Issuu

west Swindon's

Magazine

The most up to date map of West

Swindon

INK No. 96 March 1990 Circulation 10,000

New names on the scene Several new names have appeared or will appear in the area in the near future. All have to do with food in one way or another. In February, the Dominoes Pizza fast-food takeaway and home delivery service opened at the West Swindon Centre. The Link is pleased that Dominoes have sponsored the latest version of the West Swindon map which will be of considerable help to residents and non-residents alike. Read all about them on page 24. Also in February, a start on building a third pizza outlet in the area was made on the Shaw Ridge Leisure Park site. Pizzahut will be located to the left of the entrance into the Park and will be open in the summer, four months ahead of the other facilities. Morlands Brewery will be operating the family restaurant being built on the Leisure Park site, but they have also just started to convert the near derelcit Brook House farmhouse, Shaw into a Peppercorn Restaurant. This will open in the summer. There's more details on page 27. Finally, 10 March sees the name Gateway finally disappear from West Swindon when the Deputy Mayor of Thamesdown will officially relaunch the superstore as an Asda.

Its that month again! Write an April Fools story for The Link Once again we're inviting you to write ashort story about some aspect of West Swindon which could just true, but is in fact an April Fools story. Last year's contributions had readers guessing and we're hoping for more stories of sublety and wit. We're offering ÂŁ10 for the best story and ÂŁ5 for two runners up. They should be no more than 200 words and be with us by 17th March.

available

anywhere only from The Link

Poll Tax bills will start to arrive in the week beginning 19 March. f The Freshbrook Village Group residents organisation is holding a meeting on Monday 26 March so that tax payers can ask questions of members and officers from Thamesdown Council who will be present. All invited. Freshbrook Community Centre, 8pm. Should people who live in Thamesdown and pay the Thamesdown Poll Tax be charged less for facilities than those who live outside the borough and pay a lower tax? What are your views, wed like to know. Turn to page 3. Royal Mail service dedicated to the west A new Royal Mail delivery office commenced operations on 19 February and was officially opened on March 1. The new office, located on the Westmead Industrial Estate, near Westlea, will ease the space problems in the mechanised letter office in central Swindon. It will also reduce travelling time and costs for staff, and will ensure more reliable delivery times. All twenty-eight cycle and foot deliverers will operate on a dedicated basis. This means that for the first time, all households in West Swindon will have their own regular postman or woman. District Head Postmaster Brian Stark said, "The direct linking of postal staff with regular deliveries will help us foster a better relationship with customers and should help us to reduce the current high level of missorting and misdelivering of mail." Royal Mail van deliveries to businesses in West Swindon and

West Swindon sorting office manager Aziz Aghabi (right), with three of the Royal Mail staff serving thearea,from the right,John Sefton, David Groome and Bob Skinner

nearby rural areas will also take place from the new office. As a further service to West Swindon residents, the new office will also be open for enquiries from 7a.m. to 1p.m., Monday to Friday. Customers can call in

person to collect mail which cannot be delivered to their address. "The move out to West Swindon is a reflection of the Royal Mail's determination to put the customer first," said Mr Stark.

Wanted: Toothbrushes and Money

-Artwork facilities available -Double sided copying -Collating/stapling

It's make or break time for Kaye Mortimer, a fitness instructorat the Link Centre. She has just a month to raise £1,500 to make a dream come true. Kaye has been accepted for an expedition to the northern territories of Australia afterpassing some very tough physical and mental tests set by the Operation Raleigh organisation. Her second big hurdle now is to raise the cash to go on the expedition and she is appealing to West Swindon residents to help her out. On Saturday 10 March Kaye is going to spend the whole day washing a double decker bus, compliments of Thamesdown Transport, with a toothbrush! Or lots of them! She's desperate for more toothbrushes and she's hopes people will visit her in the Asda car park and make a donation in recognition of her wacky effort.

British Paper & Board Industry Federation Papermakers House Rivenhall Road We St le a Tel: 886086.

West Swindon's long awaited weekly outdoor market on a Tuesday will open in the early part of April, on the Link Centre coach park. A stall will be available every week to a community group or voluntary organisation to raise funds. Group organisers who would like to book a stall should write to Mr L. Evans, Town & Country Markets, Denmark House, 87 Junction Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RHI5 OJL

BRITISH PAPER & BOARD INDUSTRY FEDERATION

PHOTOCOPYING from single copies to 80 page bound books

SINGLE COPIES 7p per copy

Keeping fit with Kaye, from left, Karen Dearsley, Lisa Reddy, Chris Burn, David Jones and Phillip Tuck Want to keep fit? Kaye is also running Keep Fit classes at Toothill Community Centre between 7pm and 8pm on Thursday. She needs you. All money towards her trip.

The open air market - charity stalls on offer

Want to go to a party? The proprietors of Rudi's in the town centre are donating the use of the wine bar so that Kaye can hold a fund raising party. There'll be a Rhythm & Blues band, a big raffle and buffet. Tickets £5 from Kaye via Link Centre reception.

If you can't get to see Kaye washing the bus, perhaps you could 'sponsor' her. Turn to page 26 and use the donation form.

Cycle security stamping

hotel ibis

Following a very successful session late last year, Swindon Police are holding another bike stamping session on Saturday 24 March, 10a.m. to 2p.m. at the Link Centre. Three policemen will be on hand to cope with the demand. So get on your bike down to the Link Centre and protect it.

Sit up Grange Park residents Come and try the selection of French, English and European dishes in our warm and friendly restaurant. You'll be delighted by the good quality and reasonable prices Full a la carte menu and three course inclusive menu at £8.50. Children welcome. Family lunches on Sundays. Relax before and after in our intimate bar lounge. Trad. jazz with the Pete Allen Jazz Band on the third Sunday of the month. Hotel Ibis, Delta Business Park Great Western Way, West Swindon. Telephone: 14777

Cable TV is coming up your street After a lull of over three years, the laying of cable television trunking is going start again in WestSwindon. Since the lasttime, Swindon Cable has been taken over by British Telecom who will be laying ducting to contain television cable and, at some time in the future, upgraded telephone lines. Grange Park is the first area on the list to be affected in March and April, followed by Westlea and Shaw. Project Manager for Br Vision Mark Hanley said the company wanted to assure residents that a minimum of inconvenience is going to be caused. 'We will be Putting a letter through every householders door informing them of what will be taking place in the street and explaining the procedure for reinstating the Pavement. "Where there are no pavements adjacent to the houses, we will be sending a letter two weeks before

we start work as it will necessitate digging up the service strip which runs along the first metre of the front garden. The trenches will be dug by hand in order to make a clean and tidy job. 'There will be a contract supervisor on hand at all times. He can be approached if there are any problem sand we can contact him by radio if we receive any complaints by 'phone. All householders have to do is ask the operator for 'Freephone BT Vision' or they can ring Swindon 825555." Roughly, the timetable of work is: First half of March: Sudely Way, Hampton Drive area Second half of March: East of Grange Park Way - Bosworth, Chandos, Woollaton etc. First half of April: Roads off King Henry Drive Second half of April: Roads off Mulcaster Avenue First half of May: The Holbcins, Lisle & Camden Close

FRONT PIECE Should Thamesdown Poll Tax payers pay less for facilities than outsiders?

ODTIIN[S

What do you think?

Thamesdown sports card preferential treatment. However, the idea of blanket discrimination in favour of Thamesdown residents is not under consideration. "Charging Thamesdown people less for facilities is not policy and is not being studied," commented Coun Tony Mayer, chair of the borough's Arts and Recreation Committee. "The Poll Tax raises a wide range of issues including the introduction of Identity Cards and how should people who work in the town but live outside be treated. "The Thamesdown booking card is an existing card held voluntarily. It only requires a slight administrative adjustment to give Thamesdown residents the benefit of advanced booking facilities." Fellow councillor and chair of the Recreation sub-committee Pete Brown said that people from outside the borough were needed to use facilities so that income could be maintained. "I don't want different Published by West charges to belevied but it's something Swindon Publications the Government is forcing upon us 13 Castle Dore and we may have to consider it. Freshbrook, Swindon Thamesdown provides the best Editorial: Roger Ogle, recreation facilities in Britain, but in Publisher/Editor some of the popular sports like Tel: (0793) 872282 badminton and squash, local people are not getting the chance to make Advertising Sales: Elizabeth Wood Tel: 871793 bookings. "I don't like the idea of carrying ID ft Apple Macintosh design, layout and lasersetting by cards, but there may come a time Keystrokes Electronic Design when they are issued to give local Printed by Western Webb, Bristol people a dear benefit from living in Thamesdown and paying the higher Published on the Wednesday Poll Tax charged here." closest to the first of the month. Well what do you think? You'll Copy date: 20th of the month. have your Poll Tax demand through The April edition will be the post after 19 March. Do you think published on 28 March. you should get preferential treatment from council services. Send us your "The Link was first published in views on whether you should be December 1978 exclusively for charged less for booking recreation the West Swindon community. facilities than those who live outside It Is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won the Thamesdown to The Link, 13 Castle competition to name the leisure Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon by 20 centre in 1984. The magazine is March.

One of the claims put forward by the Government for introducing the Poll Tax is that local authorities will be more accountable to the people who pay the tax and elect the councillors to represent them. With its introduction and the expectation that we're all to become much more aware of where the money we pay actually goes, should the people of Thamesdown who will pay a high Poll Tax (and have been been paying higher rates for years) pay the same for facilities as the people from surrounding districts who pay less tax and benefit from the subsidised facilities we pay for? Nearly one third of people using recreation centres, such as the Link and the Oasis, live outside the borough and Thamesdown Council recently introduced an advanced booking system to give holders of the

NEWTone & Shape Class Starting 1 st March , Thursdays, 7.30pm St. Bartholomews School, W/Bassett ALSO Aerobic Dance Class (Advanced) Tuesdays, 7.30pm Noremarsh School, W/Bassett Further details from Sue & John Napper, Tel: (9676) 438

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The Link

entirely self-supporting from advertising." Contents 3 Front Piece 4 Toothlll 5 Freshbrook & Grange Park 6 Westlea 7 Shaw 10-11 For Women 12-13 Arts 14 Education Matters 15-18 The West Swindon Map 19 Day in the Life 20-21 Recreation 22 At Your Library 23-28 New & Views 29 Home & Garden 31 Letters & Small Ads. 32 End Pieces

TEL: SWINDON 813485

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TOOTHILL Local shop helps footballers May Day Fair planned '

if support is forthcoming

A day of fun and merriment is being planned by the Toothill After School club for Saturday 5 May. Juggling, marching, dancing, May pole dancing, childrens rides, fancy dress, Under 5's May King and Queen, a car boot sale and cream teas are all on the programme, but there's a hitch. The ideas are all at the dream stage. The After School club is looking for other people to help them organise some of the attractions and for membersofothercommunity groups to run stalls at the Fair. May Day is still 8 weeks away and there's a little bit of time to bring all the ideas together. Anybody who is interested in helping out in some way should contact Diane Stuckey on 529463.

RALPH PALMER PHARMACY 3 Deerhurst Way, Toothill Hours of Opening: Mon - Fri 9a.m. - 1p.m. 2p.m. - 6p.m. Sat. 9a.m. -12 noon

Telephone: 512063

Jumble Sale at Toothill School Friday 2nd March, 3.15p.m. Special offer: Fill a black bin liner. All you can get for £1.50 Proceeds to Toothill School

Thanks for the kit from, rear left to right,Justin Smith, Arif Aimed, Michael Walker, Wayne Eggleton,Mark Keepance, Kennith Lockett, Liam Glockling and Simon Buck, front row, Brendan Edwards, Andrew Witchell, Richard Norris and Oliver Marshall

In aid of Pause Sat. 17 March 2.pm - 4.30pm. Toothill Community Centre. There will be a cake stall and a raffle. Admission 20p. Jumble wanted. Please bring it to the community centre the week before the sale. Phone Kerrie on 495676 to arrange pick up.

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carrying their name across their chests wherever they play," said Mel Stout, who with her teacher colleague Lynne Pitfield, coach the team. "We have training once a week and we coach them in basic fitness and ball skills. The boys are very enthusiastic and are proud of their new kit." The schools are trying to catch up with games cancelled due to the recent bad weather and are preparing for an inter-school tournament at the Link Centre in May.

Jumble Sale

hort Break olidays jrith Thamesdown Transport

5 Days - Midweek Break

A team of footballers would like to say thank you to their sponsors. Youngsters who play for Toothill School in the West Swindon schools football league have been donated with a complete kit by the M&W Store at Toothill Village Centre. Having agreed to change from green colours, the pupils will be representing Toothill in bright white and red. "We're very pleased with the support M&W have given us; the players will be

16-23 June £199 7-14July £249 14-21 July £163 25 Aug-1 Sept £286

To Book or to receive more information,

Call in at The Travel Shop in The Parade (near Primark) between 9am & 4pm Mondays to Saturdays. Telephone 615399 for more information.

Help wanted at Toothill Community Centre Toothill Community Centre is managed voluntarily by a group of Toothill residents. The committee is looking for new members who are interested in becoming involved in the events and activities of the centre. In particular, the committee needs a new treasurer. For this post we would like to find someone who has some time on their hands and has some experience of dealing with figures. If you are interested in being on the committee, please phone Betty McKinlay on 490440 (evenings), or phone the centre on 614492 (9.00a.m. - 300p.m.)

Tea Dance Sunday 18 March 3.00p.m. 6.00p.m. at Toothill Community Centre. Ballroom, sequence and fun dancing. Admission 75p. Minibus for hire Charity willing to lend 14 seater minibus to schools/local voluntary groups/families, etc. for a donation of £25 per day. Own petrol & no smoking permitted. Tel:771021 on weekday mornings only.

First Annual Meeting for After School Club - 21 March Toothill After School Club invites local people to their first Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 21 March at 6.00p.m. at Toothill Farm. Toothill After School Club provides a "between school and home" play and care provision for children living in Toothill, aged 5-12 years old. At present the clubisopen three days a week. In the future it hopes to extend this to 5 days and possibly school holidays. The club is managed bya group of local parents and teachers. The committee would welcome anyone interested in the club to join them. (You don't have to have been on a committeebefore). If you are interested in joining the committee or would like to know more about the club (perhaps you would like your children to come to the club) please phone Diane Stuckey on 529463 or come along to the Annual General Meeting.

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK Cycle safety given importance at school A recent report bythe Automobile Association criticised the Government for not requiring all local authorities to arrange cycle proficiency courses for school children. But youngsters at Freshbrook School are taking road safety seriously. Every term teachers Suzanne Seaton and Linda Clements run a ten week cycling proficiency course for between twelve and twenty children after school. We cover balance, basic riding positions, traffic awareness, highway code, indicating and turning," explained Mrs Seaton. "We start in the playground and then use one of the side streets near the school. Apart from handling their bikes sensibly, we're trying to teach the children responsibility and traffic awareness. You cannot assume a car is going to see or avoid you. So they have to be aware of the dangers and how to know how to take the right action." Friends of Fr.shbroak School

Car Z'eot Sal. Saturday 17 March lOoj,,. - 12 noon in Freshbrook School Car Pork Plth.s £'t in advgncs £5 o, th. day To book phone Vw Dipper on 87ZI50 (oft.r 5DOpn)

Men needed to help with junior club A junior youth club is being planned following a successful Saturday Play Fair at Freshbrook Community Centre on 17February. Around 60 children aged from six to fourteen attended the Play Fair and many parents dropped in to talk to the volunteer organisers about what kind of activities they would like to see. Wendy Grieves of Worsley Road, one of the volunteers, said they were pleased with the interest shown. "Lots of the youngsters filled out forms to say what they want from a junior youth club and we're planning to run an eight week pilot project on Saturday mornings after Easter. "There are haifa dozen volunteer helpers at present but we could do with more adults to help out. The kids are very enthusiastic and we need more men to help with organising energetic games like football." Offers of help with the Freshbrook Junior Youth Club can be made to Wendy Grieves on 644088 (after 5p.m.) or Paul Ryan, Play Development Worker on 693787.

Facechoice Pharmacy Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 870226

Opening Times: Monday to Friday 9am - 1pm; 2.15pm - 7pm Saturday 9am 1 2.3Opm Who'd be a School Governor? by Revd Tony Price, chairman of Governors of Freshbrook Primary School With all the changes being introduced as a result of the Education Reform Acts of the last few years, this is a particularly exciting time to be involved with our local schools. One of the major changes that will happen soon is the introduction of Local Management of Schools, which will mean that head teachers and governors will have a much greater say in the way that money is spent. So who are the people who act as school governors, and will be taking on this kind of responsibility? The answer is: just ordinary people from the community, who care about their local schools, and are prepared to give some time and effort to helping to manage them, in cooperation with the head teachers and staff. Some governors are nominated by the local authority, some are parent governors elected by parents of children at the school, and others are teacher governors elected by the teachers. Buta fourth group are the governors we are now allowed to co-opt from the wider local community, chiefly from local business and industry. Many schools are discovering it difficult to find the right people to serve as co-opted governors, including FreshbrookSchool where I am Chairman of Governors. Would YOU be interested in becoming a school governor? If so, we would be happy to consider whether we could co-opt you. If you are presently involved in local industry orbusiness, or maybe even retired but with similar experience, and mostof all, are interested in the schools that the children of West Swindon attend, you may be the person we're looking for. If you want to know more, please contact me on 870244.

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'Ii 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; 430pm - 11pm Car Park !A' West Swindon Centre TELEPHONE ORDERS WELCOME - 870455

WESTLEA Open Meeting to discuss community facilities in Westlea on Saturday 3rd March

R.T. Fancy Landscape Gardener in West Swindon 20 years of experience. Turfing, Paving, Fencing, Planting new Gardens Rockery Construction, Pergolas etc. Tel: 875174

Sheila Mitchell Invites residents to a meeting to discuss the lack of facilities in Westlea Residents of the area are invited We believe that there is an awareness of local community needs - for example After School to attend an Open Meeting at urgent need: Westlea School on Saturday 3 'for a community centre in Club provision in Westlea. March 2.00p.m. - 4.00p.m. to Westlea - much needed comm- *to bring Westlea residents discuss community facilities in unity activities cannot develop together to campaign for better local facilities. Westlea. There will be free without such a resource. childcare available. *for better play provision - • to encourage dialogue with the Officers and members from the including safer and more Statutory Authorities leading to Borough and County Councils accessible play areas, play clubs greater support and resourcing of such developments. etc. will be in attendance. We hope you will be able to This meeting has been 'to develop the potential of organised by local residents who Westlea School Grounds/Area as join us on 3 March. For further are concerned about Westlea's a community focus and resource. details please telephone Sheila *to raise the profile and general Mitchell on 873062. lack of community facilities.

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Continuing The Link magazine's examination of green issues, we visit a

Green minded family AWestlea family has made a serious financial investment in doing their bit for their environment and is making some big savings on their fuel bills as a result. Melvin and Jo Coffins of Benwell Close responded to a letter from the Sun User company in Leeds advertising the benefits of solar water heating. After much discussion they decided to have four black panels installed on the roof of the house they have lived in for the last 18 months. Mel Collins, a self-employed dry lining installer and plasterer, said that he has always been keen on energy conservation. "I've been concerned for some time about how fossils fuels are being used up so quickly and the contribution the way they are burnt makes to global warming. I'm unhappy about the long-term effects of nuclear power as well. What with fuel prices rising and the results of privatisation of gas and electricity being so unpredictable, we were interested in whether we could become more reliant on natural resources." The Collins' solar collection panels were installed in midJanuary, just before the month of rain and gales we've just experienced. But even with such foul weather interspersed with the occasional day of sunshine, they have been able to reduce the amount of gas they've been using for water heating. "The system includes a meter which indicates when solar energy is being used," said Jo Collins. "In the last month, even with the poor weather, we've had 74 hours of usable solar power which is over 2 hours a day. The sun doesn't have to be shining on the panels; water can still be heated on overcast days and pre-heats the water in the tank. The manufacturers claim that we

Pictured outside their house Melvin and Jo Collins and their two daughters Emma and Laura. The solar panels can be glimpsed on the roof

can turn off the gas boiler for the whole of the summer, and can save 30% to 50% on our gas bill over the winter months. "I must admit I was sceptical at first, but the evidence is convincing me that it was a good move." The Collins' solar water heating system is designed to be moved to another house if they ever have to leave their present property. It consists of 4 panels on the roof plumbed into the existing hot water system. The only major extra alteration required was the installation of a much larger hot water tank to store heated water forlongerperiods. The pipes which run through the solar panels are filled with anti-freeze to prevent problems in cold weather and the system automatically turns itself on and off depending on the amount of radiant light falling on the panels. The Collins expect to pay for the system over a period of 5 to 10 years.

SHAW Moving for cash

Shaw W.I.

Shaw's Salt Way School came up with a novel way of linking schoolwork and the need to raise much needed cash for school funds. Each class has been been learning about things that move this term and to put their studies into practice every child took part in a sponsored movement day in February. There was walking, skipping, crawling, throwing and hopping all day as each class spent some time in the school hail both learning about their own movement as well completing their alloted circuits. The school hopes that ÂŁ500 will have been raised when all the money has been collected. Jugglers and throwers from left to right, Stephanie llurrows,Julia Pook, Lee Probert,

Press Officer Debbie Griffiths reports on the WI's last meeting

I failed miserably in the quiz and managed to get only one right out of 15. ButI know now fornext time. Well, would you know that the first WI in the UK was formed inLlanfair PG in North Wales? Yes, the village with the longest name. Or that the aims of the WI are fellowship, truth, justice and tolerance? The first WI James Welford,Lucy Dawson, SidnMeardon,JamilAbu-EbidandRichardChapman. was formed in 1897 in Stony Creek, Ontario, Canada. For an AGM it was quite short, whizzing through the agenda, bearing in mind we've been meeting for only 5 months. It's surprising though what we've managed to get involved in during that time - taking part in the TV debate 'Kilroy' in London, entering the WI Driver of the Year, not to mention the interesting speakers we've had. Personally I'm sad to say we've voted to try and sing one verse of Jerusalem at the next meeting on 19 March at 7.30p.m., Holy Trinity Church, Shaw. We're having a speakeron Aromatherapy. I'm not sure what that is so I'll let you know next month! I must go now and reluctantly attempt to memorise Jerusalem. Well, one must try and show Chairwoman Mary Case reports on the last meeting of the willing. Tra -la - la association and those coming up

Money available to local groups from Shaw Residents Association

The February meeting of Shaw Residents Association (S.R.A.) discussed the need for a post office at Shaw Village and will be writing once again to the Post Office about this matter. I would ask all interested residents to write individually to the Post Office requesting a sub-post office. The need for a telephone box at the village centre was identified together with a full size post box. There was a report from Mr and Mrs Besley who attended the Road Safety Committee on behalf of the Association. They were not impressed with the meeting. There was no welcome for new members, a lack of agenda and minutes and an apparent need to make the meeting last a minimum of two hours. They are, however, prepared to attend one more meeting and would welcome any items for the agenda. Please forward them to 18 Plattes Close, Shaw. The meeting then discussed the best way to use the accumulated funds of the association. It was resolved that the money, since it was granted by the borough for the benefit of and at the direction of the residents, should be given to local groups or sections of the population of the area. e.g. playgroups, residential homes, extra amenities to the area i.e. seats, or even to a charity that S.R.A. felt worthwhile

such at Romanian children. I request therefore that well considered requests be forwarded to the chairman before 20 March 1990. If no such requests are received the executive officers will draw up a list of possible recipients. The list will then form part of the agenda at the next meeting which will be called upon to approve or disapprove. Two future meeting have been planned: 5 March and 2 April. Both will be held at Shaw Church, Shaw Village Centre starting at 7.45p.m. The second of these meetings will be the A.G.M. at which the executive officers for the coming year will be elected. The present chairman, vice-chairman, treasurer and secretary will be retiring. Steve Brown, vice chairman and myself have held office in a caretaker role for the last year. Our treasurer and secretary have often, having commuted from Maidenhead, foregone meals to attend meetings. S.R.A. needs your support. There are still issues to be faced, the area is still undergoing development and change. Nominations for new officers should be sent to the present chairman at 3 Randall Crescent. Unless Shaw residents come forward to take these executive officer roles there will be no Association.

Spaces available at new playgroup Sparcells Playgroup has been in the planning stages for over a year and will finally receive registration by Social Services in a few weeks. However, some parents waiting for the playgroup to open have put their children into other groups as they turned three. This has left the organisers of the Sparcells group with a problem. Having fought for a building, they don't haveenough children to make it viable when it starts after Easter. Parents who are looking for a playgroup place should contact Elaine Munday on 871993 as soon as possible.

No more newsletters Sparcells people won't be receiving newsheets any longer. The A5 sized newsletter has been put together by a group of volunteers keen to build up community spirit in the area. But the Community Development Division at Thamesdown Council is refusing to print them any longer. The Sparcells volunteers are appealing to local companies who would be willing to occasionally photocopy 200 double sided A4 sheets so that residents can keep in touch with each other. Call Elaine Munday on 871993 if you can help.

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LOCAL GARAGE, LOCAL SERVICE After three years in West Swindon a delivery service, we're a convenient garage has established itself as the garage which can provide everything to keep the car on the road and in area's 'local Titcombe Garage has been going good shape." The garage can carry out servicing for fifteen years but recognised the need to grow and cater for the West and repairs on any car andwill doMOT Swindon market several years ago. tests while you wait. The large body 'With the motoring organisations repair shop can straighten out any expanding their own breakdown, bump and is equipped with two large rescue and recovery systems, we paint sprang booths. 'fltcombe's still needed to look at our own operation,' specialise in breakdown recovery and said Barry Bull, a director of Titcombe. send vehicles all over the country to "The growth of the town also meant pick up stranded motorists. Several of that the west was the obvious place to the town's main dealers and the major be and we put up our own purpose car leasing companies use them to bring back vehicles and there is built workshops. 'Most of our business now comes somebody available 24 hours a day to from West Swindon residents and respond in emergencies. Recently Titcombe Garages started companies located close-by. Because Organising a big operation, Barry Bull we're close and offer a collection and Sunday morning openings foran MOT Tests while you wait which is very convenient for their customers; their well stocked parts and accessories shop is also open at the same time. "It was a bit of risk to come out be to COTSWOLD West Swindon, but it's turned out to be H.G.V a good move," said Barry Bull. H.G.V. TRAINING CENTRE Titcombe Garage is to be found in the Westmead Employmentkea, near PARSONAGE RD. Westlea. Tel: 641643. S.S.M., SWINDON Photographed clockwise from top right, -Parts Manager Bob Morgan, H.G.V.-1,2&3 o from Old Shaw Lane; • Martin Hibberd, straightening out FORK LIFT TRUCKS O a bump with a spot of welding; C.P.C. MANAGEMENT SERVICES o • Barry Haynes, preparing to spray; •MOTs while you wait by Tony PLANT MACHINERY o Powles and Saty Saran; For Details on all Courses telephone John • Sorting outa mechanical problem Reynolds on (0793) 831684 Geoffrey Blocksidge

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Oa4 t44 'There's nothing intheworid worth doing that a girl can't do', are the words of the Roadshow song, and these words welcome visitors to Swindon's Roadshow 'It's Women's Work' opening at the Oasis Leisure Centre on 7 and 8 March. "The aim of the Roadshow is to breakdown the myths and prejudices which may prevent women and girls from taking on non-traditional roles", said organiser Nancy Catchpole. As well as promoting opportunities available to women starting work, returning to work, changing careers or considering self-employment, the exhibition will be a day for women to have fun finding out. Employers, employment agencies and women already running their own businesses will all be on hand to offer advice, information orjustto swap ideas. There will be a running programme of workshops including a chance to listen to the

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experiences of other women returners, Euro MP Caroline Jackson, Jenni Francis, Black Business Woman of 1989 who runs a Public Relations company, and 'Balancing home and work', a subject close to every working parent's heart. And for the visitor keen to explore new skills, there is even a chance of some 'hands-on' experience of working in the building trade. During the course of the exhibition, a section of a house will be erected giving visitors a chance to try their hand at plumbing, electrical, tiling and carpentry skills. Assistance will be on hand from women who are already working or training in these disciplines. "This is a really exciting event for women in the Wiltshire area", said co-ordinator Rosa Matheson, "We particularly chose this date as 8 March is International Women's Day. I think that the 1990's will be one of the most exciting decades for women.

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Link magazine women's writer Elizabeth Wood met a group of girls at Greendown School who will be visiting the exhibition and talked about how they see the future

Demographic change' seems to be the latest media catchphrase! Put simply, the number of babies born in this country took a nosedive about 15 years ago and the effect of that on employment will begin to show in the next eighteen months. Employers are beginning to think of new ways to attract and retain staff especially women. Apart from creating opportunities for older women this should also affect the choice available to girls who are approaching school-leaving age. I visited Greendown School to talk to a group of girls to find out how they see their futures. Sharon Standrin, Gillian Taylor, Paula Thomson, Julie Wilks, Abigail Parsons and Naome Goulding are all students in the fourth year, preparing to take GCSE exams in 1991. Some of the girls already have quite definite ideas about what they want to do in the future while others are still deciding. Naome wants to be a doctor and specialise as a pediatrician. "I used to want to be an engineer but I've decided I would rather work with people than things." Abigail has chosen the field she is interested in-the Law -and hopes to train as a barrister. Two of the girls, Sharon and Paula are both keen to work with languages and are hoping to continue their studies at college. Gillian and Julie are still considering several alternatives - Gillian expressed an interest in osteopathy and Julie "possibly something to do with animals or children." On one subject they are all agreed - they all want to get qualifications and a career before they get married and start a families. Sharon said "1 want to get married and have kids but I want the qualification first because having a family could hold me back." Several of the girls pointed to their own mothers' experiences. Paula explained, "1 like my independence but I might have children later and sรงttle down. My mum had me when she was 17 and I think she would have preferred a career first." There was general agreement on looking after children when they are young. Gillian said "I'd

Visiting It's Women's Work and taking over this page next month, from the left, Gillian Taylor, Naomi Goulding, Abigail Parsons, Julie Wilks and Paula Thompson

like to have a career and a family, but I think if you have children you should look after them yourself." Naome would also like children, "Lots of them. I'd look after them myself when they are little." Abigail wanted a more flexible approach. "1 would probably stop work if I had children, but if my husband was earning less than me it would be better for him to look after them." Greendown School has an extensive Career Information service which all the girls have used and they are clearly eager to find out as much about the work environment as possible. As part of their Humanities course they will be visiting the 'It's Women's Work' exhibition at the Oasis in March. The are looking forward to finding our more about the opportunities available to them. Paula said "I want to see how competitive the outside world is, what are the realities of work and how would I cope." Gillian said "I want to find out what problems women have at work and whether sexist attitudes are still a barrier in some jobs." Talking to the girls I was impressed by their realistic approach to the future. They saw no reason to limit their ambitions because of their sex and they were already aware of the problem of juggling work and family. In the April edition of The Link the girls from Greendown will be taking over this page to report on the 'It's Women's Work' exhibition.

11 FOR WOMEN Making the most from children's DIFFERENT DIETS clothes and equipment FOR DIFFERENT DIETERS

In these days of rising mortgage rates, looming poll tax demands and high inflation, parents will be glad to know of a source of good quality, reasonably priced clothes and equipment for babies, toddlers and children just starting at school. The Spinning Top in Swindon centre has proved a goldmine for parents in search of a bargain and a valuable source of income for those who have items to sell. However, much to the surprise of Glenda Oxley, owner of The Spinning Top for the last couple of years (pictured right), large numbers of people don't know that the shop exists. "I often get people who have discovered us for the first time, because they've just passed by or seen an advertisement in The Link. The Spinning Top is jammed full of items for pregnant women, young babies and toddlers. There's a range of nearly new maternity wear and clothing for babies and young children, including outdoor one piece suits which are expensive to buy new. On the equipment side, there are prams, buggies, cots, bedding, high chairs, car seats, moses baskets, carry cots, baby baths with stands, sterilising units, food blenders, safety gates and lots more on offer, including toys. Nearly all the items on display are being sold on behalf of their owners on a commission basis which is a system that works very well says Glenda. "Baby clothes and equipment don't really wear out and some is almost new when brought in. The prices charged are based on my experience and the customers expectations. If the goods are not sold at the initial price after a month, the seller has the option to reduce the price or remove the item. It's a good system as it meansThat we have a range of goods at different prices.

Family. Support Scheme A befriending service to families where one of the members has special needs. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Training provided, travelling expenses paid. If you'd like to know more phone Mary ChurchIll on 725666 between 9.00a.m. and 12 noon.

1 would say that a family could buy nearlyall the equipment they need here and most of the clothing, and make a great saving over what they would have to pay if bought new." The Spinning Top also runs a hire service. Travel cots, back packs, high chairs, buggies and a car seat can be hired for ÂŁ1 a day per item, plus a refundable deposit. Mrs Oxley also has a buggy repair service available and has recently started selling second hand school uniform. All in all there's lot to be saved by a visit to The Spinning Top which is to be found on Salisbury Street, close to Manchester Road Swindon. Telephone 619562.

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A friendly message from PAUSE We are a group of women who are meet at Toothill community Centre from 10.00a.m. - 12 noon on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Fridays of the month up until Easter. We provide a creche at meetings and make a nominal charge of 50p to cover the cost of tea, coffee and hiring the hall. We always welcome new faces. Friday 9 March This will be a fairly informal meeting. Someone from the Job Centre will be coming to talk to us about going back to work. Friday 23 March Catherine Halder from the Wyvern Theatre is coming to do some drama with us. This will be a chance to let your hair down and escape for a few hours. It will be very informal and those feeling shy can watch. Friday 30 March At this meeting we are hoping to invite a pharmacist to talk to us about useful medicines for common ailments.

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What do you think of the sculpture 4ZO ' dotted around West Swindon? AMIN. A recent report prepared for the /— Arts Council is the first major survey of public art in Great Britain. Itsays s that there are around 330 works of public art around the country, and economic benefit for all'. The Link wants to know if this is commissioned and funded mainly by local authorities and regional really the case, or is it a load of high-brow eye wash. Nearly 50% arts organisations. This unprecedented expansion of the public works of art across the in the number of works of art in country is sculpture and four of public places is being hailed as 'a them have been made and located renaissance in the relationship in West Swindon over the last five between artist and public. Art and years. Carbuncles or a pleasure to artists are being returned to the peoplewhich isproducingacultural behold. The Link is looking for one

Jon Buck's 'Looking to the Future' in Wes flea (1986)

any meaning for the community. You'll be asked to write a short piece about the sculpture and The Link will publish your views. Readers who would like to take part in The Link Arts Challenge should drop a line to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon with your name, address and whether you are against or in favour of public sculpture.

reader who thinks the sculpture around us does notadd anything to surroundings and are a waste of money, and another who believes our environment and our outlook on life benefits from the work of The closing date foryour letters is artists. We'll visit each sculpture pictured on this page, discuss their 20 March after which names will design, the ideas put forward by be drawn to see who will be asked the artist and whether they have to take part. Tim Sandy's Ren ton's 'How The Hideo Furuta 's 'Nexus' at Freshbrook Village Centre (1987) Mighty Fall'. Shaw Ridge (1989)

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Wyvern carnival delights and drama

At The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon Thursday 22nd - Saturday 24th March 7.30pm. Saturday Matinee 2.30pm Thurs. £7, £6. Fri./Sat. £7.50, £6.50 Sat. Mat. £4.50. Concessions £1.50 off

GLORY! by the Temba Theatre Company presents a refreshing and stimulating view of the Caribbean and its cultural heritage. Blending a wealth of world music, ballads, Calypso, contemporary and classical, with the colourful excitement of carnival, GLORY! will surprise and delight audiences and keep them spellbound until its unexpected and horrifying climax. Glory is a young woman living on a mythical Caribbean island. Glory and her island grow up together towards independence. The story of the island is turbulent, the stoly of Glory is incredible. This gripping musical play won first prize in the London Weekend Television's Plays on Stage competition and stars Oscar James, well recognised for his role in Eastenders and Adjoa Andoh from Radio 4's Citizens. Theatre goers will be able to sample the taste of the Caribbean with a FREE glass of Cockspur Rum prior to the evening performances. To book a ticket and a fantastic taste of the Caribbean, telephone the Wyvern on 524481.

Images of Sport

Sports as diverse as karate, bowls, badminton and soccer are represented in the exhibition being staged in the arts studios until 17 March. The paintings and drawings on display are the product of a residency by Northumberland based artist DAVE BARDEN at a leisure centre in Hexham, Northumberland. The work stems from the strong cultural influences which sport and art have had on Dave and seeks to portray and develop the links between the two fields. New Drama

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Bob Hoskins' directional debut Tuesday 13th at 8.30p.m. 'THE RAGGEDY RAWNEY'(IS) Following the initial sell-out will be screened on Thursday 8th evening in February, our new and Daniel Day Lewis' comedy slot continues with remarkable portrayal of the PAUL RAMONE, SIMONE handicapped Irish artist Christy BLIGH and two acts to be Brown in the film 'MY LEVI' announced. Any local comedian FOOT' (15) will be shown on who would like to be given a 'tryThursday 22nd. Films commence out' spot should contact MelJones orClarry Bean on87l2l2. Tickets at 7.30p.m. on sale now at £3.50/2.50 concessions - book now!

AVATAR, an experimental Below. There was ha if-term fun at Link Arts for a dozen youngsters drama group, meet at Link Arts who took part in a three day puppet workshop organised by the on Mondays at 8.00p.m. and are Octobus Project culminating in a performance to parents and friends actively seeking new members who are keen on exploring new ideas in drama/theatre! performance. Music

Local rock band SHRINK go on the road this month, and have chosen to begin and end their tour at Link Arts. So catch them on Saturday 3rd (supported by STRING and THE EMERALD TREES) or Saturday 31st (supported by JUST and LIVES & TIMES). Tickets cost £1.50 in advance, or £2.50/2.00 concessions on the day. Folk-rockerslHE MORRIGAN supported by PRESS GANG are appearing on Friday 9th and the CRANEFLIES will be playing on Friday 16th. Both gigs start at 8.00p.m., and tickets are £2.50! £2.00 concessions. Jazz fans are catered for by PARKERS MOOD, a four-piece band playing Charlie Parker material. Tickets: £3.00/2.00 members/1 .00 unwaged. Chlldrens Events

Bradon Forest School Drama Club present 'THE IDEAL GNOME EXPEDITION' on Saturday 10th and local youngster Ian Moorhouse presents a puppet show CLOWN FLAVOURED SOUP on Saturday 31st. Both shows commence at 2.30p.m.

Waste Paper Collection set for 17 March A group of green minded youngsters Is organising a waste paper collection to raise funds for a pond conservation project. APES or the Animal Protection and Environment Society will be manning a skip in the rear car park at Toothill Village Centre on Saturday 17 March and would like anybody who has old newspapers and magazines saved for recycling to bring It to their skip which Is .being provided free by Thamesdown Council. The money raised will be put towards improving the wildlife habitat around the APES adopted pond In Kiln Park, off Beaumaris Road, Toothill.

Irish Festival

A gala evening of Irish music and dance takes place on Saturday 24th at 8.00p.m. Artists booked to appear include local folkrockers PAGAN FRINGE two local Irish dancing schools and the all-female ceili band THE SHEELAS. Tickets: £2.50 advance, £3.50/2.50 concessions on the day.

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Thamesdown Writers' Conference

Finally, the first THAMESDOWN WRITERS' CONFERENCE takes place on Saturday 24th starting at 10.00p.m. Places are being snapped up quickly, so book now to secure a place. Forms are available at Link Centre.

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EDUCATION MATTERS

Headteacher departs for London Mrs Marjorie Broadhead, one of West Swindon's longest serving headteachers, at Freshbrook School, will be moving on to a high po we red job in inner London later this month. Before she departs on 23 rd March, we took the opportunity to talk to her about the memories she will be taking with her. Remembering to call Mrs Broadhead by her new name has been proving quite difficult for most people and she admits that she hasn't quite got used to it herself. For the last 9 years she has been known to much of the West Swindon community as Mrs Barker. Just before Christmas she married and changed her name to Mrs Broadhead. As one of the area's headteachers, Mrs Broadhead has been in a unique position to make a fundamental contribution to the development of the community and also to observe the way it has evolved over the years. Freshbrook School started after Easter 1981 in spare classrooms at Oliver Tornkins School with 42 children. It moved into its own building on 1St June, three years after the first people moved into Turnham Green, the first road in Freshbrook to be completed. Within 18 months the numbers had outgrown the school and the first of many mobile classrooms had arrived. The opening of a second permanent building, in 1984, relieved the pressure on the facilities. However just five years

after opening the numbers peaked at 815 children, on a site designed for 500. In fact many more children had passed through the school according to Mrs Broadhead. 'The large movement of people both in and also out of the area was surprising. During our first five years 1,150 children had attended Freshbrook, people were arriving from all over the country and the whole world. "Our numbers are a more manageable 700 now." Whilst the enormous numbers of children have put great pressure on local schools, Mrs Broadhead wanted to emphasise the importance of what has been going on inside them. "Much of the media attention over the years has been focused on the numbers and the siting of mobile classrooms, but perhaps there hasn't been a great deal of attention paid to the quality of education that has been taking place within schools and the efforts made to develop a sense of community with the children. "Big is not necessarily bad. Having large numbers of children has meant we have had more

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sufficiency, self-motivation and self-discipline. Those are the values we started out with and they've been with us ever since." Whenever a headteacher moves on from a school, there are lots of memories. For Mrs Broadhead, the occasions when the school 'family' have been together are the strongest. "There was a hot summers day when we had our first Teddy Bear's Picnic and the school field was covered in children, parents, grandparents and relations. It was lovely to see so many people together. "On another occasion all of us travelled on a fleet of coaches to Westonbirt Arboretum to see the autumn colours in the trees. There have been some really good occasions in school involving parents and staff in community sing-song evenings, and then there was the staff and parents fancy dress football matches. "I will also remember the staff team spirit here. Teachers have come and gone, but there's always been a caring, helpful and supportive atmosphere which has created a wonderul framework in which to teach children. "On the down side, I and everybody else have been dismayed by the vandalism that takes place to school buildings. Another thing that has disappointed me has been the lack of parental interest in matters to do with the education of their own children. The sessions we've arranged about, for example, reading, maths and particularly the National Curriculumhave not been well attended. We see the same people so often and it concerns me that there aren't enough parents interested enough to learn about what will affect their children." Mrs Broadhead is leaving Freshbrook School to be a Primary Inspector for the new City of Westminster Education Authority which is being created out the defunct Inner London Education Authority. There she will be putting her experience gained before coming to West Swindon when she was headteacher of two multiethnic inner city schools in the West Midlands, and those gained in Freshbrook, to good effect. "It's exciting joining a new team working for a new education authority which aims to promote first class primary school practice. It's been a 20 hour a day job at Freshbrookat times, and I've never worked so hard, but then I've never enjoyed myself so much; I'd like to thank the children, the staff and the people living in the Freshbrook community for making my time here the happiest nine years of my career."

resources and more staff which we have been able to deploy in a way which has benefitted the children. Freshbrook School was always going to be big and I would say the advantages of size has outweighed the disadvantages in our situation. "Education has been changing rapidly and certainly developments such as the introduction of the National Curriculum has served to enhance the good practice that we've been developing at Freshbrook. Mrs Broadhead commented on the rapid evolution of the area. "Knowing the area would have so many houses is one thing; looking backoverjusta few yearsand seeing buildings where only recently there were green fields is an eye opener. "When the school opened Worsley Road was being completed and you could only get to the school site on the long footpath from Crawford Close, past the old wooden ommunity centre. The Village Centre and shops were not finished until the end of 1981. "At first it was such a rootless society, but people came out and got involved with the Freshbrook Village Group residents organisation, for example, and the Fun Day committee, the Friendship Club for pensioners and several groups for under 5's. Those people perhaps forget that they contributed a great deal to the foundations of Freshbrook. They were putting life into the community. "Freshbrook is a much more stable place now. The school has helped that process and has also benefited. It's important for children to have a stable, warm and caring place in which to learn. Although there are over 700 children and adults on the site, you wouldn't think it because there is a dedicated atmosphere and staff work hard to maintain a small school environment. "It was an honour to be chosen as one of the Wiltshire primary schools to be visited by Kenneth The new headteacher, who will Baker in 1986, when he was Secretary of State for Education. I be taking up post after Easter, is to remember him taking note of the be Mr Phillip Gurney who comes ethos behind this school; self- from Oxfordshire.

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The Link Magazine Street Index Guide to West Swindon A Adwalton Close Affleck Close Alba Close Aldborough Close Alnwick Alpine Close Alveston Close Ancona Close Angler Road Anglesey Close Angus Road Applewood Road Ascharn Road Asburnham Close Ashie Close Ashington Way Ashworth Way Askerton Close Askew Close Audley Close Ayshire Close

F3 H5 B10 G8 G3 EiO '7 ElO E9 G7 ElO 16 E6 03 F15 G6 K7 Cli B5 B4 E9

B Babington Park Bainbridge Close Baird Close Bale Close Bancroft Close Bankfoot close Barkstead Close Basingstoke Close Beaulieu Close Beaumaris Road Beehive Close Belver Belsay Benwell Close Berkshire Drive Berry Copse Bess Road Beverley Bevil Bindon Close Birdcombe Road Bishopsdale Close Bloomsbury Close Bodiam Drive Bonner Close Boleyn Close Bosham Close Bosworth Road Boydell Close Bradenham Road Braybrooke Close Brandon Close Bridgemead Close Byrd Close Buie Close

C6 05 Eli B5 B6 Gb F4 D4 14 F5-6 Ci2 G5 G4 H7 ElO C13 C3-4 H3 02 C5 H7 012 E4 13-5 C6 07 F4 06 Fii D4 C12 D6 18 C5 F15

C Cabot Drive Camden Close Campion Gate Camton Road Caprice Close Carey Close Carronbridge Road Cartwright Drive Castilian Mews Castle Dore Casdeton Road Casdefield Close Cavie Close Chalgrove Field Chancellor Close Chandos Close Charolais Drive Chartley Green Chelmsford Road Chepstow Close Chesterfield Close Chevalier Close

C7 D5 C6 CIO C9 E6 F7-8 Eli-Fl 1 010 E5 CIO G8 Cii E3 C7 D7 E9 06 G9 H3 G8 BlO

Cheviot Close Chudleigh Clare Walk Clarke Drive Cleasby Close Cleves Close Clinton Close Clydesdale Close Colchester Close Conisborough Conyers Close Corfe Road Corral Close Corton Crescent Cottington Close Cowdrey Close Crawford Close Cromwell

E8 F3 C4 Eli Il 07 B4 D9 14 H5 C4 F4 012 G7 E3 F4 E3 F2

D Dalefoot Close Danestone Close Darcy Close Deerhurst Way Denbeck Wood Desborough Devereux Close Dexter Close Dunwich Drive

C12 BlO B7 14 G8 02 C6 E9 '4

E Earl Close Eastleaze Road Edgehill Edgeworth Close Edington Close Elsie Hazell Court Elms Grove Ely Close Eworth Close

G9 G8 F3 GlO PS 03 Cli 15 C5

F Featherwood Fenland Close Ferrers Drive Fleetwood Court Flint Hill Fowey Foxwood Frampton Close Frankland Road Freshbrook Way Fresian Close Friesland Close Fyne Close

6 CIO 04 E2 H3-4 E2 16 F8 Di-El F4-04 09 D9 F14

G Gainsborough Court GainsbOrough Way Gairlock Close Galloway Close Gartons Close Gerard Walk Godolphin Close Goldsborough Close Goodrich Court Gower Court Granary Close Grange Park Way Grantham Close Great Western Way Grindal Drive Grosmont Drive

D5-E5 E3-E4 F15 E9 B10 E7 02 F7 H4-14 B5 Cli C6-D6 F2 C1-K9 C5 F5-6

H Haddon Close Hadleigh Close Hampshire Close Hampton Drive Hanson Close Harlech Close Harvester Close Heathcote Close

C5 18 EiO B6 FlO G3 CIO Fl 1

Street Index Â© West Swindon Publications

Heronbridge Close Harptree Close Hexham Close Heytsbury Gardens Highland Close Hillmead Drive Highmoor Copse Hillyard Close Holbeins (The) Holinshead Place Hook Street

H6 C12 F6 C4 ElO F12 C13 C4 05 05 B4

lcomb Close Idovers Close Irston Way Ixworth Close

G3 H4 F4 D9

J Jersey Close Jewel Close Juliana Close K Kendal Kerry Close Keycroft Copse Kingscote Close Kilben Close Kilsythe Close Kimbolton Close King Charles Road King Henry Drive Kirkstall Close Kirktonhill Road Kishorn Close

Fli A5-B5 C9

G3 09 C13 C12 CIO E5 D3 F3-4 B4-C4 H4 7 G15

N Nantwich Ness Close Nevis Close Newark Close Newbury Road Newmeadow Copse

E2 F15 F15 F2 F2 013

0 Oakham Close Oakham Close Oasthouse Close Old Shaw Lane Orkney Close Orlando Close Orrin Close

H4-5 G9 Cii Ci b-FiO E9 B5 F14

P Parham Walk Park Springs Parr Close Paulet Close Pearl Road Peatmoor Way Pendennis Road Percheron Close Pevensey Way Picton Road Pilton Close Pioneer Close Plafles Close Portmore Close Poynings Way Prince Rupert Court Purton Road

B5 H5 07 04 C9 C12-F13 E2 09 G5 C9 Cli C9 Fli G14 B5 E4 014

a L Lambert Close Lamora Close Langdale Drive Langport Close Langstone Way Lanhydrock Close Leslie Close Leven Close Lineacre Close Liskeard Way Lisle Close Littlecote Close Lombard Court Lomond Close Longstock Court Longthorpe Close Lowes Close Longborough Close Lucerne Close Luddesdown Road Lumley Close Lydford Close

F2 BlO F2 E4 G8-H7 E4 04 E2 C3 F3 05 16 G4 F14 F8 14-5 F15 B4 BlO G4 C14 Dii

II Majestic Close Maldwyn Close Mannington Lane Mardale Close Markenfield Mamey Road Marshall Road Maxey Close Mead Way Mears Drive Melfort Close Melrose Close Merino Close Middleleaze Drive Mildmay Close Miller Close Monteagle Close Moresby Close Marie Close Mortimer Close Mulcaster Close

C9 CIO 15-6 C12 J4-5 E6 F12 Eli J8-F15 Fib F15 G8 DiO B10-ClO C5-6 B10 C4 H7 F14 FiO B5

Queenborough

R Radcot Close Ram leaze Drive Ramsden Road Randall Crescent Ranoch Close Ransome Close Raveng lass Road Redcap Gardens Rhuddlan Ridge Green Rinsdale Close Ripple Field Risingham Mead Rivenhall Road Rivermead Drive Rochester Close Rochford Close Romney Way Roughmoor Way Roundway Down Rowton Heath Way Russley Close Ryan Close Rycote Close Rye Close

012 E9-10 Cl Dli F14 Ebb G7-H7 E9 G3 G9 F14 F3 H5 G6-H6 H9 F4 06 E8 010 F2 D3-F5 C13 Gl5 E7 010

S Saddleback Road Salzgitter Court Sandacre Road Sandwood Close Saxton Walk Selby Crescent Sharp Close Sheen Close Shelfinch Shetland Close Shire Close Shropshire Close Sidney Close Silchester Way Simnel Close Sleaford Close

09 H5 Cl2 G14 Fli E4 Gb C3 J4 E9 09 E9 B4 G7 CS 07

Somerdale Close Sparcells Drive Speresholt Springhill Close Stamford Close Stanbridge Park Stancombe Standings Close Stansfield Close Staring Close Stenness Close Stokesay Drive Stonefield Close Stonehill Green Stoneybeck Road Stone Lane Stratford Close Sudeley Way Swinley Drive Symnds

G7 F14-b5 14 H6 G5 E9 16 Dli 13 Bi 0 G5 H4-5 G9 8 17 B14 15 C5-E6 C13 E9

T Talus Walk Tamworth Drive Tattershall Teeswater Close Telford Way Tewkesbury Way The Bramptons The Chesters The Elms The Forum The Holbeins The Street Thornford Drive Thurney Drive Tintagel Close Titchfield Close Truro Path Turnham Green Tyburn Close lye Gardens Tyndale Path

E6 L8-9 H2 E8 K4-5 A10-J5 F9 H8 Cii G6 05 AlO H7 CS G4 B5 C4 E3 E6 C5 06

U Uxbridge Road

V Victoria Court Volpe Close

G4 B4

W Wakefield Close E4 Warbeck Gate C6 Wareham Close E6 Wameford Close 13 Watercrook Mews 16 Watery Lane B8 Welton Road J7 Wenslydale Close E8 Wentworth Park 04 Westlea Drive 16-7 Westmead Drive 19-J9 Westminster Road G4 Whitbred Close E9 H3 White Castle Whitefield Crescent C13 Whitehill Way Cl-H9 Whitgift Close C7 Whittington Road H8 Winlaw Close Gb Winstanley Close 03 Winwick Road F3 Woodbury Close C12 Woodchester H6 Wollaton Close 06-E5 Wootton Bassett RoadKS Woriidge Drive FlO Worsley Road D2-F2 Y Yarmouth Close Yamton Close Yeoman Close

F4 012 CIO

DAY IN THE LIFE Letter from Hong Kong When the Editor of the Link first approached me and asked me to write about a day in my life,! was puzzled. Why me? But then after having flown for nearly 20 years as a crew member,! forget that to an outsider the thought of jetting off to all corners of the world can be very glamorous. So having to acknowledge this fact ! accepted and then had to decide on how to write it in the space allowed without giving a very biased opinion or appearing blase about going to places which most people only dream of or hear about. Accepting the glamour and lifestyle that flying as a crew member offers, it does and advantages have disadvantages. The job has great variety but, as a family man, unless you are fairly lucky it is possible to miss out on a lot of family and social events such as birthdays, Christmas and school sports days, etc. This is where very understanding and tolerant family and friends are essential. There can even be times when although you are due back in the country for a birthday, say, because of unforseen problems you can be delayed by anything from one day to three weeks. A plus is that I do have the opportunity for them to en joy and be educated first hand in world travel, culture and habits. Ranging from the poor and unfortunate people as in parts of Africa, to the more luxurious lifestyles of Hollywood and Florida. My children do have a very enviable logbook with destinations such as Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Nairobi and more. My wife often describes herself as a one parent family as she has to play every role and survive without me. It's not easy for me to stop that leak when I'm 4000 miles way lying on a beach in the Caribbean or visiting the Taj Mahal or climbing the Great Wall of China. But then a few rum punches often helps to relieve my conscience until the next morning when! suffer the headache. (Not often these days!). The lifestyle and job has changed tremendously over the years. From starting flying on Brittaniasto the modem 747400's the pace is faster and more involved. People from all walks of life have more opportunity to travel than ever before, all needing to be treated and looked after in different ways. These are skills in themselves and the crew

Chris Lothian from Freshbrook is a Flight Purser on a 747. As Senior Crew Member he is in charge of 6 other cabin crew. The job has its good and bad bits as he explains.

are chosen for their natural ability to handle different people without panic or bias or showing personal feelings towards the very awkward and unreasonable passenger. They must be understanding and approachable to passengers who are nervous and aware of whatever special attention others may need. It can often be hurtful when we're described by some people as glorified waiters or waitresses. How many waiters can deliver a baby, fight fires or calm people down in emergency situations and still recommend the Claret or Chablis? The experience of meeting well Chris at work high over some ocean known celebrities can be an eye or another opener as we see them 'au naturelle'. I've had the pleasure Jumble Sale of meeting people such as Albert in aid of Finney, Peter O'Toole, Rita Lydiards Playgroup Tushingham, Aretha Franklin 31st March and Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson (Who? 'Sing Little Birdy" at Lydiard Millicent Remember?). And the misfortune Parish Hall (opp. Church) to meet a few I won't mention. Doors open 2p.m. There it is in a nut shell. A book Admission 25p could be written but! haven't got Refreshments time as I've got to get the shopping done before I leave Hong Kong. The junk leaves in 20 minutes!

Majorette Vacancies The GWR Majorettes have vacancies for youngsters aged 9 and over. Call Pam Pixton on 695317 for more Information.

Get your skates on for Barnados Family skate for charity on 10 March Barnados are calling readers to help a handicapped child by pulling on their skates at the Link Centre on Saturday 10 March, from 1.30p.m. to 4.30p.m. Tickets will be sold at a specially discounted priceof £1 .80 and there's no charge for the hire of skates. Owners of skates will be charged only £1.50, which is the price for tickets before the day. Send cheques to Mrs Oddy, Appletree Cottage, Dauntsey, Chippenham SN15 4JA. The event is being sponsored by Burmah.

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Carl makes a mark on fitness in Swindon A body builder from Freshbrook has just achieved a long held ambition - to open his own gym. But unlike most fitness centres, his dream goes far beyond 'pumping iron' and building massive muscles. With the opening of the Mark V Fitness Studio in Fleet Street, Swindon on 23 February, Carl Brown is introducing a new concept in sports training and keep fit to the town. Carl from Hopton Close was introduced to weight lifting eight years ago by his wife Margot when living in Germany. Up to then he had taken part in many different sports including American Football, soccer, fencing, swimming, martial arts and just missed out on representing United States at the 1972 Munich Olympics because of injury. Since arriving in Swindon in 1984, Carl has competed in many competitions and most recently took third place in the 1989 British body building finals and won the Welsh championships. He also won seventh place in the European heavyweight division last year. Getting together with a partner Franc Hyde to set up the Mark V gym meant that Carl had to turn down the chance to enter this years World Championships and the Mr Universe competition. However the chance to bring his

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FITNESS STUDIOS dreams to reality wants to maintain all round has taken on even greater imporgeneral fitness." Carl is critical tance as their of the help plans have deavailable veloped over the to people trying to last few months. improve in their "I've now been in different sports own sports. at quite high "Athletes in some European levels for a long countries and the time and I want to both make a living United States get great backing. and to branch out Here, unless into coaching others," said Carl. you're at the top, it's really hard to "The Mark V get backing. Fitness Studio is Developing comm-itted to the Carl Brown, left, and Franc sportsmen and idea of 'tied Hyde with a piece of women need fitness' which equipment designed by Carl support, encourbrings to-gether people from different sports, at agement and good equipment, different levels. It's not solely for then they'll be motivated to body builders. Mark V will have improve. The layout, decor and equipment and facilities for atmosphere of MarkV is designed runners, skiers, swimmers, to encourage integration and walkers, cyclists and lots more, as interaction. We're looking for well as the everyday person who people to enjoy themselves and

for excellent sportspeople to emerge". MarkV Studio will be committed to improving the mind as well as the body. A sports injury clinic is to be started, whilst a dietician, aromatherapist and masseur will be available on an appointment basis. But where did the name Mark V come from? "MarkVis partofmychildhood," said Carl. "It was car on a TV cartoon I remember vividly. It made a big impression, it was the best, fastest, most stylish; I wanted to beacar designer for along time until I went into aircraft engineering. The premises in Fleet Street is also the fifth we looked at in Swindon over the last two years.

Special offer to readers Save £25 when joining Mark V Fitness Studios Different levels of memberships are available at MarkVfrom annual membership through to payment for individual sessions. There is an initial joining fee of £25. Link magazine readers who take this article along when joiningbefore the end of March will not be charged this fee. Mark V Fitness Studio is to be found at 19 Fleet Street, Swindon (above Westsports). Tel. 51 1422.

New lambs for spring 147

Unit 16, Station Industrial Estate Sheppard Street, Swindon.. Tel: 488622

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Open 2.30pm - 5.30pm daily, except Tuesday and Wednesday from 1st March 'See sheep being milked 'Feed the lambs .Pets corner *Try our delicious Sheeps Milk Cheeses, Yoghurt and Ice Cream in our shop Southleaze Farm, under the railway bridge next to Texas at Mannington roundabout. Tel: 523134

There are new lambs galore to be fed and stroked by visitors to Southlea7e Sheep Farm, and a great programme of activities is being planned for the rest of the year. The sheep farm re-opens after a winter break on 1 March and will be open from from 2.30p.m. to 530p.m. Thursday to Monday inclusive. The new lambs started arriving on 22 February, so there are lots of them eager to be fed with a bottle by hand. Sheep farmer Stuart Bell will be introducing new attractions later in the year. Some goats will be arriving in April to join the rabbits and guinea pigs already in the pets corner. Stuart is going to build a mini-mountain of straw bales so that visitors can see them leaping around and enjoying themselves. From April also, visitors will be able to have a go at milking sheep by hand and in May/June it will be sheep shearing time every weekend. On 27 May Bank Holiday, Southlra7e Farm will be taking part in the ITV Telethon with large numbers of activities and attractions including Iamb racing!

Stuart with some of the lambs born in the autumn Why not give your child a birthday party with a difference? Stuart is interested in having birthday party groups round the farm this year. Admission to the farm is £1.60 for adults and 60p for children and the elderly. There is a special rate for parties and schools and under 5's group can visit by appointment. Call Stuart Bell on 523134 to make arrangements

RECREATION Calling cricketers

Ladies hockey, an up and coming sport

A local Cricket Club is looking for new members who live in West Swindon. Purton will soon start its 170th season at its ground in Purton village and is keen to attract players, umpires or anybody who can help with scoring. The dub runs a first and second XI on both Saturday and Sunday, playing in the premier division of the Wiltshire League. For youngsters learning the game, there's an under 13 team coached by senior members of the dub. Practice sessions for the new season start soon. Anybody who would like to find out more about the dub can call the captain, Robert Preddy on 770034.

Olympic sights Two youngsters from Freshbrook School have set their aim on reaching the 1996 Olympic Games in Athens. David Kerby, 10, and Elizabeth Watts, 11, are swimmers with the Thamesdown Tigersharks swimming based at Milton Road baths. Their performances recentlyhave won them adutch of medals and trophies, whilst their times have improved with every competition they enter. Both compete in under Ii's competitions with Elizabeth swimming breastroke and David in thebutterfly. Recently they both came third in their stroke in the Wiltshire County Championships, David swimming against others a year older. They have also achieved qualifying times for the Western Counties Championships to be held in Bristol in May. Improvements in swimming comes David and Elizabeth with a few with training hard and long, but the trophies and their supportive mothers youngsters enjoy it. The Tigersharks practice on four sessions a week, including Monday mornings from 6a.m. to7.30p.m. At present Elizabeth and David swim 18,000 metresa week, around 11 miles, in practice. The Thamesdown Tigersharks "It's easy," is David's comment. "1 swimming club provides comwant to get to the Olympic games in prehensive training for beginners Athens in six years time." through to national level competitors It seems harder for the parents who and is currently Wiltshire's top team. take their children to the practice It is also one the top six clubs in the sessions. "It's strenuous for us sitting West of England. and watching them at work," said The dub is sponsored by British David's mother Elaine Kerby of Telecom and has vacancies for Loughborough Close, Grange Park beginners and improvers aged 5 toll Elizabeth's mum Lisa Watts, from years old. Lessons are held at Milton Godolphin close, says her daughter is Road swimming baths on Sundays at her best in the early morning. between 3p.m. and 5p.m. at a cost of "They're never satisfied with their ÂŁ7.50 for 10 twenty minute lessons. performances, even if they've just put An initial lesson is given free of in a best time. They constantly charge and once the course is encourage each other to do better." completed, swimmers can start With so much dedication and training with a competition squad for improving times, David and Elizabeth their age group if they are interested. will surely be seen in bigger For more information telephone competitions in years to come. Steve Smith on 820200.

Become a Tigershark

First Tigershark swimmer of the year Gareth Meardon from Babington Park, Grange Park was the first youngster to learn how to swim with the Tigersharks during 1990. The seven year old pu pilwho attends Salt Way School was presented with a British Telecom sports bag and Gold Cup swimwear by club secretary Mark Hanley (left) and chief coach David Lyles. Gareth was coached by Kieth Williams who also lives in Grange Park. Every twentieth youngster who learns to swim with the club with receive a similar award.

An ice hockey squad based at the Link Centre is looking for both a sponsor and a name. The ladies ice hockey team was formed 10 months ago and such is the enthusiasm that they're now looking to enter a team in a league with teams from other rinks around the country. Ice hockey for most people is the rough, tough game seen at Swindon Wildcat matches or on television. But there is also a recreational game played by both men and women explains team manager and assistant captain Gail Martin. 'Playing noncontact hockey is really enjoyable. There's speed, competition and it requires coordination. So far we've played games against the men and our standard is improving fast. "Anybody who wants to try it out doesn't have to be big. The ages on the squad range from 13 to 35 and

everybody is working really hard to improve their skilic. We have great team spirit with everybody helping each other". The team is hoping to find a sponsor to help with some of the costs of entering the league. Buying shirts, socks and sticks plus paying for travel and referees all amounts to around ÂŁ2,000. In return, the team has a number of advertising deals on offer as well as using a name which ties in with the sponsors. Companies who would like to associate themselves with the team can contact Gail at Link Centre reception. Ladies who would like a try ice hockey should have reached grade 8 skating standard and should call Gail Martin on87l2l2. The squad trains in the Link rink at the wonderfully unsociable hours of 10.30p.m to midnight on a Sunday.

Your New Calor Gas Main Dealer in Swindon Hotline: (0793) 613391 24 hour telephone ordering service Collections from our Depot at Bridgend Road Showroom at 14, The Orbit Centre Ashworth Road Great Western Way, Swindon Displays of Fixed gas fires, mobile cabinet heaters and miscellaneous Color appliances

AT YOUR LIBRARY Linda Black makes a final offering to Link readers

It is with a touch of sadness that I pick up my pen for the last time to write the 'Library News' page for the Link magazine. At the end of March I will be leaving Wiltshire Library and Museum Service to take up a new post with Dorset Library Service based at Bournemouth. My new job will allow me to further develop the work I have done for West Swindon's library over the past 5 years as Bournemouth itself is to have a major new Central Library during the next 2 to 3 years for which I will have responsibility.

LOSE WEIGHT QUICKLY AND SAFELY FOR SPRING Call your Counsellor Glenis at

C1,wrte

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Mondays to Thursdays 10.30am-2.30pm. Swindon 693875

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It is very hard to say goodbye to all those people who have made my stay at West Swindon so enjoyable. I gained so much from developingthe libraryin 1985 and then from watching it grow into something very special within the West Swindon community. May I give my personal thanks to the many library users who have become my friends and supporters. I shall miss the regular faces and will take with me fond memories of so manykindnesses. I hope I have gone some way to meeting the informational and reading needs of you all. Most of all, I hope the library continues to be a place where everyone can Good bye from Linda Black feel at home and above all, a place that you all can believe in as your Exhibitions and Displays own. My venj best wishes The Swindon Artists Society are Linda Black visit the Library again for their exhibition for the period 3 10th Anniversary spring March-24 March. Treat yourself to Celebrations something fresh to adorn your walls The Oliver Tomkins Schools, for Easter. Toothill are holding an exhibition Look out for a special library In May to celebrate the tenth display during March entitled anniversary of their opening. Pastoral Pastimes'. This will be a They would like to borrow any display of new books with a rural photographs taken of the site theme - bygone days, the pastoral before, or as the school was life and more gentle pursuits. being built. Contact the headteacher of either school.

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With Thamesdown Transport

IDEAL HOME EXHIBITION EARLS COURT, LONDON Sundays 18 & 25 March; Wednesdays 14 & 21 March Saturday 31 March. Deports 9am, bock by 7.30pm Adults £9; Child./OAPs £6 (includes admission) Information and booking: The Travel Shop, The Parade, (near Primark), Swindon Tel: 615399

Linda's last selection

I Baddock, James: The Alaska Project. The 2 super powers have evolved a plan of nuclear arms reduction. The military 'hawks' on both sides try to undermine the new policies in favour of the old regime - naturally the British M116 become involved just to add to the suspense - good escapism! or is it? 2. Bond, Larry: Red Phoenix. A thundering epic of modern war by this new novelist Larry Bond. Set in the future at the time of the Second Korean War, it explores what might happen when bloody general riots get out of hand and how easily a third world was could be initiated. Mr Bond by profession is a military strategist and both his knowledge and skill are evident in the writing. 3. Herman, Richard: The Warbirds. Plenty of choice for the guys this month! The Warbirds is a phenomenally exciting novel of modern flying, combat and power politics. When Libya attempts to shoot down a transport plane on a mercy mission, American F4 Phantoms destroy a Libyan MtG. This is the trigger for an international crisis that seems likely to set the world on course for war. An excellent novel exploring the relationships of men and women under pressure. 4. Jakes, John: California Gold. Another 'mega buster' from the

authorof 'North and South'. "They came to California as to the Promised Land - the seekers, the daring, the desperate - and they found a place that was more than a match for any man's ambitions". Everything you would expect from John Jakes - struggle, hardship, success, despair, passion and the usual failed marriages and broken hearts - I think you will love it! 5. Michener, James: Caribbean. The lush islands of the Caribbean have always possessed a special allure. Told in James A Michener's incomparable fashion, here is a magnificent story of the struggle for empire, and of political, economic and racial currents in one of the most beautiful regions of the globe. Please add your name to the waiting lists for this one! 6. Rose-Hayes, Mary: Amethyst. Three public school girls, each from a wealthy family, destined for marriage and motherhood until their involvement with a seance held at midnight by the light of an amethyst changes their destinies forever. After twenty years only one prediction remains to come true - they are all reunited to witness the fatal denoument of that dark, mystical night of all those years ago - lots of fun! 7. Shipley, Rose: Wychwood. A brilliantly written novel in the style of Pride and Prejudice'. It explores family allegiances and sibling rivalries against a background of social convention. 8. Sulitzer, Paul-Loup: The Empress. Based on the life story of Helena Rubenstein, 'The Empress' tells the story of Hannah and her irresistible rise from poverty to riches which spans the whole of the 20th century. We witness Hannah, the silent Jewish child from the Polish countryside, grow into a captivating beauty and and build a multi-national cosmetics empire. All right, so we can't all do it! 9. Walker, Elizabeth: The Court. 'The Court' is a vast crumbling mansion set against a panoramic scenic background. Part of an historical family legacy, the mansion's future is at risk unless one of the four children can find a way to rescue it from destruction. Elizabeth Walker always proves popular with the ladies. 10. Winstan, Daomi: Moorhaven. Very much written in the tradition of Plowers in the Attic', Moorhaven is a great stone house wherein lies an evil which curses Jonathan and Cordelia Davis - the curse lingers across the generations visitingtheir children and grandchildren - the closest I can get to a spooky read this month.

NEWS & VIEWS Neighbourly support for Shaw family A family from Shaw would like to sayabig 'thank you' to all their kind neighbours, many of whom they have never met. Carolyn and Phillip Stone of Saxton Walk, off Mears Drive, Shaw had their second baby, Mathew on 14 January. Three days later he was rushed to Bristol Childrens Hospital with a mystery illness which brought him close to death. He was diagnosed as suffering from an extremely rare condition called Citrullinemia which effects his digestive system. After spending three weeks in hospital constantly by his side, Carolyn and Phillip returned home with Mathew. "It was all so sudden," said Carolyn. "Nobody knew what was wrong with him and he was close to the brink on several occasions. We had him baptised at midnight as we didn't know if he would pull through. "Only one person in Britain has the same condition. He is a normal baby in every way but he will always have to be on a very restricted protein free diet for the rest of his life." The Stone family have been overwhelmed by the concern shown by people who live around them. Asa self-employed painter decorator Phillip didn't earn anything for a month, which could have made things difficult, but for local support. "We would like to especially thank Ian and Helen Drummond for the help they've given us," said Phillip.

-Need your house decorated Phi/lip Stone would like to apologise to anybody who tried to contact him to arrange internal or external decoration whilst he was away. His business has taken a knock, so if you need any decorating done, call him on 870515.

Link 3-5 Playgroup Jumble Sale Saturday 3 March

GWR Majorettes Easter Fair Saturday 7th April 10.30am Freshbrook Community Centre

1O.00a.m. Freshbrook Community Centre Entrance lOp OAP/children free

Tootlea Brook W.I. (covering Toothifi, Westlea and Freshbrook) meets on the third Wednesday in the month at the Community Room, Toothill School at 7.30p.m. The next two meetings and speakers are: 21 March -Sister Rosemary Hays, for the Prospect Foundation. 28 April - "Look after your eyes, you never get another pair" by local optician. For further details contact Karen Ryman 695499

At home together again, Phillip with Mathew, Carolyn and Natalie "Ian went around and knocked on doors asking for donations. It was very good of him to organise that and we would like to thank him and all the people who contributed to the collection and said prayers for us. "The hospital have not been able to tell us much and we're working a lot of things out with Mathew from day to day. Our parents looked after Natalie, our first child, during the time away, and now we're all together."

Lots of bargains, lots of goodies Easter Bonnet Competition, Easter Cake Competition (cakes entered to be sold in aid of the troupe) Telephone Pam Pixton on 695317 for entry forms to the cake competition

Driver does even better A young man who took a new direction in his career as a result of an advertisement in The Link magazine has become the youngest person ever to pass the Institute of Advanced Motorists Commercial Test. William Baker from Stratton St. Margaret saw an advertisement by Cotswold Commercial Training when working at PHH last year. He had always wanted to be a truck driver and he started learning the day he was 21. After passing his test first time inJanuary, he went on to take the Insti-

23 Tootlea Brook W.I.

tutes test and passed with flying colours. Bill's instructor John Reynolds of Cotswold Commercial Training said he was really pleased with his achievement. "Bill is a natural, one of the best I've ever taught. The tester said he was very proficient at driving and for somebody so young to pass, it's fantastic." Bill has started working for Howard Tenens as a driver and hopes one day to own his own vehicle and drive in Europe.

'A letter from the Stones: Carolyn and Phillip Stone of Saxton Walk would like to thank all their neighbours and friends for their kind thoughts and support during the past few weeks. Their son Mathew is now out of hospital and has made a miraculous recovery though he will be on a special diet and drugs for the rest of his life. Phillip would like to apologise for any inconvenience to customers and he is now hoping to resume normal service.

P B PLUMBING SERVICES

Pets 't 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

DUNCAN SELF DRIVE HIRE Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates Vans. Lutons â€˘ Estates Cars â€˘ Mini Bus

Boilers Serviced Pump Fitting Service Water Softners Fitted Washing Machines & Dishwashers Installed

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HOMEL 0 VERS Does your home need a little more care and attention? From a once-a-year spring clean to regular domestic help, Homelovers has the answer. All aspects of domestic help are covered by this service - ironing, window cleaning, oven cleaning, etc.

Call Les Daniels on 727926

NEWS & VIEWS

New name on the map The newest fast food outlet in the area is aiming to make a big impact on the residents of West Swindon. The first Dominoes Pizzatake-away and home delivery service to the west of London was opened on 15 February by Thamesdown's deputy mayor Coun. Jim Cordon who, with his wife Joan, had a taste The Dominoe's team line up with Deputy Mayor Jim Cordon and the Deputy of a genuine all-AmeriMayoress Joan Cordon. Sigurd Wi/burg is pictured on Coun. Cordon's right. can pizza. Dominoes, which has taken over a shop front in the Town Square at the West Swindon Centre, is part of a world wide franchise chain started by an Englishman in the U.S.A. who saw great possibilities, 25 years ago, in delivering pizzas to the home. Now there are 5,200 Dominoes worldwide and a more are planned for Swindon by franchisee Sigurd Wi lburg. Sigurd, who came to England from Norway in 1981, owned a Dominoes in London for some years but was attracted by the growth of the town. "We'vepicked an ideal spot in the West Swindon Centre. With so many people shopping here and coming out of the Link Centre, we can sell lots of pizzas and also get our name and the quality of the pizzas across to them for future home delivery. + In one day we can replace your door & drawer Apart from good pizzas, fronts in made to measure solid timber veneer Dominoes name is built on speed. or laminate We guarantee to deliver your hot + Your Dream Kitchen for half the cost and without pizza to your home, ready to eat, the mess in 30 minutes. If not, we take ÂŁ1 + If you need new worktops, sinktop or appliances, off. If its not with you in 40 we will supply these too. minutes, then your pizza's free. Another thing, there is no delivery charge for any of our pizzas.

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"To be successful in the home delivery businesses and what makes us so confident is that you have to be well organised, have the best equipment and have a well trained and committed team of Dominoes workers." The team of 25 full and part-time staff is headed up by manager Eddie Yakubu who managed Sigurd's Dominoes franchise in London before moving to Shaw. Only one of the team has worked with pizzas before. John Manners worked for Dominoes in the States. Everybody else has been recruited and trained locally and they've come together in a great team.

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Sigud Wi/burg watches Deputy Mayor Jim Cordon serve up a tasty hot pizza from the oven

Manager Eddie Yakubu prepares another delicious pizza

"We had lots of feedback on the quality of our pizzas in the week before opening. We must have given away over 300 before we launched and people were saying they were great." Dominoes has a menu of suggested pizzas but the customer is at liberty to order a pizza made from any combination of the ingredients on offer. A fleet of motorcycles fitted with hot boxes is on hand to make the home deliveries during the opening hours of 11.30a.m.to midnight, Sunday to Thursday and until 1p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Every pizza is delivered in a box made from re-cycled paper and they arrive hot and ready to eat aboard one .of a fleet of mopeds. Altogether, Dominoes is set to make its mark on the map of West Swindon.

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AT THE LINK CENTRE What's On in March

Catering improvements sure to be welcomed by visitors

Sunday 4th all day South West Region Indoor Archery Championship

After many months when its been almost impossible to buy any refreshment at the Link Centre, the catering facilities are about to be relaunched. For a venue committed to improving health in mind and body, the food served at the Centre in the past has been distinctly unhealthy Saturday 10th 2p.m.-4p.m. Skate for Barnado's. A special with chips, burgers and fried chicken being the main items of offer. session dedicated to help Bar- However this is set to change according to Paul McLeod, catering manager at Link Centre for the last six months. "There will always nado's raise money for handibe a market for fast food chips and burgers, but we intend to introcapped or deprived children. duce a wider menu which includes a range of good, well prepared, Tickets available prior to the healthy food. event from Barnado's Agent at "The Link management have given me full backing in laying plans £1.50 (Tel: Jane Oddy 0249 to update and modernise the whole approach to catering. These 890679) or buy a ticket on the day include reopening the cafe in The Mall and opening a completely from reception. £1.80 incl. skate new self-service restaurant in the gallery above the ice-rink." The changes will completed later in the year. hire, £1.50 excl. skate hire Saturday 17th 12.30p.m.6.30p.m. South West Region Indoor Athletics. Seating will be available for spectators.

A moment to relax in the refurbished bar at the Link Centre for Paul McLeod

Saturday 24th all day National Veteran Table Tennis Tournament - the annual championship, spectators welcome

Monday 26th lOa.m.-lOp.m. Easter Camp registration begins. Various activities and courses available for children throughout the Easter Holidays (9-20 April) at both Link Centre and Delta Tennis Centre.

Anne Dawson (S.R.H.) State Registered Hairdresser

Offering you a professional service in the comfort of your home. For an appointment, please telephone Swindon 870330 or 0860 585157 (mobile)

IN-HOUSE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE All types of Internal and external work undertaken Specialising In carpentry and plumbing "We start where other builder's leave off. No Job too small" Sub-contractor to D.O.E & P.S.M'I.O.D.

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Elizabeth Wood on 871793

Name The Bar Competition The Link Centre needs your help! Now that the centre has a full catering team and a re-furbished bar area we would like to givethe Bar in the Link Centre a name. If you can think of a name that's humourous and portrays the kind of activities which go on at the Link Centre AND design a bar sign, they want to hear from you. To give you an example the bar at Delta Tennis Centre is called "The Umpires Chair". There will be a number of prizes including a tour around one of Whitbread's Breweries! Send your entries to: Link Centre "Name the Bar Competition" Whitehill Way, Westlea Swindon, SN5 7DL Closing date: Monday 2 April Please write your name, address and telephone number on all artwork, thank you.

National No Smoking Day Link Centre Promotions Officer Anya Kent writes

Wednesday 14 March is National No Smoking Day, and you will find displays promoting the day throughout recreation sites in Thamesdown. If you are giving up smoking then why not take up something new? At Link Centre we have such a diverse range of activities available I am sure that you will find something to suit you: badminton, bowls, karate, swimming, the health suite or why not take the opportunity to learn to skate - with one or two lessons from our ice professionals you'll be able to enjoy the sensation of gliding around the rink with the greatest of ease - far healthier than smoking a cigarette! If you are interested in any of the above activities or would like to know more about what Link Centre has to offer telephone for a free brochure today.

Help Kaye Mortimer et to Northern Australia with Operation Raleigh Kaye, a fitness instructor at the Link Centre, has to raise £2,300 to take part in an expedition to Northern Australia. On Saturday 10 March, she is going to wash aThamesdown Transport double-decker with a toothbrush and would like as many people to visit her, enourage her and donate some cash to help her acheive her aim. If you cant get down to the Asda car park, please use fill in this form and send/take it to Link Centre reception, or to The Link Magazine, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook. lam willing to help Kaye get to Australia by donating £ a double decker. Name: Address: Telephone:

forwashing

NEWS & VIEWS Farewell to our dear friend Sue Bates pays tribute to somebody who never gave up until the end On 28 January Jan Devine, a friend to many in West Swindon, died from Motor Neurone Disease. I can still re-call the first time I met Jan -ata Tea &Tots' coffeemorning in her home. She was local organiser for the N.C.T. (National Childbirth Trust) and always had time for everyone. I knew Jan for 6 years and her caring attitude never changed. Personally, I met many people through Jan, and the same story always surfaces -Jan was more than just a friend to all of us, - she was a 'sister', a confidant, someone who, no matter what her own problems, had time to share yours. During the 16 months she had Jan with her son Andrew Motor Neurone Disease her I shall never forget her, and I positive attitude always surfaced. Jan accepted that her disease was consider it a privilege to have ,an accident' - at every stage, as her known her. condition worsened, she tried to Jan's funeral on Tuesday 6 February accept her 'fate', many of us would was held at St. Mary's Church, Lydiard have given up - but Jan found the Park. Itwasattended by many relatives and friends and conducted by Rev. Ian extra strength needed to cope. Having touched the lives of so Handscombe, a member of the West many people, Jan may have now Swindon Church team. She leaves her gone, but she will always be with husband Gordon and two sons Andrew and Ian. us in one way or another.

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Brookhouse Farm, surrounded by the new houses of Middleleaze Work started in February to convert and this is now being incorporated Brookhouse Farm, Tewkesbury into the overall design. Way, into West Swindon's latest The company has also worked restaurant. Behind the scheme is closely with the Disabled Access one of the country's oldest Officer for Thamesdown, who has independent breweries, Morland, approved the scheme. Mr based in Abingdon. Morland Hudspith said "The disabled will already owns over 200 licensed be actively welcomed to the houses throughout the Thames restaurant." Valley but this is their first venture The plans for the development in Swindon. The farmhouse will be include a car park with 79 spaces the first of what is planned to be a and a landscaped garden. The new chain of Peppercorn Restaurants restaurant has a provisional opening date of 3 July this year. and Bars. Richard Hudspith, Retail The Morland Brewery is also Development Manager, said the planning for two sites within the restaurant, will be aimed at the Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, a Theme extended family. The conversion Restaurant with separate bar and has been carefully planned to seating for 140, and aTavern. 'West enhance the architectural features Swindon is a growth area and of the existing building. The work Morland's are looking forward to has already revealed a beamed becoming a part of that" said Mr ceiling in one of the dining areas Hudspith.

CAROLINE OCKWELL TAXATION CONSULTANCY EJ Are you paying too much tax? LJ Are you taking advantage of the new rules for taxation of husband and wife from April 1990? • Professional Advice on Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax and National Insurance ::. Caroline Ockwell .as. Member of the Institute of Taxation 180 Thames Avenue, Greenmeadow, Swindon

Tel: 725919 THERE'S A GOOD REASON FOR ADVERTISING IN THE LINK - BECAUSE PEOPLE READ IT. TELEPHONE ELIZABETH WOOD ON 871793

NEWS & VIEWS Sale of baby equipment and toys

The National Childbirth Trust are holding a Baby Equipment and Toy Sale on 28 April 11.00a.m.-12 noon in the Community Suite in

the Link Centre. Items are sold on a commission basis of 75% to the seller and 25% to the NCT If you have items you would like to sell please contact Jill Harrison on 874606 or Lyndy Griffin on 522261 to obtain a form.

RON AHRENS BUILDER DECORATOR Specialising in all aspects of high quality building work especially decorating, carpentry & plastering. All work guaranteed. No job too small. Free estimates

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Company business could sell A business advertised for sale in the February edition of The Link could have a buyer. The Company Company is Swindon's only introduction agency and its owner Rosemary Watson has been unable to develop its full potential because of the time her ballgown hire business 'Carriages at Three' takes up. Rosemary says she had four people interested in buying The Company Company and making it into an effective organisation to help people meet each other.

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Should you get help with the Poll Tax?

Toothill Advice Point needs Volunteers!

The lownumberofpeopleapplying for a rebate on their Poll Tax payments has prompted Thamesdown Council to launch a poster campaign to encourage people who could apply to do so. Latest figures show that of all those in the Borough who should claim a rebate, only a third have done so. All householders receiving housing benefit will automatically be eligible for Poll Tax rebate and need not apply specially for it. A further 13,000 people on low incomes are eligible for the rebate, but applications have been received from only 4,300 of them. This means that many people could receive a Poll Tax bill demanding more than they really need pay and the publicity is aimed at them. Completing a rebate claim form after a bill has been received will mean a long delay before any refund can be issued. Anyone who thinks they could claim a Poll Tax rebate can get help from Thamesdown Council's Benefit Office on 526161. Also, turn to page 31 for the addresses of West Swindon's advice points.

If you have time on your hands, and would like to do something worthwhile - like explaining the effect of the Poll Tax to the average person! or, would like to give advice on Welfare Benefits, Debt, Housing Problems, difficulties facing the Disabled or Ethnic Communities, then why not train to become a volunteer at Toothifi Advice Point? No qualifications are necessary, just the ability to listen to people's problems, and the patience to hang on to a 'phone when nobody at the other end seems to be answering! Volunteering is a very satisfying way of spending a couple of spare hours a week If you are interested, and feel you would like to work at the Advice Point, the next training session, arranged by Thamesdown Law Centre, starts at the end of April, and will last for 9 weeks. It will be held on Tuesday mornings from 10a.m. to 12.30p.m. at the Milton Road Health Hydro. There is a free creche available for people attending the course. Contact Jordan Jarrett at Thamesdown Law Centre, on 486926 or 522342.

Telephone Mr & Mrs Monk 853970 Broad Town Road (134041 - I Mile East of Wootton Bassett)

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School looks for employer help An appeal to businesses is being made by a local secondary school to give students work experience. The fourth year at Greendown Community School is presently studying for their GCSE exams, the first students to come up to examination age. But the Careers Education teachers are also preparing the ground for the students to find out more about the world of work. "From the first year Greendown students are exposed to the work environment from visits to the workplace and visiting speakers," said Eric Bullion, coordinator of careers education. "We're now

setting up opportunities for the first term of the fifth year, next autumn. We're looking for employers who can offer placements for two weeks starting 5 November." He also said that students would undergo mock interviews before they went out on work placements and would welcome help from the experience of employers in giving the youngsters a realistic taste of the process of getting a job. Employers who can assist Greendown students should contact Eric Bullion, Careers Education Coordinator, Greendown Community School, Grange Park Way, Swindon. Tel: 874224.

Six Greendown students sleptanight in school in February to raise money for the Blue Peter Baby Life Appeal. In the back row,from left, Karen Spearing, Paula Dretoery, Mandy Bath, front, Cat hering Thurtel,Helen May, Carrie Glockling

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HOME & GARDEN Spread the cost of buying carpets A carpet company is offering interest free credit as a way of spreading the cost of buying carpets. S&C Carpets of Milton Road, Swindon have literally thousands of carpet samples in stock and they are able to obtain any carpet on the market, at a competitive price. Lee Champion, manager at S&C (pictured right), says his aim is to give honest, expert advice to customers so that they can choose carpets which suit their price range and their circumstances. 'For example, there's no point in suggesting an expensive carpet if somebody intends to move house in a couple of years. On the other hand, if a customer is going to stay in a house for some time, it's worth lookingata harderwearingcarpet." Before makinga finalchoice,S&C will lend out carpet samples and Mr Champion is also more than happy tobring samples to the home

and discuss which carpet would suit the customers needs best. All the carpets from S&C are fitted free by their own staff and they carry a full guarantee. S&C Carpets are based at 23 MIltonRoad,Swindon. Telephone: 528903

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Everything Coming up Roses

SWINDON SOFT WATER CENTRE

Claire Beaton reflects on the best value plants you can buy

During March thoughts of lazy days in an English SurnmerGarden seem more likely of realisation. First and foremost come thoughts of roses. Often these are institutionalised; roses grown in rectangular beds cut from foam-rubber lawns, each bed filled with a few sparse twigs that will bear the odd flower in July. But dreams of roses show them spilling as loose clouds of scent and petals out from mounds of other flowers called Baby's Breath, Canterbury Bells, pinks, Lambs Lungs... In Marchyou can do somethings that make this dream more likely to happen. Roses have to be the best value for money plant you can buy so there can be no excuse for them not to be given their place in any garden. They come in every size from climbers that will rampage 00 feet up into a tree to the miniatures that are smaller than a I. tted geranium. So, if you have o roses, go and buy some. More and more new varieties re becoming available each year hat are designed to fit the smaller nien. Lookoutfor'C,entleTouch' nd 'Little White Pet'; these will be oually happy in patio tubs or at he front of borders. If you have reas where you want a ground over plant there are many varieties of roses suitable for this. Do ask dvice at the Garden Centre, •ecause some are more suitable for unidpal landscape schemes than front garden. If assistants seem nsure, be guided by the size of the liage and the thickness and vigour of the stems. You should be looking or something that appears dainty once in the ground, all tend to

romp away). The best have names of game birds; 'Grouse' and Partridge'. In small gardens, the best effects are gained with climbing roses that are trained up fences or over pergolas. 'Golden Showers' is unstoppable, in a civilised fashion, and other beauties are 'Cecile Brunner' with pink buttonholestyle flowers and 'Dublin Bay' whose flowers are a deep romantic red. Roses provide colour and scent over a long season given a little forethought and care from their owners. Plant them in reasonable soil with some rose fertilizer (March is an ideal month!) and prune back to two or three strong stems. Feed again in July, dead head by pruning back to the first 5-leaflet leaf whenever you have time and once a year prune out the wispy twigs in the middle of the bush to keep it tidy and shorten everything else back so it keeps a tidy shape. I have seen the previous owner of the 'Iceberg' over the road shorten his roses back in this way in August; they were flowering wonderfully again by the end of September. However, this job is normally one for October, March or April; other varieties would not be so resilient. Watch out for the annual display of bulbs around West Swindon this month. The quirky display of 'Spring is Sprung' that used to be visible on Toothill embankment by the by-pass is now overgrown by shrubbery. But now there's a new springtime message along Tewkesbury Way. No doubt an attempt to soothe the impatience of the rush hour drivers.

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•

..Letters to the link

Letters with full name and address should be sent to The Link, • 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon by the 20th of the month

It's springtime From Bob Pixton, Lambert Close, Freshbrook

After the magnificent snowdrop display at Lydiard Park at the end of January and the welcoming crocuses around the Western Expansion Cllr. Pixton comments on other wild life displays locally. The more observant of you may have noticed the large number of yellow hazel catkins dangling from branches - with the high winds seeing any pollen will have been very difficult. I wonder if this autumn will be a bad year for hazel nuts as a consequence? I was surprised to see a coltsfoot flower-like a dandelion-out in early February. This plant is odd because like the mid February flowering Forsythia bushes, its flowers appear before its leaves. Whilst out on my 7.00a.m. jog around Toothill Park I've noticed that to coincide with the dawn at that time the song-call battles between rival blackbirds. Great

tits and robins also can be heard. The rooks in Lydiard Park have had a rough time during the gales with much nesting material dislodged. Their noisy calls in late February show that young are in their nest - what a time to bring up young! During March the glorious daffodil displays in the town will come into their own. There must be truly thousands of such bulbs, some in scattered arrangement, others in formal displays like the famous 'Spring is Sprung' along the dual carriageway. During March/April we should see the sap rising in many trees with the green curtain being drawn again around West Swindon. Surely the large number of trees in the area must be one of the 7 Wonders of Thamesdown'. Readers might like to suggest what the other 6 wonders' are.

The Link Classifieds. Lineage ads in The Link cost 15p per word. Boxes cost £3.50 per single column centimetre. Inclusive of VAT. Lost and found are free. Cash with advert to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon. -Vacancies Freshbrook School Cleaners Permanent post (10 hours pw.) Hours: From 3.30p.m. each day. Pay: £2.83/hour plus bonuses M.D.S.A.'s (Dinner Ladies) 4 Vacancies - plus Supply Cover Hours: 12.1Op.m. - 1.30p.m. Pay: £2.94/hour (plus retainer during school holidays) Crossing Patrol Persons 2 Vacancies, 1 hour 5 minutes per day Pay: £2.96 per hour (plus retainer) Telephone 872800 Supply Teachers Freshbrook School updating their list of Supply Teachers and would be grateful if any teachers interested in covering classes during staff absences, through illness and courses, etc. would contact the school with details. Telephone 872800. -For Sale Small B&W Computer Monitor £10. Tel: 872282 -Found Child's Watch - Monday 5 Feb. between Freshbrook Centre and Gainsborough Way. Tel: 870998 -Care offered Registered childminder has vacancy for 1 child. Full/parttime. Tel: 872334 (Westlea). -Care wanted Elderly lady requires S.E.N. alternate Saturday and Sunday mornings, some evenings. Tel: 723442 after 7.00p.m.

New Number for Pretty Lady Angela Walkiate of Pretty Lady moved just as the last Link was published and was unable to take her phone number with her. Her new number is 613514. Contact her for individually made bridal and evening gowns.

Dogs - more views Names and address have been supplied but given the inter-neighbour disputes that can take place over animals, we accept that a degree of anonymity is required germs that can cause blindness, and From Mrs B of Grange Park I am pleased that some of the more this really my point. For some reason it is thought responsible dog owners have replied to my letter concerning the that because of my strange views fouling of the footpaths, verges and on this subject, that I must have a walkways. I do agree that the lovely cat? I haven't and we also have the area we have around here, and problemof cats' mess inourgarden indeed everywhere else in Britain, too. But cats do at least try to bury is becoming very badly abused by it and nobody takes a cat for a walk people dropping litter, leaving out on a lead, they are a completely rubbish and abandoning shopping different problem, and in my trolleys. I am as concerned about opinion a completely separate this larger problem as much as any issue. I do actually like dogs and grew other caring person who worries about what sort of world our up with a dog, and am not children will inherit from us if we particularly interested in cats, but don't all become more aware and it is the irresponsible dog owners more personally responsible for it. that should take heed, and there However, whilst out walking mustbean awful lot ofthemamund with my children, if we tread on a here. By the way all of you piece of paper, or kick a can, I responsible dog owners, what is honestly cannot say that my wrong with a poop scoop for the reaction is nearly as furious as when odd accident when your dog is I or my children step in dog dirt. stimulated by other doggy smells. The other very important factor is Could we have readers views on that one cannot go blind from the subject of dogs off their leads roundworm germs, from a piece of around children's play parks, in paper lying on the pathway. Dogs my view another serious and and cats faeces alike harbour these growing problem?

-Holidays Escape to the sun! Flat to let on Costa Del Sol. Sleeps 2. Pool, shops, beach, tennis, golf, excursions, balcony. 20 minutes from Malaga Airport. Reasonable prices. For details, phone 0666 From Mrs B Clark, Shaw 825363 after 6pm I would like to say I wholeheartedly Two Executive Caravans Sandy agree with H M Brown in Link 95 Bay, Exmouth. 6 berth & 8 berth. about dog and cat 'mess'. Whilst I Free gas & electricity. Entrance do agree with readers about dog to swimming pool, clubs & cabaret filth on surrounding footpaths and all included. Shops, laundrette, countryside. I have to say that an kids club play area & fun fair, equally,andl feel more distressing, sports facilities - all on site. Tel: problem is cats using neighbouring gardens for lavatories. Mr Cuss on (0793) 790925. I have spent a great deal of time Clothing Alterations & Repairs. and money on my garden only to Tel: 872096 have it constantly used by Mrs. White, Freshbrook neighbouring cats to deposit their excreta. They ruin seedlings, Environmentally bushes and plants by spraying them. They trample down newly Friendly Products sprouted bulbs and generally make

Economic household products by Amway, with free delivery service. Tel: 870836

Dial-a-Sitter Do you need baby-sitter? Call Becky on 827251 Registered Childminder In West Swindon has vacancies for 2 children. Tel: Mrs Sawyer on 481912

-Personal The Company Company Swindon's only introduction agency. Tel: 790927

Calling all naturists We need you to join us atSwindons only naturalist club. Come and join us at the Hydro, Milton Road, on Sundays plus lots more activities to be arranged. Strictly members only. Half price membership to couples. Send S.A.E. The Rondevous Naturists Social Club, Enrolment Secretary, P.O. Box 834

a filthy mess. My friend's husband regularly clears away a bucket full a week and I have had to put pieces of wire netting on every spare bit of soil in my front garden to keep the cats off. It's no good saying use the preparations sold in shops - they don't work! We have fine gravel between our house and next door, you should see that! I keep two rabbits I wonder what the cat owners would say if I threw my rabbits rubbish in their gardens. So come on cat owners and prospective cat owners, please 'think' when you buy your cat and take the trouble to train it to use a litter tray. Possible solution From Mrs IA of Grange Park Regarding recent letters on the subject of cat and dog mess, I can recommend one solution. I tried a product called 'Get off My Garden' which is very effective. The title says it all. It is a non-toxic green gel which, when squirted in the animals' favourite areas, leaves a smell they object to and they tend to go somewhere else. It worked for me when my drive and pathway were constantly being fouled a year ago. I have had no trouble since. It is available at garden centres.

END PIECES Interest in new recreation area Ecumenical Parish of To back up the exhibition advertised in last month's Link magazine, Charlotte Riggs of Thamesdown Councils's Landscape Division has been visiting groups to find out what people think should be developed on Shaw Ridge. Glenice Guntripp reports on the discussion at West Swindon Under 5's Forum February meeting.

The talk was informative and interesting. The ideas being put forward for consideration are very refreshing: a grassed football filed, bowls green, croquet lawn, horse path but the most eye-catching and appealing to me was the Water Play Area, where it is proposed to put in such things as a running stream and various kinds of water assisted equipment, to help children of all ages to learn as they play. I do think it is unfortunate that the

new area is so close to the existing facilities of Lydiard Park, both of which are not easily accessible to those with under 5's without the use of a car

-Charlotte Riggs is more than happy to visit other groups and to talk to individuals before she submits her report about the public consultations to a council committee. She can be contacted on 526161 or at the Landscape Division, Thamesdown Council. Below: Charlotte shows the plans to members of the 45+ Club at the Link Centre. From left: Les Peach, Ethyl Whittle and JoanLloyd

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Please Telephone 876211 ANYTIME

t also All Saints, L Millicent

SU RECLEAN

WRIGHT PLANNING SERVICES

Carpets . Upholstery

Building Plans prepared, Planning & Building Regulation Approvals obtained N

A!l the headaches taken out of your hands"

All work undertaken by fully qualified engineer. Telephone Steve Wright on

Swindon 871553 Day meeting for pre-school forum The West Swindon Under 5's Forum is trying a new tactic to attract people involved with pre-school children to its meetings. It will be holding its next get together during the daytime and providing child care so that those with children can also attend. The Forum is currently planning the Annual Under 5's Festival to ke place in June and is keen to meet parents and others involved with young children who could give a hand with the organising. The next Under 5's forum meeting takes place on Tuesday 13 arch, 10a.m. to 12 noon in the Community Suite at the Link Centre. ere will be a small charge for the creche.

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

Swindon 874460

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You don't have to be suicidal to share your problems with us. Phone anytime day or night, or call into 6 Curtis Street, Swindon between 8am and 10pm

See You At Rompers? ileen Sawyer invites more parents o come the Rompers toddler group

here's a really happy, relaxed nd friendly atmosphere at our omperstoddlergroup. Children god between one and 3 years old ome along with their Mums (or ads or Grandparents). Anyone with children of this ge is very welcome to join us on Wednesday afternoon in the ink Community Suite (Hall), etween 2.15p.m. and 4.00p.m. Mums who have a toddler and lso a younger baby can bring oth children along. Babies enjoy ompers too. Rompers is mainly a sociable athering. Mums and children et to know each other in a iendly atmosphere. Toddlers lay freely with a variety of toys.

We have an easy table activity (eg painting, sticking, drawing, cooking etc) each week for children to join in if they choose. Children sing a few songs together and generally have a good afternoon. All Mums help out a little each week. There's also time to sit back, drink a. cup of tea and watch the children play. The first session you come to is free. After that each session is 5Op. If you are interested and want to know more, do phone me, Eileen Sawyer on 873018. I've enjoyed many Rompers afternoons, making friends and watching our son play happily. You are very welcome to join in the Rompers fun.

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: 526601 and 69a Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill. Telephone: 481602

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WESTMEAD DRIVE, WESTLEA, SWINDON.. TEL (0793) 641643

GARAGE LIMITED

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