March 2001 Swindon Link

'

No. 226 • March 2001 • Circulation 22,000

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The Link Magazine • March 2001

National coverage for largest family The arrival of Emily Povey into Swindon's largest family provoked a frenzy of media attention after she was announced on the front page of the February Link.

The Mirror were first to arrive on appearance with Richard and Judy all over the place. I had to unplug the Povey doorstep in Grange Park and features in regional and local the 'phone after I declined a live radio interview with a station in after we tipped them off, and an papers followed, Sue and Ian Povey's fourteenth Sydney, Australia.

"The younger children love the bundle of joy was born on 11 Janu• ary and fitted perfectly into the attention, but bringing the older q, family routine. The flash of cam- ones together is becoming quite t kayo the mw4 K!! ^ ° ""e eras and TV studio lights have not difficult as they are at work or had any effect on her composure. college."

And for the future, there may "It's been a very busy month for all of us since The Link came out," yet still be additions to the Povey M said Sue. "We've had enquiries household. Sue has declared that from papers and magazines from her target is eighteen babies.

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The Link Magazine • March 2001

Plans submitted for new rehabilitation centre to ease pressure on yet to be completed hospital A sixty-bed intensive rehabilitation centre to improve healthcare in Swindon has been announced by the Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust which is seeking planning permission for it to be built on the same site as the new, recently named Great Western Hospital, at Commonhead.

The centre is part of a broader in the early plan- staff are working hard to ensure intermediate care strategy aimed ning of the hospi- that those ready to be discharged at ensuring patients receive the tal in the mid- from PMH can do so as soon as right care, in the right place, at the 1990s, voiced his possible. I am keen to see further right time. The plans have been concerns in Janu- improvements so that staff and padeveloped in collaboration with ary's Link that it tients have even more support." local NHS Trusts, Swindon Priwill not be big The Swindon Primary Care mary Care Group and Swindon enough.

Group are planning initiatives on Social Services.

During Febru- health promotion and prevention, Tim Skelton, Chief Executive, ary many hospi- particularly on heart and lung disWiltshire and Swindon Health tals were affected ease, which should further reduce Care NHS Trust said, "the new by a'bed blocking' the strain on the new hospital. unit will provide services for pacrisis when patients needing intensive rehabili- different clinical needs. It will ben- tients who no longer needed acute tation following a period of illness efit from the close proximity of care could not be discharged as or injury, for example people who medical, clinical and diagnostic there was no suitable place for them 'WE COME TO YOU' have suffered a stroke or need in- services." to go. South Swindon MP Julia tensive therapy following a seriOther benefits will be easy pa- Drown, who spoke on this probV,t Free collection ous fall. The centre will be inde- tient transfer, public transport and lem in a recent Parliamentary de& delivery pendent of the new hospital and car access, and adequate parking. bate, said, "the government has Servicing & provide services to people with The centre will ease pressure on been helping the NHS and social repairs the new hospital, which will have services across the country tackle BIKE ,t No call out charge 53 fewer acute care beds than this problem through additional PMH. Retired West Swindon GP grants and advice. Locally addiIan Matheson, who was involved tional funds have been found and • New & used cycles We have two large • New clearance models barns full of top (up to 50% off) quality furnishing * Parts & accessories 6005E

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Hindu Samaj launch earthquake rebuilding appeal

Swindon's Hindu community (Samaj) have set themselves the target of raising £25,000 to con-

tribute to the reconstruction of essential facilities in the Indian state of Gujarat, hit by the devastating earthquake in early February, causing up to 60,000 deaths.

The Samaj is raising money with other Hindu communities across the county to launch the Wiltshire India Disaster Appeal, and is liaising with other faith groups.

Danny Hirani from Sparcells was born in Madhapur, close to the earthquake epicentre in Bhuj.

He said, "many Hindu families in the town have roots in the area and have relations and friends there.

Thankfully nobody was hurt amongst my parents, in-laws and the extended family, but thousands were killed just five miles away, whole generations were wiped out.

"The damage is huge and the after-shocks continue. People are living on the streets or in camps as they are nervous that buildings

still standing will collapse."

The Hindu community have followed the disaster and rescue efforts live via satellite transmissions on the Star News channel.

Freshbrook pharmacist Sushma Patel said the Samaj has set a long term aim of rebuilding a school or perhaps a hospital ward in the

earthquake zone. "It will take a long time for the area to get back on its feet," she said.

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The Link Magazine • March 2001

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Council aims for community involving strategy A conference involving business The invitation only day on 13 decisions that effect their lives. interests, community organisa- February considered the regeneraChief Executive Paul Doherty, tions, environmental and church tion of the town centre, the contin- below, said the council had created groups has set out to create a strat- ued economic development of many partnerships involving egy for developing Swindon as a Swindon and ways of involving health services, the police, busicommunity over the next 30 years. more people across the town in the ness, community and voluntary organisations, but the challenge is to involve a wider range of people.

He acknowledged that whilst Civic Trust to PHILIP STONE Swindon is very successful ecolaunch on 10 March nomically, the council had to reA inaugural meeting to form a spond to the areas of the town Swindon Civic Trust takes place on Saturday 10 March, 11am to 2pm at Swindon College.

For a high standard The trust would provide an umof work brella organisation for all community organisations concerned with References available Swindon, and act as an independent non-party political voice for Telephone now for a townspeople.

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At the conference coun. Bates said there were aspects of Swindon's unsuccessful bid for city status which were unsatisfactory and she The Front Garden Action Group had asked for a report to the coun(FRAG) is organising several cil cabinet on whether and how to awareness and fund raising events proceed with another application. in March and hope to attract help from outspoken environmentalist Mechanics hope David Bellamy.

FRAG objects to Swindon Coun- An independent study on the fucil's proposals to develop 3,800 ture of Swindon's derelict Mehouses on the land between the chanics Institute should get M4 and Old Town. A new stadium underway in March.

Swindon Council agreed in Nofor Swindon Town FC with other leisure facilities are also suggested vember that the study should be commissioned under the auspices for the area.

The group has taken legal ad- of English Heritage and it was exvice and believe their arguments pected that consultants would be could be successful in a legal chal- appointed in January.

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which are being left behind in terms of employment and education.

Jean Saunders of Swindon Friends of the Earth said the continued growth and development of the town was endangering surrounding countryside. "If people were to be asked, 'how big should Swindon grow over the next 30 years?', the majority would say that it should accommodate natural expansion. Unofficial sources suggest the town should have a population of 250,000, nearly 100,000 more than at present."

The conference working groups looked at how to involve more people in decision making, beyond the existing structure of area panels, coalitions of interest groups and elected councillors.

Council leader Sue Bates said she hoped that a budget could be provided so that new ways could be found to release the untapped energies of people within their own neighbourhoods and give residents a more effective voice.

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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: Editorial:

Roger Ogle Tel: (01793) 872282

TO BOOK ADVERTISING: Call Jenni Fowler on (01793)872531 Booking deadline: 5 March Printed by Goodhead Print

copy Editorial co date for April: 9 March Published: 24 March I Copy for May: 9 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

k.com

The Link Magazine • March 2001

5

New advice service opens to serve North Swindon Volunteers needed to extend it Residents of Haydon Wick, Woodhall Park, Abbey Meads and Blunsdon can now benefit from an advice point which was recently opened by the Citizens Advice Bureau at the Pinehurst People's Centre in Olive Grove.

-

The bureau gives free, confidential and impartial advice and assistance in sorting out personal problems. Issues covered include

A leaflet giving full details of opening times and services is available. : + The bureau has paid and volun-

cate. CAB training is highly regarded by employers."

Claire stressed that the training is given in a friendly and support-

leer staff. Volunteers are desperately needed to act as receptionists a and advice workers.

"We are looking for caring, contidential people, concerned to fight for people's rights," said Claire.

O PEN No "Full training is provided which i, vile to leads to a recognised NVQ certifi-

ive environment.

If enough volunteers can be trained, she hopes to start advice sessions in other venues across North Swindon.

To find out more, call the Citizens Advice Bureau's 24 hour recruitment hotline: 491166

V

cns

debt, welfare benefits, housing, employment, consumer affairs, taxes, health, immigration and nationality, education, legal procedures and family and personal matters.

Outreach worker Claire Morgan, who runs the advice point, said, "there is clear evidence of a need

^,^

VOWM7FtR

-

`

for the service. Being based in

Pinehurst means we are much more accessible to people who live across North Swindon."

An initial interview with a trained advisor is available simply by dropping in on Monday afternoons and Tuesday mornings. The centre is accessible to wheelchair users.

Alternatively, contact can be made by telephoning 0845 0505155 during weekday afternoons (except Tuesdays) or Wednesday and Tuesday mornings. Written en-

quiries should be addressed to the Advice Point at Pinehurst People's Centre, Room 25, Olive Grove, Swindon, SN2 1JJ.

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Fessey House day centre in Brookdene on 15 and 16 February to pen their thoughts on the level of pensions to North Swindon MP Michael Wills.

The campaigning cuppa con-

sumers pointed out that the pension increases from April still fall short of the £90 a week basic state pension Age Concern Swindon recommends. The Chancellor has raised basic state pension from £69.50 to £72.50 and income support for pensioners from £78.45 to

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Age Concern estimates that up to 650,000 older people nationally fail to claim the income support they are entitled to because of bureaucracy, or fear of stigma.

Age Concern Swindon director Jo Osorio said, "the increases in basic state pension and income support are welcome but Age Concern research shows that older people need at least £90 a week to live

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The Link Magazine • March 2001 Beauty & Aromatherapist Fully qualified. I.I.H.H.T. Waxing, facials, manicures, pedicures, massage.

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Wootton Bassett Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Mrs Lesley Catling MCSP

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BACK PAIN IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM: O Backache, Leg pain O Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain FREE CtliroO Headache & Migraine checks availabl O Sciatica O Sports Injury O Whiplash YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CONSULTING A CHIROPRACTOR

SANDRA E. DAVIES D.C. Shaw Chiropractic Clinic Shaw Village Centre Tel: (01793) 887801 Fax: (01793) 882298 Member of the British Chiropractic Association Member of the College of Chiropractors General Chiropractic Council Reg. No. 00584

Cash for schools - classroom funding crisis A lack of money, a lack of teachers and Swindon's low standing in the government's funding league tables is causing huge frustration amongst secondary school headteachers across the town who are questioning whether they can continue to deliver the high quality education being demanded of them.

And parents will wonder, given the affluence of Swindon, why spending on education is so low compared with other towns.

For the year 1999 - 2000, the previous financial year of £2,625, amount Swindon gave directly to the difference amounts to £502 per its schools was well below the av- pupil. This means a 1,000 pupil school in Swindon could get up to erage: £500,000 a year less than the averSwindon £2,372 agely funded English school. £2,598 Similar town The Swindon education budget increase for the current financial There are 149 local education au- year was five per cent. The increase for the next will be around thorities in England and Swindon three per cent, compared with the ranks 147 in its expenditure.

English authorities £2,625

( Ofsted Performance & Data Analysis)

Hence for 1999-2000 a Swindon secondary school received £226 per pupil less than a school in a similar sized local education authority, and £253 less than the national average.

However Swindon gets less from the government than other LEAs. Of the forty six unitary authorities, Swindon is the 39th worst funded. Compared with similar towns, if Swindon received the same funding as: Telford it would get £2.6 million more Slough - £15 million more Milton Keynes -£4.3 million more Newbury - £0.8 million more.

And whilst funding for the town is poor, the distribution of money between Swindon secondary schools is uneven. In the current financial year, according to the Council's schools budget statement, the poorest funded secondary school gets £2,168 per pupil.

The highest funded school which gets £2,486. (Schools also get money direct from the government which raises these amounts to £2,233 per pupil and £2,752).

Comparing the lowest funded Swindon secondary school at £2,168 in the current financial year and the national average of the

CHIROPODY WILTSHIRE 76 Bridge Street Swindon (01793) 511284

Swindon remembers The national Holocaust rememberance day on 27 January was marked in the town by a ceremony in Old Town Gardens and an afternoon of readings, talks and thoughts at the Pilgrim Centre.

Drama pu ry " . pils from # s Greendown School performed their play 'The Greetings of Strangers' t` about the plight of Kosovan refugees escaping to Britain.

A n n ofe Cullis of Swindon Council cultural services said, "people felt it important to mark the first memorial day; we've had many positive comments."

The Mayor of Swindon coun Arthur Archer closed the day by saying the town had always welcomed newcomers from all over the world including most recently refugees from Bosnia and Kosovo.

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national average increase of 4.9 per cent.

One headteacher said, "Swindon's school are in a funding crisis. We simply cannot go on delivering an effective education in an authority which does not provide sufficient funding."

Councillor Chris Eley, cabinet member for life-long learning, said that Swindon has never been able to escape from the historically low funding that it was given by the Conservative government when it took over education in 1997.

"Swindon schools will be better funded in 2001/2002 than they are this year. However, until the Government responds to the demands to change the formula (by which school funds are calculated), Swindon pupils will continue to be funded at much lower levels than pupils in many other LEAs. This cannot be right and we continue to press our claims for fair treatment."

The council's dire financial problems have been compounded by a £40 million deficit in its staff pension fund. This was caused by the previous government's decision to allow local authorities to redirect money away from pension funds to maintain essential services in the early 1990s because of low levels of poll tax payment. This problem was created before Swindon took over education in 1997. Yet it should be noted that teachers contribute to a separate pension fund which is not part of the general council pension fund.

The government announced in January that the council would be permitted to spend some of the £93 million raised from the sale of the Brunel shopping centre on paying the pension fund deficit which means some of the £4 million being paid annually to meet the pension obligation can be redirected into education and other essential services. Headteacher leaders have said that Swindon Council will have to increase education spending by at least £20 million to make inroads into the crisis facing schools.

• Swindon Council's education department will be inspected by Ofsted in June. Ofsted recently reported that, from inspections of 100 authorities that have already taken place, LEAs make little or no contribution to raising educational standards and one in five LEA is performing badly.

The Link Magazine • March 2001

.com

Appeal for dog owners to use new bins A campaign started by eleven-year-old Beverley Harris from Stancombe Park, Westlea to reduce dog mess saw success at the end of January when 23 dog bins were installed across West Swindon.

As reported in December's Link, Beverley was so disgusted by the amount of dog mess on her way to Westlea School she raised a petition that successfully persuaded Swindon Council to spend £5,000 on a six-month trial.

Along with friends in the Westlea Guides and Brownies,

say to dog owners, 'please use them'."

Her mum, Debbie agreed, "let's make West Swindon a cleaner and nicer place to live in."

Apart from the mess on footpaths, many dog owners left dog mess in plastic

monitoring their use and the level of complaints about dog mess for a report to the council after the sixmonth trial which may result in an extension across the borough.

How to find a dog bin

close to her

Dog owners cannot miss the red painted bins at strategic places bags hanging around West Swindon. The Link from bushes, has printed 500 maps of the area but behaviour with the location of the bins may be chang- marked. They are available from ing. Council the West Swindon library.

Environmental Office Steve Harcourt said he was very im-

school.

pressed how

she organised a

sponsored walk that raised £204 to pay for a further two dog bins

school without

quickly dog owners started to use the bins, "it seems dog owners were waiting for the

looking for dog

bins to be pro-

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vided."

He will be

Beverley said,

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mess

where. I'd like to

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Time's up for postcode changeover Changes to many of Swindon's postcodes are due to be completed this month.

In March 2000 the Post Office wrote to many homes informing them that their postcodes had been changed, in particular where SN2 was changed to SN25, but both the old and new would remain in use for a year to allow people time to convert.

The old postcodes will soon be removed from the Royal Mail's automated sorting machines and incorrectly addressed letters will be rejected for hand sorting. This may result in a delivery delay.

If you are unsure of your correct postcode, call Postcode Enquiries on 0845 111 222, or go to www.postcodes.royalmail.co.uk

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The Link Magazine • March 2001

www.swindonlink.com

Freshbrook skippers to go on and on and on Duracell won't be sponsoring children at Freshbrook School when they take part in a 24 hour sponsored skip on 6 April, but with community backing you can be sure they will have the energy to raise loads of cash.

Every child in the school is taking part along with a ladies skipping club, in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

Some of the younger children are learning to skip specially for the event. Sinead Smith aged 10 said, "it's for a really good cause. I am getting people I know to sponsor me."

As well as support from family and friends the school is seeking sponsorship from local companies.

PE co-ordinator Nicola

Anderton said, "we want to make this huge and get as many people involved as possible."

To offer financial support,

woo^o

call Freshbrook School on

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Free postcode marking: 18 March Freshbrook beat officer Rob Mortimer was kept extremely busy on 3 February when he postcode stamped 105 bicycles and micro-scooters in Freshbrook community centre.

"Over 1,000 bikes are stolen in Neighbourhood Watch officer For those who did not respond to the invitation sent out to schools, Patty Holt hopes the Greendown Swindon each year, most of which Rob will be running another ses- event will be just as successful. cannot be returned. You'll have sion at Greendown School on Sat- "We're very keen to postcode any- your property back quicker if it's thing smallthatcanbestolen. Bikes marked." urday 18 March, 10am to 4pm.

She will be giving out free ultra and scooters are important, but Hardatwork,RobMortimerandPatty with better weather coming up, violet pens to mark household Holt with Michelle Brander, Alistair why not power tools and garden equipment and useful security inBurnett and Susan Pagett formation on 18 March. equipment?

Training improves centre service Staff and volunteers at Freshbrook community centre are becoming trained to provide a better service to users and employees.

Four members of staff - Jill on Employing and Managing Staff Stapleton, Lorraine Webb, Sandra organised by the Swindon FederaSaxby, and Arno Morsink - ob- tion of Community Organisations.

Freshbrook Community Centre tained their basic First Aid Certificate from St John Ambulance in is managed by volunteers living in the area. New committee memFebruary.

Centre secretary Terry Iles said, bers are always welcome to assist "it's important to have first aid in keeping the building open for trained staff available. It gives the fifteen local groups that meet peace of mind to both the manage- there and for the private hire funcment committee and users that tions that take place.

For details call Terry on 871017. help is at hand if the need arises."

The centre will also be improving its employment procedures after executive committee member John Negus attended a course

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Terry Iles, back, with three of the course participants John Negus, Sandra Saxby, Arno Morsink

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"Registered with the Mortgage Code Register of Intermediaries: No. 5508399 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 222123 Credit broker fees of up to 1% on the advance maybe charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. Rate applied I555% (58% APR) to 30/12102. 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 025% reduction applied to the tracker mortgage rate. currently 5.75% . 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 2001 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £229.17. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96. Total amount payable £141.394 calculated to include valuation fee £155. This ca'.culation 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 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable until 30/12 1 02, after which the then current variable base mortgage 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.

10

The Link Magazine • March 2001

www.swind

Pizza Hut becomes educational outlet Youngsters at Brook Field School have been putting pizzas into their education.

For the third year running Pizza Hut played host to the sixty children in the reception classes when they walked to the restaurant at Shaw Ridge, shepherded by teachers and fourteen volunteer parents.

As well as being great fun the visit also had a serious educational purpose as it launched a food topic for the term. The children assembled their own pizzas which they then ate after being baked by restaurant staff. This fuelled them for the long walk back to school.

Following the visit a Pizza Hut restaurant was built in the corridor outside a classroom which had everything the children needed to play at making pizzas, including a kitchen, a

phone for receiving orders and a seating area.

Early Years Coordinator Sheryl Staton said the play area had proved very popular. "Children connect ideas to the real world through play; they talk activities through and interact with each other and then sequence events. The Pizza Hut visit supports the early learning goals; the children read menus, write down orders and practice numeracy by using money, as well as cooperating with each other in role playing the running of the restaurant."

She expressed her thanks to Pizza Hut deputy manager Sadna Patel and her colleagues for helping to make a successful project.

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In its opening remarks, the report on the inspection on 22 and 23 January states that Peatmoor primary 'is a very good school with many outstanding features. It has achieved a great deal in a very short time since it opened, due to the expertise, enthusiasm and teamwork of teachers, support staff and governors. It has established a clear sense of purpose and high expectations. It gives pupils of all abilities a high quality of education and provides very good value for money.'

Nathan Lane, Laura North, Rebecca The report continues that: Saunders and Ryan Jones would agree • there is a very good standard of with the pupil quoted in the report, teaching, with all lessons at least 'the teachers make the school into a good and almost three-quarters good place to learn. You really want to adjudged very good and, come to school.' occasionally, excellent; Delighted headteacher Terri • the school is an exciting place to Peacock said she was thrilled with learn; the report. "The staff are a fantastic • it has an excellent ethos and there team who put in far more than is are excellent relationships expected of them." between staff and pupils.

Governors chairman Richard The only recommendation for Stapley paid tribute to Mrs Peafuture action is to establish a school cock. "This is a brilliant Ofsted recouncil to give pupils additional flecting the outstanding achieveresponsibilities, and to provide ment by Terri Peacock and her staff parents with termly information in creating such a lovely learning about pupils' topic work. environment."

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A new Army Cadet unit is being formed at the Peatmoor Community Facilities based at Peatmoor School.

Although sponsored by the Peatmoor is already booked for a Army the ACF keeps square bash- two-week summer camp in Shering as a low key activity. It is a wood Forest in August. youth organisation that offers opMajor John Bradshaw of Wiltportunities for adventure and per- shire ACF said, "we have already sonal development. had a large number of children Open to boys and girls aged 13 express an interest and more are to 18 years it is a place where they welcome." can learn to handle themselves and The first meeting takes place on develop skills such as self-confi- Monday 5 March, 7pm onwards. dence and teamwork.

There is no need to book places in Typical activities organised by advance but the ACF can be conthe ACF include camping, abseil- tacted on 01380 724114 for more ing and canoeing. The new unit at information.

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11

The Link Maqazine • March 2001

Big A at Salt Way The Big Adventure After School Club opens its doors for the first time at Salt Way School in Middleleaze on Monday 26 February.

Care will be provided for children at a breakfast club before school starts and after school.

South Swindon MP Julia Drown will be visiting on 5 March to officially launch the club.

The Big A received an award of £250 from Nescafe Kids Club Challenge to replace games and give children more interesting things to do.

Parents with children at Salt Way should call Pete or Tracey Bailey on 875992 or 0797 7570488, or go to www.the-big-adventure.co.uk

Now is the time to create a beautiful garden If you are eager to create a splendid show in your garden this year, now is the time to start.

Come to Toomer's Stone Lane Garden Centre and let us help make dreams

for your garden a reality.

Bids welcome The Friends of Brook Field School are organising another of their huge auction of promises to raise cash for school funds on 30 March.

GWR fm presenter Gary Vincent will be helping people empty their purses by auctioning a range of exciting offers including a ride in the GWR Thunderbird helicopter, tickets to a premiership rugby match, the chance to be a mascot with Swindon Town FC, a tour of Westlea fire station and loads more.

Tickets cost £2, which includes fantastic Mexican food sponsored

by Chiquitos Bar and Restaurant in Old Town.

The last auction two years ago raised £5,000 and Friends chairwoman Edwina Lynn is hoping to top that mark. "Past auctions have always been great fun and raised a lot of money for the school. The event is open to all, let's do better this time."

Anyone for coffee?

The Brook Field Friends hold a coffee afternoon every six weeks where parents and pre-school children get together. The next takes place on Wednesday 21 March, 2pm to 3pm. All parents are invited to stop by.

Back from left, Edwina Lynn, Kanny Somal, Sue Deegan. Front, Callum Lynn, Sharon Watson and Katie Densham, Mandy Treen and Cloe Blackmure

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The Link Magazine • March 2001

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Taking place, largely unseen The £12 million contract let to of tarmac reclaimed from roads across virgin farm fields to the Edmund Nuttall Ltd also involves being relaid elsewhere are being north of Woodhall Park and Taw building access roads into the hous- recycled as a base layer for the Hill, the Northern Orbital Road ing areas from five traffic light con- NOR. Some of this material comes (NOR) opens up the 5,500 home trolled junctions. The roundabout from RAF Fairford where the runHaydon 3 development, with sites on Lady Lane will be replaced by way is being stripped and remade. for five primary schools, a second- lights and Thamesdown Drive to Well before construction started ary school, village centres and the Cricklade Road will be turned into the route was subject to extensive 360,000 square feet Asda Wal-Mart a dual carriageway in a later con- ecological measures, including the district centre. The dual carriage- tract. relocation of wildlife to suitable way will be a link between Junction 16 on the M4 and the A419 at Blunsdon, diverting much of the traffic that currently uses Westfield Way and Lady Lane.

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A major junction is being built at Purton Road so that through traffic is directed away from Woodhall Park, Hayden Wick and Moredon.

As part of this work the North Swindon Development Company has agreed to incorporate a culvert under Purton Road, to be built by Swindon Borough Council, to allow the Wilts and Berks Amenity Group to extend its canal from the excavated section to the north.

Their long term plan is to link the already open canal sections at Moredon and Kingshill.

Later in the year a marketing centre for the North Swindon Development Company to display information and promote the Hayden 3 development is to be built, in addition to the show houses put up by individual building companies. However no houses can be occupied until the road opens.

Much of the NOR is still a muddy scar across the landscape, with most of the initial work being infrastructure construction such as drainage, water mains and ducting for services. A new bridge over Haydon Brook is being built and an access tunnel for the cattle from Haydon Farm has to be made.

Dryer weather in the Spring will see rapid progress towards completion. Huge quantities of earth have been moved by lorry to Shaw tip, whilst several thousand tons

alternative habitats in consultation with English Nature and Swindon Borough Council. Along much of its length, a combination of earth bunds, sometimes incorporating acoustic fencing, will be constructed on both sides of the road, to screen it visually from adjacent housing and act as noise barriers.

These will be landscaped with substantial planting of native species of trees and shrubs which will act as wildlife corridors.

Jeff Davis of project management consultants Trench Farrow & Partners said despite the working conditions the road was on schedule.

"It has been extremely wet, but the contractors have coped with the problems and the road will be ready in August.

"Traffic disruption has been low so far. Over the coming months there will be work to connect the new road at Lady Lane and Purton Road, but we will endeavour to keep delays to a minimum."

Councillors online North Swindon councillors Charles Lister, Peter Stoddart and Justin Tomlinson hold surgeries at Abbey Meads School on the first Saturday of the month,

10am to 1 1 am.

They can also be found at www.swindonguide.com/abbeymeads/

13

The Link Magazine • March 2001

K.com

MP meets constituents

WI to hear about past support

North Swindon MP, Michael Wills fielded a range of questions on There will be several interesting points in Mr John Girvan's talk to local and town-wide issues from residents of Haydon Wick and the meeting of the Greenmeadow and Haydon Wick WI on 12 March.

Abbey Meads at the Haydon Centre on Friday 9 February.

The title is An uplifting History of the Bra and a prize will be In response to concerns about ted. He did not rule out a change presented to the member with the sauciest bra.

Visitors wishing to keep abreast secondary education provision in of heart by the council over the of the subject will be welcomed.

North Swindon he said he did not absence of sixth form provision.

Alice to music The meeting on 9 April features He agreed that the Turnpike expect the completion of the proParents and grandparents enjoyed A History of Savernake Forest preposed new school to slip beyond junction on the A419 would be in2004. He agreed that there was adequate when the new northern a delightful musical production sented by Anthony Tyers. This scope for imaginative community orbital road opens in August. He of Alice in Wonderland put on by month's competition is for the best uses and special needs initiatives confirmed that he had made rep- juniors at Greenmeadow School ornament of a forest animal.

TheWI meet on the second Monresentations to the Highways on 21 and 22 February. to be incorporated.

Since the failure of the first Pub- Agency and government ministers Some of the players, back Nathan day of each month, 7.30pm at the Andrews, Ben Reynolds, Ryan Mer- Haydon Centre. For details, call lic Finance Initiative application on this matter.

Other issues addressed included chant. Front Darren Haydon, Hayley Bernice Shailes on 340141. to fund the school, meetings had taken place between Swindon the new hospital, pensions, the lack Pereira, Elaine Fitzg erald Council and government officials of youth provision and the need and he believed a more appropri- for a swimming pool in the North ate application would be submit- Swindon area.

STyLe

Lipe

InTeRIORS

News from Haydon Wick Parish Council The annual parish meeting takes place on Tuesday 3 April, 8pm at the council offices in Thames Avenue. All residents of Haydon Wick and much of Abbey Meads can attend to discuss parish affairs and the council's performance.

The parish council is seeking a precept of £86,945 to cover its expenditure in the next financial year.

This is equivalent to £20.04 for a band D householder, a reduction of £3.45 on the current year.

The new concessionary fares scheme for elderly and disabled persons which comes into operation on 1 April brings changes for users of the Community Bus. Tokens worth £60 are available for use on the bus, Dial-A-Ride and for wheelchair users in taxis. These tokens cannot be used on ordinary buses. The alternatives are either a half fare pass or £40 free travel pass for use on ordinary buses, neither of which can be used on the Community Bus. Sue Martin, Parish Clerk is happy to give advice on the new system.

The Community Bus provides an invaluable service, but there is still a desperate shortage of volunteer drivers. When regular drivers are unavailable there is a danger that journeys may have to be cancelled. Any driver who can spare a few hours during the week should contact Sue on 722446.

The parish council in conjunction with Swindon Council wants to appoint two part-time youth workers to work with the 13 plus age group in the neighbourhood.

A minimum of three hours per week in an evening session is required. Training and support will be provided. Application forms are available from the parish office. The closing date is the beginning of March.

The parish council has met the requirements of the Community Legal Services Quality Mark Standard for Self Help Information. The Community Legal Service Directory for Swindon and the South West, which provides information on legal help is available at the council office.

Bowls Club gets ready to play after successful concert season Haydon Wick Bowls Club ended their season of winter concerts on 22 January with a well-received performance by Kentwood Choir.

Aldbourne Silver Band and Thamesdown Ladies Choir had been the earlier attractions.

Club Secretary Barrie Smith said this seventh year of concerts had been a success. "We feel this is a good way to provide local people with first class entertainment right on their doorsteps whilst raising funds towards the club's running expenses. At the same time, we have raised funds for the Prospect Foundation and other local charities."

Over the years, attendances for each concert have averaged well over 300. Events for the next two winters have already been booked.

Now club members are looking forward to the start of the new bowls season in mid-April. New members from Haydon Wick parish are always welcome, contact Barrie on 722972.

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14

The Link Magazine • March 2001

www.swin

Were you a student of Snap?

EAATIp

J.F.K

An open letter to Mr Gardner's year 4 class of 1990/91, Toothill School

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Hello everyone, how are you all and what are you doing with yourselves?

You may have seen the recent article in the Evening Advertiser about our Snap topic of almost ten years ago. By coincidence, Roger Ogle, editor of The Link, had already asked me if I was planning to get in touch with you all as we are approaching the tenth anniversary of the setting of the memorial stone at Snap on 5 August 1991.

He would like to run a series of articles about what you were doing then and what you are doing now.

As for myself, I am no longer a teacher. I am a gym instructor at the Link Centre, a job which I enjoy very much. I still run all the time and race for Swindon Harriers. I have also represented Scotland in Veterans International Cross Country for the past five years.

I live in the same house in Compton Bassett - I moved there just after the Snap topic. My wife, Jane, now works as a midday supervisor at Cherhill Primary School, so she is the one coming home with all the news about children, not me! My son, Sam, is nearly 12 years old and attends

Brian looking back through the project artifacts and records, with ex-Snap class members Becky Phillips, Elaine Marshallsay and James Trebble

John Bentley School in Caine. He competes in galas for Caine Alpha Four Swimming Club. My daughter, Emma, is 8 years old and in a year 4 class (same as you all were ten years ago) at Cherhill. She is very keen on horse riding and Brownies.

It's always nice to meet someone from Toothill School and I often see ex-pupils from many different classes here at the Link Centre, usually in the gym.

I sometimes wonder what everyone else from that class is doing.

If you would like to get in touch and tell us your news, please do so

via The Link: see page 4.

I hope to hear from some of you soon. With best wishes for the next ten years and beyond.

Where are you now?

The 4M class list: Sam Baker, Ka ti e Bourne, Neil Bradshaw, Mathew Bryant, Sarah Clark, Clare Day, Gary Dennis, Emma Eames, Craig Farley, Michelle Hawkins, Henry Jessen, Tim Knowles, Caroline Lambert, John Lamkin, James Leavey, Richard Legg, Amy Lockett, Ben Marshall, Elaine Marshallsay, Katy Mundy, Becky Philllips, Nuzhat Quadri, Ashley Rodney, Kevin Rouse, James Trebble, Nicholas Saunders

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Swindon Council's community education youth and play work team in West Swindon is appealing for people to come forward to work in i youth clubs and help out at after school and holiday playschemes. li The economic success of the town mean fewer individuals are coming forward to take up the opportunity to work with young people, says team leader Martin Hawes. "We have a range of positions to fill, some part-time paid, some voluntary.

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Above, some of the youth and playwork team, from left, Luke Chambers, Teresa Barclay, Tracey MacKeddie, Martin Hawes, Louise Cooper, Yvonne McCall, Suzanne Graham

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The Link Magazine • March 2001

ik.com ,

A pair of babes and a Mothers Day treat at Lydiard House

Vote for your favourite

Reduce those pounds and inches

Discovering long lost paintings and bringing them home to Lydiard World Book Day is Thursday 1 is one of the more fascinating parts of a museum curator's job says March, and we're asking readers to come in and vote for their favourite adult and children's authors, writes Lesley North at the West Swindon Library.

New titles to whet your appetite this month include romantic dramas from Barbara Taylor Bradford with The Triumph of Katie Byrne and Pamela Oldfield's All Our Tomorrows. There's a powerful novel with a racing background from Richard Pitman and, from the everpopular Wilbur Smith, Warlock, which is another set in ancient Egypt. Steven Saylor has left the mysteries in ancient Rome, however, and now takes us to the time Sarah Finch-Crisp, centre, with John Catleujh of the American Civil War with and Valerie Bather

of

the De Morgan Foundation

Three 18th Century portraits showing Henrietta St John as a little girl and her daughter and son-in-law have recently arrived on permanent loan courtesy of the De Morgan Foundation.

Henrietta's elder brother Jack remodelled Lydiard House and landscaped the parkland and her more affectionate half brother was the famous statesman Henry Bolingbroke. Henrietta grew up to be a great beauty and poets wrote verses in her honour. But disaster

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Honour the Dead.

hit when an alleged affair became the talk of fashionable society. To discover more about Henrietta visit our 'pair of babes' soon.

Best of all, come on Mothers Day, 25 March. The house will open early at 11am and every mum and grandma who visit the State Rooms will be presented with a bunch of daffodils; there should be plenty of daffs to see in the park too.

Refreshments will be on sale.

For details of forthcoming children's activities, call 770401.

Plenty of other crime around too.

Here are a few to get your teeth into: Jane Bolitho has a fifth outing for Cornish artist/sleuth Rose Trevelyan in Plotted in Cornwall, Skinner is back in Quinton Jardine's Autographs in the Rain. 87th Precinct fans can catch up with Ed McBain's Money, Money, Money, and more from Jeffrey Deaver: Death of a Blue Movie Star, Kate Ellis: The Bone Garden and the classy Commander Dalgliesh, back in Death in Holy Orders by PD James.

FITNESS & ADVENTURE Military style fitness training for all in Lydiard Park, Swindon every Tues & Thur at 7pm First session FREE For details, call 01666 838488 or visit www.upperlimits.co.uk

How many Mums consider how much of their valuable `shopping time' in the town centre is actually spent shopping?

Just think of the time spent finding somewhere to park, as near to the shops as possible of course, and then returning laden with shopping to find you have a parking ticket.

Why do it?

At the West Swindon Shopping Centre shopping can be fun for all the family because you can visit all your favourite shops in an all-weather, relaxing atmosphere. Take advantage of our children's creche, places to eat, low priced petrol and free and secure parking - all on one level.

Oh please Mum...

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16

The Link Magazine • March 2001

www.

Worries of where and how to fit in West children

Hreod back into

A crisis could be looming in finding places for West Swindon children at the three designated secondary schools.

Bradon Forest and The Ridge- mented, "the admission process allocated. The disparity between way School determine their own this year has set false expectations the number of children in the catchadmission numbers and Bradon of a choice that in reality has been ment areas and the number of has rejected 94 first choice appli- available to very few and has left school places available is clear and cants, whilst Ridgeway is believed parents and children who have the impact upon the admission to have turned down 53. been unsuccessful in their initial process now and in the future Bradon headteacher Chris applications in limbo, not know- should have been anticipated well Montacute said there had been 325 ing to which school they will be before now." applicants for 220 places and priority had to be given to the children from the village area.

Swindon Council's education department has written to parents West Swindon primary school headteachers visited Greendown in whose children have been turned early February to t ry out its computerised Maths teaching facilities. awayto say they will make a deciIntroduced last September in sion on allocating places by the response to the shortage of suitend of half term. ably qualified Maths teachers, Swindon education spokesman the Future School programme Norrie Porter said there were 310 lj encourages pupils to work at a children in need of secondary fast pace but at their own level, school places, including those to with a teacher on hand to help go to Greendown. "Some of the • with problems. children will go to special schools, Users watch an on-screen others will be accepted by out of teacher deliver a ten minute area schools and others may suc" video lesson on a specific topic l ceed on appeal. before leaving the computer to "We are discussing the situation complete a worksheet. Anwith headteachers, but parents swers are then entered on the should be assured, we will guar'I computer which allows the t antee a place for their children." pupil u to proceed to the next p Greendown in Grange Park has Local heads trying out Future School, Richard topic if the work has been done 240 places available, most of which Jacksonfrom Toothill, DavidMessenger, Wind- correctly. If the pupil does not have been taken. mill Hill; Sally Cowell, Shaw Ridge. Standing, achieve a certain percentage, A parent from Grange Park com- Suzanne Seaton, Westlea and Sally Barker they are asked to watch the video again and discuss the work with the class teacher.

Future School coordinator Sally Barker said the system was prov• from fencing to Extensions ing an excellent teaching aid which complements formal classroom • li lt building works undertaken teaching. "The children are very • Large portfolio to view positive about the programme because it allows them to work at Tel: 01793 886023 mobile: 07990 576464 their own pace and reinforces the work they do in class. Those with an aptitude for Maths can move ahead quickly, whilst other pupils can go over particular work to ensure theyunderstand the topic."

Greendown is offering local primary schools the opportunity to use Future School geared to their H^ctJ^lgs level.

regular ti metable

Primary heads consider computerised maths teaching

RALEIGH fL

230 bikes on show, the choice is great - the price is right

Just in time for an Ofsted inspection in mid-February, Hreod Parkway School was able to recruit five teachers and reinstate a normal timetable for its 1,330 pupils.

In January headteacher Andrew Fleet had to cut the school week by introducing a'fast day' on Wednesday whereby classes were reduced by ten minutes each in order to release teachers to cover vacant

posts. Whilst school finished at 2pm on Wednesday, optional after-hours study support sessions were offered in all subjects.

Mr Fleet said that it was a great relief to reintroduce the full timetable, but the school still had specialist vacancies in English, Science and PE. Although the crisis in teacher recruitment is a national issue, Hreod's needs are even greater because its numbers have increased by thirty per cent in the last two years due to the growth of North Swindon.

"Parents have obviously had their worries about the shortened week, but were very supportive of the school's plans and commitment," said Mr Fleet.

"I am concerned that the recruitment and retention issue in teaching is not going away. For an expanding school like Hreod, I have fears for September when we have to replace a number of temporary appointments, as well as recruit for new and replacement posts.

"It is ti me for central and local government and schools to work together to find practical solutions to the problem, so that no one school is left alone to struggle to deliver a quality service.

"Our commitment to sustaining standards and ensuring that we have the appropriately qualified teachers in our classrooms."

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The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ March 2001

corn

Don't worry. There's no such thing

as a perfect parent Health visitor Bindoo Rattan is inviting parents to take part in a series of discussions about the everyday child rearing problems they face.

Most parents worry about whether they are getting things right with their children's behaviour. Of course there is no such thing as a 'perfect' parent but one of the most common worries is the question of discipline and how to get children to behave well.

It is often a difficult subject and everyone has different ideas about good and bad behaviour and people react differently to children's behaviour.

Health Visitors are trained in partnership with Child and Family Consultation at Marlborough House to provide group sessions in the community to improve parents' confidence in their ability to manage their children, to strengthen the parent-child relationship and offer practical techniques to encourage good behaviour in children.

We offer ongoing parent courses usually lasting 6 to 8 weeks. To supplement these, we are also starting short sessions to support parents who cannot attend a whole course or who just want to learn how to deal with specific topics

like sleep management, eating, temper tantrums or potty training.

Through these one hour sessions we will aim to give parents the chance to reflect on some of the difficulties they face amd offer practical techniques to bring about change in their child's behaviour. We will discuss the art of good listening, saying what we mean, how to get results and seeing things through.

These one hour sessions will take place at West Swindon Health Centre on the first Thursday of every month starting in April from 10am to 11am for parents with children under 5 years. These sessions are for parents only.

For further information and to book a place please contact Bindoo Rattan, Health Visitor, West Swindon Health Centre, Tel: 877233 or speak to your own health visitor.

Programme for the next four months, 1Oam to 11am on: 5 April Bedtimes/sleep

3 May Meal times/eating 7 June Temper tantrums, biting, head banging 5 July Potty training, bedwetting

Toddlers gather in Taw Hill A new parent and child group for families with 0 to 3 year olds living in Taw Hill opened in mid-January.

The group has around fifteen members and meets on Mondays fpm to 3pm in Taw Hill community hall, next to the doctor's surgery.

Newcomers are always welcome said organiser Jane Needham.

"There's a lovely atmosphere at the group. It's a nice way to meet other parents living in the area. We also have some grandparents helping out.

Just turn up or give health visitor Helen Bays a call on 723705."

From left, Denise

Children's Information Service Swindon

Sargco Ki ^,^s 91 Victoria Road, Old To 01793 421500

Ck hing for 0-12 years School Wear - Toys

Tel: (01793) 541786 ?us# 011E Call and your childcare

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from underwear/socks to jumpers, dresses, trousers, nightwear. coats.

worries are eased!

Stockist for Gait & Orchard Toys Opening Hours Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

17

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CIS is funded by Swindon Borough Council, and supported by the Early Years Development and

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)PEN DAY 10th March, loam-1 pm Come and meet our friendly experienced staff and see what we have to offer.

Vacancies in all age groups with various hours available to suit your individual needs.

FREE REGISTRATION if booked at open day Phone Alison for more details on (01793) 877779

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Quality education and childcare for 18 months to 5 years

Faulkner and

Jake; Michelle Harrison with Sam; Kirsti Bond and Ashleigh; Alison Roberts and Bethany.

Rear, Neil Bond; Nancy Clarke, grandmother of Ben Woodruffe; Bethany's granny Sylvia

Open 51 weeks a year, 8am-6pm

Smith

NCT Nearly New Sale To include the sale of good quality baby, children and maternity clothes, and baby equipment and toys at the Oasis Leisure Centre, Saturday 7 April, 11am - 1 pm. Admission: 50p Contact Amanda Heard on 771854 for a sellers information pack Wanted: Good quality/nearly new baby equipment, toys, baby and maternity clothes in good clean condition to sell on a 25% commission basis to the Swindon branch of the NCT - no sale no fee.

Full range of schedules available Qualified teachers following the nursery foundation stage

For more information and to arrange a visit, please contact

Mrs D Bailey (01793) 845572

18

LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER

BEVIRS SOLICITORS for Independent Financial Advice See us first for impartial guidance on investment and money matters

Offices in Swindon, Wootton Bassett and Caine Contact Jeremy Angell on 01249 814536 Authorised by the Law Society to conduct investment business

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THE RIND EWS PARTNERSHIP A professionally prepared will can avoid delay and distress for your family Home visit service: Single ÂŁ49.95 Double ÂŁ69.95

Tel: (01793) 642245

Selling houses quicker and making streets safer South Swindon MP Julia Drown writes Around 4,900 individuals and families buy and sell homes in Swindon each year. They stand to gain from the reforms in the new Homes Bill. House sales in England and Wales are among the slowest in Europe; many people have experienced the misery this causes as buyers are gazumped and deals fall through.

A new scheme for house purchases has been piloted successfully in Bristol and the Government now plans to extend it nationwide. Sellers or their agents will be required to produce a 'seller's pack' of standard documents including the result of a local search and a'home condition report.' This stops unnecessary duplication by potential buyers and brings down costs. It also cuts the period of uncertainty between accepting an offer and exchange of contracts.

The government's plans have the backing of the Consumers Association and leading building societies such as Nationwide, as well as the surveyors' and estate agents' professional bodies.

A new Criminal Justice and Police Bill is also going through Parliament. Recently I held two pub-

initiatives - including one in the Link Centre. I have also spent time with the police on their late evening patrol around the town.

Swindon is one of the safest areas in the country. Nevertheless, we still have serious issues to tackle here - including the fear of crime.

So the statistics should be reassuring. In Swindon, crime has dropped by 4% over the last year; the police have been particularly effective at tackling household burglaries, down by 17% and vehicle crime down by 25%.

The Criminal Justice and Police Bill will give the police extra powers to deal quickly and effectively with anti-social behaviour and dis-

order in public places, for example by closing down licensed premises.

Kerb crawling is also to be made an arrestable offence. The problems associated with prostitution are a particular worry in some parts of Swindon. Currently only the prostitutes can be arrested when it is sometimes the kerb-crawlers who cause more nuisance to local people.

I have visited Princess Margaret Hospital on a number of occasions recently to congratulate departments on the fine work they have done in reducing waiting times for treatment. The Audiology Department is particularly impressive. Over the last year the waiting time for patients to get a hearing aid has been cut from 21 months to 25 weeks.

I am pleased that the Government is delivering the funds to ensure that by 2005, the maximum waiting time for in-patient treatment is six months, and three months for out-patients. The progress in Swindon shows that this can be achieved.

To get in touch with me please write to 13 Bath Road, Swindon, SN1 4NS. Tel: 615444.

Stop crime: let the police know

For your retirement living we currently have vacancies at Brain Court, Stratton St. Margaret and Windmill Court, Freshbrook, Swindon.

Please contact our Regional Office: Western Region, 10 The Parade Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 I NE

Tel: 01672 515622

James Butcher Housing Association

The three West Swindon beat officers are calling on residents to call the Crimestoppers hotline and help beat the criminal.

PC Phil Conner for Toothill/ stolen property. Your call could Westlea, Rob Mortimer for result in illegal activity being Freshbrook/Grange Park, and stopped and may help us put a WPC Rob Jones, who covers Shaw piece in a bigger jigsaw.

"You are our eyes and ears in the and Peatmoor/Sparcells, are appealing to people to let them know community. Help us press down if they think something wrong is on crime to maintain a safer community" taking place.

You do not have to give your "We're conscious that people think Crimestoppers is more con- name to Crimestoppers when you cerned with big crimes which gets call 0800 555 111.

Phil and Pat wanting your help national coverage on television," said Phil.

"Crimestoppers applies at a local level. If you think something illegal is taking place no matter how trivial let us know, your suspicions may be right."

Pat said that every piece of information would be acted upon because a report has to made on every referral from Crimestoppers.

"We cannot predict the outcome of investigations, but perhaps you know of drug dealing going on, or an untaxed car, or maybe somebody is handling

19

llN\'iAfiO h THE LINK M=INE'S GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON IN AND AROUND SW R N

Five to join the party in Swindon Another massive sell-out show at the Party in the Park on Sunday 26 August is expected after Wiltshire Festival organisers revealed that fantastic boy band Five has been booked.

Last year Steps packed 20,000 people into Lydiard Park. The crowd could be even bigger in August.

Also on the bill will be Britain's top reggae band Aswad and supermodel pop singer Caprice. Rumoursthat Spice Girl Mel C could

cible has had huge sales and their recent stadium tourwas completely sold out.

be making an announcement on other big names next month.

Five are renowned for their spectacular live act, offering incredible entertainment with live musical backing. Their latest album Invin-

range of digital

televisions from 'Loewe & Grundig Q(/Ga

862858.

l

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The programme for

2l^

the Classical Extrava-

appear have yet to confirmed. Promoter Eddy Sharp will

Tickets for the Party in the Park cost £19 if bought before 1 June from the booking hotline: 01285 -

Diamond Television invites you to see the new

"After the success of last year's Steps show, we aim to strive to bring the best to Swindon," said Eddy. "We have some loose ends to tie up before we complete the li ne-up for the festival. It will be even better than before."

ganza on 24 August is being extended with the Band of the Scots Guards booked to open the show an hour earli er at 7pm whilst concert goers enjoy their picnics.

Jae Alexander will once again

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conduct the English National Symphony Orchestra. Soloists, ticket prices and booking details have yet to be announced.

Win a ticket to the Phantom Fans of musicals have a treat in store this April when the Wyvern Theatre hosts the largest production it has seen in several years with the gothic horror musical, Ken Hill's Phantom of the Opera.

Wyvern General Manager Ted Doan said, "This is a fantastic honour for The Wyvern to stage a show of this size, it is a great way

plays Christine has also appeared in Les Miserables and Jay Marcus plays Raoul.

Ken Hill's Phantom of the Opera

to help celebrate our 30th birthday."

Ken Hill's adaptation returns to the original novel by Gaston Leroux, which has inspired seventeen fil ms,

runs from 9 tol4 April. Tickets cost from £11 to £19.

,,71

lt^

three stage plays and four musicals, and reflects its humour as well as its gothic horror. It uses period music to givethe mood of the Paris Opera House at the time the novel was first published in 1911. Ken came across it in 1976 whilst browsing in a second hand bookshop. It inspired him to write the musical, the first English version, ten years before Andrew Lloyd-Weber.

It was later revised for a

' '-

as.

Fantastic show on offer, Wyvern manager Ted Doan, with colleagues Jamie Walker and Nicky Weston

successful run in the West

End and a tour of America.

The cast has many previous musicals to its credit.

,i

Michael

McCarthy, who plays the Phan tom, has previously played Javert in Les Miserables. Sarah Ryan who

11A :j..

Win a pair of tickets Send your answer to the ques-

WYVERN - THEATRE

tion: In which city is Phantom

set? to The Link, address on page 4• The winning entrywill be drawn on Wednesday 14 March.

APOLW GROUP

BOX OFFICE: (01793) 524481

MON 9th - SAT 14th APRIL 2001

Swmnan

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20

Discover the Swindon Farmers Market and win a Mother's Day lunch Commerce House, 34/35 Commercial Road Swindon SN1 5NS We offer a fast efficient fully computerised legal service for * Conveyancing * Family Law * Wills & Probate For more information visit our website:

How would you like to win a meal made up of the most delicious ingredients, grown or made within a few miles of Swindon?

The Link has teamed up with the local food producers who attend the Swindon Farmer's Market on the first and third Thursdays of the month to offer a meal for four to six people. All the ingredients for a

v,

fk

a

t

•

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Rebecca Jones from Hinton Marsh Farm shows off a tasty free range chicken to Veronica Cork of Lower Stratton

Swindon's Art, Craft & Picture Framing Outlet

Marsh Farm, near Swindon, • sausage stuffing fromSandridge Farm, near Chippenham, • a box of locally grown fresh veg-

The Farmers Market started last June but local producers say that only a few Swindon people know about it. "People are always say-

A wide range of products for the artist,

etables from Bromham • a luscious dessert from Sue

ing they did not know about us," said Rebecca Jones of Hinton

student, crafter & DIY picture framer

Palmer of Marlborough.

• Catherine Young is providing a Mothering Sundaycakemadewith eggs from Paddock View farm at

Marsh Farm. "All the produce on our stalls has been grown, reared or produced locally and is either organic or Farm Assured."

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ket on 8 or 22 March. The winner

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1

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Tuck from Wootton Bassett will be giving a bottle of home-made ap-

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21

MORNING 4

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Saturday 17th March 9.00am-12.00noon

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Meadowpark is a well established thriving school with faultless DfEE and OFSTED reports across the 0-7 years age range.

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Conveniently located for Swindon and the surrounding area in a pleasant rural environment.

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22

Swindon

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Contact 07720 0510 for a list of extensive beauty treatments Including nail strengthening, massage and body wraps MOBILE SERVICE AVAILABLE

Touch of 5-Cealth Shiatsu c (eilCi with Mille Jeffers Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese healing art, using the power of touch and movement. Reiki is an ancient form of healing that stimulates the body's own natural ability to heal itself.

A one hour tailor made treatment can help: back pain, migraines, whiplash injuries, IBS, stress, insomnia and sports injuries.

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ForATouch of Health call 01793 877634

Wide Dive in for the BT Swimathon

Link Centre is once again the regional venue for Europe's largest swimming fundraiser in aid of Macmillan cancer relief and other cancer charities on Sunday 25 March, 6pm.

Individuals and relay teams can take part on the day or at times to suit them. Pick up a leaflet at Link Centre or call Freefone 0800 731 7316 or go to www.btswimathon.com Shaw Ridge youngsters put up a big splash for HTV West news presenter Fiona Wilson with Steve Borth wick, Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew and Bath and England rugby star Matt Perry

Swind(r Wide Whit's On jr Martini

23

Venues

Theatre

Do you need a hat, but don't want to BUY one?

The Arts Centre Devizes Road. Tel: 614837 The National Monuments Record Centre, Kemble Drive. Tel: 414600

Wednesday 7th to Saturday 10th, 7.30pm Something to Hide performed by The Western Players. A superbly contrived thriller. £4. Arts Centre, to book call 813426

Call (01793) 704005 or 07710 298790 ' t " '° a er t0 see the large selection of The M aa H► hats to HIRE!

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway, Kemble Drive.

Tel: 466655

or

Make a person al appointment to find just the right hat fo r you

Town Hall Studios Regent Circus. Tel: 463210 The Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square. Tel: 524481

Contact venues to confirm date, time and price

Family shows

Friday 23rd, 10.30am & 1.30pm The Wiggles and their friends: Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus and Captain Feathersword, the tickly pirate provide an extravaganza of colour, fun and music. £8, children £6.50, fam-

ily £25. Wyvern Tuesday 27th, 1pm & 4pm Sooty, with Sweep, Soo, Scampi, Butch the Bulldog and the snake, Ramsbottom. Buckets of laughs, magic and music. £7. Wyvern

Sunday 11th, 7.30pm The Four Quartets of T.S.Eliot with Edward Fox, above, accompanied by pianist Christine Croshaw. A lyrical performance which gains immeasurably from that distinctive voice. £1 1.50. Arts Centre Thursday 15th, 7.30pm Popcorn by Ben Elton. When two killers interrupt movie director Bruce Delamitri's passionate interlude with Brooke Daniels (nude model and actress), they have murder in mind, using Bruce's 'art' as justification.

Events however are disrupted by the arrival of Bruce's producer, his soonto-be ex-wife, and his spoilt daughter.... Contains strong language. £ 10.

Arts Centre Thursday 22nd, 7.45pm Kafka's The Trial. Not only a brilli ant study of paranoia, or red-tape and institutionalised petty tyranny, or emotional white-anting, but a steady gaze into the abyss through a gauze of black humour. £12. Wyvern

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24

Swi"rndcr Wide What's .

Graham McCallion PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO WEDDINGS PORTRAITS COMMERCIAL

Music

P

Thursday 1st, 8pm

CENTRAL SWINDON Annual long stay parking only £45.50 per month

ry

Contact The Barn, 116 High Street Blunsdon, Swindon

Bert Jansch, ground-breaking

vi rt uoso acoustic guitar player who has influenced musicians and delighted audiences since the midsixties. £10. A rts Centre Friday 2nd, 8pm Joe Longthorne renowned for his many uncannily accurate impersonations including Bar Manilow, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, David Bowie, John Lennon and Judy Garland. £16.50. Wyvern Saturday 3rd, 7.30pm Abba Gold. Includes all the favourite Abba songs, along with costume and lights. £12.50. Wyvern

)J4 4 .LKearny

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An Evening with Stephen

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Sondheim presented by Sheila Harrod and the Kentwood Kompany.

All proceeds to The Arts Centre.

Sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland. £7. Arts Centre Friday 9th, 7.30pm Bee Gees Gold. From melodic to classical from funk to dance, with full band and singers. £12.50. Wyvern Tuesday 13th, 8pm Frances Black with Declan Sinnott . *' f Frances Black equally at home on country, folk and jazz-tinged ballads, enjoys massive acclaim in her native Ireland, having been its top selling solo artist for two years in succession. £10. Arts Centre Sunday 11th, 7.30pm BBC Glen Miller Big Band 2001 Tour. The band's first ever visit to Swindon. £11.50. Wyvern Tuesday 13th to Saturday 17th, 7.30pm Patience presented by Swindon Gilbert & Sullivan Society. £9. Wyvern Sunday 18th, 8pm Swindon Recital Series. Priya Mitchell, violin, with Paul Turner, piano. £8. Arts Centre, book on 612775 Monday 19th, 8pm Hazel O'Connor in Beyond Breaking Glass. Hazel tells how she rediscovered her Celtic roots, in this tale of survival in a corrupt industry Supported by Cormac DeBarre on Irish Harp and Mario N'gome on percussion. £8. Arts Centre Friday 23rd, 8pm Dean Friedman. A er his breakthrough Arielin 1977, Dean Friedman saw regular chart success before spending the 80's working on soundtracks. He is once again touring in the UK and has a new album Songs for Grownups. £12.50. Arts Centre •

Community Dividend Scheme A minimum of 1% of the Society's profits are returned to projects to benefit

the local community

through the Railway Society receive a cheque for £1,000 in December.

Community Dividend Scheme.

If you think a project you know of could qualify for a grant of up to £1,000

ft

call 0800 43 5902 for more information

Oxford, Swindon & Gloucester

Saturday 24th, 7.30pm Songs For All Time featuring opera and musicals baritone, John Fletcher and Glynedebourne concert and jazz pianist, Stephen Higgins in a magnificent programme of show-stoppers from the musicals and popular opera. £10. Wyvern Saturday 24th, 8pm Tom Robinson

Saturday 3rd, 7.30pm

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Members of the Cricklade & Swindon

Friday 23rd, 8pm The Counterfeit Beatles with four separate sets, covering different eras of Beatles hits. £12.50. Wyvern

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♦♦1

The formation of the Tom Robinson Band coincided with the punk explosion, achieving hits with 2-4-6-8 Motorway, Glad to be Gay and Up Against the Wall. An early supporter of Rock Against Racism, Amnesty and gay rights, Tom's 1996 album The Artist Formerly Known as Gay hit back at media intrusion. His 90's compilation album Modern Classics is set fora Spring release. £10. Arts Centre Monday 26th to Saturday 7th April 92nd Annual Swindon Music Festival. 3 sessions each day of competitivemusicclasses:9am, 1.30pm, 6.30pm (omitting Sunday 1st April).

Programme published in March. Arts Centre. Tickets available on the day

Film Wednesday 14th, *" 7.45pm Xiao Wu China 1997 (U) A provincial pickpocket is left behind as his childhood collaborators grow up and find more sophisticated ways of making a living, from director Zhang Ke Jia. Arts Centre.

Presented by SFS Wednesday 21st, 7.45pm Kissed

Director Lynne Stopkewich's captivating and darkly magical story about a girl's obsession with death, which makes you accept the unacceptable.

Arts Centre. Presented by SFS Thursday 22nd, 7.45pm The House of Mirth (PG) Adaptation of Edith Wha on novel starring Gillian Anderson as Lily Bart, darling of New York society at the turn of the century, torn between her heart and her desire for a wealthy husband. £3.50. Arts Centre Swindon Film Society leaflets available at The Arts Centre. Join on any Film Society evening. rt

in MArii Dance Friday 2nd, 8pm Triple Bill. Three new works from choreographer Henri Oguike and his vibrant and highly entertaining company. £7.45. Town Hall Studios Thursday 8th, 7.30pm La Sylphide presented by Vienna Festival Ballet. A romantic and mysterious full-length ballet set in the Scottish Highlands. £16.50. Wyvern Friday 9th, 8pm Notre-dame De Paris presented by Strathcona Theatre Co. A fresh interpretation of this classic story. £7.45. Town Hall Studios Tuesday 20th, 7.30pm & Wednesday 21st, 2.30pm, 7.30pm English National Ballet with Tour de Force, an exciting programme of one-act ballets. £17- £6. Wyvern Monday 26th, 5pm and 8pm One World presented by Spirit of the Dance. A dazzling spectacular of Irish dance, tap, ballroom, flamenco, salsa and tango. £17. Wyvern Thursday 29th to Saturday 31st, 7.30pm 2001 - A Dance Odyssey presented

by Sullivan School of Dance. See advert on page 23. £7. Wyvern Friday 30th, 8pm Physical Recall & Biserk Dance Co. A mixed bill for the evening that will also feature guest performances by local dance companies. £7.45.

Town Hall Studios

Comedy Thursday 1st, 8pm Tommy Tiernan - who has been

critically acclaimed for his live stand up performances. £9.50. Wyvern Friday 2nd, 8pm Garth Marenghi's Fright Knight. A surprise hit at this year's Edinburgh Festival. A spoof of pulp-horror writ-

ing, and a real scream - in the comedy sense. £7. Arts Centre

Saturday 10th, 8pm JerrySadowitz. (above)Magiccomedy show. Adults only. Wyvern, £ 12.50 Friday 16th, 8pm Priorite A Gauche with Mackenzie Crook as Mr Bagshaw Ben and Arn, are the unwittingly naff Didier and Jean-Francois, rhyming and jiving, translating into school boy

French and back again. This double bill also features Mackenzie Crook

as Mr Bagshaw, the teacher from hell. £7. Arts Centre

25

Talks, lectures, tours & demonstrations Thursday 1st, 7.15pm Take the `A' Train. Steam's curator Tim Bryan presents an illustrated talk which features musicians such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller. £2.50. STEAM Wednesday 7th, 5.30pm - 6.30pm Aerial Archaeology - How it Works

by Dr Robert Bewley. This lecture will cover the history, development

and techniques of aerial archaeology and the process of mapping and analysis. A Bath University Community Course. Free. Main Hall, Oakfield Campus Thursday 8th, 7.15pm STEAM - in depth. A guided tour of STEAM with GWR railway workers telling the stories behind the exhibits. £2. STEAM Wednesday 14th, 5.30pm - 6.30pm The Sexual Metaphor by Professor Helen Haste. An examination of the shifting roles and changing images of men and women. A Bath University Community Course. Free. Main Hall, Oakfield Campus Saturday 17th, 2.15pm Tour of the National Monuments Record Centre. An introduction to the work and collections of the NMRC. Free

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Wednesday 21st, 5.30pm - 6.30pm Commercial Radio - How It Works

by Steve Fountain, programme controller for GWR fm. His lecture will trace the growth of commercial music radio and the GWR fm network in particular. A Bath University Community Course. Free. Main Hall, Oakfield Campus Thursday 22nd, 7.15pm Branch Lines of the GWR. A lecture by Amanda Huntley with remarkable film clips. £4.50. STEAM Saturday 24th Meet the Railworkers. Join former engine drivers, firemen and railworkers to find out about life 'inside' the Swindon Works. STEAM, normal admission charge Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th How Locomotives Work. Find out about the workings of steam and diesel engines with practical demonstrations from experts and ex-plate staff. STEAM, normal admission charge Wednesday 28th, 5.30pm - 6.30pm Made In Swindon : The Great Western Railway Legacy by Tim Bryan, curator of STEAM. He will examine the output of the works both in terms of the built heritage which survives, the locomotives and other products and the engineering skills base which persists in Swindon today. A Bath University Community Course. Free.

Main Hall, Oak field Campus

Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon Tel: 01793 763939 www.rovesfarm.co.uk Signed off A361. 3 miles NE of Swindon,

Wednesday-Sunday and Bank Holidays 11 am - 5pm (last admission 4.30pm)

Opening

1

• Bottle feed & meet all the farm animals • New crafty half hour • Granary Tea Rooms • Toddlers heated indoor play area • Adventure play area and giant sandpit • 7 nature walks • .3-D big bale straw maze Swindon Kite Festival 12th & 13th May eaa^'^`

;

BARNDANCES ^hhi^er Lamb/Pig roasts or BBQ s

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26

Exhibitions National Monuments Record Centre, The Gallery to 1st April Photos of the future 2 A regional exhibition from The History Channel's local history projects.

All the photographs come from personal family albums, creating a record of life during the last 100 years.

STEAM to 18th March Railart Annual exhibition by the Guild of Railway Artists includes work by professional and amateur artists using a variety of mediums.

Arts Centre to 17th March Pinhole Visions Variations on the pinhole camera.

Arts Centre 21st March to 21st April Reflecting Sarah Ings' bold solo show gives glimpses of images reflected in objects such as teapots and light bulbs.

Wyvern Theatre, Lower Foyer 6th March to 1st April 7 Degrees With vast spirals of colour spilling from wall to floor, these Japanese braids and intricate knitting by Sarah Lowry are complemented by a series of prints. Explore stunning colour, process and pattern with this Liverpool based artist.

Wyvern, Harlequin Bar 6th March to 1st April Homage Paying homage to her family and its history, Katherine Phillips uses an interactive CD ROM to enable others to wander through her Welsh ancestral home. She brings past occupants and objects alive via sounds, photographs and video clips.

Breathing Space Are you interested in countryside access, getting out and about around Swindon?

Public meeting organised by 21st Century Swindon Forum Monday 19 March, 7.15 - 9.15pm Broadgreen Centre, Salisbury St.

Arts classes Saturday 17th and Saturday 24th, 10am to 4pm Stained Glass Painting. Develop glass painting, cutting, leading and soldering skills in this two part workshop with Martyn Stanton-Harris, to

Lower Shaw Farm Old Shaw Lane, Swindon

produce a dazzling leaded panel.

Materials provided. £35. Arts Centre Thursdays, 1st March to 5th April, 7pm - 9pm Exploring the Figure. Winnie Walters explores new approaches to represent the figure in this six week course, using a variety of materials and scales of work. Two sessions will be held in the inspiring setting of the art collection at Bath Road Museum. £40. Arts Centre

International Women's Day Thursday 8 March, 10am - 4pm Broadgreen Centre, Salisbury St. A day of celebration for women organised by the Swindon Women's Coalition Tranquility zone, yoga, pilates, painting for the petrified, shiatsu massage, aricular acupuncture, legal & welfare advice, information on childcare, work and training opportunities and lots more

Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th Working weekend. An opportunity to get to know the farm, turn your hand to old jobs and new, enjoy good company and food. No charge Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th Astronomy weekend View constellations, planets and the moon by night, look at the sun by day. Adult £85, child £45 Wednesday 7th, 10am - 12.30pm Children's Morning

Seasonal activities around the farm for young children and their parents and carers. Mid-morning snack provided, bring a picnic lunch. £5/ family Friday 16th to Sunday 18th Yoga weekend Will include sessions for flexibility,

strength, and balance and exercises to improve breath awareness. £95 Also in March: Planning Play through the Seasons, Make and Mend weekend, Sewing weekend.

Forfull programme of courses and to book call 771080

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Swindon Wide Festivals to bring Swindon alive Swindon Arts Community Fund is this year backing three excellent festivals - a jazz extravaganza at the end of April organised by Swindon Jazz Ltd, a visual arts feast in June and a celluloid celebration of fil m in October.

These will compliment the already well established, independ-

ently run, Literature Festival in May and Wiltshire Festival in August.

The second Swindon jazz festival - 26 April to 29 April - is attracting some top names, and living legend Humphrey Lyttleton has agreed to be its patron.

Star billing goes to American saxophonist Scott Hamilton,

Spring has sprung down on the farm Roves Farm is bursting with new life, writes Joanna Burr

The lambs and kids are calling to you to come and botti e feed them. The piglets °

are squealing and the chicks — are all cheeping for attention. The maternity ward is ; full of expectant mums and . the grandstand is ready, so hopefully you'll haveabird's.. eye view of one of natures

of indoor play areas for all ages and this winter we've renovated the old dairy for

our new farming displays.

It's a great place to discover what it is really like to run a farm and find out the true costs of producing our beef, milk, pork, chicken , and grain.

Roves Farm will open true miracles and see a r lamb being born. All the dif ?

Wednesday to Sunday and ferent nature walks around the farm Bank Holidays from 17 March, are open too, so you can take a 1lam to 5pm. Lambing goes on walk and see the countryside springing to life.

until the end of the Easter Holidays.

Whatever the weather there is For details, call 763939 or visit plenty to do. We have a full range www.rovesfarm.co.uk

backed by a band full

don jazz fans his best

of i mpressive performers like Campbell Burnap on trombone

wishes for a great ti me.

"Festival coordinator Ray Butt, has set

and Nick Dawson on piano, who play on 27 April.

Nick Mason's New Orleans All Stars, one of the country's finest bands playing this style of jazz, take centre stage on 28th and Fretless and Friends featuring the fabulous piano of Jamie Cullum provide the finale bash on 29th.

The festival is based around venues in Old Town with forays to the University of Bath in Swindon campus. The sessions at Fusion, Kings Arms, Goddard Arms and

Longs Bar on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 April - seven hours of jazz on each day - will be covered by an all inclusive ticket at £35.

Commenting on the support for

the jazz festival, Rosa Matheson Director of Swindon Arts Festivals said, "we are extremely delighted to have Humphrey Lyttleton on board. Although he is unable to attend in person, he sends Swin-

up a programme bursting with talent and rhythms. If jazz is new to you, there will be some surprises in store, as

well as a great atmosphere as Old Town becomes New Orleans for a weekend."

The finalised programme and ticket booking form is available from Swindon Information Centre in Regent Street.or send an SAE to Ray Butt, 33 Chestnut Springs, Lydiard Millicent SN5 9NA.

Sunrise & song Linda Lee from Shaw is forming a I street choir to welcome the Swindon Festival of Literature at the

Dawn Chorus opening on 1 May at 5.30am.

No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to compete with the birds and make noise for fun. Call Linda on 8751 84.

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The Link Magazine • March 2001

BLAYLOCKS SWINDON'S FAMILY SHOE SHOP Est. 1920

STOCKISTS OF ALL LEADING BRANDS BLAYLOCKS Bath Road Corner Old Town

Tel: 534271

An Aladdin's cave in Old Town A shop that sounds as if it is full of Mediterranean imports turns out to be one of the most interesting in town for toys and children's clothes.

Sargeo Kids was opened last September after Karen Wallis decided that Swindon parents needed a better selection of clothing for 0 to 12 year olds. "Many will know how difficult it is to get school and casual clothes at a reasonable price throughout the year," csaid Karen. "There has been a tremendous response since we opened up and now we want to spread the word into other parts of Swindon."

Unusually she stocks primary school clothes all year round and Karen is available to help schools fund raise by organising fashion shows. Children model the clothes and there is an opportunity to buy. A percentage of money spent is returned to the school.

Karen is also committed to making quality education toys available.

She has possibly the widest range of Galt and Orchard toys in Swindon.

Sargeo Kids can be found at 91 Victoria Road. Tel: 421500.

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The Link Magazine • March 2001

Tommy's triumphant return to Manor Garden Spring is coming and now's the time to get out and repair the winter damage to the garden.

To give you inspiration Tommy manager Ralph Bovett. "He has a Walsh from BBC TVs Ground Force tremendous personality. His teleprogrammewillbevisitingManor vision appearances has not Garden Centre at Cheney Manor changed him one bit; he is a really on 17 March to talk topical tips and friendly person. Last year there sign copies of the team book on were still queues to meet Tommy practical garden projects. He has a long after he was due to leave; he new book due out at the end of showed interest in everybody."

March and no doubt he will be Manor Garden Centre covers encouraging people to buy it. eight acres and takes in AWBS the Tommy's visit last March to offi- town's largest stockist of landscapcially open the garden centre was ing materials and outlets for Iona big hit amongst customers says servatories, pets, fishing and aquat-

TOMMY WALSH of BBC "GROUND FORCE TEAM"

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Charlie Dimmock will be visiting Manor Garden Centre on 28 March to talk about Ground Force, answer gardening questions and sign books.

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www.swinc

The Link Magazine • March 2001

Dave Rogers

News hounds look for scoops

71ad^cte c ascd eeaze € z

While the reception class children at Brock Field have hit the headlines by making pizzas (see page 10), year 5 and 6 pupils have been making front pages by forming an after school club to produce a newsletter.

Teacher coordinator Dale Burr Norton from Sparcells is produc- for money to back its venture. said, "the children have been ing an embarrassing photos page "We've elected an editorial team hugely enthusiastic about the using photos she has taken herself of two chief editors and three subproject. At the first meeting they around the school with a digital editors to manage the production went straight to having a profes- camera. She said, "I got involved of the newsletter. We are now sional organisation with an edito- to experience what it is like to or- trying to get local companies to rial team and reporters. Our thanks ganise things for a newsletter. I sponsor us but none of them have got back to us yet." to The Link for attending to explain like that sort of thing."

To invest in the Brook Field Joint chief editor Robert Dinsey what is involved in publishing a magazine and provide some handy from Shaw said the club is looking magazine, call Dale Burr on 874582. hints on writing for print."

The Brook Field magazine crew hold up Link magazines stretching back 22 The children are making full use years. Front row, from left, Ben Bartlett, Jessica Leung, Lydia Rogers, Richard of the school's computer facilities Carey. Back, James Hughes, Xinmei Wang, Neil Laws, Teacher Dale Burr, to create their newsletter. Jenna Leah Staples, Matthew Romain, Robert Dinsey, Jenna Norton, Andrew

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The Link Magazine • March 2001

Make March a Falrtrade month Say Pants to Poverty with Red Nose Day on Friday 16 March, and give poor farmers IFairtradel overseas a fairer deal by filling your shopping basket with Fairtrade products IFairtradel

during Fairtrade Fortnight, 5 to 18 March.

Events in the Swindon area Thursday 15th: Fairtrade coffee morning Holy Trinity Church, Shaw, 10.30am — 12.30pm.

Tea, coffee, goodies and samples of chocolate Saturday 17th: Launch of the Swindon Fairtrade Directory with support from South Swindon MP Julia Drown outside Oxfam Shop, Regent Street, 10am The Directory has all the details of where to buy Fairtrade products in the town. Organised by the Swindon Fairtrade Coalition (Oxfam, World Development Movement and others), plus stall of Fairtrade goods and free samples.

Saturday 17th: Wanborough Farmers Market, 9.30am - 12.30pm. Promotion stall and information Saturday 17th: Fairtrade coffee & cake morning Community Rooms, Highworth, 9.30am — 11.30am Organised by Highworth Scouts Other Fairtrade displays and promotions will be found at Costa Cafe, Sainsburys at Bridgemead and Stratton, Co-op and Budgens stores, and libraries in Wroughton, West Swindon, Highworth and Wootton Bassett.

To get involved with the Swindon Fairtrade Coalition call Keiran Battles on 07771 621 372 or e-mail kieranbattles@hotmail.com

Arts activity goes online The Link has become an official sponsor of the Swindon Arts Community Fund which launched its web site in early February.

The aims of the fund, its supporters, the projects that the fund makes grants to and the festival programme that the fund is backing this year, can be found at 1^ :. arm ' www.swindonarts.org.uk Site viewers: the Mayor of Swindon councillor Arthur Archer with former Mayor and now chair of the Arts Fund Maurice Fanning

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32

Animal ease with PAT dog

Breast cancer match at County Ground

Children at Windmill Hill School, Freshbrook recently had the opportunity to have a live animal in the classroom as part of their farms and animals topic after reading about Pat Oborn and her German Shepard Creegan in January's Link.

Breast cancer will be playing for maximum points at Swindon Town's home game on Saturday 17 March when the Wiltshire branch of Breakthrough Breast Cancer will be raising awareness and money, Pat takes part in and passing out information to supporters. a scheme called Local organiser Sheila Garman the closing date of 2 March, double PAT Dogs, which stands for pets as said 1,000 balloons will be released last year's number.

Leaflets are available at the Link therapy, to probefore the game to represent the number of people who die each Centre or from Eunice on 871606. mote the positive She will put you in touch with aspects of dogs. month from breast cancer.

The reception Sheila needs help from women women who are already in trainand year one to pass out information and shake ing.

Call her also if you cannot take classes learned buckets before and after the match. part, but can help sponsor a walker.. how to safely apCall her on 538475.

"There is tremendous enthusi- proach dogs and asm from women who want to get had the chance to Last call for Moonwalkers Women have continued to tel- fit, but at the same time raise money stroke Creegan ephone Eunice Salmon in large and awareness for a disease that who showed trenumbers after exclusive publicity affects so many others," said mendous patience.

Pat and Creegan with Windmill Hill youngsters They were taught in The Link for the Swindon Twin Eunice. not to make sudden movements ups who don't pick up their dog's Peaks team who are taking part in around dogs and how important it mess. Creegan rounded off the the May London Moonwalk in aid Lydiard Park Race for Life of Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Women are also signing up for the is to wash their hands after touch- visit by giving his special goodbye bark as he left. the Bristol Cancer Help Centre. She 5k Race for Life around Lydiard ing animals.

Pat always carries "Poo Bags" The children asked lots of questhinks over 200 Swindon women Park in June. Call the Swindon Lifetions and Pat explained about re- when she walks her dogs and said, will register for the walk before style Unit on 511033 for details. sponsible dog ownership includ- "responsible dog ownership makes it safer for children to play ing clearing up dog mess.

Pat said, "it was such a wonder- on the grass without having to ful thing to see the children enjoy- worry about dog mess. I hope the dog bin trial in West Swindon is ing Creegan's visit."

Afterwards the children sent Pat successful."

Pat and Creegan are available a book of their drawings of Creegan and thank you letters. They also for visits to groups and are fully thought it would be a good idea if insured in case of accidents. She they carried bags to give to grown can be contacted on 339608.

STILL SITTING IN THAT TRAFFIC QUEUE? Isn't it about time you thought seriously about a scooter?

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GARAGE

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01793 430497 Visit our showroom at 57 BSS House, Cheney Manor Swindon

The Link Magazine • March 2001

corn

33

Lette .c to Tlv Luz,/c Send letters to the address on page 4 by 12th of the month City status

Mall Madness

From Jeff Salter, Hoimleigh, Haydon Wick From Eddie Bedwell, Haydon Wick edward.bedwell@btinternet.com Your assessment in February's Link My message to Swindon Borof the issues relating to Swindon's ough Council and our councillors I really do wonder why we need a ety - not more of the same.

What we really need is more recent bid for city status was re- is to forget city status. Concen- massive mall shopping area (Walfreshing. trate your efforts on managing re- Mart) within the middle of the youth, community and recreaI, for one, am not disappointed sources more effectively to make North Swindon housing develop- tional facilities for a start, both here and around the town. And yes, that Swindon'ss bid was unsuccessSwindon a town every resident is ment. Can somebody justify it?

The size of the investment will local authority and central govful. I have yet to see any explana- proud of; a town that is cared for, tion of the benefits of city status for a town with efficient local serv- require income generated by at- ernment should have the guts and Swindon and its residents. If there ices, a town that we all feel part of. tracting people from a consider- forward planning to pay for it are clear benefits, then I'm sure Visitors to Swindon would then able distance. Increased car and through our taxes. that there would be wide support probably be much more positive coach trips from way outside the for any future bid. The fact that the with their comments about the area seem inevitable just as now occurs at the Great Western Outlet Lost number. Please call. failed bid was prepared so secre- town. tively and by such a small group, But then, when has SBC or its Village - but only much more so. From Bobbie French, Shaw indicates to me the underlying councillors actually listened to its Residents will have to live with To the lady who called in response paucity of any case we might have, residents or lived in the real world? the consequences with a reduced to my article in the February Link standard of environment. But why about the Swindon Salzgitter Twinning Association. should they?

Smoking in the Sainsbury's coffee shop Not counting the big stores in I'm sorry not to have contacted From Ian Howard, Westlea the town centre I can think of eight you but I have lost your number.

In response to the article (February Link) about the policy by Sainsbury's large stores within a fifteen mile Please call me again on 340892.

Bridgemead to allow smoking in the coffee shop, I find it very hard to I am also looking for somebody radius of Swindon covering most, understand this decision. I am sure that public opinion would produce to meet over coffee from time to if not all, general items. a strong call to end smoking in this public place as has happened We need more quality and vari- time to chat in German. elsewhere. The West Swindon Centre has become a much nicer place since smoking was banned a year ago.

It is not hard to imagine how much more pleasent the confined space Neutering offer of the Sainsbury's coffee shop could be. The may be demand for people The Swindon Branch of Cats Proto smoke there, but surely the comfort of those non-smokers eating tection is offering free neutering Worried who will look there is more important. for female cats over 6 months, or after your pets whilst More and more public eating places now ban smoking. The idea that £15 towards the cost of neutering there is a non smoking area is about as stupid as the non toilet end of you're on holiday? male cats over 6 months, if you are the swimming pool! Come on Sainsbury's. Surely it's time to fall into Pets At Home in receipt of any form of income line and ban smoking in the coffee shop.

PETS AT HoiE

support, until 16 March.

Complete an authorisation form,

,vere,^ SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE

^" Cenir( L

Shaw Vi ll age Centre, Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 9PY

A friendly, caring service for you and your pet David Wames 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) THE DROVE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Abbeymeads Veterinary Surgery For all your pets needs when healthy or III 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 appointment at The Drove Veterinary Hospital - Telephone (01793) 522483

available from participating veterinary surgeons and make an appointment for your cat to be neutered. Proof will be required of the type of benefit received.

Swindon Cats Protection helpline: 644536, or contact: www.swindoncp.freeserve.co.uk

could be your answer

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

Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on 873062

Planning a holiday.., but worried about your pets i

Don't worry The Pet Adventure team provides a top class professional confidential service within your home that caters for all your pet needs. No job too small. Contact 01793 703868 ' •

•z°

ill

Thmeswood Small Animal Hospital Helping you care more for your pet

Swindon's most modern small animal hospital, situated in North West Swindon, offering high quality surgical and medical care at competitive prices within a caring, friendly and professional environment.

34

SERVICE

ACCOUNTANCY

ACCOU NTANCY

`GRA'

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

VT

Ass1srDiaec

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses and taxpayers

Short & long term assistance and projects Free initial meeting Tel/fax: 01793 871790 Free phone: 0800 5422 778 www.graaccountancy.co.uk

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

I Th

APPLIANCE REPAIRS .

'4

Ifs L

A11

"

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

Self assessment • Tax '®` Memberr of Tumble Driers Annual accounts • Book-keeping I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units PAYE • VAT etc • Employed Service Spares Repairs Self employed • In business _

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

.

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• Most leading brands • Guaranteed •

repairs P Same day service

No call out charge • No VAT

A SUDS I

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BUILDING SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

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Quality carpentry & joinery for the home/office

I ^

ADING UK LIMITED

Domestic & Commercial Contractors

THE COMPLETE DESIGN BUILD & MAINTENANCE SERVICE Complete refurbishments • New build • Garage & loft conversions Extensions • Property renovations • painting & decorating Tiling • Carpentry • Electrics • Plumbing Al) work guaranteed • Work carried out by qualified tradesmen

T4

C'441I4'4

Tel: 01793 436 539 CRAFTSMAN WOODWORKER ^-

1

RENOVATING

to country houses

FURNITURE & UNITS

made to order

CALL STANLEY 01793 343350

LPG & Natural Gas Services

Dennis Brown

Gas Engineer

• Cookers

Mobile: 0468 027860 Sponsor to Wroughton Shotokan Karate Club

CONTRACTOR

Tel: 01793-874139 Mobile: 07780 793253

GARDEN SERVICES

• Boilers • Fires & fire places

Tel: 01793 874742

A quality finish at reasonable rates

e-mail: paulexton@lineone.net

GAS REPAIRS

29 Meares Drive Shaw, Swindon

• Professional painting & decorating services • Interior and exterior • Domestic & commercial • Specialist finishes • Free estimates

& cottages

;.!AS

your company on-line for only £199 Call (01793) 825682 E-mail:

info@indigosolutions.co.uk www.indigosoloutions.co.uk

DECORATOR

GK

PAUL EXTON

ROOFING (cut & trussed)

DECORATOR

indigo internet can get

• Boiler changes • Also riverboat

appliances, installation &

servicing • Aga, Rayburn specialist

^nl

Grass cutting Hedge trimming • Regular, occasional or one-off • Long grass no problem • Garden vac, leaves etc • Clean, tidy work • Sensible prices • Odd jobs, fencing etc Friendly, 7 day service

Chris Reed Swindon 538839

DEC ORATO R S Tel:01793 701394 Mobile: 0790 0216618 I nterior & exterior

painting and decorating Coving • Dado rails No job too big or too small. Free estimates and friendly service

HEATING & PLUMBING

ROB HALL HEATING, GAS & PLUMBING SERVICES

Central heating installations, boiler servicing and repairs, bathroom and power showers All areas of plumbing Tel:

07989 950070 ^,• ^^ or 01793 339546 RQg 187606

CARPENTRY/J OINE RY

* Manufacture & fitting * Supply & fit * Fit only Doors, kitchens, fitted & free-standing wardrobes and bureaus, mouldings and panelling No job too big or small

Tel: 01793 721401

DECORATOR

Highly experienced painter and decorator All interior and exterior work undertaken

For free estimates call Paul on Mobile: 07712 749315

I HOME SECURITY IS YOUR HOME SECURE? Locks • Key Cutting • Safes Fire Equipment • CCTV Access Control Systems For all your security needs call on The Swindon Security Centre The Victoria Centre (half way down Victoria Road)

Tel: 01793 486644 Free quotations & 24hr emerciency services

35

SECTOR APPLIANCE REPAIRS

BUILDING SERVICES

GRAFT4 ,^y Extensions, repairs, V alterations and maintenance Blockpaving, patios & driveways Drain clearance & repairs Garden construction & design Fencing, turfing, ponds/water features & regular garden maintenance We o ff er a complete building service for your home and garden For good quality with efficient service and competitive prices call 01793 485539/07811 698457

Repairs to most makes of: 3 Washing Machines 3 Dryers 3 Dishwashers 3 Microwaves 3 Vacuum Cleaners

is

John Phillips Servicing 25 years experience All work guaranteed

CLEANING

Domestic Services Agency

O

Our technicians will safely

restore your oven to C

For Cleaning, Sp ri ng Cleans, Ironing and Gardening Regular contracts & one-offs Phone 01793 861112

DECORATOR

gOVIN

WH EL

AN

High Quality Painting & Decorating

^

J^ sparkling condition using our own product range & patented equipment.

Superb results in 2-3 hrs No aerosols, no sprays, no residue We also clean hobs, hoods & microwaves

to the same amazing standards.

FOR FREE QUOTATIONS

CALL 01793

725699

OR 07833 147327

v House cleaning: hoovering, dusting, window cleaning v Gardening services: lawns cut, hedges tri mmed, general up-keep

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING

& 44ett

Shaw Electrical & Plumbing Ltd

Electrical Engineers & Contractors

SPARES • REPAIRS • SERVICE

Domestic, commercial &

• Electric showers fitted from £260 + VAT

YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT From a 13 amp fuse or cleaner bag to fridges or vacuum cleaners we offer an efficient & personal service.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE 11 The Arcade, High Street Wootton Bassett

empir TRADING (UK)

• Consumer unit change from £160 +VAT • Security lights/extra points • Free site survey • Domestic/Commercial/Industrial

For a free quote call now 01793 436539 all work guaranteed

Tel: 01793 854378

Quality Plumbing & Heating

Deb's

Heating

• Central heating installation • Boiler se rv icing & repairs ( • Replacement boilers

home

* Reliable service * Corgi registered

Tel: 01793 874076 Mobile: 0378 787868

Building services: house painting, extensions, patios laid, wood verandas built, garden lighting installed, roof repairs, plumbing, electrical

Tel: Swindon 771549 • Mobile: 0794 9778735

Lee Orton Plumbing &

* All plumbing work undertaken

Call 01793 644313 or 0468 271994

Fully trained staff to carry out all works Over 30 years experience, references available

PLUMBING & HEATING

* Boiler servicing and repairs

Kitchens, loft conversions, stairs, doors, building work, bedroom fitments, domestic & commercial works unde rt aken Free, no ob li gation quotations

COMPLETE HOUSE MAINTENANCE

PLUMBING & HEATING

* Central heating * Bathroom and showers

Traditional carpentry & building services

Call OVENU today for free quote (01793) 831 944 www.ovenu.co.uk

• Full rewires

Interior & Exterior

A reputation built on quality

Gnmcs//c clzSS

The UK's favourite oven cleaners

established 10 years

Hall & Son Ltd

CLEAN ING AND MAINTENA NCE

CLEANING

JUST THE JOB

BUILDING S ERVICES

• Outside taps '; ^? ;' • Bathr showers gU,Y6966 • Bathroom installations egno

All plumbing work undertaken

Reliable service, realistic prices

Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 0973 663367

SUNBED H IRE

Sunbeds

Rental

industrial installations Maintenance & repairs * lighting * rewiring * security lighting

* garden electrics * heating bathroom installation

Tel: (01793) 874480 Mob: 07860 760364 win

El:

National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting

I UPV.0 CLADDING PAUL DRAPER

uPVC Fascia, Gutt e ri ng & Cladding CLADDING

FASCIAS

Fast tanning canopies

and doubles also available Free installation & local delivery

Tel: Swindon 726906 anytime (Mobile 07778 - 641052)

® GUTTERING

* FREE ESTIMATES *

Tel: (01793) 825965 3 Overton Gardens, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon

36

www.swin

The Link Magazine • March 2001

A 2 Z Home Improvements

NO NEED TO LIVE WITH HARD WATER CONTACT:

SWINDON

SOF

All your needs in one number

tYATER qlq'

Kitchen/Bathroom fitting, Tiling, Plumbing, Electrics, Painting, Decorating, Carpentry and much more

Kinetico Block Salt Water Softeners guarantee soft water 24 hours a day. Only 19" high, non-electric, meter controlled\ Rent, lease, purchase. DIY sales & service. Salt delivered.

louse Cleaners Wanted £5 per hour cash Cleaning and ironing in local private houses in Swindon Daytime hours to suit

IRONING MADE EASY

Ann Summers

Give yourself -°^ a break

Ladies for an evening of fun and shopping, gather your friends for a party

Let me do your ironing Collection/Delivery available

For further details contact HomeMaids on Swindon 469552

Excellent hostess benefits Plus a further £5 off with this advert

For Sale

!

Tel: (01793) 339671 Mobile: (0378) 207977

Fully Qualified Experienced Hairdresser & Nail Technician For competitive pricing Call Katy on either:

To book call Tracie on 07790 716581

Tel: 876077 for details L

Ladies cycle, 18 months old, Falcon Explora, 15 gears, cost £150, sell £50, sorry no offers. Tel: 341818 Albion double pushchair, £50. Silver Cross pushchair converts to pram or carrycot, £50. Tel: 343020 Johnson & Johnson Intouch baby monitor. vgc, £40. Tel: 870981 Two Mothercare Venice cots, gd cond, mattresses available if regd, £40 each ovno. Tel: 813529 Mothercare steam sterilizer, £5. Little Tikes outdoor garden swing, already dismantled, £8. Tel: 886770 Graco Literiderpushchair, folds, reclining washable seat, lockable swivel wheels, hood, tray, as new, £35. Tel: 771640 Cot, solid pine MacLaren, dual mattress height, converts to 4'6" bed, £50. Tel: 635926 Cot, excellent condition, £35. Pram/ pushchair, £20. Tel: 875353 Twin buggy, 2 position, 5 point harness, swivel wheels, pvc rainhood, 6 months up, vgc, £30. tel: 727196 Tandem Graco pushchair, navy & white, large shopping basket, well padded & comfortable, 2 hoods & full raincovers, excel cond, £50 ovno. Tel: 879558 Mothercare Traveltot car seat, suit from birth to 9 months, doubles as rocker or low chair, incl instructions & head support, excel cond, £20 ovno. Tel: 879558 Avent food/bottle warmer, excellent condition, £7. Tel: 881353 Avent electric steam sterilizer, comes with Avent double & single bottle, insulation carriers Thermos travel bottle warmer, all vgc, £20. Tel: 879558 Blow-up rubber ring with seat for swimming, suit baby up to 251b, excel cond, £3. Tel: 879558 Little Tikes Cosy Coupe, gd cond, £15.

Tel: 347270 r- - - - - - - - -

111 Pinehurst Road Swindon

01793 881179 07712 890458

All areas covered

C^ ^3G, L A

For Sale Vtech Little Smart tiny tot driver toy, £5.

Boots baby keyboard, £3. Little Tikes Noah's ark, £5. Fisher Price pet shop , suit age 2-5, £5. Tomy baby 3 key keyboardwith pop up animals, £1.50.

Fisher Price roll around playground, swing, slide, roundabout etc, £5. Tel: 879558

Brio roundhouse, as new, £70, sell for £40. tel: 881353 Climbing frame with slide and platform, 6ft high, v safe and sturdy, gd cond, but requires some new pole caps, £40 ovno.

Tel: 876862 Leigh Childs Tae Kwon Do handbook, two printed tee-shirts, age 7-8 yrs, £5.

Tel: 876862 VTech Video Commander, use on TV or laptop, suit 8yrs +, £10. Tel: 876350 Four dresses, 3 long sleeve tops, individual designs, size 20 - 22, £36 for all.

Tel: 771640 Brides Thai silk dress, lined, long sleeves, straight style, v neck, front/ back, exclusive, £55. tel: 771640 Fairytale wedding dress, long sleeves &train, veil, little matching bootees, size 16, space needed, £180. Tel: 341818 Exercise bike, Aero B+ excel cond, £50. Tel: 873013 Motorised treadmill, York Pacer 2500, vgc, with box. £200 ono. Tel: 763144 Weider Home Gym, six years old, buyer dismantles. £50. Tel: 763144 Viva massager, 3 levels, boxed, new, eases aches and pains, £6. Tel: 341818 Golf clubs, Mizuno Axis 3 to SW, 2 yrs old, good condition. £80. Tel: 335506 Golf clubs, left handed, 1,3 & 5 woods, graphite shafts, filament wound, low torque regular, £65. Tel: 520368 Mahogany double L shaped wardrobes. mirror doors, top shelves, good conditi on, buyer collects, £30. Tel: 871346

Free private for Sale & Wanted ads

Name & Address (not for publication) L--------------------J

For Sale Reproduction mahogany TV video cabinet, as new, £95. Tel: 704149 Dining suite with 4 chairs, teak round table, £50. Tel: 725146 Black ash drop leaf dining table + 4 padded chairs, chairs store inside table, £90 ono. Tel: 881269 MFI 3 drawer dressing table with removable glass top (no mirror), & MFI 3 drawer cabinet to match, height 27 ", depth 18", li ght wood grain with magnolia coloured drawer fronts, excel cond, £40, (no less accepted). Tel: 695862 Desk ideal for child/teenager, v strong moulded plastic, grey, w: 115cm, h: 81 cm, d: 70cm, £15. Tel: 881353 Limed oak furniture, TV/video cabinet, small round table, display cabinet, vgc, all for £250 ono. Tel: 705210 Large cane chair, suit conservatory or bedroom, some slightfading, hence, £20.

Tel: 876862 Double bed, 4'6" only used in spare room, excel condition, £45. Tel: 873179 Pair sliding mirror doors, 72" x 36" each (6ft sq aperture) c/w rails etc, £40 ono.

Blue brocade fully lined curtains to fit patio doors and matching window, curtains 78" x 64" both c/w pelmets, tie backs, £40 for both. Tel: 870796 Headboard for 4'6" or 5' bed, white metal, £10. Tel: 639864 3 piece conservatory suite, 2 seater, 2 armchairs, £180. Exerciser stepper with video and height adjuster. Tel: 524651 Metal bunk bed frame, double bottom, single top. vgc, £50 ono. Tel: 435993 Rocking chair, dark wood, good cond, £5. Tel: 536328 3 piece suite, excel cond, beige, lightly patterned autumn leaves, (settee is 3 seater) £450 ono. Tel: 877807 Single bed & headboard, excel cond, £30 ono. Black briefcase, lockable, £5.

Plastic wheelbarrow, £10. Tel: 722158 LEC fridge, approx. 83cmH x 5ocmW x 51 cmD, good working orderwith manual, £75. Tel: 873724 Gas cooker, white, Finesse 55, oven, grill 4 burners, reasonable cond, £40 ono. Tel: 882278 Electrolux hoover, uprights with tools, £25. Blue flower curtains, 54" drop, 66" wide. Tel: 874767 Zanussi fridge, excellent condition, £60 ono. Tel: 639730 Bosch dishwasher used one yr only, excel cond, move forces sale, cost £320, sell £175. Tel: 639864

For Sale Double glazed window, white, upvc as new, 1800cm x 1070cm (5'11" x 3'6"), £50. Tel: 334549 Par 38 flood bulbs, 80W, 7 new, 17 part used, cost £5. £3 & £2 respectively. Tel: 873724 Brother HL - 8V laser printer, working order but needs cleaning, hence £20 ono. Tel: 876862 Nokia 3210 mobile phone handset (no simcard), good cond. £25. Nokia 6110 mobile phone handset (no simcard), good cond. £15. Tel: 488746 Two 12" black & white TVs, £5 & £7.50.

Double stereo tape & radio, 6 months old, £10. Battery charger, new, for radio & toy batteries, £7.50. Lady's travel case on wheels, new, 15" x 18" x 9", £5.

Tel: 613491 Phillips radio cassette player, hardly used excel cond, £10 one. Tel: 870675 Yamaha Electone organ, as new, double keyboard, pedals, stool, music books, incl, £275. Tel: 871157 Marauder 3x80/2 berth 1990 bargain, £1,000. Tel: 724544 Ford Fiesta XR21 Greg, red, MOT, tax, CD. gd cond, £1,200. Tel: 0771 5391859 Rover Metro GTi 16v, 1991 (J reg) black, 57,000 miles, service history, e/ windows, alloy wheels, Pioneer stereo, no tax or MOT, offers around £600. Tel: 488746 Mobility scooter, 3 wheel, vgc, quiet sturdy and powerful, can deliver, £595 ono. Tel: 725921 Wolfrace slotted wheels: two 235VR60 x1 3; two 185 60 13, with nuts, £150 ono.

Tel: 870675

To let Holiday caravan on Welcome Holiday Park, Dawlish Warren, Devon, sleeps 8/ 9. Tel: 337210

Wanted James Bond videos, willing to pay £4 each. Tel: 615918 Man U v West Ham match, 1.1.01 tape, to borrow to make copy. Tel: 876056 Two mahogany dining chairs with pink draylon seats. Tel: 433254 Girls and boys party/wedding clothes, sizes 0-10 yrs, must be in excellent condition, Tel: 702690 (eves) Model railways, Hornby, Triang etc.

Also toys, Corgi, Dinky, Matchbox, any condition/quantity. Tel: 873179 Audio machine for dictating letters plus foot pedal and earpiece. Tel: 872030

corn

The Link Magazine • March 2001

Mad Hatters hope to raise £300

LEARN TO DANCE

The Dance House

It's hats off to Kath Poynter and Eileen Bowden who have organised a Mad Hatters Tea Party on 7 March at the Landmark Hotel, Chiseldon to raise funds for Women's Royal Voluntary Service.

BBC Wiltshire Sound volunteer in hospital shops and on trolley Bernice Shailes will be judging rounds. WRVS runs a child conpartygoers wearing their mad hats tact centre in Swindon, which enabefore tea and cakes sponsored by bles children to meet with esthe hotel. tranged parents in a neutral enviWRVS volunteer Kath Poynter ronment.

MBE said, "we made over £200 at The charity also provides teams last year's party, were determined of emergency services volunteers to beat that figure. The money across the county who support loraised will go towards supporting cal authorities in times of need. the valuable work of WRVS." A free fundraising pack is availThe Wiltshire WRVS volunteers able for anyone wishing to hold deliver meals on wheels to elderly their own Mad Hatters Tea Party. and vulnerable clients, and work Call 0870 566 8861 to register.

SA.CS14 Start any week at 7pm Monday: Atrium Wednesday: Footplate & Firkin f.f.i. Ritmo Latino: 812177

High energy ceilidh with The Committee Band

Expert to speak at M.E. support group Former Stroud GP Dr Charles Shepherd, one of the country's leading experts on M.E., speaks at the Swindon ME Support Group on Wednesday 7 March.

His book Living with M.E. is con- Medical Officers' Working Party sidered to be one of the most au- on M.E. will produce its report. thoritative texts on the subject.

This group has been meeting over His visit will prepare the Swin- the last two years and includes don branch for the national M.E. experts on M.E. from the medical Awareness Week from 8 to 14 May, profession, representatives of nawith 12 May being set aside as tional M.E. groups as well as indiM.E. Awareness Day to highlight vidual patients and carers. particular aspects of the disease or For further information contact personal experiences.

Swindon ME Support Group, FoAt the end of June, the Chief cus, 25 Morley Street, Swindon.

Tel: 531133

Festival planning Old Town's summer festival committee next meets on 19 March, 7pm in the King's Hotel in Wood Street. For details call Terry King on 487154.

Connections calls for volunteers

Workshops on disability equality training Working for Opportunities Trust is a Swindon based charity that was set up to assist disabled people who are seeking employment.

It is now able to offer Disability Equality Training and from March will be holding regular one-day workshops. These will be available free to all disabled people and volunteers or employees working with local community groups or charities.

Essential aspects of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) will be covered. The objectives of the workshops are to explore issues that affect disabled people in a nonthreatening way and to remove many of the myths and fears that surround the equal rights of access to goods and services, and opportunities for employment. They also aim to reduce the common communication pitfalls and address discrimination issues before they turn into full-blown problems.

In house or external courses are available in the Swindon area.

For further details contact Lynda Pearce, Working for Opportunities Trust, Shaftsbury Centre,Percy Street, Swindon SN2 2AZ.

There is an opportunity for people interested in developing their skills in youth counselling to apply for a new training course being offered

by Connections, the Swindonbased youth counselling service.

It is free of charge but all course members must be motivated to join Connections as a counsellor. Applications are welcome from those who: • have a recognised counsellor training qualification to certificate level; • are over 25 and can relate to young people; • have experienced being in therapy or are willing to go into therapy; • can offer the agency at least five hours a week for two years; • can work as part of a team.

The course selection evenings take place on Tuesday 20 or Friday 23 March from 7pm to 10pm.

For details and an application form, to be returned by 12 March, contact Connections, tel: 612969.

Tel: 514055 ext. 153.

Walk in - dance out!

37

Saturday 17 March, 8pm - 11.30pm Ellendune Centre, Wroughton £6, concs £4, under 12 £1, family £15 Call 641107 for ticket reservations booth-howe@netmatters.co.uk

Mobile Hairdresser Good Rates, Friendly, Reliable Service

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38

The Link Magazine • March 2001

Ironing a chore?

Not any more!

Ironing done in a smoke free environment at sensible rates Call Jackie on 721878 or Donna on 721719

Quality Haircare

by June Qualified freelance hairdresser 10 years experience

Tel: 01793 702947 Mobile: 07747 061129 Free consultation for bridal hair

DECOTEX Painter & Decorator Specialist Artexing Tel: (01793) 791388

Play the Piano Learn to Sing Phone Swindon 340437 for further information

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH SUNDAYS 10.30AM

www.swind

The Women's World Day of Prayer takes place this year on Friday 2nd March, 7.30pm, writes Ruth Barrett.

The day is a worldwide movement service is prepared by women of a of Christian women who come to- different country each year, in 2001 gether to observe a common day by the women of Samoa, and alof prayer each year. It is interna- ways takes place on the first Friday in March. tional and interdenominational.

The people of Tonga, Fiji and It began with a dream. In 1887 the wife of a Presbyterian Minister New Zealand are the first to see in Brooklyn, New York, Mary Ellen the sun rise on the Day of Prayer, James, issued a call for a day each and they use the same basic servyear to be set aside for prayers for ice as we use some 12 hours later.

Home Mission. She was especially It is impossible to estimate how troubled by the lack of economic many dialects will be used, but and political freedom in many worship continues in at least 70 parts of the world. In 1890 two languages as the earth turns full American Baptist Women estab- circle.

God's word will be preached lished a day of prayer for overseas missions, and in 1919 these two throughout 40 hours and many separate days were combined. services will end with the Hymn News of a day of prayer was spread 'The Day Thou Ga y est, Lord, is quickly by women wherever their Ended' - the officially adopted lives have taken them, and now hymn of the movement. The last some 180 countries take part. The services of the day will be held as the sun sets over St Lawrence Island off the coast of Alaska.

Embroiderer's Guild Offerings made reflect a comThe Swindon & North Wilts mitment to action. They are used Branch of the Embroiderer's Guild by the movement, and Bible transis meeting on Monday 5 March, lations. Other Christian literature, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at Churchfields literacy, and educational projects School. Diana Vernon will talk are a priority.

Although the service is prepared about Tambour work. Everyone is welcome, admission £3. Call by and taken by women, anyone Lynette Hemming on 537481 for and everyone, young or old, male or female is welcome. In West more details.

Swindon the service is being held in All Saints Lydiard Millicent, on BC The person who changed AD Friday 2 March, 7.30pm.

History is changing peoples lives Today

Homemakers

o^yvange / Worsle Y Road ?f^^

MEETING AT

THE WINNERS LOUNGE SWINDON TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB AND AT

THE PINEHURST PEOPLE'S CENTRE All ages of children & teens cared for Information: call Brian on 849731 in association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

NSBC

Tootleabrook WI

Women's World Day of Prayer

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building with people Come and join us Sunday at 10am & 6.30pm For fu rt her information of other meetings ring: 873050, call into the Church offi ce or visit www.freshbrook.org Jesus said: "I have come that YOU might have LIFE and have it in its , fulness"

Greenmeadow P ri ma ry School

We are here!

Swindon Homemakers began in 1966 as Swindon Young Homemakers. The club members are not that young now. However, we welcome all ladies to our friendly meetings. They are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 8pm in the Queen's Park Social Hall in Euclid. Why not come along and discover the secret of 35 years in being?

For information call Janet on 481857 or Mary on 644903.

The next meeting of Tootleabrook WI will be held at the Community Centre, Toothill on Wednesday, 21 March at 7.30 pm when Mrs Gwen Breakspear will be giving a slide presentation on English Cathedrals. All ladies welcome.

For further information please contact Jean Brock on 539456

New time at church St Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze, the church in Lydiard Park, is changing its regular Sunday morning service times.

From Sunday 4 March the services which used to take place at gam and 10.30pm will be combined into one which will take place at 10am.

For information about other services contact

Revd Ann Mackenzie, left, on L

870244

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The Parish Church of St Andrew, Blunsdon The Anglican Parish Church of Swindon's Northern Development

At present there is not a priest in charge, therefore arrangements to contact the church are as follows: • Weddings, Baptisms and general enquiries: call the keeper of the diary on 523168 • Funerals: contact a funeral service who will call the church on your behalf.

• For further information on the church and its ministry, details of services and activities, visit: www.standrewsblunsdon.fsnet.co.uk or email: church@standrewsblunsdon.fsnet.co.uk Sunday Services during the month First, third and fifth Sundays: 6.30pm Evensong Second and fourth Sundays: 10am Family Communion

OCAL 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 TIME 10:00am Revd Ann Mackenzie: 870244- MEW Toothill Church - 10:45am Revd Mark Roper: 692620 (also Free Church minister for the parish)

North Swindon Baptist Church

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Westlea Church — 10:00am Revd Peter Knight: 772417

Sunday Worship 10.30am - Sunday School & Creche Pastor Dennis Weaver

(this Church meets in Westlea School Hall, Langstone Way)

Web: http://nsbc.org.uk TEL: (01793) 345051

The Parish of West Swindon and the Lydiards Baptist • Church of England • Methodist • United Reformed Church

The Link Magazine • March 2001

m

39

Fond farewell to a son and a good friend Thirteen year old Shaun Shirley from Toothill was finally laid to rest on 15 February, nearly a month after he died from injuries sustained in a fatal accident on Corton Crescent, between West Swindon Centre and Westlea on 17 January.

The service at Kingsdown Cre- bench. "We started going about Laura Spink said the tutor group but slotted in very easily. He was a matorium taken by Rev Mark together when he came to was much quieter without Shaun. likeable lad, a bit of a cheeky rogue, Roper from Toothill Church was Greendown. He was always doing "He always came up with good but not somebody you stay cross attended by his family, including crazy things, but he liked to get us jokes; he was great fun to be with." with for long. He always had a relations from the Croydon area all involved. I'll remember him for Tutor David Mars said Shaun twinkle in his eye." where the Shirleys lived until fif- the little curl on his forehead, a bit had a great personality. "He arMum and dad Sandra and rived six months after year7started Raymond Shirley said they had teen months ago, and a large like Superman." number of friends from been surprised by how Greendown School. popular Shaun was.

The school has identi"We received so many fied a site where a tree can kind heartfelt cards and be planted and a sitting flowers," said Sandra. "The area created in Shaun's Greendown children have memory. Year 8 youngbeen fantastic. We had so sters have been raising many complete strangers money through sponsored knocking on our door tellwalks and other events. ing us how sorry they were Classmates spoke of that Shaun had died." their sadness at losing a Police investigations into good friend. the tragic accident have not "Shaun was a good led to any further action mate," said his best friend against a man involved in Ben Hartley, who spent a an argument with Shaun day with his hair coloured just before he ran into the pink to raise £100 for the road.

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