Issuu

No. 274 March 2005 • Circulation 24,000

I See p12 for Special Offers

and the Swindon wide what's on guide

North families to be split if council blocks parents' campaign for siblings

What hair-raising stunts are you

thinking up? See page 2.

Brothers and sisters won't be able to attend the same primary school in North Swindon if parents are unable to persuade decision makers of their case. See page 12

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Junior club gets year's reprieve, but Toothill set to lose farm open space

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Toothill Farm Junior Youth Club has been given up to 12 month's use of Toothill Farm Community Centre. But planners want to turn the site into housing. See page 6

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The Link Magazine • March 2005

Big Hair and Beyond... Gear up to make Red Nose Day on Friday 11 March the biggest re-style in history! A message from Comic Relief .... reshape your hair, redo your face or revamp your clothes - whatever you do. just do something The best ever range of Red Nose making poverty history for debt the chance to let your imagina- burdened countries, and helping Day products are now on sale. The tion run riot and go wild with charities working with disadvan- nose itself comes with hair gel, Ab stickers and face paints to get your your style, or just do something taged people here. stunningly simple to make yourTo celebrate, seven hours of tan- makeover started. You can also get self different. talising TV treats are lined up, in- your hands on the car nose air Whatever you choose, the really cluding Robbie Williams dressed freshener and a little clothes nose important thing is that you change up in Little Britain, a one-off Vicar badge - all available atSainsbury's, i the way you look for a day to help of Dibley and the return of Comic Oxfam and www.rednoseday.com And if you want to brand that transform someone else's life for- Relief does Celebrity Fame Academy. As this is the tenth RND, what barnet, look out for Wella's special ever. Only in Britain could there be better excuse is there to have fun Red Nose Day Red Hairspray. A very special t-shirt has been such collective nuttiness to con- with your hair, clothes and makeproduced, as modelled here by trast with the serious business of up? Denise V an Outen. These truly stylish little numbers are available ex^° elusively at TK Maxx stores and /^ rednoseday.com '1 `'^' r Y 1#V^^^ 4 Whether you're sponsored to fh C naircare professionals change your look, buy a Comic r Relief prodyct, or simply donateoor and our mone will hel [using a revolutionary technique] disadvantaged people in the UK experiencing domestic abuse. For ideas, tips and to see a host and Africa to help themselves. It's about giving people a leg up, of celebrities going BEYOND... get not a handout. By giving just £1 your copy of the Red Nose Day you could provide one child in 2005FundraisingKitbycallingthe Africa with exercise books and RND kit line 0845 605 8000 (calls pens for one whole term of educa- charged at local rate) or go to Telephsne:(Oh193I872 www.rednoseday.com tion. WWW .hairworks .o L In the UK £1 would pay fora call • Look back on RND05 with your Centre, Swindon Freshbrook Village a made by Women's Aid to give ur- picture in the April Link. Call or Proprietor Paul Edwards, 15 years London experience gently needed advice to women mail us: see page 4. Big Hair and Beyond gives you

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The Link Magazine • March 2005 3

Good news for tax payers. Bad news for town's voluntary organisations

N/MidWinter

Swindon Council's Conservative cabinet agreed a three per cent council tax rise on 2 February, to be confirmed on 21 February by the full council.

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Whilst householders in an averCabinet member for finance What makes it voluntary is that age band D property will see their coun Nick Martin said the council responsibility for the organisation monthly council tax bill increase by had achieved £10 million in econo- is vested in a management com£2.33, a 23 per cent cut in the budget mies and efficiency savings. At the mittee who are unpaid. to support voluntary organisations same time he was pleased the coun- • Labour regained the Walcot seat could force some to close. cil was able to direct £5.5 million from the Conservatives when West Mike Bawden leader of Swin- each to Education and Social Serv- Swindon resident Peter Mallinson don Council said his Conservative ices. won a by-election in February. The Conservatives have an overgroup were responding to deThe Labour opposition were mands at last year's elections. "Peo- quick to criticise the controlling all majority of 8, with 33 seats. ple made it very clear that they group for pushing through cuts to Labour have 20 and the Liberal were fed up with big council tax voluntary organisations and a Democrats 5. rises. We pledged to keep council package of staff reductions, retax low if we got into power." duced opening times at council The 3 per cent or less rise was leisure facilities and increased Charles Lucas supported in a number of consul- charges on leisure services for ConME & Marshall I E tations carried out by the council cession 2 Swindon card holders. before the cabinet decision, through the Swindon People's Voice panel, via the council's web site and We're on printed questionnaires. The respondents did not want `! side grant reductions to the voluntary sector - the least For experienced, practical help call 1 acceptable action Swindon 5 11 055 a^,^„o•s in the paper and web site response. NeverRR

theless the cabi-

net went ahead with a £252,000 cut to the coun-

Keen on voluntary organisations: The Mayor of Swindon coun Peter Stoddart met representatives from many of the town's groups at a community fayre on 29 January, including several that could close if council cuts go ahead

cil's £1.2 million commitment to voluntary organisations. Coun Bawden thanked the people who had taken the time and trouble to give their views. "Setting the level for council tax is one of our hardest jobs. It really helps us to know what local people think." Social Services are still looking for £50,000 savings which are likely to come from budgets set aside for two East Swindon family centres, which serve the poorest wards in the borough. In another proposal, pensioners attending day care centres could be hit by a £26 daily charge from April, having seen a rise from 65p to £5 in October. The cabinet accepted that crematoria and cemetery charges should only rise by inflation and

Labour Leader Coun David

Nash said it was'disgusting' to see the council strike at the voluntary and community sector and warned that history could be repeated as the last time the Conservative group ran the council with a majority in the 1970s, it was forced to introduce a supplementary tax demand when budget calculations went wrong. Paul Dixon of Voluntary Action Swindon said it was not clear yet where the £252,000 funding cuts would fall. "Organisations in receipt of council grants are rigorously examined by officers and councillors to ensure they will deliver what the council wants and will provide value for money. "The funding the council gives to groups provides excellent value that a proposed £50,000 to the for money as it enables them to Artscape budget should not go draw in significant additional ahead. funding from other sources, like It also withdrew the threat of business, central government and charging council workers for car Europe. This is lost to Swindon if parking, and promoted Gavin the council won't back its own orJones, the director of cultural ganisations." change, to deputy chief executive • A voluntary organisation can be and gave him a £22,000 pay rise. run by paid staff or volunteers.

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The Link Magazine • March 2005

What goes around comes around Swindon's excellent geographical position means that the planners will always think it should keep growing

Over 40 years ago politicians and regional centre, including a small planners in central government, airport for'air taxis' and the buildSwindon and Wiltshire County ing of a motorway from SouthCouncil set out to see how to ex- ampton to Birmingham. The pand Swindon. From the consul- former has yet to take place; some tation exercise in January 2005, as say the A419 is an apology for a reported in the February Link, motorway. they are still trying. The grand plan was for SwinIn 1964, a Ministry of Housing don to grow west and absorb study on the growth of South East Purton. Central Government again England iden ti fied the Swindon/ scaled back the grandiose idea and Hungerford/Newbury area for in 1971 a'Gold' report by Swindon major expansion. Consultants pro- and Wiltshire planners (again the duced a report called 'A New City' colour of the cover) set out how which stated Swindon was best expansion could take place on land suited for expansion from a town close to Toothill Farm. of 90,000 to 100,000 people in 1961 The Gold report identified how to one of over400,000 by year 2000. growth could take in the other arThe then Minister of Housing and Local Government accepted CRICKLADE the recommendations in principle, but scaled back the BROAD C BLUNSDON growth target for Swindon 2 to a town of 200,000 by 1981 and 250,000 by 2000. PU RTON In 1968 'Swindon - a study for further expansion' or the 'Silver Book,' because of the colour of its cover, described how the expansion could be imple-

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eas now within the borders of West Swindon, and also Abbey Meads and Priory Vale to the north. Roll the clock forward to 2005. Swindon's population has reached 185,600 and there are about 80,200 homes. The unelected govSHRIVENHAM ernment quango, the South West Regional Assembly (SWRA), now has 1 strategic planning powers and sees Swindon as a principle urban growth area. The planners were out in January with drawings rather si milar to those in 1968, asking people what they think of expanding the town by a further 16,000 24,000 houses between 2016 and 2026. This is in addition to land already allocated in the structure plan up 2016: • 5,000 dwellings to be completed at Priory Vale; • 1,800 in the front garden; • 2,000 at Coate Water (yet to be agreed);

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The Silver Book, 1968, showing Lydiard Millicent and Purton as part of Swindon (with added names)

The yellow dots on the plan left represent where these last sites could be found: A- next to Lydiard Park; B - north of Peatmoor; C extending Priory Vale north of Tadpole Lane. The coloured blocks, pierced by Swindon's orange arrows, show where major expansion could take place after 2016. This is subject of course to Swindon Council agreeing with the SWRA, and the people of the town and surrounding villages not objecting too strongly. The planner's report goes to the SWRA later in the year. What do you think? The expansion proposals can be found at www.swindon.gov.uk Call The Link to borrow a copy of the Silver and Gold Book (number below). • Could a university fit into the town centre and not at Coate. The Swindon Civic Trust thinks so. See page 25. • West Swindon to lead town's attempt to get amongst the best at recycling waste. Public meeting on wheelie bins and recycling. See

page 34.

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Plans to cover Toothill open space with housing Residents living close to Toothill Farm on Bodiam Drive may be saying farewell to an important green area in their midst because according to Swindon Council the site is suitable for 21 dwellings. The farm was preseved for corn- for Swindon and objections had to munity use when the original plans be in October 2003." Nevertheless, thanks to councilfor the western expansion were drawn up in the early 1970s, and for intervention, the junior club the farmhouse was converted to a has been given a further twelve months use of the premises. council run social hall in 1978. Toothill councillor Mary Martin But a gradual decline in usage over the last five years, since the expressed amazement that the playgroup closed, means that the farm could be built on. "I know the viability of the farm as a commu- council is conducting a review of its assets, including whether sonity facility is questionable,

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Now the farm's future is even deeper in doubt. In November Toothill Junior Youth Club made its annual application to use the farmhouse for its Friday evening meetings, as it has for the last 13 years. In January club organisers were told that the on-site caretaker was being made redundant and rehoused and the club would have to vacate the premises by the end of the month. Treasurer Mavis Reed said she had discovered the farm site was to be built on and the time for objections long gone. "There have been rumours about housing for the farm site; but it is really devious and underhand how the officers have gone about this. Some user groups have been moved to other buildings and officers told us the farmhouse was unsafe to use; they told local councillors the same thing. "Then the planning department told me the site has been included as a housing area in the local plan

Chair offer Toothill Community Centre has received a grant from Swindon Council for new seating and has 50 upholstered chrome framed

chairs to sell at a clearance price. To make an offer for one, several or the complete set, call 614492.

cial halls are being used effectively, and I was under the impression the farm is part of the council's open space audit, but being included for housing in the local plan is new to me. "It really is very frustrating that you ask reasonable questions inside the council and you cannot get answers." A Swindon Council planner explained to The Link that the farm was identified as a housing area in the 2001 Urban Capacity Study. Local councillors and the chair of Toothill Community Centre had been asked to comment. As no objections were received the farm site was included in the Revised Draft of the Local Plan to 2011 currently being reviewed at a planning enquiry at the civic offices. He added that the farm is considered an informal green space in the council's open space audit, but Toothill has a surplus of open areas. He pointed out the draft plan community policy retains the farm as a facility, unless it becomes no longer financially viable. In late March or April Swindon's cabinet will consider the property assets report and will decide the future of Toothill Farm. In the meantime Ms Reed is concerned that without an on-site caretaker, the farmhouse is going to be vandalised.

The Link Magazine • March 2005 7

Xmas lights boost charity funds A spectacular display of Christmas lights made a major contribution to the running costs of Swindon's Multiple Sclerosis Centre. 300 lights had been Some growing each people enjoyed "year. " We've a carnival at'lost count how mosphere out- . many we put side the Bouu er's bungalo\\ up; the display in Avonmead, T just seems to `

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the bungalow to see the lights switched on in and garden. _ early DecemThey bring a lot ber, accompaof enjoyment to nied by a snow so many people and the donamachine and Centre chair David Wray receives the fireworks. tions help a cheque from Jan and Vince Bowers and A float good cause." caterer Paul Seaborn, middle toured the Vince is busstreets beforehand. Father Christ- ily planning the display for this mas met children in his grotto and year. "It will be our fifth, so we're Smarty Pants the Clown kept them planning to make it really big. Look amused, whilst the Stella Rogers out for a few surprises." Elite Singers performed carols. The MS Centre has to raise Collections, a tombola stall and £30,000 annually and does not rerefreshments supplied by Bailey ceive any grant funding from Farr Caterers of Ferndale Road con- health or social services. People tributed £858 to the MS Centre. suffering from MS have their Jan Bowers, whose symptoms symptoms relieved from spendare relieved by twice weekly visits ing time in the oxygen chamber, to the MS Centre for an hour in the physiotherapy and advice on diet pressurised oxygen chamber, said and exercise. The contact provided the Christmas lights were becoming by the social activities organised a tradition in the area. "Our neigh- through the centre are also imporbours are very supportive and enter tant to members. For details of the Swindon MS into the spirit of the season." Son Vince said the number of Centre call Jackie Wray on 481700.

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The Link Magazine • March 2005 .y Easte' l,^ t €'

PQk

Friends of Peatmoor Lagoon

hold their annual Spring clean around the lake on Easter Monday, 28 March, 10am to 12noon. Help make this beautiful area litter free and exchange a full bag of rubbish for an Easter Egg. Meet at the Fisherman's car park on Peatmoor Way. Bags and litter pickers provided. Bring your own gloves. Children must be accompanied by an adult,

Could St Andrew's people run their own shop? The announcement in January by Tesco that it was shutting up its neighbourhood centre, with five days notice, surprised and shocked Tesco argued that more people and theyhad tosafeguard the comwere using its Express store at mercial viability of their other sites, Abbey Meads, and even though rather than take on another outlet they had invested in a re-vamp with questionable returns, only a year ago, in reality competiBut it was suggested that they tion from Asda Wal-Mart, would be willing to discuss supMorrisons and their other branch porting a community shop initiacloseby was damaging their bot- tive, providing access to stock at tom line, discount prices and retail guidThe Link asked another major ance. I retailer whether it might consider We were told, 'it would take a the St Andrew's Ridge store and major effort by community leadwere told - despite local needs - ers and interested parties and a that market pressures were huge shop would need the very active support of all those who live in the

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local shop at St Andrew's Ridge residents of the area. area. Last but by no means least, it would need Tesco to agree to assign the lease at nil/low cost or allow it to operate rent free.' Abbey Meads ward councillor Justin Tomlinson expressed interest. "I would support the idea of a locally run shop if a retailer can't be found. I believe St. Andrews Ridge should be a large enough community to make a retail outlet sustainable." The villagers at Blunsdon opened a community run shop two years ago.

All go for Blunsdon by-pass The Government has approved the cost of diverting the A419 from Turnpike roundabout to the bottom of Blunsdon Hill to the north, next to Motorola. Blunsdon villagers have campaigned for the by-pass over the last 20 years, and all users of the road can see the plans at a public exhibition organised by the Highways Agency at Blunsdon Village Hall on Friday 11 March, 2pm to 7pm, and Saturday 12 March, 11am to 4pm.

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Get down and dirty in Abbey Meads Too few volunteers came forward for the Abbey Meads School pond making day on 12 February, so the event was postponed. Two more dates have been arranged: Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April, 10am to 2pm. Volunteers are needed to continue the effort started at a work day in November. The project will include building a pond dipping platform, planting shrubs and tidying up the fenced area next to the school. For details and to offer help, call Roxanna Cox on 0796 6023636.

Haydon Wick grants boost groups The activities of four North Swindon groups have been helped with financial assistance from the Haydon Wick Fund of the Community Foundation for Wiltshire and Swindon. The Community Foundation This is the second round of awards from the newly established considers applications for support charitable fund, bringing total twice a year. The next round of grants made in the last year to decisions will be made in July and around £5,400. The fund was es- detailed applications need to be tablished when the Hayden Wick received by early June. Community Association was disAny group from the North Swindon area keen to apply can get solved. The 1st Swindon Sea Scouts details from Jen Wildblood or Jill based at The Brow in Haydon Wick Dyke at the Foundation, tel: 01380 vi ll age has received £1,000 to im- 729284 or mail: jill.dyke@ prove the safety equipment used wscf.org.uk during their boating sessions at Bowmoor Lake near Lechlade. Cook needed urgently Haydon Wick Bowls Club has been given £830 for small size bowls for Freshbrook Food and Friends Lunch the youngsters who are coached at Club at Freshbrook Community Centhe club's Monday night open ses- tre could close down in early March, three years after it started, unless a sions. Pinehurst Junior Netball Club, volunteer cook comes forward to help with substantial membership from organise the catering for the 45 peoNorth Swindon schoolchildren, ple who meet to eat on Mondays. will receive £560 to assist with the The cook is needed to oversee kitchen costs of travelling to matches, operations between 9am and 1.30pm. whilst the Swindon Volunteer Cen- A team of volunteers help with meal tre has been granted £432 to con- preparation, serving and clearing up.

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Breast is best in West at new group The Swindon branch of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) has launched a breastfeeding drop-in group in West Swindon. It's open to pregnant women, as make a real difference. "The NCT aims for breastfeeding well as breastfeeding mothers and their babies, whether or not they to be a normal part of everyday life. We want women to feel comare members of the NCT. A qualified breastfeeding coun- fortable, confident and supported sellor, herself a breastfeeding to breastfeed." The group runs on Wednesday, mother, will be present to offer support and discuss any concerns 1.30pm to 3pm, at the Ramleaze Community Hall, next to Ridge regarding breastfeeding. "Nationally nine out of ten Green Medical Centre, Ramleaze women who give up breastfeeding Drive, Shaw. For details, call Sarah Wilmott in the first six weeks are stopping on 347618 or mail: s.l.wilmott@ before they want to," said Sarah Wilmott, NCT branch Chair. "The ntlworld.com NCT runs a breastfeeding hot breastfeeding rate in Swindon is relatively low and many women line, which is open 8am to 10pm, 7 experience difficulties when they days a week: 0870 444 8708. For the Swindon branch call first start. The right support and information or just meeting some- 07005 801365. www.swindonnct.co.uk one who is 'in the same boat' can

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ily and friends. Young people between the ages of 1618 wishing to attend must be accompanied by a responsible adult (over 18) each time they attend. The group will be registered with the Eating Disorders As-

sociation (EDA) as a The Swindon Eat- Maggie Arshad, one of the Self Help Network ing Disorder Recov- motivators behind Recovery (SHN) Group and run by a group of people cry Group will meet at the Well Woman Centre at the from across the statutory and volHealth Hydro in Milton Road on untary sectors including profesthe2nd and 4th Wednesday of each sionals within the Health Service month, 6.45pm and the cost will be and also Independent Practition£2.50 per session, with refresh- ers and representatives from MIND, Swindon Carers Centre, the ments provided. The focus will be very much re- Well Woman Centre and RELIEF. The Well Woman Centre is both coverts from an eating disorder. The sessions will be guided by a a comfortable and welcoming enfacilitator, with a programme vironment where sensitive issues of relevant topics arranged, alter- can be discussed in a supportive nating between listening to guest atmosphere. There is no need to book. speakers and discussion. People For details call the Well Woman are free to attend all or some of the Centre on 511064, Monday to Frisessions. The group is open to men and day 9.30am to 1.30pm. Leave a message at other times. women wishing to 'recover' from help.

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The Link Magazine • March 2005 11

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12 The Link Magazine â€˘ March 2005

Reaching out to global citizens Greendown School's connection with its partner school in South Africa has been strengthened over the February half term, thanks to West Swindon based truck building firm MAN-ERF and South Swindon MP Julia Drown. The company has paid the air are incredibly enthusiastic about fares for three teachers and an IT learning, despite limited resources; specialist to go to Moriteng High we are trying to do as much as School in the Clarens district of the possible to offer our support and Orange Free State over the Febru- expertise. ary half term. "We will be working in classThe groundwork for contact was rooms and taking laptop computlaid last October when Greendown ers to help set up a media centre in teachers visited Moriteng to spend the school." a week working with local teachTrish Newman from MAN-ERF ers and setting up computer links. at Blagrove said the company was English teacher Cristina Bennett, very interested by the global citiwho described the trip in the De- zenship programme at Greencember Link, said she was over- down. "This donation is our first whelmed by the donation from venture into supporting local com- Cristina Bennett receives a cheque from Trish Newman of MAN-ERF, with from MAN-ERF. "Julia Drown was in munity projects. As a global com- left, Greendown chair of governors Andrew Basson, headteacher Steve O'Sullivan, school some months ago and men- pany it seems fitting we are able to citizenship coordinator Janet Mason and students promoting Fairtrade products Greendown is now fundraising tioned that the company was de- engage with activities which draw sistance from Moriteng. veloping a grants policy and we children in different countries Julia Drown said she was de- so that Moriteng teachers will be immediately put forward a request closer together." lighted that a company in her con- able to visit Swindon in the sumto develop our commitment to She added that she hoped that stituency was keen to promote edu- mer term. Other companies willMoriteng. MAN in South Africa would be cational opportunities in different ing to help should contact Ms Bennett on 874224. "The teachers and children there able to respond to requests for as- countries.

Special needs evening

Siblings could go in different directions

The Swindon Parent Partnership Service has launched its annual SPIN (Supporting Parents Information Network) programme. On 8 March, 7.30pm â€” 9.30pm, at the Drove Centre, Julia Cook will be talking about Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Swindon Parent Partnership Service provides parents of children aged 0 to 19 with SEN with support, information and advice. For details of the evening and other dates later this year, call Sue Bennett or Gill Wells on 466515.

North Swindon families are going to be split up if the Swindon Education Partnership Board meeting on 24 February does not support their call for siblings to attend the same school. Because of a lack of places, parents face the prospect of having to take one child to one school and another in the opposite direction. In response to Swindon Council's consultation school admissions for 2006 parents living in the Abbey Meads area formed NoSPEL - North Swindon Parents Education Lobby - to get their message across that brothers and sisters should be allowed to attend the same primary school. NoSPEL, formed in November, Caitlin Green andlennifer Wallage want sent out questionnaires to a large to attend Bridlewood with their siblings number of homes in North Swindon and gathered over 3,450 names ary 2003, after the admissions on a petition to support a change deadline and without local knowlin the oversubscription policy that edge we happily accepted a place all siblings of current children are at Bridlewood for our son. No-one given priority, regardless of told us it was an out of catchment whether they are in a school's school. Bridlewood is full for 2007 and my daughter will have to atcatchment area. The group says all the primary tend Haydonleigh." schools are within easy and safe To try and find a way forward walking distance of most homes in the parents have had meetings with the area, and argue it is not fair to North Swindon MP Michael Wills force parents to deliver children to and Abbey Meads councillors different schools in order to allow Justin Tomlinson and David another parent a slightly shorter Renard but Swindon Education journey with only one child. appears to be unmoved. They also say that Swindon Several parents caught up in this Council has manipulated catch- confusion are trying to sell their ment areas to suit its own bureau- homes to move closer to their decratic needs. In February's Link sired primary school. Alison Carr explained that her famThere will be more upheaval ily moved into the Abbey Meads when two new primary schools School catchment to find later her are due to open in September 2006. home had been redefined into the NoSPEL would like to hear from Penhill School catchment. parents in a similar situation who Gary and Catherine Wallage say have not been in touch yet. Conmany newcomers have been tacts: Nicola Green, tel: 638159; caught out. "We arrived in Febru- Catherine Wallage, tel: 723460.

Th e Link Magazine • March 2005 13

Cisco kids get on the network

Arts to make Bradon special

High tech computer networking company CISCO has teamed up with Hreod Parkway School to award it academy status and in turn the school is working with New College to establish a range of professional computing courses.

Arts and performance have been put top of the agenda at Bradon Forest School which has been awarded Arts Specialist status at its first attempt.

Securing specialist status brings £150,000 in capital funding which will be spent on building a

Headteacher Andrew Fleet said Hreod was the first school in Swindon to gain the recognition from CISCO. "There has been considerable investment in staff training staff and new equipment in the newly furnished CISCO laboratory.

Artistic flourish Independent artists Toni Robinson and Gordon Dickinson of No Added Sugar have received a £35,000 grant from the Arts Council to work with Hreod Parkway and Moredon Junior Schools on ground breaking arts projects over the next six months.

"Approved instructors will offer courses which lead to industry recognised qualifications for students and adults." Courses range from setting up simple peer-to-peer/wireless networks, A+ certification, through to CISCO CCNA professional qualifications. Mr Fleet said the link with the company and New College would continue when the school moves to its new purpose built cam pus at the end of 2006. For details about the CISCO approved courses, call Graham Offler at Hreod on 527999 ext 7432.

drama and dance education suite next to the existing 100 seat drama studio, and £129,000 a year over four years which will pay for staffing and developing the existing programme of arts work in y the communit and with partner primary schools. Headteacher Len Spiers said gaining arts status was due to the dedication of his colleagues who had worked closely with partner primary schools and community groups. "The Bawdy romp of love, marriage and greed at Bradon. extra funding will offer February's Year 11 production ofJohnson, Marsden our students enhanced and Chapman's 17th Century play 'Eastward Ho.' opportunities and facili- Front, the dnwkards,from left, TomMartin, Charties in the arts and across lotte Milward, Part Shakrokmi, Rebecca Palmer, the whole curriculum. I Ashley Larking,overlooked by respectable society, am particularly pleased Simon Olny, Patrick North, Lia Neave that the school will have the extra crucial to the bid. "These pledges, resources to extend our arts work in addition to the parental donainto the many communities we tions received through personal commitments and support of fundserve." He added that the sponsorship raising activities, underpinned our from Purton, North Wiltshire and detailed application to the DepartWest Swindon businesseshadbeen ment of Education & Skills."

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14 The Link Magazine â€˘ March 2005 OF

J44^

GORSE

Hltt

Consultation and confusion. Schools reorganisation debate marked by conflict and disagreement

The consultation is under way; representatives from Swindon Council's education department are touring West Swindon explaining why primary schools have to be rationalised to remove costly surplus places, predicted to be around 700 in 2009. SPECIALISTS IN WEDDING HIRE Councillors could decide to The January Link headline to this come up with a collective view of SENIOR SCHOOL UNIFORM make no changes, but the pressure story asked if reorganising West what's best has been lost. ConsulKING SIZE MENSWEAR to have financially viable schools Swindon schools was a vision of tation is once again a top down AND IN-HOUSE ALTERATION/ is considerable. Therefore two the future or a disaster in the mak- exercise. The people are kept at TAILORING DEPARTMENT ing. could close. arms length whilst council officers At the same time the council is Although the formal consulta- make their report to councillors LTuu 124 Cricklade Roa keen to use resources more effec- tion was only launched in early for a decision later in the year. Gorse Hill, Swindon tively by creating 'extended February, the lead up to the deciTel: 642211 Meetings have already taken place schools' which incorporate health, sion has been marked by parental Open: gam - 5.30pm at Toothill and Salt Way Schools social services, community and confusion, anger and suspicion of Wed & Sat gam - 5pm youth services, for which there is the council's real intentions. The and also a public meeting in Shaw. Free car park government funding available. belief is that the decision has been There is still a chance to find out made and it is 'their school' which what's going on, question council officers and make point of views has been targeted for closure. Parents have been critical of heard at: Westlea School governors for Freshbrook Primary School breaking an agreement with other - Monday 28 February, 7pm schools in January and publicising Westlea Primary School the council's initial, poorly writ- - Tuesday 1 March. 7.15pm ten draft of a consultation docuWhatever your child wants to achieve in life, Oliver Tomkins Infant School ment. a solid foundation in and Thursday 3 March, 7pm The headteachers of Freshbrook is essential. With the year-round Kumon programmes, children develop confidence, School and next door Windmill Shaw Ridge Primary School discipline and study skills that last them a lifetime. Hill School appeared on local TV - Tuesday 8 March, 7pm in February offering opposing Windmill Hill Primary School Kumon West Swindon Centre views: Mr Luke of Freshbrook sup- - Thursday 10 March, 7.30pm Lydiard Millicent Parish Hall porting the merging of the two Call Richard Bell on 01285 711170 Brook Field Primary School schools, Mr Messenger of WindCentre open 4.00pm to 6.00pm - Monday 21 March, 7pm mill defending the success of his Mondays and Thursdays highly regarded and popular A public meeting for West SwinFor almost 50 years, children around the world have benefited from studying the Kumon maths and language programmes. 45,000 children of all ages and abilities are currently school and the principle of main- don people not involved in parenrolled at study centres throughout the UK. ticular schools takes place at taining smaller schools. Unfortunately any chance of the Freshbrook Community Centre community working together to on Tuesday 22 March, 8pm 1 979 - 2004

an education for life

Restructuring schools: a parent's perspective Norman Butler, a community governor of Toothill School, with a

daughter at Westlea pre-school, comments on schools reorganisation I've heard and read much about parents is playing politics with the plans for West Swindon people's lives. Our representatives' actions are Schools since a document with one 'proposal' appeared in December proving divisive and unsettling. 2004. Later and fuller versions in- Parents and their children are not corporating four 'options' con- just statistics. For the residents in tained statements that were opin- those communities no area or ion, used bias wording to promote school is better than another, they one option over another and even just care passionately aboutTHEIR questioned the motives of teach- school and THEIR community. The ers. In addition the process was communities belong to the council not clearly defined, tax paying residents of West SwinThis unprofessional approach don, not the council's or the counhas not instilled confidence, has cillor's. Let's not lose sight of that. inevitably lead to unrest and if left It's not change that's in question unchecked will undermine those but the process for implementing communities they claim to sup- it. I ask the council to now control port whether the schools remain it moreopenly,clearly,professionopen or not. ally, sympathetically and with reThe Cabinet Member for Educa- spect for parents, as it should have tion, amongst others, made public been from day one. It's not easy to statementsaboutsavingsandcosts make informed decisions espeper head without issuing hard facts cially when you don't have the or reports to support them. Most information or the knowledge. As parents accept that from a finan- a parent I am still open minded cial perspective the review is nec- and will consider all options only essary and changes are inevitable when and if all details are made but to make statements about clo- available. Until then I would urge sures and the financial justifica- all parents to question and chaltion without providing the evi- lenge what is happening in their dence first and before informing communities.

The Link Magazine • March 2005 15

Royal opening planned for town's newest school

Highworth Pre-School

Youngsters at Taw Hill's St Francis Church of England School have been busily helping to create a sculpture to proclaim the works of their patron saint, to be unveiled by the Duchess of Gloucester when she visits the school for the official opening on 10 March. Artist Melissa Cole from Marl- sters helped prepare the pieces to displayed on the outside wall of borough was commissioned last be welded to the main sculpture. the school, overlooking children year to portray the story of St While younger children watched and visitors as they enter the buildFrancis and the birds, incorporat- her forming the red hot ironwork ing. The Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire ing ideas put forward by children pulled from the portable blackand also items made at the school. smith forge, older children took said he would enquire whether a Melissa spent a week with chil- turns to give texture to the bird member of the Royal family would dren during December talking shapes, beating them with ham- open the school when he cut the about St Francis, taking away their mers and polishing them ready to first turf in December 2003. Members of the Diocesan Edubird designs which she cut from be attached. steel. In late January the youngThe finished sculpture will be cation Board will also attend and the Bishop of Bristol Rev Michael St Francis children hold up their birds for Melissa to include in her sculpture Hill will give the blessing.

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Back to basics approach to learning launched at new education centre Children in need of extra help or needing further challenge in reading, writing, spelling or mathematics now have access to a brand new after-school tutoring system at the Basepoint Business centre in West Swindon. Kip McGrath Education Centres, broad demanding curriculum, this well known to parents in Australia is not always possible. "Children fear failure and may and other parts of the world for many years, has been opened by resort to misbehaviour to distract Andrea and David Parkinson, both attention away from their difficulteachers in Swindon. ties or they may become disilluThe tutoring system is aimed at sioned and lack ambition to im6 to 16 year olds and emphasises a prove. Some children can actually 'back-to-basics' approach to edu- become ill from continued low selfcation. Initia lly a student is as- esteem." sessed before an individual proThe Kip McGrath approach aims gramme is prepared. Tutorials are to eliminate any sense of failure based on a series of computer and and build solid foundations of cassette programmes integrated knowledge. The brand new hi-tech with structured worksheets and Swindon Education Centre is an text books. The material is moti- exciting place for children to learn vating and developmental and in. The individual tuition in a small children catch up or move further group environment ensures that each child can make sound as quickly as possible. Andrea and David know only progress at a rate they are comforttoo well that many children expe- able with. With no hidden costs, no uprience difficulties with literacy or maths at school with pressures to front fees and all materials supachieve leaving them anxious and plied, the Kip McGrath System is stressed. Andrea, a leading Spe- an invaluable aid to children to cial Educational Needs Co- attain success and their parents ordinator in a Swindon school, keen to help them feel comfortable said, "I know that the vast major- with learning. ity of teachers do a fantastic job in For details and to book a free trying to ensure each child achieves educational assessment for your the level expected for their age. child, call Andrea or David on But I'm also aware that in schools 608708 or mail: mail@kip with large diverse classes and a swindon.com

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16 The Link Magazine • March 2005

Toddling in North Swindon

Advertising feature

Prior Park Prep School in Cricklade gets excellent results Prior Park is flourishing with 181 pupils, fifty of whom board and an increasing number who flexi-board for part of the week. Pupils are welcomed into the school across the ability and age ranges. They are taught in bright, lively classrooms where the approach is very much one of praise and encouragement. About half the pupils transfer at age 13 to Prior Park College in Bath. Creativity is encouraged in every child through music, drama and art. All pupils have weekly art and music lessons with specialist teachers and over half learn one or more instrument. There are many opportunities to take part in musical concerts. Two PE lessons and three games coaching sessions a

In Taw Hill

Taw Hill Tots reformed on 28 February at St Francis Church of England School after a couple of months break following the closure of the temporary worship centre. The group meets on Mondays, 10am to 11.30am. There is a waiting list but there will be places for new members from September. For details call Angela Reed on 703352. In Abbey Meads

Scallywags offers a place of fun for children aged 12 months to preschool age and their parents.

week provide every child with the opportunity to participate in a varied and challenging programme of sport. In 2004 thirty-five pupils went to South Africa to play rugby, netball and hockey. A cricket tour to Barbados is now being planned for 2006. The ICT suite was upgraded again last summer with the latest flat screen technology and a new kiln was installed in the Art Studio. Do visit us on Saturday 5 March to view the facilities and discuss a future for your child's education.

Prior Park Preparatory School

The friendly and relaxed group meets on Tuesday and Friday mornings at Abbey Meads Community Primary School and offers free play with a range of toys, games, books and puzzles, singing, a craft activity and snack. Tea and coffee are provided. Sessions cost £1.25 per week but the first session is free. There is no waiting list and present members are keen to meet newcomers. For details, call Helen Rebello on 703918 (Tuesday) or Becky Dharmasiri on 703807 (Friday).

Meadowpark School Est. ] 994 A well established

Cricklade, Wiltshire SN6 6BB IAPS Co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 7— 13 • Small classes and caring staff ensure that the individual needs of every child are met. • Consistently high academic results with a strong sporting and musical tradition. • A welcoming Christian environment where good manners and respect for each other are encouraged in all pupils.

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The Link Magazine • March 2005 17

Solid performance by Jellytots

Upper Shaw Farm Ploygroup

Shaw's Jellytots Playgroup has been highly praised by Ofsted.

Encouraging your child to learn through play Sessions now available for 3 to 5 year olds Morning sessions Tuesday to Friday: 9am -11.45am

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Afternoon sessions Monday to Thursday: 12.15pm - 2.45pm

All your child to develop their pre-school skills in a safe and caring environment.

From 2 to 5 sessions available per week For further information, please call Pam Porter on 01793 877936 Upper 5hew Fo rm Playgroup is an equal opportunities playgroup

Headstarts Da Nurser School ,

Jan Woodward front with colleagues Wendy Reeds/tow, left, and Chris Hunt. Not pictured, Debbie Dean and Becky Barlett

The inspection report states that the group is well organised and staff create a welcoming environment for children and parents with space well utilised into clear learning areas, including good use of a sensory garden. The range of activities is excellent and support for children with special educational needs is very good. The staff are very good role models for children. The nursery education offered is of high quality; children make very good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas. The report recognises that the staff team have been together for eight years and that the leadership and management of the group is very good. The partnership with parents is also very good and they are encouraged to be involved with their children's learning. Playgroup manager Jan Woodward said the playgroup committee and her colleagues were delighted with the report. "We are very committed to the playgroup ideals of being managed by a parent's committee and learning through play. This is so important to give children the foundations to

move onto school." The group which occupies a building at Brookfield School is registered for 20 children per session but only takes 16 to ensure a high staff to child ratio. It is full and has a limited number of places for children born after 1 September 2003, to start in September 2006. To register call Jan Woodward on 07729 825470. Register early With the sudden closure of Freshbrook's Rainbow Playgroup in January. parents need to register early to secure a playgroup place in the area. It is understood that the group was not meeting Ofsted requirements and numbers had dropped. Mandy Whitaker of the Swindon Pre-school Learning Alliance said, "Unfortunately in today's competitive climate this particular setting was unable to stay open, and whilst we regret the closure there are other playgroups in the area that could accommodate the children." For details of playgroups, call Mandy Whitaker on 611145 or the Children's Information Service on 541786.

Be pampered and meet other mums The National Childbirth Trust holds a Ladies' Pamper Evening in association with The Body Shop on Friday 11 March. 8 pm. at Windmill Hill Day Nursery. The cost of £5 includes two out of four pamper treatments (mini-makeover, mini-facial. foot massage or hand massage) with other treatments available for a donation. Refreshments will be provided and Body Shop items can be ordered on the night for home delivery. For a ticket call 07005 800196.

THE FAMOUS NCT NEARLY NEW SALE Saturday 16 April, 11 am - 1 pm, Oasis Leisure Centre. Entry £1 A fantastic quality selection of children's clothes (0-4 years). cots, prams. nursery equipment, maternity wear, toys. videos and books available at bargain prices! To sell nearly new items, send a large SAE and a cheque for £2.50 made payable to NCTSwindonBranchto: Sellers' Packs. 63 Avenue Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4DA.

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Delta Business Park, Westlea. West Swindon Headstarts is a triendl%. 'family nurser) offering a scarm. I y child benefits happy and relaxed environment where ever from individual attention. Cott located within a few minutes drive from M4

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Happy Bunnies Childcare v Prices from £2.00ph only! v Collection/drop offs to your house if required • Early Morning Club: 7.30am - ' am ( Drop offs available any area) v Pre-school creche: 9am - 2pm •: After-school care: 3pm - 6pm (Pick ups available any area) v Drop off facility (For parents visiting the gym/ shopping, etc.) • Organic food, fitness classes, dramatic arts, clown visits, outings and language tuition. • Low prices but high quality care and education `

Happy Parents' and `Happy Children' are always found at `Happy Bunnies' For an informal discussion, please call Branch Manager Maria Taylor on 01793 704089 or 07915 070069 e- mail: villas l nspain.aol.com

1 8 The Link Magazine • March 2005

Poveys plan fundraising event

£1 Children's Information Service

off a child's portrait when taken

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Take-Away Photography Tel: 07860 514438 www.takeawayphotography.co.uk

Swindon's supermum Sue Povey is planning a thank you fundraising hair and fashion show in aid of Freshbrook Primary School on Monday 21 March. Sue and her daughter Charlie, a Year 6 summer week away. "I started thinking about this who run Style & File Hair and Nail Design Studio, are teaming up with when my Katie came home from Sargeo Kids Clothing Company to school just before Christmas sayput on the event which will raise ing that year 6 were trying to raise money for school funds, including funds for their last school holiday together before they leave for secondary

school," said Sue. "Freshbrook School has taught 13 Povey children over 20 years, with another to follow, and it's also teaching my granddaughter. The

ini

Musi cam,

bU 9,5 fun & educational music sessions for children aged 6 months to pre-school

free trial sessions available

Fun Song sessions for

Tickets can be obtained from Fresh-

parents/carers with

brook School, tel.

pre-school children and babies

872800.

North Swindon Library, Lawn, Purton, South Marston,

Watchfield, Taw Hill, Broad Town & Wanborough Come along and join in with our fun musical approach to learning

join us for singing, bubbles, puppets, pour pours, animal masks, parachute games and musical instruments! Abbey Meads,Wootton Bassett, Old Town

^usicitins

least I could do is give a little back as a way of saying 'thankyou."

Call Cath on 01793 727286 or email sarah@minimusieians.eo.ub

Call Claire on 01793 722072

•

Party ente rt ainment now available! Call Claire on 07960 153985 to find out more!

Comma A minima.

cheme th

y9s

profits are returned to ' je A to

benefit the local community through the Co' 'ru

ier ' Sc 1s ''

In the first part of 2005 the Co-op have made

grant awards to: • Swindon Pulse Whole Food: £500 • Wilts Search and Rescue: £500 • Walcot Family Centre: £ 1000 • Life Education Centre in Wootton Bassett: £ 1000 • Home Group, Bridge Services: £230 • Friends of Abbey Meads School pond project: £ 1000 If you think a project you know of could qualify

for a grant of up to £ 1,000,

call 0800435902 for more information Oxford, Swindon & Gloucester

••

Bowled over by decision to ban bawdy Britney A Toothill Mum was amazed when Megabowl at Shaw Ridge agreed to remove Britney Spears' provocative video 'Toxic' from its screens fo ll owing her complaint. Not only that, Tenpin Ltd, the company that runs the Swindon Megabowl, has removed it from all their 38 UK sites. Susan White visited Megabowl for a family outing before Christmas and was taken aback when she saw Britney baring herself. "I was shocked by the sexually suggestive nature of the video. It was very hard to ignore as the screen is right next to the scoreboard. I felt embarrassed and was concerned at the effect it might have Susan and Benjamin White on the children in our party." with Kerry Porter, left Susan wrote to Megabowl to suggest that the video was not suit- tainment venue. Tenpin would not able for showing to children, re- under any circumstances intenquesting it should not be shown. tionally set out to cause offence to "I think Megabowl is a great enter- any of our customers. "We welcomed Susan's letter. It tainment venue for children but I wouldn't be happy for our son to is only through our customers' go there again if he might see a communication and points of view that we can improve and enhance video like that." Having learned that Britney's our business." performance had drawn criticism Susan said she was delighted by in the national press for being too Megabowl's response. "It shows raunchy, Susan assumed that Ten- they are keen to respond positively pin must have acted following to their customers and have a reother complaints too. However, sponsible attitude towards famiKerry Porter, Megabowl's deputy lies to provide wholesome entermanager, explained that, under the tainment. I would encourage other terms of their entertainment li- parents to air their concerns at any cence, any complaint must auto- entertainment venues like this. matically go before the company's "The chances are that if you feel board of director at head office. In uncomfortable about something, this case both she and her bosses other people do too." were unanimous that the video Susan will be returning to Megabowl with her family and should be withdrawn. Kerry said, "we pride ourselves friends to enjoy a complimentary on being a fantastic family enter- game.

Swindon & Cricklade Railway City of Truro Weekend Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th March, 10am to 5pm THE LINK (MAGAZINE'S GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON IN INID AROUND SWINDON

A unique opportunity to ride behind this historic locomotive on loan from the National Railway Museum, York

Achieving good things in difficult times An exhibition - Art bra New World -at the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery in Bath Road. Old Town until 12 June looks at the town's commitment to improve its culture over 60 years ago. laying the foundation for Swindon's renowned art collection.

a range of new cultural activities or 'extension activities' as they were known. Using the empty electricity showrooms as a children's library and meeting room, the new groups were encouraged - a gramophone society. a play-reading group and an

•1

Robert Dickinson with Tower Bridge. London - A war time nocturne, Francis Barry's evocative painting of the capital preparing for attack The Battle El Alamein in 1942 was a turning point in World War II. There was a growing sense that the allies could be the victors in the long, and continuing, conflict, and an optimism that it would be followed by a new bright future. Swindon, heavily committed to the war effort, was also changing when the first public library opened in 1943. This was a new venture. independent of the Great Western Railway which still dominated the town, and in addition to the Mechanics' Institute Library and Reading Room which had been established for almost 100 years. Under a new librarian, James Swift, the library opened in temporary premises in the now demolished Mcllroy's Store in Regent Street. It soon became the focus of

art discussion group. This last initiative was linked to two developments in the visual arts: a series of exhibitions held in the Town Hall which were organised nationally by CEMA (The Council for the Encouragement of Music and the Arts - now the Arts Council of England) and the establishment, in 1944. of a permanent art collecti on for Swindon which soon en- I compassed the traditional and the avante garde. They including paintings given by a well-known local baker F.C. Phelps who later left a bequest to the collection. specifying that it should not be used to purchase modernist works like Picasso. On the other hand. London stockbroker. local landowner and art collector H.J.P. Bomford gave a talk to the art discussion group about one of Picasso's works, lent some of his paintings for exhibition, then donated them to the town. These included two Henry Moores, a Graham Sutherland. a Lowry and three works by Kenneth Martin. Left, a section of zoologist and author Desmond Morris 'picture of his one time girl friend and later Swindonstar, the blonde bombshell Diana Dors

An acquisition's policy was established and the collection has continued to grow. with many works being lent for exhibition allover the world. Robert Dickinson. Swindon Council's Heritage Manager, said. the exhibition reflected a community investing in new art and new ideas. "It celebrates the foresight of building a new cultural foundati on for the town. " Many of the works collected in those early years seemed to be art that was truly for the future, but now. after 60 years, they are recognised as being part of a classic tradition." • Children's Easter activities at the Museum - see page 27.

Adults £6, Children & Seniors == Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) £18 Cafe, shop and free parking T

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Wedding Fayre Over 40 wedding exhibitors Free entry Bridal competition Organise most of your wedding in one day! Sunday 20th March

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SwindGn Wide Big fixer gets top award Successful events don't just happen. There's an army of people planning, arranging and organising in the background, usually unseen, but sometimes noticed scurrying around a stage to ensure everything is in place, safe and ready to function without a hitch. Annuallyorganisersgettogether Busted, Yes, Tom Jones, Blue, at the Total Productions Interna- Westlife,DonnyOsmondand Elton tional Awards to recognise who is John. top in the field. In February Andy After receiving his award from Cotton. recently of West Swindon, broadcaster and 'Professor of Pop' now living in Malmesbury, was Paul Gambaccini, Andy said he voted Production Manager of the was surprised to be recognised by Year. his peers. "I was gob smacked Last year his TAO Productions when my name was called out. company put on over 60 outdoor "It's great to be recognised but festivals, working with everybody all the credit must go to the TAO who matters in entertainment - team, most of whom live in and around West Swindon. We've worked together for many years to put on events' He has been responsibleforpro-

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ducing the Wiltshire Festival at Lydiard Park over many years. Although it returned in 2004 after a years break, this year's event looks in doubt after the promoter de-

cidednottogoaheadwithoutback

Andy with Charlotte Church at the Party in the Park 2000

ing from a major sponsor. However Andy says it could still happen. "We've been involved for over 12 years and we're talking to other promoters who might take the show on."

No audition necessary Opus One is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a series of cabaret evenings in May and is looking for new members. Anyone interested in joining this vocal entertainment group is welcome to come along to a rehearsal on Mondays, 7.30pm at the Wroughton Working Men's Club. Just turn up or call musical and production directors Sandra Burchell and Bob Hills on 814877 for more information.

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Wide Lydiard link with important period architect The £5.3 million bid to the >vui ^itn Heritage Lottery Fund for the restoration of Lydiard Park has been strengthened by new evidence that the 18th Century remodelling of Lydiard House was undertaken by the well-known Palladian revival architect Roger :, Morris. Historian Carole Fry ^z': discovered ancient accounts in the archives of the Sl John family bank to support the claim that the renowned architect of the time had been employed by

OPENING END OF FEBRUARY

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Lord St John to raise his profile, as well as demonstrating that he was a man of taste and learning. Previous to the work taking place. between 1743 and 1746, the house was a Tudor style manor house illustrated here. The full history of Lydiard Park can be seen by visiting the house. To see the heritage lottery fund plans, go to: www.lydiardpark.org

The lost farms in the West: Upper Shaw

Frances Bevan from Middleleaze is researching the farms of West Swindon, before the houses arrived. Last month she wrote about Brook Farm before it was turned into a restaurant. Here she looks at Upper Shaw Farm, which twenty years ago in March opened as a community centre. For centuries Shaw, Upper Shaw and East Leaze Farms, clustered together on the parish boundary of Lydiard Millicent and Lydiard Tregoze. It is likely that during the 1 8th Century the Bolingbroke famil y of Lydiard Park owned all three farms, but by the beginning of the 1 9th only East Leaze remained part of the Lydiard estate. The 1841 Tithe Map and Apportionments for Lydiard Millicent record that the owners of Upper Shaw Farm were Devereux Bowly and Samuel Sadler, trustees of the late Thomas Packer Butt's estate. The dairy farm comprised 90 acres 3 rods and 38 perches and field names included Little and Great Monkards and Martins Hill. Throughout the 1 8th Century, prope rty and marriage ties bind the Butt family with the wealthy Plummer and Sadler families of Purton. Thomas, the youngest of William and Hannah Sadler's seven surviving children, was baptised at St. Mary's Church, Purton on 29 September 1 784. He married Mary Ann Bathe at the Purton parish church on 28 January 1805 and their first child, a daughter Elizabeth Ann, was born later that same year, the eldest of the couple's fourteen children. In 1809 the family move from Purton to take up the tenancy of Upper Shaw Farm. Thomas and Mary Ann now worship at All Saint's Church in Lydiard Millicent, where their children are baptised, and take an active role in their adopted parish. Thomas Sadler served as churchwarden between 1817 and 1 819 and 1827 to 1830, performing various other parish offices

during his long residency. He died on 11 March 1852 at Upper Shaw Farm, aged 66 years old, cause of death, heart disease and atrophy. In 1870 the last of the Butt family owners, Thomas Packer Walter Butt, sold the 74 acre Upper Shaw Farm to William Plummer, tenant at neighbouring East Leaze Farm, for £5,647 18s. The property remained in the Plummer family, passing first to Emma after her brother William's death, and then to William John Plummer Kinchin, their sister Catherine's son. William John Plummer Kinchin, the great nephew of Victorian ten-

ant Thomas Sadler. sold the farm to George Henry Cowleyfor£5.000 in 1920. After one hundred and ten years the interchanging Sadler/ Plummer family occupancy at Upper Shaw Farm ended. Upper Shaw continued as a working, dairy farm until the Borough of Swindon purchased it along with Wick Farm for the purpose of 'town development' in February 1 971 at a cost £156,080. Whilst ancient fields of pasture vanished beneath the new development, the stone built farmhouse survived, gaining a new lease of life when it opened as a borough owned community centre in 1984, providing halls and meeting rooms available for hire.

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Ge0efralS `a

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Link Centre's first member of staff and s Link Centre marks its twentieth year at the end of April. We met the building's architect in the February edition. Here we intervi When she was taken on as a receptionist in 1985, Shirley was younger than the managers and most of her colleagues. As the only original team member, she's now somewhat older than most of the people who work in the building. Having moved to Westlea in July 1 980 with her husband Paul, Shirley thought her career as an RAF physical training instructor would continue for a long time. But when he left the air force, she was faced with the choice of being posted wherever the RAF sent her or submit her notice. In March 1985 Shirley was seeing out her last few weeks at RAF Lyneham knowing she had secured a job at Link Centre, though she had little idea of what it would involve. She remembers the inter-

view well. "We had to report to the builders' site huts which were on the health centre car park. We were all dressed to impress, in our suits and smart shoes. but were taken on a route march to the far side of the Link to the original peak time ice rink entrance. "Externally the building was complete but the roads and landscaping had not been finished so we had to pick our way along a muddy footpath. Inside the administration offices were ready and the carpet in the mall was down, but a lot of rooms were being fitted out and equipment was being unwrapped. "I was just amazed by how big the place was: the sports hall was just huge and looking at the ice rink from the top of the spectator seating was incredible. But it took me a

few years to get used to the unfinished look about Link Centre with all the exposed steel and brick work." Shirley was slightly surprised .. that the second interview included a

Maths and English test, but she was successful and

started at the beginning of April, taking part in three weeks of intensive work with all the other new staff who were preparing for the opening of the ice rink at the end of April. The doors to the first paying public took place on 26 April, but this was preceded by four trial evenings for Thamesdown Council staff, schools and representatives of community or-

that everybody knew what to d once the doors were open to th public. Opening the ice rink firs followed by the other facilities, a lowed the staff to build up to fu strength and also develop how th building would be managed." Computers did not arrive at Lin Centre until three years after opened and Shirley remembers th

ganisations.

early days as being chaotic

"There was tremendous enthusiasm amongst the staff to get everything right,"said Shirley. "We had practice procedures on what to do with lost children, accidents and in the event of fire, which were constantly reviewed and refined so

Old Bell Pottery & Crafts

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Dolls houses E,- miniatures Traditional games & toys; local craft items

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Trust argues case for town centre uni

1) still there ey Burden who has been on the staff from day one. e bookings file. When courses arted a year after Link opened it as madness trying to get all the formation whilst keeping delays r customers to a minimum." Shirley remembers the massive sponse from Swindon people to ;e Link Centre. "Thursday evengs were incredible with 300 peoe queuing down the mall for a ness class and another 200 gog the other way to see a film in e arts suite (now the gym). In ose days Swindon's only cinema as at the top of Regent Street. With all the fuss about smoking public places nowadays, its easy forgetthe council banned smokg at Link Centre over 15 years jo. Reaction wasn't too bad as nokers could still use the bar, but was a bit odd when the World nooker Championships spon)red by Embassy were held here 1 990. The sports hall was transr med into a television arena and large betting booth was built in e mall. People could smoke in ere and you could see all this poke pouring out the top. it was !ally like a chimney. The mall was a public footpath id people used to wheel their

Carrefourshopping trolleys through the centre and come on their Sunday walks: but a rule had to be made to prevent dog owners bringing their pets in. There was a bit of abuse from anti-social youth but it wasn't too bad after security staff were brought in. Nowadays, with CCTV cameras in the building, security is very low key. Link Centre is very successful because of its openness. Nobody is excluded - you can take part in sport, or be a spectator. or watch your child using the play area in the mall. It really offers so much to the whole community. "I've got to know lots of the customers who have used the centre from day one and there's never a ti me when it's dull. I've seen my fortieth and my fiftieth birthday here and I've never wanted to work anywhere else."

February competition extended How many people use Link Centre annually? Hint, think big six figures.

Send entries to The Link magazine, address page 4.

Everybody agrees, a university is good for Swindon. but the question dividing people is, where should it go? The University of Bath wants to build a campus rk between Coate Park and the Great Water Country Pa tt Western Hospital and has the incentive of free land on offer. if building companies can also build 1.800 homes and develop a business park. Campaigners have gathered 15.000 names on a petition objecting to the proposal and a recent EveningAdvertisersurvey found of people want the university located in the town centre. Now the Swindon Civic Trust has come up with a report which The town centre anda university gives details of how this can be go together. says Alan Hayward achieved by redeveloping sites The University of Bath, which running from Regent Circus. along until recently refused to consider Princes Street. through Whale Bridge and Carfax to North Star. an alternative to Coate Water. has Principal author Alan Hayward. invited the Civic Trust to explain its from Sparcells, said it explains how report and the New Swindon Comthe proposal would not compropany said it will also be looking at the arguments for the town centre. mise the New Swindon Company's plans to introduce new shopThe University has already camping, employment and housing into mitted itself to locating a department of interdisciplinary and perthe town centre and argues the formance arts in the town centre if employment, style and vitality that a university could bring would prothe Coate project goes ahead. Call Alan Hayward for a printed vide the impetus needed to make copy of the report on 07765 411604 the regeneration of the town cenwww.swindoncivictrust.org.uk tre a success.

assive M

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Swindon Wide Whct's Music

IMPORTANT DECISIONS C SouCiToRs

Tuesday 1st, 8pm Girls Behind by Louise Roche

JT.

D Ca rter Read & Dove Contact: Commerce House 34/35 Commercial Road Swindon SNt 5NS * Property Matters Commercial & Residential Conveyancing

Centre A story of singing trio The Diamonds, Sadie, Lois and Serena who have been friends since school. They laugh together, cry together and sing together until ambition and men begin to tear them apart. £14. Wyvern Thursday 3rd, 7.30pm From Basin Street to Broadway. Georgie Fame and Keith Smith and his all-star band with an unforgettable night of live music. £17 Wyvern

* Employment For both the Employer and Employee * Wills & Probate Efficient administration of a loved one's estate Tel: (01793) 617617 E-mail: int'o@acrd.org.uk V ebs i te: wwww. crd.o rg. u k

a/ Flights! , • experienc

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ights from £50 for 30 minutes

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Sunday 6th, Julie Felix. The Rainbov From traditio Mexican folk songs. via Dylan classics to her own compositions expect an eclectic mix from a lady renowned for her message of hope alongside a commitment to sing out against injustice and inequality. £12. Arts

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Tuesday 8th to Saturday 19th Swindon Music Festival. This popular festival has three sessions of competitive classes each day (not Sunday 13th). See programme for details. £1 per session. Arts Centre Saturday 12th, 7.30pm The Oriel Singers. This popular vocal group from Cheltenham with a varied programme of choral favourites. £9. WestonbirlSchool Wednesday 16th to Saturday 19th, 7.30 p m HMS Pinafore & Trial by Jury presented by Swindon Gilbert & Sullivan Society. A great double bill provides fun for all the family. £9.50.

Wyvern

Film

Friday 18th, 7pm Choral Concert. The Senior Choirs of Westonbirt School with a Friday 4th, 7.30pm professional string ensemble will De-Lovely (PG) present a programme of baroque Punctuated with award winning songs music by Italian composers, including this original portrait of Cole Porter is Vivaldi's Gloria. Free. Westonbirt atouching love story and an intricate look at this great man's life. £4. School Saturday 19th, 7.30pm Wessex Male Voice Choir and Collegium Brass presented by Haydon Bowls Club. £5/£4 Haydon

Centre. ThamesA venue, te/:706666 Sunday 20th, 8pm The Pete Allen Jazz Band. An entertaining show of light-hearted humour and foot-tapping traditional jazz songs. £14. Wyvern I

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Thursday 24th, 8pm Jan Akkerman. This Dutch guitar legend is back in Swindon after a sell-out concert here last June. £18. Arts Centre Tuesday 29th, 7.30pm Call Up The Groups. The best vocal bands of the sixties, The Barron Knights, The Tremeloes, The Fortunes and Marmalade all onstage together. £16.50. Wyvern Thursday 31st, 8pm Robin Trower. One of the finest guitarists in rock'n'roll, Robin Trower, the white Hendrix', as he was often called, returns to the stage with his exciting brand of power blues/rock. £18. Arts Centre Thursday 31st, 8pm Manhattan Nights. The much-loved music of Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond has been skilfully woven together to form this exciting musical celebration. £15 Wyvern Saturday 2 April, 8pm Elgar's Dream of Gerontious presented by Swindon Choral Society, 80 singers accompanied by West Forest Symphonia. Musical director Robin Nelson. £10/£7. under 155 free. Holy Hood Church, Groundwetffload. Tickets fromlanet Fox, te/ 521822 or Arts Centre

Arts Centre. Devizes Road. Tel: 614837 .- ydiard House. Tel: 770401 STEAM - Museum of the 3reat Western Railway Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 Swindon & Cricklade Railway. Tadpole Lane. Tel: 771615 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Town Hall Studios. Tel: 463210 Westonbirt School. Tetbury, Glos. Tel: 01666 880333 West Swindon Library. Link Centre. Tel: 465555 Wyvern Theatre. Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

Wyvern Wednesday 23rd, 7.45pm Man Of The Year (15) A stylish and cynical Brazilian film, in which an unemployed car salesman is unexpectedly promoted to the role of local vigilante, after shooting a neighbourhood thug - but this is just the start of a slippery slope into crime and corruption. Subtitled. Swindon

Film Society Tuesday 29th, 7.45pm Code 46 (15) Starring Tim Robbins and Samantha Morton this intelligent film set in the future, and stunningly shot in Shanghai, manages to appear bleakly beautiful. £4. Arts Centre Wednesday 30th, 7.45pm The Cuckoo (12A) A gently comedy set in Finland in 1944. A love-starved Lapp woman shelters a young Finnish sniper dressed in an SS uniform, and a grizzled Soviet army captain - but none of them can speak the other's language. Subtitled. SFS

Swindon Film Society (SFS, Al/fi/ms are shown at the Arts Centre: tickets are notsoldin advance; society leaflets are available at the Arts Centre, join when purchasing tickets.

On inM(Arch Children and Family Theatre Wednesday 2nd to Saturday 5th, Events 7.30pm Saturday 5th, 2pm - 4pm Mobile Monsters. Design a scary

dinosaur mobile and create a flying pterosaur. For ages 5- 11. £250. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Sat 5th, 10.30am, 1.30pm, 4.30pm and Sunday 6th, 10.30am, 1.30pm

iies

•

III lL

They Came to a City by JB Priestley performed by The Western Players. Nine individuals find themselves outside the walls of a strange city. Who are they, and what does this mean? £5 Arts Centre Wednesday 2nd, 8pm Stones In His Pockets. When a major Hollywood film studio descends on a village in rural Ireland the demand for extras from the local community is huge. As the story unfolds, just two talented actors bring to life over 15 extraordinary characters. £1750. Wyvern Monday 7th, 8pm

Swindon & Cricklade Railway

Midnight Cowboys

n 7

Monday: Rodbourne Cheney, 7.30 Rodbourne Cheney Club. Moredon Road (near Rodbourne Arms)

Wednesday: Highworth, 7.00

Thursday: Coleview 7.00 Community Centre, Nythe Road

Step by step instruction for absolute beginners. Weekend socia/s in Highworth and Swindon For more details Ring Lewis Watson on 764732 Ten years o f teaching.!

Organised by Money & Mc/nerney Schools of /rish Dancing

1ADPOLE SANE

Tel/Fax: (01793) 513069

Family dances

TopunTOry

Station Tadpole Lane J SWINDON Tel: 771615 "p Trains: 11am - 4pm Cafe, shop and 'WEST ' SWINDON free parking

63 Pembroke Centre Cheney Manor Trading Estate Swindon SN2 2PQ

St Patricks Weekend Celebration Family Night Dance

Bring the family on an outing Sunday 20th March

Blunsdon

Framework Art & Craft

7.30pm plus Wed & Sat 2.30pm Dial M for Murder. See advert on page 19

Easter Bunny Special Sunday 27th & Monday 28th March

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Tuesday 22nd to Saturday 26th,

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D.M.C. Main Agency Daylight Lamps Stockist Picture Framing DIY Framing Supplies

The Alchemist by Cornish Theatre Collective and James Seabright. Based on Paulo Coelho's cult bestseller, this stylish and enchanting adaptation features an original score played live, and stunning aerial puppetry, as it brings the story of a shepherd boy's quest for his dream to life. £10. Arts Centre

770

Tuesday: Even Swindon. 7.00

Over 2,500 sq. ft. of products for the Artist, Crafter and Student

PAT 1

Postman Pat. He's backwith another special delivery together with Jess the Cat. £9.50. Wyvern Sat 5th &Sun 6th, 10am to 5pm City of Truro weekend. A unique opportunity to ride behind this historic locomotive. Adults £6; children & seniors £4. Swindon & Cricklade Railway Wednesday 9th to Saturday 12th, 7.30pm plus Saturday 2.30pm Swindon Gang Show2005 Swindon Scouts and Guides present their 20th Wyvern show. Wed & Thurs £750. Fri and Sat mat f8.50. Sate ve£9.50. Wyvern Sunday 20th, 11am to 4pm Mother's Day steam train trips. Swindon & Cricklade Hallway. From Friday 24 March Cheeky Chicks. Holiday trail -where are all those naughty chicks hiding? Drop-in activity. £1. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Fri 25th & Sat 26th, 11am to 4pm Hot Cross Bun Specials (diesel). Swindon & Cricklade Hallway From Saturday 25 March Easter quiz trail. Follow the trail of traditional painted eggs through the elegant state rooms and find out more about the lives of the people who li ved at Lydiard House. Norma/ admission charge. Sun 27th & Mon 28th, 11am to 4pm Easter Bunny steam train trips. Swindon & Cricklade Hai/way Thursday 31st, 2pm - 4pm Ancient adornments. Inspired by our Roman, Egyptian and Medieval collections, make accessories fit for a king or queen. For ages 5 - 11. £3. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

Line Dance

with

^ESry WC ryE0

www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org

Phone for directions. Parking.

Batleys the UK's leading cash & carry wholesaler, is looking to recruit warehouse assistants, check-out operators and delivery drivers. There are full/part time positions available. Applications should be made in writing to: Mr P Kent. Batley's Cash & Carry

Frankland Road, Blagrove Industrial Estate West Swindon SN5 8TF Bat/eys do not discriminate against men or women whatever their race, re//gion or age

Saturday 12 March, 8pm Grange Drive Sports Centre,

Stratton St Margaret Shawn Cuddy plus support band Riky Denham

Displays of /rish dancing Late bar Tickets £10. Tel' 642368 St Patricks Night Celebration

Organised by Money & Mc/nerney Schools of /rich Dancing Thursday 17th March, 8pm - lam Thistle Hotel, Fleming Way Josie Kelly & Foggy Dew plus support band Riky Denham

Displays of Irish dancing Late bar Tickets £8. Te/- 642368

EXe I

BIG COMPANY BIG OPPORTUNITIES

Exel continue to go from strength to strength in Swindon, providing a wide range of top quality products to Iceland stores throughout the South West. We now have oppo unities for motivated women and men to join our successful team and be involved in achieving our continued success.

Drivers (Class C+E licence) (NEW PAY RATES) These are permanent positions, with the chance to progress within this successful company. What's in it for you? Good rates of pay and benefits and involvement in our business. A ll you have to do to get full details is to ring:

01793 735272

Swindler Wide Whct's Or

Dance

M rah

Talks

Friday 4th, 7.45pm High Spin Dance Company, one of the first companies to include dancers with and without disabilities, performs Who Dunnit?' and `Sleepwalker' in its distinctive and expressive style. £5 Town Ha// Studios

Wednesday 16th, 7.30pm The Victorian Cook by Iris Smith THE NATIONAL TRUST presented by Tootleabrook WI. Toothi/t Community Centre. Wt • details from Jean Brock on 539456 1 g; a PROVERI) I...—*q Thursday 17th, 7.30pm Why Did the National Trust Decide Friday 18th, 1.45pm to Relocate to Swindon? by Start of coostructio0i of the Stop Gap. Avibrant integrated dance consultant John O'Keefe. presented National Oust HQ at company that includes dancers with by Swindon Civic Trust. £1 Civic Trust and without disabilities performs members and concessions, non 'Rough and Tumble', Thank You For members £2. Community Crossthe Eggs and'Corpus'. £5. TownHall roads. former Rai/way Museum, Friday of f ivIs ,,, New Views on Iron Age Britain by Studios Faringdon Road DrJD Hill. curator in Pre-History and Wednesday 30th, 7.30pm Europe atthe British Museum. £4.50. Rabbi Lionel Blue. Using his own Swindon Museum & Art Gallery experiences and Monday 21 March Steam In Alaska by Ralph Ward offbeat sense of presented by Friends of Swindon humour, Rabbi Railway Museum. STEAM. Ca// Lionel Blue tells a selection of 'ou spend your evenings and 466646 for details conversations, D kends doing the ironing? stories and incidents whose dotty inconsequential flavour will appeal to Let us do it for you.... people from all religions and from Swindon Museum & Art Gallery it costs less than you think none. £12 Wyvern 1940s: Art for a New World : ree collection and delivery (home or office) Celebrating the establishment of the 24 hrs turnaround Swindon Collection of Modern British • Available 7 days a week Art at the end of World War II. Highworth Artists' Society • All work undertaken in a clean, smoke free environment Great Western Hospital Tuesday 8 March, 2pm • One-off loads or regular collection From Saturday 5th Community Room, Council Offices, • All work done to your requirements (hanging or folded) Susan Preston: Works on Paper Highworth Tel: 0 1 793 722077 07748 58 8210 Susan Preston collects cultural Demonstration by Paul Weaver oddments. many found on beaches on Buildings in Watercolour or in city streets, and makes drawings Admission: £2 which can form the starting point for oil paintings and works on paper. Lowe The resulting imagery lies between abstraction and figuration. Farm - u Old Shaw Swindon Museum & Art Gallery a r Lane. Shaw Nature for all An exhibition celebrating the variety and importance of the natural world, Sunday 6 March, 10am - 1 pm as seen in and around Swindon. Balancing your Hormones Wyvern, Lower Foyer Naturally with Sue Pembrey. £30, From Tuesday 8th includes lunch Eppie Short: Showgirl fur

MI K

Comedy

press

Exhibitions

Art demonstration

Come rain or shine at

V ES

F9 ``!t

OPEN EVERY DAY DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AND FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY DURING TERM TIME, 10.30am - 5. OOpm Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon Tel: 01793 763939 Map: www.rovesfarm.co.uk

* Meet and feed the animals * Ti-actor and trailer rides & electric tractors * Take a stroll around our 7 different nature trails * Animal racing at weekends * Huge big bale straw stack & bouncy castle * Adventure play area and giant sandpit GREAT * The largest living willow maze in the world! FOR BARN DANCES, * Willow village to explore and picnic in WEDDING * Indoor heated toddlers soft play & sandpit RECEPTIONS & CHILDREN'S * Crafty half hour - Easter surprises PARTIE Granar y Tea Rooms - homemade cakes! I^

Showgirl caters for the discerning appetite. With awinkof glitter, cutting humour and a dab of glue, Showgirl invites you to her fantastical world. Arts Centre Until Saturday 26th Three Photographers: Dimension Striking photographic work from Mel Gigg FRPS, Mark Philpot and Chris Pocock FRPS, exploring the dimension in unusual ways.

Prospect Hospice gig Wednesday 6 April, 8pm Winners Lounge, County Ground with local bands Penfold and Locomotion and support Tickets £6.50 or £7.50 on the night from

• Tourist Information Centre, Regent Street, tel: 466454 • Prospect Hospice Charity Shops; • Arts Centre. Devizes Road, Old Town

Sunday 6 March, 2pm - 5pm Dance into Spring. Spine-tingling music and circle dance from around the world with Lilly Sell. £15 Wednesdays 2, 9, 16, and 23 March, 4.15pm - 6.15pm Healthy Cooking. For children aged 10 - 14 years. £40 Friday 18 to Sunday 20 March Drumming and Juggling with Simon McCarty and Jake-theJuggler.Adu/tf65 child £35 For more more information or to booka course call 771080 oremai/: enquiries( towershawfarm.co.uk

Car boot sale Freshbrook Community Centre

Large hall or car park at rear Every Sunday, from 7am

£4/car or table Tel: 877650 for details

Swindon Wide There's a warm welcome at the all new

WOODLANDS EDGE PEATMOOR

3 Course Dinner & Coffee followed by a 70's disco

Nick, Shelagh and staff invite you to the newly refu r bished Woodlands Edge at Peatmoor Village Centre.

Wh y not get into the party atmosphere and come along in fancy dressfrom the era! Arrival from 7.15pm, Dinner at 7.45pm, Dancing until 12.30am

Here you will find an attractive decor and a congenial atmosphere, whether you are seeking a bite to eat, a quiet pint, the big game on TV or our spacious lounge area.

Special price of just £19.95 per person

To book or for more information

01793 878785

• 3 POOL TABLES • DARTS • TWO MAIN BARS • LARGE NO-SMOKING AREA • FOOD SERVED ALL DAY

THE VILLAGE TAVERN

£8

Mon-Wed before 8pm Selected items only

7%e coir^ruftit pub olvouw doowstep

at Toothill Vi llage Centre

Treat Mum on MOTHER'S DAY Sunday 6th March with a Sunday Carvery EASTER FRIDAY Special -. ^ 25th March. 8.30pm -11 pm 60s Live Music Nite o^ @ /, ^^ t'f` Fancy dress optional

(01793) 421 124 •

' .•

Open: 12noon to 11 pm • Saturday 11 am to 11 pm • Sunday 12noon to 10.30pm Lunchtime menu 12noon - 6pm • Sunday carvery

i I: 01793 887635 E-mail: 8041Qagreeneking.co.uk www.woodlandsedge.co.uk Offers are subject to availability, conditions apply. Ask at bar for details.

immunmmi

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dim

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Holder of the Seafish Friers Quality Award

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Swiodol Wide

Online auction to help Abby's fund

China trek for special hospital

A ball signed by the England team, another by Sir Trevor Brooking and the Robbie Williams CD The Ego has landed, autographed by the man himself, are being auc¶ vim-. tioned on line to boost ' the Abby Smith fund. Three year old Abby died of a brain tumour in 2002 and in her memory mum Helen Smith, right. from Middleleaze has raised £36.000 for the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford and Swindon children s canAt The Link's suggestion Helen cer support charity CALM. approached advertiser Marc Tieleman of Let Us Auction It, the Junction 16 Theatre Group presents Swindon e-Bay auctioneers, to get the best prices. The Farndale Avenue Marc is offering the LUAI servHousing Estate ices free of commission to Abby's Townswomen's Guild Dramatic fund. "I've read of Helen's fundSociety Murder Mystery raising in The Link, we're pleased A play with an implausibly long title, to help her get a good price. "These items are very interestlots of audience participation, ing, perhaps unique; they should a fashion show and a raffle sell easily." 4 & 5 March, 7.30pm

West Swindon mum Nikki Styles and her aunty Gillian will be setting off for the Great Wall of China next October to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital. N Nikki from Pearl Road, Middleleaze has been visiting the hospital .. since Brandon was diagnosed at birth with a rare metabolic disorder, Arginosuccinic Aciduria. Cur- V rently he requires six doses of medication each day and a low-protein diet. ' Nikki has done aparachute jump for Great Ormond Street but the 4'' China trip is her most ambitious ai +°^' effort. To get the community in volved in their project Nikki and it Gillian organised a coffee morning Nikki righ t, and Brandon, on 11 February at Salt Way School, with Aunty Gi//ian where Brandon attends. There she met Carolyn Stone • Easter Monday - 28 March. Car and her son Matthew from Shaw treasure hunt in aid of Great who were first pictured in The Link Ormond Street organised by the 14 years ago publicising the is- Nine Elms Pub. Entrants must arsues of metabolic diseases after rive by 11.30am. Fee £5; maximum four per car. Matthew was born, www.thenineelms.com Carolyn said "Metabolic diseases are unusual but there are many variations. For years we were the Easter Fair only Swindon family visiting Great Greendown Playgroup Ormond Street, so I was surprised to discover Nikki and Brandon liv- Saturday 19 March, 1.30pm - 4pm Greendown School, Grange Park ing so close." Meet the Easter Bunny, Easter Egg To sponsor Nikki and Gillian or help them fundraise for Great hunt, bouncy castle, stalls. refreshments Ad: 50p. Free for children & seniors Ormond Street, call 07949 997188.

Purton Village Hall Tickets £5 (£4 conc) from Ken Kimber on 349346 or on the door

Bid for the items and help the Abby Smith Fund at www.letusauctionit.co.uk

Don't go to the beach .. .

Cw^

Comb through our wonderful range of wallcoverings and find your ideal collection.

BREWERS FOR DECORATING MATERIALS

...let it come to you

4 Wyndham Road, Hawksworth Trading Estate,

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The Link Magazine • March 2005 31

School to invest in team as competition gets tough

FED UP WITH YOUR TAXI SERVICE PROVIDER?

It seems that playing a team game for enjoyment is no longer good enough, nor is winning if you have a good team. Nowadays schools have to look to their budgets to see if they can boost performance by paying for coaching over and above the normal commitment of PE staff.

when you're playing In 2002 the Greendown Try us for excellent service against private schools School in Grange Park unand reliability like Millfield, who have der 16s netball team won a full time international the Swindon, Wiltshire and Bristol Airport: £55 netball coach, and South West England reHeathrow: £70 Gatwick: £90 schools which have spegional tournament to reach Local rates negotiable for contract work. cialist sports college stathe national finals. But the Large selection of vehicles seating tus. We were defeated competition is getting in4 - 8: saloon/estate cars, by Ralph Allen School tense. London taxis, mini buses in Bath who train at the Over the last three years Wheelchair accessible vehicles Bath University where the team has won the local To book call 536666 or 531178 the England netball competitions but have been Radio Taxis (Swindon) squad are based. knocked out in the semi"Our team obviously final stage of the South West has talent so we're looktournament. On 22 January ing at investing in dethey were a couple of goals veloping it, by allocataway from the national final when they again lost in Local champs, front from left, Tanya Moody, Tash Dell ing more teacher time the semis. Kerni Keane. Middle, Rebecca Fry, Leia Moody, Jo Green, to work with the girls and bringing in coaches PE teacher Sophie Heston Freya Keene, coach Sophie Heston. Back, Naomi Henry to work on skills." said,"it's getting harder Greendown would also welcome team sponsors. Call Ms Heston on 874224. Wednesday at 6.30pm • The New College Girls Netball St. Francis Primary School Squad won the South West Under Whilst staging the last of this season's winter concerts, the members 19s in championship in late JanuAiken Road Taw Hill of Haydon Wick Bowls Club will already have begun to direct their ary and compete in the national thoughts to the new playing season. For details, call finals on 5 March. Sandra on : ' he'°'°,e°'s',mma^g The concert on Saturday 19 open sessions are to continue when The team includes former 07985 914112 March, 7.30pm, at the Haydon anyone interested in taking up the Greendown player Chrissie Munro Centre in Thames Avenue, features sport can turn up at the green and who was featured in the May 2004 the Wessex Male Voice Choir and have a 'roll-up' using club equip- Link after selection for England. ment with the assistance of qualia quintet, Collegium Brass. Tickets, £5 (£4.50 concessions) fied coaches. They particularly are available from the centre or encourage young bowlers and are pleased that last season several from Barrie Smith on 722972. Club members are eagerly await- youngsters came up through the ing better weather and the start of ranks to take a full part in match the new season which will include play and also county-wide compea full programme of league and titions. Zoom past traffic jams, no parking problems, The club has recently received a friendly matches and competifull year's road tax only £15 tions. Prospective new members grant from the Haydon Wick Fund See the fantastic range at are welcome to attend a pre-sea- to purchase small woods for son meeting on 8 March, 7.30pm, youngsters. THE CYCLING CENTRE, zo6 Potential bowlers, young and in the clubhouse behind the Swindon's No.1 scooter dealer old, can get more information from Haydon Centre. The regular Monday evening Nigel Morgan on 336839.

Bowls and music go together as Haydon Club prepare for new season

W!R

STOP DREAMING START RIDING There's never been a better time to buy a scooter

See our sensational

Sisters team up for marathon Claire Broadhurst and Beth Stubbs, who grew up in Nine Elms, are lacing up their running shoes to tackle their first London marathon on 17 April. Claire, a nurse at Shaw Vets, will be running for the RSPCA and is aiming to raise £1,400 to support the local branch helping stray, abandoned or neglected animals find new homes. Beth, a special needs teacher at Kingsdown School, is aiming to raise at least £1,000 for the National Autistic Society. To sponsor Claire, send cheques to North Wilts RSPCA, PO Box, Swindon SN25 4QA. To help Beth, make a donation online at www.just giving.com/marathonbeth Running for good causes, Beth and Claire

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32 The Link Magazine • March 2005 A/

^^ g^i / f.' 4ir2 J

D/ f7>/7 y The Neighbourhood Centre r ( T St Andrews Ridge, Swindon %

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FREE manicure/pedicure with every colt hooked throughor March on production of this advert Specialising in colours, restyles and permanent wave Full range of beauty treatments available, including massage, pedicure, manicure, facials, waxing and

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Shaw Village Hall Monday: 6pm - 7pm Wednesday: 7.30pm - 8.30pm Haydon Wick Tuesday: 8pm - 9pm Prime Bodies Gym Tuesday: I Oam - I I am Ramleaze Hall - for Beginners Thursday: 9.30am - 10.30am

Haydon Wick Monday: 7.30pm - 8.30pm Greendown School Tuesday: 8pm - 9pm Friday: 7.30pm - 8.30pm CrickladeTown Hall Monday: 7.30pm - 8.30pm Thursday: I pm - 2pm

Splash out for kids Over 30,000 swimmers of all ages and abilities will dive into 500 pools across the UK between 19 and 27 March to raise money for NCH, the children's charity, through the Butlin's Swimathon, the world's largest swimming fundraiser. Two Swindon pools host local events: Dorcan Centre Sunday 20 March - 9am; Friday 25 March - 6pm & 8pm; Sunday 27 March - 9am. Link Centre Saturday 19 March - 6.30pm; Saturday 26 March - 3pm. A variety of different challenges are on offer to individuals swimmers or as a team, and there are prizes for reaching fundraising targets. The aim is to raise £2 million. Seventy per cent will go to NCH family centres and services for children and young people. The Swimathon Foundation will distribute the remaining 30 per cent to smaller, local charities.

Yre<F

M..

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IF.

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Olympic swimmer Duncan Goodhew, promoting Swimathon For details pick up a leaflet at Dorcan or Link, register on the day or register online at: www.swimathon.org

Taking a different approach to health There has been growing awareness that complimentary therapies can assist many conditions, as evidenced by the number of therapists offering their services through advertisements in The Link So, over the next few months, we're asking some of them to explain how the therapies work.

A helping hand to deal with phobias

ter!

O Symphony '

I Free home survey. Free computer aided design. Fully installed or supply only. All makes of appliances, sinks available. Laminate timber and granite worktops supplied. Full range of made to measure replacement doors available.

CALL 01793 886720 NOW FOR DETAILS AND FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION.

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'Emotional Freedom Technique' has been likened to acupuncture without the needles. Therapist Cherri Ann Matthews explains how it works. This quick acting and easy to 25 years ago when an eminent psylearn therapy works in much the chologist became disillusioned same way as acupuncture and with the results he was getting with shiatsu by releasing blocked en- his patients using psychotherapy. ergy, or'chi', which flows through His knowledge of meridian therathe body in a series of channels pies was refined into the Emotional called meridian lines. With EFT Freedom Technique we know tothe clients use their fingers to tap day. Any problem that has a mental on the ends of their twelve major meridians, which are located on or emotional component can be their face, hands and upper body, tackled with EFT, from being afraid so they can remain clothed and of spiders to post traumatic stress disorder. I've been having great seated at all times. EFT works on the principle that success working with clients with negative past, present and future a whole spectrum of emotional emotions can become stuck in our problems, from fear of flying and bodies. This causes a kind of emo- an inability to let go of grief, to tional short circuit, which means memories of childhood abuse. I actually discovered this that unless the problem is tapped away it will remain stuck and can therapy for myself when I was have a knock-on effect, eventually devastated by not being able to have children. So I know it works. even causing physical illness. Cherri Ann Matthews can be EFT is a very simple therapy which originated in America about contacted on 871410.

Treat yourself, relax & unwind Cleanse, soothe, invigorate and refresh

your

body

at the Link Centre's Health Suite Tucked away in a quiet corner, away from the hustle and bustle, is a haven of tranquillity. Only six months old, the sauna, steam room and relaxation area, are Link Centre's hidden treasures. It's open to all, no membership is required and discounts apply to Swindoncard holders. Pop in for a look around or call 445566 for details.

Th e Link M ag azine • March 2005 33

Les Slinn

LWeightWatchers WESTLEA SCHOOL Thursday 5.30pm

Personal Trainer Instruction for all ages, abilities & fitness levels • Qualified & Certified Personal 1 ruiner

FRESHBROOK CHURCH Wednesday 7pm ABBEY MEADS PRIMARY SCHOOL Thursday 6.15pm HAYDON CENTRE

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for other meetings in the area or visit Meeting Finder at

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Nicola Joy

IIHHT Reflexologist

.•

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* Advanced rr Aromatherapy Massage Indian Head Massage

Member of the EH.T. (Federation of Holistic Therapies)

For appointments and advice,

call: 077454 10355 Your fi rst step to well being ... mind, body and soul y

hwd, a

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EFT and Ear Candling t: 01793 871410 m:07720635761

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Monday: 6pm & 7.30pm Even Swindon Community Centre. Rodbourne.

Kathryn, 871430 Monday: 6.30pm & 8pm St John's Church Haydon Wick

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Tel: 01793 870109

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Tuesday: 9.30am, 5pm, 6.30pm Toothill Community Centre Sharon, 527332 Tuesday: 6.30pm & 8pm Abbey Meads School Paula. 701442 Wednesday:6.30pm Brookfield School Kathryn. 871430 Thursday: 6pm & 7.30pm St John's Church Haydon Wick

Peter. 325842

34 The Link Magazine • March 2005

West Swindon to break new ground in recycling and waste management

Is your PC

bugging you? Call Practical Applications Ltd. for a friendly service

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Upgrades Repairs Networking & the internet Home visits, collection & delivery Or for help getting started, call us days, evenings or weekends on

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Area Forum will discuss big bin changes on 14 March Ten thousand homes in West Swindon have been chosen to take part in the town's attempt to become one of the leading recycling areas in the country, and there is a chance to discuss the changes with councillors at the West Area Forum at the Link Centre. Starting in April recycling opportunities will greatly increase, with the council setting up weekly curbside collections of glass, cans, foil, textiles, paper and card. With so much material being diverted to recycling, unsuitable waste like food and non-recyclable plastics will be collected every other week in new wheelie bins that will be issued during March. They will be large enough to store four black sacks. Where wheelies cannot be used, the present sack collection will continue. Special arrangements will be made for people who have difficulty moving their bin and black recycling boxes, using the D Card service.

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Leaflets advising householders of the new arrangements will be distributed in March. Swindon Council has been criticised for the slow growth of its recycling initiatives. Only about 22 per cent of domestic waste is recycled. The Government wants to see a much higher figure and has set targets for reducing waste going to landfill. Failure to meet them will result in large fines which will be reflected in higher council tax bills or reduction in other services. Additionally, big increases in Landfill Tax are going to penalise councils that do not improve recycling. Last year 65,000 tonnes of waste went into the ground. Without more being recycled, the extra landfill tax and the landfill operator charge will cost the council tax payer another £195,000 this year.

Swindon Council waste manager Geoff Davies said the wheelie bins combined with curbside recycling is based on the model used by Lichfield District Council, England's best performing council with a recycling rate of 46 per cent. "They have operated an integrated service for some years and it has had a dramatic effect on reducing landfilled waste and increased recycling." He added that the council was discussing the installation of a plastics recycling bin with the West Swindon Centre. He also encouraged more people to install garden compost bins so that more organic kitchen waste can be recycled. West Swindon councillors are concerned that such a major change in waste collection arr an gements should be implemented as smoothly as possible and will be discussing the introduction of wheelie bins with residents at the: West Area Forum in the community room at the Link Centre on 1 4 March, 7.30pm.

SOLUTION Maintenance free UPVC fascia boards cladding & guttering Expertly fitted at DIY prices

FRII SURVEY

Soggy footpath solution Work on raising the level of the often flooded footpath past Peatmoor Copse at the west end of Peatmoor Lagoon should be completed by the end of March.

DEPOSITT

Work it out for yourself 20' fascia board fitted 20' fascia & gutter fitted 20' fascia, soffit & gutter

£ 60 £135 £205

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£130

(prices correct at time of publication)

For a free quote The route is used by parents and children going to and from Brook Field School and ties in with the school's initiatives to encourage more people to walk.

e-mail: rapers@tinyworld.co.uk

The Link Magazine • March 2005 35

Spread the word about books and win £25 Swindon Libraries are celebrating World Book Day on Thursday 3 March, 9am to 7pm, with a special stand to promote books and reading at the West Swindon Centre. Collect a postcard from the stand, write the name of your favourite book on the back and pass it on to a friend. You could both win a £25 book token. The winner will be drawn from the cards returned to any Swindon library before 24 March. You need to be a library member to take part, but that's not a problem as a member of staff will si n ouu with a exciting welcome pack. To join, take two forms of iden tification to a library or the West Swindon Centre on 3 March. www.worldbookday.com www.swindon.gov.uk/libraries The Haydon Artists' Society meets at North Swindon Library every Thursday, 7pm to 9pm. New members are always wel-

come. For details call Barbara Moody on 01797 722410.

y-. iy

PARKING CENTRAL SWINDON Annual long stay parking from only £63.00 per month

Contact Christine Jenkins Tel: 01793 - 690600

•

J.4

/ .l a

^3 t:.tt g'

your partner in business

'-° Practitioners of the dark arts ofgamiug gather at the North Swindon library every Friday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm to build armies of horrible creatures, plan out battle strategies and conduct table top wars. New garners aged over 12 years are always welcome to join. The library provides the playing areas and figurines with the help of Gaines Workshop. Game players with their own equipment are welcome to bring their own. Above, games players overlooked by their patron, and Nick Johnson of the library, back left, and Rob Wyness of Games Workshop

Don't let annoying cosmetic damage ruin the look and value of your car

World experiences Children at Brook Field School, Shaw enjoyed a multi-arts week before half term, taking part in dance, drama, music and visual art from India, Japan, Africa and the Caribbean. Year5and 6 took part in Japanese Noh and Kabuki theatre and tried their hand at Banraku puppets. Year 3 and 4 learnt how to dance Bollywood style and took part in a Caribbean carnival, whilst younger children, left, worked in textiles and made African masks. Head teacher Roger Nicholas

thanked the Friends of Brook Field School for underwriting the cost of bringing in performers and tutors. "It's been such a fantastic, revealing and exciting week. The children have enjoyed discovering other cultures and learnt so much."

• Paintwork scuffs and scratches Interior trim repairs • Bumper repairs • Alloy wheel repairs

Call 07050 266325 for a free, no obligation quote www.trimlineswindon.co.uk

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Providing friendly & efficient * servicing to any make of car * engine & gearbox rebuilds

* electrical repairs * brake and clutch repairs * cam belt replacement * MOT repairs * sales

Your local garage door specialist ^

NYMAI(

OF VEHICLE S

ERVICED

OPTIMA MOTORS Tel: (01793) 840667 39b Station Road, Wootton Bassett (Opposite St Ivel)

Up and over, roller and sectional garage doors Remote operation doors 2 years guarantee Maintenance free doors Superb security locking facilities Stockists of the largest range of spare parts in the South West of England Telephone 01793 513796 Maxwell House. Maxwell Street. Swindon email: swindondoorservice@btinternet.co.uk oorsu

36 The Link Magazine • March 2005

SAS puppy prepares

Get ready to play at school Adventure play equipment has been installed on the Catherine Wayte School field in Abbey Meads - but children have to wait until the weather improves before they can make use of it. However committee member Once the ground dries out, the series of obstacles, rope bridges Dawn Chilvers said more parents and balance beams named The need to join the PTA if help for the Smokey Mountain Trail will be the school is to continue. "Only a handcentre of playtime activity. ful are involved in organising fund raising activities;

really do need more people to come forward to help plan and run events." Joanne Baldwin said last summer's school fete was nearly cancelled for lack of helpers. "We're all parents, just like all the others. It's not a huge Youngsters at Catherine Wayte School keen to play with commitment durheadteacherCeliaMessenger,Tracey Major, Joan ne Baldwin ing the year and and Dawn Chilvers most of the planning is done in the Headteacher Celia Messenger pub or in the playground. The chilcongratulated the school's Parent dren are desperate for more discos Teacher Association for the £3,900 if there are enough adults to help raised for the equipment. "The and we could raise more money if parents' committee have done a more parents came forward." wonderfuljoborganisingthesumCatherine Wayte parents and mer fete, Christmas and Easter grandparents who would like to events and also children's discos join the PTA committee should and parents have been very gener- contact Ms Messenger in school, ous in their financial support." or call 727405. we

'Sassy,' a guide dog puppy is in training and will soon be working with a blind person, thanks to customers and staff at Drove Veterinary Hospital. The animal hospital set " ,r, `_ itself a 2004 target of rail ing £5,000 to sponsor a ..

l$ ^ guide dog and fundraising took place throughout the year, including a summer fete and the production of a calendar. But a vet, two nurses and a receptionist went beyond the call of duty by taking part inaSAS'are you tough enough' challenge last July. Vet Ann Walton said she and her colleagues had to endure a weekend of deprivation and hard military discipline, of yomping around the Brecon Beacons without food and very littlesleep."Weweretheonly Sassy meets Drove's SAS team, from left, Sue Rolfe, Ann Walton, Nicky Bint, Jo Mitchell. women on the course with Front, Geraldine Tracey about 30 blokes, but the trainers didn't make any allow- Nurse Sue Rolfe said the puppy ances. We put up with the hiking, was given the name Sassy to relack of sleep, the cold and the wet, member the endurance weekend. but carrying the packs was agonis- "It was all worth it to see her in ing." training, knowing that she will be The women were also put helping a blind person in a few through a weapons training ses- months." sion and had to carry out a night Geraldine Tracey, Guide Dogs time reconnaissance and attack for the Blind Association local mission. Continued opposite

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The Link Magazine • March 2005 37

to take the lead fundraising co-ordinator, said puppies are walked by a volunteer for a year to become conditioned to any environment, before six months advanced work at the Guide Dogs training centre. "Sassy will be matched with a blind person at about 18 months old. The sponsorship covers the cost of all training, vet fees and food throughout her working life. "Everybody involved with this fundraising effort is to be congratulated, especially the women who put themselves through the SAS challenge."

Cat neutering Throughout March Swindon Cats Protection is offering free nuetering to any cat, male or female, over the age of six months, providing their owner is receiving benefits. Contact your vet to book an appointment.

ABBEYMFEADS DROVE U' 1WNARY SURGERY -

FRINARY HOSPI?AI

Ab beymeads Village Centre, Elstree Way, Abbeymeads, Swindon. Tel: 01793 728728

like your pets looked after in the comfort of their home?

Would you • To contact Geraldine about giving talks about the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and to discuss sponsorship, call 01392825203 or mail: geraIdine.tracey@ guidedogs.org.uk

Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-6.3oprn Saturday: 12 noon-3pm Consulting hours by appointment: Mon-Fri: 9am-10.3oam; 330pm-5pm; 530pnr-6.30pm; Saturday: 12 noon-3pm 24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE - All Sunday and Emergency consults by appointment at Drove Veterinary Hospital. Tel: 01793 522483

I provide a friendly caring and professional pet sitting service for dogs, cats and caged animals. Whether you're away on holiday or just out at work all day, I can feed, walk and care for your pets. Service tailored to suit your needs. For more details phone Carole on 01793 702098

PETS AT HOME Worried who will look after your pet whilst you're on holiday? Pets At Home could be your answer Pets At Home is a service which cares for all your pets (except dogs) in their own home anywhere in the West Swindon area only. Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on 873062 sheila@hannahlightfoot.freeserve.co.uk

SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE C

^ entf^

Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 5PY

A friendly, caring service for you and your pet David Warnes BVSc MRCVS Consultations by appointment: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.30pm

Saturday

9.00am - 4.00pm

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 hours)

Paradise Pets Ltd

Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor, Swindon

We offer the largest selection of cage and avairy birds, rabbits and guinea pigs. Small select range of reptiles Food for all your pets

W°"°ecialist es ^ sa lar9 st pet Soon

Hand reared parrots in stock OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm: Sat: 1 Oam - 5pm: Sun: 10.30am - 4pm

Tel: 01793 512400

38 The Link Magazine • March 2005

LANDSERVE

GARDEN e

Garden Maintenance

DOCTOR

& Landscaping

LANDSCAPIN a

LANDSCAPING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

flh%.

zll ^p Professional care for your garden Grass Cutting -regular maintenance Landscaping-Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning

h edge Cutting & Pruning No job Too Small. All works insured. y

Call Martin Emer MI 11ort.

Trained team • Fully insured For free quotation Tel: (01793) 526571 Mobile: 07760 127139

•

on 01793 703306

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LAWNHOPPERS grasscutti ng A grasscutting service for both large and small gardens Weekly, fortnightly or monthly visits All machinery supplied to keep your garden neat and tidy Full garden maintenance se rv ice available

Tel: 704204

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Chelworth Landscapes

GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION

• Fencing - closeboard, panels etc. • Drives and patios - slabs, concrete, shingle • Patio cleaning, grass cutting, gardens tidied up • Turfing and grass seeding • Ponds & pergolas Contact: 01793 692687 kr4a&M.biI,: 07711 253508 (f

• Fencing and fence repairs • Decking, gazebos, etc. • Tu rf supplied and laid • Water features installed • Trees pruned & pollarded, hedges cut,

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• Fencing and gates Closeboard trellis, panels. picket chain/ink. security etc

• Landscaping Shingle. paving. water features. turfing and p/anting

• Garden maintenance Grasscutting. tree and shrub pruning, clearance etc

For free quotation phone (01793) 750390

Would you like to get more from your garden ? Why not get some help from a plant specialist and medal winning gardener > Professional designs drawn to suit your needs/budget

PATIO & TURF LAYING > Imaginative planting plans for whole or part of your garden > Plant supply and planting

Call Anita Barrett ND fort A / fort

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2 yd: £45

2.5 yd: £55

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LANDSCAPES O Paving, Walling 0 Fencing, Patios 0 Gravel drives

Jill Blackwood Garden Magic Low maintenance imaginative, designs Smallest border to complete gardens Planting plans for year romid colour and interest Existing garden makeovers

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The Link Magazine • March 2005 39

Plant a tree for the future The Great Western Community Forest team and the Woodland Trust have 2,000 trees to go in the ground on 5 March and they are calling for readers to join them for a free family tree planting day at Purton Wood near Moulden Hill between 10am and 3pm y The trees, a mix- for All' tree planting campaign and native woodland. It is a chance for will follow a weekof planting trees people to come out and reallymake ture of oak, ash, hazel and other UK and learning about woodland con- a difference to their local environspecies will be pro- servation at Swindon and North ment." '`° q P ^! s There is no car parking near the ^ vided by the Corn- Wiltshire schools between 28 Feb^^ How to find site. Participants are asked to walk ruary and 4 March. munity Forest, all ^^ Purton '%/ood , Kavita Heyn of the Woodland or cycle toMouldenHill,orusethe you need to do is a d & i p at ^ bring your own Trust, who own the site, said the free park and ride service from the F an d foot path/ spade, wrap up day is an opportunity to discover ArclightBuilding(formerlyCellucycle ways warm and wear the beauty of our woodland. "By larOperations)onMeadWaynext giving communities the chance to to Peatmoor Lagoon. o ^i your wellies. There's also a plant trees, the Woodland Trust www.forestweb.org.uk c hance to discover iscove and Great Western Community www.wt-woods.org.uk/purton _ the latest develop- Forest hope to inspire care for our ments across the Great Western Community Forest, _ including how the RAILWAY SLEEPERS Purton Wood site y £16.95 each J Top grade • Only p g ^^ has developedsi nce the last tree plant in De l i very only C^ 2001, and take part in a range of envi- Tel: 01 793 772268 •./ v ronmental and fun activities, including face painting for children. D.A. D WAYS & PATIOS LTD The Forest Cafe

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Heating systems Boilers repaired & serviced Radiators moved and replaced X Appliance installation

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HEATING & PLUMBING

M.P.S.

Heating & Plumbing

Plumbing & Heating Specialists Peter Foyle Tim Harris Mobile: 07736 740267 Mobile: 07788 776000 Telephone: (01793) 825456

J All gas appliances serviced, repaired & installed O Warm air unit service, repair & installation

For gas central heating, bathrooms, showers and all other plumbing & heating work

CALL 01793 522579 MOBILE: 07816 906437 matt@mpsheating.co.uk www.mpsheating.co.uk

O Landlord/moving house safety inspections C) Bathroom suites installed and all other plumbing work undertaken O Central heating systems flushed (powerflush) O Hot water systems descaled

Reg. 67416

MAINTENANCE

O 24 hour call out O Natural gas & LPG qualified

Electrical • Plumbing Carpentry • Decorating Handymen Call Andrew on 01793 820991 or 08456 444170 (calls charged at local rate)

• Reliable • Trustworthy • Affordable

Reg: 202015

Tel: 722449 • Mob: 07956 410982

MAINTENANCE 4

Retired and semi-retired tradesmen available for all household tasks

liuiii

0 Quote on request O British Gas trained

Unique Services Complete Kitchens, Bedrooms, Bathrooms

For quality windows and doors Tel: 01793 331551 07775 621764/07799284998

GENERAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES All in terior and exterior maintenance problems solved • Bathrooms & • Carpentry kitchens • Fascia/ • Plumbing cladding • Electrical • Painting Quality service guaranteed Fully insured Special rates for senior citizens Free no obligation quotation Tel: 01793 434184 or 07719 272393 www.generalmaintenanceservices.co .ukl Our reputation is built on your satisfaction

our- guide too home r^naint^enance services ^+ JIM

JAMES O'SULLIVAN

*: Fitted kitchens & bedrooms *r Wood and laminate flooring *s Loft conversions *r Doors & windows * Stairs A, Specialising in shop fitting *r All carpentry work undertaken

For details call Paul on 07932 013360 or 01793 812849

Interfor & Exterior Pain/ng and Decorating Wallpapering,°Coving, Artexing Established 22 Years

For a professional finish telephone 07971347345 (mob) or 616933

ELECTRICIAN

Dave Ody

SAFE & SHAW

For all your domestic & commercial requirements New installations • Showers Extensions • Extra sockets Re-wires • Security lighting New fuse boards Free quotes 24hr call out facility

EXTRA SOCKETS / LIGHTS SECURITY LIGHTING / FIRE ALARMS GARDEN LIGHTING / OUTDOOR SOCKETS - SHOWER AND COOKER INSTALLATION n FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT - COMPLETE RE-WIRING

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294

FREE QUOTATIONS, NO OBLIGATION

HEATING & PLUMBING

HEAT IN G & PLUMBING

ROB HALL

HEATING, GAS & PLUMBING SERVICES Central heating installations, boiler servicing and repairs, bathroom and power showers All aspects of plumbing

Tel: 01793 815254

PLASTE RING

Brian Jones 11

883717

TEL: 01793 876029

lastering Services

No job too big or too small For a professional and friendly service call

CALL 01793 725699

01793 701394 or 07917 061717

OR 07734 779736

—

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'INEMA ROOM • GAMES ROOM GYMNASIUM • OFFICE 'LAYROOM • KITCHEN/DINER TEL: 01793 770088 MOB: 07710 150644

r00GYI t^ C^JCD E @? Y000 k , C J@ 00..69

HOME MA INTEN ANCE

HOUSE/GARDEN

G R SERVICES Tiling

Tel/Fax: 01793 723495

20 years experience in plumbing work

Interior and exterior

• Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates • All work guaranteed • No job too small For further details call Richard on or 07747 723606

Reg.2 03 455

PLUMBING General plumbing services • Radiators • Pumps • Tanks

* Re-skimming

• Cylinders

* Dry lining

• Burst pip e • Taps • Washing machine installed A local service

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

FOR FREE QUOTATIONS

coving, dado rails and tiling

RJ PEARCE

* Plastering two coat *

New or repairs

Interior & Exterior

Interior/Exterior Painting, wallpapering

PLUMBING & HEATING LTD

** External rendering

Coving

Painting & Decorating

D & G HOUSE & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

01793 879156 Reg 187606

K EVIN WHIL4N DECORATORS High Quality

GARAGE CONVERSIONS

ELECTRICA° SERVICES

MOBILE 07769

DECORATOR

CARPENTRY

o o ^o

)- cu LLnm'Th

Tel: 01793 435392

painting and decorating Kitchen and bathroom installations Gardening/fencing/patios Roof repairs Fascias & guttering Friendly, reliable and competitive Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879

I SKIP HIRE

BASSET] SKIPS LTD If all that clutter is getting you down call Bassett Skips for the best prices in town. J Prices start from just £50, all incl, for 4 days hire (private) J 2, 4 and 6 tonne with drop down doors for easy loading 7 No hidden costs or charges

01793 84 89 51

ALL EXTERNAL & INTERNAL WORK Mobile: 07771 617992 All garden work Concreting paths Patio repairs Patio jet wash Repair or replace small walls Hedges & trees cut Grass cu tt ing

Building Guttering and fascia All carpentry External painting Internal painting & decorating Drives jet washed Tiling

Plumbing repairs Toilets. wash basins, bath taps, overflows repaired or replaced ALL WORK GUARANTEED. FULLY INSURED

TILING

GILES BROS CERAMIC TILING FLOOR & WALL SPECIALISTS Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921

Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526

SERVICE

AERIAL SERVICES

MAGIC SAT (European Satellite Specialists) You've tried the rest, now try the best, from aerials to motorised satellite systems. If we can't do it, nobody can. • Official satellite viewing cards • Free estimates • On call until 10pm 7 days a week • Free sport • Free movies • Free adult • All work guaranteed Tel: (01793) 706921 Mobile: 07765 224637

,I 2j

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

AERIAL SERVICES

AERIAL SE RVICES

CHRIS PAYNE

Aerial & Television Services

AERIALS & SATELLITE SYSTEMS Satellite TV Sky & digital terrestial *7 Extra TV, telephone & electrical points

Tel: 01793 700078

Washing Machines Twin Tubs, etc. Member of Tumble Driers I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Service Spa res Repairs

COMPUTER SUPPORT

All work guaranteed

ARCHITECTURAL

Complete design, plans, and planning service for New build Extensions Conversions Refurbishments For prompt service,

Making IT work for you T: 01793 778 034 M: 07788 586 779 E: info@ringview.co.uk www.rinaview.co.uk

Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 15 years'

email: blakekerryarchit@btconnect.com

Tel: 01793 700637

DRAINS

IRONING

• Pipe relining • Locally based - competitive rates • 24 hour call out • No cal I out charge

Tel : 01793 435392

REMOVALS & STORAGE

KKF

`t,f l`

0800 019 5037 www.abbeymove.co.uk

Leave the aeeotmfs to

Services

w'hHst you coneeufrete on your business

E$rr ^

Natasha Armstrong (MICB) Certified Bookkeeper

ilMI Membership No: 20024079

For a brochure or to arrange a free initial consultation. please ring me on 887393 or e-mail: natasha.armstrong@virgin.net

IRONING

Creaseless Ironing

WSNOPNOWQp lib

One-off, weekly, fortnightly or simply whenever! Free pick up and delivery back to your door the next day. All items delivered on hangers and wrapped in cellophane Guaranteed animal and smoke free environment

Call Karen on 01793 822659 or 07843 690720

REMOVALS

First Class Removal & Storage Solutions • Quality removals & storage • Single items to full house moves • Complete packing service offered • Sales & supplies of packaging materials • Piano removal specialists • A free quotation • A fully insured service

ARMSTRONG BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

WHITE VAN MAN .y,.

BOOK-KEEPING

Can't face doing the books after a hard day's work?

experience.

• CCTV surveys • High pressure jetting

Support

BOOK-KEEPING

tel:01793 854515 or 01793 321943

° O D

Installation

Tel: 01225 706379 Mobi le: 07774 943 783

Mobile: 0111 6236415

Consultancy

charge

SKY

ARCHITECTURAL

Same day, local service wherever possible

ticed

No call out

Storm damage

JJfP4!

.TV & FM aerials • Extra satellite points • Video & TV repairs • Freeview installation • Signal amplifiers

Single items moved anywhere in Swindon for £15 Disposal of unwanted items House clearance Long/short distance Call for a free quote Tel: 01793 706821 Mobile: 07780 946267

LH Ironing est1998 Ironing a chore? Not anymore!!

We come to you at home or work! Providing a reliable 24 hour door to door service at a price you can afford FREE collection & delivery FREE garment packaging

Tel: (01793) 608822 www.LHIroning.co.uk email: info@LHlroning.co.uk

SECURITY SYSTEMS ^Q ssaib

Crown

Security

Burglar alarms Access controls CCTV • Fire alarms Installed, repaired, maintained 24 hour monitoring for police response

For details call Doug Marshall on 433999

SECTOR AIRPORT TRAVEL

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

AIRPORTS Connect Ltd Specialist airport transfer services by car, MPV or 8 seater minibus

• Most leading brands • Guaranteed repairs

Reliable travel for holiday makers

• Same day service

Competitive prices

No call out charge

Tel: 702000

A SUDS

CARPET CLEANING

Cff Whiteway The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist • Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured • Quickly usable You'll be amazed how affordable it is ...call for your free estimate from yow local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487

COMPUTER SUPPORT Corn Master's

PC Repairs

Why go anywhere else? When we'll come to you..... * Free home & business visits =i, Jargon free advice & support -i= Upgrades/repairs i= All parts & labou r guaranteed = Flexible

1 2-U.Com PC Support straight to your door • Computer running slow? • Need some advice? • Looking to upgrade? • Equipment required? • Virus and Internet attack

hours. inc. e% e/%%eekends

questions? • Wishing to backup?

Tel: 01793 422534 or

Mobile: 0798 002 5590 Microsoft

Email: cliff.whitewav@@htinternet.com

MANAGEMENT

COMPUTER SUPPORT

OVEN C LEANING

01793 887883 / 07947 831378 contact@it-2-u.com ppo-R www .it-2-u.com °-w--•••••'r

PLANS DRAWN

wise plan

Peter Giles Consultants Ltd

Help your business 3 3 3 3

Save Money Develop New Strategies Research New Markets Discover New Opportunities Turn Problems into Solutions 3 Provide Training & Systems 3 Increase Profits

Call 01793 702624

SECURITY SYSTEMS

(*SE \\___'

securi ty sys tems ltd

Expert Design & Installation of Electronic Security for Commercial, Industrial

and Residential Customers

• CC1v • Access Control & Intercoms • Intruder Alarms

• Gates & Barriers

• 24 H ur M nitorin

Y1VCLEAN

email: info@osesecun y.com

11 SIGMA COMPUTER SOLUTIONS NEW PCs/Spares/Repairs Upgrades/Service/Support Internet & Network Solutions For friendly EXPERT advice & PROMPT on-site service

Tel: 01793 633924 Mobile: 0781 6014363 sales@sigmacomputersolutions.co.uk

REMOVALS & STORAGE , R REMOVALS & S: y NR ffRVICI `. .... P MF[

T TJ ^'1 q^

sandra wisenicll ' W..,-

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

plans drawn Jor extensions and change of use

To book your Oven Clean call 01793 520362

for a professional fri endly service call

We use caustic free cleaning products with a fresh solution each time. Hobs, extractors, microwaves and barbecue grills also undertaken

SELF STORAGE

.feed-'Extra Storage? ^

01793 539274

(Est 1993)

• 24hrs - 7 days a week • Single items to a full house 8 different size vehicles Disposal of unwanted items

Tel: 01793 772888 Fax: 01793 772444

cons u flat ion

Email: asharouD1 @btinternet.com

GOGGLEBOX

Local, TY

By Crystalline TV & VIDEO

QUALITY service service

REPAIR SERVICE

at Latton (just off A419)

Forall yourstorag e needs

THE MAN WITH A VAN

WINDOW CLEAN ING

—

on 01793 759311 e: info@waterparkstorage.com

1793 772888

for a free no obligation

Personal or Business Self Storage For the lowest prices in the area, call Pauline May or Alex Oram

bigger 16®n w ound!

TV & VIDEO REPAIRS

www.waterparkstorage.com SSalb

COMPUTER SUPPORTT

frames

-— *

Free home estimates

* No call out charge *

Windows,

All repairs guaranteed

Tel: 01793 - 812738

and

I°

doors cleaned

to a very high standard Internal cleaning undertaken

if required Call Martin on 01793 349102 or 07974 198083

Make your windows shine with Crystalline

46 The Link Magazine • March 200 5 A LLISABETII

X41

Beautiful kani[mad wedding stationery

ho Pu rton House Church End Purton, Swindon Tel: 01793 772287

Individually designed stationery created with exquisite materials Contact Anna on 07717 775577 orannaelisabethdesigns@yahoo.co.uk www.annaelisabeth.co.uk

Call for details about our Organic Box Scheme

Registered Childminder

Vegetables • Fruit Meat • Eggs

Flexible, friendly, negotiable rates 8 years experience. One week free

Available Monday to Friday, 6am to 9pm, including school drop-offs and pick-ups.

Deliveries & drop off points in Swindon, Cirencester, Wootton Bassett, Broad Hinton, Marlborough, Wroughton

Also weekends & late evenings

www.purton-house.co.uk

Call 07957 166529 or 871466

DISC SERVICES,;, We transfer anything onto DVD Disc - Cine Film, Video tape, Wedding Photos

WE MAKE MOVIE CLIPS OF YOUR CHILD GROWING UP Tel: 01793 705333 Mobile: 07831 575758

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

H CkE[II1 STHRT Domestic Cleaning Services • Regular weekly cleans • Fortnightly cleans • One-off Spring cleans Call Christine on (01793) 701413 (9am - 5pm) Mob: 07951 184424

9.D. Jpholstery Repairs & Recovering Antique and Modern Large range of fabrics

Call 871808 for competitive priceses

* All suites covered in your own choice of fabric * Solid wood frames * Made to

measu

when you can I^ have made-tomeasure for the same price! I! Come and

* Re-upholstery service

D2415

* Curtains •

•

see our wide selection of uites today

Reduce your food miles by buying local at Swindon farmers' markets McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. Sunday, loam to 6pm Stalls selling goods produced within 30 miles of Swindon with occasional specialist producers from outside the area. Fresh vegetables and fruit, organic and home reared meat, free range eggs, wild game, fresh and smoked trout, honey, jams and marmalades, breads, cakes and pies are amongst the many items available. www.foodlinks.info

Town Centre, next to the covered market. On the first and third Thursday of the month

Calling Sue. Where are you? Three readers responded to an appeal by the West Swindon Community and Family Project in the January Link for people with professional skills. Unfortunately the telephone keen to meet more people who can number for a caller identified as offer their skills in human re'Sue' was incorrectly written sources and training, finance and down and the project is keen to budgeting,fundraising,healthand make contact to discuss how she safety, and IT systems. Chairperson Tina Mackie said can help. Run by a voluntary management she wanted to apologise to Sue for committee and part funded by not getting back to her sooner. Swindon Council, the charity "Sue, please call. And, we'd also based at 15 Gainsborough Way in like to hear from others who could Freshbrook employs five full time volunteer their time to help manand five part time staff in running age the project. To find out more or offer help, groups and activities for parents and young children. call Alysson Cardis at the project The management committee is on 871303.

Easter outing down

Making a difference - 1

on the farm

The shoe boxes got through, writes Jacky Yeates of Haydon Wick. I have received a thank you note from a recipient of the shoe box I filled with toys, sweets, pens, pencils, paper and toiletries that was sent before Christmas to children in Eastern Europe. I now correspond with the child who wrote to me. I hope this encourages more people to participate in similar schemes in the future.

It's lambing time again at Roves Farm and this year about 250 expectant mothers, the majority of which are expecting twins, will be lambing indoors. It will be a great opportunity for visitors to see ewes with lambs and possibly see lambs being born. The staff at the centre will be there to explain to everyone all about the farming situation, from how the animals are looked a ft er to why we keep them. Any spare lambs will be adopted by the centre so that visitors will have a chance to bottle feed the new arrivals. The visitor centre provides plenty of opportunity for contact with a whole host of other animals too, from cute fluffy Easter chicks to adorable Shetland ponies. A visit to the farm is an excellent learning experience for children, an experience that can help turn classroom theory into real li fe situations and enhance everyone's enjoyment of the countryside. Throughout the Easter holidays an unusually large bunny will join visitors for a leisurely tractor and trailer ride to see the sites around the farm. The rabbit always has plenty of chocolate eggs; catch up with him and he may even give you one. There is plenty of holiday fun for all ages. For more information call 763939 or see page 28. www.rovesfarm.co.uk

Making a difference - 2 Swindon Independent Visitors are looking for more volunteers to start training in the Spring. You need to be over 18, and willing to provide friendship, support and a listening ear, on a long-term basis, for a child or young person who is looked after by the local authority ('in care'). There are all sorts of children aged 8 to 18, but the majority of young people Swindon Independent Visitors deal with are teenagers.

Children who become part of the care system can often feel different to other young people and benefit from having someone in their lives who can give them a range of ordinary experiences and opportunities. If you have always meant to do something like this, why not make now the time. For details call 615049 or mail: spurgeons@ swindoniv.fsnet.co.uk

The Link Magazine • March 2005 47

International Women's Day: 5 March All women are invited to Broadgreen Centre, Salisbury Street, 11am to 4pm on Saturday 5 March to celebrate International Women's Day with South Swindon MP Julia Drown as guest speaker. The origins of this day of remembrance are drawn from the efforts of more than one historical event and began as an acknowledgment of women's struggle to make their workplaces better. In the 20th Century many women in industrially developing countries took jobs with low wages, poor working conditions and little or no chance of improvement. Their struggle to improve their situation created the global impetus for an hnternational Women's Day.

Today it is seen as a day of celebration of all that women do and to honour those who began the struggle, and those who continue to work to improve the lives of women both locally and globally. The day will provide information, relaxation and fun based on our theme of Women's Health and Wellbeing.' Lunch and a creche will be available and entrance is free. For details call Kathleen Daley at Swindon Council on 466468.

Day of prayer

for women The Women's World Day of Prayer is the oldest world-wide ecumenical movement. This year the service 'Let our light shine' has been prepared by the women of Poland and will include a short appearance b y the Swindon based Oberek Dance Group. Everyone is welcome at the service on Friday 4 March, 7.30pm, at Toothill Church. For details contact Ruth Barrett on 886394 or mail: suzanne. bullimore@btinternet .com

^vange/ r

p Worsley Road

building with people Sunday services are at Oam & 6.30pm For further information you can either ring (01793) 873050;

e-mail: office@freshbrook.org or visit: www.freshbook.org gill of God is Eternal Life" (Romans 6 r23)

Chinese women get together

West Swindon & the

A new group aimed at providing Chinese women with a place to meet each other formed in February and is keen to attract new members. They plan to meet monthly during the day and in the evening. To find out more about the Chinese Women's Society call Mei Kuen Willoughby on 881783 or mail: willoughbymeikuen@hotmail.com

Lydiards churches All Saints', Lydiard Millicent Holy Trinity, Shaw

Fair trade from the other side

St Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze

Paraguay based British journalist to talk about a better deal for food growers, at the beginning Fairtrade Fortnight, on 1 March

Toothill Church; Westlea Church

It's not fair, so make it Fairtrade school, give their families health writes Rosemary Power of Swin- care when they are sick, or otherwise improve their lives. don Churches Together. Children in every school playWe get less damage to the enviground will tell you when a game's ronment through the way they grow their crop; they get to not fair. If one side's bigsay in the world markets. ger, or stronger than the We get food that leaves a other, if one side gets a head clean taste; they get a fair start, if the playground is deal. We get a fair deal. rougher at one end, children will quickly tell teachThe Fairtrade mark is an independent, internationers what is wrong. And any ally recognised brand that football crowd lets the refallows you to see that what eree know in no uncertain you are buying is produced terms. But we in the West don't • • toFairtradestandards,and that the producers are getdo this in world trade. Here ting a fair price. the rich benefit, the large Swindon is applying to companies make good out of economies of scale or preferen- get Fairtrade status, a sign that the tial access to markets, the poor of- council, local businesses and other ten go to the wall, and the small- organisations are using fairly scale producers get a very rough traded products and that shops and cafes are selling fairly traded deal. In some crops grown for cash, food and drink. Swindon Churches Together have like coffee, the world market price can drop suddenly, leaving peo- organised a talk, Fairtrade from the ple who've put years into growing other side, by Margaret Hebblethwaite, a British journalist now coffee, destitute. Fairtrade is about changing the living in Paraguay, who knows rules. This isn't about charity, but fairtrade at first hand. She will show how much effect about making the world a bit fairer. The Fairtrade movement means fair trade can have in making the that we buy from small-scale sup- lives of the poor better. She will pliers, like family farms or village also be selling clothes made by co-operatives. They get a guaran- craftswomen in the town where teed price for their products, which she lives. What she takes will go backtothepromeans they can Coffee morning and Fairtrade ducers. plan ahead. We cake competition All are welget their top quality produce. Thursday 10 March, 10am to 12noon come: Tuesday 1 March, The price is set Holy Trinity Church, Shaw 5.30pm, New high enough for Everyone welcome. College, off them to send Call 770568 for the cake recipe Queen's Drive. their children to

For details of our weekly services please contact the Partnership Office on 770568

For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son.' John 3:16

partnershipoffice@btopenworld. corn

We are moving! On Sunday 6 March we are moving to the Abbey Meads Community School 10.30am Morning Service Creche and Sunday School for school age children provided 6.30 1) m Evening Service You are cordially invited to worship with us.

NSBC

rSDOVNDRVE.... Abbey Meads

. Communi ty Primary School • ;:.., ' .

Abbey Meads Village Centre

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NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER