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No. 250 • March 2003 • Circulation 22,000

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Nobby Abby's fund

Expeditioners chill out

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Tickets on sale for event at Lydiard House. See page 34

Pharmacies under threat ^ ^°^^h Are we seeing the last of a valuable

Mayor's attendant community s ervice. See page 10.

and chauffeur Nobby

Clarke's boyhood

dream was to become a jockey. t Read how he and Mayor Stan Pajak went to the races with members of the Food :•,^'_'®.;,^t^ and Friends lunch club at Freshbrook Community Centre on page 2. ^; ti

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Left, Nobby with head cook Carol Gibbons

Arctic racer Norman Butler meets DofE Gold hikers

and Olive Dobson

Sabrina Sheikh and Danny Whiting on page 30 Wiltshire Festival organiser is UK's top events man Read about Andy Cotton from Middleleaze who received an award in February. Below, Andy gives Samantha Fox aside

to children

In March former headteacher Neil Griffiths publishes a new children's book about a flamingo who overcomes all of life's challenges, in memory of

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The Link Magazine • March 2003

West's oldest organisation celebrates 25 years of companionship The Good Companions Club, West Swindon's longest running community group, marked its quarter century since the first members got together in 1978 with cream cakes, bingo and a sing song at Toothill Community Centre on 10 February. ued to grow and the members e ho by seven moved to the main hall at the cornhad retired to the area, when the munity centre in 1987. ^vast majority of residents were "It's quite an achievement for a , ^ ,^ ^ yyoung couples bringing up group to keep going for so long." 0, dren, the club grew in size to 90 said Jean. "It's nice to know that i members in the late 80s and now the club has provided an imporhas thirty regulars. taut place for older people to meet Jean Carey, now 87, and husover so many years." > band Jack, 89, were founder mem"We've had lots of good Christbers, with Ann and George Tweed, mas parties and trips to lovely Mr and Mrs Mead and Mrs Leigh, places all over England. I hope the who is over 100 and still lives in club can continue for a long time to Toothill. come." m_Mrs Tweed was chairwoman for Jean and Jack Carey, front left, with members of the Good Companions The Good Companions welcome the first six years and Jean has The club first met in the hut that community room at Toothill pri- new members on Mondays, 2pm been chair ever since, with a short break in the early 1990s whilst she served as a community centre on mary when the school opened in to 4pm. Call Jean for details on Dunwich Drive then moved to the September 1978. Numbers contin- 344717. fought off cancer. people

chil-

Mayor gets aboard a high horse

Don't let the burglars in

Swindon's mayor, councillor Stan Pajak went to the hobby horse races on 3 February to take part in the first anniversary activities at the Food and Friends lunch club in Freshbrook Community Centre. Donning racrq ingsilks and a ` jockey's cap w

"Bogus callers praying on vulnerable people are a blight on our community and they must be stopped," was the message from Toothill councillor David Cox at the launch of the Call A Friend scheme for Swindon on 10 February at Salzgitter Court in Toothill. There were 104 distraction bur- Older residents who register glaries in the town last year where with the scheme are being issued bogus callers gained access to a with a yellow card to display in person's home, usually posing as a their front window and are being representative from a utility. Now encouraged to call on up to two a partnership between Wiltshire friends or relations to be present Police, the Safer Swindon Shop, before they open the door to a Age Concern Swindon, Swindon stranger, providing reassurance to Council and the Neighbourhood the householder and deterring Watch team hope to signficantly would-be thieves. cut this number after a successful For details of the project, call the pilot project in Wroughton. Safer Swindon Shop on 525114.

over his chain

of office, he

came in a cred

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itable second. r:• Y 1< "I think the ^... . dice must have been loaded or Y te perhaps it was +q,. , inexperience," said coun The Mayor at the starting line with, from left, Carol Gibbons, Pajak. Its the volunteer Phillip Duff, assistant cook Carol Clutterbuck, treas- The Mayor launches first time I've urer Lorraine Webb, volunteer Sybil Saunders and members the scheme with Kit Kilburn and Joan seen hobby Beryl Haywood, Ivy Armstrong, Mo Welch Garrish, with Henry horse racing; Nightingale, resiit's a great way of getting people trips which members enjoy." involved and a novel means of raisFood and Friends caters for 30 dent, crime prevening money through the small bets. people for Monday lunch. For de- tion PC Geoff Suffolk, "The club has a really friendly tails about joining, call Lorraine Jean Goncalvez of the atmosphere and the lunch was Webb on 871017, weekday morn- Safer Swindon Shop, Supt Wayne Bonne, superb." ings. Cook organiser Carol Gibbons • Nobby Clarke, the Mayor's at- coup David Cox, Insp said, "it doesn't seem a year since tendant for the last 14 years, grew Simon Dicks, Norwe started. We serve good whole- up on a farm with working horses man Sermaine, resisome food and try to vary the pro- and set his heart on becoming a dent, Jo Osorio, direcgramme of activities. We've had jockey but could not secure a place tor Age Concern Swindon some lovely barbecues, parties and in a stables after leaving school.

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The Link Magazine • March 2003

KEEP YOUR HAIR ON... 14 March is Red Nose Day! Hold onto your hats, plaits and furry mats because RND '03 is a celebration of the nation's locks There's no escaping 'The Big Hair Do.' Bad hair, big hair, hair with flair, hair pieces, and even under-arm hair: Comic Relief hopes everyone will let it all hang out to raise money to help some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in Africa and the UK to help themselves. Get fundraising Preening and pruning is what it's all about and Comic Relief is leaving no toupee unturned for RND03. Even the stylish Beckham b a rn et will be put to shame as people across the land ponder how to turn their hair-do into something that

may need planning permission. Get foolish with your follicles and raise some cash for Comic Relief, the options to go hairlarious are endless. Go shopping Buy the all new Red 'Hairy' Nose from Sainsbury's and Oxfam

From beehives to bobs, mullets to quiffs, bubble perms to bouffants, big hair is going to get a lot bigger. For those who really want to get creative without their short and curlies, there'll be plenty of fundraising initiatives to get involved in. shops. Get your fashion-chic - official Comic Relief T-shirt from Littlewoods. Buy Walkers crisps and check out the exclusive new Comic Relief Fairtrade chocolate bar called Dubble. Go to www.rednoseday.com

Message to George, Tony and Saddam: "Hey, calm down"

Make tea, not war! during Fairtrade Fortnight, 1 to 16 March At a time when the world seems to be going mad, a local group is trying to ensure that sanity breaks out, by promoting 'fairly traded' goods in the town, writes Sue Birley. The Swindon Fairtrade Coalition aims to promote awareness of fair trade issues and to make Swindon the first UK's 'Fairtrade Borough." This involves events in Swindon during Fairtrade Fortnight, including a coffee crawl through Old Town on 1 March led by the Mayor, a Fairtrade cake competition, a poster competition for schools and a stall for International Women's Day on 8 March. What is 'fair' trade? Not to be confused with 'free' trade, which needs more words to explain why it isn't 'free' nor 'fair'! The Fairtrade mark is awarded to goods guaranteeing a minimum price to producers, however low the world market price; they also get a 'social premium' for social and environmental development. Bananas, coffee, tea, sugar, chocolate, fruit juice,

rice, tea-towels and toilet rolls are some of the Fairtrade products that can be bought around Swindon: the Fairtrade Directory (available in libraries) tells you where. Is there a connection between Fairtrade and war against Iraq? This is not too fanciful. Small-scale farmers are often amongst the poorest people in the world and suffer most from the aggressively competitive global trading system relying on cheap oil. Although our own farmers have also seen incomes fall as they struggle to corn-

coffee shop crawl Saturday 1 March led by the Mayor on a tandem. around Old Town tasting Fair Trade coffee. Gather at the Co-op, High Street, 11.30am. Cake baking competition Saturday 1 March. Using Fair Trade ingredients, Bath Road Methodist Church. Call Liz Gleed on 721364 for details. Fair Trade stand at International Women's Day Saturday 8 March, 11 am to 4pm. Broadgreen Centre, Salisbury Street. Organised by the Swindon Women's Coalition, the day includes a mixture of information, relaxation and fun. Coffee mornings with opportunities to purchase fair trade goods: Wednesday 5 March, 10.30am to 12.30pm. Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis. 71 a, BSS House. Cheney Manor. Tel: 481700. Saturday 8 March. 10am to 12noon, Toothill Church, Village Centre. Thursday 13 March. 10am to 12noon, Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre. Traidcraft Spring collection fashion show Emmanuel UR Church, High Street, Haydon Wick Saturday 22 March. 6.30pm. Light refreshments served and otherTraidcraft goods will be on sale or can be ordered from the catalogue. Tickets: £2 adults, 50p children. For details call Angela Jones on 349521. Fairtrade cookery for children The cookery course for 8 to 14 year olds in March is fully booked, but call 771080 to register interest in a future course.

Turn on the TV Red Nose Day takes over BBC 1 from 7pm on Friday 14 March for an entire special night of serious fun and music. And CBBC has huge plans to get everybody laughing during the lead up to Red Nose Day '03 with masses of hair-crazy capers. GET YOUR KIT NOW The Red Nose Day'03 fundraising kit is stuffed full of hairy ideas to get the pounds rolling in. To order: • call 09065 500 500 • text the word 'kit' with full name, address and postcode to 81190 • online at www.rednoseday.com

pete, the impact in poorer countries, with no welfare safety net, is much graver. LET THE LINK KNOW For example, coffee farmers in developing countries are now fac- Were ready to record readers going disastrous poverty due to over- ing completely off their nuts. Call us on 872282 to book your production and exploitation by the biggest coffee-producing compa- photo into the April edition, or mail: nies who, you will note, have not publisher@swindonlink.com and be reduced coffee prices in the shops. ready to remind yourself how you Whilst such farmers need help marked RND03. to become less reliant on coffee, part of the solution is to buy their coffee under Fairtrade conditions. Banana growers are in a similar rEstu[[ished over l0 years situation. The international situation is WE COME TO YOU undoubtedly worrying, but reAT HOME OR WORK' member, millions of people are permanently on the wrong side of an * FREE unfair trade system, and can't pay collection & delivery for food, education and vital mediServicing & repairs cines. Perhaps eating a banana BIKE WE ALSO SELL won't save the world, but if it is DOCTOR fairly traded, it's a small step! * New cycles For details of the Swindon * Parts & accessories Fairtrade Coalition, call Lynn Forrester, Local Agenda 21 Coordinator on 466167 or mail lforrester@swindon.gov.uk

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The Link Magazine • March 2003

Building a better place John Cullum, Chairman of the New Swindon Company. which was launched on 28 January, describes the challenge of regenerating Swindon's central area. pen. Swindon is essential to the Swindon is a successful town with regional economy. But we'd like to a booming economy and excelsee more town centre living, imlent communications, so why does proved cultural, education and leiit need regeneration? sure facilities, more choice in places Simple. The town centre hasn't to eat and a really different retail kept pace with the development in experience. And let's not forget surrounding areas, so if Swindon that we have a wonderful railway is to continue to thrive and not fall heritage in the town with a number in to 'new town syndrome' then of listed buildings. the centre has to have a vibrant life The centre of Swindon needs to of its own. And that is exactly what have appeal for everyone. As well The New Swindon Company is as meeting the needs of existing here to do — regenerate the central residents, businesses and commuarea, creating a place for everyone nity groups we also want a town to live, work and play. Too often centre that has a truly mixed comwe hear about new towns that have munity and encourages new peono heart, where outer residential ple and investment. areas are created with their own Right now, we are working with communities and retail, leisure, our master planners to create a education and employment faciliregeneration framework for the ties — with the result that the town town centre. And a comprehenloses its identity. The New Swindon Company Attending the launch of The New Swindon Company at the Steam Museum, sive programme of consultation (Swindon's urban regeneration from left, chairman John Cullum, community representative Malathy Siteram, and communication is underway, company) is clearly focused on Kevin Small, company director and leader of Swindon Borough Council, to ensure that everyone gets the chance to share their thoughts and ensuring that this does not hap- newly appointed chief executive Peter Andrews ideas. This framework for the next two The shape of things to come decades, which should be finalA major expansion of the Brunel Centre by joint owners Westfield and Hermes received outline planning ised by June 2003, will not only permission from Swindon Council at the end of January. describe the town centre, it will The proposals for the £150 mil- define how that vision will be lion investment, which will cre- achieved and how much it will ate 1,100 permanent jobs and cost. That said, we are not stand600 construction jobs include: ing still until the framework is com• a landmark building incorpo- pleted. As well as developing the rating a new department store framework, we have already at the upper end of Regent Street; started discussions with key • Over 100 additional shops on stakeholders, developers and the two levels: company's funding partners, Swin• A 12 screen cinema; don Borough Council and South • Cafes and restaurants: West of England Regional Devel• An 800 seat food court bring- opment Agency, to explore and ing a range of international cui- drive forward opportunities for sine: i mprovement. • A 1,400 new multi-storey car For more details or to put forpark giving pedestrian access di- ward your ideas for the centre of rectly onto Regent Street to- Swindon, take a look at our website gether with a basement car park at www.newswindon.co.uk accessed off Commercial Road: • Major improvements to the 'New Swindon' Wharf Green public area between Harking to the past House of Fraser and Sainsbury's In 1853 the New Swindon Improveincluding shops, catering, exterment Company was formed to sell nal seating and improved landPublished by shares to raise £3,000 to build the scaping; Swindon Publications Ltd. Mechanics' Institute forthose work• Improved pedestrian links Papermakers House, Westlea ing in the railway works and their through the Brunel Centre to the Swindon SN5 7BD rest of the town centre, along Ca- families. Tel: (01793) 872282 In 1892 the shares were renal Walk, Regent Street, Bridge deemed and the company wound "The Link was first published for the West Street and Havelock Street; Fax: (01793) 878189 Swindon community in December 1978. • An entrance into the extended up. e: publisher@swindonlink.com The English Heritage Grade II* It is completely independent of Link Centre centre from Havelock Street; www.swindonlink.com and, in fact, won a competition to name the • Improvements to Canal Walk en- li sted building now lies derelict, but leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North closing the area beneath the link work should start any moment to Swindon commenced in January 1994." bridge between The Arcade and protect it from further deteriorati on. The Plaza at ground floor level. The contents of The Link are protected ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: The New Mechanics' Institute A Westfield spokesperson said by copyright. Use of advertisements in Call Jenni Fowler on printed or electronic form is forbidden the planning permission cleared Trust is working with Great West(01793)872531 unless an advertiser or publisher has the way for land acquisition nego- ern Enterprise on a £10 million advertising@swindonlink.com sought permission. Articles and photo- tiations which means construction lottery application to bring it back Booking deadline: 7 March graphs require similar authority would not start for at least two as a community centre forthe whole Registered In England & Wales. No. 4513027. Registered Office: 130 High Street. Hungeriord, Berks. RG17 ODL. Printed by pep. Tabora I years. town.

the link Magazine

The Link M

Looking for an image makeover for Swindon Rosa Matheson. director of the independent organisation Swindon Arts, says it can be done by celebrating art and culture Few have not seen the TV series, 'Changing Rooms' where flamboyant designers swiftly transform the ordinary, the tired and dull, or the haphazard and uncoordinated into the stimulating and often challenging but stylistically complete, with imaginative use of colour, textiles and creative design, along with innovative artworks and cultural influences, Withoutdoubt,forthosepeople who participate in the process of changing their rooms, art, culture and design initiate changes in their thinking and attitudes and make a significant impact on their lives, Love or hate it, it evokes strong reactions. OK, I hear you say, but it's all superficial, cheap and easy, not built to last. Nobody is pretending it is. What it is showing is, that with a co-ordinated vision, creative thinking and a will to make it happen, we can achieve quick wins through the arts. Taken on a grander scale, towns and cities in many countries have woken up to the power of the arts to change their image and the quality of their citizens' lives. Who would have gone to industrial Bilbao before the building of the amazing Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art? Closer tohome,whowouIdhave

tion is proposed. got excited about an old flour mill in GatesWhat the town needs head? However, it's is to wake-up to the now already known possibilities of using = in shorthand as 'the the arts, in all their Baltic' and excites and forms in the widest informs national pubpossible way. It lic debate in the meshould: • incorporate the dia and academia. It arts into both short allows Gateshead to be an 'exporter' of its ;° and long-term stratown Arts culture. egies right from the whilst 'importing' a Rosa ,'vlat{ic^on and Swindon start, not as a 'boltlarge number of tour- Arts chair Maurice Fanning on' depending on spare cash; ists . Edinburgh, Scotland's windy • let arts, design and culture incity, has one of the biggest and form and influence its co-ordinated most successful festivals in the vision, especially through the exworld, but it started on a small tendedtowncentreandOldTown; scale as did the literature festival • ensure the preservation of what in Hay-on-Wye. All these help to little heritage buildings it has; drive and generate healthy, local • create arts' projects to 'export' its own cultural strengths, such as economies, Changing image through the arts a tour of its 20th Century modern isn't a fantasy, it can happen. The art collection and the expertise and astonishing change in people's per- talents of Swindon Dance; ception of Glasgow from the brut- • develop our creative and digital ish city of Rab. C. Nesbitt to the industries; European City of Culture was • give itselfsome'quickwins'with brought about by extensive invest- revitalised, vibrant public spaces; • champion high-profile arts ment in the arts and facilities. Swindon's Festival of Literature events such as festivals - jazz has already changed impressions 'THINK ART,' film, literature, street - and more. of the town, with a tiny budget. If we bring the arts into our We are now at a most exciting ti me. Massive redevelopment and lives they will bring life into our extensive town centre regenera- town.

Is the university going to be in the right place? Few can argue against the development of a univer-

there has been little questioning as to whether more

sity in Swindon. And the announcement by the Gov-

greenfield land should be gobbled up for the univer-

ine • March 2003

Vote for The Link Readers and listeners are being invited to nominate items to the first Annual Wiltshire Journalist Awards, sponsored by Swindon FM. There are 8 categories to cover the best newspaper, broadcasting and magazine pieces: best feature, sports story, headline, scoop story, a story by a newcomer (less than 3 years in journalism), best reporter, photographer, press / public relations officer. Voting closes in mid-March. Go to www.plumweb.co.uk , click on the NUJ logo or call Peter Foley on 07778-454514. The awards ceremony on 22 May, compered by Swindon FMs Shirley Ludford takes place at the Goddard Arms Hotel, with guest speakers Jeremy Dear and Michael Wills MP.

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ernment in February that it would support the provi- sity campus, as well as several hundred new houses. Jean Saunders. campaign co-ordinator for Swinsion of 8.000 student places is to be welcomed. However, for all the pleased back slapping in the don Friends of the Earth, expresses another viewbusiness community, the council and local media, point on the proposal. a university on rural how houses are being bulldozed Link readers will rememHome visits arranged or buffer land between the in the north of England because ber Swindon Friends of hospital and the nation- employment opportunities are all the Earth's concern some •'' ally protected wildlife concentrated in the south. five years ago about the It's a mad country that we live traffic and environmensite. Development cornpanies want to cover any 'in. tal implications of movremaining countryside ing Swindon's hospital y left with houses that to an out of town presumably, would be greenfield site. All along, Ample free parking out of reach of the pockwe argued that a public Open late evenings • Creche ets of nursing staff and facility of this dimension Health & Beauty students. should be located in the Private and friendly salon And guess what? The students town centre in order to reduce car Gift vouchers Swindon's dependency and to be more acces- who will have to travel to the outLaser hair removal clinic skirts, instead of the town centre sible to all. 01793 821355 for men and women Stratton Leisure Centre We were told that there would site originally mooted for a new Probably best rates available Grange Drive, Swindon be no increase in car traffic if the university, will be able to attend Most major credit cards accepted Hai,-Hemova!. hospital moved to land near courses on Environmental StudCommonhead roundabout as ies! They can study how planning Collagen therapy other measures would be intro- decisions can have a devastating duced. We were told that the hos- affect on biodiversity and on peoThread vein removal way;• pital would not set a precedent for ple's lives. They can learn how Semi permanent make-up traffic generation and out-of-town further development at Coate. Now we learn that the nature development has had a negative # Facials 0 Nail extension ' St Tropez tanning 4 Electrolysis reserve at Coate Water is under i mpact on the viability and vitality a Waxing 9 Massage • Nailtiques manicures ' Lash perming further attack by proposals to build of town centres. They can learn

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The Link Magazine • March 2003

Can Swindon make good use of tax payers money? As The Link goes to press, Swindon's councillors will be debating a Labour Group proposal to raise council tax by 15% to improve services, which would bring local taxes closer to those of neighbouring authorities. Last month's edition publicised the Stakeholder Workshop on Community Strategy meeting in early February, which included discussions on next year's council budget. Swindon resident Chris Scott attended and gives his impressions. Perhaps Swindon Borough

Council really is listening to council taxpayers, perhaps they aren't, who knows? A good turn out at the workshop gave councillors and officers plenty of feed back before setting their plans for the next five years and in particular next year's

budget. Proof that the workshop 'worked' will be when budget decisions reflect views expressed. Past reluctance to spend effi-

ciently and set council tax levels to maintain proper services has contributed directly, together with poor leadership and poor management, to unacceptable performance in Education and Social Services, which resulted in an overall 'poor' assessment of council performance by the Audit Commission. Council expenditure should be examined very carefully before increases are even suggested - not looked into solely by councillors

What would a 15% increase buy? A council tax increase of 12.9% is needed to maintain current levels of service. The Labour proposal to raise it by 15% from 1 April would

provide additional money for education and social services, extend kerbside recycling, improve street cleaning, repair more pavements

and deal with the problem of abandoned cars. Also included is debt repayment on a proposed £16 million central

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or officers who must know that taxpayers have little confidence in their performance. Some common sense input from the community is needed. But maybe we are beginning to see the first signs of that. Sometimes by not spending enough at the right time and at the right quality we store up trouble for the future - Swindon Council's performance until a few months ago is a classic example of this. But that is not the whole story. What may not be generally appreciated is that Swindon collects £78 million of non- domestic rates (equivalent of business council tax) which has to be handed over to Central Government. Central Government then returns only £56 million as a contribution towards SBC funding. Swindon is, I believe, shortchanged by over £20 million, cash which could solve most of our current funding difficulties and justifiably keep the rate of council tax at acceptable levels. Swindon needs that cash as well as a fairer assessment of its needs by faceless unaccountable mandarins in Whitehall. Some Swindon people on fixed incomes and state benefits do not share in Swindon's affluence and little account is taken by Central Government of this situation. Living costs are the same for pensioners and others on low incomes as anyone else who resides in Swindon. Swindon's MPs and all councillors regardless of political party

ought to redouble their efforts to get a fair deal for Swindon people. A tiny amount of progress has been made but they need to try harder. There are many demands for limited national resources but Swindon competes on a playing field which is uphill all the way. Comparisons with other areas show that Swindon receives inadequate funding in all but a few cases. I hope that Swindon Council will • take on board the issues raised at the Stakeholder Workshop; • examine in detail every aspect of reducing expenditure and increasing income with, importantly, input from lay people; after all they have to pay for each and every bad decision taken; • make better use of the voluntary sector, particularly in Social Services, by increasing grants to voluntary organisations which can and do deliver the services needed in a much more efficient way than the council; a first step to painlessly reducing Swindon's huge staffing costs. Can we begin to hope that Swindon will be fairly treated and that our council will treat its residents fairly? After all, a 43% increase in councillors' allowances announced in February is around fifteen times the rate of inflation - is that fair? Maybe all councillors should stand down in May, present themselves for re-election and let the public determine their fitness to continue. A lovely thought but would they have the courage?

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The Link Magazine â€˘ March 2003

Area Panels: do they still exist, what are they and are they worth having? The majority of people have littl e and removed their very limited that councillors on Swindo n budgets. The number was also remeet in public forum s duced, so that, for example, the residents can listen to de distinct West Swindon panel was bates about council policy an d combined with Penhill, Gorse Hill, Western Ward and Moredon. their viewpoints. With no publicity and little pubWhen they were set up in 2000, there were six panels meeting lic attendance, the panels have beevery other month in local venues come a waste of taxpayers money. Now a West Swindon councilIn May 2002 a Labour resolutio n reduced the number of meetin s for is bidding to make them more

relevant to the community. In March Nick Martin, who chairs the council's scrutiny commission, will be proposing that Area Panels should be returned to pre-2002 boundaries and they should be given more powers. He said the panels were first set up to be a new form of public consultation with question time a key item on the agenda. "Clearly this

Push out your chest for Swindon Instead of returning from your holiday with a T-shirt emblazoned with memories of Tenerife or Disneyland, take to the beach this summer sporting a souvenir from your home town. "It's a great place Swindon's perennial Roly with Cathryn Gray wearing a one-off T-shirt printed Monster Raving Loony with the Russian military map of Swindon that appeared for the people who live here as well as Party candidate Roly exclusively on the front page of the F ruary Link visitors. It's time we Gillard has opened a took a closer look at unit in the covered our surroundings market selling T-shirts, and recognise that sweatshirts, posters, there's a lot to shout mouse mats, mugs and about." tea towels imprinted Roly is looking for with images of the old and new images town. of the town to inExplaining the gap in crease the range of the market that he has items for sale. For spotted, Roly said, "just details, call into the look around you, there Little Print Shop in is a wealth of history the market, or call and heritage in and Roly on 488765. He close to the town, plus also prints one-off loads of striking modunique gift items. ern architecture.

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year the expanded panels, with fewer meetings at the Civic, have not worked. They have ceased to be based on local communities and have lost the few decision-making powers they had. If they are to be an outlet for local democracy, they must be changed." Nick suggests the council should take a radical step and give panels real decision-making powers relevant to their local area. "If residents look at their council tax bill they will note that in non-parished areas there is a charge known as the 'special rate.' This is to balance the council tax levied by parish councils in parished areas . "Panels could be given authority over how this money is spent, typically on things like grass cutting and the maintenance of parks and play areas. They could also have control over a share of the street cleaning and footpath maintenance budgets. These matters may seem trivial but in reality the maintenance of our parks, play areas and the quality of litter picking and street cleaning has a huge impact on the happiness of the local community." Recommendations from the Scrutiny Commission will be put to the council's cabinet. If agreed they would come into force in May.

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The Link Magazine â€˘ March 2003

Be paid for helping Abbey Meads

Haydon Wick considers link with Paris suburb

For several months, residents of Haydon Wick, under the aegis of the parish council, have been trying to The governors of Abbey Meads find a French town keen to join with them in twinning links. The search may be coming to a fruitful Primary School are to employ an conclusion when on 13 February, an advance party of residents from La Garenne-Colombes were officer whose role will be to pro- welcomed to a reception at the council offices. The town of 24,000 people is situmote activities associated with community facilities provided at ated four miles from the French = ^i _ the school, identify gaps in the capital. It is composed mainly of current provision by community detached and semi-detached groups and help to foster new houses with four primary schools ' _. groups to form to fill those gaps. and one senior school surrounded The community education de- by green areas, giving the feel of a velopment officer will liaise with quiet country town. There is, howcommunity groups using the ever, significant business activity. school, and develop a programme The people of La Garennei of activities that builds on the ex- Colombes have been searching for t isting usage. a British partner for 18 months and The person will receive support were very pleased to receive the Making French connections, Haydon Wick councillors with visitors from La from Swindon Council's commu- invitation from Haydon Wick. Garenne-Colombes, front from left, Sue Martin, clerk to the parish council, nity education team and compre- During the two days they were Kathleen Smith, Phil Eagle, Richard Hailstone, chair, Marie Letang, Noel hensive in-service training will be here, the possibilities of establish- Poucelot. Back, Vincent Garcia, Martin Randle, Kevin Ball, Janet Garrett and provided. ing links between the two commu- John Stanley from the Swindon Twinning Association, John Keeping, Tel The school is particularly inter- nities were fully explored. Parish Hudson, John Fowler ested to hear from people with councillor Phil Eagle, who has led Could you serve as a parish councillor? experience in youth or community the search for a twin, said there work. A flexible approach is nec- could be exchanges associated with All seats on Haydon Wick Parish Council will be contested in the essary together with the ability to culture, education, sport, enter- local elections on 1 May and the size of the council will increase from take initiatives. tainment, social issues and, in fact, 14 to 18 councillors. A salary of over ÂŁ9,000 will be anything that interests people. The population of the parish now exceeds 12,000 and the council will paid for an 18 hour week. The post " We are very hopeful that some be divided into three wards, so that councillors will be able to pay is funded by a Swindon Council form of partnership will emerge particular attention to the needs of their immediate neighbourhood as grant, topped up by local effort. from this," he said, "but the pre- well as dealing with parish-wide issues. The council works through two committees, Recreation and Policy For details, call Colin Shiner, cise nature of the relationship, if it chairman of the management does materialise, has yet to be de- and Planning, both of which, like the full council, meet monthly at the group, on 721545. Application cided." council offices in Thames Avenue. Councillors serve for four years and forms can be obtained from Rachel Perhaps it augurs well that the receive no remuneration. To find out more about what is involved, call parish council clerk Sue Smith, clerk to Blunsdon Parish farewell dinner took place on St Council on 705617. Martin on 722446. Valentines Day.

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Nati onal Stop S moking Day Wednesday 12th March This is it! Not only your chance to finally stop smoking, but also to prove that you really care. For every smoking cessation session booked and taken in the week March 10th to Friday 14th we will donate 25% of the proceeds to the Prospect Hospice, Wroughton, as a mark of respect to all those who have fallen victim to tobacco.

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Delivering the money, from left, Arkell's finance director Ray Fisher, Teresa Hill, PA to the managing director, Nicholas Godden, chairman Swindon NHS Trust, Ward Sister Dorothy Farthing, James Arkell, head brewer Don Bracher, Brewery director George Arkell

Nicholas Godden, chairman of the Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust, said, "Arkell's has been very supportive of the Evolution Appeal in many ways. This gift is yet another example of their commitment to the health of the community. It will make a real difference to the patient care." Managing director James Arkell said, "We have been amazed at the generosity of our landlords and

their customers in raising money in a variety of ways and we are delighted to present this cheque to The Evolution Appeal, which will go towards providing extra comforts within the day surgery area of the hospital." The appeal launched in September 2001 aims to raise £2.5 million for equipment for the Great Western Hospital. To date over £1.7 million has been raised.

The Link Magazine • March 2003

West Swindon based business backs Swindon MS Centre Staff at Arval PHH at Windmill Hill business park have raised £3,000 during the last year to support the Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis. Three dress down days involved therapies such as hyperbaric oxyFor details on how the centre all employees at the Windmill Hill gen, dietary advice and physi- can help, call 481700. The branch company and last October four otherapy. would also like to hear from indiintrepid hikers battled their way viduals, groups and businesses through driving rain and gales to willing to organise fundraising ARVAL PHH complete the tough 48 hour events for it. Karrimor international mountain Left, Centre member Ann Hart remarathon in the Cheviot Hills. ceives the donation from Denise Cottee Centre chairman David Wray of the PHH Charitable Trust, with said, "we are very pleased to restaff members who did the mountain ceive the significant donation from marathon, from left, Anita McKinney, PHH as it represents about ten per Gary Prictor, Elaine Hart, Mark cent of the annual running costs Harris and Swindon Therapy centre for the centre. Our thanks go to the chairman David Wray staff who are helping us help people fight back against MS." The centre assists people to reduce and control the debilitating effects on the central nervous system caused by MS with proven

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The Link Maaazine • March 2003

Third birthday for playmates

New place for toddlers of Toothill

Mums and toddlers celebrated the third anniversary of the Peatmoor Playmates toddler group with a party on 13 February in Peatmoor Social Hall on Swinley Drive. The group meets on Thursdays, 9.45am to 11.45am for painting, games, playdough, and songs. Turn up or call Sharon Dowler on 886115 for details.

A new parent and toddler group I Middleleaze,West Swindon is launched in the Toothil School I v NAILARTAIRBRUSHING nursery on 7 March, betwen fpm NAIL EXTENSIONS • and 3pm. v STTROPEZAIRBRUSHI TANNING v MANICURES & PEDICURES •:• MASSAGE v WAXING v VIRGINVIE FACIALS

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Strike! Bah, humbug Children at Oliver Tomkins junior school in Toothill were able to put in a few extra weeks rehearsal after their pre-Christmas musical production of Ebenezer had to be postponed because of the firefighters strike. The show finally played to packed audiences in late January. "The children worked extremely hard; they were brilliant," said teacher Peter `` ®lam rc Shewrings, joint producer with Nicki Best. James Hendey and Becky Williams as the Crachetts make an appeal to nasty Mr Scrooge Peter Williams, with back, Chantelle Williams, Shannon Winslow, the ghost of Christmas past, and Ellie Fleet

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Organised by nursery teacher Joanne Luke and nursery nurse Nikki Redford, above, the group is open to all mums, dads and carers with babies and under threes. " We have a large, bright room with a wide range of activities available for toddlers," said Joanne. "It will be a good opportunity for parents living in the area to meet each other and for children to be introduced to the nursery before they start." Children are accepted at the nursery from the start of the term after their third birthday. For details, call Toothill School on497250.

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14 The Link Magazine • March 2003

School wins award for teacher training

Singing for the Hreod PTA

Teachers at Hreod Parkway School have been catching up with their students and have been awarded a prize for their progress. As part of the Government's Chris James, quality assurance drive to improve the use ofInforma- advisor for SFE, said funding for tion Communications and Technol- the training had come from the ogy (ICT) skills right across the lottery funded New Opportunicurriculum, some older teachers ties Fund. "In the past computers have been left behind, especially have not featured in subjects like in subjects where computers have maths, English, PE and special needs. But the curriculum has been not featured highly in the past. A three year programme of train- changing and ICT now appears in ing grants have been available to all areas. In some respects teachers rectify the situation and staff at are catching up with the children Hreod have eagerly grasped the who have been using computers opportunity to improve their skills in all subjects since primary and deliver an improved curricu- school." lum. Graham Offler, Hreod senior Fourteen members of staff corn- teacher responsible for ICT, said pleted the ICT training modules the training had boosted compeonline in six months to earn the tence and confidence in using school a £1,000 reward from Bris- equipment and software. "The next tol based training provider SFE. phase of the training programme is to apply their +► new skills and the ' *^ teachers will receive a certificate after they have

The biggest event in the Hreod Parkway School parent teacher association takes place on Thursday 6 March when Swindon's Kentwood Choir perform a variety of classic numbers in aid of school funds in the south site hall.

Yon

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You5tanT^'Y^B

_________

Chris James, left, hands over the prize to headteacher Andrew Fleet and Graham Offler

t } `-'' -`

and encourage co-

operation between home and school by hosting social activi- Headteacher Audreci Fleet with PTA chair Carole Green and members Chris Legg, Sharon Inglis, Pete ties. In the last year, Jeans, Tracey Hobbs, Lena Richmond, Julie Hunt PTA members have This year a Valentines Day disco provided refreshments for sporting fixtures, open evenings, school has already been held and refreshentertainment and year 7 and 8 ment support at sporting events, discos. Members also ran a cake parents' evenings and the Christstall, held raffles for parents and mas pantomime are planned. The PTA also runs a 50/50 club pupils, sold jumble at car boot sales been observed in and a church fete and hosted a which costs just £12 a year. Call the classroom." Body Shop party in school. The Tracey Hobbs on 725856 to join. He added that amount raised topped £1,800 The committee is always keen to the £1,000 bonus which helped buy protective mat- welcome parents into its fundraiswould be used to ting for the sports hall, and paid ing activities. For details, write to set up computers for a subscription to the Swindon the chair Carole Green via the in a teacher train- Scrapstore, a new tea urn for re- school, 'phone the school office on ing development freshments at school events, a 527999, or turn up to a committee area to further im- camcorder and CD / tape player for meeting on the second Thursday prove skills. the PE department. of the month at 7.15pm.

: vE

THE

{

Tickets cost £5 per adult and £3 for chil dren and concessions, from John Holmes Music Centre or calling 721897. The PTA co-ordinates the school's fundraising in order to improve resources

1 ! ' = a .v c

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The Link Magazine • March 2003 15

Developers make their bids for North Swindon schools Seven private contractors have expressed interest in working with Swindon Council to build and maintain a massive expansion in school provision to serve North Swindon. In October, government approval was given to proceed under a Private Finance Initiative which will involve: • rebuilding Hreod Parkway School on the south site, off Akers Way; • building a learning campus at Priory Vale with a secondary school, a primary school, two special schools and community and sporting facilities • provision of three further primary schools elsewhere in the development area. The successful contractor will organise the capital funding, design and construct the buildings and manage the facilities once they are in place. The returns are conIf the scheme progresses purpose and designed to enhance siderable as the total cost will approach £100m, of which £70m will smoothly, both secondary schools the environment. The Priory Vale framework plan could be in operation for Septembe spent on building work. provides the basis for detailed deGovernment PFI credits amount ber 2005. The council is conscious that PFI sign for the new schools. Howto £58m, but Swindon Council will have to find £2.25m in revenue schemes elsewhere in the country ever, since the land was first alloexpenditure each year for the 25 have been subject to criticism and cated space requirements within years that the arrangement will be are intent on pursuing quality the campus site at the heart of the standards for good design. They development have increased, as in existence. A council spokesman said it was welcome the chance to learn from the secondary school is to be a ten encouraged by the amount of in- the experience gained from other form entry, rather than nine, and terest shown by prospective bid- public/private partnership ar- two special schools have been ders and a shortlist of three would rangements. A consultant from the added to the scheme. Negotiations be drawn up by early March. The Commission for Architecture in the with developers for additional land preferred bidder will be chosen in Built Environment nominated by may have to take place. the autumn and a contract should the Department for Education and be in place before the end of next Skills will be advising the council to ensure that buildings are fit for January.

Green light for Bridlewood School, off Lady Lane North Swindon's third primary school has been given the go-ahead by the Government appointed school adjudicator after Swindon Council's proposals were blocked at the schools organisation committee. Objectors included Abbey Meads School governors on the grounds that a new school close-by will affect their catchment area and change the social mix of their school. Bridlewood will open in September this year, but because of the hold up, children will have to be taught in temporary buildings until the permanent accommodation is ready, in January 2004 at the earliest.

Giving support to new North schools Margaret Hunt, head of governor support at Swindon Education, writes Over the next few years a number opted governors. If your child is likely to go to any of schools will be opening in North Swindon. of the new schools, or if you are a Although two temporary gov- parent of a child of school age, you erning bodies have already been may wish to consider becoming a established for Bridlewood Pri- parent governor. You could offer mary School, off Lady Lane, and your business skills and expertise, the Northern Sector secondary or represent a community interest, school, parent and co-opted gov- by becoming a co-opted governor. If you have an interest in educaernor vacancies still exist. Swindon Borough Council's tion and have some time, energy education service is also in the and enthusiasm to get involved at process of setting up another tem- a local level, why not take this porary governing body for the pri- opportunity to be involved in shapmary school that is due to open on ing a new school? To put your name forward for the education campus site and is looking to recruit governors to fill the schools mentioned here, please a number of different categories, contact the Governor Support including those of parent and co- Team on 463875.

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Six school terms, not three: good or bad? Sue Wilson. assistant business manager, at Swindon Council's education department asks for your views Are you aware of national and local publicity regarding possible changes to the traditional three-term school year to one with six-terms? The Independent Commission The objectives of the on the Organisation of the School six-term year include: Year, set up by the Local Govern- • Raising educament Association, has produced a tional standards and report, available at www.Iga. assisting pupils and gov.uk/documents publication/ teachers through the 2002reportrecommendations. pd f avoidance of stress, a The Commission is proposing for better environment for planning and 2004/05: • Six terms with the school year managing the curbeginning on the Wednesday after riculum and assessment; the August Bank Holiday; • Two extra holiday days in Octo- • Improving the ber in order to relieve stress in the transition between the stages of educarun up to Christmas tion, especially from • Good Friday and Easter Monschool to higher eduday are holidays, but within term 4 in the interest of equalising term cation; • Standardisation lengths and predictability for • Training days — 190 teaching flexible days within the holiday parents and teachers. days and two fixed / planned trainA number of neighbouring au- dates? ing days, each on the day before thorities, namely Bath & North East 3. should the flexible 5 days be left the beginning of a term i.e. 31 AuSomerset, Somerset, South to the discretion of individual gust and 4 January. The LGA recommends that LEAs leave the de- Gloucestershire and North Som- schools? erset have suggested a six-term 4. should Swindon move to a sixtermination of the other three trainyear for 2004/05. term year only if neighbouring ing days (or aggregated 'twilight Wiltshire and Oxfordshire authorities do so? hours' in lieu) to individual County Councils are currently We would particularly welcome schools, subject to any advice that undertaking a consultation exer- comments on the above questions. LEAs think appropriate; cise on the proposals. Please reply to consult@swindon • Summer holiday of at least 5 Swindon Local Education Au- .gov.uk, telephone Lorraine weeks and 1 day thority is keen to know the views Maloney on 463161 or write to her of pupils, parents and teachers, at Sanford House, Sanford St, regarding: Swindon, SN11QH, by 3 March. 1. do you agree with the proposal Feedback on the outcome will to move to a six-term year? be published in a later edition of 2. should the LEA include the five the Link.

People first in Japan A group of people with learning difficulties from Swindon return from a week long trip to Japan on 26 February after attending a conference and sharing experiences on self-advocacy. f Three members of Swindon People First, I" the user-run organisation, promoting self-advocacy and empowerment for and by adults with learning difficulties, SE4 and three supporters, were invited to make the trip by a Japanese t university researcher 1^' who visited the town in 2000 to study how

people speak up for

themselves. They stayed in Tokyo university accommodation whilst at- Off to Japan, from left, Gary Boulet, Swindon People tending the confer- First director, Wendy Rowsell, vice chair, Gordon ence and visiting the McBride, project worker, Elaine Turner, coordinatourist sites in and tor, Sharon Pygott, supporter. Not pictured, Universify of West of England researcherNeil Summers around the city. Before departing, Mieko Mouri, who lives in Swindon, provided guidance on Japanese words, translating and forms of etiquette in preparation for the trip.

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18 The Link Magazine • March 2003

Reference Library a valuable research resource Last month we exclusively featured the maps produced by the Red Army showing Swindon as a potential cold war target. Reference Librarian Roger Trayhurn reports considerable interest in the maps but he has much other fascinating and useful material in the library based in the old Town Hall in Regent Circus. The library contains many items of particular use to those interested in local or family history including copies of relevant extracts from the Domesday Book. There are large-scale Ordnance Survey maps from as early as 1886, and there are full sets of church records, local newsletters, street directories, census data back to 1841 and back copies of local newspapers. Electoral information starts from the time of parliamentary reform in the 1830's. Town centre maps show in detail how shopping provision has developed since 1965 and old trade directories give a wider picture of how Swindon's economy has changed over the years. There are, of course, a wide range of reference and textbooks, supplemented by comprehensive collections of national newspapers and magazines. The Times dates back to 1785 and Punch back to 19th Century. The experienced members of staff go to great lengths to seek out the answers to varied questions posed by students and curious people. A person researching the

history of the telephone in Britain was told, from information gleaned from a local history book and the

quiring family member about Swindonians Maud and Richard Chirwin drowned when the

Evening Advertiser of the

time, that the first ex change in Swindon was {j k opened in J .; 1893 in the Town Hall a ' (now occu"" pied by the liIt 'l brary)• Microfilms of the North Wilts Herald provided deRoder Trayhurn with colleagues Wendy Marshall tails for an enand Carol Woodward j l1

Lusitania went down in 1915. Local history books could not precisely confirm the recollection of a war-time passenger in a train waiting in Swindon Junction station that the train was straffed by an enemy aircraft, though such an incident in the vicinity of the gas works in Iffley Road is recorded. Reader information about this event would be welcomed. Despite the drawbacks of operating from a cramped building over 100 years old, the library provides a very valuable resource for students and researchers. And the recent installation of free internet access through the People's Network opens up a whole new world to visitors.

Games capture imaginations and encourages literacy Good and bad battle it out every Friday evening at the West Swindon library when young people amass their armies for battle in the weekly Games Workshop. Numbers attending have grown who interviewed garners for their from Middleleaze is the only regular girl taking part. "It's a good steadily since the workshop was national magazine White Dwarf. launched in late November, parMatt Anderson, UK community way to get away from my younger ticularly after a photo in the Jamr- operations manager for Games brothers," she said. "Being the only ary Link. Workshop, said people had been girl is no problem; I enjoy beating The success attracted the atten- playing with toy soldiers for thou- the boys when they think they're tion from staff from Games Work- sands of years but the workshop better. More girls should join in. shop headquarters in February introduces different levels of com- It's good fun." Librarian Kristianne Drake said, plexity. "The rules are straightforward. Each character in the game "as far as we know this is the only ® has its own powers and players games workshop meeting reguhave to work out how to protect larly in a library. The youngsters their forces whilst defeating those really enjoy playing and welcome newcomers who want to take part. ranged against them. FREEFITTING

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"As they get into the game the players have to read the rulebook; there's also a lot of interaction between players if they're playing in a team to work out strategy and solve problems. It's like chess taken to a new dimension." Games addict Luke Cejer, 13, from Grange Park said he had been playing for nearly three years. "When you're using figures you've painted, you really feel like you're part of the battle." At present Holly Morton, 15,

"We've had great support from Games Workshop who donated games' figures and playing surfaces. We're now looking at organising a regional tournament" The workshop has been funded by Toothill and Freshbrook and Grange Park Neighbourhood Safety Teams (NeSTS). The Friday session now starts at 4.30pm and ends at 7.30pm. Just turn up, or call Rebecca Bolton on 465554 or mail: rbolton@ swindon.gov.uk

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Top award for Wiltshire Festival organiser A West Swindon man beat off tough competition in late January to be recognised as the country's top event organiser for 2002. Andy Cotton, who runs TAO Productions from his home in Middleleaze. received the prestigious Event Organiser of the Year Award in London for his skill at putting together big occasions. In 2002, Andy and Charlotte Church in 2000 apart from the annual Wiltshire Festival at Lydiard Park, his Former policeman Andy, went production team organised over into the security business, then fifty events, including festivals at started organising gigs of his own, Castle Howard, Oxford's Party in the first in 1990 being a charity the Park which attracted 80,000 concert in Bath featuring the Kay people and he recently provided Sisters, Craig Douglas and The support tour management for Dallas Boys. He took over the WiltBlue's One Love UK arena tour. shire Festival in 1995 with backing Andy, who was brought up in from Heaven and Earth producMalmesbury, said he was surprised tions, when it was a small affair on and delighted with the vote from the lawns in front of Lydiard House. his peers in the music and event That first year featured Joan organising industry. "I didn't ex- Armatrading, The Temptations and pect to win at all; I was just pleased Dr Feelgood. to be in the top three with some The event soon outgrew the intireally big guns. The success is due mate surroundings and moved to to the team I have working with me the event field. Steps at the Party who deal with the hundreds of jobs in the Park in 2000 attracted 27.500 needed to make a memorable people. event. They're very loyal and proAlthough the Wiltshire Festival fessional people and most of them pop day gets most attention, the come from around Swindon. The Classical Extravaganza on the award is a great honour for me same weekend is close to Andy's personally and also for the town." heart. "I've worked with Jae AlexIn the last couple of years Andy ander for many years and he's led has worked with pop idols Gareth the classical night for the last five Gates and Will Young, Atomic Kit- years in an exuberant style noten and Ms Dynamite. Claire body can match," said Andy. Richards. who topped the bill at "The visits by Charlotte Church Lydiard Park with Steps in 2001, in 1999 and 2000 were very speand returned in 2002 as H & Claire, cial. I was one of the few in the said. "Andy's gigs are always well room at the DeVere when she did put together; I'm pleased to see he a sound check before the first mehas been honoured, he deserves it." dia conference and the hairs on Steps performing in Swindon in 2000. A Link exclusive after other photographers were banned stageside

the back of my neck stood up; she was absolutely electric. Her Voice of an Angel album was at the top of the charts and Swindon was one of the few concerts she sang at that year. Charlotte's performance at the festival was absolutely brilliant, and three days later she was in Washington performing for President Clinton." Andy and his team will again be busy this year with festivals all over the country and corporate events for clients like British Airways to organise. Plans for the Wiltshire Festival l in August are being finalised: watch this space for the line-up.

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Celebration and diversity are at least two of the themes for the tenth Swindon Festival of Literature. which runs 1 - 17 May this year. writes festival director Matt Holland. It will celebrate being ten years old by having a number of events that are perhaps less to do with earnest literary exploration and more to do with simply having a good time together. This trend begins on the very first day, at the not-to-be-missed Dawn Chorus, which includes an appearance by two gentle storytelling giants, a rinky dink pedal-powered music machine, amazing acrobats, and a beautiful black prancing stallion. It carries on with fascinating anecdotes and a fun quiz evening for all the family, with the master quizmaster himself, Magnus Magnusson. This is followed by an intriguing and timely International Evening at the Town Hall, presented in association with The Link. The appropriately international line up includes Booker Prize winning novelist Ben Okri, a performance of Polish love poetry, and South American songs and music. Next, by way of diversity, West

Prize winning author Ben Okri, star of the festival international evening sponsored by The Link Swindon's Delta Tennis Centre sees the pre-Wimbledon launch of a marvellous book titled The Language of Tennis, written by Reuters' chief tennis correspondent, who reports on Grand Slam tournaments around the world. This is thought to be the first time that tennis has featured at a major festival of literature. Definitely a festival first is the table tennis event taking place in town, which sees a New York ping pong playing professor, who has written the definitive history of the

sport, flying in from across the Atlantic to tell tall table tennis tales. Making a special guest appearance at this event will be England's number one player. Matthew Syed. And then, by way of maintaining the spirit of celebration and diversity, with something for everyone, there is the phenomenally familyfriendly Giffors Circus, the all-action hands-on Children's Day at STEAM, the real live Local Authors' Day, a lovely Libraries Day Out. and the fantastic Festival Finale. If you think this is all a little too much frivolity and fun, don't worry. With the Poet Laureate coming to town, a phalanx of fine philosophers. plus social commentators galore, there will still be plenty of the harder literary stuff to get your teeth into. Something for everyone is our aim and we think we have achieved it this time. Take a look and see in the brand new 32 page full-colour programme that will be launched at Waterstone's Bookshop in the Brunel Plaza at midday on 20 March. Or pick one up from your local library or leisure centre after that date. To go on the Festival mailing list, telephone 771080, or e-mail litfest @lowershawfarm.co.uk

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5wirdor Wide Something for everyone at the Arts Centre If you have not made a trip to the Arts Centre in Bath Road, Old Town. look for an event in the following pages of Swindon Wide. Newly opened after refurbishment. the Arts Centre programme appeals to a wide range of interest and ages. Call 614837 for a copy. Launching the new look Arts Centre entrance on 27 January, complete with Applause. poet Pam Ayres. the Mayor of Swindon and Old Town artist Mark Amis

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Connecting to Lydiard's past through computers History lessons at Greendown School, in Grange Park, are going to have a link with Lydiard Park after computer firm Europhile Technology Consultants Ltd donated £5,000 worth of software and expertise to help students explore the life and times of the St John family. Lydiard House and its park. next 1' w^ll^'t tit {Y'glM _ 1 to the school. was home to a major ^,l;`"^ r branch of the family from 1425 ►" II ` when Oliver St John married r .` Margaret Beauchamp. It remained in the family for over 500 years until Swindon Corporation took " over ownership in 1943. Now family member Sonia St John has assembled the family tree into a computerised database -. so that students can relate the role played by members of her family with key events in British history. She said that Wootton Bassett was represented in Parliament by generations of St Johns who lived in Lydiard House and several St John family members have held Sonia St John with Greendown students examining family tree docuhigh positions of State since the ments, front. Gurinder Purewal and Lianne Morris; standing, Lisa reign of Queen Elizabeth 1. Tindle. Amy Willoughby. Michael Povey. head ofhistory Karen Hopkins, "From the initial simple 32 gen- Sarah Finch-Crisp, keeper of Lydiard House eration tree will come original research material for individual the house in Palladian style during ture of the £5.5 million bid to the coursework with pictures and real the 18th Century. and the gran- Heritage Lottery Fund to restore family stories of how events in his- deur of society life in the Victorian and develop Lydiard Park. "Sonia's work and the sponsorera." tory affected it. "The fate and fortunes of the Greendown head of history shipbyEurophileTechnologyConfamily members can be traced Karen Hopkins welcomed thevalu- sultants is a significant contributhrough several social and political able teaching resource. "The corn- tion to creating an important link upheavals, including the periodic puter database will stimulatefasci- between local children and the hisoutbreaks of the Black Death, the nating research into life at Lydiard tory within their own community." She added that the bid to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. the Park, of the St Johns and also the HLF had been submitted in early Civil War, during which the family people who worked for them. Sarah Finch-Crisp. Keeper of February and there will now be a allegiance was split, with three brothers fighting for the King and Lydiard House. said the education six month period of assessment, two on the other side for Parlia- li nk with Greendown and local pri- including visits by experts to look ment, the splendid remodelling of mary schools is an important tea- at the proposals.

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Saturday 8th, 1 Oam - 4pm Painting on Silk. Create bold colourful designs in a range of effects using salt and coloured outlines in this sumptuous and versatile art form. An International Women's Day Event. £14. Arts Centre Saturday 22nd, 10am - 4pm Spring Flowers with Geoff Glover. Still life water colour techniques, suitable for all levels of experience. Bring own artists materials. £14. Arts Centre

Sunday 2nd, 4pm & 7.30pm The Rat Pack li ve from Vegas. £12.50. Wyvern Wednesday 5th, 7.30pm The Novello Years, with performers from the Welsh National Opera Company, the Royal Opera Company and the Bloomsbury String Ensemble. £14.50. Wyvern Thursday 6th, 7.30pm Sing-along Abba The Swedish group's greatest hits performed with subtitles. £15. Wyvern Thursday 6th, 7.30pm The Kentwood Choir presented by Hreod Parkway PTA. £5/£3 children. Hreod Parkway School, South Site Hall, tickets from 721897. or John Holmes Music Centre Friday 7th, 7.30pm Brian Bannatyne-Scott, internationally renowned bass-baritone sings music by Schubert. £8. Westonbirt School

Venues The Arts Centre, Devizes Road. Tel: 614837 Lydiard House. Tel: 770401 National Monuments Record Centre Kemble Drive. Tel: 414600 STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 The Science Museum Wroughton Wroughton Airfield. Tel: 814466 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Town Hall Studios Regent Circus. Tel: 463210 Westonbirt School Tetbury, Glos. Tel: 01666 880333 The Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square. Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

Bill Jones 15 March, Arts Centre

Saturday 8th, 7.30pm Bits and Bobs presented by KSchool of Music. A walk down memory lane. £7.50. Wyvern Wednesday 12th to Saturday 15th The Mikado presented by Swindon Gilbert & Sullivan Society. From £6.50. Wyvern Friday 14th, 8pm -11 pm Abba Girls. One the best Abbatribute bands. Abba Girls offer a unique live show. £8.50. incl buffet. Commonweal School. Tickets from school office or call 612727 (Mon to Fri), Saturday 15th, 8pm The Bill Jones Trio, some of the brightest young musicians on the resurgentfolkscene. £10. Arts Centre Sunday 23rd, 7.30pm Mayor's Charity Gala. Swindon Young Stars Shine on West End Musicals. £10. Wyvern Sunday 23rd, 3pm Swindon Recital Series with Tim Gibbs (double bass) and Daniel Hill (piano). Programme includes Schubert, Cassado and Beethoven. £9. Arts Centre Monday 24th, 7.30pm Sean Wilson and Susan McCann two of Irelands most popular performers. £12.50. Wyvern Tuesday 25th, 8pm Roger Chapman and The Shortlist. Backed by his regular band, Roger Chapman moves easily from classic Family tracks to equally powerful recent material. £12.50. Arts Centre

Talks & tours Friday 7th, 7.30pm Tour of Swindon Reference Library. A rare opportunity to discover the wealth of material held in the library. Free. but limited places, to book call Bath Road Museum Wednesday, 12, 7.30pm. Swindon Society ' What's My Line', Members interests evening. Photos, slides etc. Broad Green Community Centre. Salisbury Street. Visitors £1.50. For details tel: 521408. Thursday 13th, 7.30pm An Evening with Paul Daniels. This magical entertainer will answer questions and tell stories and will then perform the act which made him Clubland Entertainer of the Year. £12.50. Arts Centre Saturday 15th, 2.15pm Tour of the National Monument Record Centre. An introduction to the work of the NMRC. Free. For details call 414797 Monday 24th, 8pm Ian Dale in conversation with Christine Hamilton. Meet Britain's best loved battle-axe and author of a best-selling book on formidable women. Discover the real person behind the headlines. £15. Arts Centre Thursday 27th, 8pm F**k You Up' `How Your Parents Clinical psychologist Oliver James looks at startling new evidence that the first six years of life profoundly affect your adulthood and what you can do about it. £7.50. Arts Centre Friday 28th, 7.30pm An Anthology of Photography by Graham Ellard. whose work in photography, video and sculpture has been widely exhibited in Europe and Australia. £4. Bath Road Museum, book on 466556

Theatre Friday 28th, 7.30pm Symphony Bournemouth Orchestra play Wagner, Greig and Mozart. £13.50 to £18.50. Wyvern Saturday 29th, 8pm The Magnets - a Personal Appearance. Six guys, six voices, no luggage - the Magnets are anchored by verbal percussionist Andy Frost. £8.50. Arts Centre Saturday 29th Swindon Choral Society perform Handel's Israel in Egypt with accompaniment by The Chameleon Arts Orchestra. £10/£7. Holy Rood Church. Groundwell Road. Tickets from The Arts Centre Sunday 30th, 7.30pm Bill Bruford's Earthworks. Earthworks play largely acoustic jazz with distinctive complex rhyth ms from Bill Bruford, a master of drumming. £12. Arts Centre

Thursday 6th to Sat 8th, 7.30pm Shadowlands presented by Old Town Theatre Company. The developing friendship between writer and Oxford don CS Lewis and Joy Davidman. an American divorcee, is portrayed in William Nicholson's perceptive, unsentimental account of love and loss. £5. Arts Centre Friday 14th, 8pm The Blue Room. Sharp cynical writing mixes with teasing poignancy as the play powerfully demonstrates that sex can rip through the safety of the status quo. contains nudity, sexual content and strong language. £9. Arts Centre Wed 19th to Saturday 22nd, 7.30pm The House by the Lake presented by The Western Players. In this tense thriller a discredited doctor and his sister plan to kill their half brother Colin. but his unhappy wife is also prompted to murder him .. Does he die? £4. Arts Centre

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Monday 16th, 7.30pm Tuesday 11th, 8pm Simply the Best presented by Chris Addison: the Bobbi's School of Dance. Following Ape that Got their recent successes at Her Lucky, and Dan Majesty's and Sadlers Well Theatre, Antopolski: th it r Swindon's Not freestyle dance Presence. Chri school perform excerpts from Addison has buil Hollywood's best musicals. £7.50. a reputation as Wyvern one of the most inventive, quick Friday 21st, 8pm Electric Bouquet. Swindon Dance witted and edgy marks European Year of the comics whose surreal flights of fancy Disabled,with a magical performance delight critics and audiences alike. by High Spin whose members include £12. Arts Centre both professional dancers and Monday 17th to Saturday 22nd, performers with learning difficulties. Mon-Thurs 8pm, Fri 5.30 & 8.30pm Girls Night Out by Dave Simpson. £8. Town Hall Studios Adults only. From £10. Wyvern

Exhibitions Wyvern, Harlequin Bar To Friday 21st Air Mail. Mail art flies into Swindon from all parts of the world. Wyvern, Lower Foyer Tuesday 4th to Saturday 29th A Sense of Self. Self-portraits of all ages and in all media linked to the National Portrait Gallery and Channel 4 competition. West Swindon library Saturday 8 to Saturday 22 March: Swindon Artist's Society Throughout March Amnesty International in Swindon The library welcomes exhibits from anybody with an interest that can be displayed visually. Call 465555. Arts Centre from Tuesday 11th Sea Tales by Alison Everall Deeply textural and tactile 2D and 3D works. reminiscent of the sea and rock formations. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery in association with Great Western Community Forest. from Saturday 22nd Wooden World The exhibition, drawn from the Swindon Art Collection, reconsiders the tree and its role in our landscape and daily lives. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery until 16 March Icelandic Landscapes by Swindon born artist Roy Bizley Swindon Museum & Art Gallery To Sunday 30th Exploring the history of music-making in Swindon over the last 150 years through photographs. posters, unusual instruments and sounds from the past. Free admission

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Tuesday 25th, 7.30pm An Evening With Gary Lineker. Surreal and hilarious. £15. Wyvern Thursday 27th, 7.30pm Harry Hill Wild Horses Tour. The multi-award winning comic hits the road with his unique cocktail of running gag routines, musical comedy and shaggy dog stories. £16.50. Wyvern Friday 28th, 8pm Howard Read Interactive and Natalie Haynes. £10. Arts Centre

CA L_—_ i1__ L`_—Ann/

Family events Sunday 2nd, 10am - 3pm Family Gardening Day. How to create and maintain a natural organic garden. Learn how to improve the soil, discover tricks and techniques for dealing with pests and diseases, encourage wildlife into your garden. Presented in association with the Swindon Learning Partnership, Great Western Community Forest and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Free, but book places on 771080, optional lunch £5. Lower Shaw Farm Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th Science Week Open Weekend. Hands-on activities celebrating 100 years of powered flights. Also air transport. aero engine, rocketry and firefighting collections and model aircraft displays. Free vintage bus service from STEAM museum. Science Museum Wednesday 26th, 10.30am Kamikaze Cowpats. Bangs, burps and bodily functions, discover just what our body does with all that food we eat. £7. Wyvern Saturday 29th, 1.30pm & 4.30pm; Sunday 30th, 10.30am & 1.30pm Noddy and his Friends. Lively songs and audience participation. suitable for 2 to 6 year olds. £9. Wyvern Sunday 30th Mother's Day Treat. Bring Mum in after lunch, for tea and cakes, while the children design a card or make a paper heart basket. Suit 8 - 12 year olds. 50p for s we e t baskets. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

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FOUR TOP LOCAL BANDS PLAY FOR THE PROSPECT HOSPICE Wednesday 2 April 8pm to 11.30pm

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Sunday 9th, 7.45pm Dinner Rush (15) Just another busy night in a fashionable New York Trattoria or is it? Two mobsters make an offer the owner can't refuse, while in the kitchen his son plots a coup. Bob Giraldi's feelgood film has an unexpected kick in the dessert. Swindon Film Society Monday 10th, 7.45pm Lovely and Amazing (15) Brenda Blethyn stars as the mother of three daughters in this sharply written rueful comedy which looks at women's neuroses about their bodies, and the ambivalent complexities of adult family relationships. In support of International Women's Day (8th March). £3.50. Arts Centre Wednesday 12th, 7.45pm The Deep End (15) A smart intriguing thriller from Scott McGehee and David Siegel involving murder, blackmail and cover-up. Swindon Film Society Wednesday 16th, 7.45pm The Warrior (12) Set in feudal northern India. a tale of a mercenary's crisis of conscience and his journey from his violent past to a life of peace. A beautifully filmed debut by British-born director Asif Kapadia. Swindon Film Society

Family Gardening Day Sunday 2 March see Family events, p23

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Children's Activities Wednesday 5 March 10am - 12.30pm Fun on the farm for young children and their parents or carers. Follow the nature trail, feed the hens and collect the eggs. seasonal art and craft work. Indoor activities in wet weather. A snack is provided, and you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. Free, but places must be booked on 771080.

Dance House Saturday 15 March 8pm - 11.30pm The Committee Band Adults £7, under 18 £5, family (2 adults, 2 children) £18 Ellendune Centre, Wroughton Ticket reservations on 641107 or janicebooth@ntlworld.com

Golden Lion Quilters

Wednesday 12th, 6.45pm - 9.45pm Sandra Kidwell of Inches to Metres Swindon Film Society will bring items for purchase. All films are shown at the Arts Centre; Wednesday 26th, 6.45pm - 9.45pm tickets are not sold in advance: Film Sewing evening Design & Technology room, Society leaflets are available at the Arts Centre: join the society when Kingsdown School. purchasing tickets For more information call 825382 ———————————————————

The Winners Lounge, County Ground, Swindon Tickets £5 from Swindon Tourist Information Centre, Regent Street, tel. 530328;

Lower Shaw Farm Old Shaw Lane, Shaw

I I I

Prospect Hospice

Charity Shops in Swindon, Gorse Hill, Old Town, Wroughton and Wootton Bassett; Prospect Hospice, tel: 815142 and the County Ground

Donating their services free of charge are:

Penfold, featuring Alan Mills Under the Covers, featuring Ashley Sims and Casey, Almost Innocent, featuring Tiffany Townsend one of Britains top skiffle bands, Ode and the Bebops. Tony Williamson's fantastic light and sound spectacular and the Party People Roadshow

Colour, cut out and return your picture to The Link, Papermakers House. West lea. Swindon SN5 7BD by 10 March L

Attach name, address, telephone number. Four tickets available to one winner.

Swindon Wide Screen-savers on show at North library until 26 February, midday to 4pm Work done by GCSE art students ^ :1^}ij at H reod Parkway School last sum; wperMART mer, will be put on show in the — ^ -^-- >:_empty shell of the North Swindon ; li brary before it is officially opened at the end of May. _ The five students worked with artist Jane Brake on a project de veloped in collaboration with internationally known cartoonists Grennan & Sperandio, sponsored by Asda Walmart. The youngsters recorded their impressions of the North Swindon Centre store with digital cameras last August and designed screensavers which will be displayed on computers in the new library. Artist Simon Grennan, whose work tours the town daily on a Thamesdown Transport bus, said, "it's been a pleasure working with Mobile make-up artist for Hreod Parkway School. The staff

Ji''

making faces weddings and events

Art winners In January The Link offered the readers an exclusive opportunity to win collectable items created by Grennan and Sperendio based on their Visioning Swindon project. A mug, T-shirt and mouse mat set go to: SN Clarke, Sutton Park, Blunsdon: Craig Bowden. Greenmeadow: Gemma Howes, Cleves Close. Grange Park; BJ Herbert, Rodbourne Cheney

Including tattoos and birthmarks

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and the five students have been wonderful: enthusiastic, energetic i and full of ideas. Their screensavers will contribute another " unique aspect to what will be a , great library." For details of the project. go to www.swindonartscape.co.uk/asda Left: From the September Link, screen saver designers, front from left, James Hackett, Wendy Toon, Camilla Little. Sarah Michalek with Celia Yeoman, Swindon A rtscape, Hreod a rt teacher AmyRattenbury, JoyceA rthurofAsda, Simon Grennan, Asda general manager Mark Pollard

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Spring has sprung down on the farm Roves Farm near Highworth is bursting with new life. The young animals are calling to you to come and bottle feed them and the chicks are cheeping for attention. All the different nature walks around the farm are open too, so you can take a walk or a tractor and trailer ride and see the countryside springing into life as well. Farmer Rupert Burr, right, says, " whatever the weather there is plenty to do. We have a full range of indoor play areas for all ages and a crafty half hour everyday, so the children can make something to take home." Roves Farm races will take place at weekends and during the school holidays to raise money for the Prospect Hospice, so go along and have a flutter to support a worthy cause. Last year over 40,000 people visited the farm to see spring births take place, feed the offspring, play in the hay barn, walk the farm and get lost in the giant willow maze. Roves Farm is an excellent place to discover more about the chang-

ing face of British agriculture and how farmers are diversifying into a wide range of non-food crops, developing wildlife habitats and conserving the countryside. If asked, Rupert will talk at length about the state of farming today and provide a fascinating insight into the pressures farmers face. Roves Farm is open Wednesday to Sunday, and daily during the school holidays, from Saturday 22 February, 10.30am to 5pm. For further details call 763939 or visit www.rovesfarm.co.uk

Aviation on show at the Science Museum, Wroughton One hundred years of powered flight will be celebrated during National Science Week over the weekend 15 and 16 March when the Science Museum at Wroughton throws open its hanger doors. On display will be its important air transport collection. including a De Havilland Dragon, Comet 4B, Boeing 247D, Douglas DC3. Trident 3 and Handley Page Gugnunc. A new display showing the development of piston aero engines from 1908 to 1959 will be unveiled, with contributions from RollsRoyce. the Bristol Aero Collection, Pegasus Aviation and ALSTEC Ltd. and an exhibition will look at the reasons humankind wanted to fly and the associated social, economic and environmental impacts of flight. The site's importance to the nation will be revealed through models and images of many of the 84 different aircraft associated with the RAF No 15 Maintenance Unit when Wroughton was a working aerodrome. Weather permitting members of the Swindon Model Aero Club will be flying their constructions. The museum staff have created a 'composite aeroplane' image; see how many you can identify.

One of the National Museums of Science & Industry, Wroughton stores and conserves over 18,000 large objects which illustrate human ingenuity. their invention, innovation, and creativity. Apart from aircraft, there are cars, motorcycles. tractors, fire-fighting appliances, industrial production machinery, such as machine tools and a printing press, large scientific instruments and telecommunications equipment. National Science Week aims to celebrate the importance of science, giving people across the UK the chance to participate in science activities and experiments and engage in science discussions. Details from: www.the-ba.net

OPEN WEEKEND at the Science Museum, Wroughton Near Swindon on A4361 Devizes Road

Saturday 15 th & Sunday 16 th March 10am to 4pm Celebrating 100 Years of Powered Aviation Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon Tel: 0 1793 763939 Map: www.rovesfarm.co.uk

Wednesday to Sunday and daily during school holidays 10.30am - 5pm Signed off the A361 Swindon to High worth Road • Meet and feed the animals • Tractor and trailer rides & electric tractors • Huge big bale straw stack & bouncy castle • Adventure play area and giant sandpit • Willow maze (dependent on ground conditions) • Indoor heated toddlers soft play area & sandpit • Crafty half hour • Toddler story time during term time • Granary tea rooms

Barn dances & wedding receptions Chi ldren's birthd

From the first powered flight in 1903, the volume of aircraft in our skies has increased enormously. In 1903. aeroplanes were made of wood and fabric, were propeller powered and carried one person. In 2003 metal aircraft with jet engines carry 180 million passengers per year in the UK alone.Air travel has never been easier! Join us in an aircraft hangar (with real aircraft) to investigate 100 years of flying, through workshops, competitions and games.

Free Admission Free vintage bus service from STEAM museum, Swindon Flying (weather permitting) and static displays by Swindon Model Aero Club Refreshments, toilets, and cycle racks available. Dogs on leads outside only. For more information or a copy of our events leaflet, call 01793 814466, email: m.atkinson@nmsi.ac.uk, or write to Science Museum, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 4NS www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/wroughton

SwirdGr Wide

Sweet art with No Added Sugar Independent artists Toni Robinson and Gordon Dickinson. who are No Added Sugar, have been busy in West and North Swindon schools helping primary children prepare to move up and secondary students explore their inner selves by emulating great artists. At Hreod Parkway sixteen students were selected to work on a new project with the title 'This is me!' Organised by Swindon Arts under its Creative Pathways arts programme. the five day project was sponsored by Connexions Forum for Swindon. Swindon Arts director Rosa Matheson said the aim was to give students an opportunity to explore self-awareness and identity. "It has been an extremely beneficial Art ready to display, from left, Wayne Green, Gordon project which has given Barbieri, Shane Noble, Daniel Golby, head of art Amy Carnell, Craig Moulding. Georgia students space to look Stimpson, Toni Robinson, Shane Burberry, Russell Ellis

at themselves and their attitudes to life and to school. Some amazing work has been pro-

duced using paint and wire sculptures. Project co-ordinator Toni Robinson said the workshops had been

very rewarding for both tutors and students. " Gordon and I have been blown away by just how hard the young people have worked. It was really great that the group were able to show their sculptures at assembly and to have their artworks on display in the school."

Greendown School and its West Swindon partner primary schools have come up with a new way of smoothing the transition between phases of education, with the help of No Added Sugar. During February children from their work on a well known artist so they will know a friendly face each year 6 class spent a day at which will be mounted on two large when they move up to Greendown. Greendown working with the art- panels, one to go back to their It has also brought together teachists to create large scale perma- school and one to be displayed at ers from our partner schools to nent pieces of art work which will Greendown. They will remind the share ideas and teaching techbe displayed both at Greendown pupils of their day preparing to niques. come to the school, and when they " Our aim is to ensure that year and in their own schools. Greendown primary liaison arrive in September, they will see 7s are comfortable with their new surroundings so that they maintain teacher Angie Proctor said the their artwork already in place. "The project has been valuable and develop the attainment already project had been planned by Toni and Gordon and primary school art because our year 10 students have achieved at primary school." coordinators. "The children styled worked with the younger children, She added that the art works will be seen by a large number of resiChildren from Salt Way School revealing their interpretations of Andy dents who visit the school, both as Warhol, with rear from left, Angie Procter. Toni Robinson, French work experience art student Derek Boixiere. Salt Way year 6 teacher Sue parents and users of the community facilities. Williams, Gordon Dickinson

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28 The Link Magazine • March 2003

-- WeightWatchers RosemaryConley

WESTLEA SCHOOL Thursday 5.30pm

Diet and Fitness Clubs

Follow Rosemary's new low-fat eating plan which now includes treats & watch the pounds and inches disappear!

FRESHBROOK CHURCH Wednesday 7pm ST JOHN'S CHURCH, HAYDON WICK Saturday 10am

,t Monday: Noremarsh Junior School, Wootton Bassett, 5.30pm & 7pm * Thursday: Saltway School, Middleleaze, 6pm * Thursday: Warneford School, Highworth, 8pm

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

Call 08457 123 000

Call Dawn on (01793) 782639 Membership £6.99 Class £4.50 Exercise only £3.35 (no membership) ,O

for other meetings in the area or visit Meeting Finder at www.weightwatchers.co.uk

1Nealth e Irst Clubs Welcome Diamond Health & Fitness Specialists in Sports Massage And Remedial Therapies

HEALTH & FITNESS

Sports Massage I mprove your performance and help to avoid injury! Regular Massage can greatly improve your health, whether you choose an invigorating sports massage or soothing body massage

Work out for knots and stress Tight muscles caused by sports activities or injury restrict movement and can cause problems with posture and general health. And just sitting in an office chair for long periods, particularly if computer work is involved, can result in high levels of stress being placed on the body. Now a new sports therapist based at the West Swindon Fitness First gym can ease the difficulties and get you fighting fit again. Darren Beers, who lives on St Andrew's Ridge, used to be an activities assistant at the Link Centre many years ago. Since then he has trained in sports massage and remedial therapy and most recently was head of health and fitness at a private club in Cirencester. But it was his wish to get back to hands on therapy that led him to open his unit at Fitness First in February. "Massage should be an essential part of any sports person's training, whether it is at an aspirational level, or if you want to maintain a good level of fitness," said Darren. "It keeps the muscles in good condition and able to take the pressure of sports performance. "The work place is also the cause of a great deal of stress on the body. People get aches and pains from sitting in the office, or from manual work, and perhaps don't realise that their body is telling

V W:LKIG olt

teas?

them that something is not right. Massage can do a lot to ease the discomfort and also help reduce the levels of mental stress." Darren currently works with Swindon Road Cycling Club and the British Cycling Team. He is sponsoring Swindon College student Adam Thomson, 17, a member of the British Cycling Talent Team who is aiming for selection to the 2008 or 2012 Olympics. Call 529600 to make an appointment.

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The Link Magazine • March 2003

Taw Hill patients first in UK to be given own medical records on disc With a rapidly growing patient list as new houses are occupied in North Swindon, GPs at Taw Hill surgery are taking a 21st Century approach by transferring medical records onto CD Rom and sharing them with the patients. Notes from surgeries where pa- The aim is to reassure both doc- no room for misunderstandings, tioned' under the Mental Health tients were previously registered tor and patient that information is such as the lady who was surprised Act, when in fact the handwritten can take weeks to arrive in a vani- totally accurate, hopefully leaving to hear that she had been 'sec- notes referred to a 'caesarean' secety of formats, computer print outs, ^;"" tion birth. handwritten or on NHS cards. Dr Crouch pointed out that ^ I^illi^ To ensure doctors have an accuOPEN was a response to the Data rate picture of their patient's hisProtection Act which gives patients tory, the practice has committed the legal right to see their medical resources to the information being notes for a standard fee of £10. For entered onto the surgery's secure a trial period the notes on CD will medical computer system and acbe made available free of charge. tively encourage patients to check The CD Rom provides a snapthe details through an OPEN (Own ` shot in time of a patient's medical Patient Electronic Notes) policy. " record, correct on the day of reTaw Hill partner Dr Peter quest. Apart from written inforCrouch said, with a more mobile mation, the disc can carry clinical population, the risk increases of a photos, x-rays, and scanned letnew GP misinterpreting the previ} .,, ters. It is write-once only and canous doctor's cryptic notes and `1t` _ ' not be updated or tampered with. sometimes, illegible handwriting. www.tawhilisurgery.nhs.uk

Bowls club's tenth anniversary year starts with concert The Phoenix Brass Band and the Kennett Accordion Orchestra make a welcome return to the Haydon Centre on Saturday 8 March in a concert promoted by Haydon Wick Bowls Club. The programme starts at 7.30pm whether experienced bowlers or "Councillors want parishioners pensive commitment. Members and tickets priced at £4.50, conces- complete novices. Advice, initial to get full benefit from the green are justly proud that, through their sions £4, can be bought from the coaching and the loan of woods and we support the club in its con- own efforts, a clubhouse has been centre or from Barrie on 722972 or are readily available for those con- tinuing efforts to recruit new mem- built, which is the envy of other bowlers in the town. Dave, 728517. They will also be sidering taking up the sport. bers from the area." available on the door. Secretary Barrie Smith welcomes The parish council is also enThe green and adjacent land is Once the concert is behind them, couraging parishioners to take ad- leased to the club, which is respon- enquiries from prospective new the club begins preparation for the vantage of the facility. Chairman sible for its maintenance, an ex- members on 722972. new season, its tenth. Detailed Richard Hailstone said, "the parplans will be discussed by mem- ish council provided the green for bers at a meeting in the clubhouse the benefit of local taxpayers some i chiieve Success Fitness Consultancy 4 behind the Haydon Centre on 12 10 years ago. It has proved a sucMarch, 7.30pm. cessful venture, with 100 or so loe ' Sports Massage Therapy f ,U The club, as always, is keen to cal residents at any one time takwelcome new members from ing advantage of the facilities now within the Haydon Wick parish provided by the club. Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre Monday: 6pm - 7pm; Wednesday: 7.30pm - 8.30pm

PILATES CLASSES

In the swim for cancer relief

The annual national Swimathon takes place between 17 and 23 March and Swindon swimmers are being asked to take to the water in aid of Macmillan cancer relief on 22 March. Individuals and teams can enter ing in £1,000. Sponsors Butlins will the event starting at 6pm at the also be offering gift vouchers and Link Centre to cover distances be- larger value prizes. tween 60 (1,500 metres) and 200 Drop into the Link Centre for an entry form or go online at lengths (5,000 metres). There's also a 10,000 metre en- www.swimathon.org durance challenge which has to be The postal closing date is 11 March and online 14 March. For completed within three hours. There are gifts in return for clarification, contact Jo Montfundraising, from a water bottle gomery at the Link Centre on for raising £30 to a watch for bring- 445566.

Taw Hill Worship Centre Tuesday: 8pm - 9pm Primebodies Fitness Centre Tuesday: 10am - I lam ALSO AVAILABLE: SPORTS & REMEDIAL MASSAGE and PERSONAL FITNESSTRAINING

Sports Massage at Taw Hill Medical Practice

Biking into ancient times Age Concern Swindon is looking for cyclists willing to take a trip to Egypt in October to raise money. The 400 kilometre eight day ride takes you on a route past the Aswan High Dam, into the Valley of the Kings and to the temples of Luxor. Flights, accommodation, meals and bikes are provided for a minimum sponsorship entry fee of £500. Half of the sponsorship raised will go to the local branch of Age Concern. "This is an excellent way of getting fit, seeing some of the most amazing sites in the world and raising money for a local good cause," said fundraising manager Jacqui Sheppard. For details and an application pack, call 0807 412 4999 or mail: nile@ace.or.uk

Rob Marshall IHBC, LIST, MHFS

For appointments call: 01793 - 709500 SESSIONS ON MONDAYS 4pm to 6pm Please contact the practice or visit www.tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk for details. TAW HILL MEDICAL PRACTICE. QUEEN ELIZABETH DRIVE. SWINDON SN25 1 WL TEL:

01 793 709500 • FAX: 01793 723875

E-MAIL: ENQUIRIES@TAWHILLSURGERV.NHS.UK

30 The Link Magazine • March 2003

Explorers and expeditioners have chilly encounter in Westlea freezer Thanks to The Link, t wo youngsters from West Swindon, who will take part in a month long Duke of Edinburgh's expedition to Alaska this summer, visited Norman Butler from Westlea during his preparations for April's polar challenge race to the Magnetic North Pole. 6 .: The meeting took place on 7 Febextremesteps.com fol lowed their ruary in the giant freezer at Brake day in the freezer with a team Brothers at Westmead Industrial building weekend in the Brecon Estate where Norman, his two Beacons. On 21 February they team mates and his professional spent 24 hours pulling a tyre to advisors spent a day in temperaM simulate hauling a sledge over ice tures of minus 20'C. and will spend a few days cross Sabrina Sheikh from Westlea country trekking and practising and Danny Whiting from Middlesurvival skills in Norway. leaze took time out from their A' Dr Krinhaltz will be using the level studies at Ridgeway School race to research the effects of the to experience the cold conditions brain hormone melatonin in the with Norman, Steven East and Dr field of 'chronobiology' for UniMike Krinhaltz, both from Lonversity of Surrey by taking samdon, who together call themselves ples from fellow team members. extremesteps.com Norman said his preparations Padded up with many layers of for the race were going well. He warm clothing, they saw the tent still needs financial backing to meet setup inside the frozen warehouse, the costs of taking part and is lookhad a go at trying to cook at low ing for more business sponsors. Ei temperatures and talked to Rich- Sub-zero cooking, Norman with Danny and Sabrina, and rear from left, John What can you achieve? ard Bull and John Billett who have Billett, Richard Bull, and team members Steven East and Mike Krinhaltz Norman will be talking about the visited the arctic several times. Although mosquitos and not the quite frightening. You have to con- Arctic race and his 2001 solo AtBoth were pictured on the front page of The Link in 1998 when they cold will afflict the youngsters on sider every little thing to make sure lantic row at the University of Bath in Swindon on 6 March, 11.30am raised money for Swindon chil- their trip, the opportunity to meet that you protect yourself." for 12noon with guest speakers: Danny agreed. "It was good to dren's cancer charity CALM. Norman and his team was welget a small idea of how the team is the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Sir The 22 Ridgeway students go- comed. Sabrina said, "even with all the preparing for the race. It was an Maurice Johnston and John ing for their gold award will be hiking the Chilkoot trail in Alaska warm clothing I felt quite vulner- eye opening experience and I ad- Lawson from sponsors Halcrow. For details, contact Norman on to recreate the arduous journey able in the freezer. Richard told us mire their bravery." Norman has been invited to talk 882197 or 0771 258 6945 or: Klondike Gold prospectors under- to make sure the tips of our noses took in the 1890s, and canoeing did not freeze up; the thought of to the Duke of Edinburgh's group norman@benwellclose.freeserve.co.uk down the Yukon in north west being out on the ice in those tem- on his return from the Arctic as part Information on the polar race can be found at www.swindonlink.com peratures for a whole month was of their expedition preparations. Canada.

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The Link Magazine • March 2003

Swindon, the Magic Roundabout and breast cancer walkers to get TV exposure If you see groups of women striding purposefully around the town, it's more than likely they're in training for the annual London Moonwalk marathon in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Bristol Cancer Help Centre in early May. Last year over 200 women and a Peaks, the largest group from any few men from the town took part town. Hopefully even more will under the banner of Swindon Twin take part this year. ,. .. In total there will be 15,000 walkers taking part in the overnight walk wearing Playtex bras. Swindon's fame will spread even wider after a film team from the Discovery Channel show team t members training for the walk and explaining their desire to help find -.1 a cure for breast cancer. This year team members will be decorating their bras with characters from the Magic Roundabout in honour of one of the town's tourist attractions. To sponsor a Twin Peaks walker, call Eunice Salmon on 871606 or mail: eunice.salmon@ntlworld.com

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32 The Link Magazine • March 2003

Ringo the Flamingo shows the way

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talents that everybody recognises and values. In recognition of his twelve years at Westlea School, before becoming director of the National Storysacks Project, Neil has dedicated the book to the children and staff he worked with. He said, "the children at Westlea School, with disabilities or not, are amazing and show whatever their needs, all have something to offer. "I' m dedicating this book to all the teachers and the teaching assistants at Westlea for the wonderful work they do with the children, particularly Gwen Metcalfe. They are the inspiration for Ringo." It is the fifth book from Neil's hand illustrated by Judith Blake from Grange Park who said Ringo was an emotional book to create images for. "It's a wonderful story that brings out all the concerns and worries of children with disabilities. "I was sad when Ringo was not being treated nicely and facing difficulties, but so proud when oth-

Neil Griffiths and Judith Blake with their books and some of the Storysacks characters from them

ers saw that he had abilities in other areas and stopped seeing him as different." Ringo the Flamingo will be unveiled at the Education Show at the NEC Birmingham in March. From his base in Eldene Primary School, Neil continues to travel the world presenting Storysacks as an aid to literacy to early years educators and volunteers. First developed in the early 1990s with the help of parents at Westlea School, Storysacks are now used in every local education authority in Britain and also in Canada, USA, Hong Kong, South Africa, Japan, Peru, Australia, Italy and Norway. Neil's diary is booked up for 18 months and include trips to Singapore and China in April and May. "I continue to be amazed by the ingenious uses Storysacks are put to," said Neil. "As well as schools and nurseries, they are found in prisons, in museums, South Afri-

can townships and Innuit communities within the Arctic circle." Neil and Judith's books can be purchased by calling 421168. www.storysacks.co.uk Access for all: Swindon Council

has produced a disability access guide to its attractions and facilities with assistance of members from the Swindon Coalition of Disabled People.

Copies are available in libraries. museums and information centres. or call 463725. The Disability Discrimination Act ten years on: a conference organised by the coalition on 12 March. Main speakers: Roger Berry MP, Andy Rickell, chief executive of the British Council of Disabled People, and Rachel Hurst OBE, director of Disability Awareness in Acti on. For details, call 430045; typetalk: 1 8001 01793 430045.

Activities at Peatmoor Community Primary School Football party packages: avoid chaos in the house with one of the party options to make any birthday a fun event, including hire of the astroturf, equipment, coaching and party bags. The packages are available on Saturdays, 4.30pm to 5.30pm on the astroturf, 5.30pm - 6.30pm in the party room Badminton. A 6 week introduction to the game for 9 to 11 year olds starts on Monda y 3 March, 4.45pm to 5.30pm. Cost: £12. The sewing group for anyone interested in cross-stitch, embroidery, quilting and needlework arts meet on Mondays in term time, 10.30am to 12noon. The cost per session is £1. Peatmoor Community Toddlers meet on Tuesdays 10am to 12noon and Thursdays, 1pm to 2.45pm. Cost £1 per family, includes refreshments. The Over 50's meet again on Wednesday 5 March, I0am to 11.30am. For information on any of the above, call 881613.

Annual meeting Sparcells and Peatmoor Community Association holds its annual general meeting on Monday 10 March, 6.30pm at Peatmoor Community Primary School. All residents of the area are welcome to attend. For details, mail: suzanne.bullimore@btinternet.com

The Link Magazine â€˘ March 2003

Westlea 20mph plan to be discussed at area panel on 6 March A scheme to make Langstone Way outside Westlea School safer for parents and children was broadly welcomed by people who attended an exhibition on 20 January and will now be considered by councillors at the West area panel on 6 March. Funding for safety works was importantly, we hope that Lang- Martlew said Department of TransThe project funded by the Safer Routes to School scheme proposes approved in 2001 and completion stone Way will be a less attractive port rules require physical changes like speed humps to introduce build-outs to narrow the road at was expected by Easter last year. rat run to Great Western Way." Residents who visited the exhi- greater safety before a road can be two points and several raised cush- Road safety campaigner and govions to ensure drivers slow down ernor Dawn Dolphin said the de- bition welcomed the moves for redesignated for 20mph. "We are lay had been unhelpful. "The greater safety but were concerned looking closely at the comments to 20mph. before putting the proposals to the Governors at the school have number of parking places outside about the specific proposals. Sylvia Dundas, who has lived area panel." been concerned about parents the school will be reduced and this The West area panel meeting on parking on both sides of Langstone should encourage parents to walk on Langstone Way since 1981, said, Way for many years, endangering to school, or park at the West Swin- "the original plan for Westlea 6 March, 7pm, will take place at children who walk to school, and don Centre, which will add five showed the road as a bus only route the Civic Offices in Euclid Street. also the amount of through traffic minutes to a school journey. More but residents wanted it open for all The public are invited to take part. The plans can be viewed in adtraffic. Now that taking short cuts. Apart from the buses don't use the vance of the meeting by contacting danger to pedestrians, emergency road regularly, I'd Phillip Martlew on 466369. vehicle access has been restricted. like to see through traffic restricted Cioivtg away ova even more. Speed humps don't do holiday oN much good. I'd like ^ 1 ? 11rtbiVA to see raised platCreature Comforts forms on either GROOMING offers a professional, caring side of the school ALL BREEDS WELCOME and the build-outs and reliable home pet feeding staggered." Aromatherapy service when you are away. Swindon EnviPrices include ears, nails You can be sure of a total peace of ronmental Services & free health check mind service for cats and small Phillip officer Saturday appointments

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34 The Link Magazine • March 2003

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Celebration for Abby An event tinged with sadness but full of joy takes place at the Lydiard House conference centre on 27 June in memory of three year old Abby Smith from Middleleaze who died of a brain tumour in July last year. The proceeds of the evening,

where local band Smiley Mac will be playing, will go towards Swindon children's cancer charity CALM and cancer ward 4B at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital. Mum Helen is writing to businesses in the town for auction and raffle items and has received signed books from ex-Eastender star Martin Kemp, who recovered from a similar tumour, film producer David Putnum and Melinda Messenger. HTS Lydiard Park are making the conference centre facilities available without charge and Esplendido Properties in Wootton Bassett is offering a free week in a Spanish apartment as a prize. Helen said she and Abby's grandparents were still grieving deeply at the loss of their little girl and raising money for the organisations that had helped her and Abby had given her a focus. "Everything seemed normal until I took Abby to the doctor on Christmas Eve 2001. She was soon diagnosed with a tumour in a part of the brain which was difficult to remove. She had an operation and over thirty sessions of radiotherapy, but a scan on 31 May 2002 showed it had spread over her brain and into the spine.

"Abby was so accepting and at an age where children ask ques-

tions about everything, she never asked about her illness. We drew

Helen with Abby in 2001

our strength from her and even though we were in turmoil, we tried to keep a brave face for her." Helen expressed appreciation for the kindness of the volunteers from CALM and CLIC, and the staff at the John Radcliffe. "It is so devastating to be told that your child has an illness like cancer and you realise even more than ever how precious they are." Helen would welcome help from people willing to publicise the celebration event on 27 June and sell tickets. She can be contacted via Hazel Cherry on 526571, who will also take ticket orders. Donations to the Abby Smith Cancer Fund can be made via the Royal Bank of Scotland, Commercial Road, Swindon, sort code 1633-11, account no. 10073212.

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Welcoming our new full time, fully qualifed chef John McGrath Advanced qualified at the Army School of Catering Monday to Friday 12noon to 2pm Introducing our new 15 minute order to table lunch menu (Served to you within quarter of an hour or its free) Plus a new standard menu for the longer lunch break Tuesday to Saturday 6pm to S9pm New evening menu. Traditional pub food to three course a la carte menu. Takeaways available

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Perfect for Mother's Day

Win a meal for two at West Swindon's new restaurant Toothill now has a new restaurant in the village centre, following the appointment of a full time chef at The Village Tavern. John McGrath comes -£ from the Forces with ex,cellent training in catering and intends to make the Tavern the place to go for a quick lunchtime bite or romantic evening meal. To appeal to business people, the Tavern is offering a time guarantee for weekday lunches. Your meal will be free if it's not in front of you within 15 minutes of ordering from the special menu. John has introduced a new evening menu offering a wide range of items, from traditional pub fayre to 6 la carte. But you could win a meal for And on Sundays, a new carvery free. Just tell us which of the Armed has been introduced. For a limited Forces John was trained by. Send time, buy one meal and the second your entries to The Link, is half price. Plan your Mother's Papermakers House, Westlea SN5 Day outing now. 7BD by 12 March.

The Link Magazine • March 2003

Early morning pizzas help children with tour of Italy Youngsters from Abbey Meads School enjoyed an extra breakfast on 23 January when they visited Pizza Hut at the North Swindon District Centre to make pizzas. Class teacher Michelle Larbev said the year 4 class were studying . different countries based on the Jules Verne story Around the world in 80 days. "We've been following . the route described in the book and investigating different aspects ,• of each country. Pizza Hut kindly " d , invited us down to try some Italian style cooking. The children have been making Roman mosaics and have used the internet to look at tourist attractions in Italy."" Ashleigh Oakham said she usually had coco pops for breakfast. "Having pizza early in the morn- Nothing tastes as good when you've ing is fun but I don't think its very made it yourself, from left, CheraBeautiful Gardens Leigh Frieslaar, Ashleigh Oakham, healthy." Skinner with ` i Adam Hut sta Molly Dulle n adree hhris ^ t the pizzahadbee eenadelicious iousco com- Pizza ut staff Will Maguire, Chris pliment to the Weetabix she had Moore, Caroline Hewett an hour earlier. Bradley Garner was being very AUCtI^I^ IL III Wafted i disciplined seeing all his classmates tucking in. "I'm allergic to The Friends of Brook Field School hold 5 FREE DELIVERY. cheese so I'm taking the pizza I their big Auction of Promises on Friday COMPETITIVE made home for my dad." 28 March. The last one raised £5,000 PRICES Pizza Hut manager Pete Wainfor school resources. wright said the visit was the first by any school since the restaurant opened six months ago. "The children had a lot of fun making their own pizzas and the staff really

enjoyed cooking for them."

Donations of items to be auctioned by GWRs Gary Vincent are needed. To make an offer, and for details of the event, including tickets, call Neil Sto P her721 205.

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36 The Link Magazine • March 2003

New rangers to develop volunteer opportunities in Swindon parks

Two new staff have joined the Swindon Services Ranger Team to develop interest in environmental issues and horticulture. Rebecca Cheal and Mark Eborn are no strangers to the team as both have had seasonal positions in the past. Rebecca has the role of environmental education ranger with responsibility for increasing awareness and knowledge of environmental issues within local communities. She also has a co-ordinating role within the current volunteer ranger service, where she aims to increase

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Rebecca graduated from De Montfort University, Lincoln in July 2001 with a B.Sc Hons in Recreational Management. She's also an outdoor pursuits instructor and gained experience working with groups of all ages and abilities. Mark's prior experiences will help in his new post as he has run his own business growing and selling organic vegetables and most recently providing gardening and garden services. _. He is also a graduate of the Unil versity of Wales, Bangor with a B.Sc Hons in Rural Resource Man agement. Anyone interested in environmental education, volunteering or horticultural issues should contact Mark at Coate Water Country Park ' , [i' t, iidi,.t u e1con1e park on 490150 or Rebecca at Lydiard lunteers to new projects Park on 771419.

the current number of volunteers. Mark is responsible for the horticultural side of the parks and open spaces throughout the borough, which will include managing allotments, formal parks and organising gardening events.

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The Haven is a wildflower nursery in the heart of Swindon where local native plants and seeds are freely available to individuals and not-for-profit organisations. On Sunday 9 March John Ball, the volunteer development officer for this site, will demonstrate techniques that you can use to create a wildflower haven in your own garden and will welcome all the help he can get to ensure that this resource continues to teem with life. Meet 10.30am at the overflow carpark, Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, outside TWIGS. To book call John on 877261.

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Fight breast cancer with fundraising Lesley Dredge from Shaw is organising two events in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer

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Crocus Walk on Mothering Sunday, 30 March

A gentle family ramble around Peatmoor Lagoon, starting at 10am outside the Nine Elms pub in Old Shaw Lane and returning there for soup and rolls, and balloon race (cash prize for the furthest distance travelled). Make a donation on arrival, pay a bit extra for the soup / roll, and / or buy a balloon. If you cannot be there, buy your balloon by sending £1 (minimum) to Riddlers Cottage, Old Shaw Lane, Swindon.

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The Link Magazine • March 2003

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38 The Link Magazine • March 2003

Fundraising in aid of clean water Keen Blue Peter viewers across the country have been busily organising sales of toys and games, cakes and biscuits to raise money for Water Aid projects in Uganda and Tanzania. the Blue Peter Girls wanted to thank all the At Brook Field School, Shaw a toy fair organised by pupils and staff who had contributed, especially 'the Blue Peter Girls' raised £210.92, which was added Mr Stowe who spent a day teaching with his hair to a whole school collection of £168, totalling £378.92. dyed red and green. Organiser Cat Pinner, 10, said her friends known as

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Youngsters at the Abbey Meads School Sunshine After School Club celebrated the club's second anniversary by organising a jumble sale which raised £30. Play manager Jane White said the children had been moved by the Blue Peter programmes showing how children in Uganda have to walk for miles to collect water which is safe to drink. "Although the response to our posters wasn't that good, the children in the club really worked hard to collect toys to sell. We had a cake making session the day before and tlic' went very quickly."

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Pedestrians who cross Peatmoor Way are now benefitting from a new Toucan crossing which was completed in early February. Funded by a Government's Safer Routes to School grant, the £30,000 crossing point was the result of a successful bid to Swindon Council by governors at Brook Field School after an intensive study into how parents and children get to school. Gretal Hall from Peatmoor, who makes the crossing four times a day, said she was happy that the lights had been installed. "They are an excellent addition to the area; they definitely make the route safer for people who walk to school."

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40 The Link Magazine • March 2003

Reporting from afar in Armenia To set the scene for the first UK Holocaust Memorial Day in 2000, Having graduated from Cambridge University with a Masters in Rhoda Manook from Toothill wrote in The Link about the first Electronic Engineering, Rhoda is now in Armenia working in three modern genocide, when Turkey ethnically cleansed a huge Arme- jobs as a volunteer with the Armenian Volunteer Corps (AVC) - with nian population in 1917. 13 others (www.armenianvolunteer.org) which she describes. I' m now living in a country where the temperaMy other big aim is to become fluent in the ture reached minus 30 degrees Celsius this winter Rhoda in Armenia, in front language. So far I have managed to be interof Mount Ararat over the and 40 degrees Celsius this past summer. viewed for Radio Free Europe Armenia, all spoThe AVC has provided me with an excellent border in Turkey ken in Armenian, although, I suspect, a lot of opportunity to experience life in Armenia, as well editing occurred before it was aired. as being involved in helping shape a relatively I have been, and am, very privileged to be able new, but historically ancient, country, something to work with some excellent people within Ar• menia and to understand what it means to live in which I have been dreaming about for the last _♦ — three years. a country where you don't know where the next My primary job is as the administrator of one of month's income will come from, where everythe best chamber choirs in Armenia 'Hover' (www.hoverchoir.org ). thing is new, where life is harsh, but real and alive and changing all the In contrast to this I work with H2Economy (www.h2economy.com ), time - something which the Armenian race has had to cope with for which is developing fuel cell technology and finally, I'm involved with generations. Arlex International on one of their sideline projects organizing their Of course, not everything is plain sailing. Culturally there is a lot to Christmas wishlist, for people wishing to donate to worthwhile organi- learn, the after-effects of rule by the former USSR are not easily sations in Armenia, at Christmas time ( www.arlex.am/wishlist.htm ). forgotten, nor should they be. The variety is quite astonishing, and apart from the quantity, it is so As a person with Armenian heritage I feel it is my responsibility to enjoyable that it doesri t seem like'work.' Life here is definitely not nine help, in a tiny way, to grow this small nation, and in turn, help in to five. creating a better history for Armenians.

Teachers go into Africa to see Peatmoor funded classroom completed Four teachers and two governors from Peatmoor School return at the beginning of March from a week long return visit to Dihlabeng Christian School in South Africa with which it has formed a link. They will take part in school life, Swindon Family Church have b t teach classes and collect art and raised over £3,000 for the extra 1 r'- O a e s craft teaching resources to be used facilities and in early February ; when they return. They will also organised a quiz night which see the computer internet link in raised £345. 0 action, paid for by fundraising at Quiz participants, from left, Karen Peatmoor, and hope to see a new Prescott, Sharon Edmundson, Gerry classroom completed. Thornton, Karen Vicat, Rachel h(o 11 t7 Parents and supporters from Britton, Kirsty Williams, Anthonii

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Shaun Zerebecki expresses the frustrations of hundreds of young people across the borough The West Swindon SK8 project was set up by youth workers from the West Area Team last summer. They run a mobile bus called Mobie; we used to go as a place to hang out on Monday nights. We were all really into skating at the time and they asked us where we skated. When we told them we had to go out of town, to places like Chippenham or Bristol, they realised that Swindon Borough Council were neglecting the fact that their town had nowhere for the large group of people with an interesting in skating. problems of the surface After that initial . . and moving and storing disussion, and with supthe ramps, as well as the port and funding from difskaters opinions. . ferent areas of the council, The report proved bewe built ramps and boxes yond a doubt that a perto set up a temporary skate manent facility is needed, park on the Link Centre that campaigners' statebasketball court. ments that a park would p This small scale park mean less hassle for pewas designed for a trial destrians and a safer enrun period, to show counvironment for skaters cillors the popularity o were true. skateboarding, and the a . The project ran its numberofpeopleinSwincourse, and now the quesdon that would use a pertion of a permanent skate manent park if one was park is in the hands of the built. It ran for 6 months, council. Skaters across with a large number of skaters attending when the ramps, attending the sessions, and Swindon hope their councillors weather was good enough to bring finally on the last session of the will follow the lead of smaller and the equipment out. However, the project, the West Area Team larger towns and do something for ramps were wooden and the sur- thought it was a good idea that I young people. face was not very suitable for skat- should write the report for them, Copies of the SK8 report are available from the West youth ofing on. At the end of the summer during my work experience. The final report has been sent to fice on 465406. the project had to stop. Express your viewpoint at As I had been involved with the members of Swindon Borough SK8 project from the first ideas on Council, with details on the www.geocities.com/ the Mobie, throughout building the number of people attending, the swindoncommunitysk8project /

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LETTERS TO THE LINK should be sent to the address on page 4 by the 12th of the month. In the January edition, we invited readers to suggests epithets which the gaffe prone Duke .^_ of Edinburgh might deliver when he unveils the clock sculpture in the town centre on 28 February to mark the end of Swindon's Jubilee Year celebrations. Mr. Root from Alnwick, Toothill came up with: "Is that the bloody time? I' m

off"

ms's= tie

^ ,!

1&';

From: D Knight, Freshbrook

I have just read the article on the clock to be unveiled in the town centre, I must say I am in agreement with the writer. Swindon is a town renowned for the work to do with railways. I feel that it should have some form of recognition to that affect, instead, they put up silly sculptures of acrobats and clocks, as well as bathers by the pond outside Asda, West Swindon. I cannot see the thinking behind this.

If we are going to have statues and the like, lets have something that represents the nature of the place and what it contributed to the country as a whole. I have lived here for fourteen years, but cannot say as I have seen anything to say that Swindon is a railway town. If the council has money to waste, lets put up a statue to the workers who achieved what they did for the town and the nation.

Putting waste to good use in the North Residents from North Swindon will soon have good reason to recycle when paper, glass and can banks are installed close to their homes. The nearest recycling point is presently located in the Haydon Centre car park, not the most convenient place for the population that has arrived over the last five years. By the end of March the new containers should be in place on the western edge of the North Swindon District Centre car park giving residents easy access to recycling. Now's the time to start collecting and storing paper, glass and cans ready to make use of the new facility.

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The Link Magazine • March 2003 45

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Fire Brigade appeals for safety in the kitchen Over fifty per cent of fires reported to the fire service annually take place, or start, in the kitchen and Wiltshire Fire Brigade has joined a national campaign striving to reduce the number of fire related injuries and deaths which occur. Some simple, practical tips to help safeguard you and your families: • Never leave cookers unattended - particularly when frying or grilling; • Investing in an audible timer to help you to stay alert; • Chip pan and hot oil fires have the highest potential to cause death or serious injury. If you use a chip pan, never fill it more than one third full to prevent boiling over or spilling. Never attempt to extinguish a chip pan fire using water, or attempt to move the pan; • Young children can cause distraction whilst cooking. Try to remain alert at all times, whilst ensuring that children are safe. Should a fire occur in your kitchen, GET OUT, STAY OUT, CALL THE BRIGADE OUT. Leave firefighting to the professionals. For further fire safety advice, contact the Wiltshire Fire Brigade Community Fire Safety Helpline on 01380 731119.

Digital radio launched for Swindon Following two successful month long trials on the 107FM waveband, for which it awaits a full analogue licence to broadcast regularly, Swindon FM has gained permission to commence digital programming.

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Shirley Ludford and Simon May, right, with co - songwriter John Brant and Mimi

On air initially at weekends from Gam to midnight, Swindon FM presents locally based talk and music programming with specialist music programmes covering jazz, folk, blues and chart classics, Presenter and station coordinator Shirley Ludford said she was pleased to be involved in another broadcasting first for the town. Her guests on her launch programme on 8 February were two

Wiltshire musicians hoping for Eurovision Song Contest stardom: 16 year old singer Mimi, from Trowbridge who has reached the final four in the search for a song and singer to represent Great Britain,andSimonMavfromDevizes, who composed the Eastenders theme tune, and wrote the song Ever Since That Night for Mimi. Swindon FM can be received on 107FM on a digital radio or via the internetatwww.swindonfm.co.uk

46 The Link Magazine • March 2003

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Hairdressing Salon

LEARN TO PLAY

AMETHYS

THE VIOLIN with

& ^ REIKI HEALING

Swindon Suzuki Strings

St Andrew's Ridge n n

Suitable for all ages

Call Penny on 341214 WELLA to book an appointment

DECOTEX

01793 700099 http://www.wsb.tgis.co.uk

Friends & Partners

Ironing a chore? Not any more!

Painter & Decorator Tel: (01793) 791388

Friend/v & efficient service: highly

Free brochure (01793)871342

876832

Dolls pram, sprung chassis, complete with shopping tray and bag, excellent condition. £30. Tel: 727817 Ladies skis and boots, size 5; gents skis and boots, size 8, and matching poles. £100 per set. Tel: 705411 Ladies Cosmopolitan watch, brand new. unwanted gift. rrp £60, index price £30. boxed £25. Tel: 881353 Ivory satin Benjeman Roberts wedding dress. size 14. £300 ono. Tel: 700402

Need help to make sure those important documents are accurate? Yes - then call me to proofread them.

Reasonable rates.

& holistic aromatherapy For the treatment of specific sports injuries, stress related issues or just a general lack of vitality. For an appointment

Linda Street: 01793 346356

call Debbie Robinson on 882631

^3G`s-A

For Sale

Ladies jacket, size 16. beige, very TV stand, beech effect, shelvingforDVD. modern, worn once, £10. Tel: 07879 video & music system. storage for CDs 217091 and hidden cupboard to hold 32 videos/ Pine high sleeper with single chair that 100 DVDs, excel condition, £40 ono. Tel: 882429 puII sinoano ' t th ersinge I bed,h' ighseeper 1 Ikea square glass cabinet, 3 glass mattress not included, in good clean shelves, vgc. £45. Tel: 704844 condition, £50. Tel: 423276 Gas hob & 1.5 bowl sink, both brown. High wardrobe/computer desk/three drawer. ideal forchild's room, yellow doors £30 ono. Tel: 878850 with pine effect, excellent condition, one Dishwasher. white. 3 yrs old, excellent year old. £60. Tel: 423276 condition, full size. 4 programmes, quiet. £150. Tel: 878850 Double pine bedstead, £50. Dishwasher, Hotpoint, £30. 3 teak bookshelf/display Electrolux gas hob, unused, new with units, £35 each. Tel: 772211 guarantee, model EHG673, £150. Tel: Pine rocking chair. £30. Tel: 871185 702400 3 piece suite. modern design. green & Electrolux single oven. unused. new with guarantee. model EOB944. £300. Tel: beige. vgc, £300 ono. Tel: 877717 (eves) Blue 3 seater couch, very good condition, £80. 4.5' x 6" mahogany mantle shelf, £20. Tel: 347622 Armchair, excellent condition, loose machine washable cover, nearly new. £60 ono. Tel: 831958 3 seater/2 seater, 1 chair. pale cream. £450. TV table. mahogany. £15. TV stand.

metal. £10. Tel: 347507 Oval folding butterfly table, 4 folding chairs, fit for storage, 34" x 12" cl, 34" x 54". dark oak finish, good condition. £50 ono. Tel: 349079 G Plan teak TV and video unit, 36" wide, 18" deep, 15.5" high, excellent condition, £40. Tel: 872935

702400

Velux window (h) 118, (w) 114, glass (h) 93, (w) 96. good condition, would suit DIYer/builder. Tel: 881353 Victorian gold shower screen, good condition, £20. Tel: 723952 Powershower. Mira Event, unused. £110 ono. TV and video stand. black. £10. Tel: 349378

07791 537987

Free rivate for Sale & Wanted ads Send to: The Link, Yapermakers House, Rivenhall Road, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7BD be 12th of the month

Tel: Name & Address (not for publication) L

-------------------I

Aromatherapy

Barbara on 07986 042 366

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Delonghi Rapido 3kw oil filled radiator with instant heat and 24hr timer. vgc. £50. Tel: 877490 20 Playstation games, original and PS1. in original boxes with instructions. 2 x hand controllers and Playstation wrist controller. Job lot £100. Tel: 01993 213508 Piano, good working order, upright, buyer to collect. £160 ono. Tel: 778292 Piano books, various grades & types, £1 - £2 each. Tel: 870792 Binoculars in case. £5. Four no. 4 bowls woods with bag. £50. Four no. 0 bowls woods with bag. £50. Tel: 876984 Old 45" and albums, Beatles. Shadows. Cliff Richards etc. open to offers. Tel:

Brand new & used designer, i mport and High Street clothing for premature to 10 years + including ladies

Pure Essence • Rei 1J Indian 3fead 9vlassage Ear Caniffing St Andrews Ridge Area To bookan appointment call

For Sale

Ikea cot, very compact, with mattress, £20 ono. Britax travel cot. £10 ono. Tel:

REMEDIAL SPORTS MASSAGE

^J3-AA

Ladies cycle, racing, £75. Singer sewing machine, antique, hand, £40. Tel: 813162 Girls bike. age 4-7. £10 ono. Tel: 882429 Tippi Toes doorway bouncer, suitable from 3 months, medically approved, £10. Tel: 874527

^ '

PROOFREADING

07855-908234

Raleigh Spritz young ladies 15 speed cycle. 26" wheel, Shimano gears, good condition. £20. Tel: 877490 Raleigh Calypso young ladies 5 speed cycle, 26' wheel, Shimano gears, good condition. £20. Tel: 877490 Raleigh Mustang boys bike, 5 gears, 18" wheel, £15. Tel: 875253 Magna Glacier Point gents bike. 10 gears. 26" wheels. £20. Tel: 875253 Townsend ladies bike, Shimano gears (5). 26" wheel, white. Tel: 875253

www.trendytots.net

c'ompetitire pru e.c

For Sale

Sping in to a new relationship

Julie Hopkins Crystal Healer & Reiki Master Tel: 01793 870109

or email: friends-and-partners@ntlworld.com

S.G. Typing Services Copy Typing/Manuscripts CVs • Reports • Minutes Dissertations • Letters etc.

Your local hmoduction Agenc

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

Specialist Artexing

Ricca sewing machine, complete stitch series, zig-zag. zips, b/hole. includes carrying case, £60 ovno. Tel: 725756 Bradford Exchange collectors plates, boxed as new, offers. Dae Woo Autocook microwave oven, large capacity, £45. Tel: 612500

For Sale Purple abdominal exerciser, padded headrest supports head whilst doing stomach crunches, £10. Tel: 881362 Weider dual action exercise bike, vgc. £45. Tel: 882374 Treadmill. non-motorised with incline adjustment. good cond, digital display screen, can deliver, £50. Tel: 706459 Eight x 25kg Aquasol sacks. special water softener salt. £3 per sack ono. Tel: 633349 Fish tanks: 3' x 1' x 1'2"H - hood, fluval 104 external power filter, 2 airpumps. substrate, rocks, bogwood, plastic plants, accessories, £100; 3' x 1'3" x 1'8"h with 1.5'stand, hood with 2 lightfittings. biolife internal filter, heater. rocks, bogwood and plastic plants, accessories. £150. Or job lot £200. Tel: 01993 213508 5 foot ladder, £20. Stepstool, £10. Flymo. £20.2 bookcases, £5 each. Small bicycle. £10. Tel: 670774 Flymo Venturer 320 with grass box, new blade. £40. Tel: 704617 Mobility Shoprider 4 wheel scooter. immaculate condition. inch new spare tyre & battery charger, £550 ono. Tel: 877675 Folding wheelchair, excellent condition, £100 ono. Tel: 870684 Manual wheelchair, excel cond, little used. 24" dia wheels. £140 ono. Tel: 336808 Volvo bellows kit, new, still boxed. £5. Tel: 870482 Thule (Alpine 100) roofbox, excellent condition, used twice. fits most cars, £125 ono. Tel: 705106 Honda 90. breaking up for spares, open to offers. Tel: 694692 Honda C90 Cub. blue, excellent condition. low miles. 1996.12 month tax & MOT. £675 ono. Tel: 723495 C reg BMW 316. taxed till end Feb. MOT till Sept 03. red, good condition for year. 2400 ono. Tel: 07786962985

Wanted Video of Lady and the Tramp for 5 yr old. Tel: 877184 Caravan, little used, 2 berth, 14 - 15ft, £4000/£4500 cash waiting, (no dealers). Tel: 728206

The Link

Co-op shoppers help make things happen The Co-op is looking to help groups who want to make a difference to their local community with a grant of up to £1,000. Through its Community Dividend will not be considered. scheme the Oxford, Swindon & Pre-school groups, environmenGloucester Co-op returns up to tal and employment projects, clubs four per cent to good causes in its for people with learning difficultrading area, ties and facilities for people with "We are particularly keen to sup- disabilities have all been helped. port groups that have a co-operaWhen assessing applications the tive approach to the community's panel is particularly interested in needs," says Karen Webb, who co- innovative and i maginative ordinates the scheme. "You might projects which will result in a perwant to improve the environment manent benefit. Active participaor set up a project for disabled tion from a number of volunteers people. It could be just the sort of and organisation which demonthing we want to support." strates co-operative or self-help Leaflets explaining the scheme principles fit well with the award's are available in Co-op stores or call main objectives. the number shown in the advert As the awards are designed to (below) for an action pack which help with specific projects or includes a straightforward appli- schemes, they cannot usually be cation form. used to pay for running costs such Last year over forty groups, or- as fuel, phone bills or staff wages. ganisations and charities in the "If you have a real commitment Swindon area benefited. The di- to improving things for the local versity of recipients shows that community, please get in touch," there is virtually no project that said Karen.

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH

Women praying for the world The Women's World Day of Prayer, the biggest and longest-running ecumenical project supported by Christian churches and groups, is being celebrated all over the world on 7 Friday March. This year's service has been prepared by the Christian women of Lebanon on the theme of 'Holy Spirit, Fill Us' and locally will take place at St Mary's Church, Lydiard Park on 7 March, 7.30pm For information and help with transport, contact Suzanne Bullimore on 870458 or e mail suzanne.bullimore@btinternet.com

o^ EvangoJ,.

WEST

Worsley Road

SUNDAYS 10.30AM

PEATMOOR SCHOOL (exce p t... last Sunda y of the month when we meet at the Winners Lounge, Swindon Town FCJ

For details visit our website at www.sfc-uk.org, call Nigel on 526130 or e-mail info_west@sfc-uk.org

' •r'`"

yam.

bui[ding with people Come and join us

Sunday at I Oam & 6.30pm For further information of other meetings ring: 873050, call into the Church office or visit www.freshbrook.org Jesus said: • I hare come than POU might

have LIFE and

have

it in its fulness"

West Swindon & the Lydiards churches All Saints' Lydiard Millicent Holy Trinity, Shaw

' Y?' in North Swindon The Church of Christ the Servant, Abbey Meads has launched a course called 'Y? which will deal with the fundamental questions in life. According to minister Brian have a jaundiced view of a divine Sweetman, the course could be being, and others who may have called 'doubters of the world unite, been hurt by a bad experience from or 'doubters anonymous.' "There church folk, which has soured their are no assumptions and we are not view of a loving deity; others may trying to ram religion and certain- just want to talk through spiritual ties on people. We will look at the issues, but don't wanttobe'gotat.' reasons why people believe in God, "All who come are respected, or don't, and what we can learn whatever opinions they voice." from Christianity to help us live For details, call Rev Sweetman our lives. on 706558 or mail: brian.sweetman "There are some people who @virgin.net

azine • March 2003

St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze

What are you giving up for Lent? For details of our weekly services please contact the Partnership Office on 874221

Toothill Church Westlea Church

• ri 0 Community Dividend Scheme A minimum of 1% of the Society's

profits are returned

to projects to benefit the local community through the Community Dividend Scheme,

t ut

Grace Hutchinson from the Old Town Co-op presented £1.000 to Project Spear which supports people who self-harm or suffer from stress related illness

If you think a project you know of could qualify for a grant of up to C 1,000, call 01865 256235 for more information

Oxford, Swindon & Gloucester

LA II

^•^ oorca

croft COUNTY GROUND

Tel: 511033

sports centre

Tel: 526622

^'1

Tel: 533763

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HEAL Tf3 H Y D R

Tel: 706666

Tel: 465630

;

^^ LINK

CENTRE `^

Tel: 445566

Tel: 445401

Ej Tel: 762602