March 2000 Swindon Link

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No. 214 • March 2000 • Circulation 20,000

XPRESS Skips in all sizes delivered to your home or workplace Sand & gravel delivered as required

and the swindon wide what's on guide

Lakeside cafe gets go ahead A controversial proposal to build a refreshment kiosk close to the futuristic Cellular Operations headquarters next to Peatmoor Lagoon was accepted by Swindon Council's development control committee in early February. Photo and story: page 33.

Right: the Cellular Operations HO by the lagoon

Eastenders star to visit Shakespeare festival Eastenders star Susan Tulley is one of a host of actors and cirectors from stage and television who have agreed to visit the launch of the West Swindon Shakespeare Festival on 1 April.

Story and photo on page 17.

Freshbrook couple commit their lives to Africa

Mahavvajah Tandoori & Balti Restaurant

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Mother's Day Special l Free bottle of house wine with \\` every table of 4 or more Fully licensed restaurant.

Takeaway service with 10% discount

Tel: 01793 770998/770253 Fax: 01793 770998

Barrie and Ruth Wright from Freshbrook are selling up to move to war torn Burundi in central Africa in late April to run an orpahange. Find out how you can help them on page 12.

Above: Ruth and Barrie, pictured in Uganda last year

Sunday lunch: 1 pm - 3.30pm Open: 7 days a week 5.30pm to midnight hind

Bank Holidays)

The Maharajah

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Greendown students in last year's festival performance of The Tempest, from left Jazlyn Pickney, Simon Woo/house andAnil Bains

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Millicent

Swindon women to put breast foot forward Over thirty women responded to a Link article to walk a marathon through London's streets on 14 May wearing Wonderbras in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Sto ry on page 20.

Spa rc&Is Nene Elms a Shaw

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2

The Link Magazine • March 2000 Advertisement

Growing with confidence

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Pupils are welcome to join at different ages and find it easy to settle in and make friends. For parents, it is the opportunity to provide the ideal foundation for their child's future at surprisingly affordable fees and in a very convenient location.

For a visit, or to a rr ange an opportunity for your child to spend some time with us, telephone 01285 654046.

Ukrainian speakers respond to appeal A call by Freshbrook dentist Brendon Ball for people who speak Ukrainian in last month's magazine had an excellent response.

Brendon, left, has organised

training for two Ukraine dentists in Swindon in early May, as a result of visiting dental hospitals Q and clinics in the city of Chekassy last August.

"The dentists have little experience of travel and speak no English," said Brendon. "The training through an interpreter will be intense and they will need a break."

He said a lady from Ukraine living at Lyneham who knows Cherkassy replied to The Link article and another lady, whose father is from Ukraine said he would like to meet the dentists.

There is a possibility of a Ukraine/Russian evening being organised during their stay.

Brendon said, "I'm delighted that people are coming forward to help.

Coming to Britain will be a tremendous culture shock. Being able to talk in their own language will make the dentists feel at ease."

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The Link Magazine • March 2000

Smoking to be banned at shopping centre ' WE COME TO YOU' Visitors to the West Swindon Centre will be breathing a lot easier from 1 March when a no smoking * Free collection policy is brought in. & delivery health officers were investigating Thanks to articles and letters in * Servicing & staff complaints about working in The Link which publicised comrepairs parts of the centre such as the lotplaints about smoking in the mall, BIKE * No call out charge tery booth where people smoke. owners of the centre Asda have DOCTOR New store manager Mike decided that a no smoking policy WE ALSO SELL Hepson said the company was lisis the best way forward. * New & used cycles tening to the customer. "Although The January Link featured the * New clearance models the store itself is smoke free, as a complaints from Ted Spalding centre where fresh food is sold it is from Toothill and the February • Parts & accessories the right thing to create a smoke (up to 50% off) edition contained a barrage of letfree atmosphere. ters supporting his view that smok"We have listened to customer ing should be banned from the comments, both to us directly and centre for health and environmenthrough letters in The Link; it is tal reasons. what the public is demanding.

Several letter writers pointed out "Issues arise whenever changes that they had already complained are made. But I hope our customto Asda with little effect; one said ers who smoke will understand that Swindon's environmental the reasons for asking them not to We have two large Ted Spalding with in the mall areas of the centre."

Asda manager Mike Hepson barns full of top Ted Spalding said he was dequality furnishing LOOS' lighted with Asda's decision. "It's fabrics (often more really great that they have rethan 50 metres) which sponded to the publicity. I'm sure The latest stage of Swindon's expansion - the 6,000 home Haydon III the conditions for all who use the are the ends of ranges. development to the west of Lady Lane and Abbey Meads - is stalled centre will improve. It will benefit Also wallpapers. All are from for at least 6 months until landowners can sort out how to proceed. customers, staff in all the shops in leading manufacturers at David Thompson of the North- the mall and the children who are Planning permission to build the greatly reduced prices. houses, commercial and commu- ern Development Company, made left in the playbus."

Why not come and see us? nity facilities was granted in early up of developers Crest, Bryant, Signs advising customers that Sue Cutcliffe. Giles Green, 1999, provided that legal agree- Westbury, Wimpey confirmed that smoking is no longer permitted in Brinkworth, Nr Chippenham. ments on the provision of devel- Wal-Mart wanted to re-examine the West Swindon Centre will be Tel: 01666 510685 opment infrastructure are signed planning issues and that Haydon put up and security staff will ask Open Monday - Saturday 9am - tpm with Swindon Council.

III is running six months behind smokers to extinguish cigarettes.

However the new owners of the schedule.

"The new land owner sees things north district centre site, American retail giant Wal-Mart who from a different perspective and bought Asda last year, have de- we are currently setting up meetmanded to renegotiate the plan- ings to discuss the commitments already made. We do not expect ning terms.

In January The Link exclusively the first houses to be completed revealed that Wal-Mart had bought until mid-2001 at the earliest."

The northern orbital road, exthe massive 36 site from English China Clay. At 340,000 square feet, tending Thamesdown Drive from it is as big as Greenbridge retail Lady Lane to Taw Hill has to be park combined with half the West completed before any new house New College is open all year round and has occupations can take place.

Swindon Centre.

North development on hold

the Link Magazine Published by West Swindon Publications Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 e: linkmagazine@compuserve.com www.swindonlink.com Publisher/Editor: General enquiries: Advertising:

Roger Ogle Tel: (01793) 872282 Jenni Fowler Tel: (01793) 872531

Advertising deadline: 10th of the month Editorial: General

Tel: (01793) 872282

North Swindon, Haydon Wick, Tanya Parkinson Peatmoor, Shaw Tel: (01793) 705105

Copy date for April edition: 11 March Published: 25 March Copy for May: 7 April "The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978.

It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994."

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

Printed by Wiltshire, Bristol

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4

The Link Magazine • March 2000

Talk to Swindonians in the know

PHILIP STONE

PAINTER & DECORATOR

Link magazine publisher Roger Ogle had the daunting task of speaking to 120 experienced Swindonians at the ex-railway workers weekly social meeting in the Central Community Centre in early February.

What was planned as a 15 minute talk turned into an hour long question and answer session.

For a high standard of work References available Telephone now for a FREE ESTIMATE

Tel: 870515 or Mobile 0374 - 208527

'We like The Link' say former railway staff, from left, Gordon and Jan Averies, Dave and Pam Ellis, Ken May and Alan Lambourn

Crunch meeting for Mechanics Institute A meeting between three heritage organisations and officers from Swindon Borough Council is being called on 17 March to try and find a way forward for the crumbling Mechanics Institute in the town centre.

Representatives from English Heritage, the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Industrial Build 1^^ ings Preservation Trust are sup nnr+i ,e nF +ha TvTnrhanirc' 1- na

Tel: 01793 522700 Fax: 01793 335800 I: mcmillanco@aol.com

w & Used 'e Furniture The chair that supports the parts that others don't Sole stockist in Swindon

^herapod®

ers in the past.

They have called on Swindon Council to support their project. It i is currently owned by a developer.

Free daily newspapers for 50 lucky readers Newspaper delivery service, Swindon News Round, is hoping to raise £1,000 for the Prospect

Hospice when it launches in West Swindon.

Already established in North Swindon and parts of Sparcells, the company guarantees delivery before 7.30am.

To celebrate expansion in the west, Swindon News Round is offering free daily newspapers for a week from 12 March to the first 50 readers to register.

And for each customer who signs up with the service, the company will donate £5 to their favourite charity, the Prospect Hospice.

In house CAD design service available for all new furniture installations For all your office requirements:

Choice OFFICE FURNITURE BSS House, Unit 22, Cheney Manor, Swindon Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm. Saturday gam to 1p

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Swindon News Round managing director, Malcolm Gayfer said, "we are aiming to donate £1,000 to Prospect if at least 200 customers apply. We can supply magazines and comics just like any other newsagent. On a note of consideration, if you are leaving another supplier we would ask they be given seven days notice as a matter of courtesy."

To register for this service, call 522700, gam to 5pm, answerphone at other times. e-mail:mcmillanco@aol.com

Hooray for Gillian There was a cheer around the Prospect Foundation Office for Gillian Richardson when she was voted 'first person in the news in the new millennium' after her photograph appeared in the January Link.

She coordinates fundraising boxes which raise well over £100,00 a year towards the £1.8million annual running costs of the hospice, eighty per cent of which comes from voluntary sources.

New boxes can be obtained at any of Swindon's five Prospect charity shops or by calling Gillian on 815142

5

WOOTTON BASSETT FOCUS

Take a break at Grove

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Cards, gifts, wedding stationery

Tel: 01793 855166 Fax: 01793 752548

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Schools, libraries and other organisations supplied

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The Cross Key 136 High Street

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Sunday Lunch Free bottle of wine when 4 people book Two course £5.95 Three courses £6.95 Disco every Friday night

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Wootton Bassett A town from the past looking to the future

Philippa Lawrence, a __ President of Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce, writes Records go back as far as 68I AD and Wootton Bassett is proud of its heritage. The black and white building on pillars in the middle of the High Street is the town hall.

It is thought to be 17th Century and is now used as a museum.

On Wednesdays there is a market with a varied selection of stalls held under and around the town hall and along the High Street.

And on every last Saturday of the month you will find the farmers market where you can buy local produce, with the town crier Fred `Boots' Deacon proclaiming news and events happening in and about the town.

Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce is ve ry proud of the business that the town can offer: from banks, building societies and a post office to a motor and bike accessory shop, photography studio, book store, hardware/

iron mongers, an elect rical store, two good supermarkets, a frozen food shop, bakers and green grocers.

Wootton Bassett has a family butcher famous for its `Bassett Banger.' You can also visit a solicitor, the opticians, chemist, aromatherapy shop, antique shops, florist, cobblers, jewellers, wool and

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K & E.J Crump & Son 120 High Street Tel: 01793 853284

For the very best in British meat We're no ordinary butcher. Taste the difference

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fabric shops, ladies and

Industrial children's boutiques, toy shop, sports store, pet Commercial shop and the newsagents.

Specialist Why not enjoy an pub lunch, or a tasty snack at one of the coffee shops?

Temporary, Wootton Bassett is just a few minContract & utes away from Swindon - and the Permanent parking is free.

We re well worth a visit - ve ry soon. 111 High St, Wootton Bassett We look forward to seeing you.

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PHILIPPA LAWRENCE Estate & Letting Agency 52 High Street Your local independent agent specialising in selling and letting all types of residential property in Wootton Bassett and the surrounding area

Tel: 01793 848506 Contact us for a personal and NAEA ^ professional se rvice W.n^

For more information: Tel: 01793 848544 Fax 01793 848533 e-mail: info@cmrspecialist.co.uk

6

HAYDON WICK & WOODHALL PARK oEanroti

Parish assembles for annual meeting

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BUILDING SERVICES

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Tel: Mr J.F. Keenan (01793) 727824

The Annual Assembly of Haydon Wick Parish Council takes place on Tuesday 4 April, 8pm, in the parish offices, next to the Haydon Centre.

Residents of Haydon Wick and It is also hoped that there will be a substantial part of Abbey Meads a report on the progress of the are invited to attend the meeting framework plan for the Haydon where the council's performance III development which falls within plan will be presented. the parish boundary.

First Aid for WI Greenmeadow and Haydon Wick WI plays host to Mrs F Cox, from St John's Ambulance for its monthly meeting on Monday 13 March, 7.30pm in the Haydon Centre.

New members are always welcome to attend.

School takes on technology challenge Greenmeadow School in Pen Close is one of a growing number of p ri mary schools to set up its own designated computer suite. Pupils now have the very latest in information technology at their fingertips.

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The old library room has been converted to accommodate sixteen networked computers, which were installed last September.

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* Door panels in laminates, real wood veneers, mirrors * We can also supply and install: fitted kitchens &

printers, a digital camera and a scanner.

Software available includes word Theresa Cummings with Lydia Roberts, processing and Louis Record, Daniel Aston spreadsheets as well as a range of data handling, develop their learning in other armusic and multimedia packages eas."

Year 1 pupil Louis Record said, to ensure all aspects of the IT curriculum are covered. Each has four "it is really fun and exciting to use ability levels so that the needs of the computers.

Lydia Roberts added, "I like the children from reception age My World Science programme through to year 6 can be met.

The large suite means that a because I learn lots of things."

Year 1 teacher Theresa Cummwhole class can be taught at the same time, with two children per ings said she was envious of her children. "It's great that they are machine.

Headteacher Diane Pritchard starting school with all this new said, "the children are confident equipment. They'll all be experts using computers, they get very by year six."

The next step, subject to fundexcited and are really proud of their achievements. The benefits ing, is the addition of computers in of learning computer skills so each classroom, which will enable young are enormous. They will youngsters to reinforce what they have the flexibility to use them to have learnt in the suite.

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The Link Magazine • March 2000

7

Residents get liaison officer to deal with problems As a result of a public meeting called by North Swindon MP Michael Wills, The Link can exclusively reveal that Swindon Council has designated three members of staff to deal with complaints and concerns from people living in Abby Meads.

The MP, Swindon Council officers and a representative of the Haydon Development Company (HDC) listened to the frustrations of about 30 people who attended the meeting on 11 Feb- Michael Wills ruary.

Issues of litter, anger at building contractors and poor landscape maintenance were raised. Now Swindon Council has set up hotlines to three officers who will take up concerns with builders and responsible council departments.

One of the main issues discussed was the problem of domestic litter in open spaces and playgrounds on St Andrews Ridge and Abbey Meads, despite regular litter picks

by HDC and events organised by the Abbey Meads community association.

It was pointed out that there are no bins, for litter or dog waste. The borough council is to look into their provision.

Irresponsible behaviour by some builders and contractors came in for some stick. Rubbish, including

breeze blocks and plastic sheeting are regularly dumped, or swept out of uncovered skips in the wind.

Builders and contractors were accused of damaging verges and parking machinery and vehicles in ways which could block emergency access.

It was claimed that many open areas are not being landscaped or maintained, and trying to locate who is responsible for the land can be very difficult.

Michael Wills will be writing to all builders raising these concerns and asking for more consideration.

People living next to Thamesdown Drive said the noise buffer and landscaping is ineffective. In due course the road is to be widened to four lanes. Martin Trewhella, senior planner at Swindon, said a site meeting will be arranged with residents to look at ways of dealing with the problem.

Residents felt the meeting had been successful. Don Reid from Monet Close, was encouraged by what was said. "I've written to the council twice and received no reply, but I feel more positive. I'm looking forward to having some

BOWER C BAILEY C7

direct action to the points raised."

Michael Wills described the meeting as very useful. "It ., was a good way for people to say what they thought.

We have a good understanding on how to move forward and put things right."

Chairman of the Haydon Development Company David Thompson, left, who was unable to attend, said, "we have been building in the area for five years and will be involved for another ten as we see the Haydon III development to its conclusion.

"We will continue to carry out maintenance and remove litter, even in areas we have handed over to the local authority and we no

We now run a free legal clinic at The Abbey Meads Medical Centre on Thursday mornings For advice and assistance on the following:

Accident and injury compensations (no win, no fee) Family and children House sales, purchases and mortgages Wills and estates Call Jackie on 01793 610466 for an appointment email: Jbehan@bowerandbailey.co.uk

USEFUL NUMBERS Planning issues: Zoe Dixon at Swindon Council 466226 Highways & landscape maintenance: Samantha Henley or Malcolm Read: 464487 Michael Wills MP: 481016 Complaints against contractors: HDC site office: 700896

NSPCC moves home

The North Swindon Family Project, based in Penhill, is moving from its present building to more suitable premises in Atworth Close on 20 March.

The project, which supports parParish Assembly ents and carers of young children The Annual Assembly of in the northern development have Blunsdon Parish Council takes been eagerly awaiting completion place on Monday 27 March, of their new centre which offers a 7.30pm, in Blunsdon Village Hall. large activity room, several family People living in the northern ar- rooms and additional office space.

It will also provide a comforteas of Abbey Meads, Ash Brake and St Andrew's Ridge are within able, quiet environment for those the parish boundary and are in- needing help and support.

The project can be contacted on vited to attend to hear about the council's work and raise concerns. the same number: 705810.

66.1.,

earls

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SOLICITORS Cambridge House, 4 College Court Regent Circus, Swindon SN I I PJ

longer have responsibilities."

Mr Wills has proposed another meeting for September.

Supreme Peking Cuisine Takeaway Abbey Meads Village Centre Elstree Way,Abbey Meads 01793 703388

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• Sage & Excel software Call to discuss L your requirements F r Tel/Fax: rvsrrrtmt OF R t)K-kap'u^°s 01793 873202 email: johngibson@post.com

Noddy makes surprise visit

Elizabeth Clark

Paint effects specialist & unique designs in decorating Colour washing, frottage & dragging, marbling, gilding, rackle glaze, distressing, textured finishes, stone effects and more.

Youngsters at Westlea pre-school were taken aback to see Noddy and some of his accomplices come through the door on 15 February.

Noddy, Aunty Flower and Tessie Bear were on a promotional tour for their show at the Wyvern Theatre between 2 and 5 March.

Tickets for the fun musical entertainment can be booked at the Wyvern box office, tel: 524481.

Walls, floors, furniture, even kitchen cupboards Free estimates

Tel: 01793 529192 Mobile: 07881 628809

Barnum Court, Rodbourne, I bed second floor apartment £475.00pcm

Comedy Cottage, Christian Malford, 2 bedrom cottage £675.O0pcm Morse Street, Central Swindon, 2 bedroom house £595.00pcm Goddard Avenue, Old Town, Swindon, 4 bedroom house £ 1850.00pcm Sevenfields, Highworth, 2 bedroom house £520.00pcm The Pleydells, Cricklade, 2 bedroom end terrace house £600.00pcm Heronbridge Close,West Swindon, I bedroom flat, £360.00pcm Speedwell Close, Haydon Wick, I bedroom flat, £360.00pcm

email: paul@belgravia-lettings.co.ul < 69 Commercial Road, Swindon SN I 5NX Tel: 01793 436400

PARTNERS, `

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°

Kids make patients laugh Children at Westlea After School Club probably know more'Doctor, Doctor' jokes than anybody in Swindon.

And their laughter-making de- television, even though it is only in liveries to camera are being shown a doctor's surgery. all over South West England in GP "They were really keen to make surgeries which have GPTV infor- everyone laugh; we couldn't stop mation consoles installed, them coming up with new jokes.

Filming took place in January We all hope there will be a few when Dr Martin Rankin visited smiles when patients see GPTV." the club to interview the children.

Club supervisor Cherry Hobbs said, "the children were excited by the opportunity to show off on Dr Rankin with club members performing for the camera, from left, Jessica Taylor, Emma Jones, Emma Davies

IIII

5 STAR RATING IN GOOD SALON GUIDE Specialists in high fashion and colour workWest Swindon Centre Swindon • Tel: 870462

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WEST SWINDON CENTRE Fine fragrances, toiletries, ear piercing etc.

APS, developing & printing One free 35mm 24 exp film with every 35mm roll developed on the premises

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

9

AT YOUR LIBRARY

CDs and videos at great prices

Affordable Conferencing/Meeting Venue For All

Travel and Spring are highlighted this month in the displays at West Swindon library and we are always on the look out for work from schools, playgroups and nurseries which can be exhibited in the children's area, writes Robert Cotterill.

A local venue for your business or organisation.

Professional surroundings in a rural setting. Support facilities can be tailored to your needs. Call now for our special introductory package: Day Rates from only £50 + vat Contact us on 01793 778066

As well as decorating the library the displays advertise the presence of a school or playgroup in the community. There is a large window ledge suitable for artwork and already Westlea School has offered to show its pupils' efforts. We are also keen to hear from others who would like to use the space. Call 465555 if you have work to display.

Libraries do a lot more than books. Did you know that we have all the current top ten CDs to hire, for just 75p each? Recent titles include Will Smith, Willenium; The Charlatans, Us and Us Only; Bryan Adams, The Best of Me; The Corrs, Unplugged. We have lots of light and classical music as well.

And you should see our latest videos: Saving Private Ryan, The Matrix, The Siege, Mulan, Notting Hill and Shakespeare in Love, to name a few. They only cost £2.50 a week for premium titles, £1.50 for

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Shaw Salon, Shaw Village Centre, Swindon • Tel: 874825 New in the service is temporary librarian Pamela Waddington who hails from Brighouse in Yorkshire and more recently as a library assistant at PMH

Award nomination books available to borrow In February I reported on the collaboration between library staff and pupils from Dorcan and Commonweal schools in helping choose Swindon's nomination for two prestigious children's book awards.

All titles in the shortlist are available from any Swindon library; here are descriptions of some of them.

Greenaway Award Carnegie Award for best written story for best illustrated book David Almond Kit's Wilderness Quentin Blake Fantastic Daisy Children in an ex-mining commu- Artichoke nity are surrounded by reminders Large bold, bright water-colour of the past. They are haunted by pictures illustrate a lively poem. the ghosts of their forebears - the Babette Cole Hair in Funny Places children who were killed in mine Potentially embarrassing developaccidents and whose bodies were ments are explained and illustrated never found. The story is an effec- in Cole's eminently tactful text and tive blend of realism and magic humourous drawings so that with a gripping climax. young readers are informed and reassured about what Mr and Mrs Susan Cooper King of Shadows Nat Field travels from America to Hormone have in store for them.

London to perform Shakespeare Debi Gliori No Matter What in the newly restored Globe, but An endearing tale of a small fox during visits to the theatre he ex- and his mother periences strange episodes of be- Shirley Hughes Abel's Moon ing somewhere else and in another Shirley Hughes' minutely obtime. A well researched story served, beautifully executed illuswhich brings 16th century London trations illustrate this story of a vividly to life. father whose tales of adventure Gillian Cross Tightrope stimulate his children's imaginaA gripping thriller about life in an tive powers, while helping them inner city estate. to come to terms with his absence.

Geraldine McCaughrean Beauty Jenny Nimmo The Rinaldi Ring A tale about the deepness of tragic and the Beast loss and how people all deal with A modern version of a traditional their feelings in very different tale illustrated by Gary Blythe with ways. vivid oil paintings and delicate Jacqueline Wilson The Illustrated black and white pencil drawings.

Kate Petty and Jenny Maizels The Mum The story describes with devastat- Magficicent I Can Read Music Book ing accuracy what it feels like to be Jazzy with colour and actions, anithe ten year old daughter of a lov- mals jolly along their young puing but erratic and feckless mum pils from clapping a rhythm to playing scales. who is a manic depressive.

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My first 1000 days Julia Drown looks back over the two and a half years since she was elected MP for South Swindon We've recently passed the first 1000 day mark of this Labour Government. For me, there have been many highlights during this time as a Member of Parliament for Swindon South. I have enjoyed participating in local events and being able to give due recognition to all the good work done in Swindon by our voluntary and public organisations, businesses and individuals.

rates and of the wonderful leisure opportunities we have in and around Swindon Working for change and working in Parliament can also be frustrating. It can take a long time for results to percolate through and MPs have to be determined in persevering to make progress.

The most satisfying experiences come from seeing people whose lives are changing as a result of the

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In December Julia, right, expressed her thoughts for the 21st Century in the Swindon People's Millennium Book organised by Swindon World Development Movement. She will be visiting the Fair Trade Fortnight stall outside Oxfam in Regents Circus at 11am on Saturday 4 March

It is also extremely rewarding being able to provide direct help to constituents in many different ways. I've worked with those leading the opposition to plans to store potentially infected meat and bonemeal at Wroughton and the campaign to save Swindon's greenfield areas, such as the Front Garden.

Many individual constituents bring their problems, views and concerns to me at my regular surgeries. Sometimes the intervention of an MP in a difficult case can make the difference and secure a real improvement in someone's life. For example, I've been able to help obtain compensation for people who have received wrong advice on pensions and to intervene to prevent homes being repossessed.

One of the best aspects of working in Parliament is being able to lobby ministers directly - through letters, meetings, debates and informal chats - and then seeing the positive results.

I have made persistent representations on issues ranging from the lack of NHS dentists in Swindon to Third World Debt to the need for a new Swindon hospital.

In all of these areas, the Government has listened and responded.

I also enjoy singing the praises of our great town - telling others of our low unemployment and crime

Government's policies, for example, the young people and longterm unemployed helped into work through the New Deal, and the hard working parents helped by the Government's Working Families Tax Credit.

Nationally and locally, I am proud of what the Government has achieved. We have a strong economy. We have introduced the first ever national minimum wage and the Working Families Tax Credit, which have a huge impact on the low paid.

We've allocated an additional ÂŁ40 billion to modernise the health and education services. Our help for pensioners makes them on average ÂŁ300 per year better off. Our tax and benefit changes are allowing people in work to take home more of the money they earn. And the reduction in Third World Debt has the potential to save millions of people's lives.

It has been an incredible 1,000 days, and it has been a pleasure and privilege to represent the people of South Swindon at such an important time. There is much more to do, but the foundations have been firmly laid.

If you would like to get in touch with me on any issue, write to: 39 Victoria Road, Swindon SN1 3AT, or contact my office by ordinary phone or textphone: 615444.

11

SHAW & ROUGHMOOR

School alive with art Pupils at Peatmoor Primary School have livened up their corridors with artistic displays that they produced during an arts and creative writing week in early February.

Headteacher Terri Peacock or- Burmah Castrol through the Swin- Wood worked with each class to dren make a large heron, the ganised the week around the theme don Foundation for the Arts. create painted frames made of school's emblem, which will stand of lines and shapes, taking the deFour artists worked with pupils wood, textiles and thread to hang in the entrance. David Pepps demsign of their building as inspira- indifferent materials. Well known in the corridors. "It was wonder- onstrated the use of three-dimenful having children involved at all sional cardboard and wire modstages of the process," he said. els.

All the children, from ages 4 to "They have shown great creativity 11 were involved and youngsters and were really enthusiastic".

Banners based on shapes around from Sparklers pre-school were the school, made by Bailey Curtis also invited to watch.

Mrs Peacock said, "we had a and parent helpers, were hung in fantastic week, the children loved the reception area.

Melissa Cole, a blacksmith, used every minute of being involved in a portable forge to help the chil- the creative experience."

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MP to launch two Brook Field projects South Swindon MP Julia Drown will be guest of honour for two functions at Brook Field School on 13 March.

In the afternoon she will officially cut the ribbon on a brand new computer facility and sign the message book at the school's web site, before going on to launch a new after school club being run by The Big Adventure.

A suite of 16 computers with colour printer and scanner has been set up to compliment the computers which can be found in each classroom.

Information technology coordinator Dale Burr said computer education has become very important.

"It is essential that children are confident with ICT and gain a good grounding in the use of computers

and the internet. We are very lucky to have two governors with web design skills. Paul Stanton built our web site some time ago and now Andy Hollingsworth will be developing it."

Children at Brook Field have been exchanging photographs, project work and e mails with schools in Denmark and Finland as part of the European Comenius programme. In April they will be visited by a headteacher from their Danish partner school. www.brookfield.swindon.sch.uk • The Big Adventure club provides before and after school care. See the advertisement on page 16.

Youngsters in the Brook Field internet club with teacher Dale Burr, from left, Daniel McCarthy, Felix Cowie, Sophie Hollingsworth, Jenna Norton, Laura Manning. Front, Vicky Rogers, Luke Underwood, Charlotte Jones, Elliott Tilley, Rebecca Martin, Hannah Bud:';, Joseph Rejek

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12

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK

Couple to run orphanage in conflict zone

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Despite warnings of impending civil war in the central African country of Burundi, and Ruth Wright from Freshbrook will be leaving on 27 April to look after children in an orphanage and to run a nursery school in the capital of Bujumbura. They need money for flights and living costs and are appealing for help from readers.

Civil war broke out between be working under the umbrella of Hutu and Tutsi peoples in neighAfrican Revival Ministries, they bouring Rwanda five years ago. do not have any financial backing The TV pictures of the ensuing and have to pray that friends and genocide shook the world. family will help them. They will Over the last few months aid be in Burundi until December as organisations report that there has house parents in an orphanage, been rising tension between the then return in January to start a same ethnic groups in Bu rundi and brand new orphanage. there couldbe a repeat of the inter_; At that point they will not only tribal conflict, need living expenses, but they will However Barrie and Ruth beshipping over books, toys and lieve they are doing the right thing.

A games, and all the necessities of " Having made three trips to =< .'° life including bedding, medical Uganda and Rwanda with the tit they metChrissieChapmanwho supplies and pots and pans.

Swindon Family Church, on went to Burundi as a nurse to set With just six weeks to go, they church planting missions and up baby clinics in the early 1990s. do not have the money for the teaching at a trade school, we feel She later started homes as children flights, but faith drives them on. drawn to working in Africa," said were orphaned from past tribal As they are moving into tempoBarrie. "Not having our own chil- conflicts and as AIDS killed their rary accommodation, they can be dren, we feel we can offer our- parents. contacted via The Link office and selves to the orphanages.

"We met Chrissie at a church messages will be passed on.

"It is worrying, yes, were nerv- gathering last year. She knew nothBarrie and Ruth initially need ous about going, people say we ing about us, but she looked at us money whilst they establish themare crazy to sell everything, to pack and said, 'will you come and work selves in Burundi and later on will up and go into a civil war situa- with us?' It's all developed from want donations of cash and matetion. But we believe God will pro- that point. rials to set up the orphanage. They tect us in something he wants us to "God had been speaking to us also need storage for collected do." for some time. He was definitely items until the end of the year.

Ruth explained that they had no asking us through Chrissie."

To offer help of any kind, conintention of working in Africa unAlthough Barrie and Ruth will tact The Link on 872282.

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Registered with the Mortgage Code Register of Intermediaries: No. 5151731 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 222123 Credit broker fees of up to 1% on the advance may be charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. Rate applied is 5.84% (6% APR) for two years. APR is variable. Rates may vary. A written quotation on loans can be obtained on request. Only available to persons 18 years of age or over. Subject to status. Subject to our current lending criteria. A 1.9% reduction applied to the variable base mortgage rate, currently 7.74%. . A life assurance policy may be required.

Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non-smokers, applying for an endowment mortgage of £50.000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 31 May 2000 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £243.33. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96. Total amount payable £145,642 calculated to include valuation fee £155. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply throughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £150,000, The rate applies to loans up to and including 90% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable for two years, after which the then current rate will apply. When an applicant is borrowing more than 75% the Society will require additional security. This is usually in the form of a Risk Charge. Rates correct at time of going to press.

14

TOOTH ILL

Surgery opens up to offer complementary alt ernatives Toothill's Phoenix doctor's practice is broadening the range of health care available by making space at the surgery available to complementary therapists.

InterActions, which brings to- properly trained, mented, "a high tivity to Reiki, which induces deep gether a range of therapists, has reputable and most proportion of ill- relaxation. come to an agreement with the i mportantly, they ness is related to Reiki practitioner Fred Taylor practice to offer treatments like know their limits stress or dis-ease. said, "people are more accepting Indian head massage, reflexology, and will advise paTherapists offer of complementary therapy as an nutrition and kinesiology, chi- tients to see their a ppointments of alternative and we're very pleased ropody and Reiki.

GP if appropriate. half an hourto an to be working with a GP who acPractice partner Dr Peter "We won't be rehour and a half cepts there are a range of ways to Swinyard said it was becoming ferring patients to which aim to re- achieve health and well being." more usual for doctors to make the therapists, but duce stress."

Unfortunately the therapies are agreements with therapists to of- we will make them She said differ- not available on the NHS; thirty fer complementary treatments. aware that there ent therapies suit minute sessions cost from ÂŁ10.

"We welcome InterActions into the are alternatives To find out more, pick up a leafdifferent people, practice. The practitioners are available. I think a from reflexology, let at Phoenix surgery at Toothill lot of people will gain great benefit an ancient form of foot massage Village Centre from the relaxation that the com- which stimulates nerve endings â&#x20AC;˘ Swindon South MP Julia Drown plementary therapies bring about." and helps ease tension, to kinesiol- will officially open the Phoenix surJane Child of InterActions com- ogy which analyses dietary sensi- gery on 22 March.

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Past parent remembers school in Year of Promise As a former clerk and chairman of the Governors and having seen his two children attend Toothill School, it is hardly surprising Terry Sargent chose to donate a new computer to the school.

Terry, who runs computer company Teljay Consultants Ltd, has donated a state of the art PC with full multimedia and Internet facilities. He said, "I was watching ITV's Year of Promise last Autumn and felt that with the turn of the Millennium, it was a good time to give something back to the community.

Headteacher Richard Jackson, was delighted with the gift. "It is lovely that Terry remembered us. We appreciated what he did for the school whilst on the governing body. The computer will be really useful for the children and the school, particularly with its Internet capabilities".

Terry Sargent, front, with Arron Patterson, and from left, Bernadette Toothill School aims to increase the Florendo, Elaine Johnson, governor, Stephen Borell, Jordan Fitchett, number of computers it has by setting up headteacher Richard Jackson, Yasmin Cinquegrani, Sadie Northway an IT suite later in the year.

Kiln

New name, new identity for pre-school

Toothill's Kiln Park pre-school relaunched itself with a new name on 10 February with a visit by Swindon Town footballers Charlie Griffin and Robin Hulburt.

For more details pop in or tel: 829715

Supervisor Angie John said par- Roman kilns were found in the ents had become confused since a it seemed like a nice name for Open: Mon - Sat. 9am - 5pm nursery opened at nearby Oliver the new century."

The Yard. Tate Estate. Kingsdown Tomkins Infants School. "As our The pre-school, which is run Road, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon building is next to Kiln Park, where by a parent's committee, is the only one in West Swindon which has its own building.

Committee member Janet Freeguard is fundraising to pave and fence the back garden.

Her daughter Emma, now 22, Dunwich Drive, Toothill Village Centre attended Toothill's first playgroup in the hut close to the village centre in 1981.

Janet later became a staff member and then supervisor of same playgroup after it moved to Toothill Community Centre.

She was there for fourteen years before it closed in 1995 because of a decline in numbers. Emma's son Lewis now attends Kiln Park.

Now offering a range of complementary therapies To contribute to the Kiln Park in association with Inter-Actions. Visit the surgery for a leaflet. fundraising, call Janet on533844.

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Angie Jo/n holding Jamie Harris With his signed football, Janet Freeguard holding her grandson Lewis and her daughter Emma

?F1^4ha4

The Link Magazine • February 2000

Help the experts improve information service The Swindon Children's Information Service can now be contacted by e-mail. They are hoping this will encourage group leaders to contact them with information about their club or activity to help them give a better service.

The one-stop telephone call centre provides inThe telephone lines are open from 9.30am to 5pm formation to childcarers about private and local daily. Callers outside these times can leave a message authority schools, facilities for children with dis- on an answer machine. abilities, childcare services and clubs for children The Link magazine apologises for publishing the aged between 0 and 14. They have a number of incorrect e-mail address last month. It should be leaflets on related issues and are actively trying to cissw@aol.com build up their database of information about groups The local website is: www.childcarelink.gov.uk/ swindon in the Swindon area.

Playing the mischief in Abbey Meads Little Mischiefs, a pre-nursery group set up in January to help young children with the transition from being at home to starting a preschool, is proving very successful.

Sessions are held each Thursday from 12.45pm to 2.15pm at Abbey Meads community school. The group is aimed at 2 to 3 year olds and their carers and includes structured activities, singing and nursery rhyme games. For details contact Maggie Fisher on 725799.

Open afternoon

Two toddler groups Sparklers Pre-school at Peatmoor welcome children & parents School is holding an open session Peatmoor Playmates meet at Peaton Friday 10 March, 1pm. moor School on Tuesdays 10am to Parents and children are invited 12noon. Contact Samantha Street to drop in to meet the staff and on 872869 to join. view the facilities.

Sparcells Under 5s meets on FriThe pre-school has a few vacan- days 10am to 12noon in Sparcells cies at present. For details, contact Social Hall. For details, call Elaine Sam McGil on 877189.

Jackson on 877104.

Top marks at Ridgeway A recent Ofsted inspection at Ridgeway Pre-school concludes that it successfully met all the targets set by a previous inspection.

The report states that "the pre-school offers a high standard of nursery education in a bright, stimulating environment". It also finds that the programmes for personal and social development, language, literacy and mathematics are good and are given high priority.

Children are described as, "confident, independent learners who share and take turns and are developing good relationships with adults and their peers. Children talk enthusiastically about their lives and the environment in which they live. The quality of teaching and assessment promotes the desirable learning outcomes and is good. Staff are flexible in their approach and offer a wide and interesting programme".

There are a few places available for children aged from 2 to 5. Mrs Dawn Bailey who runs the pre-school can be contacted on 845572.

Bright start for pre-schoolers Bright Horizons Day Nursery staff are celebrating the results of an Ofsted inspection, where no significant weaknesses were reported.

The 100 place day nursery at drenrespectandcareforeachother Peatmoor Village Centre looks af- and the toys and equipment ter children from 6 weeks to five around them". years. The inspection centred on Joint managers Tracy Field and the 24 children, aged three and Heather Russell expressed delight four, based in the pre-school room. with the findings. Tracy said "We A curriculum is followed through- are very pleased with the result of our inspection and will be conout all the age groups.

The report states, "programmes tinuing to maintain our high standfor personal and social develop- ards throughout the nursery." ment, language and literacy and The Link has been asked to cormathematics are all good". It says rect an article in another publicathat "by the time they are five years tion. Children do not go into a old, most children are likely to corner if they do not want to parachieve the desirable outcomes of ticipate in an activity. Tracy said, "we allow them to make their own learning in all areas."

The quality of teaching is de- decisions; they can play with other scribed as very good. It concludes toys in the room if they prefer."

Bright Horizons can be contacted that, "staff have worked hard to create an environment where chil- on 887602.

National Childbirth Trust Nearly New Sale Saturday 8 April, 11am - 1pm Oasis Leisure Centre To include baby, children and maternity clothes, equipment, toys Admission 50p Contact Amanda Heard on 771854 for a seller's pack and information Wanted: Good quality baby equipment, toys, baby and maternity clothes in good clean condition to sell on a 25% commission basis to the Swindon branch of the National Childbirth Trust - no sale no fee The National Childbi rt h Trust is a registered charity offering suppo rt and information in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood and aims to enable eve ry parent to make informed choices.

15

EASTER

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The Link Magazine • March 2000

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Getting ready for SwindonDome day Children at thirteen Swindon primary schools have been busy during the first half of the term creating artwork that will feature on Swindon's day in the Macdonalds'Our Town' area of the Millennium Dome on 4 April.

The art displays will be comple- to be displayed. Our suitmented by dance and music per- case will contain possesformances which will also be on sions a 1900 child would show in Swindon for the opening have collected, such as a of the new railway heritage centre sampler, diary, candle STEAM in May. holder and a toy steam Rachel Lawrence, deputy head train. of Peatmoor School, said the work "Despite all the negative of her class would also contribute publicity the children are to a study of the Victorians in the really excited to be insummer term. "The theme of the volved in a project where dome project is journeys and each their work will be shown school is creating a suitcase of items off in the Dome."

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Teachers and artists putting together Swindon's Dome art at a workshop in February,from left, Amanda Bowl, Ray Ward, Sarah Foulkes, Sally Taylor, Claire Hughes, Celia Yeoman, Julianne Worrall-Hood, Steve Gale Trip idea runs into Dome bu ff ers Regrettably Dome bureaucracy has beaten a bright idea after the December Link suggested that joint transport be organised for people who want to visit the Dome on Swindon's day - harking back to the era when railway workers took their holidays together.

Investigation by Swindon Council officers went nowhere when Dome organisers demanded ticket money a month in advance of bus seat bookings.

Anybody who wants to visit the Dome on 4 April will have to make their own way there. Apparently there should be no problems about getting in.

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The Big Adventure is proud to announce the opening of a new exciting club with Brook Field School on 13 March Offering O O O

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The Link Magazine • March 2000

East Enders and The Bill meet the Bard in Swindon Actors Susan Tulley, formerly of East Enders, Colin Tarrant of The Bill, Inspector Poirot David Suchet and several theatre directors and top educationalists will help launch Swindon's huge Shakespeare Festival at an open day at Greendown School on 1 April, 10am to 4pm.

Twenty-four performances of Shakespeare plays during the following two weeks by primary and secondary schools, Swindon and Cirencester Colleges and Junction 16 amateur drama group will celebrate the man of the last millennium. Over 1,200 performers will be involved in a variety of productions, from traditional full costume presentations to adaptations using dance and rap.

Festival coordinator Tim Noble said all the hard work by teachers and children was coming together for the 1 April launch. "Our patron, the Royal Shakespeare Company actor David Calder contacted Greene, the Elizabethan Peddler actors and directors interested in will be talking about Elizabethan our work. It really is exciting that ti mes and William Shakespeare these professionals are keen to visit himself will also be making a visit.

"This is a chance to see the work the West Swindon Shakespeare of the 1,200 children and 45 teachFestival."

There will be displays of work ers involved," said Mr Noble. "It's in progress, including videos, and an open day where visitors can see some of the schools will be putting how Shakespeare can be made on short performances. Jack open and accessible to everybody."

Visit the festiva l web pages at www.swindonlink.com

Africa challenge for teachers Four teachers from Tregoze School, Grange Park have just returned from a week long trip over half term to the Gambia in West Africa.

Travelling with six other teachers from Wiltshire, the party made the visit under the umbrella of the Marlborough Brandt Group, which has developed contacts with the country over many years.

The group had an intensive programme of visiting primary schools and studying the tourist and fishing industries. The teachers lived with local families in their compounds and spent a day helping out in practical ways, such as working in the fields, maintaining buildings and collecting water.

Children at Tregoze donated toys, books, pencils and crayons for the trip. Headteacher Steve Menham said, "it was a challenge coping with a completely different lifestyle. We hope we have made a contribution and believe we have come away with a better understanding of the needs of the people in a poor country."

A full report will appear in the April Link.

Bugs strike schools Dreams of surfing the internet is proving very frustrating for some Swindon schools connected to the NTL cable service.

Excited children have had to endure long or non-existant downloads, no doubt getting the wrong impression of the internet future. One teacher commented, "it is putting staff off and giving children a bad experience."

An internal report by a teacher working party points the finger of frustration at NTL. But Norrie Porter, head of Planning and Resources at Swindon Council's education department insists this is not the case and stated that the borough council is very happy with the company's service.

He said, "there is an issue about software supplied to schools which has not been working properly.

This has caused problems with downloading speeds and accessibility. We will be spending time addressing the problems over half term and trying to sort out any teething problems which have arisen with individual schools."

On a more positive note, £700,000 has been allocated to continue rolling out computer systems to schools over the next 18 months.

It is anticipated that by September over half the borough's pupils will have access to at least one networked computer in their school.

17

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at Toothill Farm Centre, Bodiam Drive, needs two playworkers to provide stimulating play activities on Thursday evenings, 3 hours a week, including half an hour preparation time. £4.80 per hour.

Closing date: Thursday 16 March.

For details call Mavis Read on 498230 or Jean Goncalves on 465414 Kumon After School Maths Club Saltway Primary School, Middleleaz classroom assistants are required, 4pm to 6pm, Thursdays Would suit education student or recently retired teacher or reasonably numerate person. £4 to £6 per hour depending on relevant experience Call Richard Be ll on 012 85 711170

Lydiard Millicent Parish Council

VACANCY for a Part-time Parish Clerk w.e.f. 1 April 2000 Secretarial & organisational skills necessary Telephone and transport needed

Details from Ian Perkins on 770708

Hop on a quality course in March!

Tregoze youngsters Laura Collins and David Warren help with the packing, from left, Steve Menham, Emma Sleigh, Kate Andrews and Helen Swanson with the school mascot Barnaby Bear who also went to The Gambia

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18 The Link Magazine • March 2000

Parents, children and drugs

SWINDON YOUNG MUSICIANS' MILLENNIUM MUSIC FESTIVAL WYVERN THEATRE, SWINDON

Four superb concerts featuring Swindon's musical talent Saturday 1 April, 2pm FAMILY CONCERT Lucknow Band, Prince of Wales's Regiment. A concert by one of the country's leading military bands.

Programme to include music from the films, Dixieland jazz and rock `n' roll

Druglink, Swindon's Drug Advisory Centre, is running a series of information sessions aimed at helping parents find out more about drugs, their effects and what to look out for.

Nick Bolton from Druglink, left, said, "this is the first time we have run information sessions in the community.

They will look at the effects of different drugs, how to s ' recognise symptoms and behaviour patterns and who to turn to for help if parents believe children are using drugs."

The sessions will be informal discussions around a main display, where parents can talk to Nick or a youth worker who will also be present.

If you are unable to attend one of the dates listed, Druglink can be contacted on 610133 or call youth worker Jo Marchment on 465466.

Tuesday 29 Feb, 6.30pm - 7.30pm Toothill Community Centre Monday 6 March, 7pm - 8pm Greendown Youth Centre Tuesday 7 March, 7pm - 8pm Freshbrook Community Centre Wednesday 8 March, 7pm - 8pm Link Centre Foyer

Shaw youth groups launched ta

Saturday 1 April, 7pm CONCERT by the Swindon Young Musicians' Percussion Ensemble, Guitar Orchestras, Swindon Steel and Steel Panic, Recorder Orchestra and Consort

Two youth clubs for young people living in Shaw have been started on an experimental basis at the Upper Shaw Farm Centre.

A club for 11 to 15 year olds to have somewhere to go out of the meets on Tuesday, 7.30pm to rain. It's better than hanging round 9.30pm, and a senior group for 15 the shops or watching TV at home."

Community services team leader to 18 year olds gets together on Mondays, 7.30pm - 9.30pm.

Paul Ryan said funding was availThe clubs have been set up in able until early April. "We need response to complaints by people parents to join a support group living in the Castleton Road, Nine and help with grant applications Elms area of young people play- to develop this provision."

To offer assistance, call Paul on ing close to the main road.

Nikki Freeth, 13, said, "it's good 465414.

A twisting bunch at Shaw youth club, from left, Jenny Shailes, Lee Sims, Natalie Sanchez, Lee Mundy, Becky Eldridge, Nikki Freeth, Sophie Mason

With special guests: Ruskin School Choir, Swindon Brass and the Janice Thompson Concert Choir Sunday 2 April, 2pm CONCERT by the Swindon Young Musicians' Junior Band, Recorder Ensembles, Young Voices, Beginner and Junior Orchestras and Kindergarten Sunday 2 April, 7.00pm GALA CONCERT Swindon Young Musicians' Concert and Youth Wind Bands, Big Band and Jazz Orchestra, Contemporary Music, Academy Strings, Sinfonia and Youth Symphony Orchestra

Northern youth needs discussed

With special guests: The Penhill and Seven fields String Orchestras, Ten in a Bar and Swindon Male Voice Choir Tickets: £5/£3 concessions can be obtained from the Wyvern Theatre Box Office Tel: 01793 524481 For further details, call Swindon Music Centre on 487802

t•

Swlnnon

The needs of a growing number of teenagers living in North Swindon were discussed at meeting on 3 February called by local beat officer PC Roger Guy. Representatives from the Swin- to hire the bus. don Council youth services, AbThose attending the meeting will bey Meads community association be looking for a room which could and Haydon Wick parish council be used as a youth meeting place. heard that the overwhelming need, Volunteers are needed to help as perceived by the teenagers, is to run a youth facility and although have somewhere to get together. there is no council youth worker The Haydon Centre is consid- for the area, the youth services team ered to be too far away. would provide full support and The managers of the commu- training to anyone who is internity facilities at Abbey Meads pri- ested in helping. mary school have agreed that the For more information call PC Octobus play bus can park on the Roger Guy on 528111 or Tanya site. However funding is needed Parkinson on 705105.

The Link Mag az ine â&#x20AC;˘ March 2000

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Is the NHS turning its back on older people?

Age Concern Swindon is holding an extraordina ry general meeting for all members of the public on Wednesday 8 March, 2pm to focus on age discrimination in the National Health Service following publication of a report Turning your back on us. Older people and the NHS.' The report had widespread media coverage last November, not least because it featured Swindon resident Les Wilson, who was refused a place on the heart transplant surgery waiting list because at age 64, 'he was considered too old.'

The government has since reiterated its commitment to providing services to everyone on the basis of need and said it would not tolerate any discrimination of any kind in health care. But Age Concern

is calling for action on the recommendations of the report - primarily to agree to an inquiry.

The guest speakers at the Swindon meeting will be Dr Gabriel Scally, regional director of public health, NHS executive South West and Caroline Gilchrist, campaign manager Age Concern England.

Copies of 'Turning your back on us. Older people and the NHS' can be obtained from Age Concern Swindon. For details, call Jo Osorio on 692166.

Where will you be in 2025?

In January's Link Julia Drown MP looked forward to a better future as a result of developing government policies. She is right to say it is frustrating that things do not happen overnight. But what will it really be like in twenty five years time, asks Jo Osorio, director of Age Conce rn Swindon.

That means planning early for What of the future? It has been Age Concern's Debate of the Age ended in December and will make argued that traditional housing - an adequate income in later years; a vital contributionto future policy like residential and some sheltered having real dialogue about the development. The Debate in- accommodation for older people - state's investment in health and volved over a thousand events in- is 'ageist'. It is said to have fos- social care, and an honest debate tered separatism, perpetuated about rationing if that is the altercluding some in Swindon.

The Call for Action from the De- negative stereotypical images and native. We also should make sure bate's final conference was sent to prevented the integration and in- there are proper transport systems in place so current generations of 5,000 decision makers with key volvement of older people.

An alternative vision based on car owners are persuaded to give priorities for action now. Top priority was a call to government to universal design, independent liv- them up.

We always want to hear what introduce equal opportunities leg- ing, new technology has been put islation enshrining the principle of forward. With all new houses ha y - people think at Age Concern Swining to be built to im- don. Please write to 14 Milton age neutrality so that individuals can no proved standards of Road, Swindon SN1 5JE or call Jo access, there is every Osorio on 692166. longer be denied access to health care, hope that homes could serve us for as employment, financial services or other much or a lifetime as support simply on ,e we want them to. And all around us you can the grounds of age. t see what market These demands gS GROUf^ forces are generating and nine others of

19

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Racin ] every document Agenda for Little sheltered the Age, recommendmgpnontyar- housing isproposedexceptm vlleas for longer term policy plan- lages' like the new scheme pro- Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, ning - over the next 20 to 30 years. posed south west of Princess Mar^7 Many Link readers have been garet Hospital.

First race /. 3 0pm involved in local debates over the Living independently in 'lifeshape of West and North Swin- time homes' as we get older is fine don. As the Borough Council takes but the changing balance in the its plans out to the people and population between older and develops its vision for Swindon younger people will have a huge for the next 30 years, more of us effect too. will need to play a part too and Up till 2011 there will be more make sure we have an influence. people (often women) aged 45 to Key facts from the Debate of the Age 59 potentially 'available' to provide the informal care that increaswill make a contribution too.

At the last census in 1991 only a ing numbers of us will need.

But then there is a reverse. Overfairly small percentage of West Swindon people were over 65. all the numbers go down and the There were larger numbers in Hay- proportions change dramatically don Wick, but none in Abbey so that by 2046 we expect there to be 150 people aged 75 and over per Meads - it wasn't there.

The 2001 census will show huge 100 changes. A larger percentage of

people will have grown older in homes they own but several hundred live in sheltered housing complexes - popular schemes, which in some parts of the town have vacancies

People generally are living People longer; men are doing a little better than women in increasing life expectancy just now. So it is vital there is a balance struck between adding years to life and quality to those years.

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20 The Link Maqazine • March 2000

Foster carers praised for often unrecognised work

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The Mayor of Swindon coun. Joy Brunt paid tribute to the hard work and care given by Swindon's small, valiant band of foster carers at a reception on 3 February.

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At the launch of a campaign to recruit foster families, she said that their efforts, sometimes working with difficult children, helps the council's social services department fulfil its legal duties. "Their loyal and sometimes undervalued efforts have my sincere admiration."

Swindon social services department is trying to find more people

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to provide foster homes for chil- months, long term care for several dren and young people aged 0 to months or years, or respite care for a few days in a month. There are 18 years old.

Anyone can apply to foster, also specialist schemes for children though those with certain criminal with disabilities and placements for children who have more chalrecords cannot be considered.

People do not have to be mar- lenging behaviour. ried, working, wealthy, home ownFoster carers receive initial training or belong to any particular re- ing before being approved and ligion or race. ongoing training whilst fostering.

Children need foster care for a There is also support from family number of reasons: family crisis, placement workers, social workrelationship difficulties between ers and other foster carers.

For information about fostering, child and parents, abuse.

Fostering can be short term call the Social Services Family placements for a few weeks or Placement Team on 465700.

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The Mayor with four West Swindon foster mums, from left, Hugette Potten, Val Sawford, Val Wells, Sandra Hazeldine

ugette Potten, from Grange H Park, responded to a television advertisement for foster carers seven years ago and thought she would be looking after youngsters for a few weeks at a time. But a boy stayed with her and her husband for six years and now lives in residential care for young people with severe learning difficulties.

"My husband and I don't have children, so the young man become our son," she said. "We now visit him twice a month and speak on the telephone three or four times

al Sawford, from Toothill V looked after a fifteen year old appointing me as his advocate so that I can talk to him and speak on who became pregnant whilst in his behalf whenever decisions her care. "Obviously it was diffiabout his future have to be made. cult for all of us, but we were able "It makes fostering worthwhile to give her support and she asked if you can help a child make some- me to be with her at the birth. thing of him or herself. Otherwise, She's since married and had a secwhere would that child be if he or ond child who I see quite often." she had to stay in a residential What does it take to foster? home in their younger days" "You need a lot of patience, tolerance, and strength of character to andra Hazeldine from Grange S Park is well known to children follow through a decision with a at Toothill School where she was a youngster, but you have to be flexteacher for many years. She's cared ible as well," said Yvonne. "There's for thirty children over the last no rosy glow about fostering, but nine years. "Sometimes we're it is very rewarding and we would called to provide an emergency all encourage more people to contact social services." a week. The social services are

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bed; a social worker might have to remove a child from a family, or a boy or girl has run away and we're asked to go to the police station and bring them home.

"The children have got into my system. If you can provide some stability, love and care and help break the vicious cycle of deprivation, it might just be possible that they can find a different approach to life. Some respond, others wori t.

But it's worth it to show that somebody cares for them."

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine • March 2000

Exercise, the key to better looks and a healthy lifestyle Vanessa Feltz has done it, and Anne Diamond. So has Elaine Wilde from Grange Park. Elaine who ...?

She's no TV personality, she has not had to endure the trauma of marriage break-up like the first two, but nevertheless her weight loss has been just as dramatic. Lee Hogan of Bodies by Design describes Elaine's successful fight for fitness and better health.

Elaine, 37, is a public relations excess fat is a

By Design, attending on average manager with First Great West- direct result four classes a week.

The result, as you can see, is ern, who just over a year ago, de- of consumremarkable. Elaine was a size 18 to cided that enough was enough. ing slightly 20, now she is a 10 to 12, having Holiday snaps had made her re- less than alise that she had to stop kidding your body lost 6 inches from her bust, seven herself. inches from her waist and 10 inches needs in At 5 feet 6 inches and 14 stone terms of enfrom hips. She now weighs 10 stone 3 pounds and for her efforts 31b, she was not only overweight ergy which but unfit in turn enis our Personality Of The Year. as well.

If you want to following Elaine's courages example, we're here to help. Pick So be- your fat a classes below and come on down. gan a year stores to be long proc- used. This, ess to get of course, is herself fit a simplificaProfessional Make-Over and in the tion, but with of true.

If you sort shape she want to Colour de Beautiful knew she speed up this should be. process you v Colour analysis This was going to involve a ma- must bev Skin care preparation jor life-style change. come more First things first, diet. Elaine active. Exercise not only increases v Full make-over was determined to do this right. weight loss, but is vital if you want v Advice on new No faddy diet, no starving and no to firm up flabby thighs and respring colours in cabbage soup. She joined Slim- shape those upper arms.

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Beginners with Lee Li me Kiln Sports Centre, Wootton Bassett. 8.15pm to 9pm. Price: £3.30 includes FREE SWIM

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Lorna's Shape-Up Gym, Greendown School, Grange Park. 6.30pm to 7.30pm

Lorna's Shape-Up Haydonleigh School, Haydon Wick 7pm to 8pm

The Total Body Workout with Lee Sports Hall, Greendown School, Grange Park. 7.30pm to 8.30pm

Low Impact with Carol Peatmoor Primary School Opposite The Chinese Experience 7pm to 8pm

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22 The Link Magazine • March 2000

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Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Mrs Lesley Catling MCSP

Chartered Physiotherapist Tel: 01793 848424 Mobile: 0378 553703 60 High Street

Wednesday 7.30 to 8.30pm Churchfields Upper School, Salcombe Grove Thursday 8.15 to 9.15pm Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Sunday 10.30 to 11.30am Upper Shaw Community Centre, Ridge Green Also: Aerobics, Thursday 7 to 8pm, Link Centre, West Swindon

Any queries call 01793 726659 STILL ONLY £3.00 PER SESSION Amberley has recently instructed at The News of The World's "Feel Fab" weekend Also currently appearing in Monica Grenfel's "Get Back Into Your Jeans" fitness video

Sarah Collings, World, European and Commonwealth swimming champion helped the Mayor of Swindon coun Joy Brunt launch the Millennium area youth games for Dorset, Swindon and Wiltshire at the Link Centre on 19 February.

The games take place at schools, clubs and leisure centres across Swindon on 25 June and are aimed to include able bodied and disabled young people in a range of sports.

Swindon Council sports development workers will be liaising with schools before June to select children to represent the town.

Winners of the area games will go on to national finals to be held between 17 and 20 August.

Sarah Collings training at the Link Centre pool with help from the Mayor and millennium challenge

trier lFmm,Clubs

Wootton Bassett

b e r1e ,

Youth games launched

children

Rowers to talk about Atlantic adventure Norman Butler from Westlea and team mate Chris Higgins from Gloucester who have entered the Ward Evans Atlantic rowing race in October 2001 have set up a public presentation on 20 March where they will talk about teamwork, positive thinking, commitment, endurance and how to raise £50,000.

The Lord Liutenant of Wiltshire Sir Maurice Johnson will introduce the evening and speakers include former Royal Marine Mark Stubbs who rowed the Atlantic in 1997, their team trainer Royal Marine Dave Morgan and Stuart Boreham

who will be attempting to be the first disabled person to sail single handed across the Atlantic.

Also on hand will be Martin Ward, director of race sponsors Ward Evans and team sponsors

Mencap marathon man Graphic designer Jeremy Scott from Abbey Meads is offering to carry out work free of charge, in return for sponsorship when he runs the London Marathon in aid of Mencap.

His business Digital Print Imagery designs brochures, leaflets, corporate logos and web sites and will take on projects, providing the customer pledges what he or she thinks the job is worth to his chosen charity. For details, contact Jeremy on 700038.

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"There will be something for everyone: sport, adventure, nutrition, psychology, geography," said Norman, who is looking for more business sponsorship and also interest from schools who would like to follow their project.

The evening costs £1.50 which includes drinks and a buffet. Forty per cent will be donated to the NSPCC, for which Norman and Chris are raising sponsorship.

The presentation takes place at the Hoburne conference centre at the Cotswold Water Park, Broadway Lane, South Cerney.

For more information, contact Norman on (01793) 882197 or email: norman@benwellclose.freeserve.co.uk

The Link Magazine • March 2000

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Squash champ overcomes attacking opponent Despite the handicap of playing with a black eye after a blow in the first game of the annual Link Centre squash tournament, Trevor Howard from Marlborough overcame Chris McKendrick from Stratton in a thrilling final held at the Oasis leisure centre on 5 February.

It was the second year of competition for the trophy presented by Ramnik Mehta from Shaw.

Trevor won a new squash racket for his pain.

No hard feelings.

Chris McKendrick, left, congratulates a bruised Trevor Howard, with Swindon Council recreation manager Rob Whitehouse, Ramnik Mehta and tournament organiser Shirley Burden

New manager needed for long running club West Swindon FC is looking for a manager for next season. The club plays in the Skurrays Wiltshire League and has a full management committee and a keen squad of players.

Games are played at Greendown School in Grange Park.

"It would be good to find a manager with some experience, but anybody with an interest in running an adult team would be welcome," said club chairman and temporary manager Phil Bathe.

He pointed out that the club has been in existence since 1959, well before expansion to the west of town, when games were played at Mannington Rec. and Rodbourne was considered West Swindon.

For details on the position, call Phil Bathe on 875556.

Cricket club looks for friendly games The Bolingbroke Hotel junior and adult cricket teams wants to set up mid-week friendly games.

There are a few Sunday afternoons available but club manager Colin Butcher wants to book games for Wednesday evenings.

"We had an excellent response to the appeal for junior players in last months Link," he said. "For anybody who missed the notice, youngsters aged 11 to 16 years who want to learn the game with coach Clive Hay can join us on Sunday mornings for training.

"We're looking for friendly matches for the team to build up their experience of competitive cricket."

If you run a club, give Colin a call on 854972 to fix up a game.

GOODBYE BORING WORKOUTS - HELLO

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The secret to life long fitness is MOTIVATION. Your programme has to be FUN, and have a benefit beyond mundane exercise.

Here it is! The Leigh Childs Black-Belt Academy is launching its safe, no contact and unique new programme.

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

After course guidance and support.

Reiki Association Master F. J. Taylor, (01793) 849914 or 07775 932984 (mobile) Reiki treatments available £10 per half-hour or £20 per full hour

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24

The Link Magazine • March 2000

Women to bare all for Wonderbra overnight marathon A group of women who have given themselves the name 'Swindon Twin Peak plan to walk the streets of London in the early hours of 14 May, wearing Playtex Wonderbras in aid of Breakthrough cancer research.

Over thirty women attended a meeting advertised in the February Swindon Twin Peaks team members are planning a series of practice Link by Eunice Salmon of Nine Elms to find out who else wants to take walks to build up before May, and to give each other encouragement. part. Last year's marathon attracted six hundred walkers. Eunice was Entry costs £25 and participants should commit to raising £100 in so inspired that she has agreed to coordinate a team from Swindon. sponsorship for Breakthrough breast cancer. To join the Swindon Twin Over 5,000 women and some men from across Britain are expected to Peaks and find out when the training walks are taking place, call Eunice take part this year. www.walkthewalk.org on 871606.

The event starts with an evening pasta party and the walk along a Run for Life fully marshalled route through London commences at midnight. "It Join the Mayor of Swindon, councillor Joy Brunt, on a 5 kilometre run! really is a fantastic night," says Eunice. "Women are encouraged to decorate their Wonderbras which are provided as part of the entry walk around Lydiard Park on Sunday 14 May, to raise awareness of pack, along with a space blanket, woolly hat and long sleeved gloves to women's cancers and in aid of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund.

For entry forms and free training, call Nikki Green at Swindon keep you warm. You don't have to strip off; you can walk in a T-shirt Council leisure services on 466526 which means anybody can take part."

Eunice Salmon, centre, with some of the women who attended the She said 25 miles is a long way and stressed the need to prepare for Walk the Walk meeting in her living room in early February. it. Atrainingprogrammeisprovidedwhenentriesareaccepted,butthe - -- ----- --------

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Make a splash All girl group All Saints are backing this year's annual BT Swimathon in March which aims to raise £2 million for Shelter, the UK's largest national charity helping homeless and badly housed

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The Link Centre pool is the only venue in Swindon offering the chance to take part in Europe's Service individually biggest participation event on Sattailored to your urday 18 March and Sunday 19 p. requirements March, at 6pm.

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THE LINK MA9AZINE'S SUIDE TO WHAT'S ON IN AND AROUND SWINDON I

Festival of Literature set for 16 March launch

FRAMES MADE TO ORDER Picture/photo frames Prints & mirrors stocke d,

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If you're passing Waterstones bookshop in the Brunel Centre at midday on 16 March, stay for the launch of the seventh Swindon Festival of Literature and pick up a programme - hot off the press.

Taking place between 1 and 13 May, the festival promises a wealth of literary talent that will spread across Swindon's a rt s venues, li-

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Once again organiser Matt Holland has assembled a wide ranging collection of authors, from leading novelists like Fay Weldon to top BBC television foreign correspondent Kate Adie.

Former Times editor and deputy chairman of English Heritage Simon Jenkins will talk about his acclaimed work 'England's 1000 best churches,' and perhaps fit in a visit to Lydiard House about which he has not been ve ry polite.

In contrast Lucy Pringle the world's expert on crop circles will give an illustrated talk on these mind boggling phenomena which will challenge the most hardened critic.

Seen the man pictured above?

It's Tony Hawkes who has appeared on virtually every quiz show going, including 'Have I got news for you' and'They think it's all over.'

He'll be talking about his book'Playing the Moldavians at Tennis' which was recently serialised on Radio 4.

Popular poets Wendy Cope and Brian Patten will be spinning the stanzas whilst ex-rock journalist turned TV culture reviewer Tony

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Parsons will talk about his book

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a fascinating talk on eco-warriors through history titled 'Swamp's Literary Ancestors' and Swindon peo-

A New Experience No other restaurant can offer the same

ple have the chance to enjoy a fortnight of literary heaven.

There will also be writing workshops, a short story competition, a day devoted entirely to children's authors and activities, the third Clive Brain Memorial Lecture, and bf course, the now nationally famous Poetry Slam.

If you cannot make the launch,

pick up a programme in a local li brary or call 771080.

Singers take on big works Singers with the Swindon Choral Society are perfecting their lines for yet another year of exciting concerts.

The first takes place on 1 April when they perform the Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein and works by John Rutter and Gustav Hoist.

On 24 June the society will be performing Hayden's Creation and it invites other choirs and individuals to participate in what will be a spectacular gathering.

October has an international flavour when the choir will be joined by St Michael Kirchenchor from Swindon's twin town Salzgitter to sing Brahm's Requiem. Members of the society will return to Germany a few weeks later for a repeat performance.

The choral society always welcomes newcomers. Rehearsals take place on Thursday evenings at Oliver Tomkins Junior School. Anyone interested in joining should call the membership secretary on 870458.

Value for money evening meal with disco under one

DISCO/KARAOKE NIGHTS with evening meal and disco on 3, 1 1, 1 8,24&31 March 8, 15, 21, 28 April Members £13. Non-Members £17

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26

The Link Magazine • March 2000

Jazzin' around in April Swindon will boogie over four days in late April when twenty bands and solo artists are booked to appear in Swindon's first ever jazz festival.

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Deferred from last year for lack of sponsorship, the Musician's Union have stepped in to get the event up and running.

Hard working organiser Ray Butt, below, who has been busily promotingjazzconcertsattheCounty Ground Winners Lounge and the Goddard Hotel in Old Town, says the time is right for the first festival. " We've built up tremendous interest in jazz music: it's going to be great to have so many artists in one place at the same time."

Headlining the four days will be the Pete Allen Jazz Band and the Roger Marks Armada Jazz Band.

Drum workshop in the groove

Also appearing are the Rod Kelly Trio, Fretless& Friends,JazzJiants and Frampton Feetwarmers.

A weekend stroller ticket to give admission to all sessions will cost only £20, but these will be limited.

To secure yours send a cheque and SAE to 'The Music House Project,' 33 Chestnut Springs, Lydiard Millicent, Swindon SN5 9NA. • Helpers needed. Ray Butt needs assistance from people who can collect tickets, steward events, distribute leaflets and sell programmes in aid of the Prospect Foundation. Drop him a line.

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Jver-crowding in the maternity ward ever 550 expectant mothers, the majority expecting twins, are crowded ito one large room, writes farmer Rupert Burr.

Beds are out of the quesan,there is nospace, straw " n the ground is the only , ` ,I ' ^mfort provided. It is not as r ^rrible as it sounds. It is °' =imbing time at Roves Farm, --• „t ear Swindon.

The farm will be opening

rr lambing on 18 March and its year will stay open until ie end of October.

There will always be plenty

e

do and talk about. The :aff at the centre are ther e explain all about farming, g om how the animals are y

oked after to why we keep

iem. Many of the animals

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27

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Gardens open across the land

LINK ELECTRICAL

The National Gardens Scheme 'Yellow Book' is once again available at bookshops.

This advert, cannot possibly cover !vervthing we can offer.

More gardens than ever will be holding open days during the year in aid of a number of charities, showing off the skill, ingenuity and talent of the country's gardeners.

The book, which this year includes a photographic section devoted to the scheme's patron Her Majesty the Queen Mother to celebrate her hundreth year, and information on similar schemes around the world, costs only £4.50.

A county leaflet featuring the dates and descriptions of the 75 gardens which will be open in Wilt-

But we can guarantee quality items at sensible prices,

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• Brand new Ferguson video recorders from X95 • Brand new Ferguson TVs from 5140

= , sn be cuddled and every shire is available free of charge ne can help with the bottle-feed- 1996,wearebuildingupourschool from Swindon Information Centre, ^g. and group visits, throughout the many garden centres and local liThere are lots of lovely walks year again. braries. cross the farm, with all-terrain "Everyone, especially our chilTo have one posted, send an ushchairs to hire (or buy) forthose dren, have become so remote from SAE to Arthur Gooch, ManorFarmith little legs. The adventure play the countryside that we really en- house, Chitterne, Warminster rea, the in-door soft play centre joy showing people around our Wilts. BAl2 OLG. rtoddlers, ball pond and big bale farm; there is so much to learn."

Or visit www.ngs.org.uk arren will all help the children to njoy their day.

Then, of course, there is the Dportunity, hopefullyto see a lamb The Swindon & North Wiltshire Branch of the Embroiderers' Guild next sing born and cared for. meet on Monday 6 March, 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Churchfields School, Farmer Rupert Burr says, "now Salcombe Grove, when Jackie Hall will talk about Japanese embroiiat we have overcome the plan- dery. New and experienced embroiderers are always welcome to ng restriction imposed on us in attend.

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Birthday parties Paintball parties Wedding receptions Anniversaries

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28

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SWINDON

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A beautiful keepsake of your most memorable day Also available for corsages, buttonholes, silk/ sugarcraft flowers and other floral tributes No pressing involved

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Monday 13 March Training Self Defence for Women,

CEROC Professionally Qualified Instructors Dance to the classic sounds of the 40's to the 90's Just Turn Up Come on your own or with friends No previous experience necessary Complete beginners welcome - anytime Full disco & Olicenced bar Every Thursday at The Goddard Hotel Old Town 7.30pm until 11pm Only £4.50 (plus £1 joining fee on W your first night)

For choice, quality and A low priced garments for 4 any occasion,visit Wiltshire's largest as new clothing agency with the great reputation

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Small Marquees, Garden Canopies azebos

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Larger marquees and all accessories (tables, chairs, patio heaters etc.) available for hire.

CAREER CHANGE Practical help for CV preparation, interview and presentation skills, career management and personal development

inter

Health Hydro, Milton Road, 10am4pm. £14 Monday 13 March & Tuesday 14 March Drama Christie in Love, presented

by the Swindon Stage Company.

Arts Centre, 8pm, not suitable for children. £4 Thursday 2 March to Sunday 5 March

Family The All New Adventures of Noddy. Wyvern, various times. £8.50 Friday 3 March

10.00am - 4.30pm

Learn The Modern Jive & Experience A Night of

C..)

Saturday 18 March Workshop Stained Glass. Arts

Find us at Penny Farthings Antiques Old Town, Swindon or telephone Ron Goulding 01793 - 536668 or 0976 - 965604 Collection/Delivery of large items can be arranged

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Music The Kentwood Choir & The Flowers Band. Wyvern, 8pm. £7.50 Saturday 11 March &

A professional service for those treasured items

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Music Storm, featuring Beverly Davison (below). Wyvern Theatre, 7.30m. £10

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Music Simply Barbra, Steve Brinberg presents a funny tribute to Barbra Streisand. Arts Centre, 8pm. £9 Dance Barefeet and Crazy Legs, presented by Bullies Ballerinas.

Town Hall Studios, 8pm. £7.25 Friday 3 March to Sunday 5 March Family Working weekend. Lower

Tuesday 14 March to Saturday 18 March Musical The Pirates of Penzance.

The Swindon Gilbert & Sullivan Society. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £6 Thursday 16 March Drama Skylight. Presented by

One From the Heart, play by David Hare. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £7.50 Friday 17 March Music Rick Payne. Arts Centre,

8pm. £6 Dance St Patricks Day Celebration Dance, organised by Celtic Academy of Irish Dancing. Crossways Suite, Moonrakers, 9pm - lam, late bar. Tickets £5 from 642368 Dance Tabla-Rasa, an evening of dance presented by Biserk. Town Hall Studios, 8pm. £7.25

Shaw Farm. No charge. Details on 771080 Saturday 4 March Training Stage Management, explore the areas for which stage Saturday 18 March managers are responsible. Arts Music Terry Lightfoot in Strictly Centre, 1 Oam-4pm. £16. Book on Traditional. Arts Centre, 8pm.

614864 £11.50 Children Down Your Street, craft Tour National Monuments Record activity for 5-11 year olds. Swin- Centre Free Tour. The Gallery, don Museum and Art Gallery, 2- NMRC, 2.15pm. Details on 414700 4pm. £2 Sunday 19 March Music Kate Rusby, English Folk Dance Dancebeat 2000, featurMusic. Arts Centre, 8pm. £7 ing eight young dance groups from Monday 6 March the West. Wyvern, 7pm. £5 Family American Wrestling. Big Monday 20 March ti me action for all the family. Wy- Drama Howard Marks, weaving a vern, 7.45pm. £8 fascinating story, stranger than ficTuesday 7 March tion. Wyvern Theatre, 8pm. £10 Play Vintage Stuff. A stage adap- Music Swindon Music Club tation of Tom Sharp's funny novel. presents a programme performed Wyvern, 7.30pm. £8.50 by the senior students of Dennis Music The Nualas. Harmonies and Anne Hart. Arts Centre, and wit by Irish Country girls. Arts 7.45pm. For details call 523505 Centre, 8pm. £10 Tuesday 21 March Wednesday 8 March Music Out of the Dark, Dennis Opera Pure Puccini, performers Locorriere (the voice of Dr Hook). from The Royal Opera House. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £14.50 Wyvern Theatre, 7.30pm. £14.50 Music Savourna Stevenson plays Lecture Images of England, by the harp. Arts Centre, 8pm. £6 Victoria Fenner. The Gallery, Thursday 23 March NMRC, 7.30pm. Details on Poetry Brian Patten, performing 414600 and reading poetry and anecdotes.

Thursday 9 March Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £6 Music Bournemouth Symphony Friday 24 March Orchestra. Wyvern, 7.30pm. Music Kentwood Goes Solo. Arts £10.50 Centre, 7.30pm. £5 Friday 10 March Dance Dawning Visions, preComedy Freddie Starr. Wyvern, sented by Sakoba Dance Theatre.

6.30pm and 9pm. £13.50 Town Hall Studios, 8pm. £7.25

March overview Saturday 25 March Comedy Al Murray (The Pub Landlord). Arts Centre, 8pm. £11 Children Rainbows and Writing, craft activity for 5-11 year olds.

Lydiard House, 2-4pm. £2 Tuesday 28 March Music Max Boyce. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £14.50

29

LAYLOCKS Showing at the Arts Centre Thursday 2 March, 7.45pm Playing by Heart (15) An amusing and touching film exploring love, confronting loss and accepting life, starring Sean Conne ry . £3.50 Wednesday 15 March, 7.45pm The Eel (15) Set in Japan, this film traces and ex-convicts struggle to come to terms with himself. Presented by Swindon Film Society Wednesday 22 March, 7.45pm The Dream Life of Angels (18) Two young women form a close friendship as they explore life in a contempora ry French city. SFS

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Wednesday 29 March Music Sarah Jory with her Band.

Wyvern, 7.30pm. £8.50 Thursday 30 March Music Sinatra Years. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £8.50 Friday 31 March Music Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £11.50

Dance Floppy Affordable, The Day I Stopped & Parts. A triple bill presented by Jeremy James and Co. Town Hall Studios, 8pm. £7.25

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Entertainment by Hogshead Saturday 4 March, 7.30 - 11 pm Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Tickets available local churches Price: £5 (includes ploughmans supper and soft drinks) Children under 16: £2.50 The Swindon Society Monthly meeting Members' Evening Chat, memories, photos and slides Wednesday 8 March, 7.30pm Broad Green Centre, Salisbury Street Admission 50p/£1 (visitors) For details call 872035 Commonweal School PTA present their annual Grand Sixties Dance with Beatles tribute band The Pre Fab Four Friday 17 March 8pm -11.30pm Licenced bar and grand raffle Tickets £7.50 (include bu ff et supper) from school office on 612727

Available for conferences, meetings, wedding receptions, dances / discos, private parties, jumble sales, small clubs etc Whatever your needs and for details of prices and availability, please contact: The Lettings Manager

Tel: 01793 846100 Fax: 01793 815065

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Quality replacement PVCU windows, doors, fascia boards, soffits and claddings

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Dolls House Miniature Show Sunday 2 April, 10am - 4pm Hilton National Hotel Great Western Way

Line Dance Monday with Martin Tuesday with Stephanie 7.30pm start Freshbrook Community Centre

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CHIROPODIST Children's verruca surge ry open.

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In the heyday of the railway works, Weymouth became 'Swindon by the Sea' for a week when factory workers and theirfamiIies took their holidays en-masse. Part of Swindon's new railway heritage museum STEAM will recreate in film,

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Weston, St Ives or any other west count ry resort, an unwrapped stick of rock, a bucket and spade set or vintage swimming costume could be just what they are looking for.

If you have an a rt ifact that might help them, call the Swindon Museum Service on 466555.

Locos make a move The spectacular King George V engine will be transpo rt ed from the old railway museum in Faringdon Road to its new home at STEAM on Sunday 5 March.

Roads in the town centre will be closed between 6am and 8pm.

Also being moved on the same day is the diesel railcar exhibit.

On the right, railway museum curator Tim Bryan is pictured on the King.

Tim has just published a definitive biography of 'Brunel - The Great Engineer,' an in-depth illustrated study of Brunel's domination of engineering in the Victorian era, with both its triumphs and disasters.

Railway talks Members and visitors are welcome to attend meetings of the Friends of Swindon Railway Museum held at the Old Railway Museum, Faringdon Road, 7.30pm. Illustrated talks taking place in the next three months: Monday 20 March Mike Timms: Great Western Railway steam rail motor project Monday 17 April Terry McCarthy: The GWR in South Wales Mike Arlett: Somerset and Dorset Railway Monday 15 May

Tank engine to pull again

Registered Nurse MSSCh MBChA

Repairs and after sales service

sound, colou rf ul posters and a reconstruction of a pre-war train compartment, the atmosphere of the 'trip' as it was called.

Staff working on the project are on the look out for seaside souvenirs to illustrate the display.

Whether it was Weymouth,

F%

GOIISE NILL MEA

A.^ NE

Memories of the late GWR works came flooding back to rail enthusiasts last month as a steam engine built in the Swindon works in 1949, the last in its class, was delivered restored to its former glo ry , to the Swindon and Cricklade Railway.

Scrapped in 1964 to an engine graveyard in Bar ry , South Wales, enthusiasts painstakingly restored it in a workshop in one of the old railway works buildings. The Southall Railway Society, which paid the ÂŁ200,000 cost of restoration, own the engine which was the one hundredth to be salvaged from the scrapyard. It will undertake running trials on the Swindon and Cricklade railway for about three months.

The Mayors of Swindon and Southall will view the loco on Saturday 25th at Blunsdon Station and the public have the opportunity to ride in carriages pulled by it on Sunday 26 March from 11am.

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Maqazine • March 2000

Florist is a blooming success

Mothers Day: 2 April

Nicola Levett's long search for premises to fulfil her dream of owning a flower shop ended when she moved into a unit at Abbey Meads. Two months after opening her efforts are beginning to pay off.

The inside of Nicola's florist high and ready to vase. We stock shop, The Floral Studio, at the vil- lots of big waxy flowers such as lage centre is filled with vibrant Anthurriun lilies and I try to encolours and has a non-traditional sure all my fresh, dried, silk or feel about it. An interior designer basket arrangements are bursting recently described it as 'beautiful with scent and vibrant cheerful and simple but effective'. colours."

Coming from Bristol when her Opening just before Christmas, husband's job was relocated, Nicola had time to settle in, place Nicola spent a frustrating year searching for the right premises.

Having tried many different towns in the area, she discovered the shop at Abbey Meads and went for it.

A former Interflora Champion, she describes herself as "having a passion for flowers since being a Saturday girl at the age of 14."

She studied at Cannington College of Horticulture and was taught

by Mike Saunders, one of the UK's top designers. This background, together with extensive travel around Europe has influenced Nicola on her choice of stock and designs. "I specialise in wedding bouquets, not traditional but hand

Dance craze for all Salsa is now the fastest growing popular dance in the count ry and top Salsa Club Ritmo Latino is now running classes on both Mondays and Wednesdays in Swindon.

Men and women of all ages, with or without a partner, are welcome to join in, have fun, and get fit.

On Mondays dancers congregate in the town centre at the Atrium, Havelock Square, and on Wednesdays Salsa fever grips Longs in Victoria Road, Old Town.

There is no need to book in advance and absolute beginners can start any week at either venue at 7.30pm. Two further classes cater for more advanced dancers.

The evenings conclude with practice time to a Latin-style disco, mixing the top Salsa and Merengue tunes with recent UK hits by artists such as Ricky Martin and Lou Bega.

For more information call Ritmo Latino on 812177.

Can you handle money?

Freshbrook Community Centre is looking for a treasurer who is capable of looking after and helping to spend about £24,000 a year.

The position involves writing ten cheques a week, overseeing eight monthly direct debits and ensuring records are kept meticulously.

The volunteer must be over 18 years of age and full training is given. For details, call Terry Iles on 693635.

Community hall delayed It looks as though Taw Hill residents will not have their meeting hall in time for Easter.

The temporary building which served Abbey Meads will not now be re-sited by developers until May or June.

Residents have formed a steering group and are making progress towards forming a community association.

For details, call Derek Hughes on 722427.

LINK DISTRIBUTORS WANTED Burghley Park Pembroke Park Abbey Meads WoodhallPar

Rushey Platt Parts of West Swindon be over 13 year old Call Brian Holden on 723745

31

an advertisement in the February Link and wait for Valentine's Day. "It was incredible. I had five members of staff rushing all day. We and the customers could hardly move for the crush; I had to turn business away.

"I would like to apologise to all the people who were disappointed that we could not take their orders, even at 7pm on Valentine's Day. "Do place your orders early for Mother's Day on 2 April."

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32 The Link Magazine • March 2000

Try Drive deferred until 2001

On yer bike for charity ride

Due to the many millennium events taking place during the summer, the Try Drive weekend at Wroughton airfield, organised by the Swindon Borough and Wiltshire County Council road safety teams, has been cancelled for this year.

They are working on a bumper event for 2001 where visitors can try out a wide range of vehicles. It will be combined with an exhibition by Swindon businesses.

Twelve local and national charities will benefit from a sponsored mountain bike ride on 28 May along the Ridgeway.

The event, sponsored by Link advertisers Swindon Cycles, will be fully marshalled along three routes: 9 miles for the young and less fit, 18 miles and 25 miles for those who like a challenge.

Details and sponsorship forms are available from Swindon Information Centre and Swindon Cycles, Beechcroft Road, Stratton, tel: 700105.

,

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See us on the net @ www .swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ March 2000

33

Cafe gets the go-ahead Swindon's newest landmark building - the Cellular Operations headquarters - on the edge of Peatmoor Lagoon will be featured in the March edition of the prestigious Architects Journal. Thereafter the design will be submitted for a number of awards by architect Richard HywelEvans and will reinforce the town's reputation for unusual and interesting architecture.

Complementing the futuristic committee passed an application accepted. Our intention has al- for the cafe and logistics centre call-centre which reflects the lake on 31 January to build a cafeteria ways been to work closely with will now take place and it is likely waters in its glass frontage will be next to the main building, as well and benefit the community." to open at the beginning of next a cafeteria which will serve as a as a warehouse and distribution He added that detailed design year. staff canteen and a refreshment logistics centre. facility to the general public visitThe cafe project requires the ing the lagoon footpath around the lagoon to be Despite objections from resi- diverted slightly and the company dents living in Peatmoor on the will have to comply with a number other side of the lagoon, Swindon of restrictions and requirements.

Council's development control It will have to enlarge and resurface the public car park t; nearby, replace fishing platforms that will have to be moved, improve the landscaping and limit access to the public in the evenings.

Local councillor Peter * Electronic tuning * Welding * Electrical work Mallinson welcomed the agreement of the commit* MoTs arranged (nor e-test fee) tee. The lagoon is a facility For a reliable local service with over 20 years experience built for all the people of (No VAT to pay) Swindon and Cellular OpCALL GRAHAM ON (0179 3) 8 73045 or 07867 556350 erations are to be congratulated for creating a building of spectacular interest, which will draw attention to the town, and provides a Car Body Repairs and Paint Spraying refreshment area open to the M.o.T. Repairs and Welding public."

Cellular Operations manFree Estimates aging director Nigel Bunter Unit 12 Brindley Close Cheney Manor Industrial Estate Swindon said he was pleased that the Tr 01793 421 125 7T 0860 808061 cafe proposals have been

Ot

IOBILE CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS

GARY WILKINSON

34

The Link Magazine • March 2000

Link to helps boost women's group membership ' Women Out West is a social group for women with or without children which meets every Friday morning during term time, 9.30am to 11.30am. It recently moved to Freshbrook Church and new members are always welcome. There is a programme of events, outings and meetings to give the week an interest and also a creche for pre-school children.

To launch the March series of gatherings Link magazine publisher Roger Ogle will be talking about Swindon's most interesting, dynamic and closely read publication on Friday 3 March.

"Surprisingly this is only the second invitation to talk to a community group since the magazine became a business nearly fourteen years ago," he said. "The Women Out West meeting will be a useful focus group to discuss where we can improve The Link. I hope there will be many newcomers interested in making their comments."

The other events for March are: 10th Discover how Fair Trade is making life better for poor third world farmers with a Fair Trade coffee tasting session 17th Tour of Lydiard House 24th Home first aid 31st Coffee and cake For more information, call Hazel Kenee on 871248.

• Due to relocation the 'Friends' contact group has had to fold and combine with Women Out West.

Members of Friends who are free during the day are invited to join Hazel Kenee, Joy Clark, Deborah Van Leer, Sally Guyatt, Elaine Dix. Rear, Alison Deacon, Linda Roberts, Barbara Rolfe, Christine Arthur, Josephine Cheung

i n.

SETTING NEW STANDARDS OF QUALITY ^$T ^ ERM!. WILDOIVS z88e ate justifiably proud of the quality of our products and our reputation for reliable service and attention to detail.

ems::

Service gives mobility to elderly and disabled People in West Swindon who have difficulty in getting to the shops have their own transport service in the 'Shopperbus.'

The wheelchair accessible vehicle makes regular trips around the area on a Tuesday providing door-to-door transport from home to the West Swindon Centre and is available to anybody who has difficulty using public transport due to temporary or permanent disability.

Bookings are taken on Mondays after 1pm and fares can be paid using bus tokens.

Users need to be registered with Shopperbus before they can call on the service. To find out more, telephone Shopperbus on 616050.

Shopperbus regulars, front Lily Wily, Lily Hogben, Elton Iles, Sylvia Mead and drir'cr Re' Mitson. Rear, Joyce Adams

ffl

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UTMROL R

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For further information on our full range of PVC-U doors, windows and conservatories supplied ly Coastal, one of the country's largest trade manufacturers, please call now.

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See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine • March 2000

35

Holidays with care A long established coach company has built up a strong reputation for catering for customers looking for an escorted holiday at a slightly slower pace.

Hatts of Chippenham have a number of side lift coaches which are ideal for people who find high steps hard to cope with.

Under the banner of Holidays with Care, Hatts offers a programme for the less able, including people in wheelchairs, who enj oy the reassurance of knowing that

help is on hand should it be needed.

The service is also ideal for the self-caring who are hesitant to travel on holiday alone.

Holiday costs include accommodation on a half board basis, daily excursions at the destination, evening entertainment and the service of a care team throughout.

The volunteer carers assist with tasks ranging from help with getting up, washing, dressing or just providing an arm to lean on.

Although unable to provide one to one care, Hatts welcome individual carers and try to take over some of their responsibilities to given them a break.

Hatts also work closely with club organisers to create memorable holidays for members.

To find out more, call the number in the Hatts advertisement below.

HAT'' COACHES

a

Est. 1928

oFidacye cvit!

Hatts Coaches, a long established coach company have for many years promoted the idea of lift accessible coaches and

Ja^l^ ^ "l^o^u^^^ci•

''tone L^ nc

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Gem Mixed Chipped Bark 70 ltr £4.99 Buy 5 bags for only £20

Baby Plants & Seedlings Over 150 varieties of basket and patio plants including Fuchsias and Petunia Surfinias Prices from 79p Special offer: Buy 10 get 1 free

PBI Path & Patio Cleaner RRP £4.99 Special price £3.99 Plus 25% extra free Roundup 1 ltr Ready to Use Special price £4.49 Plus £1 cash back

are the leading providers of specialist

travel in Wiltshire.

Hundreds of pots & tubs

Hatts takes this concept one step further and offers Holidays with Care, a chance for people with disabilities to enjoy the same kind of holidays as their more able counterparts. The executive coaches are equipped with toilet, hot drinks facilities, TV/video and air conditioning.

Many special offers

Handmade Vietnamese pots 55cm

On each of our holidays guests will be assisted by a team of experienced car ers. We offer five and seven day holidays in UK, Southern Ireland and Eu-

Rec. price £39.99 Special price £19.99

rope using fully accessible hotels and

our own wheelchair accessible coaches.

'N` Open 7 days a week * Plenty of free parking * Coffee Shop

Coaches are also available for private

hire. Holidays can be tailor-made to assist group organisers.

For more details contact ACCESSIBLE

TTAATITS

Stone Lane Garden Centre Stone Lane, Lydiard Millicent, Swindon

i

Il iFF{jCOAACHE_l

TPANSPOFT

Helpful & friendly staff offering expert advice at

^`

Foxham, Nr Chippenham, Wilts

Tel: 01249 740444

Tel: (01793) 771766

Purton

•

Purton Road

Abbey

Stone Lane

Garden Centre Peatmoor.

Lydiard

Millicent

From Haydoi Wick 8

Nine Elms

&Shaw Middleleaze /^ & Shaw

Meads Sparcells

36 The Lin k Magazine • March 2000

CARE

No more `Neighbours from Hell'

COMPA

HOMECARERS We are actively seeking reliable and experienced carers for Swindon and surrounding areas Mornings, evenings and weekends available Car driver & telephone essential • New improved pay structure

For further information, please ring Swindon 772449

A new mediation service to help Swindon people who find themselves in dispute with each other is nearly ready to send volunteers out to help defuse difficulties before they reach boiling point.

The first ten volunteers with Community Mediation Swindon complete their training programme on 21 March and the mediation referral service will be officially launced on Tuesday 11 April at the organisation's Annual General Meeting to be held at the Drove Centre.

Two more courses are planned for this year, in June/July and in September/October.

To find out more about Community Mediation Swindon and details about the training course, call the project manager Martin Martin Couchnian Couchman on 4843 83 or cros@@?ukgateway.net

The Care Company (Ashgrove) Ltd, 27 Victoria Road, Swindon

International Women's Day Swindon

Acupuncture Stress, anxiety, joint pain, migraines, low energy levels..?

Did you know that acupuncture can help these and many other conditions?

,;A

A day of celebration on Wednesday 8 March, 1lam 4pm, Milton Road, Health Hydro

^t^7

Workshops on relaxation, aromatherapy, silk banner painting and henna hand painting Visit the Well Woman Centre.

Help and advice on women's legal issues from a local solicitor Food from around the world, snacks and childcare Photography exhibition: 100 Years of Women, a snapshot look at women in Swindon 'then and now' To book a creche space, to arrange transpo rt or for information, call Michelle Matthew on 486645

For more information or an appointment, call

Tel: 01793 827507

-/ ,J

"" A4^',^Ls414 Lic.Ac. MBAcC.

Aromatherapy, Massage and Sports Therapy treatments also available

Self defence for women Monday 13 March 1 Oam to 4pm Milton Road, Health Hydro Workshop to help women learn self defence techniques and boost their confidence.

Cost £14. Free to those on benefit.

Call 618233 to book.

Supported by the Swindon Crime & Disorder Partnership

Experienced conductor wishes to form a small chamber choir (S.A.T.B.), possibly meeting during the daytime.

Phone 01793 695235 L

nameswood .. ,.. Small Animal Hospital Helping you care more for your pet

LOCAL GARAGE DOOR SPECIALIST ® U AND OVER D®®

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We have just finished the development of the most modern small animal hospital in Swindon with state-of-the-art veterinary facilities for our clients and their pets Situated in North West Swindon, with ample parking, we continue to provide high quality surgical and medical care at competitive prices within a caring, friendly and professional environment.

We welcome enquiries in writing to the practice manager, or ring for an appointment to register your pet.

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Souper lunching On the last Friday of every month something warm and comforting happens at Toothill Church - it's called the souper-lunch.

It's open to anybody from 12 noon. A bowl of hot, home-made soup is served with bread and butter, followed by fruit, tea or coffee.

The next souper-lunch takes place on 31 March. It is a good way of meeting people.

Lunch club needs a cook Age Concern Swindon's Caribbean lunch club members are looking for a cook.

The position is paid at £4.48 an hour for four hours, approximately 10am to 2pm each Monday.

The cook will plan menus with lunch club members, buy food and prepare meals within a tight budget.

The successful candidate will know about food safety and have experience of cooking for up to 20 people.

To find out more, call 692166 or write to Age Concern Swindon, 14 Milton Road, Swindon for an application form.

The Link Magazine • March 2000

37

Fire station prepares for National No Smoking Day New Year's eve may have been a quiet time for all at the station, but 2000 has started out as a very active time for us writes Firefighter Ian Jea ry from Westlea Fire Station.

By mid-February we had redecide whether your journey is Almost all homes are now fitted sponded to 96 calls, 23 of which necessary, try to leave in plenty of with a smoke detector, but they were fires and 27 were road traffic time and keep your distance from need maintaining to keep giving accidents. The recent poor weather the vehicle in front. All too regu- you early fire detection. Test the has lead to really difficult driving larly we see the devastation and battery about once a month which conditions, so before setting out: distress caused by accidents that will tell you if it is low and also could have been avoided. whether the alarm is working.

Ian Jeary, ready to roll Wednesday 8 March is National Once a year change the battery No Smoking Day. We are not di- and clean out the inside of the derectly linked with the campaign tector with a vacuum cleaner. Rebut smoking is the second biggest fer to the manufacturer's instruccause of fires in the home. tions if you have a problem.

Or contact the Community Fire Here are some steps to follow to make sure you are not a victim of Watch Project at Westlea Fire Station on 487620 and speak to your fire in your own home: community firefighter. We are also • Keep all matches and happy to talk to local groups. other smoking materials away from children • Make sure all cigarettes are Cat Protection extinguished properly During March Swindon Cats Pro• Use a nonflammable container tection League is offering free spayfor an ashtray ing of female cats over six months • Do not tip hot ash into a litter to anyone on any sort of benefit. bin Cat owners should take them to • Do not smoke in bed theirvetwith theirbenefitbook. A • Keep ashtrays off sofas and arm form will need to be completed. chairs For further information call 644536

meets Comer NOW OPEN

I'

The Cats Whiskers Country Cattery Ivy House Farm, Grittenham Nr Wootton Bassett Luxury for your cat and peace of mind for you.

94O :^^ii^7

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

Pets At Home could be your answer

Cuddle duties daily. Purposefully and professionally built to conform to the latest environmental health requirements.

Comfort, hygiene and safety of prime impo rt ance.

Spacious, heated, bright and airy chalets.

All runs protected from the elements.

Single, double and family units available.

y

Open all ear, 9am - 5pm

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

Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on

For details, call Mrs Briant 01666 51075(

873062

WHY STRUGGLE WITH HEAVY CANS & BULKY BAGS? LET Tom! HY^ DO THE WORK? Top pet food delivered free to your door 3 Full Range of Complete Dog Food 3 Complete Cat Foods 3 Cat Litter 3 Rabbit & Bird Food 3 Supplies for all Small Animals 3 D ry Mixers 3 Puppy Food and much more available at competitive prices

For information and free sample, contact your local agent: Wendy & Roy Rudkin.

Tel: 01793 873021

THE DROVE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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

Opening hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 6.30pm Saturday 2pm - 4pm Consulting hours: By appointment Mon - Fri: 11am -12.30pm, 2pm - 4pm; 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Saturday 2 - 4pm

24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE - All Sunday and Emergency consults by y a000intment at The Drove Veterinar Hospital - Telephone (01793) 522483

3

West leaze at Hotel 1 Westleaze, gvfill Lane, Tel: 01793 4968821 Spacious accommodation in single and family chalets with large outdoor runs, designed by the Feline Advisory Bureau for minimum disease risk

Open for all cats, all year round Situated close to West & North Swindon, and Old Town

,vetej^ SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE

Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive 0 C entt i West Swindon SN5 9PY A friendly, caring service for you and your pet David Warnes BVSc MRCVS • Stefania Glowka DVM MRCVS Michelle Lindsay BVM&S MRCVS

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

9.00am - 4.00pm

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 hours)

38 The Link Magazine • March 2000

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SKIPS

888099

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yards capacity 5 days given to fill skip

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Hillside Building Services

2.3 tonne Mini-digger for hire

Freephone 0800 - 387613

Extensions, loft conversion,

specialists in all types of building & plastering All work fully insured Contact Dave on 01793 488470 }

AS 9

pff%AR

J J 1J ^ '1 I^

• Boilers • Fires & fire

Dennis Brown Gas Engineer 29 Meares Drive Shaw, Swindon

places • Cookers • Boiler changes • Also riverboat appliances, installation &

Tel: 01793 874742

servicing

Mobile: 0468 027860• Aga, Rayburn specialist Sponsor to Wroughton • Plumbing Shotokan Karate Club

Tel: 731610

8am - 8pm

LPG & Natural Gas Services

h CONTRACTOR

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For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

Saracen Havoc bike, downhill, full suspension, black & red, gd cond, £220 ono. Tel: 877267

Ladies Raleigh Chiltern Pioneer, 17", LDS. 3 gears, as new, £70 ono. Tel: 871971

Adidas Predator football boots in white, size 5, £15 ono. Puma King football boots in red, £10 ono. Tel: 870222

White melamine nursery furniture wardrobe, chest of drawers, bedside cabinet, £30. Tel: 881362

Donnay roller blades, worn twice, size 4, £8. Tel: 729312

Kitchen table, white top, 36" square, pine legs, 4 pine ladderback chairs with upholstered seats, £89 ono. Tel: 879401 Reproduction mahogany dining room suite, includes 5'4" - 7' extending dining table, 4 chairs & 2 carvers, 5' display cabinet, corner unit with glass shelves, 4 drawer cutlery unit, £650.

Tel: 07713 638392 Yew reproduction furniture: bookcase, nest of tables & lamp-table, exc cond, will sell separately, £300. Tel:

Fish tank plus accessories, £150.

Knitting machine plus ribber, £200. Tel: 878398

Mens 21 inch mountain bike, Raleigh Mustang,15 speed, toe clips, mudguards, helmet, bar ends, £40. Tel: 874034

Maternity clothes size 10/12, immaculate cond, trousers, blouses, denim pinafore, swimming costume, call for details. Baby walker, gd cond, with play tray, £12. Newborn & 0-3 months clothes, suit boy or girl, excel cond, £18 the lot. Tel: 879558

Childs riding hat, £5. Yamaha keyboard and stand, £25. Acoustic guitar, £25. Tel: 771900

Multigym, £60 ono. Tel: 522307 Lie-back pushchair, suitable from birth with matching apron, cosytoes, hood, pvc raincover & changing bag, excel cond, £50, no offers. Tel: 870331

Brownie uniform - jumper 30, t shirt 28, culottes 24, vgc, £15. Tel: 876741 Ice hockey skates Tour 60s, size 6, hardly worn, £25. Tel: 876696

Mothercare cot bed, pine colour, vgc, 54" x 24". £40. Tel: 488771

Full length tan sheepskin coat, (tan sheepskin lining) size 14, vgc, £28 ono.

Tel: 725944

3/1 pushchair & carrycot & cosy toes, gd cond, £55. Pushchair with raincover, apron, basket, gd cond, £65.

Tel: 887406

Balls of wool, assorted, free to a good home, suit dolls clothes, blankets etc, will deliver. Tel: 722688

Britax Rock a Bye baby car seat inc head support, exc cond, £30. Tel: 485509

Bookcase mahogany 6' height, 2' 8" wide, exc cond, £40 ono. Tel: 702046 Bookcase 6'6" height, teak colour, £10. Single divan bed plus mattress & blue velvet headboard, £30. Wooden shed, needs some maintenance & help in dismantling, £30. Tel: 695863

Playskool baby gym, £5. Boots baby monitor, boxed as new, mains/battery, £10. Tel: 872877 Mothercare Verona 2inl pushchair, shopping basket, rain cover, apron, sun shade, excellent condition. £45 for quick sale. Tel: 88744

Two brass wall lights (switchable), two 3 arm flush ceiling pendants, £59 ono.

Tel: 879401

872829

Teak veneer cocktail unit with display section, 3 drawers, 2 cupboards, 6' x 6' 4", inspection welcome, £150. Tel: 876465

Teak veneer display unit, cupboard underneath, 6' x 3', inspection welcome, £100. Tel: 876465 Wardrobe and vanity unit, suit child/ teenager, £50. Tel: 728440 Teak fire surround with glass cupboards, electric coal heater fire, operate independently, £25. Tel: 338633 Dining table & 4 chairs in teak wood and upholstery finish, extendable, as new, £100. Tel: 700315 Pink tubular double bed, £10 ono.

Good size hamster cage, £15 ono. Tel: 877705

Two single bed mattresses, £30. Tel: 879097

3 seater settee, 2 chairs, beige, vgc, £65. Tel: 877742 G Plan TV & video cabinet vgc, £35.

Kingsize Sleepeezee bed, 5' x 6'6", Tel: 876132 slightly damaged, £40. Tel: 871751 l- -------------------1 Oval dining room table, and 8 chairs, teak colour, vgc, £180 ono. Tel: 878796 Two wardrobes and matching vanity unit, each 6'h, 3'w, £15 each. Tel: Return this form to The Link, Papermakers House, Swindon SN5 7BD Children's clothes, all sizes, 30p to £1 each or £2.50 a bag, good cond. Tel: 722335

I Free Private For Sale & Wanted ads. by 14th of the month. Entries are subject to available space

II

I

i

Tel:

Name & Address (not for publication)

All adverts will apear in The Link and on the swindonlink internet web site L -------------------- I

700609

King size solid pine bed, 1 yr old, cost £350 new, bargain at £150. Single size Silent Night sprung divan base with drawers, as new, £20. Tel: 700609 Upright Phillips freezer, gd cond, £25.

Tel: 886598 Assortment of Avon bottles from 60s, under o ff er. Earthenware bed warm-

ers, £10 each. Tel: 522307 Aquarium 8mm glass, 60" x 15" x 15" no accessories, tank only, £50, no offers. Tel: 882085

Flute, silver with hard case, £110. Tel: 875138 Sky dish and box etc, £30. Tel: 611686 Sega Mega Drive 11, 16 bit, 2 controllers plus 8 games, gd cond, boxed, £25. Tel: 876741 Collectors records/CDs-Beatles, D Bowie, K Bush, Madonna, Who, plus others, list available. Tel: 705187 Book: The Third Reich: the rise and fall of Nazi Germany in 21 parts, mint condition, Time Life series, £50. Tel: 872282 Books: The US Civil War: an illustrated guide in 27 parts, mint condition.

Time Life series. £60. History Guild. US Civil War: an illustrated history, 420 pages, mint condition, £15. Tel: 872282 Tawny beige rabbit, free to a good home, under a year old. Tel: 877705 Rabbit hutch, suitable for guinea pigs, £15 ono. Rabbit or guinea pig run, £10 ono. Tel: 877705 Rabbit hutch, new, Oft long on legs, extra run underneath, made with 1" wood, waterproofed, £45. Tel: 724512 Various garden tools, £3 each. Tel: 728440 McCulloch 1400w garden shredder, hardly used, £50. Black wrought iron gate, 36" high, x 40" wide, £12. Tel: 875194 Dual control electric Pathfinder wheelchair complete with battery charger and kerb climber, excellent condition, £950.

Tel: 823636 Peugeot 205 1.6 Gti, 1991, 67,000 miles, 10 months MOT, alarm and immobiliser, new clutch & gearbox. Tel: 07808 181055 P reg Ford Escort 1.6, FSH, 1 owner, 15,500 mis, special edition, exc cond, £5,300 ono. Tel: 706004 Wanted Girl guide uniform, age 10 upwards.

Tel: 876741 Small bookcase/shelves. Tel: 878782 Piano stool, single or double, reasonable condition. Tel: 727516 Baby high chair. Small mahogany bookcase. Tel: 522307

See us on the net @ www.swindonl ink.com

The Link Magazine • March 2000

39

Swindon's Action at Home family take the plunge!

"It's hard to think about a water shortage when it's tipping down with rain," said Kristianne Drake of the Action at Home family, "but what we do now can really make a difference in the dry summer weather."

G

N

s

isit your local garden centre

LANiPING LANDSCAPING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE • Fencing: Close board/ Panels/Gates • Block Paving • Patios, Paths, Turfing • Hedging & Mowing Trained team • Fully insured For free quotation Tel: 101793) 526571

For the best selection of ornamental & fruit trees, shrubs, roses, perennials, conifers, heathers and alpines in the area

Full range of garden sundries • Paving & ornamental stoneware Quality water features at realistic prices Range of wooden garden furniture & bird houses Helpful service & friendly advice

Not just a garden centre - more a gardener's paradise Stockists of unusual & hard to find varieties

AMI

SKIPS 2, 2, 3, 4, 5 yards capacity 5 days given to fill skip 12.3 tonne Mini-digger for hire

Freephone 0800 - 387613 Tel: 731610 8am - 8pm

40

SERVICE SECTOR AERIAL SERVICES APPLIANCE REPAIRS

ACCOUNTANCY

ACCOUNTANCY

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`GRA' ACCOUNTANCY

Getting a clear TV picture isn't difficult

TnxASSISTDinECT

• Business Start Up • Book-Keeping • Annual Accounts • Self Assessment Tax

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses and taxpayers

Free initial meeting

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

Tel/fax: 01793 871790 Free phone: 0800 5422 778 Rehbein@graaccountancyfsnet.co.uk

Traditional carpentry & building services

Tel: 01793 514069 Mobile: 07932 140287

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Small building work,

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Member of Tumble Driers I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Service Spares Repairs

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For all your carpentry needs including fi tted kitchens and bedrooms Wood and laminate flooring

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Kitchens, loft conversions, stairs, doors, building work, bedroom fitments, domestic & commercial works undertaken Free, no obligation quotations

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CARPENTRY Hall & Son Ltd A reputation built on quality

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

Short & long term assistance and projects

Call Abbey Aerials of Haydon Wick v Multi-point systems

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SUNBED HIRE

TELEPHONES

Deb's Sunbeds

When the phone rings does it seem it's always for the kids?

Home Rental Fast tanning canopies - with or without facial boosters Doubles also available = ree installation & local delivf Tel: Swindon 421665

anytime (Mobile 0378 - 641052)

Why not get a telephone extension fitted to your existing line?

You've got your computer installed, but are those trailing wires causing a hazard to all the family?

Why not have another jack fitted and prevent an accident?

For minor repairs and new work call:

J2 TELECOM (01793) 763331 during office hours

41

CE

BUILDER e Construc Limited

• Most leading brands

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A SUDS

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Dave Ody For all your domestic & commercial requirements New installations • Showers Extensions • Extra sockets Re-wires • Security lighting • New fuse boards No VAT charges • Free quotes 24hr call out facility

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 0585 543294 Ramleaze, Swindon

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You're safe in our hands Specialist in all tile and slate roofing, leadwork, chimney pointing, repairs & guttering All work guaranteed 24 hour call out on storm damage

Tel: 01793 338059 0790 977 4603

LETTERS To THE LINK Should be sent to the address on page 3 Letterbox rubbish From Bea Walker, Alnwick, Toothill It was with some amusement that I read the article in the February edition of The Link, in regard to reducing rubbish.

It told us that we are able to reduce junk mail, by writing to the Mail Preference Service. This I did some years ago, and I did find less junk coming through the letterbox.

However the pests who send this stuff soon cottoned on, and they now put it in with the ordinary post, and include it in newspapers. And, here is what caused some amusement - the fact that some came in The Link. So, where do we go from here?

Equally annoying, is the matter of supermarket trolleys being stolen and dumped. For almost twenty years I have been trying to get this stopped. I have seen a previous mayor and written to all three local councillors.

Not only do I not get replies, but they seem impotent in this serious matter. Remember that adults are showing their children how to be dishonest, when they tell the kids to 'get rid of the trolleys'.

Pollution all around From Peter Ruston, Oakham Close, Toothill Whilst I have sympathy for those who believe that passive smoking is injurious to their helath and as a consequence seek to deprive others of their own enjoyment / addiction, I struggle to understand why they are focused on nicotine as a hazard in a supermarket when there are more toxic and dangerous fumes elsewhere.

A report recently stated that '..pollution levels in Swindon are regularly exceeding recommended levels - putting the health of people at risk ..' and '.. choking traffic is causing nitrogen levels (a cancerous substance) to rise, affecting people with breathing problems such as asthma ..'. As a letter in the February Link states, it is important to protect everybody's health, safety and levels of comfort.

I would like to ask all those persons who opposed smoking in the West Swindon Centre to join a campaign with me in an effort to ban all forms of vehicular transport there.

The bus services are superb. We can then walk across the ex-car parks without being exposed to

danger by smokers and non-smokers driving at speed or ignoring crossing places.

42 The Link Magazine • March 2000 JUST THE JOB Domestic Services Agency requires Domestic Cleaners & Ironers Flexible hours, good rates of pay Phone Jill or Sue on 861112

Friday 3 March, 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, Shaw

Home ironing services Competitive prices

Talitha Koum: Young Woman Stand Up (Prepared by Christian Women of Indonesia) Traidcraft goods on sale

Call Andrea on (01793) 870830 or mobile: 0793 288 3127

For details, call 886394. All welcome: men, women, young people

DECOTEX (Hair 6n Sarah Painter & Decorator Specialist Artexing Tel: (01793) 791388

w

Play the Piano "Learn to Sing Phone Swindon 695235 for further information

!I IIIIIIIIII!IIIJ

Mobile hairdressing in the comfort of your own home at prices you can a ff ord Phone: 01793 882186

CREATIVE CURTAINS

`

tnplete affordable service FHand made curtains, Roman & Austrian blinds, quilted bed covers, cushions Tel: Christine on 875869

Grass cutting & hedge trimming Household and garden rubbish cleared Odd jobs undertaken

Thamesdown Upholstery & Flooring Specialists in upholstery, carpets & vinyls Free estimates Tel: 728243

Friendly, 7 day service

Call Chris on 538839

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH SUNDAYS 10.30AM

BC The person who changed AD History is changing peoples lives Today o^Evange7^c O DS

MEETING AT

Women's World Day of Prayer

Easy Iron

Worslcy Road

afj^

THE WINNERS LOUNGE

World debt. It's not over yet Phillada Ware, Secretary, Swindon Churches for Social Action, writ Just before Christmas Gordon Brown announced that the Bove: ment would cancel 100% of the debts owed to the UK by some oft world's poorest countries. This was great news and gave add pressure to other countries to follow suit.

In terms of the total, the impact What next? Debt Decision Day of this decision is fairly small. The The UK action puts pressure amount owed to the UK repre- countries such as Japan, Fran sents only 2% of the total world Germany and Italy who still ni debt and it had already been agreed to cancel debts. USA and Cam that much of this would be remit- have already done this.

However for real impact on ted.

Gordon Brown has said that the poorest countries, there must debts will be only be lifted if the agreement to reduce the debts t poor countries owe to the big in resources released are spent on fighting poverty through educa- tutions like the World Bank z the International Monetary Fu: tion, health and basic sanitation.

A decision to do this can only Who will benefit from the UK's made by the G7 richest counts decision?

These will be the countries in- of which UK is a member. The I cluded in the World Bank's Heav- date for this will be Debt Decis. ily Indebted Poor Countries Initia- Day, 23 July, when they meet tive. Forty one nations could Japan.

Christian Aid, CAFOD and qualify, but they must meet very stringent economic conditions laid many other organisations wh down by the Bank which could make up the Jubilee 2000 Coaliti are continuing to call on the Brit delay the process.

The Treasury estimates that government and the other G7 cot twenty five of the forty one coun- tries to ensure they agree a d tries will start to receive some debt which will finally lift theburder debt from the world's poor cancellation by the end of 2000.

Uganda, Bolivia, Mauritania and countries.

In Swindon we hope to orgi Mozambique should start to receive debt cancellation now and ise a series of activities which v an additional six should qualify build up pressure before this dz To find out more, watch this spa

by April.

SWINDON TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB

budding with people

AND AT

Come and join us

THE PINEHURST

Sunday at 10am & 6.30pm

PEOPLE'S CENTRE Al! ages of children & teens cared for

Information: call Brian on 849731 in association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

For further information of

other meetings ring: 873050 or call at the Church office Jesus said: "I have come that YOU might

have LIFE and have it in its fulness"

LOCAL CHURCHES All Saints' Lydiard Millicent — 10:30am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor) Holy Trinity Shaw — 10:30am Revd Andrew Hetherington.

770568 (the Church is at Shaw Village Centre) St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze - 9:00am, 10:30am Revd Ann Mackenzie: 870244 Toothill Church - 10:45am Revd Mark Roper: 692620 (also Free Church minister for the parish) Westlea Church - 10:00am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (this Church meets in Westlea School Hall, Langstone Way)

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The Parish of West Swindon and the Lydiards Bapt ist • Church of England • M ethodist • U ni ted Reformed Church

A fortnight to share the cake fairly Wiltshire Fairtrade Fortnight 4 to 19 March Chocolate cake, honey cake, coffee cake, fruit cake. Everyone Pa, rtr has their favourite. But do the people who grow the coffee, cocoa bea the dried fruit or the sugar get a fair price for their produce? No! r unless we buy Fairtrade.

The Fairtrade mark guarantees that farmers have been paid a wage and work in decent conditions. It enables farmers to work w respect for their local environment and the planet as a whole. Anc highlight the issues, and to try some of the products, go along to oni the events listed below: Saturday 4th March Friday 10th March Fairtrade Stall: Outside Oxfam in Women Out West. 10am. Cot Regent Street. Tasting and dis- morning, talk by Jo Polack, 4\ plays, a large Fairtrade cup and shire Fairtrade coordinator. Fre saucer and a visit from Julia Drown brook Church.

MP at 11 am.

Look out for Fairtrade display Organised by World Development Central Library, Wroughton Movement and Oxfam. brary, possible events at town c Contact Chris Thackery 695979 tre Tesco Metro and Strat Pudding Evening: Leisure Cen- Sainsburys and also the Body Sh tre, Christ Church, Old Town, 8pm. It's not too late to organise anevi Yummy puddings, games and the a coffee morning, a Mad Hati vicar may do a version of Can't tea party or a Fairtrade breakft Cook, Won't Cook.

To book a pudding call Ruth or For details, posters and samp call Jo Polack on 01380 729218 Guy Donnegan-Cross on 521296

The Link Magazine • March 2000

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

43

Mission Romania plans tenth anniversary mercy mission Despite a break-in by vandals at the Mission Romania warehouse in January which made large quantities of clothing and equipment unusable, coordinator Julian Leggett says this year's aid trip will definitely take place. Here he writes that the needs are greater than ever. t is now 10 years since the fall of Communism in most of the old Eastern Bloc countries. Yet the passage of time has not been kind to all of them.

Romania, for example, is still desperately trying to bring their

living standards up to the level of West Europe, whilst fighting to overcome the appalling conditions the country was left in by the old regime.

It was devastated by the mad man Ceausescu and his cronies such that virtually everything there was old, worn out or sub-standard. Many things that we take for granted were non-existent. An example of this was a hospital's main operating theatre serving over 200,000 people where the youngest piece of equipment, the anaesthesia machine, was 28 years old and often broke down during operations.

The renewal process is not helped by raging inflation. In 1990 the exchange rate was 236 Lei to £1. That figure, today, stands at 29,900 to the pound.

Mission Romania, the Swindon based Christian charity, has been transporting aid to and working in Romania for the last 10 years and

Julian L€ggatt u c ith gypsy children on last year's Mission Romania trip

is busy getting ready for its next delivery.

Having already sent out over 30 trucks loaded with donated aid of all descriptions, this year is no different, though rather special because of our tenth anniversary.

We planned this for June but it may have to be put back to September because of the recent breakin by heartless vandals.

Mission Romania works primarily in the Transylvanian town of Targu Mures supporting over 25 self-help groups, orphanages, churches, hospitals and homes for the disadvantaged.

They also have responsibilities in Brasov, Rosnov and Gheorgheni and last year formed a partnership with a hospital that is home to over 240 youngsters, 90 women and a number of young men all of whom are mentally disadvantaged.

This hospital is our main project for year 2000 and it has already had 500 kilograms of top quality food supplement delivered together with £3,000 to try and maintain some semblance of a decent quality of life for the patients.

Hopefully that will justbe the start.

Mission Romania needs good

quality clothing and bedding to take out to Romania as well as money to purchase medicines and food from Romanian sources, where the best value for money can be obtained.

We also welcome offers of practical help on Monday evenings when group members meet to sort out donated aid.

If you would like to make a donation or assist with sorting for the aid trip, please contact Julian Leggett, Centre Manager at the West Swindon Shopping Centre directly or by 'phone on 872P$7.

Looking for temporary or permanent work?

Available part time / full time / evenings / weekends?

Whether you are seeking a stop gap or a career we would like to hear from you now,

Call us on: 01793 615 021

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Records show that the Bolingbroke was a licensed hostelry before 1841 in the ownership of the Bolingbroke family of nearby Lydiard Park.

Since purchasing The Bolingbroke in 1998, Dawn and Colin Butcher have established a friendly, welcoming country restaurant and bar close to Swindon with a reputation that is spreading far and wide.

Now, not only is The Bolingbroke a delightful social meeting point, it also offers excellent accommodation for relations, friends and the business person. v Sunday lunches available: 12noon to 2.30pm, along with full a la carte menu v Booking advisable v Midweek lunchtime menu on request

The Bolingbroke, Hook, Nr Wootton Bassett, Swindon Tel: (01793) 852357 • Fax: (01793) 854972 Restaurant and bar open 12noon - 2.30pm; 7pm - 10.30pm Closed Sunday evening & Monday lunchtime

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