education Committee have totally ignored the views of Grange Park residents," said Mrs. Sawyer. "They are just doing what they want."

According to Coun Pixton the refusal to buy enough land for a school to cater for the numbers of

children who will live in Grange Park has condemned other primary schools in the area to having permanent mobile classrooms on site. "The County Council could have worked with planners to produce the best possible design for the site and have applied for planning permission in the usual way. This would have involved public discussion about whether the school is big enough.

Instead they have given themselves permission, which they are entitled to do, on land they don't actually own yet.

"A report to Thamesdown's Community Planning Committee on 28 February says the demand for school places is unpredictable and has been consistently under-estimated in West Swindon. The County ought to have realised the Grange Park school should be bigger."

April start date aim for twins club if more mums can be found to join A twins club could be set up in few weeks if a few more members can be found.

A room has been provisionally booked at Freshbrook Community Centre and the group could start quite soon, once group organiser Carolyn Needs has had a bit of a rest after giving birth to a baby boy on 19 February.

A group of friends have been meeting in each others houses for the last six months, but now they would like to expand their activities and involve more parents with twins.

"When my two girls arrived

fifteen months ago, I screamed with desperation; caring for two was overwhelming," said Carolyn. "My health visitor gave me the names of other mums with twins and we have been supporting each other since.

"People with one baby don't realise the work required to keep two fed, clean and happy. A toddler group for twins will bring mums together to talk about the kinds of problems we face."

Parents who would like to join in can contact Carolyn on 619741.

Donations of toys and equipment will be welcomed also.

With their twins, West Swindon mums, (from left to right,) Elaine Coglan, Carol Mead, Sue Watts and Carolyn Needs

7

Homeline is a Lifeline Thamesdown Council's Homeline monitoring service is literally a line of survival for some users. For all, it provides comfort and peace of mind to know there is always someone there in limes of emergency.

Homeline uses the latest technology backed up by mobile wardens and is available 24 hours a day throughout the year. Subscribers have a special telephone installed within their home to provide the link with the control centre.

However, although the telephone can be used in the normal way, it does a great deal more. There is large red 'alarm' button on the 'phone's

casing which enables somebody to speak into it without dialing. The telephone is also the means for other devices to work. Users can wear a pendant which will raise the alarm, a 'reassurance' button is installed by the front doer to be pressed in case of harassment, temperature, movement around the house and electrical power supply are also monitored. The 'phones memory also stores numbers which can be called by pressing one button. The wardens also make a monthly courtesy visit to check that the system is running properly.

Two West Swindon residents Charlie Bridge with his 'phone would not be without Homeline. Charlie Bridge from Freshbrook cannot get out much and his wife Dorothy has difficulty walking. One evening a group of drunkards started banging on their front doer causing obvious fright. A press on the alarm button brought the warden out in twelve minutes. 1 was very impressed by how quickly he arrived, he was in the bath when the call came through, said Charlie. We wouldn't be without Homeline, its a godsend.

Homeline for Peter Garrett from Toothill is one reason for

keeping him out of permanent hospital care. He was one of the first to be connected.

Peter suffers from severe multiple sclerosis and is confined to a specially designed heated flotation bed. 'Its nice to know

back from hospital so that they're here when the ambulance arrives. They once called to say there was a power cut before we even noticed. Keeping the water bed's pump and heater going

.414

Peter and Louarine Garrett with his phone in easy reach that there is always somebody is very important. there in emergencies. It alSometime I'd like to meet lows my wile Louanne to go to the people on the other end to work, otherwise I would be in say thank you, said Peter. hospital.

To contact Homeline, Louanne says Peter has had telephone Phil Vickery on to use the emergency service 26161, ext. 3594. He and quite a few times. The 'phone his staff are happy to talk gets him through to the doctor to potential users or their or the nurse very quickly and the control centre lets the nurse relatives interested in know when he is on his way Homeline.

66111(fiv/;f K/AJ'f/Q1/1r SPECIALISTS IN FITTED KITCHENS

TEL: 513880

Don't come to us unless you're looking for Quality, Value, Flair & Precision

145 FARINGD•N ROAD, SWINDON

Cambria Place

FREE CAR PARK

a Bridge Road

The Park

-• Faringdon Road

.0

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8 WESTLEA Start on crossing at danger point soon A road crossing in Westlea is going to be made safer after years of campaigning.

The picture on the right was published in The Link in June 1987 to show the grave danger to parents and young children living in Eastleaze when walking to and from Westlea School.

Since then local councillors have been battling for a foot-path to be built besides Langstone Way and Eastleaze Road with a crossing point across Whitehill Way. Work will start by the early

summer according to Coun. Ricky Midwinter. "Wiltshire County Council, as highway authority, has a policy of keeping foot-paths away from major roads. This has been shown to be wrong because people take the most direct route to where they want to go.

"Like the pedestrian route from ToothillacrossTewkesbury Way, to the Doctor's surgery, we have got them to change their minds.

The new foot-path will make things safer for parents and youngsters crossing Whitehill Way which is a very busy road."

CAR BOOT SALE Saturday 11 March 10a.m. - 12 noon Westlea School Boots: £3 before; £4 on the day Ring 872612 Refreshments available Proceeds to Westlea School

REACH YOUR IDEAL WEIGHT AND STAY THERE WITH THE CAMBRIDGE DIET ___THE -

Call your Counsellor today: Rebecca Clifforde (Westlea) on Swindon 873201

h PA T

?iibrIdQe DIET

Pizzaramá

Now open at Shaw Village Centre offering take-away and home-delivery service

Short cut New facilities foot-path to go coming A notice has been published proposing the diversion of a footpath at the West Swindon Centre.

Members of the public have until the end of March to raise objections.

The change is proposed to permit the construction of a purpose-built health centre on the waste ground next to the Link Centre, to the rear of the Harvester pub. The existing footpath and cycle route will be taken out of use and pedestrians will have to walk beside the Link Centre and round to the north side of the shopping centre.

The plans can be viewed at the Planning Department at Thamesdown Borough Council and comments should be made in writing to the Borough Planning Officer, Civic Offices, Swindon.

Piles of bricks brings in loadsamoney Y00 Nie

N ' Crt15t S

'chin

rOt°tya tOVV° tell <A otl

WE DELIVER FREE ON ALL ORDERS £7.50 OR OVER! £1.00 charye for orders delivered under £7.50 - please allow up to 30 minutes delivery time.

Yes! We do Garlic Bread - You'll love it!

Every pizza is freshly made for you, to order. No need to queue - phone your order in then collect. Even better, we'll deliver!

Salads and cold soft drinks available, vegetarian dishes too!

Our pizzas come in two sizes - Regular (1 person), Super (2-3 people)

We look forward to serving you.

SERVICE! FOR HOME DELIVERY OR PICK-UP TEL:

874844

Take Away - Pick-up Monday to Friday 12 noon -2.30 p.m.

5.00 p.m. - 11.30 p.m.

Saturday,. Sunday 12 noon - 1130p.m.

HOME DELIVERIES 7 Days (rom5p.m to 11.30 p.m.

PARTIES CATERED FORE West Swindon only

ACCESS/VISA/AMEX WELCOMED ON ALL ORDERS!

Thamesdown councillors have agreed that money donated by a house developer should be put towards providing more community facilities for Westlea.

Without a village centre of its own there is no focal point for people living in the area. Most community group activities take place at Westlea School and the community room next door.

However, with the school in use during the day and the room heavily used by the playgroup, there is a need for another place for people to meet.

Last autumn McLean Homes donated £30,000 for local use as part of a deal to buy the land next to the Delta Tennis Centre. Now Thamedown Council's Policy and Resources Committee has agreed the money should be used to extend the community room at Westlea School or providing seperate building on the site.

The children at Westlea Playgroup which meets in the Community Room at Westlea School raised £550 through a sponsored brick build in February.

The cash will be used to buy much needed equipment and materials. Pictured below are some of the eager builders.

The group's next major fundraising effort is a Mini-Market in Westlea School hail at 8p.m. on Wednesday 8 March. its free to enter and there will be stalls selling new children clothes, crafts, Tupperware, Avon, crafts, cards and wrapping paper.

Mansfield Begbie Associates

Have you made the following arrangements?

• I have decided never to be ill • I have arranged never to have an accident • I have decided never to be out of work • I can meet my loan commitments even without an income • I just don't care No-one can be sure about the future and unless you can say yes to all the above statements you could find yourself in one of these unfortunate situations at some time or other.

Mansfield Begbie Associates can help take away some of the worry now.

Mortgage and Insurance Services Pensions and Tax Planning School Fees Planning In view of the recent mortgage rate increases, we may be able to help REDUCE your monthly outgoings by a substantial amount.

As well as dealing with the majority of leading building societies, including the local societies, we have access to special rates for mortgages and re-mortgages. e.g. low start schemes from 9.1%, with income multiples up to three times joint or three and half times single income.

Substantial monthly savings can be obtained, subject to status.

AS A SPECIAL OFFER OVER THE NEXT 6 MONTHS, WE GUARANTEE TO REFUND YOUR VALUATION FEE ON COMPLETION, WHICH COULD SAVE YOU UP TO £100 OR MORE. For free quotations, help and advice, please ring Mr. Mike Rees, Member of the L.I.A., on Swindon 873369 (2 lines) Appointed Representative of Cornhill Insurance Group, member of

utjr and LM.R.O.

SHAW

10

Shaw Church is moving!

Soft Water Centre Largest display of softeners on view in this area including PERMUTIT - DOMEXTRA - PERMO AND MANY OTHER MAKES For Free Site Survey, Telephone or Write to

MALCOLM TOOGOOD - SWINDON 853156 (anytime) Unit 4, Oaklands Enterprises, Braydon, Nr. Wootton Bassett, Swindon

Showrooms Open Saturday 930a.m. - 4p.m. Only

GK. DISPENSING

SHAW VILLAGE CENTRE RAMLEAZE DRIVE SHAW TEL: 886076

(Miss D. Collet, B. Pharm.)

N.H.S. DISPENSING PREGNANCY TESTING PATIENT ADVICE & COUNSELLING OPENING TIMES Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9.00a.m. to 6.30p.m.

Thursday 9.00a.m. to 5.30p.m.

Saturday 9.00a.m. to 5.00p.m.

Closed for Lunch 1.00p.m. to 2.00p.m.

Elizabeth Raymond describes Holy Trinity Church at Shaw Village Centre and invites local people in to visit

Inside the church. Rev. Helen Drummond and Keith Box/jail, members of the West Swindon united churches team working at Shaw, get ready for the big day

Church to become centre for the community Shaw Church will become the focus of community life according to the two members of church staff working there.

A substantial part of the building will be available for general community use and already a slimming club, Moves Fitness and a children's holiday club are lined up to start. Groups for under 5s are being planned.

The church can be divided into different areas and it is hoped that the area kept specificaly for worship can be opened as much of the time as possible. "There are few places where people can go for quiet and contemplation," said the reverend Helen Drummond. "The church will be a spiritual focus for Shaw and will provide the chance for people to get together in groups."

Reverend Keith Boxhall added that until a community centre is built, the church will also act as a focus for community activities."

Baby equipment & toy sale Link Centre, Saturday 13 May 11 -12noon. 25%commission to National Childbirth Trust. Call 771892 for more information.

No, there is not subsidence under Shaw Chapel (or if there is, we don't know about it) but, by the time you read this, our new church building will be open. If you have been to Shaw Village Centre (off Ramleaze Drive) during the last year, you will have seen Holy Trinity Church being built. We are all excited about moving into the new building our first service there should be on Sunday 26 February. Our problems of overcrowding will be past, the creche and Sunday School will have rooms of their own instead of meeting in the kitchen or vicarage, and the heating should be more reliable!

The new building is multi-purpose and will be used for community activities as well as church services. There is a large hall, a kitchen, and various smaller meeting rooms in addition to the 'church' part.

Shaw Church is a united (ecumenical) church including Church of England, Methodist, Baptist and URC members and ministers. We are very much a family church, with a third of those present on Sunday mornings being children.

'Open Church' Whilst the church was being built, lots of people said that they would like to see round it once it was open. Well, here is your chance.

We willbeholding'OpenChurch' during the first week in March, when the building will be open and coffee served. Church Members will be there to show you round, and we hope to have some displays for you to look at.

The times we plan to open are: 7 March Tuesday 10.00 - 12.00 9 March Thursday 2.00 - 4.00 10 March Friday 7.00 -9.00 11 March Saturday 10.00 - 12.00 Saturday 2.00 - 4.00

'Church Warming Party' On Saturday 4 March there is the formal Dedication Service. Unfortunately, due to lack of room (the church only seats 400!) this is "by invitation only" but on Sunday 12 March the emphasis of both our services will be CELEBRATION - celebrating the fact that we are in the new building, and looking ahead to what God will do in Shaw.

These services will be at our normal times of I0.30a.m. and 6.30p.m. Do come and join us for worship on that Sunday or any other Sunday - you will be most welcome.

11

FOR WOMEN Are we right or are they?

Elizabeth Wood considers the problems of trying to buy winter clothes in winter time At the beginning of February I went hunting. No, I wasn't after lions in Kenya or chasing foxes over Exmoor. My quarry was something far rarer - a child's winter anorak!

Now I know that Mother Nature has been getting her wires crossed recently, weather-wise, but I am not easily fooled by daffodils blooming in January. I am British and I know that this simply means that the Big Freeze is just around the corner. So February is a perfectly reasonable time to be buying winter clothes isn't it? With confidence I approached the children's department in British Home Stores.

The area had been well camouflaged with racks of summer dresses, shorts and swimwear. I flagged down a passing sales assistant. Could she show me where the winter clothes were hidden? Suddenly I felt like the person who has just ordered rare steak in a vegetarian restaurant!

"We haven't any winter stock left.

Sorry." Undaunted I tracked down the complaints department, charmingly called Customer Enquiries. "No, we won't be getting any more winter stock in now." I asked forthe Manager.

Could he tell me why I could buy lots of clothes for my daughter that she wouldn't be able to wear for months but nothing that she could wear now, in February?

I'm sorry to have to report that he could not. In fact he gave me to understand that most mothers are more than happy to buy summer uniform in February and winter coats in July. What an inadequate mother I am - so careless to have a child who dared to grow at the wrong time of year.

It was the same story at the other stores that I tried - Mothercare, Marks and Spencer, Gateway, C & A, Littlewoods. I ended up with a list of telephone numbers for Head Office, sore feet, and a headache - but no anorak!

I did ring several Head Offices over the next few days. I was fed a lot of complicated information about buyers' schedules, stock control and distribution problems but still nobody could answer my simple question. Why are we being forced to buy clothes several months in advance for children who can change shape and size in a matter of days?

So I asked some other mothers what they thought. I heard tales of children going six months without slippers because they had

had the indecency to need a new pair in April; children going on holiday with swimsuits they had to be helped into with a shoe horn in August; and children going to school without uniforms because they had moved at the wrong time of year.

None of this is earth-shattering and its not going to cause World War III. What it is, is just plain silly! How did the shops get so out of step with us, the customers? At the moment we are being forced by the stores to shop at their convenience rather than ours. If you agree why don't you let me know and perhaps we can tackle the High Street big boys together?

USBORNE BOOKS AT HOME

'

Colourful, information and story books for children from babies to teenagers.

Also learning games and parents' guides.

Invite your friends and neighbours to look at and buy Usborne books In your home.

Telephone Liz on 872081 (10% Commission on all sales and free hostess books on orders over £30)

WHEN OTHER DIETS FAIL, TRY FAST, SAFE CAMBRIDGE Call your counsellor today: ROY & JAN Tel: 872693 THE CãTnbride DIET

Are you Lonely? Bored? Needing a break from the kids?

Feeling like doing something new?

Why not meet other women in the area on a Monday morning between 930a.m. and 1 130a.m. on the dates below?

6th March TOYS PARTY 13th March SELF IMAGE (A meeting to look at how we see ourselves and how we think others see us.)

These meetings are organised by Toothill Womens Group and are held in Toothill Church FREE CRECHE • REFRESHMENTS 50p• It you would like more details, or you would like someone to call round for you before the meeting, please phone Gina on 40800.

Women in Nicaragua There is a chance to find out how women care for themselves on the other side of the world on 7 March at the Thamesdown area Well Women Centre.

The centre is showing slides and discussing how to help the women who use the Case Materna in Ocotal, Thamesdown's twin town in Nicaragua.

Maternal and infant death rates are high, infection is common, nutrition is poor and there is little education and few resources available.

However Case Materna offers comfort, shelter and hope to women expecting babies. The women working there are trying to develop a programme of health education and they run a variety of self-help projects. These include a vegetable garden and a sewing centre which produces towels and sheets, bags, purses and baby clothes.

The Thamesdown Well Women Centre have been collecting materials for the women at Case Materna such as zips, material, thread and buttons. The meeting on 7 March will see the work going on in Nicaragua and will consider what other help can be offered.

The Centre is located in the Milton Road Health Hydro. For more information, telephone 511064.

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Day & evening work Call Dawn on Faringdon (0367) 22672

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Perm £12.50 Cut/Blow Dry £10.00 £22.50 Usually £30.45 Price includes VAT, conditioner & Mousse

Hair & Beauty Salon, Woodshaw Village Centre, Wootton Bassett Tel: 854653 Hair Salon Blunsdon House Hotel, Blunsdon Swindon.

Tel: 721701

'o advertise in,::,.

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I. I. 'U 'U I1 I. I.

12 Kerry Gray Childrens Wear

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Party Plan with Chainstore Bargains.

Have a party in your own home and receive 10010 commission.

Tel: 514055 or 848214 (Answerp hone)

SURECLEAN Carpets Upholstery • Powerful up to date equipment • No mess • No fuss • No shampoo • FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE • Lounge Carpets • Hall, Stairs -Landing -Bedrooms .3 Piece Suites - All Types expertly cleaned

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AT YOUR LIBRARY Bank sponsored exhibition, tactile experiences and local books Lots happening in the library during March so do come and pay us a visit! From 10 March until the end of the month, the new local branch of Barclays Bank will be sponsoring a West Swindon Schools Collage Exhibition with the theme of Easter. Schools expected to participate are Toothill Primary, Oliver Tomkins Infants and Juniors, Windmill Hill Primary and Freshbrook Primary.

Can I say a big thank you to Barclays who are also sponsoring the library and very generously providing us with another much needed set of children's encyclopedias.

The Swindon Artists Spring Exhibition will be with us from 25 February until 18 March. Not only does the Society present first rate exhibitions it will also be organizing artistic demonstrations and training sessions on Saturdays during the period of the exhibition.

The library is highly honoured, during the whole of March, to

Linda Black have on display the sculpture of artist Pat Elmore entitled Please Touch'. Pat will be working in the library encouraging people to handle the exhibits and the materials with which she works.

This is the first time the library has housed a tactile exhibition of this nature and I can personally vouch for the high calibre of the exhibits on show. Please bring the children along to this one! quite amazing stuff!

Books - Regrettably I'm still struggling this month to find new fiction titles to recommend.

Librarian Linda Black looks at whats going on in March

Hopefully things will pick up in time for Easter. The only book which might be of interest is the new new mega thriller by Cohn Forbes entitled 'The Greek Key' (Collins) for which we already have a waiting list.

Novels aside, we have had one or two interesting books of local interest added to our stock recently. Richard Ingrams' 'The Ridgeway: Europes Oldest Road' (Phaidon) - a beautifully illustrated book based on paintings form the Francis Kyle Gallery.

Susan Hill: The Spirit of the Cotswolds (M. Joseph) - this famous novelist creates a picture of the changing moods of the Cotswolds in all their spendour. Alan Sutton and John Hudson 'Cotswold Images' (A. Sutton) - photographs and sepia pictures from the turn of the century complement the text which conveys just what this landscape has meant to its many observers over the years. Look out out for a display of new local items in the library during March.

Who'll know if Grandad has a bad fall?

If Grandad is all alone at home, chances are nobody will know if he takes a tumble.. . at least until far too late.

But elderly people who subscribe to Homeline can have help at hand within minutes. Because this round-the-clock welfare monitoring system comes complete with special devices designed to summon assistance fast in any real emergency.

Find out more about how Homeline can bring Granny or Grandad reassurance r Please send me full details of the Thamesdown Homeline and a lot of peace of mind welfare monitoring service. (BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE). by filling in and posting Name the coupon.

THAME SD OWN

oqomeline HELP ON THE BUTTON

Age

Address

Postcode

Telephone

Now mail this coupon to: Thamesdown Homeline, Freepost, Swindon SN1 2BR (No stamp required)

Housing Services BOROUGH OF THAMESDOWN

r r

ARTS SCENE Africa Week was "brilliant" One hundred and sixty second year students at Greendown Community School took part in three days of a multi-cultural experience in early February. It was a great success according to all who took part, culminating in a performance for children from local primary schools.

The youngsters worked with members of Jenako Arts, a London based black arts group who take aspects of African cultures into schools. Students took part in drama, sculpture, dance, music and a lot of discussion with the members of Jenako about living in Africa.

Deputy head Ken Rabone who helped to organise the event said that fantastic excitement and enthusiasm had been generated throughout the school. "There

13

has been some tremendous work done by the students. It has been a great way of laming about other people in a very practical way."

Jenako Arts worker Chukwunyere Kamalu said the group was very pleased with the event at Greendown. "It has been very exciting. We would like to come back; maybe for a cultural festival taking in other schools and the community."

The students taking part were very enthusiastic as well. "It was brilliant" said Kelly Daly from Toothill School. Dancer Jenny Lawton from Shaw said she Above: Dancers perform to the beat of the student drummers, below left thought she looked foolish at first, but she had learnt a lot and enjoyed herself. Drummer Tristen Young from Grange Park said the week had been 'fantastic.

PeterMunro

Suppliers & Restorers of Fine Pianos

New & Secondhand Pianos, Stools & Accessories, Woodwind Instruments Associated Board Music, Instruments Purchased Credit Facilities (written details on request) APSLEY ARCADE, HIGH STREET WOOTTON BASSETT

Telephone: 850587 THE WYVERN THEATRE COMPANY PRESENT LTHE WORLD PREMIER OF

Premiere for Wyvern Theatre Swindon's WyvernTheatre is the venue for a world premiere of a play about the life of the famous artist Van Gogh who killed himself nearlyone hundred years ago.

This first performance is staged by the Wyvern Theatre Company who are performing it with a mixed cast of community and professional actors.

With music especially composed for the play, the script portrays dramatic events from Van Gogh's later years and the influence and inspiration for his paintings.

Derek Hewitson has taken the demanding role of Vincent, a part involving many dramatic changes of mood and mentality.

Catherine Halder, who is directing the production, says she was very impressed when she saw the script. "1 felt it must be produced now. 1990 is the centenary of Van Gogh's death and

there is a reawakening of interest in him. The authors could have had the play produced by a number of top companies and I am honoured that it came my way. A mixed cast and excellent facilities at the Wyvern makes this production very exciting."

By ALF WILLIAMS

No need to book at pottery classes The Link Centre's Arts Studio runs weekly pottery classes on a 'drop-In' basis. There is no need to book and there Is always a tutor available to guide and advise.

Daytime and evening sessions are run at the following times: -Wednesdays 7p.m - 9p.m.

Cost £2.25; £1.75 concessions per evening.

-Thursdays 9.30a.m11.30a.m. Cost: £1.50 To take part, just turn up and pay at main reception on the day.

&

JOHN WHITTAKER Directed by CATHERINE HALDER A play with music based on the life of Vincent Van Gogh.

11

THIS PLAY CON7'4 INS SCENES OF NUDITY.

£5.009 £4.00

(concessions £1.00 off).

, I...

WEDNESDAY 5th -/ATURDAY8th APRIL 1989 7.30 pm

WYVERN THEATRE Ml.&RE0e,

Y

WYVERN THEATRE-THEATRE SQU8RESWINDON-SNI 1QJ BOX OFFICE: (0793) 24481 CREDIT C.4140 LINE (0793)694055

LOCAL SERVICES

14

Mayor to open new Barclays Branch in West Swindon Barclays Bank's new branch in West Swindon will be officially opened by Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Jim Cordon, on 20 March at 11.30a.m.

The branch, conveniently located at Papermakers House, Rivenhall Road, Westlea will subsequently open for business to new and existing customers on 21 March. It will complement existing branches at Regent Street, Old Town, Cavendish Square, Cricklade Road and Highworth and offer the widest clearing bank network in Swindon. Barclays' total UK network currently corn-

prises over 2,700 High Street branches.

The new branch will offer a full range of banking services from 9.30a.m. to 3.30p.m. Mondays to Fridays. The branch will also be open on Saturdays from 930a.m. to 12.00 noon, providing automated facilities for cash withdrawals and paying in cash or cheques.

Barclays Personal Bankers will be on hand during opening hours to help with any problems or answer questions on the bank's personal services. Barclays was the first UK clearing bank to in-

troduce this individual service for personal customers in 1977.

Barclays customers will be able to withdraw money, request account balances and order a bank statement from the Barclaybank cash dispenser situated outside the branch 24 hours a day. This service is also available to customers of Lloyds, Bank of Scotland and Royal Bank of Scotland.

A further cash dispenser is located inside the branch, together with an Express Deposit

machine, enabling customers to pay in cash or cheques.

"The newbranch at West Swindon will greatly enhance Barclays' presence in the locality, thus improving and extending the bank's services to our customers," said Tony Eves, Senior Manager of Barclays in Swindon.

Tony Eves will have overall control but the day to day runfling of the new branch will be handled by Rowena Mawle who will be based at West Swindon.

Below: In charge of Barclays branch in West Swindon, Rowena Mawle in front of Papermakers House

U-.

-.â&#x20AC;&#x201D;.

FORA MORE PERSONAL SERVICE

0793 -20123

RONALD H. LAWTON Swindon's first independent practising

LICENSED CONVEYANCER Fully qualified to provide the same service as a conveyancing solicitor

HERE TO HELP YOU IN BUYING OR SELLING A HOUSE

C & C Conservatories

Skate for handicapped and deprived children Barnados are holding a sponsored skate at the Link Centre on Sunday 12 March, 2.30p.m. to 5p.m. Ticket are all one price at ÂŁ1.50 and includes free skate hire.

There's a free T-shirt for anybody who makes a donation, a grand raffle and a prize for the person who collects the most for Barnados.

Tickets are available on the door or from Jane Oddy on 0249890679.

What's on in March at Link Arts Studio + Individually styled to blend with your home 4 Double Glazed for year round use + The Design of your choice for the purpose you require 4 Ideal for Breakfast Room + Dining Room + Study + Warm Safe Play room for the Children + Choice of Victorian or Traditional 4 White or Mahogany finish uPVC

Choosing C & C Conservatories Means Choosing The Very Best!

Unit 13, Axis, Westmead Trading Estate, West Swindon.

Tel: 610190

Saturday 4 March 2..30 Around the World Under the Sea' (U).

Childrens Film Club.

8.00 Swindon Rock Front Concert Thursday 9 March 7.30 'LENNY' (X) Film Society Presentation.

Friday 10 March 8.00 Double Duo'. Swindon Jazz Front concert.

Friday 17 March 8.00 'SHRINK' Swindon Rock Front concert.

Saturday 18 March 2.30 'A Surprise Children's Feature film' (U). Children's Film Club presentation.

8.00 Swindon Rock Front Concert.

Thursday 23 March 7.30 'Travelling North' (15) Film Society

GLYN AND VERA UZZELL' Mrs Vera Uzzell isa painter, has lived in Swindon for many years and now resides at Wick House in Liden. Her son Glyn is also a painter, of considerable fame in Europe, who now lives in the Algarve In Portugal. They will both be exhibiting their work at the Link Arts Studios from 13 March to 7 April. There will be an Open View' ofthe exhibition on Wednesday 15 March where the guest of honour will be the Mayor of Thamesdown, Councillor Jim Cordon.

WE HAVE AROUND 300 SERVICES AND MOST PEOPLE USE ONLY 3 OF THEM. Most people simply use us to cash cheques, arrange standing orders and send out statements.

Which means they're missing the opportunity to let us help them in many other ways.

We can, for example, arrange their insurance, their wills, and their investments.

We can also help get more interest on their savings, make all their money arrangements at holiday time, or fix up a loan for their new car.

All of which are almost as easy to organise as it is is to cash a cheque.

So find out more about

BETTER OFF

all our services now at your

TALKING TO

local Barclays branch.

BARCLAYS BANK PLC. I'APERMAKFRS hOUSE. RIVEN IJALI. ROAD. WEST LEA. SWINDON 5N5 7BE.

RECREATION 16 You are cordially invited to an 'open house' at the Delta Tennis Centre Swindon's splendid new Indoor Tennis Centre, located at the Delta Business Park, will be opening up it's doors to the public for an 'Open House' between Monday 13 March and Sunday 2 April.

There will be displays, special sessions, and a visit by a Tennis Celebrity!

Over this two week period, the public will be able, not only to view the superb facilities, but also to take part in our 'come and try it' sessions and watch a variety of displays. Courts will also be available for public hire during lunchtimes and evenings, and in between the various sessions.

The 'Open House' will consist of the following activities: Saturday 18 March -The general public are invited along to the Tennis Centre to take advantage of the various tennis coaching clinics which will be run throughout the day by Tennis Develop-

ment Officer, Neil Allen.

Sunday 19 March Tennis Courts available for public hire Monday 20 March 9.30a.m. 11.30a.m. Ladies Tennis Tuesday 21 March 9.30a.m. 11.30a.m. Parent and Toddler Activities and Tennis

Wednesday 22 March 9.30a.m. 11.30a.m. Delta Tennis (open to everyone) Thursday 23 March 9.30a.m. 11 .30a.m.Evergreen Tennis

Cricketers

Judo players wanted One of the best judo facilities in

From 130p.m. - 3.30p.m. Junior Tennis session for under 16's each afternoon.

Below: Tennis Development Officer Neil Allen in the vast indoor tennis hall to be officially opened by Princess Diana on 26 April

CYCLE REPAIRS Free Collection Free Delivery on all types of cycle repairs.

Evening or day collections.

For fast and reliable service, telephone Express Cycle Specialists on 34907 or evenings 874873.

Regal Windows.

Unit 3 Wyndham Road Hawksworth Trading Estate Swindon Wilts SN2 1EJ

Why spend your holidays or free time up ladders painting windows or doors that are draughty, ill-fitting and have probably seen better days?

We are a local company that manufacture windows, doors and conservatories in uPVC or Aluminium at our factory on the Hawksworth Trading Estate in Swindon.

Last year's advertisement for Purton Cricket Club in The Link resulted in three players joining and graduating to the first eleven.

Practice sessions have started for the coming season and the club is keen to attract new players who may have moved to West Swindon in the last 12 months.

The club runs I stand 2nd teams in both Saturday and Sunday leagues and also have teams for under 15 and underl3s.

Purton play on an attractive award winning ground close to West Swindon. For more information, telephone Stephen Lee on 873128.

the west country is looking for new players.

The Swindon Judo Club meets at the Martial Arts Centre in Maxwell Street on three evenings a week and sessions are run for juniors and seniors.

Juniors (7 - 16s) meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6p.m. to 7.15p.m.; Seniors (over 16s) meet on Monday and Thursday 7.30p.m. to 9p.m. Beginners and experienced players take part in all sessions.

For more information, contact Phillip Stone on 870515.

• We are members of the Glass & Glazing Federation • We don't take deposits. (payment is made on completion).

• We give a 10 year Guarantee. (Transferrable).

• We also insure our Guarantee for 10 years. (Transferrable) • Our fitters are trained by us and only work for us. (not sub-contract).

[EGJF1

Let Bob Mason, your local Reprerentative give you a friendly, no obligation quotation and say goodbye to those wasted hour.

Telephone: Swindon 770717 (evenings), Swindon 618138 (daytime) and ask for BOB MASON

FISHING BOATS AND DORIES O(ITS

43 Faringdon Road

of SWINDON Swindon. Tel: 615636

O LINK CENTRE

'Update ;59 A GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON FOR EVERYONE

DELTA TENNIS CENTRE THE INSIDE STORY April 1989 heralds the opening of Swindon's first indoor Tennis Centre, located on the Delta Business Park.

The facilities are open to everyone from the novice player to the potential British Champion!

There are four indoor courts which are fully carpeted and lit to a high specification. so you are able to play come rain ot shine! If you enjoy playing out of doors we also have three open air courts. Delta Tennis Courts are available for public hire 7

Ice Skating KIDS ON ICE A six week course suitable for 5-15 year aids who wish to learn the basics of ice skating with the opportunity to progress onto top grades.

Beginners Grades 2,3 Grades 4,5,6

Saturdays 9.30am - 10.00am Saturdays 900am - 9.30am Saturdays 830am - 9.00am

COURSE DATES:

15/4/89 - 22/5/89 10/6/89 - 22/7/89 Cost: £7.90 per 7 week course

ADULT COURSE Open to everyone aged 16 and over. Learn to skate in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Beginners 1,2,3 Thursdays 630pm - 7.00pm Thursdays 700pm - 730pm Grades 4,5,6

days a week, and there will be a variety of sessions and courses taking place suitable for all ages and abilities.

When you feel like a break why not relax in 'The Umpires Chair' - a luxurious licensed bar, which will be open during both lunchtimes and evenings.

There are a further two catering facilities, 'First Serve' and 'Second Serve' which offer beverages and snacks throughout the day.

The Delta Tennis Centre invites you to an 'Open House' between Monday

13 March and Sunday 2 April when there will be displays, sessions and a visit by a Tennis Celebrity! So, take the opportunity to come along and view these splendid facilities at first hand. During this period, courts will be available for hire during lunchtimes and evenings and in between the various sessions.

For written details on the Tennis Centre please ask at Link Centre (Tel: 871212) or Delta Tennis Centre Reception (Tel: 87 1111).

PARENT AND TODDLER

ADVANCED DANCE AND FIGURE GRADES

A lovely way for parents and young children to learn to skate together, with guidance from the Link's professionals. Children must be under 5 years of age, with no more than two toddlers per parent.

Tuesdays 10.15am - 10.45am Tuesdays 10.45am - 11.1 Sam

Beginners Advanced

Open to those skaters who have completed Grade 6.

Grades 7,8 Grade 9

Saturdays 800am - 830am Saturdays 10.00am - 1030am

COURSE DATES: 11/4/89 - 23/5/89 6/6/89 - 18/7/89 Cost: £9.35 per 7 week course COURSE DATES:

COFFEE COURSE A course specifically aimed at those of you with spare time during the week. Come along and learn to skate, or improve on your basic skills.

Beginners Advanced

Wednesdays 1015am - 1045am Wednesdays 1045am - 11.15am

15/4/89 - 27/5/89 10/6/89 - 22/7/89 Cost: £7.90 (child) or £9.35 (adult) per 7 week course.

PLEASE NOTE: The course fee covers tuition only. Skate hire and public skating are charged for at normal rates. Please purchase your tickets for these prior to your lesson if you require these activities.

Where insufficient enrolments occur, management reserve the right to cancel courses.

12/4/89 - 24/5/89 7/6/89 - 19/7/89 Cost: £9.35 per 7 week course COURSE DATES:

13/4/89 - 25/5/89 8/6/89 - 20/7/89 Cost: £9.35 per 7 week course

COURSE DATES:

e4v,.1r%, LINK WCENTRE

Link Centre Whitehill Way, Westlea Swindon, Wilts. SN5 7DL Tel: (0793) 871212

Arts & Recreation BOROUGH OF THAMESDOWN

TIT

COURSES AT LINK EVERGREEN LIFESTYLE

Health Suite Our Health Suite is an ideal facility to add to your Lifestyle programme. Once you've worked out, why not relax in the Sauna, followed by the therapeutic jacuzzi, and finally tan under one of our sunbeds.

This unbeatable combination is all yours at a price to make both you and your wallet feel at ease.

Prices and session times are as follows: £2.65 BRONZE (sunbed only) SILVER (sauna, jacuzzi and light exercise) £2.35 £4.40 GOLD (all four treatments) 9.30 12-2 2-4 4.30 6.30 8.30 -11.30 -6.30 -8.30 -10.30

Mon Tue A• Wed A. Thu A Fri

• A. A. A. A• A. A A A• A A•

S • A. A• A. A. A.

A. A A. A.

10.30 2-4 4-6 -12.30

A.

Sat Sun

A.

A. A. A. A.

Key:

A Men • Women ADMixed

Remember to bring your swimming costume and suitable clothing for the exercise area.

A cautionary note. The Health Suite is intended to be a relaxing and soothing environment. Even so, certain people should not use the facilities: Pregnant women, Diabetics, those under 12 years of age, those suffering from heart disease, after drinking alcohol, after a heavy meal or on an empty stomach.

If you are in any doubt, consult your GP or the Health Suite staff. 12-16 year olds must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Lifestyle Sessions IN THE DAYTIME

4)

Your Lifestyle is the way you lead your life, reflecting your health, general state of fitness and well being. A well balanced lifestyle is keeping your body in shape, your mind alert and feeling in touch with others.

4)

Mondays 130pm - 330pm Thursdays 9.30am - 1130pm The Lifestyle session is for those older in years but young at heart. Join us to feet fit, badminton, snooker and table tennis. A free drink is available and there is a chance to swim or skate at no extra charge.

Price: £1.40

LADIES LIFESTYLE

4)

Mondays 9.30am - 1130pm Kick off your shoes, let your hair down and join us for a morning of leisure. We offer a fitness style warm up, racket sports, team games and occasionally a little trampolining! A free drink is available and at 11am there is a chance to swim or skate at no extra charge.

Free creche facilities are available for 2 - 5 year olds and under 2s.

Price £1.50

PLEASE NOTE: All Lifestyle sessions are fully supervised by our qualified instructors. Gold Card holders may come to any session applicable to them for 25p.

During School Holidays all sessions will be transferred to Delta Tennis Centre.

Lunchtime Link now has a varied lunchtime activity programme aimed specifically at those who have flexible working hours, or time to spare during the day.

RECREATIONAL TRAMPOLINING Fridays 730pm - 1030pm.

Do you need time to practise your trampolining skills? Here's a chance to meet with others who want to do the same. Fully supervised by qualified staff, no registration required.

Minimum age 12.

Cost: Adults: £1.60. Concessions: 80p

FITNESS TRAINING For men and women.

Tuesdays 730pm - 8.30pm Thursdays 7.30pm - 830pm Each session involves a well balanced programme of warming up, running and body care ending with a stretch - all exercises are designed with safety as the first priority.

Cost: Adults: £1.60. Concession: 80p This includes a free swim.

BADMINTON/BOWLS Tuesdays 930am - 1130am A brand new recreational sesseion. Meet others interested in playing badminton and bowls. As your standard improves, there is a chance to challenge fellow players to more competitive games. (Starting date to be annunced).

Cost: £1.50

NETBALL LEAGUE The Link Netball League will be running on Monday lunchtimes. Each team has one 20 minute game per week. League runs for 6 weeks.

Costs: £16.00 per team.

Details from Main Reception.

LUNCHTIME WORKOUTS

You owe it to yourself - Link up with Lifestyle today!

All lunchtime activities include a free swim (sorry, not available on Mondays)

4)

Sunday 730pm - 10.30pm A chance to meet and play against new opponents or old rivals. Open to everyone.

Cost: Adults £1.60 per session.

Concessions: 80p

SOCCER LEAGUES

Every Tuesday and Thursday 12.30pm - 1.30pm.

For those of you who have a little spare time at Midday. Just turn up and pay on the day. A free swim is included.

Cost: £1.10 per session.

Wednesday 930am - 1130pm Friday 930am - 11.30pm Link Lifestyle offers the chance to participate in a number of activities including a fitness style warm up, badminton, snooker, squash, table-tennis and team games. A free drink is available, and at 1100am there is a chance to skate or swim at no extra charge.

Free creche facilities are available for 2 - 5 year olds.

Price: £1.50

RECREATIONAL BADMINTON

Link runs 2 lunchtime 5-a-side leagues, taking place on Wednesdays and on Fridays. Each team plays one 15 minute game per week. Leagues run for 8 weeks Costs: £18.00 per team.

Details from Main Reception.

At Link Centre we run a variety of courses to improve your lifestyle. Our daytime lifestyle sessions are especially appealing for adults who have spare time during the day and want to keep fit, try something new, meet new friends and have fun at the same time.

LINK LIFESTYLE

TABLE TENNIS Every Friday from Juniors 6.30pm - 800pm Adults 8.00pm - 9.30pm Professional coaching for players of all ages and standards.

Cost: Adults: £1.20 per session.

Concessions: 60p

Pay As You Play KARATE Every Sunday 1030am - 1230pm.

The style of Karate practised is Wado Ryu. Tuition is for every standard including beginners, from our 2nd Dan Black Belt instructor. Suitable for men and women. Minimum age 12 years.

Cost: £1.60 per session. Concessions: 80p

MINICAMP Saturday morning 930am - 1130am For children aged 6-12 years. Activities will be many and varied including a go on our INFLATABLE CASTLE and some weeks you can choose to go ice skating. We promise a morning of fun and excitement.

Cost: 80p per session.

Adult enrolment ARCHERY Subjects covered include bowmanship, general techniques and choosing equipment.

Thursdays 600pm - 730pm Dates: 13/4/89 - 25/5/89 8/6/89 - 20/7/89 Cost: £14.90 per 7 week course.

SQUASH Ladies, come along to our beginners course, designed specifically with you in mine. Learn the fundamentals of the game and gave an enjoyable time whilst getting fit.

Wednesdays: 200pm - 300pm Dates: 12/4/89 - 24/5/89 7/6/89 - 19/7/89 Cost: £14.90 per 7 week course.

COURSES AT LINK BADMINTON

SPORTS ACRO

Beginners 830pm - 930pm Tuesdays: Improvers and Advanced 930pm - 1030pm Dates: 11/4/89 - 23/5/89 6/6/89 - 18/7/89 Cost: £14.90 per 7 week course.

A graceful combination of gymnastics, dance and partner assisted balances.

3.30pm - 500pm Tuesdays: Dates: 11/4/89 - 23/5/89 6/6/89 - 18/7/89 Cost: £9.35 per 7 week course.

TRAMPOLINING Our coaches will take you through the basic routines, open to all levels.

730pm - 8.30pm Wednesdays: 830pm - 9.30pm Dates: 12/4/89 - 24/5/89 7/6/89 - 19/7/89 Cost: £14.90 per 7 week course.

SNORKELLING 9.1Spm - 1015pm 13/4/89 - 22/6/89 Excluding 1/6/89 Cost : £14.90 for a 10 week course

Thursdays Dates

CANOEING This course introduces you to the basics of canoeing in the comfort of our warm pool No high winds or waves to contend with!

9.15 - 10.15pm Mondays: 3/4/89 - 15/5/89 Dates: 5/6/89 - 17/7/89 Cost: £14.90 per 7 week course.

TODDLER BOUNCE Parents are encouraged to join in with this pre-school trampolining.

Mondays and Fridays: Sessions last for half an hour between 1.30pm - 430pm Mondays 10/4/89 - 22/5/89 Dates: 5/6/89 - 17/7/89 Fridays 14/4/89 - 26/5/89 9/6/89 - 21/7/89 Cost: £9.35 per 7 week course.

TRAMPOLINING Have fun and learn a new sport! Introductory courses for trampolining awards will be taken if the coach feels the children are ready.

5-8 years 430pm - 530pm 5-8 years 530pm - 630pm 8 years + 630pm - 730pm 12/4/89 - 24/5/89 Dates: 7/6/89 - 19/7/89 Cost: £9.35 per 7 week course.

Wednesdays:

SWIMMING

SHORT TENNIS

Take this opportunity to learn to swim, increase your water confidence or improve your swimming technique.

Mondays: Shallow End Adult Beginners 645pm - 730pm Adult Beginners 7.30pm - 8.15pm Adult Beginners 815pm - 9.00pm Deep End Adult Improvers 7.30pm - 8.15pm Adult Improvers 8.15pm - 900pm Dates: 3/4/89 - 15/5/89 5/6/89 - 17/7/89 Cost: £9.10 per 7 week course.

An ideal way to learn how to play tennis, all the fundamentals are covered. A great game to play in its own right. Age 6-14 year aids.

430pm - 530pm Wednesdays Dates: 12/4/89 - 24/5/89 7/6/89 - 19/7/89 Cost: £9.35 per 7 week course.

YOGA() Intermediate 7.30pm - 930pm 10/4/89 - 22/5/89 5/6/89 - 17/7/89 Beginners 7.30pm - 930pm Thursdays: Dates: 13/4/89 - 25/5/89 8/6/89 - 20/7/89 Cost: £14.90 per 7 week course.

Mondays: Dates:

CLIMBING Beginners very welcome. All the basic fundamentals covered by experts climbers. Please ask for our rock climbing leaflet for more details.

Beginners 600pm - 8.00pm Wednesdays Intermediate 800pm - 10.00pm Advanced 900pm - 10.30pm Dates: 12/4/89 - 24/5/89 7/6/89 - 19/7/89 Cost: £20

Childrens

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PRE-SCHOOL MOVEMENT An all important series of exercise, to music, aimed at building, co-ordination and strengthening of young muscles.

145pm - 2.30pm Wednesdays: 230pm - 3.15pm 12/4/89 - 24/5/89 Dates: 7/6/89 - 19/7/89 Cost: £9.35 per 7 week course.

SOCCER SKILLS This course is designed to improve ball control, team work and provide a chance to practise in game situations.

6-8 years 430pm - 530pm Wednesdays 6-8 years 530pm - 630pm 8-10 years 630pm - 730pm Dates: 12/4/89 - 24/5/89 7/6/89 - 19/7/89 Cost: £9.35 per 7 week course.

Children's swimming

PARENT & TODDLER Bring your child along and learn to teach him/her to swim.

Tuesdays: Under 2's12.00pm - 1230pm 2 years + 1230pm - 100pm 100pm - 130pm Dates: 11/4/89 - 23/5/89 6/6/89 - 18/7/89 Cost: £8.05 per 7 week course

MONDAY EVENINGS Shallow End Deep End Beginners Minnows Beginners Tadpoles Beginners Minnows Beginners Dolphins Tadpoles Tadpoles 3/4/89 - 15/5/89 (excluding 1/5/89) 5/6/89-17/7/89 Cost:: £8.05 per 7 week course.

4.00pm - 4.30pm 4.30pm - 500pm 5.00pm - 530pm 5.30pm - 600pm 600pm - 630pm 630pm - 700pm Dates:

SATURDAY MORNINGS 830am - 9.00am Beginners 9.00am - 9.30am Tadpoles 930am - 1000am Beginners 10.00am - 1030am Minnows 10.30am- 1100am Beginners Dates: 15/4/89-27/5/89 10/6/89-22/7/89 Cost: £8.05 per 7 week course Club Coach session - 9.30am/10.30am Cost: £11.70 Beginners = Children not able to swim 6m without armbands.

Tadpoles = Children able to swim over 6m without armbands.

Minnows = Able to swim at least 12m on front and back without armbands.

Dolphins = Capable swimmers on both front and back wishing to improve on range of skills.

Stroke Technique = Competent swimmers requiring intensive tuition.

N.B. All swimmers must be 5 years+

BASKETBALL All standards welcome to this course. Equipment is especially designed with junior' in mind.

400pm - 5.30pm Tuesdays: 11/4/89 - 23/5/89 Dates: 6/6/89 - 18/7/89 Cost: £9.35 per 7 week course.

MINI-GYM A unique session designed to help develop basic motor skills, in very young children, through active play using soft play equipment and climbing frames Tuesdays: 3 - 6 years 930am - 10.15am 2-3 years 1030am - 11.15am 3-6 years 1130am - 12.15pm 11/4/89 - 23/5/89 Dates: 6/6/89 - 18/7/89 1 - 2 years 930am - 10.15am 2-3 years 1030am - 11.15am 3 -6 years 11.30am - 1215pm 13/4/89 - 25/5/89 Dates: 8/6/89 - 20/7/89 Cost: £9.35 per 7 week course.

Thursdays:

Dance Classes MONDAYS Jazz Dance 7-10 years 500pm - 6.00pm £1.10 Jazz Dance 11-14 years 600pm - 700pm £1.10

WEDNESDAYS First Steps in Ballet 4-6 years 330pm - 4.15pmE14 for term, £7 for half term - ENROLLED COURSE. Creative Dance 5-9 years 4.15pm - 5.00pm £1.10 Ballet 7-10 years 5.00pm - 5.45pm £1.10 Beginners Tap Dance 6 - 10 years 545pm - 6.30pm £1.10 Jazz Exercise Teens & Adults 7.30pm - 830pm £1 .90/95p concessions CHILDREN: Attend any two classes on the same day for only £1.85!

Term commences: Monday 3/4/89 Term ends: Friday 30/6/89 Half-term (NO CLASSES): 25/5/89 - 2/6/89 Spring Holiday (NO CLASSES): Monday 1/5/89 All classes bookable weekly except

COMMUNI

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Getting together in West Swindon...

Tucked away in a cosy corner off the Link Mall, next to Link Arts, you can find a cluster of rooms where anything can happen! Especially if it brings local people together to pursue activities which they have organised for themselves.

If you have a special interest, the Community Activities Officers based here can offer a wide range of contacts within West Swindon and across the Town. Part of their role is putting people in touch with others of similar interests.

Or... if you like.., we may be able to help you get something new happening, especially if it relates to the needs of the growing West Swindon community. Community Development staff often provide support to groups in the early stages of organisation, drawing upon their experience with established community groups to enable new ones to grow in a supportive environment. The encouragement and support of groups and activities which link West Swindon people together in new ways is the priority here.

Many groups already meet on a regular basis, run by their own committees. Besides the groups listed here, there is a separate list of Parent & Toddler Groups available. More information is available by calling in or phoning Community Reception on 871212 ext. 234.

MONDAY

7.30pm - 9.30pm Lacemaking National Childbirth Trust 200pm - 400pm (monthly) 730pm - 1030pm Starbase Swindon (monthly) Gardening Club (monthly) 800pm - 1000pm

TUESDAY 'Welcome' to West Swindon Coffee Morning 10.00am - 12.00 noon (for all recent arrivals to the area) 10.00am - 12.30pm Better Halves (Single Parent Group) 1.00pm - 3.00pm Asian Women's Group 2.00pm - 400pm 45+ Club (Social Club for over 45's) 700pm - 9.30pm Link Girls Group (14-18 years) 800pm - 1000pm Lighthouse Club (Mentally Handicapped Adults Social Group)

WEDNESDAY Creche for 2-5 year olds Sequence Dancing St. John's Ambulance

9.30am - 11.30am 7.00pm - 10.00pm 8.00pm - 10.00pm

THURSDAY Townswomens Guild 1.30pm - 4.30pm (2nd and 4th weeks in month) Diecast Club (monthly) 7.30pm - 9.30pm Wilts. Trust for Nature 7.30pm - 10.30pm Conservation (monthly)

FRIDAY

English as a 2nd language 9.30am - 11.30am Creches for under 2's and 2-5 year olds (while parents attend activities) 9.30am - 11.30ani

Creche for 2-5 year olds Sequence Dancing Pre School Playgroup Course

THEATRE PERFORMANCES

Friday 2 June: Link Arts and Swindon Jazz Front present St Donats Music Theatre and TNT in the THE WIZARD OF JAZZ. This show is a remarkable fusion of drama and live contemporary jazz (featuring Gary Boyle and Steve Arguelles among others) and is music theatre at its finest. Set in the UK on the eve of D-Day, this black comedy addresses the issues of racism, imperialism and The American Dream by weaving together elements of the life of Al Johnson, the Ku Klux Klan and the Wizard of Oz. A hilarious paradox of dreams.

800p.m. Tickets: £3.50/[2.50 concessions

Tuesday 4 April: FORXBEARD FANTASY present THE SERIOUS LEAK. FF return with their own brand of madcap theatre in their new show. Complete with their usual eccentric setdesign and special effects which defy belief, this evening will be a treat for all theatre and comedy lovers. And to top it all - they're SUCH nice people!

800p.m. Tickets: £3.50/2.50 concessions Saturday 15 April: The Wyvern Arts Trust present TEMBA Theatre Co. in MOTHER POEM. Temba have previously delighted Swindon audiences with 'Woza Albert' and 'Romeo and Juliet', and we are pleased to host this latest show which has been described as the 'Under Milk Wood' of Barbados. Full of life, Caribbean folk dancing, music and vitality, this is a show not to be missed.

S.00p.m. Tickets: £3.50/E2.50 concessions Friday 19 May: THEATRE WITH NO NAME present VANITIES. Link Arts are proud to present a date on the UK premier tour of this comedy which was voted Best Play of the Year by the New York Drama Critics. A slice of American experience (1963-1974), it captures a butterfly decade and concentrates on the lives of three women. Don't miss your chance to see this show before it reaches London!

800p.m. Tickets: £3.50/E2.50 concessions

930am - 1130am 700pm - lO.00pm 930am - 1130am

JAZZ Swindon Jazz Front presents: Friday 14 April: IAN BALLAJvIY QUARIbI One of the finest bands on the circuit! Tickets: £4.00/Members £3.00/Unwaged £1.00 Thursday 1 June: AXEL ZWTNGNBERGER - a German boogie King Friday 2 June: THE WIZARD OF JAZZ - see under THEATRE PERFORMANCES above Friday 30 June: THE TOMMY SMITH QUARTET - Tommy Smith (Tenor sax), Jason Rabbelo (piano), Clark Tracey (Drums), Alec Dankworth (bass). Presented in association with GWR Marlborough Festival. Ticket prices to be announced.

All jazz performances commence at S.00p.m.

Licensed bar with real ale at all gigs.

SUNDAY 330pm - 600pm

45+ Tea Dances (2nd and 4th weeks)

LINK 3-5 PLAYGROUP Meets during school terms: 9.15am - 1145am Tuesday - Friday Places are limited so please register your child before its Third Birthday.

CHARITY MARKET STALLS (3rd Saturday in the month in the Link Mall) 10.00am - 200pm.

These events provide an opportunity for community groups and charitable organisations to fundraise in a popular location, with back up advertising.

Stalls are availbale on a limited basis for a fee of £2.00. So book early!

Forthcoming dates: Saturday 18th March, Saturday 15th April, Saturday 20th May, Saturday 17th June.

PRIVATE HIRE HERE Rooms are available for hire for that special occasion such as birthday parties, discos and weddings.

A bar can be arranged upon application for a special licence. Conferences may benefit from the well-equipped facilities, which include a built in amplification system for persons with special hearing aids.

Community Development BOROUGH OF THAMESDOWN

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FILM SOCIETY Thursdays at 7.30p.m.

6 April THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING (18) - Daniel Day-Lewis stars in this account of love, sex and the fragility of human relationships set in Prague in 1968.

20 April MAURICE (15) - From the makers of 'A Room with a View', a superb adaptation of E. M. Forsters controversial and long-suppressed novel about a young man's awakening to his homosexuality and the resultant turmoil.

4 April IRONWEED (15) - Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep combine their remarkable skills in this tale of down-and-outs in New York. Directed by Hector Babenco ('Kiss of the Spiderwoman').

25 May STORMY MONDAY (15) - A fascinating gangland thriller set in Newcastle, with critically acclaimed performances from Sting and Tommy Lee Jones. A 'Long Good Friday' for the '80's.

8 June I'VE HEARD THE MERMAIDS SINGING (15) - This film was the sensation of the Cannes Film Festival in 1987. Funny, touching and charming a rare gem.

22 June A WORLD APART (15) - Set in Johannesburg in the early sixties, this film examines not only the horror of apartheid but also the horrors exacted on a thirteen year old white child whose parents are staunchly anti-apartheid....

ROCK CHILDRENS FILM CLUB Saturdays at 2.30p.m.

1 April ASTERIX IN BRITAIN (U) 22 April THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER (U) 20 May THE PRINCESS BRIDE (PG) 24 June BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED (PG) Membership: 25p (valid until 3 1.3.90) plus Admission: £1.00 per film. Come along and join on the day.

Swindon Rock Front gigs will take place on the following dates: Saturday 1 April, Friday 21 April, Saturday 6 May, Saturday 20 May. Details of line-ups to be announced.

If you would like to get more involved or simply have a creative idea, why not drop in and talk to us?

THAMESDOWN COMMUNITY

Alas

RECREATION

17

Youth development grows at Link Centre Ice Hockey Development OfficerDarylLipsey describes how youngsters are given the chance to learn hockey from the professionals

Some of our kids have started problem of finding room for training at the fresh age of 4 and everyone by starting an adults upwards and have progressed recreational hockey team with no immensely. body contact for players 16 and This is the perfect age to start over. This meets from midnight skating and playing hockey. to 1.30a.m. on Tuesday morning.

Unfortunately there are a lot of With ice hockey becoming people very keen to start but have more popular every day, more left it too long to get the basic and more new youngsters are movements flowing, having a go at the fastest and Some of the Wildcat players most exciting game played on two help with training sessions and feet. With kids this keen, it can our Monday public session for only be good for the future of the beginners from 4p.m. to 5p.m. is Swindon Wildcats. Good local packed solid with kids willing to talent will mean that there is no learn the skills of being a hockey need to bring players in from all Early age hockey beginners from left to right, Danial Evans, Martin Hicks, Neil Peach, Danial Thomas, Matthew Brown, Wesley Mill and Dean Mills player. We have solved the small over the country.

LINK INVU CENTRE ___

Course Booking Form cLlpdate 'QQSpring/Summer Programme '-1-,

__________

A new method of course registration is being introduced to overcome the inconvenience of long queues. You may now register on one or more courses by handing in, or posting, this form to Link Centre Main Reception. More forms are available from reception.

For courses starting the week beginning 10 April - We will accept course application forms from 1 March until 13 March.

'Over the counter' bookings will be accepted from 18 March up until the course begins.

For couses starting week beginning 5 June - We will accept course application forms from 1 May until 15 May. 'Over the counter' bookings will be accepted from 20 May up until the course begins.

Please note, courses places will only be allocated at random, once all applications have been received.

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Name Address

Date of Birth

Post Code

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Courses Choice(s) 1st 2nd 3rd Name Address

Date of Birth

Post Code

Telephone (home) (work)

Courses Choice(s) 1St 2nd 3rd Name Address

Date of Birth

Post Code

Telephone (home) (work)

Courses Choice(s) 1St 2nd 3rd

OFFICE USE Fees Paid

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Received

Date

EDUCATION MATTERS 18 on the ability for the local education authority to finance schools. However, Greendown School looks to industry for backing is the first secondary school to built in Wiltshire for over 10 years and the methods £100,000 target to meet resource gap for calculating what a new school Greendown, West Swindon's secondary school at Grange Park, has launched an ambitious appeal to raise100,000. A colourful illustrated brochure has been sent out to the largest companies in the country in an attempt to bring in enough money to meet a shortfall in equipment for a new building due to open in September.

Greendown opened in 1986 and presently has places for 550 students. The phase two building will allow the community school to accommodate 900 pupils; a third phase starting at the end of the year will provide space for 1,200 by 1991.

The new building will contain specialist facilities for science, maths, technology and design studies, subjects which are very expensive to equip with up-to-date equipment.

The curriculum at Greendown baffles most adults, but the way subjects are taught there makes them more relevant to the world beyond school. This makes learning easier according to headteacher Ian Matthews.

"The unique aspect of the Greendown curriculum is the way subjects are combined together. For example, the teaching of Mathematics, Science, Design and Technology, including computing, is integrated so that students use what they learn from all these subjects. We put a lot of stress on the students applying what they learn in practical projects. We also invested heavily in computers when we first opened to give them a good grounding for the work opportunities of the future. We have 40 of them and will be spending over £40,000 on a computer system in Phase II. "Ibelieve the importance we give to science and technology will make the Greendown Appeal to business. Numbers of school leavers are falling and well prepared students who are technologically competent and computer literate will be much sought after when they leave us.,,

In a letter introducing the Greendown Appeal brochure, Roger Ogle, chair of the Governors, writes, 'There cannot be many opportunities for the business community to be involved in a secondary school during its formative years. This prospectus should attract the interest of those concerned with education in 1990s, and the need to bring education and industry together 'Although Greendown was officially opened by Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal in 1987, we are £100,000 short in financing the second phase of the school, dedicated to the teaching of science and technology. Regrettably we are not to be allocated the funds to provide anything like the amount of up to date laboratory, workshop and computer equipment.

'The Greendown Governing body does not believe our students should be denied their full potential for want of adequate funds.

Since the s c ho o 1 opened, we believe the staff have developed a new vision for state education and we want business to join us and be part of our initiative.'

Mr. Ogle added, "We recognise that central Government places severe restrictions

needs is completely outdated.

"The students may have a new building, but the amount of equipment, books and materials is very inadequate. We must look to the needs of the future generations who will come here.

"Our efforts to persuadethe CountyCouncil to provide the funds have come to nothing and we cannot wait. The new building opens in September; the Greendown staff must be in a position to deliver the curriculum which is gaining a great deal of admiration in educational circles.

"I very much hope that industry will recognise the opportunities being created at Greendown and give us their backing."

• Planning permission has been granted to the placing of four double mobile classrooms at Greendown. The proposal is provisional at present, just in case the Phase II building is not ready for the 180 children to enter the school in September. Assurances have been given that the building programme is on time and mobiles will not be required.

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.ri&iiu. II,COC VvIII,#&4lII.O ,PIIW1I equipment for the school's pupils.

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DAY IN THE LIFE

Looking after your health West Swindon based Health Visitors Lorraine Brookes, Janet Ascherson and Jane Lyons describe the variety of work they are called upon to do.

A working day for a Health Visitor can be as varied as the people she meets. Getting to grips with what is affectionately known as, 'clerical', is the way our day begins. Eight continually ringing telephones can only be answered with the aid of our wonderful secretaries and a cup of coffee, or three! Callers can be anyone from a worried and sometimes frantic Mum, to Teachers, Doctors, Social Workers, Dads, Hospitals or, just another query about eggs!!

Edwina has certainly got our 'phones ringing lately.

An hour, or two in the office first thing, is needed to organise our day. This usually includes doing Development Assessments; Vision and Hearing Tests; running Baby Clinics; Immunisation Sessions and requested visits from parents.

19

WHAT IS MISSING IN BEA TICARE SALON?

Fullest range of Our routine work with chilBeauty Treatments possible, dren will end when they enter including individually mixed school, then the School Nurse natural creams and takes over, but our interests contoners for your skin. tinuesin health as the child grows older. We are involved with Telephone 523217 or call health promotion, often called in to Beauticare, within Hair Health Education to all age by Maurice, Regent Street, groups - School Children; TeenSwindon agers; Middle Years; Senior Citi(next to Woolworths) zens. In recent years Health Education has focused on the effects of smoking and a high fat diet on heart disease. We aim to raise people's awareness on current health issues.

Painter and Decorator Health visitors also give lecTel: Swindon 870515 tures to those in training such as Student Midwives, Nurses and those taking such courses as for Playgroup Leaders. Students may come with us on duty rounds, to see the work at first i:.•• hand. ' ..:ilI , /

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R.T.Farley Landscape Gardener in West Swindon 20 years of experience.

Turfing, Paving, Fencing, Planting new Gardens Rockery Construction, Pergolas etc.

New gardens TEL: 875174 For a high standard of work with references available phone now for a FREE estimate.

Feature Fireplaces Original Designs Free Estimates

Swindon 617123

(40•)

STORM MANAGEMENT SERVICES

The Right Choice

The three Health Visitors from the local team who were brave enough to write an article and have their picture taken, from left to right, Lorraine Brookes, Janet Ascherson and Jane Lyons

This may help to increase your knowledge on what we do, for we know the role of the Health Visitor can cause some confusion.

Despite commonly held beliefs, we are not, 'ladies from the welfare', or, interested in how much dust there is underneath your beds. We are Nurses, trained and interested in the prevention of illhealth, and this is what oiir daily activities are designed to do. For example, Development Assessments are done to pick up a health problem your child may have, at an early stage, then appropriate help can be offered. This screening starts as early as ten days of age, in the hope that a good beginning, with adequate growth and healthy diet, can lay the foundation for a healthy adulthood.

Usually 5 o'clock sees the end of the day, but not always. It may be our turn to take the evening Parentcraft sessions. We may groan about this extension to the day, but it is a job we enjoy. It gives us the opportunity to exchange information with expectant parents and a chance to meet these couples on an informal basis before the arrival of a new infant.

Washing up the coffee cups and putting away the video equipment, winds up the day around 10p.m.

Details of some of the local health visitor services including baby clinic times can be found on page 31.

WAREHOUSE PEOPLE, FORKLIFT DRIVERS, ASSEMBLY OPERATORS, FACTORY & PACKING STAFF Would you like the chance to work for one of the largest most prestigeous companies in Swindon?

YOU CAN! By Temping with Storm. *We deal only with reputable companies who have suitable working environments. *We pay good rates. IN CASH. EVERY WEEK. *We consider what you want first & appreciate hardworking reliable & loyal people.

REGISTER NOW! We currently have assignments in most areas of Swindon CONTACT: Andrew Mercer on (0793) 481301 or call in at Storm Management Services, 27 Commercial Road, Swindon (Open Sat. 9a.m.-12 noon)

THE CHURCH AT EASTER 20 Why is Easter early this year? Holy Week and Easter in the Parish of The timing of Easter is a favourite topic of conversation, especially when it falls early. Reverend John Flory, one of the united churches team, explains the reason.

Early, late, or in between - you Israelites, out of slavery in Egypt never hear anyone saying "Easter to a new life in a new land.

Passover, and Easter the folis just right this year!" so what seems to irk us is that it's a move- lowing day, are linked, like our able feast - and, to those who calendar, to the movement of the haven't been initiated, an unpre- sun and the moon - yes, really! and just as we can work out the dictable one. movement of stars and planets, so we can calculate when Easter will be in any given year. In fact you will find a formula for doing this in the Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England.

I confess that as a schoolboy, I used to do the calculation when I had a particularly dreary R.E. period.

WHY NOT FIX THE DATE OF EASTER? Attempts have already been made to do this, but would it John Flory really be a good thing? Perhaps Easter is a Christian festival. it's because our lives are such a Indeed, many would say it's THE rush, that we want as much as Christian festival, and it celbrates possible to be predictable. All the resurrection of Jesus Christ to our public holidays in this counnew life after his gruesome death try used to be on the 'Holy Days' on the cross of Calvary. Without of the Christian calendar - times that glorious resurrection - and of celebration, refreshment, and many people saw him alive again a break from routine. When the before he returned to heaven - all pace of life was slower, I don't thought of a life beyond our own think that people made a fuss deaths would be mere specula- about Easter moving about - it tion. might have seemed a bit eccenIt's timing, in our Spring, with tric, but this was part of its charm. all its evidence of new life springWe need to slowdown the mad ing into being from the cold grave rush of life. It doesn't bring of winter, has everything to do greater enjoyment or a better with the Jewish festival of Pass- quality of living. Let Easter go on over, for the first Christians, like moving - the predictable Spring Jesus were Jews. That festival Bank Holiday isn't far away- and too, marks another great moment celebrate the new life it proclaims in earth's history, when God with your local Church. brought his special people the

Pam starts a quiet coffee morning Pam Pixton's coffee morning for new arrivals on a Tuesday is proving so popular that she is launching another get together on a Monday afternoon.

Pam is a new Arrival's Officer with Thamesdown Council's Community Development Division. She visits people who move into the area and can provide information on more or less anything to do with West Swindon.

The Tuesday coffee morning now attracts up to 20 adults and as manyyoung children. At times it gets quite noisy and is not so attractive to older people, many of whom need information about West Swindon.

From Monday 6 March, Pam will welcome people without

children to a quiet cup of tea in the Community Suite at the Link Centre between 10.30a.m. and noon.

Although her title sounds like she is only concerned with 'new arrivals,' Pam interprets her role widely. Some people may have lived in the area a long time but will need information, for example because of stopping work to have a baby. Others may decide to become involved with a community group and will need to know where they are.

Pam is pleased to provide assistance whenever she can. She can be contacted on 694317, although a machine sometimes stands in for her when she is not available.

West Swindon & The Lydiards Monday 20th March Tuesday 21st Wednesday 22nd Thursday 23rd Good Friday 24th

Easter Saturday 25th Easter Day 26th

7.30p.m. Holy Communion, Toothill Church 7.30p.m. United Service, Holy Trinity Shaw 7.00p.m. United Service (Stations of the Cross), St. Peter's R.C. Church 7.30p.m. Holy comrnunion,St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze 10.30a.m. Holiday Club Service, Holy Trinity Shaw 10.45a.m. Family Service, Toothill Church 12 noon-3.00p.m. Three Hours At Calvary, All Saints' Lydiard Millicent 7.30p.m. Evening Prayer, St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze 9.00p.m. Compline or Night Prayer, St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze 630a.m. Service of Light, St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze 8.00a.m. Holy Communion, All Saints' Lydiard Millicent 10.30a.m. Holy Communion, All Saints' Lydiard Millicent 1030a.m. Holy Communion, St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze 10.30a.m. Morning Service with communion, Holy Trinity Shaw 10.45a.m. Holy Communion, Toothill Church 10.45a.m. Holy Communion, Westlea Church 6.30p.m. Evening Service, All Saints' Lydiard Millicent 6.30p.m. Holy Communion, Holy Trinity Shaw 6.30p.m. Easter Praise, St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze 7.00p.m. Easter Praise, Toothill Church

St Peter's Catholic Church Holy Thursday 23rd Good Friday 24th Holy Saturday 25th Easter Sunday 26th

730p.m. Mass of the Last Supper 10.00a.m. Stations of the Cross 3.00p.m. Liturgy of the Passion and Holy Communion 8.00p.m. Easter Vigil Mass Mass 10.00a.m. and 6.00p.m.

Penitential Service with Confessions Monday 20th, 7.30p.m.-8.30p.m.

Confessions

Thursday 23rd Friday 24th

6.00p.m. - 6.30p.m.

10.30a.m. - 11.30a.m.

4.00p.m. - 5.00p.m.

11.00a.m. - 12 noon Saturday 25th 3.00p.m. - 400p.m.

For further details 'phone 874400

Freshbrook Evangelical Church Good Friday 23rd Easter Sunday 26th

1030a.m.

11a.m. & 6.30p.m.

Services are held in Freshbrook Community Centre. All Welcome

Cemetary donations needed Joan Rumming, churchwarden of St. Mary's Church, Lydiard Park writes: The bill from Wiltshire County Council for cutting the grass in Hook cemetary for 1988 was ÂŁ263. So far, donation's towards this cost, amount to ÂŁ150 for which we are most grateful.

We would be most grateful for further donations to the up-keep of the cemetary, no matter how small the amount. They should be sent to Mrs. V. Hicks, Lower Hook Farm, Hook Street, WoottonBassett.

Hook cemetary is the only burial ground locally. The Church and Parish Council are investigating the possibility of acquiring land for burials in the future as Hook cemetary will be fully used in eight to ten years.

NEWS & VIEWS Events for Comic Relief Sparcelis parents will be knocking on doors In their area on Friday 10 March between 10.30a.m. and noon to sell red cherry topped cakes for Comic Relief. Anybody hiding at home will be Invited to the Locobus parked on Sparcells Drive for a cup of coffee.

The Oliver Tomkins Under 5s Centre is holding a Cake Auction and Soggy Sponge Throw on Saturday 11 March, 10.30a.m. to 1.30p.m. Put your red noses on and buy a cake at the centre which Is to be found on the edge of Kiln Park, near the telephone exchange off Beaumaris Road, Toothill.

Link Centre is running a Red Nose Ice Disco on Friday 10 March, 8p.m. to 10.30p.m. There will be games and prizes and other whacky things to do, plus a collection for the cause as you arrive.

Don't forget your 'photo opportunity in the Link Magazine. See the front page for details.

Hablas Espanol La Associaciónde habla Espafiola se reunirá el dIa 1,f de Marzo, a las 7.30p.m. en al New College, Heiston Road, Park North, Swindon.

Nuestro objectivo principal es el de promover el idioma Espanfiol y dar la bienvenida a espafloles, latinoamericanos y personas interesadas.

Para mayor informacidn telefonea a: Mercedes Palmer Secretaria 23786; Francisca Watts Publicidad 872026

Do you speak Spanish?

The Spanish speaking association will have a meeting on 15 March, 7.30p.m. in New College, Helston Road, Park North, Swindon.

Our main object is to promote the Spanish language and at the same time welcome Spanish, Latin Americans and any person interested. For more information ring, Mercedes Palmer on 23786 or Francisca Watts on 872026

Adult help needed to launch DoE's award scheme in West Swindon

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Pets — At — Home

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

Pets - At - Home could be your answer.

Pets - At - Home is a new service which cares for pets (sorry, no dogs) in their own home.

Telephone Swindon 873062 for further details

P B PLUMBING SERVICES Boilers Serviced Pump Fitting Service Water Softeners Fitted Washing Machines and Dishwashers Fitted

Telephone.' (0793) 642995 SWINDON SOFT WATER Makes water softenin • sim • le No 1 Best selling water softener in the UK

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sf11:] Minder Security Services 11 Heytesbury Gardens, Grange Park

Keep Your Home Safe with a Professionally

Installed Burgler Alarm In the service section of the Adult help is needed to give Security Lighting, Finance Available at 0% Interest young people living in the devel- Award any suggestions where Savings on Household Insurance oping western area of Swindon young people can voluntarily the opportunity to participate in help in the community are most For a free quote, telephone 848063 the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. welcome. Adults are then needed The Swindon Duke of Edin- to supervise the activities and RON AHRENS burgh's Award Council is inter- offer friendly advice.

Physical recreation forms the ested in hearing from anyone who BUILDER & has rambling, Youth Hostelling fourth section of the Award and or backpacking experience and here there are plenty of opportuDECORATOR The complete, would like to pass on their exper- nities for adults to maintain their Specialising in all aspects professional, mobile tise to young people in the 14-23 own standards of fitnessand skill of high quality building year age group, to help them with and to introduce young people to car valeting service. work especially decoraling, the expedition /exploration sec- new activities.

Available 7 days a carpentry and plastering.

Further information is availtion of the Award. week, There is also a great demand able from: Ian Matthews at Greendown for adults with strong specialised All work guaranted. at home or at work. interests to help Award partici- Community School on Swindon No job too small.

From £17. pants to acquire new skills and 874224.

Free estimates.

Carl Bowen at Greendown hobbies and develop those they Book now, Don't be Telephone: 692134 already have. It can be anything Youth Centre on Swindon 874224. disappointed.

John Prowse, Secretary, Swinfrom Aeronautics to zoology (West Swindon) Tel: 876536 just bring along your expertise don DoE'sA Council, Swindon 612207. and enthusiasm.

Swindon Autoshine

Have you experience of the great outdoors to pass on to young people

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TOP GEAR DRIVING SCHOOL

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Friendly, patient tuition by experienced instructor Telephone Swindon 33898 or (0860) 344645

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ADULT EDUCATION IN WEST SWINDON COURSES FOR THE SUMMER

You may enrol by calling in or by post. Payment may be made by cash, cheque or Access. You may also try to enrol at the first meeting although a place cannot be guaranteed nor can any course.

Courses at Greendown community School are subject to a small additional fee (currently 2 112p per hour) for Community Association funds towards improving facilities and renewing equipment.

Classes at greendown unless otherwise stated. Creche available at classes marked *

MONDAY BASIC EDUCATION £5.00 7.15-9.15 1 term from 3 April ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (Link Centre) 9.30-11 .3Oam £5.00 1 term from 3 April* FITNESS TRAINING £19.00 lo weeks from 3April 7.15-9.15 FLOWER ARRANGING (Oliver Tomkins) 7.00-9.00 £9.50 5 weeks from 15 May GET BY IN GERMAN 6 weeks from 3 April 7.15-9.15 £10.50 KEEP-FIT WITH AEROBICS (Freshbrook School) £8.60 6 weeks from 3 April 7.30-9.00 POTTERY FOR FUN 6 weeks from 3 April 7.15-9.15 £11.00 WORDPROCESSING 8 weeks from 3 April* 2.15-4.15 £20.00

TUESDAY ART - WATERCOLOURS (Link Centre) 1.00-3.00 £11.50 6 weeks from 4 April AROMATHERAPY £15.00 8 weeks from 18 April 7.00-9.00 ART - PAINTING AND DRAWING 6 weeks from 4 April 7.15-9.15 £11.50 ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (Tues & Thurs) 6 weeks from 4 April 6.00-7.30 £30.00 FISHING COURSES FLY FISHING 3 weeks from 11 April 7.15-9.15 £4.50 TENCH AND CARP FISHING 3 weeks from 2 May 7.15-9.15 £4.50 GET BY IN ITALIAN 6 weeks from 4 April 7.15-9.15 £11.50 GET BY IN PORTUGUESE 6 weeks from 4 April 7.00-9.00 £11.50 HORSES AND STABLES - a practical course (Dauntsey Lock Stable) 10 weeks-phone for date9.30-1 130am £25.00 YOGA (Westlea School) 6 weeks from 4 April 7.30-9.00 £8.60

Thursday (continued) GARDENING COURSES PONDS AND WATER GARDENS £3.50 7.15-9.15 3 sessions from 13 April LADIES KEEP-FIT WITH AEROBICS (Westlea School) £8.60 7.30-9.00 6 weeks (phone for date) SPAIN AND SPANISH 7.00-9.00 £11.40 6 weeks from 6 April UNDERSTANDING HORSES -practical course (Dauntsey Lock Stable) 7.00-9.00 £19.00 10 weeks from 20 April TENNIS - IMPROVERS 6.30-8.30 £12.00 6 weeks from 20 April

SATURDAYS AND WEEKENDS MARCH ARTISTIC NEEDLEWORK COURSE SURFACE CANVAS WORK 10.00-4.00 £6.00 Sat. 11 March FABRIC PAINTING 10.00-4.00 £6.00 Sat. (phone for date) IS IT FUN TO BE A MUM (OR DAD)?

10.00-4.00 £6.00 Sat. 4 March PHOTOGRAPY - DAY SCHOOLS see April/May URBAN LANDSCAPES (Link Arts) 10.00-4.00 £12.00 11 & 12 March PAINTING IN PASTELS Sat. 11 March 10.00-4.00 £6.00 APRIL WORDPROCESSING 8 weeks from 8 April 10.00-12.00 £20.00 PHOTOGRAPHY - DAY SCHOOLS - see also May/June DEVELOPING & PRINTING B/W PRINTS (Link Arts) 15 &16 April 10.00-4.00 £12.00 PLANNING AND LAYING A PATIO 10.00-4.00 £12.00 8 &15 April LOCAL HISTORY 'WALKABOUT' COURSES see also May/June WALKABOUT OLD TOWN Sun. 23 April 2.00-4.00 £2.00 GARDEN PATHS AND WALLS 29 April and 6 May 10.00-4.00 £12.00

WEDNESDAY ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 1 term from 5 April 9.30-11 .3Oam £5.00 per year CROQUET FOR BEGINNERS (Lydiard Park Lawn) 5 weeks from 12 April 7.00-9.00 £8.75 DRESSMAKING 6 weeks from 5 April 7.15-9.15 £11.50 GET BY IN FRENCH 6 weeks from 5 April 7.00-8.45 £8.60 MACHINE KNITTING - a taster course 10 & 11 May 7.00-9.00 £3.80 PARENT AND TODDLER MOVEMENT TO DANCE (Link Centre) 4 weeks from 5 April 10.30-11.30 £4.00 SINGING FOR FUN (Oliver Tompkins School) 8 weeks from 5 April 7.30-9.30 £15.00 TENNIS - BEGINNERS 6 weeks from 19 April 6.30-8.30 £12.00 WOODWORKING - DIY projects 6 weeks from 5 April 7.15-9.15 £10.50 WORDPROCESSING 8 weeks(phone for date) 7.15-9.15 £20.00 YOGA (Toothill School) 6 weeks from 5 April 7.30-9.00 £8.60

THURSDAY YOUR MICROWAVE IN SUMMER 4 weeks from 4 May 7.15-9.15 DRESSMAKING 6 weeks from 6 April* 1.00-3.00

£7.50 £11.50

MA V BUILDING A BARBEQUE Sat.20 May & Sat. 27 May 10.00-4.00 £12.00 LOCAL HISTORY 'WALKABOUT' COURSES WALKABOUT PURTON Sun. 7 May 2.00-4.00 £2.00 WALKALONG THE WILTS & BERKS CANAL Sun 21 May 1.00-4.00 £3.00 PAINTING WILD FLOWERS Sat. 6 May 10.00-4.00 £6.00 PHOTOGRAPHY - DAY SCHOOLS - see also June SPRING SCENES (Link Arts) 13&l4May 10.00-4.00 £12.00 JUNE GUIDED WALKS CLYDACH GORGE, BRECON BEACONS Sun. 18 June 9.00-5.00 £3.50 LOCAL HISTORY 'WALKABOUT' COURSES WALKABOUT WOOTTON BASSETT Sun. 11 June 2.00-4.00 £2.00 PAINTING LANDSCAPES Sat. 10 June 10.00-4.00 £6.00

For further details contact: Rod Kensett, Adult & Community Education Tutor Greendown Community School, Grange Park, Swindon SN5 6HN To/: 871413 (Answerphone)

Report highlights unpredictable school population trends A report to the General Purposes subcommittee of Thamesdown Council's Community Planning Committee on 28 February considered the community, health and education facilities in West Swindon.

As the area enters its fourteenth year, there are presently 9,600 householdsoccupiedbysome25,000people with another four years of house building to go. By 1994, there will be around 12,000 dwellings and a population of around 35,000.

Th e report stresses theneed to take stock of West Swindon before the 'northern development' starts so that future development can be measured against it. It also points out that the 'tail end' of West Swindon's growth should not be forgotten as attention turns to the north.

The authors point out that whilst West Swindon has been developed in a planned way in an attempt to establish a balanced community with the necessary facilities, a clear set of principles or a statement of aims and objectives for the northern development is absent.

The report lists the nine primary schools in the area with two to be built, and says that population trends in the west has been different to town development in the east at Dorcan.

'There is no doubt that in the Toothill and Freshbrook areas the population of primary school age children has been underestimated.

Numbers of children attending schools climbed rapidly and contrary to predictions have remained at a high level and are set to continue for the foreseeable future. One possible explanation for this is the high turnover with people moving into the area, starting a family, then moving on and being replaced by more young families.'

Copies of the report are available from the Community Development Division at Thamesdown Council.

NEWS & VIEWS Leisure Park under study

DUNCAN SELF. DRIVE HIRE Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates Vans Lutons -Estates Cars & Mini Bus 272 Ermin Street Stratton St. Margaret Swindon

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Tel: 822193

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Greendown first years pose on the Shaw Ridge site The development of Shaw Ridge Leisure Park has provided local school students with an exciting chance to study its impact on West Swindon..

Staff at Greendown Community School took 180 first year students to the Link Centre in January, to view the model and plans on display to the public.

"The Leisure Park scheme provided us with an ideal opportunity for students to study what is going on in their community," commented teacher Chris Gill. "Usually the problems of organising so many students are enormous. But we were able to walk down to the Link Centre, go up on to the Shaw Ridge site, then return to school to discuss the project.

"The students have been studying where they live, looking at local facilities and how they have been developed. They have discussed whether the Leisure Park is a desirable development, written reports and newspaper articles. They also role played the different people involved - the developers, the householders living close-by, councillors, council officials. It was a good way to find out the different sides to a project."

Faircloughs, builders of the Leisure Park, are keen to involve Greenro down students as construction progresses and Chris Gill sees the develgresses opment as part of the curriculum in future years.

Changes to bus services Sparcells is going to have a better bus service into the town centre soon, but the changes in the local services means that access to some other parts of Swindon is going to become more difficult in a few weeks time.

The number 8 and 13 service to Moredon is to be extended to Sparcells and will give a service every2o minutes each weekday into the town centre, every 30 minutes in the evenings and hourly on Sundays. The weekday morning shopping service 6 to the West Swindon Centre is to continue.

The number 20/21 Outer Circle route is to be altered so that there will be no direct connection to north Swindon from the west. David Burch, Operations Director at Thamesdown

23

Transport, explained that the usage of the route does not make it viable.

"Under the terms of the Transport Act 1985, we are not in a position to operate routes which are not profitable. The Freshbrook, Old Town, PMH, Eldene, Penhill section will continue to operate every hour from 7a.m. to 7p.m. from Monday to Saturday, but there will be no Sunday service. The Freshbrook to Moredon route is very poorly used and will be withdrawn."

"After 8p.m. and all day on Sundays, the number I through Toothill and Freshbrook will be routed to and from the town centre via Kingshill, OldBath Road and Victoria Road to replace the 20/21 link to Old Town."

The changes begin on 26 March.

Open Daily 9am 6pm Sundays 9am - 1 p

Few days left for applications A fundraising scheme by a local take-away, aimed at helping local community groups, has had a good reception and grants should be awarded at the end of March.

The Trawlerman Takeaway at the West Swindon Centre celebrated five years of business in February and will be handing over 10% of one weeks takings to local community groups who have applied for cash help. The amount is being doubled by the parent company Coach Caterers and it is thought that about ÂŁ800 will be available.

"It was half-term week when we ran the scheme in February, so business was good," said Mike Grey, area manager for Coach Caterers. Quite a few letters have been received from groups who want to be part of our birthday celebrations. We will be sorting out the requests in a few weeks time."

Community groups have until 4 March to send in a letter describing projects they would like financial help for. Send them to Mr. Grey, The Trawlerman, West Swindon Centre.

I

Choose Us First For the Best Quality Take Home Food Available Fried Freshly For You Cod, Plaice, Haddock, Skate, Huss, Scampi, Chips, Various Pies, Sausages and Chicken.

Why not try one of our delicious Curries for a change?

Have you had one of our big beefburgers?

They're Great.

Open Monday - Saturday 11.30am - 2pm; 4.30pm - 11pm Car Park 'A' West Swindon Centre TELEPHONE ORDERS WELCOME - 870455

NEWS & VIEWS 24 Sculpture in the community 'tradition' continues West Swindon is soon to have another sculptor based in the community. Tim Renton-Smythe has been appointed on a six month residency byThamesdown Council to work on sculptures to be located on Shaw Ridge. He will also be working with children from local schools and on holiday play projects.

Tim will be the fourth sculptor in residence who has worked in the area during the last six years.

The results of the previous artists can be seen at Freshbrook Village Centre, off Cartwright Drive in Shaw, and at Westlea Park.

Some of the sculptures were heavily criticised by residents when unveiled, but have quickly become part of the landscape. The appointment of another artist means the funding bodies support the work that has taken place according to Alistair Snow, Thamesdown's Visual Arts Officer.

"Southern Arts is providing the major funds for this project. They recognise the importance of continuity and learning from previous residencies, we are broadening the scope of Tim's work in the area.

"He will be working with local

school children and his work will draw upon the work of the archaeology project based at Wick Farm."

Discussions have taken place with headteachers at Westlea and Shaw Ridge Primary Schools and Greendown Community School to see how a sculptor could work with pupils on small outdoor projects along the ridge.

Tim, who lives near Lechlade, is looking forward to an interesting and varied six months in West Swindon. "The area has an anTim with artwork by pupils at cient history, although it is so Westlea School new," says Tim. "My sculptures The Link will keep readers in often have a historical meaning and on this site, my work may touch with Tim's work and the well reflect the mythologies of proposals for the development of the Shaw Ridge open space. the past."

Pensioners handbook Brighten up for Spring Hi-Lites from £21.65 Semi-Colours from £10 Shaw Village Centre • Tel: 874825 Freshbrook Village Centre • Tel: 873217

Tbr'villagr Jfarmtjop Unit 2, Tooth ill Village Centre Tel: 487777 Your traditional family Butcher and select Greengrocer MARCH BUDGET SAVERS

Green streaky bacon Green middle bacon Green nnclless bacon Smoked middle bacon Smoked nndless bacon

88p/lb £1.20/lb £1.58/lb £1 .28/lb £1 .66/lb

Sausages 8s or 16s Farnishop homemade Beefburger 5oz Pork & Apple 5oz

74p/lb 88p1b 25p ea.

25p ea.

Liver (pig) Liver (lamb) Stewing steak Braising steak Rump steak Best minced steak Best minced meat Pork loin chops Diced Pork EGGS Size 1 Size 2 Size 3

Eggs by the tray 21,2 doz size 1 21/2 doz size2 March Special

21 doz size 3 21 doz size 4

£2.30 £2.10 £1.65 £1.25

Weekend Specials for March

Roasting Chickens 3 - 4 lbs 68pb Topside £2.39/lb Boned & rolled leg of pork £1.49/lb Boned & rolled shoulder 99p/lb £2.59/lb 48p/lb Pork tenderlion 64p/lb English whole shoulder of lamb £3.69 ea. £1.59/lb £1.89/lb MARCH SPECIAL £2.29/lb Boned & rolled extra lean brisket £1.38/lb £1.49/lb 88p/lb Potato prices in February were: 5Ibs - 45p 141bs - 99p lOibs washed - £1.20 55/b sack of whites - £2.30 55/b sack of reds - £250 98p/doz What did you pay?

90p/doz

£1.29/lb £1.49/lb

80p/doz

WE THINK WERE THE BEST IN THE WEST CALL IN AND PUT US TO THE TEST *FINEST SELECTION OF FRUIT AND VEG. DAIL Y

Age Concern Thamesdown have updated their Pensioners' Handbook.

The Handbook is a complete, 80page guide to the services available to older people in Thamesdown. It has 19 chapters dealing with many different areas: Food and Health, Financial Entitlements, Crime Prevention and Warmth in Winter are just a few of the subjects covered.

Each chapter contains invaluable information and advice on what to do and who to contact in order to gain your rights, solve a problem or simply get more out of life.

The Handbook is available price SOp (1 by post) from Age Concern Thamesdown, 14 Milton Road, Swindon, SN1 5JE. People who already have the Handbook (red copy) are invited to call in at the above address or send a SAE for an amendment slip to update their copy.

Sea Cadets There's hardly a life on the open waves in the middle of Wiltshire, but the Wootton-Bassett Sea Cadet Unit - 1/S Turbulent provides a lot of excitement for the teenagers who join them.

Canoeing, shooting, adventure training, engineering, radio communications, ropework, sailing and seamanship are just some of the activities which youngsters between the ages of 12 and 18 take part in. There are also opportunities to take part in Royal Navy courses and visit Navy installations and ships.

Boys from all over the Swindon area are members of the Wootton-Bassett unit which has its own building at The Lake.

Meetings take place on Tuesday and Thursday between 7.15p.m. and 9.30p.m. Courses, uniform and working clothes are provided free.

All boys who are interested in finding out more about the Sea Cadets can contact Lt. Stimson, R.N.R. on 729828.

Below: A line-up of some of the Sea Cadet unit at a recent fundraising event at the West Swindon Centre

NEWS & VIEWS More stars with Curtain Call The last time Curtain Call Travel For the kids, there is a special advertised in The Link, in Janu- matinee on Easter Monday for ary, they were overwhelmed by fans of Roland Rat who is supthe response from readers. Over ported by the Chuckle Brothers.

200 people booked up places on For television comedy fans, the the various nightclub and theatre characters from the BBCs 'Allo trips on offer, and now an even Allo' take to the stage at London more exciting range of star at- Palladium in April. tractions are being advertised.

Opera is also included in the Coming up soon is Andrew programme with Gilbert and Lloyd Webber's memorable Sullivan's popular light opera musical 'Evita' at the Bristol The Mikado,' and the Welsh Hippodrome and now is the time National Opera Company perto book his massively successful forming 'Ariadne Auf Naxos' at Phantom of the Opera' in Lon- the Bristol Hippodrome. don. Tickets will soon be availCurtain Call prices include able for October 1989 through to return travel by luxury coach.

April 1990.

Evening cabarets also include a On the pop music front Cliff three course dinner and full supRichard, Elton John, Showad- porting show. The local pick up dywaddy and the Barron Knights point is the bus stop at the top of are all on offer.

Ashington Way by the West Swindon Centre.

25

• CURTAIN CALL TRAVEL Latest programme of theatre and cabaret excursions.

All theatre excursions include return coach travel, and evening cabarets include three course dinner, full supporting show and return coach travel from Ashington Way roundabout at the West Swindon Centre.

Saturday 18 March EVITA at Bristol Hippodrome, Stall seats £19.00

Easter Monday 27 March ROWLAND RAT at Sawas Club, supported by the Chuckle Brothers, matinee performance £8.00

Saturday 8 April "ALLO ALLO",

Keen youth dancers The Greendown Youth Dance Group are performing their production of 'Winter Tales' on 15 and 16 March, 7.30p.m. in the drama studio at Greendown Community School. Tickets are on sale at £1 from group oganiser Jackie Shea at the school or from the office.

Jackie says the youngsters in the group may not be professionals, but they are keen and need encouragement from a local audience.

London Palladium, evening, Stalls £22.50

Saturday 29 April CUFF RICHARD at Sawas Night Club with Roy Walker (Catch Phrase fame), 4 course dinner and full supporting show £52.00

Saturday 27 May ELTON JOHN with Nik Kershaw, Wembley Arena £29.00

Free playscheme ready for Easter hols.

WASPS celebrated the Chinese year of the snake, Valentines Day and the winter we never had at their half-term playscheme at Toothiii Farm during February.

Making and painting snakes, origami, clay modelling, a frieze of snowflakes and valentine sweet making were just some of the activities on offer to the sixty children who attended daily.

WASPS stands for Western Area Swindon Playschemes. The playworkers arrange an exciting programme of activities during half-term and holiday breaks for youngsters between the age of 5 and 14 at various venues. And Its all provided free!

The next WASPS playscheme will be take place at Easter.

20 - 23 March, Freshbrook School, 28 - 31 March, Westlea School.

WASPS meet between 11a.m. and 3p.m. Children should bring lunch and wear old clothes for messy activities.

WASPS igloo makers, left to right, Andrew Thomson, Samantha

Sergent, Stacy Porter, Gavin Stainer, Gary Hobbs

Saturday 3 June SHOWADDYWADDY at Sawas Club £21.50

Friday 9 June JOE LONGTHORNE at Sawas Club £25.00

Friday 16 June CUFF RICHARD, The SHADOWS and lots of surprise guests, Wembley Stadium, general admission £29.00

Friday 23 June D'Oyly Carte Opera Company present THE MIKADO at the Bristol Hippodrome, Stall seats £18.50

Saturday 1 July THE BARRON KNIGHTS at Sawas Club £21.50

Friday 7 July Welsh National Opera, "ARIADNE AUF NAXOS" Bristol Hippodrome Grand Circle seats £24.00

Thursday 19 October MISS SAIGON, Drury Lane, London, evening performance Stalls and Dress Circle seats £35.00

A programme of theatre excursions and Carabet nights until Christmas available on request.

Deposit of £5.00 each secures Sawas reservations, for theatre bookings full payment required at time of booking. Access facilities.

For reservations, telephone Curtain Call Travel on Swindon 740817

NEWS & VIEWS

26

Bid for community Cash raisers Members of Shaw Ridge Parent rooms for Salt Way and Toddler group will be raisand at Sparcells ing funds for local causes over

Back-up for pre-school groups The dozens of playgroups and parent and toddler groups in West Swindon has a new support worker.

Moira Webster has taken over the job of Area Organiser for the Thamesdown Pre-School Playgroups Association from Ann Farrar who has moved away after four years in post.

Moira has lived in Shaw for two years and has been involved with several groups for preschool children. These include the 'Newcomers' which meets at the Link Centre and Upper Shaw Farm Playgroup where she was secretary. She was also responsible for starting the coffee morning for newcomers at the Village Inn, Shaw Village Centre. She is presently a governor at Shaw Ridge School.

Moira Webster behind Ann Farrar

The role of the area organiser is to keep in close contact with preschool groups and to provide advice and information in all aspects of their operation. She is also to able to advise parents.

Her telephone number is 874512.

New toddler group in Shaw A brand new Parent and Toddler Group has been set up at Salt Way School, just six weeks after the school opened.

Following a coffee morning in February, it was decided to set up the new group on Wednesday I .15p.m. to 2.45p.m. All parents with pre-school children living in Middleleaze and Ramleaze are invited to join in.

Headteacher Mrs. Sue Butcher is pleased to have the new group in the school. "I've always had pre-school childen in my previous schools. Its wonderful to have the group starting so soon.

"We have space for them at present, but in the long term we will need a community room here."

A local councillor has called for contributions from house builders to provide a Community Room at Salt Way School Middieleaze part of Shaw.

Coun. Ricky Midwinter says that the opening up of 28 acres of Borough Council owned land at The Prinnells will generate a demand for community facilities at the school close-by. "There will be a mix of local authority, housing association and private development. We expect a lot of young families so pre-school facilities are essential. The County Council do not provide rooms for playgroups, so Thamesdown must.

Court Midwinter is also backing the need for a social hall at Sparcells. Residents have been pressing Thamesdown Council to provide a temporary building or to get local house builders to contribute funds.

"I have called on Thamesdown's Policy and Resources Committee to make it a condition of land sales that they contribute to local facilities. If developers want to buy land, they must help out."

the next few weeks.

On 19 March, joint organiser Jane Hillier will be running in the Bath half marathon in aid of Shaw Church. In April, the group is organising a Jumble Sale to raise money for their activities. This takes place on 8 April, 10.30a.m. to 12.30p.m.

The toddler group meets three times a week at Upper Shaw Farm Community Centre, Ridge Green - between Westlea and Shaw - on Wednesday 10a.m. -12 noon Thursday 1.30p.m. - 3.30p.m.

Friday 1.30p.m. - 4p.m. in conjunction with the baby clinic.

Below: Jane Hillier hands over a cheque to staff midwife Julie Brown from the PMH Special Care Baby Unit

ATTENTION I PARENTS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN...

MOTHER & CHILD TO THE RESCUEI

We all know how difficult it is to go shopping with babies and toddlers in tow!

Well we've come up with the solution, an exhibition with entertainment for the kids called 'Mother and Child '89". The shows are specifically aimed at mumstobe, parents and children under eight.

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FABULOUS IDEAS!

HEEl- COUNT

There are many interesting stands exhibiting everything from toys to nursery goods, books to children's wear and baby food to furniture.

Most of the companies taking part offer unique and unusual products, often unavailable from High Street retailers, allowing you to buy something different direct from the designers.

IIAE HAIL LHIII L 11

HELP AT HANOI

While 3-6 year olds enjoy themselves in our super-vised play areas parents can obtain helpful advice from members of many national associations, including the Preschool Playgroups Association, the National Childbirth Trust, Twins and Multiple Birth Association and the National Childminders Association We even have comfortable baby rooms laid out for breasffeeding mums and those emergency nappy changes

/ IIINL

DUCKUI

To guaranteefun for all the family, there are Visits from old favourites including the Care Bears, Postman Pat and a new hero, Count Duckula Jolly Roger, the Mad f-laffer and Chuckleberry the Wizard Will be Presenting their funny magic shows, along with Mr Ted's Puppets, clowns and fun and games Ii

WHERE AND WHEN???

Mother& Child * * 89

March 17119th Oasis Centre Swindon Sat/Sun. 10-6 pm Open Fri. 2-6 pm. lOs 50p, Babies free dmiSSl0n ÂŁ2, Under Ltd 01-381 8855 organisers:IVYmar LOndOn SW6 lEG 120 Dawes Road,

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ADMISSION FOR TWO ADULTS WITH THIS AD ON FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

NEWS & VIEWS Shopping at Gateway An OAPs view -

Kathleen Seeley of Freshbrook considers some of the problems faced by older people living In West Swindon

Shopping trolley, yes, purse, yes, pension book, yes. All there. I'm on my way to shop at Gateway.

This is quite a chore. It will take me about 15 minutes to walk there, as part of the way is uphill, along Rowton Heath Way, and I will have to stop to get my breath.

Before I am anywhere near the entrance, I have to collect one of their trolleys, for which I must pay 20p deposit. Incidently, are Gateway the only store to have their trolleys and baskets stolen,! do not have to pay a deposit at any other. The trolley is a large cumbersome contrivance, to which I try to hang my shopper, when this is not banging against my legs, it is falling off. The handle of the trolley is just a mite

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too high for me, 411, and with arthritic arms, which are soon aching with trying to manipulate this monster. Smaller ones? I am told they only have about three, and are always at a different entrance to where I am.

Yes, the store is now larger, with wider gangways, yes much larger. Before I am halfway round I am tired. I look round to see if there is anywhere I can sit for five minutes, just to get my breath and rest my limbs, no, no seats.

I queue up for my greengrocery to be weighed. Tins, bottles, bread packets, as I thought, all the small ones are on the high shelf, out my reach. Preserves, pickles, tinned meat, tinned fish etc are all on a shelf at the back

Far from the madding crowd Lyd lard Park by Karen Stevenson and Eileen Sawyer

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On a beautiful, sunny day, isn't it nice Council are aware of this rising probto be able to take the children out to a lem, and are trying, under the finanpark, and let them play safely, in spe- cial restraints of being rate capped, to cially designed play areas. Or is it? do all they can to help alleviate the Seemingly, no. A number of very problem. These incidents are treated unpleasant incidents have come to seriously, so do tell someone. light recently, occurring mainly How about ruining the environaround the young childrens play area ment for everyone? Unfortunately at Lydiard Park. The worst involved we are all guilty to some degree; but a young mother, with a toddler in her no one HAS to pick large bunches of arms, being assaulted; in another a Snowdrops, especially where signs father was threatened with physical are displayed warning that flower violence, and yet another where a picking is prohibited. Some people young mum with children were being just don't seem to realise, that by followed by a suspicious man. picking the flowers, they are spoiling So, what can you do while out in the plants future growth. This is one the park, if faced with a person who reason why so manyof our wild flowis abusive, or with a potentially vio- ers are extinct or rare; they were lent situation, and what is being done picked! What hope will future gento help you? erations have of seeing the beauty we Don't try and handle it yourself, enjoy, if we don't treat it with ree find a Park Ranger who is trained to spect? cope with these situations. At LydiIsn't it pitiful, that when so many ard, if you can't see one nearby, try in people use the facilities provided for or around the visitors centre. And, if them responsibly, their enjoyment necessary, the police can be called can be so marred by a few selfish promptly. The Rangers and the individuals.

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and above the frozen section, again out of my reach. After asking several people to pass various items to me, looking for staff to tell me the cost of Unpriced items and manipulating the heavy trolley in and around items on other trolleys waiting to be placed on shelves, I give up.

Frustrated, tired and very irritable! make for the nearest cash desk, with the smallest queue with onlyhalf my shoppingdone.

After resting on a seat in the Hall, outside the shopping area, comes the trial of trying to pull my shopper with one hand, and getting the trolley with the other hand, until I reach the Trolley stand to retrieve my 20p. Of course in wet, windy, slippery or foggy weather this is a real test of endurance. I wend my weary way home, stopping several times as I climb the hill just after the underpass, this is steeper than the one coming, or is it lam pulling a load.

Yes I can get a bus, but the Outer Circle goes through Freshbrook and a roundabout before getting to Gateway, and the fare is 33p each way. For £1 return I can go to Town, or Old Town or Sainsbury's. In the first two there are many more shops, therefore more choice, and the extra fare is easily covered by lower prices, I even sometimes manage to have enough for a lunch.

Furthermore I understand the Outer Circle is going to be taken off, it does not come as far as Shaw any more, thus not passing our flats, on Saturdays and Sundays. This restricts any of us going to the Town Gardens, Queens Park, or shopping in Old Town or Sainsbury's.

Once I reach home, I am too tired to make a cup of tea, just flat out for a couple of hours. I am afraid Gateway is out for me, unless some kind soul gets a mini bus for us, or a car.

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NEWS & VIEWS Open day at local sheep farm

28

Advanced training at a top London Academy (0793) 37370

Cow & Se Sheep Bezxq K(t{ked

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Sue's Bouquets

'4

' Watch Ewes Lambing, Ewes being Dipped & Shorn, Feed Lambs, Spinning Demonstrations, Numerous Displays.

Try our delicious Sheeps Milk Cheeses, Yoghurt and Ice Cream etc. in the shop.

An ideal afternoon Out for the children.

Open 2.30 —5.30 daily except Tuesday and Wednesday From 1st March to 23rd Dec. inc.

Admission: Adults £1; Children & O.AP.'s SOp School & Coach Parties welcome.

Beautiful Bouquets, Posies, TabLe arrangements, etc. for that Special Day. Let Sue create a unique silk fliwer arra nge me itt just for you on that Special Day. J-Iire Service Avadable.

Tel: Sue - 21195 ....

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Its lambing time and there is a chance to seethe ewes inaction at Southleaze Farm, just south of Toothill.

Stewart Bell opens up his sheep farm between March and December on a daily basis except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

There's a special opening on Sunday 5 March between 11a.m. and 5p.m.

There should be lambs galore from just born to a week old.

Children can touch and feed them, and also feed the adult sheep. Visitors can see the sheep being milked and there are displays showing a full years work on the farm. There is also a pets corner with rabbits, hamsters and other small animals to look at and touch. Cheese, yoghurt and ice cream made from sheeps milk is available from the farm shop.

The cost of entry is normally £1 for adults and SOp for children,

THE COTSWOLD COLLECTION

33 Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, Swindon. Tel: 511898 Open: Monday to Friday 9.30am - 5pm Closed Wednesday

flø 7TTh

/LfiDD fluj

but there is half price entry for this first open day of the season.

Southlea.ze Farm is reached by taking the right turn opposite the car park at Sandfords DIY.

Wedding Flowers offer Sue Goodenough from Toothill has turned her hobby into a successful business. After teaching herself silk flower making and providing arrangements at several weddings for friends, her services are now being offered to readers planning their weddings.

She has a range of designs for bouquets, headresses, posies, cosages and table decorations available. Arrangements are planned individually so that the flowers will match the brides dress. Sue also offers a flower hire service which obviously costs less than outright purchase.

As a special introductory offer, Sue will deduct 10% from the final bill for her services to Link readers. Weddings take a long

What is it?

Probably the best collection of QUALITY PINE FURNITURE in the West Country, at the most competitive prices. Come and see for yourself. Most items are immediately from stock.

Credit terms available.

Day old lambs with Toothill Park in the background

time to plan, so its worth contacting Sue now. Her telephone number is 21195.

Below: Sue and some of her flower arrangements

This construction being inspected by Vicky and Sam Kingsbury of Wooliaton Close, Grange Park appeared a few weeks ago in Kiln Park, Toothill. There's £5 for the most unusual suggestion as to what it/s. Entries to 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook

The place for plants The gardening season is upon us and readers will be trying to improve their gardens or laying out a completely new patch.

The completion of the road connection to north Swindon at Sparcells has made access to Grange Farm Nurseries about ten times easier than this time last year. Without a real garden centre within West Swindon, the nurseries are probably the closest available. They have a large selection of trees, shrubs, alpines, heathers and conifers. Their range of herbaceous and perennial plants is also impressive.

Grange Farm Nurseries is located along Lady Lane in Haydon Wick, off Westfield Way. The telephone number is 721221.

The recent mortgage rises will have made some people who were thinking of a house move reconsider the idea. An alternative to moving on is home improvement. It is often a good investment as far as future sales prospects are concerned, and there is the convenience and benefit of the alterations to consider.

With better weather upon us, this is the time to organise building works.

However, before major alterations can take place, planning permission and/ or building regulation approval may be required. Acquiring the relevant permissions can sometimes be a time consuming and worrying exerdse unless good advice is available.

Local expert Steve Wright from Grange Park provides just the serv-

Easter Exertions by Claire Beaton Easter is generally reckoned the beginning of the gardening year and it arrives early this year on the last weekend of March. Gardeners will grumble that this is too early for the traditional Easter activities: sowing parsley and planting potatoes; but if the weather continues unseasonably warm as it has done all this winter, maybe we will have a traditional Easter with daffodils and country walks in the clear light spring sunshine.

Gardeners will be bending over the soil, assessing its condition for sowing. Probably, it will be still too wet for most seeds, so most of the gardening activity will be taking place indoors in front of the potting bench. It is certainly the right time to be sowing vegetable seeds indoors, also half hardy and hardy flower seeds. Some vegetables are worth growing in any space available; mixed among flowers even.

Green beans (Climbing French or Runner) are reckoned amongst the most valuable vegetables to grow at home. Beans in the shops are always tougher (and more expensive) than fresh-picked from the garden and a single wigwam of half a dozen plants will give an abundant crop from mid-July through August if kept regularly picked.

Some flower seeds are worth leaving until later in April before sowing. Lavatera 'Silver Cup' and zinnias are both wonderful plants, shooting reliably to 2'6" 3', if they are sown late in April and planted out in a sunny spot as soon at they are strong enough to survive a little slug damage in May. Worth sowing this month are petunias and other slower

29

HOME & GARDEN Home improvement could be a the right move

growing bedding plants. Its useful to grow some of the taller plants that Garden Centres seem reluctant to stock; tobacco plants (Nicotiana),Rudbeckia and Marigolds (Calendula). These last two species both have simple daisy flowers in glowing shades of yellow and orange to nutmeg brown. They would make a strong focal point of summer warmth in a border.

If Easter weekend is sufficiently dry, it will be possible to begin those renovations planned during the winter months. I have a list of plants that! will be digging up and either composting or replanting in more spacious surroundings. Many of these plants have been growing vigorously for the last 4-5 years and, although attractive, make the 'flower borders' look like overstuffed green cushions. It is going to take some determination to dig up healthy plants, but it has to be a cheaper solution to moving house for the luxury of a new garden!

Hopefully, there will be time over Easter for visiting at least one other garden as well. Given some fine spring sunshine, the water garden at Buscot House should be a fine sight. It is a National Trust property and so is likely to be open at some time over the weekend (the NT Properties Open Book is not available as I write this). There is a formal stone-edged canal that travels in series of steps down to the informal lake across which can be seen a formal temple. Close to the house there are some gnarled yet stately oaks beneath which the grass is studded with small bulbs.

Add a little sunshine and the scene is magical.

Wright F1' nning Services

ice that people thinking of extending or altering their houses need. Not only does he draw up plans of the proposed work to be done, he also submits them to the planning authority and enter into negotiations if necessary.

With small extension or additions, planning permission is not required and building regulation approval can be acquired very quickly. Its worth knowing what you can and cannot do; Steve Wright has the information available. He can be contacted on 871553.

Building Plans prepared, Planning & Building Regulation Approval obtained "All the headaches taken out of your hands."

All work undertaken by fully qualified engineer.

Telephone Steve Wright on

Swindon 871553 Entrance at the junction of Lady Lane and Westfield Way, Hayden Wick.

Tel: Swindon 721221

VISIT YOUR LOCAL GARDEN CENTRE Large selection of Trees. Shrubs.

Alpines. Heathers • Conifers & Herbaceous Perennials • Visit us for all your garden requirements

Open all over Easter

G. Stevens (Electrical) Electrical Contractor & Engineer Domestic, Commercial & Industrial Installations Fire Alarm & Intruder Alarm Installations

24 hour, 7 day a week call out service .No job too big 'No job too small -Quality work 'Guaranteed 'Competitive rates

Tel: Swindon 870948

EASY PARKING - COLLECTION/DELIVERY SERVICE MON-FRI. Bann —6pm; SAT. 8am-5pm Unit 9, Marlborough Road Industrial Estate, Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire SN4 8AX Tel: Swindon 854821 --

ROUNDUP

30

Taking to the air

Try these readers tasty recipes Raisin Chocolate Chip Bars Chicken, iamb or beef Curry

by Janice Oliver of Freshbrook

by Sue Sheikh from Westlea lib of meat cubed, or 21b of small To make 12 you will need: 4 oz Soft Margarine chicken pieces 5 oz Soft Light Brown Sugar I tsp chili (or to taste) I Egg 1 tsp garlic powder I tsp Vanilla Fcsence i tsp jeera (cumin powder) 2 oz Choc Dots ltsp salt (or to taste) 3tbsMilk 1/4 tsp tumeric (haldi) 3 oz Porridge Oats oil or ghee for frying 3 oz Plain Flour I large onion finely sliced 1/2 tin tomatoes crushed 6 oz Raisins 1. Gently fry onions until golden brown 2. Add all spices and salt stiring for 1 minute (if this starts to stick add a little water) 3. Add meat, keep stiring for 5 minutes 4. Add tin tomatoes stiring gently to prevent sticking to pan. When onions and tomatoes are all mushed up and form a paste like consistancy the oil should have separated from the rest of the mixture.

5. AddI pint of water and simmer gently until meat is cooked - about 1/2 hour-1 hour for chicken, about 1-2 hours for meat. Add more water if necessary 6. Oil should be floating an the top of the curry by the end of cooking. This can be left or removed scooping off with a spoon.

7. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves (if possible) 8. Serve with plain boiled rice and finely chopped salad

Beat together margarine, sugar, egg and essence until smooth and fluffy. Stir in flour and oats, lightly mix in raisins, chocolate dots and milk. Press into base of a greased 7 inch square tin and bake at 180 C, 350 F, or Gas M 4 for 25 minutes until lightly browned and firm to touch.

Cool in the tin, then cut into 12 pieces.

Tea-time or school lunch box snack.

Comments from readers who have tried the recipes published in The Link are welcomed. So are more recipes.

For Sale BBC Master Compact colour computer. As new ÂŁ399. Part swap for BBC B with software considered. Tel: 872282.

Situation Vacant We are looking for a daily nanny/mothers help to share'. The job will involve the care of a boy aged 18 months and a girl aged 7 months. Both mums are Secondary School teachers. Ideally we would prefer someone who wants only term time work but please don't let this put you off if you are looking for fuller employment. To commence in April. We are in the Freshbrook area. For further details phone 870729 or 618792

Borough of Thamesdown Economic & Social Development Group Community Development Division

Ike Gradwell Community Suite, Link Centre

Help!

The Community Development Division is looking for a part-time (20 hours) Administrative Assistant to join a team in the busy Community Suite at the Link Centre.

Duties include taking room bookings, receiving messages and keeping the office running smoothly.

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6 Toy Party - Toothill Womens Group, Toothill Church, 9.30am-11 .3Oam 8 Mini Market - Westlea Play group, 8pm, Westlea School 10 Comic Relief Day - Comic Relief on ice, Link Centre, 730pm 10 Have your picture taken wearing a red nose for the Link magazine. West Swindon Centre 6pm-7pm.

11 Red Nose cake auction and soggy sponge throw. Oliver Tomkins Under 5s Centre, Kiln Park. 10.30am-1 .3Opm 11 Car Boot Sale in aid of Westlea School. lOam-noon. Ring 872612 for details 12 Sponsored skate in aid of Barnardos, 2.30pm-5pm.

Details from (0249) 890679.

13 Delta Tennis Centre open for public use. Special events also.

13 Self Image - Discussion at Toothill Women's Group, Toothill Church 9.30am1130am 15/16 Greendown Youth Dance performance, 7.30pm. Drama studio, Grendown School 17-19 Mother & Child 89 show at the Oasis Centre 18 Easter Fayre in aid of GWR Majorettes at Freshbrook Com munity Centre, 2pm 20 Fashion Show in aid Freshbrook Playgroup. Freshbrook Community Centre, 815pm

For application form and background papers, please contact: The Head of Personnel Borough of Thamesdown Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon quoting reference number 06-430.

Telephone: 610202 (24 answering service).

Please note, we cannot accept CVs. Closing date: 20 March We welcome applications, irrespective of race, sex and disability.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

Can You write?

The Link is looking for people who can prepare short, newsy reports about community activities In their neighbourhood. If you're in touch with things going on around you, please contact The Editor, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook.

Electrictronic Electrical & Electronic Repairs Ring 29463 Kettles, Irons, Hoovers, Stereos, Radio Cassettes, Food Mixers etc. (no TVs or Videos) 30% off if two or more items are repaired at the same time

Clothing Alterations & Repairs. Tel: 872096 Mrs. White, Freshbrook.

p

CAN YOU SELL? The Link is looking for someone who can represent us to businesses in and around Swindon.

Experience in media sales and a desire to make The Link even more

Some previous administrative, clerical or receptionist work in a paid or unpaid capacity Is required. Some evidence of knowledge of, or contact with community groups is desirable.

After a suggestion from Mrs. Ann Tweed from Freshbrook, stories from The Unkare now being read to people with poor sight through the Swindon Talking Newspaper for the Blind.

Reports from the magazine were also recently described on Shirley Ledford's programme for people with disablities on Brunel Radio. We hope to have a monthly slot on her programme which goes out on Thursday evenings at 930p.m.

A tie-up with BBC Wiltshire Sound is being discussed.

successful as a magazine

relevant to the community it serves, is essential.

The successful applicant will work on a commission basis and will be in contact with advertisers by telephone and in person.

If you think you can do this, write to The Publisher, West Swindon Publications, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon SN5 8PQ. Please give details of previous experience and the names of two referees.

31

THE REFERENCE PAGE LOCAL COUNCILLORS TOOTHILL, WESTLEA, SHAW & ROUGHMOOR/SPARCELLS Thamesdown Borough Council Tony Free, Toothill Farmhouse, Bodiam Drive, Toothill. Tel: 619834 Ricky Midwinter, 4Anglesey Close, Westlea. Tel: 873537 Peter Stoddart, 9 Fairlawn, Liden. Tel: 692812 Surgeries for Free & Midwinter: Friday 6pm-7pm, Community Room, Toothill School.

Wiltshire County Council Alan Winmill, 1 The Holbeins, Grange Park. TeI:875129

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK Thamesdown Borough Council Simon Cordon, 16 Branksome Road, Moreden. Tel: 617723 Martin Leighfield, 112 Redcliffe Street, Swindon. Tel: 692305 Bob Pixton, 12 Lambert Close, Freshbrook. Tel: 695317 Surgeries for Leighfield & Pixton: Wednesday 7pm-7.30pm, Community Room, Freshbrook School.

Wiltshire County Council: Simon Cordon - as above.

Specialists in video & TV repairs Free home estimates All work guaranteed Service from 8am - 9pm NO CALL OUT CHARGE

TEL: SWINDON 813485

INFORMATION FOR NEW ARRIVALS TO WEST SWINDON Arrivals Officer: Pam Pixton. She will visit you and provide advice and an information booklet about community facilities. Tel: 695317.

Newcomers Coffee Morning: Tuesday 10.30am-12noon in the Community Suite, Link Centre.

Doctors

LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES

'Doctors Ketkar, Matheson, Nixon, Flowers, Holden, Chippendale, & Swinyard, Ashington House, Ashington Way, Westlea. Tel: 614840. *Doctor G. Reddy, Freshbrook Village Centre. Tel: 870494.

•Doctor Godbole, Ramleaze Drive, Shaw. Tel: 874894.

'Doctor Kandiah, I Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Tel: 511253.

Health Visitor Team, 4 Deerhurst Way, Toothill.

Tel: 642133/610459.

Baby Clinics: Mon 1.30-4pm 5 Deerhurst Way, Toothill.

Wed 10-12noon Shaw Community Centre.

Wed 2-4pm Greendown School, Grange Park.

Thurs 2-4pm Freshbrook Community Centre.

Fri 2-4pm Upper Shaw Farm, Shaw Ridge.

Family Planning: Free clinics every Wednesday 6-8pm. 5 Deerhurst Way. No appointment necessary. Cervical Smear Tests.

Pharmacies -Ashington Way Pharmacy: Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm; Sat 8.30am-12noon; Sun 11.30am-12.30pm Tel: 616840.

'Coopers, West Swindon Centre: Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm; Fri 9am-9pm; Sat 9am-6pm Tel: 872033.

•G.K. Chemists, Shaw Village Centre: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9am-6.30pm; Thurs. 9am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Closed 1-2pm. Tel: 886076.

'Ralph Palmer Pharmacy, 3 Deerhurst Way, Toothill: Mon-Fri 9am-lpm &2-6pm; Sat 9am-12noon. Tel: 512063.

'The Village Pharmacy, Freshbrook Village Centre: Mon-Fri 9am-lpm & 2.15-7pm; Sat 9am-12.30pm Tel: 870226.

Dentists *Brendan Ball & Associates, Freshbrook Village Centre. Tel:

873044.

'Mrs. Beagley, Town Square, West Swindon Centre. Tel: 872340.

Optician RJ Holmes, Town Square, West Swindon Centre. Tel: 870011

WELFARE BENEFITS ADVICE POINTS Welfare Benefits, Housing, Debt Counselling Advice 'West Swindon Advice Centre, 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook. Mon, Wed & Fri 10am-12noon.

'Toothill Advice Point, Toothill Community Centre. Tues. 10am-12noon.

COUNCIL HOUSING A Housing Advice Service is available to tenants of houses rented from Thamesdown Borough Council. Tuesday 2pm-5pm at Toothill Community Centre.

I

THE CHURCH

Anglican-Methodist-U.R.C.-Baptist. Church Office Tel: 874221. reshbrook Evangelical Church. Sec: D. Linnecar Tel: 872884.

The Bridge Christian Fellowship. John Gibson. Tel: 27250.

St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. Tel: 874400. amal Mohammadia Prayer Group. Mr. Khan Tel:481986

HILLIER FUNERAL SERVICE LTD 55 Victoria Road Swindon Tel: 22797

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252 Whitworth Road Swindon Tel: 22145

PRIVATE CHAPELS OF REST 24-hour personal service throughout the year A FAMILY BUSINESS OFFERING HELP AND ADVICE WHEN MOST NEEDED

THAMESWOOD VETERINARY CLINIC Nicholas Hartley M.A., Vet. M.B. M.R.C.V.S. 62 - 64 Patton Road. Tel: Swindon 26780 Mon. - Fri. 9am- lOam; 2pm-3pm; 5pm-6pm Open Surgery Mon. - Fri. 6pm-6.30pm Saturday 9am- 11am 29 Cavendish Square. Tel: Swindon 511267 Mon. - Fri. 9am- lOam; 5pm-6pm Open Surgery Mon. - Fri. 6pm-6.30pm Saturday 2pm-3pm 24 Hour Emergency Service

Morrison & Masters TOWN SQUARE, WEST SWINDON CENTRE. TELEPHONE 870055 for House Sales and Purchases & all Property Work (written estimates given) Divorce, Criminal and all Court work Wills and Probates WEST SWINDON'S ONLY SOLICITORS! Also at 20 Commercial Road, Swindon. Telephone: 26601 and 69a Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill. Telephone: 481602

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GARAGE LIMITED -

WESTMEAD DRIVE,WESTLEA, SWINDON TEL (0793) 641643

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