March 2008 Swindon Link

The digital edition is back!

Read us online @ www.swindonlink.com

No. 310 March 2008 • Circulation 26,000

YOUR CHILD DESERVES THE BEST Excellent standards of Education and Daycare for 0 - 7 years

MEADOWPARK the positive newsforce in Swindon and the swindon wide what’s on guide

Exhibition looks Your last chance to enter back at when the the Mad March Hare Old Railway Museum If you support breast cancer research and are looking for some good exercise, the Mad March Hare was new on 16 March at Greendown and Lydiard Park is for you.

Nursery & Pre-Prep School Tel: Swindon 752600 Open Days: Saturday 1st March and Friday 7th March

Say thanks to mums on Mothers’ Day at Purton’s hidden treasure

See page 32 for details Below, Mad March Hare co-organiser Eunice Salmon receiving a sponsor’s cheque from Chris Peglar, Justin Woodward and Jason Pinkney of the Big Adventure Store

Maharajah Fully licenced Tandoori & Balti Restaurant

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Lydiard gets sensual

Free takeaway delivery incl. West & North Swindon Open: 7 days a week 5.30pm to midnight (incl Bank Holidays) Sunday lunch: 12noon - 2.30pm

Sensory equipment has been installed at the Lydiard Park play area. See page 39.

Driving a steam engine down County Road, one of the many historic photos to be shown by Roy Nash at West Swindon Library. See page 27

Vanessa Mapstone from Uplands Special School on the Learning Campus discovering the flowers in the walled garden in July 2007

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swindonlink.com • March 2008

Booming interest in Bombay charity curry nights

A link-up between The Link and the Bombay Lounge restaurant at Roughmoor Village Centre, Peatmoor has generated huge interest from charities and community groups who want to boost their income whilst enjoying a good night out.

Lounge owner Hanif Robani has cause. We’re the only Indian resagreed to donate all profits from taurant in West or North Swindon Monday evenings to an organisa- and as I live locally, its great to be tion. Within three weeks of launch- able to help others.”

He added that Monday nights are ing the project in the February Link nearly every Monday until early not exclusive to charity supporters.

Any customers who come in for a June was booked.

“I was really excited when we meal will be supporting that evecame up with the idea,” said Hanif, ning’s cause, and could be invited a great way to bring people together right. “Monday is a slow night to buy a raffle ticket as well.

Link publisher Roger Ogle thinks to both raise money and awareness for restaurants and I’m happy to allocate profits to charity as it en- Hanif has started a new kind of for community groups.”

Every Monday until mid-July, courages people to come out, enjoy fundraising for Swindon. “Restauthemselves and support a good rants run one-off fundraising eve- excluding Bank Holidays has been nings, but to do one every week is allocated to a group.

Book a table at the Bombay Lounge to support the charity nights coming up by calling 887799 or 882233.

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3rd The Mayor of Swindon’s charities 10th Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis Moving Soon

Appeal to build a new centre in West Swindon 17th Lower Shaw Farm Children’s Project providing environmental

education for families and pre-school children 31st Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline who provide respite care in Swindon

for children from Belarus in the radiated zone affected by the

Chernobyl nuclear power station disaster 7 April Epilepsy Action who provide advice and support to people

suffering from epilepsy 14th Swindon’s Prospect Hospice, providing specialist care and support

for people living with a life-threatening illness and their families 21st The Army Benevolent Fund - supporting soldiers injured in action

and families of those who have been killed To book an evening for your organisation call Roger Ogle at The Link on 608840 or mail: publisher@swindonlink.com

15/2/08 12:41:07

swindonlink.com • March 2008

Accessing the West

Looking back three decades to find a new direction Thirty five years after the West Swindon master plan was drawn up, Swindon Council transport planners are looking at whether the provision of foot and cycle ways through the area work as originally designed and what measures are required to encourage greater use of them.

In some ways it’s a case of ‘what goes around, comes around.’ The planners in the early 1970s designed a comprehensive network of cycle routes and footpaths to encourage people to leave the car at home and get to villages centres and the district centre on foot transportation and planning, said, or bike.

Now, with concerns about lack of “as somebody who has lived in the exercise and obesity and rising fuel west for 16 years, I still get lost if prices, getting people out of cars I’m out on a bike.

“The area is well established and is even more important. However, census data shows that levels of car the council needs to see how we can use in the west are the same as any upgrade features like signposting and find out why people don’t use other part of the town.

The aim of the consultation and footpaths more, such as allowing questionnaire is to find out what can children to walk to school.

“Things won’t happen overnight, be done to encourage more use of but this is the start of planning a the footpath and cycle network.

Peter Greenhalgh, above, Fresh- way forward.” brook & Grange Park councillor • West Forum and consultation and Swindon cabinet member for details on page 4

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Strong road safety messages

Staff at Arval at Windmill Hill Business Park held a dress down day at the end of January in aid of the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund as a thank you to fire crews from Westlea station for their valuable contribution during Road Safety week in November.

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As part of the Arval Drive4Life Campaign firefighters delivered presentations to employees highlighting the consequences of poor driving behaviour and also organised a crash re-enactment and victim rescue exercise witnessed by staff and New College students and Year 11 pupils from six schools including Greendown, Ridgeway and St Joseph’s.

During the year Arval organises a range of activities to promote road safety, including quizzes for schools and talks to emphasise the primary causes of crashes in the UK which are use of mobile phones whilst driving, breaking the speed limit, not wearing a seat belt and not wearing a helmet when cycling.

• View the crash re-enactment at: www.arval.co.uk

Charity car wash

Westlea firefighters are holding their annual car wash in aid of the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund on Saturday 8 March, 10am to 3pm, at the station opposite The Chesters, off Mead Way, Westlea

1 - 21 March 08.indd 3

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swindonlink.com • March 2008

Mansfield Begbie Associates Ltd Providing mortgage services for the community since 1987

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Getting about in West Swindon and progress on schools set for forum meeting

The major consultation and survey of West Swindon residents on their views of the footpath and cycle network across the area will be discussed at the next West Swindon Community Forum on Monday 10 March, 7.30pm in the Link Centre community suite.

The survey is being distributed within the centre pages of this edition of The Link, but only in West Swindon. This is a chance to discuss the state of footpath and cycle routes with the eight councillors representing the area and to put forward ideas for improvements.

The progress of the West Swindon school replacement programme is also on the agenda. The new Toothill Primary School is due to open later this year and a start on Shaw Ridge is due, once great crested newts

White structures in the landscape. The framework of the new Toothill Primary School with Link Centre in the distance

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The views and aspirations of Swindon people from a consultation exercise last year were released in a new community strategy for the town on 8 February.

Copies can be downloaded from www.swindonsp.org.uk A video featuring some of the interviews gathered by teenagers from local film group YourFilm can also be viewed on the site.

For a paper copy visit a Swindon library or call customer services on 445500 or mail: customerservices@swindon.gov.uk

Whether you’re planning to move to a new house or to remortgage your property, with over 20 years experience providing mortgages in Swindon, Mansfield Begbie Associates aim to provide an excellent and personal service.

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Swindon

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have been trapped and taken to a new home.

Planning permission for Millbrook Primary in Freshbrook has been given and a building start date will be discussed.

The forum will hear a report on the forestry work carried out over the winter to cut back trees and shrubs growing too close to roads, footpaths and houses.

All residents are invited to attend the meeting and discuss topics of community interest.

advertising Enquiries Call Nicola Norridge on (01793) 602540 (9am-3pm) advertising@swindonlink.com April bookings by 3 March “The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978.

It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984.

Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994.”

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in Copy for May: 7 April printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027. sought permission. Articles and Registered Office: 130 High Street, Hungerford, Berks.

Printed by pcp, Telford photographs require similar authority The Link cannot be held responsible for goods or services offered by its advertisers

Editorial copy date for April: 10 March Published: 29 March

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swindonlink.com • March 2008

5

Thousands more homes proposed Billions needed to sustain them Over 35,000 new homes are to be built in and around Swindon between now and 2026 and Swindon Borough Council wants your views on where this could take place, before it sends its views to Central Government. an unelected quango. There will At present there are about 86,000 be huge demands on every service homes for 184,000 people. By 2026 you can think of; just think of what the government wants Swindon you use daily. to have around 120,000 dwellings Moredon “If the government wants Swindon and a population of approximately Bridge to grow we must have the resources 250,000. to do this in a managed way.”

The Link in January highlighted Ridgeway Farm He added that developers will the imminent conclusions from have to make much larger conthe Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) tributions to infrastructure under Planning Enquiry that took place Section 106 legal agreements. “We in 2007 and the February edition are suffering the legacy of a poorly reported the proposals by the planSites to the north of Peatmoor in the development frame from a 1985 aerial photo negotiated agreement for North ning inspectors.

In a report to Swindon Council’s Boosting the number of homes • Investment in the public aspects Swindon in the late 1980s. We don’t cabinet on the Core Strategy and in Swindon by over 40 per cent in of the town centre regeneration will have enough money to deliver the services needed by the growth in Development Control Policies on 23 the next 18 years, a build rate of cost some £14 million; January, Swindon planners spell out nearly 2,000 a year, will impose • Expenditure on new cultural and the north.

“The council will be resisting the preferred options where these huge demands on infrastructure leisure facilities is estimated at £60 demands for future expansion unmillion. homes could be built: and services. For example: The council planners also point less we know we can deliver the • Previously Developed Land • Swindon sewage treatment works and other urban sites: 10,050 has the capacity to cope with hous- out that access to a new reservoir to infrastructure needed.”

A full meeting of the council will • Northern Development Area ing development until 2016 and a secure the long-term supply of wadebate the the Core Strategy report (sites to be completed): 3,700 major upgrade and a new treatment ter to Swindon will be required.

Coun Peter Greenhalgh, cabinet on 21 February. If its proposals are • Wichelstowe (the Front Garden): work will be required. The cost is member for Highways, Transport agreed, an eight week consultation 4,500 estimated at £80 million; • Eastern Development Area • Huge improvement to transporta- & Strategic Planning said that it is exercise will take place between 17 (adjacent to the A420 & A419): tion outside new development areas easy for government planners to March and 12 May. The report and survey form will 12,000 will be needed. Consultants are foist huge numbers of new homes • Kingsdown: 500 suggesting the bill for improving on the town without recognising be posted at: www.swindon.gov.

• Commonhead (adjacent to the transport networks will be £1 the significant implications on infra- uk/corestrategy structure. “I really am disappointed • The core strategy document can be Coate Water park): 750 billion; • Tadpole Farm (north of • Providing housing for those un- by the decisions for Swindon by seen at www.swindonlink.com Priory Vale): 1,500 able to afford access to the private • Ridgeway Farm/Moredon housing market could cost £1.1bn Bridge (adjacent to Peatmoor & • An extension to the Great Western Sparcells): 1,000 Hospital on land already identified The RSS planning report speci- will be needed; fied that land for an additional 2,000 • If the council’s link up with the dwellings should be found in North University of the West of England Wiltshire as urban extension(s) to develops, the cost will be about £25 Swindon. million;

Council delivers better service

In 2002 Swindon was rated by the Audit Commission as one of the poorest performing councils in the country; now it’s one of the fastest improving.

The commission report says • Roads are safer; Swindon has one of the fastest • Strong procurement and service improving councils in the country, reviews are achieving better value which is delivering better value for for money; money and ‘clear improvements for • Effective partnership working local residents.’ with other public services is resultIn its ‘direction of travel’ assess- ing in wider community outcomes ment, it states: such as improved health and less • Vulnerable people now receive youth crime; substantially improved services; • Services for adults, such as people • Benefits services are now excel- with learning difficulties supported lent; into work, are much improved.

• Housing performance remains Leader of the council Roderick strong; Bluh said, “this assessment is • School results continue to im- testament to the huge amount of prove, particularly in primary work that has been put in across schools; the council to get us to where the • The town centre environment is residents of Swindon have a right improving, with graffiti and litter to expect us to be. noticeably reduced; “When you consider just how • New waste services have been poorly the council was performrolled out and recycling rates are ing only a few short years ago, the high; turnaround has been dramatic.

1 - 21 March 08.indd 5

14/2/08 16:00:47

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swindonlink.com • March 2008

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Kids have a view of community

January’s Link asked whether community spirit exists in North Swindon and young people have been exploring the idea with the Flux ‘Create Your Own Community’ project.

A series of workshops in primary what community means to them and secondary schools across North and are given a ‘plot of land,’ in Swindon asked young people what the form of a square of cardboard, they see in their community, what on which to ‘build’ their ideal is missing and how they would community.

After the first ten sessions, Ella change it. The project began last summer and will draw to a close at said there has been an interesting Easter when a report of the young- response. “In the new areas, the children’s depictions of community sters’ views will be collated.

Ella Bissett-Johnson, Flux com- seem more focussed around the munity co-ordinator, has been commercial aspects of life. On the working with children from Abbey other hand children at the church Meads, St Andrews in Blunsdon schools tend to see community and Red Oaks schools this term. in terms of love and being happy In workshops, children are asked together.”

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The North Swindon Lantern Festival is set for Wednesday 19 March when young people and adults will parade around North Swindon starting at North Swindon Library at 6pm and ending at Isambard Community School at 8pm.

The Flux arts project is running drop-in lantern making workshops for young people at the Underground Youth Centre at North Swindon Centre on Tuesdays, 4pm to 6pm. Pupils at Isambard School are also making lanterns during lunch breaks.

Families can join in at a special lantern workshop on Saturday 15 March, 11am to 4pm, at North Swindon Library.

Anybody can be part of the parade, but under 11s must be accompanied. Gather between 5pm and 6pm at the library on 19 March where a storyteller will set the scene by conjuring up myths and mystery about North Swindon.

For details call Ella Bissett-Johnson on 07824 550466. www.fluxswindon.co.uk

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15/2/08 12:42:20

swindonlink.com • March 2008

Top class result for Oakhurst school but opening timetable not clear

Funding has been confirmed for a school at Oakhurst in North Swindon and Swindon Council's cabinet have agreed that building a new primary is a top priority, but angry parents are considering legal moves.

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Oakhurst toddlers staking their claim to the Pioneer Road site in the January Link

There was elation for campaigning parents when they learned that government funding would be available for a school PS7, but disappointment that temporary classrooms are unlikely to be ready for September 2008. In a meeting with Swindon councillors in February, parents were told of legal difficulties to be overcome and that September 2009 is a more realistic target.

A commitment to building a new school had been delayed while complicated education budgets were unravelled. But Michael Wills MP arranged a meeting between council leader Rod Bluh and a senior civil servant who confirmed that the government would provide a cash grant for a school.

"We will be doing everything in our power to have as much of the building done by 2009," said coun Justin Tomlinson.

He added that there are concerns about the legal position and the level of facilities that could be provided if temporary classrooms were run under the management of an existing school, possibly in West Swindon. Children would have to be bussed to sport and other facilities and it would not be possible to guarantee places for Oakhurst children at the temporary school as applications would have to be made to the twinned school, using its admission criteria.

In a letter to Oakhurst parents, Michael Wills MP said that he is deeply concerned about the way the council has approached the issue.

Richard Kirk, whose daughter is due to start reception class in September was critical of the council’s change of heart. “We’re really upset that they are unwilling to commit to this September; the council has done nothing but mislead and back track. We are seriously thinking about taking legal action.”

Oakhurst children have been allocated spaces at other primaries in North Swindon for September.

1 - 21 March 08.indd 7

15/2/08 12:45:05

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swindonlink.com • March 2008

Free home safety checks offered

Taking one minute every week to check your smoke alarm is working properly could save your life.

That’s the stark message from Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service in supporting a new Government campaign Pull Your Finger Out. Latest statistics show that there are, on average, 417 accidental house fires in Wiltshire and Swindon each year. A recent survey found that while 85 per cent of householders in the South West have smoke alarms in their homes, just 13 per cent regularly do tests – so risking the safety of their loved ones.

Mark Altree, from the community safety department based at Swindon Fire Station, said, “a disturbing number of people do not maintain their alarms on a weekly basis. Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they work and we’re urging everybody to ‘pull their fingers out’ and test them, you could save lives.”

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service offers free home fire checks to identify risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent fire. To arrange a visit call 0800 389 7849 or see details at: www.wiltsfire.gov.uk

Ramleaze road danger to be reduced

A petition organised by parent Rachel Tomlinson in early 2007 for a safe pedestrian crossing on Ramleaze Drive, opposite Shaw Village Centre has been successful. ally pleased and relieved as Swindon Council has I’m sure are all the others who agreed to install a toucan use Shaw Village Centre and crossing on the dangerwalk to Brook Field Primary ous bend at the end of School.

March or early April.

“I’d like to thank those who Rachel and her famsigned the petition and also ily were pictured in Olga’s Salon, Shaw Post Office the January 2007 Link, and Shaw Vets who made it preparing to take their available. lives in their hands on “Councillor Keith Williams the blind bend close to Rachel Tomlinson on Ramleaze Drive in early 2007 has been very helpful in pushthe shops and doctor’s ing the project through the “It’s great the council has listened surgery. Several hundred names on her petition encouraged to the needs of the community and various council committees and I’d councillors to agree that the site taken action before an accident like to thank The Link for publicistakes place,” said Rachel. “I’m re- ing the issue. required a controlled crossing.

Right mix up on Thamesdown Drive

Blunsdon Parish councillor Allen Syms believes it is a matter of time before there is a serious accident at the intersection of Thamesdown Drive with Elstree Way and Lady Lane.

The new member of the council has been greater since the Blunsdon is a serious accident. We hope to pressurise for a change to the light who lives in Ash Brake has experi- Arms pub opened.

The parish council wants to sequence or warning signs.” enced several near misses himself.

Swindon councillor Justin TomTraffic travelling along Elstree Way hear from people who have had and turning right onto Thames- accidents or near misses to contact linson echoed parish council condown Drive up the hill, does not them because the police and Swin- cerns. “In my mind there is potential have priority over traffic coming don Council do not think there is for accidents and the highways problem. should again investigate the situafrom Lady Lane, opposite.

Allen said, “we have had quite tion as a matter of urgency.”

Allen says that some drivers, To comment mail: contact@ seeing a green light, assume they a few minor instances where cars are in a filter lane to make the turn have turned across each other and blunsdon-pc.gov.uk or call Allen and don’t stop to give way. The risk it won’t be too long before there on 574512.

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14/2/08 16:01:22

swindonlink.com • March 2008

9

New speedway plan approved

Developers of the Abbey Stadium site next to St Andrew’s Ridge were sent back to the drawing board in September when Swindon Council’s planning committee deferred a decision on their proposals.

But revised plans put before the committee on 12 February have been given the green light.

The existing stadium is to be demolished but only after a new one is built to the south east of its present location, next to the new Blunsdon bypass. There will be an office development to the east of the stadium Tomlinson said, “the developer’s and some light industrial units to proposals secure the future of Abthe north-west. On the remainder bey Stadium which has pleased of the 54 acre site, there will be 450 speedway supporters. The change dwellings and a care home plus 4.5 of use from the original commercial acres of public open space. use to primarily residential develAs well as securing a new home opment is a relief to the residents of for the Swindon Robins speedway St Andrews Ridge and it will help team, greyhound racing and the in- the shops at the local centre.” door market, the stadium complex Because of the major change of will include a youth initiative centre land use, as set out in the Swindon providing training opportunities Local Plan, central government will for young people in motor engineer- have to approve the scheme before ing and maintenance, plus animal it can proceed. husbandry and care.

The new stadium could be ready Abbey Meads councillor Justin for the 2010 season.

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Martene at Leapfrog in Broome (next to the Broome Manor Golf Club) on 01793 422 202 Jas at Leapfrog in Peatmoor on 01793 887 602 Niki at Leapfrog in St Andrews Ridge on 01793 726 919

www.leapfrogdaynurseries.co.uk

1 - 21 March 08.indd 9

14/2/08 17:37:49

10 swindonlink.com • March 2008

KUDOS FENCING

Simple test is all it takes to avoid silent killer

Martin Hawes, from Ramleaze, a fit and active 53 year old had no health concerns and, as a result, missed out on a three minute test that could have shown he was at risk of a life threatening collapse. to how he was. He is able to play His stroke in mid-2007, on a typibadminton again for the Greencal relaxing Sunday at home, came meadow Club and has returned to completely out of the blue. One leading the Swindon Scratch Choir. minute Martin, right, was doing However he has to compensate for the washing up, the next he felt as the after-effects of the stroke which though he had been hit around the has left him with tinnitus, short term Local Family Business head with a cricket bat. memory loss and double vision Tests at Great Western Hospital • All types of fencing installed when he looks down. revealed that he had suffered a bleed • Full patio/decking service Since the stroke Martin has near the brain stem and that he • Made to measure gates consulted a dietician and on her had extremely high blood pressure • All pressure treated timbers • Help/advice on all fencing & landscape matters recommendation has given up which had caused the stroke. sugar and caffeine. He has also Free estimates on 01793 855800 He said, “I was pretty fit. I played Unit 23 & 24 Oaklands Ind. Est. Braydon, Swindon used complementary therapies to badminton twice a week, cycled overcome the fear that he will sufand went for long walks and did a fer another stroke and particularly building job. But I was completely unaware I had very high blood been paralysed. If I’d had my blood recommends Emotional Freedom pressure as there are no symptoms. pressure checked then this never Technique.

Looking to the future, Martin That’s why they call it the silent would have happened.”

Fortunately, nine months later, feels very positive now and has killer.”

Without doubt Martin recom- Martin has made a very good recov- resolved to work less, be spontanemends that men should pay more ery and says he is 90 per cent back ous and have more fun. attention to their health, not ignore anything unusual or different in how they feel, and go to their GP for regular check ups.

Faced with a 41 per cent rent hike from Swindon Council and with “My advice is to get your blood funds running out, the Well Woman Centre at the Health Hydro Milpressure checked at least annually, ton Road will start moves in April to close if new sources of income especially if you are near fifty or cannot be found. older,” said Martin.

“It would be very shortsighted Since 1997, the clinic has had to “I’m very lucky to have walked raise money for running costs since of the authority to let us go. There away; the stroke was in the brain Swindon Council and the local is so much more that we would stem and I could very easily have health authority cut funding. The like to do including work on obeclinic received a three year lottery sity, teenage pregnancy, drug and grant in 2000 but has survived since alcohol use and advice on how to stop smoking. then by fundraising.

Reduce y Purton House “We’re optimistic; we are in Two thousand people used the o u r carbon fo Church End otprint. drop in clinic last year for services negotiation with the PCT and the Buy healt hy including blood pressure checks, council. If anybody can do a fundPurton, Swindon grown lo food cally health screening tests and advice raiser or could nominate us as their Tel: 01793 772287 on contraception, sexual health chosen charity for their company, that would help.” and lifestyle.

VEGETABLES • FRUIT • MEAT • EGGS Contact Erica on 511064 or mail: “The Primary Care Trust treat us as part of their service but they wwcswindon.fsnet.co.uk are not paying for it,” said centre Tuesday 11 March manager Erica O’Flynn.

Fundraising quiz night The PCT pays for nurses at two clinics a week but she would like Swindon Town FC Winners Lounge Teams wanted at £20 for 5.

Deliveries & drop off points in Swindon, Cirencester, Wootton Bassett, them to pay for nurses on another Call Erica at WWC to enter Broad Hinton, Marlborough, Wroughton two days. She also wants the coun28 April: Well Woman curry night cil, which offers peppercorn rents FARM SHOP OPEN: Wed and Thurs 9.30am-1.30pm & 2.30pm-5pm at the Bombay Lounge. to some therapists at the Hydro, to www.purton-house.co.uk Call 887799 to book a table reconsider the huge rent increase.

Patios, decking & landscaping

Crisis at Well Woman Centre

Real food from a farm near you Call for details about our Organic Box Scheme

Abbey Meads Dental Practice Restorative, Preventive & Cosmetic Dentistry

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Abbey Meads Village Centre, Swindon

1 - 21 March 08.indd 10

Ramleaze Drive, Shaw, West Swindon Tel: 01793 874894 E-mail: enquiries@gp-j83064.nhs.uk

Dr A Dwivedi, Dr Mathi, Dr K Burke, Dr M Awad (on maternity leave)

New patients always welcome

Surgery hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 12.30pm; 2pm - 5.30pm Closed Thursday afternoon WE ALSO HAVE A PURPOSE BUILT COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR HIRE PLEASE CALL CLAIRE ON 877700

14/2/08 16:08:49

swindonlink.com • March 2008

FACECHOICE PHARMACY

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ALLERGY TESTING 150 foods and airbourne irritants tested with instant results.

No needles, no blood tests Ruth Derham, PHSH RSHom 4 High Street, Purton 01793 772883

Acupuncture & Reiki Clinic Su Bhagi Bsc(Hons) LicAc Simon Blemings Bsc(Hons) LicAc RN

Treatments available for joint/muscle pain, digestive/intestinal problems, headaches, fatigue, emotional issues, smoking cessation, fertility problems and much more

Call 01793 608776 www.enerqi.uk.com

42 Basepoint Centre, West Swindon

Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 870226 Opening Times: Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm 2.15pm - 6pm Saturday 9am - 12noon

11

The local specialist

Optimum Mobility · Wheelchairs – all types · Scooters – all types · New & Used · Rise/recline chairs · Proper service · Home visits

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Scooters, powerchairs, stairlifts, wheelchairs and more We also service all types of disability equipment Tel: 0800 0746612

Tel: 01793 615327

Unit 12, Birch, Kembrey Park, Swindon SN2 8UU

1 - 21 March 08.indd 11

14/2/08 16:09:05

12 swindonlink.com • March 2008

Tailor-made

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1 - 21 March 08.indd 12

North police team tackling poor behaviour and speeders

The North Swindon Neighbourhood Policing Team has refocussed its effort in response to issues raised at a community consultation with residents, Blunsdon Parish Council and Neighbourhood Watch coordinators.

Three main problems have been • Illegal use of mini-motos on foothighlighted: paths in Abbey Meads. The police • Anti-Social Behaviour in play and Swindon Council are looking parks and villages centres acrosss at erecting barriers on footpaths to the area. The police are actively deter mini-moto users whilst allowpatrolling these locations and ing push chairs, wheelchairs and Swindon Council is undertaking pedestrians to pass through with a graffiti clean-ups; ease.

• Speeding on Thamesdown To raise other issues with the Drive. The traffic division and com- Porth police team contact PCSO munity road safety department are Pablo Gomez or PC Troy Smith also taking action to enforce 40mph on 0845 408 7000, or mail: Pablo. speed limit Gomez@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk

Police promise crackdown on rampaging youth

Due to an upsurge in anti-social behaviour around Link Centre and West Swindon District Centre since the beginning of the year, the police and security staff are taking a no-nonsense approach to young people who are hanging about.

PCSO Amanda Baker said the main problems take place around the Friday evening ice skating session, from 8.30pm to 10.30pm. “We have had many complaints about anti-social behaviour and street robberies in the area.

“I would ask parents to ensure their children leave the vicinity as soon as the skate session finishes.

The police are taking a no-tolerance approach to anybody misbehaving; we won’t allow a few people to upset the enjoyment of the majority.

“Any person misbehaving will be issued with a stop form and they will be entered into the antisocial behaviour (ABS) monitoring system.”

The ABS system allows police to record the name of individuals and the incidents they are involved in.

If the poor behaviour continues, the police will progressively escalate their response, from letters being sent to the individual or parents/ guardians, with details registered with the Youth Offending Team. If this does not work the police will issue an Anti-Social Behaviour Contract (ABC) or Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO).

Police staff will personally deliver the letters.

The West Neighbourhood Policing Team currently have two young people on ABCs and two others on interim ASBOs.

Shopper warning: The team is also appealing to shoppers at West Swindon Centre to keep an eye on their belongings. There have been several purse dip incidents where an offender distracts somebody before stealing from a bag in a trolley.

Mini-moto success: Ms Baker reports a reduction in the number of complaints about mini-motos on footpaths across West Swindon as a result of greater publicity about their illegal use and police patrols.

Staff reorganised: The West team has reorganised its staff with PCSO Richard Lane now working for the Neighbourhood Policing Team in West Swindon North (Shaw to Sparcells) and PCSO Amanda Luker moving to West Swindon South (Toothill, Westlea, Freshbrook & Grange Park).

Free offers from your local NPT

The next police surgery takes place at West Swindon Library on Tuesday 18 March, 2.30pm to 6.30pm. Officers will be offering free bike security marking, purse alarms, crime prevention advice and the chance to discuss any problems.

West residents get to grips with safety problems

A Community Safety Forum has been established to cover West Swindon (South) to address the wide range of problems found in the area.

It is led by residents, with support from relevant agencies, to look at community safety issues and explore where it can take direct action to resolve them.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the forum should contact the chair: csp@swindon. gov.uk or call 466473.

The next meeting will be held on 11 March.

14/2/08 17:40:23

swindonlink.com • March 2008

13

Green light for test centre in West Swindon

Changes to the motorcycle test require a different style of test centre and Swindon is to be serviced by a new Driving Standards Agency multi-purpose test Centre at Hillmead Employment Area, next to the Arclight building off Mead Way. Planning permission was granted travelling time of a variety of road are covered on that course. “It may in January and construction work conditions so that candidates can get more expensive and you may has started ready for October when be assessed across the full range of have to do a bit more training but most of it should be incorporated all motorcycle manoeuvres will be driving skills.

Rachel Pattison, owner of Ab- into training you already do - if you tested off the public roads and in uniform conditions. Car tests will bey Rider Training at Blunsdon, go to a decent school.”

For those determined to beat the also move from the current site in has seen unusually high demand Old Town. Drivers will be tested on for places on motorcycle training October deadline, she recommends the local streets and some manoeu- courses during the winter months booking early as demand has been vres, such as reverse parking, will from riders who want to avoid the high throughout the normally quiet winter months. new test. be examined on the site.

Abbey Rider Training already The location meets the DSA www.abbeyridertraining.co.uk criteria that the centre must have offers Compulsory Basic Training www.dsa.gov.uk easy access to the regional road and Rachel says that many of the network and be within a short off road manoeuvres in the new test

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1 - 21 March 08.indd 13

15/2/08 13:18:49

FANTASTIC CHINESE CUISINE AT TWO GREAT VENUES 14 swindonlink.com • March 2008

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Swindon’s first 5 star Chinese Restaurant (Swindon Borough Council scores on the door)

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A fantastic new restaurant offering the best in oriental cuisine Any dish (excl. Aromatic Duck) £3.80 or less. Over 80 dishes to choose from Sunday lunch £12.50 all you can eat Private dining room for up to 20 guests Private free parking after 5pm (George Whites, opposite on Corporation Street)

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If a table is booked for 6 or more the birthday boy or girl eats for free (For example 5 pay and 1 eats for free.

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Book a table for 4 and receive a FREE BOTTLE OF WINE for every 4 guests (Offer only available on all you can eat and set menu, please present this voucher when ordering.)

Book now for MOTHERS’ DAY AND EASTER 1 - 21 March 08.indd 14

14/2/08 17:39:16

swindonlink.com • March 2008

Free Bradon bus to end for 09 school starters

Swindon children starting secondary school in September 2009 and who choose to attend Bradon Forest School in Purton will not be able to travel there by free bus. ary 2007 Greendown in Swindon Council’s cabinet if we could run a less Grange Park had 199 agreed on 23 January to end the expensive alternative surplus places and this free bus service currently enjoyed bus service than the one is predicted to rise to 373 by parents. The school accepted offered by Swindon, in September 2009. children from Swindon from 1962 to then we would do so.

In the November 2007 1997 when Wiltshire was the educa- We are requesting urLink Mr Spiers wrote tion authority and the arrangement gent clarification and that his school in the continued after Swindon took over specific details on the past had increased its inpricing and structure of responsibility for schools. take when Swindon had The free service is available for all the service proposed by a shortage of secondary pupils on roll at Bradon before 31 Swindon for the ‘payplaces in the West, and the goverAugust 2009 and pupils with special ing customers’ from 2009.

“We are confident that the school nors even considered a Swindon needs at the school will have free transport. The Swindon decision will be even more successful in education request to central govdoes not affect the free service for the future and will continue as a ernment that its exam performance very attractive and positive choice should be included in the council’s Wiltshire children.

Bradon Forest headteacher Len of secondary school for parents, league table rankings.

Parents and Year 6 children will Spiers, above, said, “the unanimous prospective students and staff in be visiting schools in October bedecision by the Swindon cabinet Wiltshire and Swindon.”

The cost of transporting children fore registering their choice for the came as no surprise to us and was the one we have been expecting by bus to state schools outside West following year. Bradon Forest is a for some time. Throughout the Swindon is over £529,000. Last performing arts specialist school consultation process last year, September 624 children received and Greendown specialises in Bradon Forest made it clear that free transport to Bradon. In Janu- maths, computing and sport.

March opening at Millbrook Millbrook Primary School in Freshbrook holds an open day on Wednesday 26 March, 10am to 12 noon and 1.30pm to 3pm for parents of children due to start school this September, as well as families moving into the area. Visitors will be able to look round the school, view the plans for the new building to start in the Spring, and enjoy coffee and cakes with staff • Millbrook mums will be appreciated on Mothers’ Monday, 3 March. Parents, carers, grandparents, friends and relatives will be welcomed to join their child in lessons, playtimes and lunch (to be pre-booked).

For details call the school offices on 872800 or 870224.

1 - 21 March 08.indd 15

15

Taste of Chile at Swindon College

Nick Arkell, director of Arkell’s Brewery, is hosting a wine tasting evening in the Swindon College restaurant at North Star Campus on Monday 3 March, 7pm to 9pm.

Wines from Chile will be the topic of taste and discussion.

Tickets are £6 from Elaine Starsmeare on 498267 or mail: elainestarsmeare@swindon-college.ac.uk

Taste for Age Concern

Tickets are available for the Age Concern wine tasting evening on 14 March at the Pear Tree, Purton.

Guests will be greeted with a glass of champagne and will then taste six different wines under the guidance of restaurateur Francis Young before enjoying a delicious supper.

Tickets cost £30 per person from Mel Richards on 692166.

• Age Concern Swindon has opened a charity shop at 27 Havelock Street to help fund its work with older people across the borough.

Good quality stock, clothing, bric-a-brac, books and shoes are needed as well as offers from potential volunteers.

To donate goods or time call Tony Bell on 07733 014 683.

14/2/08 17:41:36

16 swindonlink.com • March 2008

D & L Blinds

Rollers • Verticals • Venetians Pleated Blinds • VELUX® Conservatory Blinds

Quality blinds at affordable prices Fast and reliable service Evenings & weekends no problem All blinds fitted free

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Contact Paul on 01793 619428 Free quotes no obligation

Isambard goes for arts specialism

As Isambard Community School in Redhouse prepares to double in size, with its second intake of pupils in September, the school is setting its sights on becoming a specialist arts college.

Pupils have had a rich experi- scheme, a nationally recognised and how particular topics must be ence of the arts since the school qualification, similar to the Duke taught. The timetable at Isambard includes six hours a week when opened last September through a of Edinburgh award. curriculum delivered by the Flux Flux, funded by a £1 million gov- pupils explore that term’s theme.

“It gives teachers more leeway to arts project which has coordinated ernment grant, is a three year project visits from artists who have given to bring arts activities to young be inventive and they can teach with performances and worked with people across North Swindon as greater flexibility which draws on children on dance, visual arts and well as Isambard pupils. When it their expertise,” said Kim. “This fits singing. ends next year, the school wants to in with the vision of the headteacher Flux also offers a number of be in a position to continue to offer Rachel Mattey. She is an innovator and thinks outside the box, always after-school enrichment activities in exciting arts opportunities. dance, drawing, cartoon club and a rock school. Over a hundred pupils are enrolled in the Arts Award

Eleven pupils at Isambard will travel to the Odeon, Leicester Square on 4 March to the finals of the prestigious First Light Film Festival where a short film made last summer will be judged by actors Orlando Bloom, Nira Park, Kevin Spacey and Steven Fry and director Sam Mendes. The youngsters were involved in all aspects of making ‘The Child and Me’ which looks at their transition from primary to secondary school and the forging of a new identity in a new community.

See the carpet or floor covering of your choice, where it will be laid, next to your other furnishings.

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1 - 21 March 08.indd 16

Specialist school status will bring £100,000 to spend on capital projects and £350,000 for running costs. But £20,000 has to be raised locally to secure this extra government funding. Business manager Kim Davis is contacting companies in the hope of securing sponsorship.

In other subject areas, Isambard has taken an innovative approach.

A new curriculum will be introduced nationally from September but Isambard has adopted it a year early.

It is less prescriptive about when

exploring different ways to teach and be creative.”

Throughout Year 7, cross curricular work has been based on the theme of the continents. Year 8 themes will relate to global issues in the first four terms. By term five, most pupils will take KS3 tests, usually taken a year later, allowing them to make a start on some GCSE studies.

For September, 25 teachers and support staff are being recruited in readiness. www.isambard.swindon.sch.uk

Oscar winning talent at Moredon

Children from Moredon Primary School received the red carpet treatment at the premiere of a 10 minute film made with the help of Swindon Police to combat bullying, held at Blunsdon House Hotel on 1 February.

Twelve Year 6 children were involved in writing, directing and all the technical elements of the £30,000 film made with the help of Flux Arts Project and Swindon Mobile Media.

The film Sticks and Stones focuses on cyberbullying, particularly threats and abuse received by mobile phone text. Sgt Andrew Carr said the film will be a great teaching aid. “The youngsters have Sgt Carr with three Oscar winners created a fantastic film to convey the message about a very serious issue. talk to children about bullying on It will be a important tool when I school visits.”

15/2/08 15:20:26

swindonlink.com • March 2008

Bus calls at flagship healthy school

Although the kitchens at Haydonleigh Primary were only re-opened in April last year, the school has become one of 12 primaries to be designated a Food for Life Partnership Flagship School for the South West, one of 180 across the country.

17

PIANO LESSONS The Blackthorn School of Photography Digital image-making and black and white printing based at our specialist teaching centre near Cricklade Evening, day and weekend courses for beginners and advanced photographers www.photography-courses.com Tel: 01454 416937 or 07920 116492

For beginners to intermediates Qualified piano teacher on St Andrews Ridge in North Swindon.

Pupils of all ages welcomed Following Distinction at Grade 6, I also teach brass to beginners and music theory up to Grade 5.

Call: Julie Johnson-Little CT ABRSM

Tel: 01793 701255 Email: julielittle@onetel.com

Learning more about cooking in the Kitchen Bus. Helena Stevens and Focus on Food tutor Rebecca Hutchinson with Year 5 children

The aim is to show that it is possible to provide healthy food that is both enjoyed by children and good for the environment. Over the last ten months kitchen manager Karen McFadyan has served up nutritious meals with advice from the Soil Association and children have created their own vegetable garden which produced potatoes, cabbages and tomatoes for the school kitchen.

In January, the giant Focus on Food Campaign bus parked up at Haydonleigh for the day so that pupils, staff and parents could spend time in its mobile classroom and kitchen developing a range of cooking skills.

Headteacher Helena Stevens said, “there is huge enthusiasm amongst children and staff, and in the community, for what we’re doing to boost interest in learning about growing, cooking and eating healthy food.”

The high standard in the school kitchen was recognised in September when it was awarded a maximum five stars for hygiene in Swindon Council’s Scores on the Doors scheme.

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1 - 21 March 08.indd 17

For the lastest news and information visit our website

www.swindon-college.ac.uk

15/2/08 15:20:58

18 swindonlink.com • March 2008

Handy way to communicate with babies

Spurgeons helps children with disrupted lives In Swindon, volunteers enjoy the challenge of building a lasting friendship with a child in care through activities Full training given & expenses paid To discuss this opportunity contact 01793 615049 or mail: spurgeons@swindoniv.fsnet.co.uk Your support will make a difference

www.spurgeons.org Registered Charity No 1081182

The Springboard to Confidence for your child

Babies as young as six months can let their parents know what’s on their mind using a simple system of sign language.

At Sing & Sign classes, parents is hungry, tired or thirsty; it reduces and children learn together by sing- her frustration.

“Research shows that signing ing nursery rhymes and specially written songs accompanied by babies talk earlier, have a wider actions. The songs, brought to life vocabulary and a better underwith puppets, props and pictures, standing of grammar.”

Sing & Sign was developed by cover familiar activities such as meal time, bath time and going to speech and language experts and the park and babies quickly learn is recommended by Sure Start as a way to promote understanding in a range of useful words.

Class teacher Tracey Richards all families and help children whose began using Sing & Sign with her language is delayed.

Each course runs for 11 weeks daughter, who at one year old is a confident signer. As there were no and sessions are held on Thursdays classes in the area, she bought a 10am at Lower Shaw Farm and DVD and was impressed with the 1.30pm at St Francis Primary School.

To book a place for the summer programme.

“Amy fell in love with it. She term, starting in April, call Tracey loves signing and can make herself on 07765 000345. www.singandsign.co.uk understood; she can tell us when she

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Keeping fit with a bump or a babe

Getting in shape before giving birth is just as important as toning up afterwards and Fit for Baby offers specialist pre and post-natal courses where women can exercise safely in a relaxed atmosphere.

Fitness coordinator, Annette to join her post natal class. “I get Morton, has 15 years experience in to see the babies afterwards. It’s a the industry and is fully qualified lovely experience and always creas a pre and post-natal instructor. ates a really nice atmosphere.”

Babies are welcome and can She says that carrying a child and an active labour can call on muscles watch the action, or hopefully take a nap during the class. If they need that are not usually in use.

In her six week pre-natal course attention mums can take a break at Cannons Gym mums-to-be then rejoin the group. There is also strengthen leg and back muscles a crèche for older children.

The six week post-natal course and, using a range of yoga and Tai Chi poses, build flexibility and focuses on body conditioning, tonimprove posture. Each hour long ing and correcting bad posture from class ends with relaxation and deep load bearing during pregnancy. “I breathing and the chance to enjoy try to give exercises that new mums can do at home afterwards,” said a free swim.

For Annette, one of the pleasures Annette. “Mums are amazed at the of teaching the course is that many improvement.”

See Fit for Baby advert right. mums come back with their babies

Town centre toddlers has places New members are welcome at Little Bears Parent & Toddler group which meets on Fridays, 9.15am to 11.15am at St Marks Church hall next to Faringdon Road Park.

For details call Selena Wells on 07703367837.

Little Foxes Childcare & Education

For children and their parents Established 1986 The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts Tel: 01666 510356 Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042

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l l l l

1 - 21 March 08.indd 18

An independent family run nursery offering quality care and education within a safe, secure, stimulating environment for all babies and children from 0-5 and an out of school club for children aged 5-11 years Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for 3-5 year olds High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching staff and nursery nurses Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room, school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about

15/2/08 15:21:18

swindonlink.com • March 2008

Glowing Ofsted report for Greendown Playgroup

Greendown Playgroup is the first and only pre-school provider in Swindon to be rated as outstanding for both education and childcare

by Ofsted.

Sale date

The annual National Childbirth Trust nearly new sale takes place on Saturday 5 April, 11am to 1pm, at Oasis Leisure Centre.

The event offers a fantastic range of quality clothes for babies to 4 year olds, cots, prams, nursery equipment, maternity wear toys, DVDs and books. Entry: £1.

For a sellers’ pack send a cheque for £2.50 payable to ‘NCT Swindon branch’ to Sellers’ Packs, 2 Wyvern Close, Swindon, Wilts, SN1 4DL. To help run the event and to shop early call the NCT volunteer coordinator on 07005 801637 or mail: nnsswindon@hotmail.co.uk

19

Childminders, Support Groups, Pre-schools, WTC, Clubs, Education, Funding, Health

Children’s Information Service A one-stop shop for FREE information!

Why not pop in and see us?

6 - 7 Theatre Square, Swindon Tel: 01793 541786 Email: info@cisswindon.co.uk www.cisswindon.co.uk Training, Parent & Toddler Groups, SEN, Schools, CTC, Nurseries and much more

Come and be the star that you are at Drama Babes Inspectors visited the group in December and noted that children are exceptionally independent because the space and resources are arranged to allow them to make their own decisions, and that staff are warm, caring and attentive.

The playgroup was praised for letting children take the initiative and get messy with activities like enthusiastically digging holes in the garden, filling and pouring cans of water to make muddy puddles or painting the fence.

Safety was praised as outstanding but the inspector recognised that children are allowed to take measured risks which help them learn about danger and how to keep themselves safe. They say, ‘children learn to safely use proper tools such as hammers and nails, knives and

scissors. They ride on wheeled toys, including some bikes without stabilisers, enjoying the thrill and small sense of danger as they roll down the hill.’

Manager Julie Steward was very pleased with the report. “I’m particularly happy because the group continues to be run by a parents’ committee and this success reflects excellent work by the staff, the management committee and the parents. We’re all working really well together for the benefit of the children.”

The playgroup operates from its own building at Greendown School but its reputation attracts families from across the town. There is a waiting list for September’s intake, but to register an interest call Julie on 882234.

Imagine ... flying through the sky on a magic carpet ... diving under the sea, playing with mermaids and shooting through the sky on your space rocket ... being a superhero, rescuing your friends or being a princess twirling around in your magnificent palace!

★★

Independent local theatre practitioner Classes in West Swindon & Cricklade al tri n Call Fiona on 07799 691328 ee o Fr less www.dramababes.co.uk

Headstarts Day Nursery Established 1990

Delta Business Park, Westlea West Swindon. Tel: 877779 & The Children’s Centre at Robert le Kyng Westcott Street, Swindon. Tel: 484934

Screenings can be a scream The Wyvern Theatre film programme includes an 11am showing so parents with pre-school children can enjoy recent releases on the big screen.

The Screaming Screenings season, which includes bottle warming and baby changing facilities, includes: Wednesday 27 February Elizabeth: The Golden Age (12A) Monday 17 March Death at a Funeral (15) Monday 7 April The Golden Compass (PG) Wyvern box office: 524481 www.wyverntheatre.org.uk

Close to M4 junction 16, just a short drive from West Swindon For children 3 months to five years Open all year from 8am to 6pm Extensive outdoor play and garden Grant places available For information telephone: 01793 851495

www.thedaynursery.com Brinkworth Road, Wootton Bassett, Swindon SN4 8DS

1 - 21 March 08.indd 19

Headstarts is a friendly, ‘family’ nursery offering a warm, happy and relaxed environment where every child benefits from individual attention. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Monday – Friday 8am till 6pm all year Sessions for 0 - 5 year olds ~ am, pm, school day, all day Real value for money. From £144 per week full time Funded child-care credits available.** Government Funded Nursery Sessions**

Free nursery sessions for 2.5 hours per day worth £44 per week Monday - Friday during term time for funded 3 & 4 year olds* For further information or to arrange a visit, call 877779 or 484934

✁

Greendown, top rated playgroup in Swindon

Special offer FREE child care worth £50 with this advert* *Conditions apply **Rates may vary

14/2/08 16:13:03

20 swindonlink.com • March 2008

Farm re-opens for Springtime frolics

The popular Lower Shaw Farm community cafe re-starts on Wednesday 5 March, from 10am to 2pm.

Families can drop in for seasonal craft activities, tasty tea and cakes, and light lunches (or bring a picnic).

Tour the organic vegetable garden as well as feed the chickens and ducks, stroke the pig and fondle Lulu, the orphan lamb, left.

On the wildlife trail, there’s a chance to hunt for mini-beasts, peer in the ponds for frogs, listen to birdsong, say hello to the scarecrow and gather together for stories under the old chestnut tree.

Entrance is free, but donations are very welcome.

Andrea Hirsch of Lower Shaw said children always love the farm in springtime. “Pop in for a cup of tea – or stay for the whole morning. It’s a time to play, learn and relax, meet old friends, and make new ones.

• LSF Children’s Project charity curry night - page 2 Lower Shaw Farm Children’s Project holds its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 12 March, 2pm. All members are welcome.

For details call Andrea Hirsch on 771080

Walk out from the farm Free Active Swindon health walks beginning at Lower Shaw Farm will take place every Monday in March, meeting at 4pm and returning in time for a cuppa at about 5pm.

The walks will explore different routes around West Swindon. Get out, meet new people and discover new parts of the area.

Turn up and join in or call Andrea Hirsch on 771080 or Nan Pratt on 466202.

Swindon Tadpoles pour les enfants

Vous êtes francophone? Vous souhaitez rencontrer d’autres parents et enfants francophones? Nous sommes un nouveau groupe où chacun peut s’amuser, se détendre, avec son enfant et rencontrer d’autres familles bi-lingues.

The group welcomes French families and parents who want their children to learn French at Robert Le Kyng Children’s Centre, Westcott Street on Friday, 1pm to 2.30pm.

Call Ellen Cooper on 07794 269313 about joining.

Spielgruppe

Starring Anita Harris, Victor Spinetti, Derren Nesbitt, Myfanwy Waring, Judy Buxton

Wed 23rd April – Saturday 26th April Tickets £15 - £18 Ticket Office: 01793 524481 Book Online: www.wyverntheatre.org.uk

1 - 21 March 08.indd 20

Word about a toddler group for German speakers has spread so rapidly that organisers are already considering a move to a larger room at Salt Way Children’s Centre, Middleleaze.

Numbers have grown to over twenty with children enjoying games, stories and singing.

The idea came from Lisa Mullen, who was keen for her daughter to meet other German speakers.

Although Lisa is English, she has spoken only German to Sarah, aged one, since she was born.

Lisa spent 17 years working and studying in Germany and felt strongly that she wanted Sarah to have the benefit of a another language. She said, “I think a second language is one of the greatest gifts that you can give a child; and it doesn’t matter what language it is.”

Sarah hears English from her dad and the rest of the family and her first words have been a happy mixture of German and English.

The toddler group has brought together German families from around the town who had not previously met. “I’m really chuffed it’s taken off so well. I’ve met some lovely new people through it.”

The Deutsche Spielgruppe wants to increase its resources, particularly German books which could be used at story time. Lisa would be pleased to hear from anyone who could donate books or other German language materials.

Call her on 340589. The group meets on Fridays, 10am to 11am.

14/2/08 17:44:56

21

Do you have any Gold?

If you have, then you have cash!

9 – 14 – 18 – or 22 carat = Best Prices Paid We buy scrap Gold, any amount any condition.

Spectacular show set for Wyvern’s stage

The circus that changed traditional entertainment forever explodes in Swindon in March.

There are dazzling flyDescribed as the ing warriors, acrobatic greatest family enterracotta soldiers, the tertainment ever assensational ‘woman of a sembled beyond the hundred faces’ and the Great Wall of China, finest exponents of Kung the Chinese State CirFu, Wu Shu and Qigong, cus is touring a new with the whole show naraction-packed producrated by the Monkey King, tion for the first time one of the most famous across Europe. The characters in Chinese spectacular two hour Folklore. show combines the Tickets are going very martial arts warriors from the Shaolin temple, artistes bringing together the world’s great- quickly for the two shows on 9 and from Peking Opera, and acrobatic est acrobats and the undisputed 10 March. Call the Wyvern box office on 524481 before it’s too late. stars of the Chinese State Circus, masters of martial arts.

Mitten knitters needed to keep bear paws toasty

Contact Barry on 07798 - 682198 Turn that unwanted Gold into Cash

NEW TO SWINDON

The Old Bank, Old Town

Spring Fever with Speed dating for 35 to 45 year olds Wed 5th March 7.30pm to 11pm

The Evening Standard: ‘Fantastic show, loved by circus lovers but equally loved by people who don’t like the circus,’

Jill Robinson from the China Bear Rescue has put out an unusual SOS: she needs hundreds of mittens to keep rescued Moon bears warm.

And bear rescue supporter Sarah Chilvers from Peatmoor is asking Swindon people to get knitting.

The bear sanctuary at Chengdu rescues Moon bears and works to educate people that milking them for bile is now unnecessary.

One hundred rescue bears are expected in March and the charity has extended its work to Vietnam where a new sanctuary took in its first batch of 80 bears in February.

The mittens are needed to keep bears warm when they are anaesthetised to A rescued Moon bear photographed allow vets to check them

by Sarah Chilvers in October last year over and repair infected punctures where they have novice knitter.The bears aren’t fussy been pierced to milk bile.

After a visit to Chengdu last year, about colour or pattern so this is a Sarah and Dave Chilvers are doing chance to use up odds and ends.

Contact Sarah on 07866 519232 all they can to help the bears who have been rescued from appall- for a pattern or to donate mitts.

There will be a chance to hear first ing conditions in bear farms. They walked the Great Wall of China to hand about how the bears are faring when Jill Robinson visits Swindon raise money.

This time she can’t help directly at the start of a fundraising road as she has yet to learn how to knit show. Contact Sarah about tickets and she called The Link to appeal for for a charity dinner and disco to take place at Pagoda Palace restaurant knitters to pick up their needles.

The mittens are very easy to make on 13 June. www.animalsasia.org and could be tackled by the most

21-52 March 08.indd 21

14/2/08 17:22:03

Swindon Wide in Old Town

22

Great giftware for the discerning customer

Wonderful ideas for Mothers Day & Easter

DEACON & SON (SWINDON) LTD Established 1848 11 - 15 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon Tel: 01793 527530 / 522072 Also: 44/45 High St, Marlborough. Tel: 01672 519955 42 High Street, Wootton Bassett. Tel: 01793 852945

www.deacons-jewellers.com

Spring has sprung at

ESTABLISHED 1972

7 Wood Street Old Town Swindon

Tel: 01793 531556

Marios’s, the happiest place in Swindon

Two lunchtime options: EXPRESS BUSINESS LUNCH Eat as much as you like Pizza and Pasta £5.95 BUSINESS LUNCH Main Course & Soft Drink £6.50

Mario’s are celebrating 35 years serving the finest Italian food in Swindon

FREE BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE

for every evening booking for four people Valid only with this advert, until 31 March 2008 Open Monday to Wednesday 6pm - 11pm Thursday to Saturday 6pm to 11.30pm

www.mariosrestaurant.co.uk

21-52 March 08.indd 22

14/2/08 16:17:51

Children & Family

Swindon Wide What’s On in March

Saturday 1st, 1.30pm & 3.30pm Mr Men & Little Miss - Sports Day Fun. It’s the last day of term! £9.50.

Wyvern Theatre Saturday 1st & 29th, 10am - 5pm Meet The Railway Workers who worked on the locomotives and in Swindon Works. £4 - £6. STEAM, Kemble Drive, Swindon. Tel: 466646 Saturday 1st, 10am - 5pm Scrapaholic Roadshow. Scrapbooking shop and classes available with free tea/coffee. £12. Madison Hotel, Stratton. Tel: 07786 013280 Sunday 2nd, 11am - 5pm Mum’s go free on Mother’s Day with accompanying child when visiting the State Apartments of Lydiard House & Walled Garden. Normal admission fees apply. Lydiard House & Park Sunday 2nd, 11am - 4pm Swindon & Cricklade Railway Mothering Sunday Steam Day. Swindon & Cricklade Railway Saturday 8th, 10am - 3.30pm Volunteers needed to clear grass and weeds around newly planted trees.

Lydiard House & Park Saturday 8th, 1pm - 3.30pm Celtic Creations at Barbury. Arts and crafts event for juniors in a wonderful location. Wear warm clothes. Book in advance. Meet at Barbury Castle Roundhouse. Tel: 490150 Friday 14th to Sunday 16th Working weekend - in the spirit of Wwoof. Get to know the farm, turn your hand to old jobs and new, enjoy good company and good food. Free.

Lower Shaw Farm. Tel: 771080 Saturday 15th, 10am - 12 noon Easter Fayre Moravian Church. Selling cakes, plants, books, bric-a-brac and childrens craft table. Dixon Street, Swindon. Tel: 694804 Sunday 16th, 8am - 2pm Car Boot Sale Castle Combe Circuit, Nr. Chippenham. 25p. Tel: 01249 782417 / 782929 Friday 21st to Monday 24th, 11am - 4pm Swindon & Cricklade Railway Easter Egg Specials. Swindon & Cricklade Railway Friday 21st - Sunday 24th Easter Activities. Painting eggs, baking hot cross buns, making bonnets, telling stories and egg rolling. Bank Holiday weekend full of traditions.

Lower Shaw Farm. Tel: 771080 Saturday 22nd, 11am - 2.30pm Campfire Cookery. Create a feast fit for a king, all over a fire in Stanton’s woodland. Book in advance. Juniors 8-18 years. Meet Stanton Park Ranger Centre, Stanton Park. Tel: 490150 Sunday 23rd, 12pm - 4pm The Great Lydiard Easter Sunday Trail. Hunt down clues hidden around the park and pick up a small chocolate treat! Children £1. Normal admission fees apply. Lydiard House & Park

21-52 March 08.indd 23

Saturday 29th, 3pm & 7pm Potted Potter - All the Potter books in sixty minutes? Comic double act Dan and Jeff take on the ultimate challenge.

6yrs+. £7 - £9. Arts Centre

Film

Wednesday 5th, 7.15pm Water (12A). From the director of ‘Earth’ and ‘Fire’, controversial period drama addresses plight of Hindu widows in colonial India. Hindi with English subtitles. SFS Arts Centre Monday 17th, 11am & 7.30pm Death at a Funeral (15). A dignified family funeral erupts into uproarious chaos when romance, jealousy, inlaws, life-long yearnings and blackmail all collide. Wyvern Theatre Wednesday 19th, 7.15pm Esma’s Secret (PG). In modern Sarajevo, rebellious teenager Sara seeks the truth about her dead ‘war hero’ father. Serbo-Croat with English subtitles. SFS Arts Centre Saturday 22nd, 11am & 2pm

BLAYLOCKS SWINDON’S FAMILY SHOE SHOP Est. 1920

STOCKISTS OF ALL LEADING BRANDS NEW SPRING RANGES NOW ARRIVING

BLAYLOCKS

Bath Road Corner Old Town

Tel: 534271

23

DO YOU NEED A HAT? T hen call

in Haydon Wick to see a large selection of hats to hire or buy Call (01793) 704005 or 07710 298790

Make a personal appointment to find just the right hat for you www.hirehats.co.uk

Swindon’s widest choice of discounted

Art & Craft products

Framework Art & Craft

NOW LOCATED AT

Unit 35 BSS House Cheney Manor, Swindon See & feel the products before you buy, and get personal advice from our knowledgeable & friendly staff Well worth a visit!

Tel/Fax 01793 513069 www.purplenimbus.co.uk

ARDECCA

Country Retreats

COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Arts and Crafts with professional tutors ■ Patchwork, quilting, smocking ■ Felt making, crochet, fabric dyeing ■ Painting, machine embroidery ■ Bead work, jewellery making ■ Soft furnishing

01793 721238 for details

Shirley Bassey Tribute

Ratatouille (U). Remy the Rat dreams of becoming a gourmet chef in a French restaurant. £5. Wyvern Friday 28th, 7.15pm Tell No One (15). French thriller.

Members only. SFS. St. Michael’s Hall, Highworth Swindon Film Society (SFS) film are for members only. It is however possible to join on any evening.

Venues

Arts Centre. Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837

Lydiard House Tel: 770401 St Michael’s Hall Lechlade Road Highworth

Swindon & Cricklade Railway

Tadpole Lane. Tel: 771615

Friday 18th April 2008 Surley Bassey, The Show with the Midas Touch.

This sensational tribute show captures all the power, passion and glamour of Shirley in her prime. See the dresses, the drama and pure sophistication of this authentic Shirley Bassey tribute act.

Spice Girls Tribute

Friday 30th May 2008 With live vocals and all the girl power they can muster The Spice-ish Girls provide an action packed performance including all the hits that made the Spice Girls one of the most successful acts in pop music history!

Fully choreographed to simulate the original dance routines and concert performances of the real Spice Girls…A must see show!

Dance to your favourite tribute artist and disco Tickets are £35.00 per person and include a set 4 course candle lit dinner Doors Open at 8.00pm. (Not suitable for children) Why not meet your party in Carrie’s Bar for a pre-dinner drink

Swindon Folksingers.

Milton Rd. Tel: 521301 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 University of Bath in Swindon.

Oakfield Campus, Marlowe Avenue.

Tel: 328800 Wyvern Theatre. Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with the venue.

15/2/08 13:43:06

24

Music

Line Dance

with

Midnight Cowboys Tuesday: Even Swindon, 7.00 Community Centre Jennings Street (off Rodbourne Road) Wednesday: Highworth, 7.00 Thursday: Coleview 7.00 Community Centre, Nythe Road

Step by step instruction for absolute beginners. Weekend socials in Highworth and Swindon For more details Ring Lewis Watson on 764732 Ten years of teaching!

By Sue â—† Your local family hairdresser â—† 25% discount for Seniors

Call now for an appointment on 01793 871120 or 07967 363322

HOME VISITS AVAILABLE

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Swindon Wide What’s

Sunday 2nd, 8pm Charlie Landsborough and his fivepiece band ÂŁ17. Wyvern Theatre Monday 3rd, 8pm Buddy Whittington right. Born in Hurst, Texas, Buddy began playing guitar at 8yrs old and was raised to play the blues. ÂŁ12. Arts Centre Thursday 6th, 8.30pm Swindon Jazz Society: Matt Wates Quintet. ÂŁ12. The Kings, Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon Thursday 6th to Saturday 15th Swindon Music Festival - amateur performance combined with educational element from professional musicians. Open to all ages. Arts Centre Fridays 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th, 8.15pm Swindon Folksingers Club. Members only (membership is free - apply at least two days prior to evening).

Milton Road, Swindon Saturday 8th, 6.30pm Swindon Male Voice Choir: Cor Meibion, one of Wales’ most successful male choirs. £8. Christ Church, Old Town. Tel: 822495 Saturday 8th, 7.30pm Wootton Bassett Orchestra Spring Concert. Includes Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony and Mozart Violin Concerto. £6. Memorial Hall, Wootton Bassett. Tel: 852515 Wednesday 12th, 1.05pm Swindon Recital Series Lunchtime Concert: Sacha Johnson (vibraphone) Paul Turner (piano) £5. Wyvern Sunday 16th, 2.15pm Swindon Recital Series: Carl Herring (guitar), £10. Arts Centre Sunday 16th, 7.30pm Ga Ga. The power, passion and musical mastery that a live Queen show always delivered. £16. Wyvern Sunday 16th, 7.30pm Swindon Symphony Orchestra Concert. Smetana, Vitava, from Ma Vlast; Saint-Saens, Piano Concerto no.2; Neilsen Symphony No.3 (Espansiva). £4 - £6. St Luke’s Church, Broad Street. Tel: 466454 Wednesday 19th, 7.30pm Ray Gelato. An evening of classic Italian American swing. From £15.50.

Wyvern Theatre Friday 21st, 7.30pm Divas of Country. Three fantastic country singers and their superb fourpiece band. From ÂŁ14.50. Wyvern Tuesday 25th, 7.30pm Kate Rusby. English acoustic music at its finest. ÂŁ19. Wyvern Theatre Thursday 27th, 8pm Modern Jazz Trio. Selection of compositions from great jazz musicians such as John Lewis and Bill Evans. ÂŁ10 Arts Centre

Friday 28th, 8pm Waterson: Carthy. Norma Waterson and Martin Carthy joined by their daughter, Eliza Carthy and melodeon player Saul Rose. ÂŁ15. Arts Centre Sunday 30th, 7.30pm Elvis - The Legend Continues. This Las Vegas style production features Lee ‘Memphis’ King, his orchestra and singers. ÂŁ13 - ÂŁ15. Wyvern Theatre

Exhibitions

To Saturday 29th, 10am - 5pm Profile 2. Wide range of paintings, prints, photography and drawings by local Swindon artists. Free. Wyvern To August, 10am - 5pm Resonant Forms. Artists’ ideas and how they structure their work. Free.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Saturday 1st, 9.30am - 4pm Swindon Stamp & Postcard Fair.

20p (children free). Western Community Centre. Tel: 528664

Comedy

Saturday 1st, 7.30pm Breakfast With Jonny Wilkinson.

See page 26. ÂŁ7.50. Arts Centre Tuesday 4th, 8pm Stewart Lee and Support. Stand-up show from co-writer of Jerry Springer: The Opera. ÂŁ12.50. Arts Centre Sunday 9th, 8pm Phil Nichol Hero Worship. Phil Nichol, 2006 winner of the if.comedies award, returns with a brand new show. ÂŁ12 - ÂŁ14. Arts Centre Saturday 22nd, 8pm Jongleurs Comedy Club. Top standup comedy. 18+ only. ÂŁ10. Wyvern

Out & About

Saturday 8th, 10am - 12pm Sub-Zero Seven Fields. Discover the wildlife and history of the nature reserve in North Swindon. Gentle 2-mile stroll. Swindon Ranger Service.

Tel: 490150 Sunday 16th, 10am - 3pm Let’s Get Ready to Ramble. Coate Water to Wroughton, 8 miles. Coate Water Country Park. Tel: 490150 Sunday 30th, 10.30am - 1pm Herons in the Treetops. Watch and Thursday 27th to Sat 29th, 7.30pm learn about recently hatched Herons Judith Hockaday School of Dance at Coate Water. Tel: 490150 and Drama students present an excit- Please book in advance, wear suiting evening of song and dance. From able footwear and clothing and bring £8.50. Wyvern Theatre packed lunch if required

21-52 March 08.indd 24

15/2/08 13:35:18

On in March

Talks & Meetings

Wednesday 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th, 1pm. Thursday 6th & 27th, 7.30pm The Tranquillity Zone. Discover an oasis of calm & well-being. Free.

Health Hydro, Milton Road, Swindon.

Tel: 465715 / 537454 Wednesday 5th, 5.30pm - 6.30pm Was there a historical King Arthur?

One of the greatest leaders known, or a non-event? Free. University of Bath In Swindon Wednesday 5th, 7.30pm Hierarchy in Art: The Dutch Republic. Purton Historical Society St. Mary’s School, Purton. For details call 770058 Saturday 8th March - 28th June Queen’s Park Family Scrapbook.

Fifty years of views and memories of Queens’ Park. Free. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Wednesday 12th, 5.30pm - 6.30pm Man-Made Wonders of The West.

Amanda Parr (BBC One’s Points West) and the world of film-making. Free.

University of Bath In Swindon Wednesday 12th, 7.30pm French Revolutions. How revolution changed art. Purton Historical Society.

St. Mary’s School, Purton. For details call 770058 Saturday 15th, 10am - 1pm Natural Fertility Awareness for women with Rebecca Brain. Price includes hot organic lunch. £28. Lower Shaw Farm. Tel: 771080 Monday 17th, 10am - 12 noon Find your family tree. Free advice to researchers in local and family history. Free. Central Library, Swindon.

Tel: 463796 Wednesday 19th, 7.30pm The Franco German War. The destruction of tradition: the Impressionist Revolution. Purton Historical Society.

St. Mary’s School, Purton. For details call 770058 Wednesday 19th, 5.30pm - 6.30pm How to become a space traveller.

The future and the space tourist. Free.

University of Bath In Swindon Wednesday 26th, 10am - 4pm Finds Service. Wiltshire’s Finds Liaison Officer is available to look at archaelological finds. Free. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Wednesday 26th, 7.30pm The Industrial Revolution: iron, steam, railways and the Pre-Raphaelites. Purton Historical Society. St. Mary’s School, Purton. For details call 770058 Friday 28th, 7.30pm What’s That Reptile? Illustrated talk

by Gemma Harding from Wiltshire Amphibian & Reptile Group. £2.50. Lawn Community Centre. Tel: 326560 Friday 28th The Architecture of Painting. A talk on the Swindon Collection by Barbara Dixon. £4.50. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

21-52 March 08.indd 25

25

Theatre

Wednesday 5th - Saturday 8th, 7.30pm & Saturday 8th, 2.30pm Swindon Gang Show. 21st Swindon Gang Show production, with cast of 100 youngsters. £8 - £9.50. Wyvern Sunday 9th to Mon 10th, 5pm & 8pm Chinese State Circus. Dazzling spectacle of flying warriors, acrobatic terracotta soldiers and ‘woman of a hundred faces’. From £12. Wyvern Thursday 13th to Saturday 15th, 7.30pm & Saturday 15th, 2.30pm.

Pirates of Penzance. Swindon Gilbert and Sullivan Society with this popular tale of pirates, police and pretty girls.

From £10. Wyvern Theatre Tuesday 18th, 7.30am The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). All 37 of Shakespeare’s plays in just 97 minutes! £16.50. Wyvern Theatre Thursday 20th, 7.30pm The Motown Show. Celebrating Motown legends Four Tops and Temptations. £16.50. Wyvern Theatre Monday 31st - 5th April. Mon 7.30pm, Tues to Thurs 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Fri & Sat 5pm & 8pm

SWINDON CYCLES

Superstore

With 250 bikes on show THE price is right THE parking is free

The choice rs is you Parts, repairs, accessories, back up stock Open: Mon to Sat 9am to 5.30pm Closed Sundays

Tel: (01793) 700105

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Bill Kenwright’s production of this sparkling family musical. Wyvern Theatre

Fundraising

Saturday 15th, 8pm - 12.30am St. Patricks Weekend Celebration Dance Moloney School of Irish Dancing.

Music by top Irish recording star Frank McCaffrey.

No children, book early. £10. Polish Club, Whitbourne Avenue Tel: 725415 Saturday 29th, 7.30pm Live Folk Music Martin Simpson with Chalice in support of Warneford School.

Presented by White Horse Folk Club £10. Warneford School, Highworth.

Tel: 762070 Monday 31st, 2pm Charity Tea Dance Swindon U3A Dance Orchestra Light refreshments. £3. Gorse Hill CIU Club, Swindon. Tel: 740263

60a Beechcroft Road Between Stratton Crossroads & Kingsdown

EASTER EGG SPECIALS Friday 21st to Monday 24th March Enjoy a train ride, meet the Easter Bunny in his grotto and receive an inclusive, nut free chocolate Easter Egg

ALL ABOARD WITH IVOR THE ENGINE Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th April

Meet the real Ivor and his crew.

Enjoy various stalls & a bouncy castle

IN AID OF PROSPECT HOSPICE

Blunsdon Station Tadpole Lane. Tel: 771615 Trains: 11am - 4pm Cafe, shop and free parking Licenced to carry out wedding and naming ceremonies www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org

14/2/08 17:23:38

Swindon Wide

26

Mothers’ Day and Easter at Lydiard

Sunday 2 March, 11am to 5pm: Mum’s go free on Mother’s Day with an accompanying child when they visit the State Apartments of Lydiard House and the 18th Century Walled Garden. Normal admission charge to house & walled garden applies to others.

Sunday 23 March, 12 to 4pm: The Great Lydiard Easter Sunday Trail.

Hunt down clues hidden throughout the parkland. £1 per child.

For details call 770401. www.lydiardpark.org.uk

For colours, cuts or the latest re-style

Tel: 490947

13 Rodbourne Rd, Swindon Call now to book an appointment with Haley, Trina or Jenna

Asperger difficulties kicked into touch by actor

Schwarzkopf Bonacure Gift Sets Incl. shampoo, conditioner & treatment

Only £15

S

NAZZY STAMPING & SCrapbooking

Wiltshire’s largest specialist stamping & scrapbooking store NOW IN WEST SWINDON

Quality stamping and scrapbooking products at great prices, plus a warm welcome from the team with friendly, helpful, expert advice.

Almost 50 workshop sessions every month and regular, free, in-store demonstrations

Visit our new premises at 88 - 89 Basepoint Business Centre, Rivermead Drive, Westlea, Swindon Ring for directions on 01793 855377 / 602470 or see map @ www.snazzystampingandscrapbooking.com Free parking right outside the store

Old Bell Pottery & Crafts High Street, Lechlade • Tel: 01367 252608 E-mail: enquiries@oldbellpottery.com www. oldbellpottery.com

SPECIALISTS IN DOLLS HOUSE MINIATURES Traditional games and toys.

Local craft items

FOR GREAT GIFT IDEAS Knitting & Haberdashery

Sewing needs: X-stitch ~ Tapestry ~ Rowan ~ Jaeger ~ Patons ~ Yarns and Patterns Mail order service available.

In the stable and garden

A great selection of local pottery. China seconds from Stoke-on-Trent. Pots, planters & ornaments from around the world Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm • Sun 11am to 5pm

21-52 March 08.indd 26

When Stuart Quinn from Woodhall Park takes to the stage in the lead role of Old Town Theatre Company’s latest production, Breakfast with Jonny Wilkinson, he will have overcome more than stage fright.

On the positive side Stuart’s Stuart had to tackle difficulties with the written word resulting memory is very good. “It’s always from Asperger Syndrome. In the been the same. I can remember play he is a rugby prodigy, Jake. whole conversations from film Everyone becomes convinced that and TV and I’m finding this helps if he successfully takes a penalty me once I’ve got the words in my back here in England, Jonny will head. Now I hope people will enjoy do likewise in Australia in the 2003 the show and accept me as just another actor on stage.”

Rugby World Cup final.

Breakfast with Jonny Wilkinson Diagnosed with Asperger’s at 15, Stuart has a mild form of the is at Swindon Arts Centre from condition. “I can read the words Thursday 28 February to Saturday in my head but it’s difficult when 1 March.

Performances start at 7.30pm it comes to speaking them. I have to take it a sentence at a time and and tickets are £7.50 from the box office, tel: 614837. just repeat words to myself.”

Former Westlea head appeals for Gambia

With a brand new pre-school up and running thanks to his charity, Project Gambia, former Westlea Primary School headteacher Neil Griffiths could not bear to leave the other local pre-schools in the town of Gunjur to struggle with few resources.

Neil Griffiths, the creator of Storysacks and now a freelance consultant, first visited The Gambia in 2005.

Having seen the difficult conditions in schools, he worked with an already established charity, the Marlborough Brandt Group, to fund a school.

“I’ve spent my whole life in education and Save a life for £1. One in four children in The Gamwanted to put something bia die before they are five and the biggest killer is malaria but it can be prevented with mosquito back,” he said.

In the school he helped nets. Neil is taking direct action when he next create, qualified staff visits The Gambia in June by buying nets with money donated to his Starfish Malaria project. teach 230 children, aged As children sleep at least three to a bed, each 3 to 7 years, in six net can protect three lives. Cheques to support brightly coloured and well the school or the Starfish Malaria project should equipped classrooms.To be payable to ‘Project Gambia’ and sent to Unit reach out to the other five 7, Isis Trading Estate SN1 2PG schools in the community, Neil invited anyone with an in- poor schools in Gunjur, Neil is terest in education to a conference. appealing for donations of books The response was enthusiastic and and basic materials such as pens, it was agreed that all the schools pencils and crayons which can be in the area would work together shipped. Cash donations are also as a cluster. A working group was welcome: £25 pays for one child’s set up to create a Gambian based education for a year, £10 pays for curriculum which is now complete 150 dinners.

Find out more about Project and being considered by the governGambia and contact Neil at www. ment for adoption nationally.

To begin the teaching programme cornertolearn.co.uk for details of his in the five small and desperately wish list and how to donate items.

15/2/08 13:38:28

Win some TV history

Relive the 1980s with the complete first series of the brilliant, subversive and highly entertaining Spitting Image.

Network have let us have two copies of the two DVD set with all 12 episodes complete and uncut.

To win a copy send a postcard (address on page 4) telling us which channel Spitting Image was broadcast on. The second copy can be won via swindonlink.com

Swindon Wide

27

the bigger picture

From The Link archives. This spectacular display on Tewkesbury Way planted by Thamesdown (now Swindon) Council’s landscape architects welcomed the new season each year in the mid-1980s like the equally amazing Spring is Sprung daffodil show on nearby Great Western Way. Trees were allowed to grow tall and smother them whilst the Swing into Spring became too difficult to manage and was mown into obliteration.

Looking back to the Old Railway Museum when it was new

When historic steam trains rolled through the streets of Swindon to its first railway museum in Faringdon Road, Roy Nash was there to capture the whole event on film and his photos can be seen at an exhibition at West Swindon Library from 24 March to 11 April.

More of Roy’s images can be seen of interest in the town’s railway hisRoy, 80, joined the Swindon the museum.

Works on an engineering apprenRoy’s favourite image in his ex- tory. “There are so many old railway at: www.swindonlink.com ticeship before moving to work in the hibition is taken from the driver’s guys who are genuinely interested in design and drawing office. He was point of view as Lode Star made remembering their past and telling always interested in photography its way down County Road without others what Swindon was like,” said Roy. “It gives me a kick to be able and has amassed thousands of the benefit of railway tracks. historic images.This latest exhibition Roy has mounted the exhibition to show off these pictures and it’s records locomotives being brought because there is still a great deal good for them.” through the town from the railway works to be displayed in the former APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR Wesleyan chapel.

The move began in 1962 and pride of place went to the City of Truro, built in 1903. It was the 2000th locomotive ★ Theory Test Tuition built in the Swindon Works. ★ Training Pack Available A replica of Brunel’s broad guage ★ Block Booking Discount North Star, which stood on a plinth ★ Refresher Courses in the ‘A’ shop inside the works for many years, also found a home in Call Liz on 01793 486112 Right, City of Truro, on the wrong side of Swindon Station

Ask about free lessons

Home Cinema Installations • PLASMA • LCD • PROJECTORS • • • •

AV setup & calibration Hidden wiring Feature lighting Dedicated power supplies

For free home surveys call Antony on 01793 728668 or 07748 962689 www.homecinemainstallations.co.uk

21-52 March 08.indd 27

14/2/08 17:26:01

Swindon Wide

28

Now You’re Going Places

The way to travel if you’re looking for an even higher level of personal service

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Head Rush HAIR & BEAUTY Beauty by Kerry

Hairdressing

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21-52 March 08.indd 28

Back: Julie Harris, Kerry Tsokos & Sheralee Crame. Front: Gemma McCarthy

Tel: 01793 602552 73 Basepoint Business Centre Rivermead Drive, Westlea, Swindon Free parking. Late night Wednesday and Thursday Cash or cheque payments only

cuts 2 hair rice ep for th ne of o ildren for ch 10 underrch in Ma

Going to a wedding or prom? Book your appointment now

14/2/08 16:24:56

Swindon Wide

29

Preparing for elegance

Now’s the time of the year when Year 11s are focussing hard on their exams, and trying to avoid the distractions of planning for their school prom afterwards.

Youngsters at Greendown Com- the Nova Hreod PTA when fourteen munity School and Nova Hreod girls took to the catwalk in a show both had the chance to prepare for sponsored by Basepoint Business what’s to come at proms shows in Centre.

Gemma McCarthy and Sheralee early February.

At Greendown eleven girls mod- Crame of Head Rush created some elled vivid frocks and cool evening spectacular hair arrangements and wear supplied by West Swindon with make-up by Kerry Tsokos.

The pupils will have their night based wedding and prom ball gown store So Elegant, with hair by in the limelight in July. Greendown Caroline Collis and her team from holds its prom at the Blunsdon House Hotel in July and Nova Hreod Peatmoor.

So Elegant also lent gowns to at The Marriott.

So Elegant West Swindon

CC

CAROLINE COLLIS Hairdressing & Beauty

Enjoy a friendly, personal, stress free shopping experience See our beautiful gowns and accessories - perfect for special occasions including: Proms, Parties, Dinner Dance, Formal Cruise, Bridesmaids

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01793 608822 www.so-elegant.co.uk

94 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, Westlea, Swindon

21-52 March 08.indd 29

14/2/08 16:25:32

30

swindonlink.com • March 2008

Keeping young hearts in order

Youngsters at Bridlewood Primary School trained hard during February to take part in the British Heart Foundation Hearts First jog around Lydiard Park on 24 February.

The children were joined by parents and staff on the 3 kilometre run around the muddy course.

Hit out casually

Advanced Cosmetic Procedures Treatment of • Frowns & wrinkles • Crow’s feet • Facial thread veins • Blood spots • Spider naevus • Skin tags • Warts & dermatosis • Milia

PERMANENT HAIR REDUCTION NOW AVAILABLE

All treatment is carried out by a Specialist Aesthetic Nurse and a free consultation is offered so prospective clients may make an informed choice about future treatments.

Also available: Microdermabrasion for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, dull and congested skin, acne prone skin.

“For a smooth radiant complexion.”

128 High Street, Wootton Bassett Tel: 01793 849393 or 07767 400283

www.advanced-cosmetics.co.uk

Delta Tennis Centre in Westlea has launched an open recreation session aimed at tennis players who like playing doubles but may not have the time to organise a game or know anyone to play with.

Delta manager Gail Light said, “now the weather is warming up it’s time to shake off the ‘couch potato’ tendencies and get some exercise in the evening after sitting at work all day.”

Sessions are on Mondays, 8pm to 10pm and cost £6. All equipment is supplied if necessary. Drop in or call Delta for details on 445555.

Marathon of poignant memories

Julie Chamberlain from Westlea is running the London Marathon in aid of the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) in memory of her son David who died just four weeks old. He would have been 20 years old in February.

She is joined by Nikki Kimmins, running for PDSA and Paul Sandry for St John’s Ambulance.

They’re organising three fundraising events to boost funds: 28 February, 7.30pm: Quiz Night at Broome Manor Golf Complex includes chilli supper. £5 per person and up to 6 people in a team.

14 March, 7.30pm (doors 7pm): Race Night with raffle and auction at Coleview Community Centre. £5 includes fish & chips supper.

22 March, 10am: Charity car wash at Westlea Fire Station.

To book tickets call Julie on 07894 217522 or mail: jchamberlain@ swindon.gov.uk Sponsor her and FSID online at: www.justgiving.com/ juliechamberlain juliechamberlai

Win a Dance X workout DVD They captivated the nation with their outrageous moves and classy choreography as they stormed to victory in the BBC1 Dance X series and now the young stars have come up with a great way of getting fit with a DVD: Dance Xtreme.

Win a copy worth £15.99 at www.swindonlink.com

21-52 March 08.indd 30

2008

2XU

in stock

www.thebigadventurestore.com

We cater for triathlon, running & adventure racing!

• Mizuno, Brooks, New Balance, Saucony, asics • Issac, Cube • Video gait analysis • Free parking

14/2/08 17:26:44

P4P Priory Vale SWINDON LINK:Priory Vale SWINDON (LINK)

11/2/08

09:15

Page 1

What home could you afford to buy if we lent you 25% interest free for the first five years?

You could buy your dream home today at

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Places for People could lend you 25% of your new home’s value as an Equity Loan with no repayments or interest for the first five years.

You simply get a mortgage for the remaining 75%.

So, that home you've always dreamed of could now be within your grasp! and take the first step on the property ladder.

Start planning ahead and buy your house of the future here and now in the present.

This scheme is available at our Priory Vale development at Swindon with apartments ranging in price from £86,996* for purchasers that can complete before the end of March 08. * Based on 75% of full market value

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Places for People could lend you up to 25% of the value of your chosen property, under a second charge loan. You will have to finance the balance yourself, probably through a conventional mortgage. When you sell or otherwise dispose of the house you will have to repay this loan. If we have lent you 25% of the value of your property then you will have to repay 25% of the value of your home at the time of repayment, which will probably be more than the amount you borrowed. Credit will be granted subject to status to UK residents over 18 years of age and only with evidence of funding for the remaining 75% or more of the value of the property. It is likely that you will have to repay us more than you borrowed. If that is the case, the effect will be similar to a loan under which you pay credit charges at a rate dependent on the growth in house prices. In addition you will have to pay some fees and, after the first 5 years, some interest. For example, if you pay legal and valuation fees of £350, interest of £4,062.50 and the value of your house increases in value by 4% a year, the sum you will repay if you sell your house after 10 years will be equivalent to borrowing under a loan with an APR of 5.7%.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.

21-52 March 08.indd 31

14/2/08 16:27:06

32

swindonlink.com • March 2008

Are you up for a bit of madness in March?

The daffodils will be out around Lydiard Park and it should be bright and beautiful for the Mad March Hare on Sunday 16 March in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

On offer are a 10k run and and was keen to see a local fund- into a positive can be a way of getpower walk and a 5k family fun raiser for Breakthrough explained ting through difficult times.”

To book a place, mail: harmony run around Lydiard, starting and Eunice Salmon.

“Swindon women have been do- training@ntlworld.com finishing at Greendown Commuing the London Moonwalk for ten nity School in Grange Park.

Download an entry form from: Only 350 places are available and years and we decided we had the www.swindontwinpeaks.org 200 were taken by mid- February. confidence and the energy to take /MadMarchHare.html The day is being organised by on a local event for those who can’t or www.swindonlink.com Swindon women involved with make that commitment and want Breakthrough Breast Cancer in to involve their families.

Marshalls wanted “It’s hard when you can’t help memory of Irene Hare who died People to supervise the MMH somebody who is being treated in June 2006. course are needed on 16 March.

Irene was a great supporter of the for cancer and there’s a lot of anger Call Shirley Garman on 538475 Swindon Twin Peaks walking team when a loved one dies. for details.

“It won’t overcome the loss but many women say that exercise with The event is sponsored by the Big others with the same experiences is Adventure Store, Les Slinn Personal & M BEG IX INN a wonderful way to burn off those Training, and supported by Triumph CL ED A ERS frustrations. Turning the negative and Swindon Link.

AS BI

Achieve Success PILATES CLASSES

SE LIT S Y

in Shaw, 24 Hour Gym, Cricklade, Priory Vale & Taw Hill

Book your number today says sponsors Les and Clare Slinn, centre, with MMH organisers Margaret Nicholson, Shirley Garman, Eunice Salmon and Val Phillips

ASHTANGA YOGA CLASSES in Haydon Wick, Cricklade & Priory Vale

WORKSHOPS IN MARCH AT RAMLEAZE HALL, SHAW BABY YOGA: Thursday 20th YOGA (explore the feeling of open hips): Saturday 22nd

Details of all classes from Dawn Morse BSc (Hons) on 700659 www.achievesuccess.uk.com

THERAPY CENTRE

Unit 86, Basepoint Business Centre, Swindon

at Cannons Health Club, Greenbridge Retail Park To book a FREE Taster, ring John on 07710533727 www.hypoxi-therapy-centre.co.uk

Hypoxi-Trainer

The Most Effective Cellulite and Fat Burning Therapy Ever!

Targets the Hips, Thighs and Buttocks.

Becky dropped a dress size in 6 weeks Price held at: 12 sessions £249 + 6 FREE

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The Stomach Fat Killer

The worlds first unique system to target fat burn on the stomach for men and women. Donna lost 4lbs and 3 inches Price held at: 12 sessions £249 Includes Inner Suit normally £25

Don’t leave it too late as appointments are filling fast To ensure you get the day/time you require you may have to book 2 to 3 weeks in advance

Give John a ring on 07710 533727 to check availability

21-52 March 08.indd 32

Les with Olympic athlete Lesley-Ann Skeete

LUNCHTIME ‘PAY AS YOU GO’ FITNESS CLASSES Mon 12.30-13.00 CORE Tues 12.30-13.15 SALSA Wed 13.00-14.00 YOGA Thur 12.30-13.00 CORE Fri 12.30-13.15 BODY TONE

WANT TO RUN? ‘Race for Life’

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS RUNNING COURSES 10 week course REGISTRATION & INFORMATION EVENING 18th MARCH, 6.30pm

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One to one personal training at the studio or at your home Small group training Exercise programmes to follow at home and at the gym Fitness testing Lifestyle checks – blood pressure, BMI, body fat, full diet analysis, fitness test • Nutrition and weight management – one to one or groups • Running club

FOR MORE INFORMATION TELEPHONE: 01793 703156 E-mail: lslinn@supanet.com

www.lspersonaltraining.com

14/2/08 17:27:34

swindonlink.com • March 2008

Cherri Ann Matthews

I.T.E.C.(dip), I.I.H.H.T Qualified member of the International Council of Holistic Therapists

IIHHT FICHT ATLM

Reflexology Massage Reiki, EFT, Ear Candling

• Reflexology • Relaxing Massage • Remedial Massage Therapy • Eastern Head Massage • Hopi Ear Candling • Reiki Healing

Banish fears, phobias, anxiety, stress and mental/emotional blocks holding you back with Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) See web site for details of Reiki courses, workshops, gift vouchers & special offers

Deborah Goodge Call today: 01793 870426

Reiki Master/Teacher, EFT Practitioner/Trainer & Holistic Therapy Lecturer

Nine Elms, Swindon www.holistic-therapy-clinic.co.uk

t: 01793 871410 m: 07720 635761 www.cherriannmatthews.co.uk

Footcare in your home Corns • Calluses Verruca • Foot massage Nail infections Thickened skin & nails Medical pedicure

Visiting Practice Appointments by Arrangement Debbie Francis

MCFHP MAFHP Registered Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

Tel: 01793 727217 or 07808 037815

Gift vouchers available Advanced Reflexologist Mrs Lesley Taylor MCFHP, MAFHP, MIIR, MAR

Corns, Calluses, Verrucas, Thick Nail or Heal Pain Call Freephone 0808 108 8545 or 01793 849914 Clinic at 113 High Street Wootton Bassett

Kathryn Gater MCFHP MAFHP

Registered member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

■ Home visit service ■ Routine foot and nail care, fungal infections, thickened nails, corns, calluses, verruca, hard skin removal, foot massage ■ Day, evening and Saturday appointments

Tel: 01793 348004 or

07789 542282

33

PalmerCutler West Colleen & Denise McLoughlin Van Outen

Beauty Salon

has relocated and is now based in Oakhurst - a peaceful haven and so much more March Special Offers

Palmer Cutler Self Tan £5 Off (normally £29)

3D Eyelash Extensions Normally £50 - Now only £40 Treatment by appointment only

Call Liz

01793 748199 24 hour answer machine

DO YOUR FEET NEED CARE AND ATTENTION? ROBERT S TAYLOR MCFHP MAFHP

For all your foot care needs: Pedicure, corns, calluses verrucas, thickened nails Nail Infections.

Foot Health Checks and Foot Massage Home visit service Evening appointments

Call 01793 695302 Mob 07753 143621

If you could change one thing …

What would it be?

Be more confident, be less stressed, improve your relationships, lose weight, conquer a fear?

Call Positive Resolutions on 07711 561937 to see how a tailored course of NLP, EFT and Hypnotherapy can help you.

www.positiveresolutions.co.uk

NailBox Beautification of

Nails & Eyelashes Haydon Wick t/f: 01793 706447 m: 07886 298881 e: nailbox@swindon.myzen.co.uk

* FABULOUS LONG-LASTING NOVALASH® EYELASH EXTENSIONS * NAIL ENHANCEMENTS, NAIL ART, MANICURES & PEDICURES * CHILDREN’S PARTIES AND SLEEPOVERS * WEDDING GROUPS, PROMS & SPECIAL OCCASIONS

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21-52 March 08.indd 33

Monday 6.30pm & 8pm St John Church Haydon Wick Sharon 527332 Tuesday 10am Toothill Community Centre Sharon 527332 Tuesday 6.30pm Abbey Meads School Paula 701442 Wednesday 7pm Brook Field Primary School Sharon 527332 Wednesday 9.30am Gorse Hill Community Centre Sam 723416 Thursday 6pm & 7.30pm St John Church, Haydon Wick Andrea 724333

www.mindbelief.co.uk

14/2/08 16:29:05

34

swindonlink.com • March 2008

Hair goes for a good cause

Becky’s Small Animal Care Leave your small animals with us while you are away.

House sitting.

Very competitive rates!

Business fully insured. Police checked Pick up service within 10 mile radius

Contact Becky on 01793 642403 or 07957 633224 e: beckylay@hotmail.co.uk

74 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, Swindon

Professional friendly service in a large modern salon for every aspect of your dog’s grooming needs Collection & delivery service Appointments not always necessary

Ring Denise on 01793 608747 or 07866 507633 www.hairofthedoguk.net

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 01793 873062 email: sm4hannahlightfoot@talktalk.net

Paradise Pets Ltd

Your local pet store supplying top quality pets.

Birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, Wiltshire’s st speciali largest store. gerbils, reptiles and lots more. pet soon Visit us Food and accessories for all your pets Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor, Swindon OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon - Fri: 9am-5pm; Sat: 10am-5pm Sun & Bank Holidays 10.30am-4pm

Tel: 01793 512400

www.paradisepetsswindon.co.uk

21-52 March 08.indd 34

When Barbara Parker, from Pembroke Park, learnt that her sister Marlene would have to undergo chemo and radiotherapy for breast cancer, she decided on action which would help several good causes.

Barbara’s hairdresser Caroline Collis agreed to carefully cut off her long hair to be sent to the Little Princess Trust which makes wigs and hairpieces for children undergoing cancer treatment.

Caroline also organised a fundraising day in aid of Cancer Research and Fibromyalgia UK, and Revlon donated a wig to Barbara with Caroline Collis and her hair for charity Marlene who was unable to attend on 12 February If you know anybody with FMS, because she was unwell. or are a sufferer interested in a local As a sufferer of fibromyalgia group, mail: barbara@parker742.

(FMS) Barbara has been in con- freeserve.co.uk or see www.fibrostant muscular discomfort since myalgia.co.uk 2000 and is keen to see a support Mail her for details of her two group established for sufferers in sites raising funds for breast cancer Swindon. research and FMS.

New tricks for Janet at puppy skool

In a life changing move last year, Janet Garrett gave up her PA job at a large Swindon company to follow her dream of working full time with dogs and in March her Puppy Skool celebrates its first birthday.

Janet from Haydon Wick has so quickly that Janet had to give up been livng and working with dogs the day job and added more classes for over 40 years and is passionate to cover all ages and abilities.

The thriving school has a waitabout them being well trained. Her Bouvier des Flandres dogs have ing list for classes and workshops taken part in obedience demonstra- including agility, clicker training tions for the Kennel Club and have and good citizen classes and one to one personalised training. taken honours at Crufts. www.janetspuppyskool.co.uk While working at the peak of her profession as a bilingual PA, Janet studied for three years to gain a Cats special offer in qualification in canine psychology March and behaviour. She felt there was Swindon Cats Protection will be room in Swindon for a psychology paying for the cost of cats over five based dog training school teaching months to be spayed and neutered general life skills and good behavduring March. Owners must be on iour and decided to go part time. benefits to claim. Call 644536 for The puppy school opened on details of vets taking part. three days a week but news spread

14/2/08 16:29:29

swindonlink.com • March 2008

35

Plans to get Link and Oasis fit for 21st Century

Community consultation in 2006 by Swindon Council showed that people in the town definitely don’t want to lose Link and Oasis leisure centres and the council is looking at ways to bring facilities up to date.

Some possibilities being con- a-side pitches, as well as new ‘green’ lead member for leisure and culture.

The consultation revealed that people value the two centres highly sidered by council officers are: equipment to keep the ice rink cold “We explored a number of potential sites for major leisure provision and but both leisure users and more elite increasing the capacity and facili- and heat the swimming pool. sportsmen want to see improve- ties in the main Oasis hall to make “The council promised to look have decided that remaining at the ments. Link Centre opened in 1985 it more suitable as a concert venue at refurbishing or rebuilding the present sites is the best option.”

Councillors will discuss a more and the Oasis in 1976 and much of and enhancing the ice rink and Link and Oasis Leisure Centres,” the plant and equipment is dated. increasing spectator facilities at said coun Justin Tomlinson, cabinet detailed report in March.

The council’s environment and Link Centre.

Sport Relief: what’s your choice?

In the financial year 2006/2007 leisure overview committee heard in January of proposals being £1.3million was spent on improve- The gym at Link Centre is giving you the chance to do the Sport Relief developed to make the Oasis the ments. A new flume was installed Mile Challenge by running/walking, cycling, rowing or stepping between leisure venue for the town and for at the Oasis, and the gym and cafe 10 and 16 March. For just £1 you can do just one mile (1,600 metres), Link Centre to be the focal point for were refurbished. Link Centre has a four miles or as many as you want.

Visit the gym for details or call 445566. new cafe, three floodlit outdoor five serious sport.

Splash out for Marie Curie Cancer Care

Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew and the Mayor of Swindon Michael Barnes got their kit off in February to launch Swimathon 2008 at Link Centre pool from 17 to 20 April.

Now in its 22nd year, almost half a million swimmers have taken part in Swimathon swimming the equivalent of over 24 times round the world and raising over £30 million for charity.

You can add to this total to help Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Seventy per cent of funds raised by Swimathon will be used by Marie Curie Cancer Care. The other thirty will be used by the Swimathon Foundation to support local organisations in their efforts to encourage and educate their communities as to the benefits of physical activity particularly through swimming.

Call in to Link Centre reception for a leaflet or register at: www.swimathon.org www.mariecurie.org.uk Duncan and Swindon Olympic hopeful Chris Jones help the Mayor get ready for a dip in the Link Centre pool

To all the pets who have missed their boosters . . you can come out now!

Thameswood Vet Clinic is supporting National Vaccination month 2008 and aims to get pets that have lapsed in their annual vaccinations back on track with a Vaccination Amnesty.

So . . . why are vaccinations so important?

Unless properly vaccinated, your cat, dog or rabbit is at risk of contracting one of several, possible fatal infectious diseases. Some diseases also present a serious health risk to human health as well.

Booster vaccinations are required every year as our pet’s immunity to certain diseases will not last indefinitely. If this booster is not given within a certain time period, protection against infectious diseases such as parvovirus in dogs and Viral Respiratory disease in cats is greatly reduced leaving your pet as risk. Remember regular booster vaccinations are vital for health and long life.

This Vaccine Amnesty is a way to bring your pets vaccinations up to date at a minimal cost.

To claim this great offer, log onto www.nationalvaccinationmonth.co.uk to print a National Vaccination Month voucher for each pet. This voucher must be presented to Reception at time of appointment. Our team of vets will then give your pet a full health examination and health certificate and his vaccination.

For more information or to book your appointment, please call our team of lovely client care girls on 01793 526780 or see www.thameswoodvets.co.uk for details.

Don’t delay . . . give your pet a boost today at Thameswood Veterinary Clinic N.B To claim this offer, your pet’s last vaccination must be 18 months ago or longer.

21-52 March 08.indd 35

“Making life better for you and your pet” Care - always Compassion - for you and your pet Communication - we listen

Continuity - of care throughout your pet’s life Cost - good value, great offers

Convenience - a clinic near you Car parking - plenty!

Thameswood Veterinary Clinic 62 - 64 Purton Road Swindon SN2 2LZ (end of Akers Way) Tel: 01793 526780

Open: Monday to Friday, 9am - 6.30pm Saturday 9am - 12noon

March Offer: Discounts on vaccinations 24 Hour Emergency Service. Tel: 01793 526780 www.thameswoodvets.co.uk

14/2/08 16:29:45

36

swindonlink.com • March 2008

Inspiring boost to MS appeal

KUDOS FENCING SUPPLIES LTD. Kudos

To Purton

.

...

...

...

... .......

From M4 J16 & West Swindon Wootton Bassett

To Brinkworth

..

... ● All

....

......

....

.

fencing ● Gates ● Chain link

● Trellis ● Decking ● Tools ● Fixings ● Cement ● Trade

& DIY welcome

Tel: 01793 855800 Unit 23 & 24 Oaklands Enterprises Ind. Est. Braydon, Swindon

Lawn & garden maintenance Hedge cutting & planting Tree planting & pruning Weeding & much more

Tel: 01793 486507 Mob: 077382 98004

willslatergardencare@hotmail.com

D.A. DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS LTD ❐ Block Paving ❐ Landscaping ❐ Fencing ❐ Decorative Stone ❐ General Maintenance For a professional and affordable service, free consultation and written quotation

Tel: 01793 878062

or 07866 523898

A donation of £185,000 from the Hong Kong based Bradbury Foundation has given a tremendous lift to the MS Therapy Centre’s Moving Soon Appeal.

Launched in January’s Link, the appeal aims to raise £400,000 to relocate to bigger, purpose built premises at Rivermead Drive, West Swindon.

At the same time, they hope to install a bigger oxygen chamber to allow twice as many patients to receive hyperbaric therapy at the same time.

Centre manager Jackie Wray was wheelchair over a 10k orienteerdelighted at the news from the Brad- ing course.

To help, call Maggie Gill on bury Foundation. “It’s fantastic to receive such a generous donation 07739 806791 or the MS Centre on 481700. but there is a long way to go.” www.ms.swindon.org.uk The £185,000 will only be received if plans for the building Hitting the streets works are submitted in the next Ian Williams from Peatmoor is runsix months.

Campaign co-ordinator, Maggie ning the London Marathon on 13 Gill, is asking the people of Swin- April - his first - in aid of the Swindon to help in any way it can: from don Therapy Centre for Multiple hosting coffee mornings, to taking Sclerosis.

His target is to raise at least part in a more active challenge. £1,200. Sponsor him at: www.justParticipants/ sponsors giving.com/ianwilliamsms

needed:

10 March: Charity curry night at the Bombay Lounge, Peatmoor Centre in aid of the Moving Soon Appeal.

Call 887799 to book a table.

April: Grand Charity Auction with dinner and entertainment at the Hilton Hotel, Friday 25 April.

Fundraising target: £10,000. For tickets and/or to donate prizes/ auction items, call the MS Centre.

June: The Ridgeway Walk, a 20 mile overnight hike in June.

July: Snowdon MS Challenge which entails a team of twelve carrying someone with MS in a

Litter pick planned for Shaw Shaw Residents’ Association is organising a litter pick around Shaw Village Centre and Middleleaze on Saturday 15 March, from 10am Anybody who wants to care for their community is invited to gather at Shaw Village Centre

Park care called for

A pensioner is asking Swindon Council to look after Kiln Park in Toothill.

Mary Morgan from Grange Park walks through Kiln Park, like hundreds every day going to work or school, and says it is in a sorry state.

“It’s really sad to see so much litter, trolleys in the stream and the sitting area overwhelmed by shrubs so that drunks can hide away.

“I’d be willing to take part in a clean up; its a nice park which should be looked after.”

21-52 March 08.indd 36

14/2/08 16:31:48

swindonlink.com • March 2008

D ebbie’s Garden Maintenance Services

M Grass cutting M Hedge trimming M General garden tidy ups M Regular maintenance or one-off makeover M All garden waste removed

Call 874806 or 078129 18790

Garden Doctors Landscapes Ltd Landscaping & Garden maintenance

Fencing: Close board Panels & Gates Block Paving • Patios Paths • Turfing • Trained team • Fully insured For free quotation

Tel: (01793) 526571 Mobile: 07760 127139

GAZEBO LANDSCAPING

Garden Magic RHS Exhibitor 2005 RHS Silver Medal 2006

General Garden Maintenance & construction

Professional design & landscaping service Hand drawn imaginative and individual designs.

Plant plans for colour and interest

FOR A FREE CONSULTATION CALL JILL BLACKWOOD ON: 01793 322880 MOBILE: 07951014119. e-mail gillian.blackwood@ntlworld.com

• 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 Mobile: 07711 253508

www.jillblackwoodgardendesign.co.uk

Quality products & workmanship

David Hawkins Tree Surgeon

A W GARDEN SERVICES

All types of tree services and landscaping Hedge cutting Turfing • Fencing Fruit tree pruning

Fully insured Free estimates 14 years experience

General garden maintenance & landscaping also undertaken.

Fully public liability insurance.

01793 611861 07967 594707

Tel/Fax: 01793 850595 Mobile: 07919 543733 www.awgardenservices.co.uk

SKI’S TREES

Chelworth Landscapes

Fencing & Garden Maintenance

• Fencing and gates

Closeboard, trellis, panels,

Every client & every garden is different.

To fulfil the potential of your garden we offer a planning & design service, from a Gold Medal winning designer, that is individually tailored to suit your taste & home.

We offer a complete or phased project to suit budget and circumstances as well as planting plans, beds and border designs.

picket, chainlink, security etc

• Landscaping

Shingle, paving, water features, turfing and planting

• Garden maintenance

Grasscutting, tree and shrub pruning, clearance etc.

For free quotation phone (01793) 702029

www.chelworthlandscapes.co.uk

www.acerpaving.co.uk

TREE SURGEON NPTC QUALIFIED TREE FELLING / DISMANTLING HEDGE TRIMMING STUMP REMOVAL TREE THINNING AND PRUNING GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE

FOR FREE ESTIMATES AND ADVICE 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK CALL NEIL ON:

01793 870441 OR 07828910093

37

Landserve

Garden Maintenance & Landscaping

Professional care for your garden Grass Cutting - regular maintenance Landscaping - Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning Hedge Cutting & Pruning

No Job Too Small. All works insured

Call Martin Emery MI Hort. for free quotation

on 01793 703306 or Mobile 07771 956294

Highworth Landscapes

Electrical & Building Services Est. 1977

Patios • Paths Block paving • Drives All walling inc. natural stone Lighting • Decking Fencing • Pergolas All types of water features Tel/fax 01793 764362 Mobile: 07860 762339

Freeth Gardening services ltd Est 1990 ❖ Landscaping ❖ Fencing and gates supplied and erected ❖ Trees pruned and felled ❖ Rubbish removed ❖ Patios and shingle laid ❖ Wood chip & compost supplied ❖ Turfing and grass cutting ❖ And all aspects of garden

maintenance

Tel: 01793 875451 or 07940 247152

35 Spencer Close, W Swindon

Lydiard Landscapes

Ltd

Est. 1987

Patios, Block Paving, Walling, Fencing, Close Board, Gates, Decking, Tree Work, Turfing, Building and Property Developing.

Portfolio and Client Testimonials Available

Office/Fax: 01793 827117 Mobile: 07790 922081

Free estimates

21-52 March 08.indd 37

Director: Nicholas Garner

Fully insured

14/2/08 16:32:05

38

swindonlink.com • March 2008 mini-milestones

REGISTERED CHILDMINDER

covering Eastleaze and Westlea has full or part time vacancies available Please call Sarah on 01793 870256 for further information or go to

PS PAINTING & DECORATING No job too small • Free estimates

Also general maintenance

www.mini-milestones.co.uk

Call Phil on 724541 Mobile: 07790 102280

PRIMARY COLOURS Painting & Decorating Services • Internal & external work • Competitive rates • Professional and reliable

Tel: 01793 828547 Mobile: 07736 847597

MOBILE CAR REPAIRS • • • • • • • •

ANYTHING TRANSFERRED ONTO DVD DISC Specialist in Cine Film Transfer, Camcorder Tapes, VHS Tapes, Camcorder Discs We collect and deliver over a wide area

T: 01793 705333 / M: 07831 575758 PO Box 2079, Manvers St, Bath BA1 3TJ

GARY VARDY Motorcycle Repairs Servicing & Tuning

Servicing Repairs Brakes Exhausts M.O.T. Free call out No VAT Engine diagnostics

SLATER’S MOBILE SERVICES

Tel: 079999 44262

ATC open evening

West Swindon Air Training Corp detached unit is holding another recruitment evening on Friday 28 March for youngsters who would like to find out about joining the ATC. Cadets will be putting on displays about the training, activities, camps and sports competitions that the ATC offers.

The evening takes place in the Sunshine Room, Westlea Primary School at 7.30pm.

For information mail: hele- Life skills training included, cadets Sean Merrett newoodham@fsmail.net and Morgan Webb and detachment commander www.1244df.org.uk Helene Woodham

30 years experience Factory trained Honda • Suzuki Kawasaki • Yamaha

Call (01793) 481008 Mob: 07787 183719 Unit 91, Pembroke Centre, Cheney Manor Estate, Swindon

www.chipsaway-sven.co.uk

MOBILE CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS ★ Electronic tuning ★ Welding ★ Electrical work ★ MoTs arranged (no re-test fee)

For a reliable local service with over 25 years experience (No VAT to pay)

CALL GRAHAM ON (01793) 873045 or 07867 556350

Shipmates to be reunited

Ex-cadets from TS Resolution are invited to a reunion on 8 March to celebrate 70 years of Sea Cadets in Swindon.

The unit officially came into existence in March 1938. The idea came from seventeen year old Cyril Bartlett when he heard about sea cadets from a work mate at Garrard’s factory. He asked Sid Knott, who had already been involved with cadets in Ramsgate, to form a unit.

Cyril, now aged 90, found 30 boys who wanted to join and cooking and first aid.

Pauline van der Sanden’s son Sid became commander.

It wasn’t long before girls wanted Jeremy joined the cadets two years to join and in the 1940s and 50s ago at the suggestion of her father there was a Girls Nautical Train- who had been in the Navy. “It’s been the making of him; his self esteem ing Corps.

The modern Sea Cadet Corps has rocketed,” she said.

The reunion takes place at the takes both girls and boys aged 12 to 18 and the Swindon unit has Sea Cadets Unit, Upham Road on a junior section for ages 10 to 12. 8 March, 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 per person to inYoungsters take part in a wide range of activities including sail- clude a buffet. Call Pauline on 07887 ing, expedition training, kayaking, 606902 to make a booking.

FIAT & ALFA ROMEO

I N D E P E N D E NT

BMW & MERCEDES SPECIALISTS • Fixed Price Service & Inspection • Full Diagnostic Service • Full Air Conditioning Service

PC AUTOCARE

01793 772542 Unit 1, Bagbury Park, Lydiard Millicent

21-52 March 08.indd 38

✶ All cars welcome ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶

cam belt replacement engine & gearbox repairs & rebuilds electrical fault code reading MOT repairs Air-Con service £58.75 vehicle sales inc. VAT servicing to light commercials

Open 8.30am 5.30pm

Call for friendly advice, reliable service & quotes. All major credit & debit cards

OPTIMA MOTORS Tel: (01793) 840667

39A Station Road, Wootton Bassett (Opposite St Ivel)

14/2/08 17:28:26

swindonlink.com • March 2008

Looking at the lagoon again

Continuing The Link’s celebration of the twentieth anniversary since Peatmoor Lagoon was completed, we print another aerial image.

REPLACEMENT uPVC

AWS tiling Walls and floors Kitchens, bathrooms and conservatories Clean and efficient service Liability insurance Free quotes

• Fascia Soffits Guttering Cladding • All work carried out on tower scaffolding • Bargeboards • All sizes of properties

01793 422973 07834 708627

• 10 year warranty • Over 10 years experience www. detailfascias.co.uk

Call Andy: 01793 529839 07796 813372

GARAGE CONVERSIONS

GREY SKILLS

Last month we showed the lagoon in 1988 bare of vegetation, still surrounded by farmer’s fields. The picture above, taken in 1992, shows the Chinese Experience restaurant and Sparcells Surgery at the soon to be built village centre in place, with housing at Sparcells completed and just starting at Peatmoor.

Local councillor Nick Martin has arranged for a Swindon Council tree gang to cut back more trees over the next few months to restore views across the lagoon and for the beach to be repaired so that children can feed the ducks and swans safely.

More historic images can be seen at www.swindonlink.com

Holiday Monday at the lagoon

The Friends of Peatmoor Lagoon organise an annual Easter Monday litter pick around the lagoon which this year will be on 24 March.

Join in from 10am to 12noon and do your bit to keep the area tidy and free from litter. Meet at the fisherman’s car park off Peatmoor Way and collect gloves, bags and litter pickers. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

FOR ALL YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Mature professional tradespeople will carry out all jobs, big or small

• Kitchen & bathroom installations • Fitted wardrobes • Painting & decorating • Decking • Real wood & laminate flooring • Carpentry / Plumbing / Electrical Tiling / Building work undertaken Call for free no obligation quotes All work guaranteed

Tel: 01793 493478 (eve) Mob: 07964 096007 (day)

39

Need that extra room?

The cost-effective option from concept to completion

01793 635000

www.prestigeloftconversions.co.uk

Primary kids tidy up

Children from Peatmoor Primary School collected rubbish from Roughmoor Village Centre and the lagoon at the end of January and hope their efforts will inspire others to take care of their local environment.

Fifty Year 6 children and pupils from other years spent a morning picking up plastic bottles, cans and paper “We really care about the environment at our school and the lake is so close that we wanted to make it look nice,” said Nikita Grouvel.

“Litter is dangerous for wildlife, especially plastic bags and bottles.

Broken glass isn’t very good for them either,” said Keegan Lane.

Lydiard play area offers more for all

Children from Uplands Special School were featured in the July 2007 Link pointing out the lack of equipment for youngsters with different needs.

In time for half term Swindon Council unveiled three new activity panels including a woodland finger maze, a tactile labyrinth, a ladder rattle and a rain wheel.

Sarah Finch-Crisp, Keeper of Lydiard House & Park, said, “these new panels are suitable for children of all levels of ability and mobility, offering good fun inclusive play for all.”

Right, George Lewis trying out the rain wheel

• Pictures of the new activity panels can be seen at www.swindonlink.com

Park visitor centre refurbishment starts

Building works to refurbish Lydiard Park visitor centre begins in March to cater for the rising number of people coming to the restored park.

Works include increasing the number of toilets, creating a glazed front to the building to look out over the new children’s play area and improving the heating system.

The works will continue to the end of May and visitors will have to use the conveniences in the stable block close to the house.

21-52 March 08.indd 39

BRUNEL ELECTRICAL Professional electrical services for domestic and small business. From a single socket to a complete rewire.

BRUNEL AIR CONDITIONING Supply and install systems to suit your specific needs, we use top quality products for efficiency and first class reliability.

BRUNEL HEATING Kalirel central heating system without pipes ... a stylish, cost-effective centrally controlled electric radiator in every room.

BRUNEL ROOFING All aspects of roofing undertaken by quality craftsmen - tiling and slating - fascias and guttering - chimney repairs - lead work new builds - extensions and repairs.

Tel: 01793 554935 sales@brunel-electrical.co.uk

House re-wiring, consumer unit replacements, extra sockets, wiring house extensions, conservatories, outbuildings, electric heating, showers, security lighting, garden lighting, garden sockets, emergency fault finding, full test and inspection reports

www.brunel-electrical.co.uk www.brunel-roofing.co.uk

14/2/08 16:39:45

40

Doctor Glass

repairs & replaces cracked, broken or misted double glazed windows Also hinges and locks

Call: 01793 633336 or 01793 854448 Emergency call outs: 07976 219671

COUNTYWIDE HEATING & PLUMBING SERVICES ❖ Gas and LPG ❖ Boiler servicing & breakdowns ❖ Boiler exchange ❖ Full system installation ❖ Landlord safety checks ❖ Power flush ❖ Plumbing ❖ Emergency call outs Reliable friendly service

Competitive rates Tel. 01793 887419 Mob. 07912 882090

From dripping taps to complete bathroom installations 24/365 emergency service

No call out charge No job too small • Fully insured Call Chris Bray on 01793 702171 Mob: 07951 219908 e: aps-enquiries@hotmail.co.uk

(SWINDON LTD) est. 1989

Brickwork & Roofing Specialists Walling • Extensions • Alterations Houses • Replacement Windows Plans drawn • Full design & build service • Insurance & Grant work Professional workmanship at competitive rates Please call us for a prompt free quotation. ‘No job too small’

Tel: 01793 704653 Mobile: 078899 21570

countywideheating@yahoo.co.uk

Unit 14a, Turnpike, Blunsdon

Home Handyman

Milestone

for all those little jobs around the home

Plumbing & heating services

PREMIER BUILDERS

Leaking taps • Washing machine/ dishwasher waste pipes • Tiling Laminate floors • Electrical fittings Locks • Door hanging • Skirtings Architraves • Shelving • Curtain rails Flat pack furniture assembly & repair Wired and wireless network installation Computer repair, set up and installation And much much more All work guaranteed and insured Free, no obligation quotes & estimates

01793 876798

Lydiard Home Services www.lydiard.biz

Building Services

General property maintenance Outside Ground works, patios, paving, brickwork, fencing, decking, landscape gardening Inside Carpentry, plumbing, kitchens & bathrooms, tiling & flooring No job too small • Free estimates Dean Scanlon 01793 422032 • 07789 681536

Plumbing & Heating Professional & Reliable • Specialists in full heating systems and heating conversions • Boiler replacements • Gas and oil-fired appliances • Cylinders, showers, tanks • Full bathroom suites, tiling & electrics • No job too small • Free quotations

Call Craig Gavin 01793 886881 or 07880 735405

21-52 March 08.indd 40

Bathrooms

&

Kitchens

Complete installations to dripping taps

Ideas to reality

♦ Plumbing inc. pumped showers, towel warmers ♦ Electrics

A local reliable & friendly service 24 years experience Installation & Servicing NG & LPG ✓ Boiler & System Upgrades ✓ Breakdown & Maintenance ✓ Bathrooms, Showers & Wet Rooms ✓ Power Flushing / Descaling ✓ DIY Assisted Projects ✓

For all your plumbing, heating & gas requirements call Assured on

01793 700 820 www.assured-plumbing.co.uk

ABC Builders

Garage Conversion Specialist

No job too small

qHard landscaping qCarpentry qPlastering qFencing qGarden walls qSmall extensions

Call Mark Ashdown for a free quote Tel: 01793 887766 Mobile: 07979 267757

For friendly help and advice call Michael on 07713 253380 or 01793 814690 after 6pm

♦ Wall & floor tiling ♦ Carpentry ♦ Laminate & wood flooring ♦ Appliance installation ♦ Also other home improvements

14/2/08 16:40:21

41

HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE • Kitchen/bathroom upgrades • Painting and decorating • Electrical fittings replaced • Laminate flooring • Door hanging • Locks • Tiling • Leaking taps • Flat pack furniture • Fencing • Garden maintenance • No job too small & much more John Woodham

GB

Excellence comes as standard

Laminates Engineered boards Solid wood Professional installation Free no obligation quotation Friendly prompt service

Tel: 01793 706729 Mobile: 07810540059 Mail:andyfloors@yahoo.co.uk

PLUMBING SERVICES

• • • • • • • •

DOMESTIC PLUMBING LEAKS & BURST PIPES TAP WASHERS & BALL VALVES IMMERSIONS & HOT WATER CYLINDERS RADIATORS REPLACED TAPS, SINKS & TOILETS FULL BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS WALL & FLOOR TILING

Tel: 01793 524 200

Phone: 01793 870040 Mob: 07765 002949

Supplier of Quick-step top quality laminate flooring

Mobile: 07810 823 966

MJAC SERVICES

Want your wall or floor tiles fitted?

PB Plastering & Bricklaying

gbplumbing@hotmail.co.uk

General Building Services

HEATING & PLUMBING

Then call

Mark Cryer Gas & Heating Engineer

TILEfix

All heating and plumbing jobs and emergency breakdown cover

for a free quotation to get them fixed and grouted with the minimum of fuss

Including Patios & Fencing Skirting & Coving Wall & Floor Tiling Painting & Decorating

Tel: 01793 495364 Mob: 07767 242124 Email: tilefix4u@aol.com

Tel: 01793 542654 Mob: 07790 283186

Tel: 01793 701814 Mob: 07788 514607

Email: mark.cryer@ntlworld.com

J’s Electrical ✭ Extra sockets and lights ✭ Shower and cooker installation ✭ Fuse board replacement ✭ Complete re-wiring ✭ Security lighting ✭ P.A.T. testing NO JOB TOO SMALL Mobile: 07985 195893 Tel: 01793 320447 Also general plumbing, tiling & plastering

Painter & Decorator Also tiling, coving, dado rails.

All work approved & guaranteed

Wallpaper specialist For free quotation call Trevor on 07976 885203 or 01793 723023 ‘my experience your pleasure’

UPVC, Facia, Cladding, Soffits, Guttering Local family business 17 yrs experience Repairs & cleaning No job too small All work guaranteed

NO MORE PAINTING, MAINTENANCE FREE, DEAL DIRECT To arrange your FREE survey, call Richard on 01793 725155 or mobile: 07760 143221

21-52 March 08.indd 41

Plastering Fully qualified with over 25 years experience Two coat plaster/re-skimming Dry lining/coving Timber/metal stud partitioning External finishes Floor screeding Small building works No job too small

Home: 01793 709811 Mobile: 07778 665115

Extensions Garage & loft conversions Alterations / renovations Kitchens/bathrooms Conservatories Garden walls/porches Block paving/patios No job too big or small!

Over 15 years experience.

Call Neil Tanner for a free & fair no-obligation quote on 07967 155502 mail: info@benchmark-construction.co.uk

www.benchmark-construction.co.uk

D & M ENTERPRISES

TREVOR WYSE

The Fitting Crew We offer Free quotes No deposit needed Best prices No salesmen 10 minute survey

Call Pete

KTL

For all your property & garden maintenance

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

we are ... ‘the men to do it ..’

All types of fencing, decking, pagodas Painting & decorating Laminate flooring Ceramic & floor tiles Kitchen fitting Secondary fit carpentry Plaster boarding, plastering & rendering Plumbing, bathroom suites

Give us a try. For a free no obligation quote, call Jeff on 07747 606344 or Vito on 07812 180535

24 hour ansaphone 01793 700796

LOFT CONVERSION SPECIALISTS Dormer, Velux, Hip to Gable From concept to completion FREE Advice - FREE Quotes Prompt Friendly Service

Tel: 01793 635000

www.prestigeloftconversions.co.uk

14/2/08 16:40:42

42

BATHROOMS

MERLIN ❉ All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, machines installed Free estimates

01793 876600 07748 964433

Approved Plumber

BATHROOMS

Complete bathroom installations Supply & fit or fit only Established 21 years Fully insured

Call Peter on 878732 or 07774 432346

DECORATOR

A CHANGE OF COLOUR

FREE ESTIMATES

Telephone: (01793) 497461 Mobile: 07919 671307

HANDYMAN

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

ain te

REDUCTIONS FOR OAPs

Call 01793 334823 or 07788 572043

EP

ID PR

PAINTING AND DECORATING

Independent decorator specialising in all aspects of interior and exterior decorating ✓ Domestic and small commercial ✓ Insurance work undertaken ✓ Full Public Liability insurance ✓ Free no obligation quotation ✓ References available Age Concern registered decorator

r&

DECORATOR

De cor ato r

❉ Quality bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring all taken care of

HEATING & PLUMBING

Please call Paul to arrange an estimate or 01793 335269 for any 07917 824187 enquiries

PLASTERING

Brian Jones Plastering Services ✭ External rendering ✭ Plastering two coat ✭ Re-skimming ✭ Dry lining ✭ Coving ✭ New or repairs

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

March 08 Repair & Improv.indd 42

RS

Paul Rhind

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted

FROM DESIGN TO INSTALLATION

UPVC windows & doors

Wall & Floor Tiling

Conservatories, fascias and guttering Roofing & building maintenance

For a free estimate Call Sean on 703550 Mobile: 07749 862361

DECORATOR & CARPENTRY

Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

DECORATOR Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating

• Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen • Bathroom internal alterations

• High quality experinced workmanship • All work undertaken • A friendly reliable service with references available • Full Public Liability Insurance cover

For free estimate call Paul Comer on 01793 321981 or 07775 840236

No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

Call Andy: 01793 729354

or 07900 835116

HEATING & PLUMBING

HEATING & PLUMBING Quality Plumbing & Heating

RJ PEARCE PLUMBING & HEATING LTD

JOBS NEED DOING AROUND THE HOUSE?

Most jobs undertaken No job too small Friendly, reliable and honest service provided Insured and guaranteed work Free estimates

BUILDING SERVICES

BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS

Plumbing & Heating Services 30 years plumbing & heating experience British Gas trained

Central heating installations All Plumbing work undertaken Servicing & repairs Bathroom Installations All at competitive rates

20 years experience in plumbing work

Alec McKay Tel: 01793 878353 Mobile: 07963 953439

E-mail: alecmckay@aol.com

For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

PLASTERING

PLUMBING

• Central heating installation • • • • •

• Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates • All work guaranteed • No job too small

Boiler servicing & repairs Replacement boilers Outside taps Power showers Bathrooms & tiling Reg: 128966

All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Reg: 203455

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

PLUMBING

CHRIS ANGELL PLASTERING PLASTERING All aspects of plastering, rendering and dry lining undertaken Clean, tidy & reliable

Tel: 01793 528243 07709 815316

From an annoying drip to a full bathroom re-fit No call out charge Free quotations Professional & friendly service

07747 752190 01793 529192

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43

BUILDING SERVICES

CARPENTRY

CARPENTRY

Galaxy Construction Ltd

J&R Carpentry Services

J S Property Services

    

Extensions Garage conversions Garden walls & patios Block paved driveways Plastering & coving

For a free quote call Leighton on 01793 813438 or 07917 208094

DOUBLE GLAZING

❍ Fitted bedrooms and kitchens ❍ Replacement doors & staircases ❍ Laminate floors ❍ Household repairs and general maintenance ❍ Decking - supplied and fitted

Supplied. Installed. Repaired Free estimates, free advice No Salesmen Your local choice

01793 611398 07968 757860

HOME MAINTENANCE

01793 872054 0770 480 1959

arcelectrics@aol.com • Installations and modifications, interior or exterior • Full compliance to all regulations • P.A.T. undertaken • All work fully guaranteed • Free quotations • 24hr call out • Fast, top quality service

FREE QUOTATIONS, NO OBLIGATION

MOBILE: 07769 883717

TEL: 01793 876029

(Howdens, Jewsons etc.)

COMPLETE BATHROOMS FITTED Building work, plastering, tiling, electrics, plumbing, furniture APPROVED

TILING

GILES BROS

Select Plumbing Services

March 08 Repair & Improv.indd 43

✓ EXTRA SOCKETS / LIGHTS ✓ SECURITY LIGHTING/FIRE ALARMS ✓ GARDEN LIGHTING & OUTDOOR SOCKETS ✓ SHOWERS/COOKERS INSTALLED ✓ FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT ✓ COMPLETE RE-WIRING

• Free survey • Building work • Plastering • Tiling & worktops • Electrics & plumbing • Wooden flooring • All types of worktops fitted incl granite

ROOFING

www.selectplumbingservices.co.uk

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

ALL KITCHENS FITTED

PLUMBING

For a professional, reliable service, contact us now Tel: 01793 875888 Mobile: 07951761764

SAFE & SHAW

for Kitchens & Bathrooms Tel: 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364

30 years experienced tradesman

• Everything from a new tap washer, to a complete bathroom suite.

• No job is too small.

• No callout charge.

• Free estimates.

ELECTRICIAN

Steve George

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879

Repairs, maintenance or new installation at a competitive price

Free estimates Jamie Scanlon 01793 704309 or 0777 594 8833

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SERVICES

G R SERVICES Painting and decorating Carpentry services Private garden & commercial grounds maintenance Turfing, fencing, patios Wall tiling Fascias & guttering Roof repairs Friendly, reliable & competitive

General carpentry Fitted kitchens / bedrooms Laminate and solid flooring Replacement doors Skirtings / architraves Decking and patios General building maintenance

Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

Arc Electrical Services Ltd Windows, Doors, Conservatories

Home & Garden Improvements

Free no obligation quotes

ELECTRICIAN

● Felt

roofing ● Asphalt roofing ● Sheet roofing ● Tiling ● Slating ● Single Ply ● Fascia ● Guttering

CARPENTRY

CERAMIC TILING FLOOR & WALL SPECIALISTS

❇❇❇

Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921

Call Neil on 01793 700436 07725 028776

Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526

FLOORING

P.J.J. FLOORING SERVICES All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet MASTERFITTER

N I CF National Institute of Carpet & Floorlayers

Wood & ceramics • Supply or fit only Commercial/domestic • Safety flooring All work guaranteed 17 years experience Call now for a free, at home consultation

01793 493119 07970 865883

MAINTENANCE

RETIRED TRADES ASSOCIATES Retired and semi-retired tradesmen available for all household tasks

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

• Reliable • Trustworthy • • Affordable •

TILING

TileSure CERAMIC TILING

Walls & floors Bathrooms, kitchens & conservatories Under floor heating fitted Complete bathroom fitting Fitted by tradesman QUALITY FINISH Call Maurice on 01793 349704 or 07904 142692

15/2/08 09:28:12

44

Accountancy

AERIAL SERVICES

AIRPORT TRAVEL

Aerials & Satellite Systems

airports Connect Ltd

Chris Payne

Chartered Certified Accountants

✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Small Business Specialists Tel: 01793 610008 email: enquiries@dykebrading.co.uk

Freeview & Sky installations TV & radio aerials Home cinema Extra TV & telephone points

No call out charge Tel: 01793 700078 Mobile: 07904 330724

www.dykebrading.co.uk

chiropractor

Specialist airport transfer services by car, MPV or 8 seater minibus Reliable travel for business people and holiday makers

Competitive prices

Tel: 431111

email: travel@airportsconnect.com www.airportsconnect.com

CLEANING

Appliance repairs

Guaranteed repairs to all makes of domestic appliances Same day/next day service

Tel: 01793 469300

CLEARANCE

Homes That Sparkle From People Who Shine Affordable & reliable cleaning programmes, tailored to meet your needs and budget

FREE SPINAL HEALTH CHECK • • • • •

NECK PAIN BACK PAIN HEADACHES SPORTS INJURY CAR ACCIDENT

Free 20 minute consultation to assess if Chiropractic will benefit you.

Please call

01793 602454

Chiropractic is a natural and safe approach to help the problems above and many more such as knee and elbow pain, repetitive strain, heavy lifting injury, etc. And we can help young and old alike.

54 Basepoint Centre, Westlea, Swindon

Clare Duncan-Hawes BSc (Hons) MSc DC

Member of the British Chiropractic Association & College of Chiropractors. Registered with GCC

www.cjduncan-hawes.co.uk

just Pull up, press a button and drive in A wide range of garage doors to suit your requirements See our displays at

The Garage Door Centre Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon or for information on installation and repairs

01793 513796

email: swindondoorservice@btinternet.co.uk

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

10% discount with this advert

REMOVALS

Oven cleaning

Single items to full house removals Hourly rates Fully Insured Disposal of unwanted items Last minute bookings Professional, friendly and reliable We guarantee to beat any written quote

www.robbinsremovals.com info@robbinsremovals.com

Tel - 07876 338025

Service Sector March 08indd.indd 44

Call us now for free, no obligation quotation Tel: 01793 511885

Ironing

GARAGE doorS The Automatic Choice

Regular cleans, Spring cleans, Moving in or out cleans Trained and insured staff Equipment and supplies provided Quality Service Guarantee

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

To book your Oven Clean call 01793 520362

We use caustic free cleaning products with a fresh solution each time.

Hobs, extractors, microwaves and barbecue grills also undertaken

Trudy’s Ironing Service

Laundry we wash & iron almost anything!

Fed up with ironing??

Let me do it for you Dry cleaning service Same day ‘Express’ service available Can collect & return within 24 hours from home or work Smoke and pet free environment On a regular basis or a one-off job Established 2002 - now in your area

Contact Trudy on

07875 011 775

OVEN CLEANING

• FREE local collection/delivery service (am & pm) from home or work • Quick professional turnaround • Open 7 days a week • Fully insured Contact us at

www.mobilelaundry.com or 01793 608820 / 07742 645920

tv & video repairs Gogglebox TV & Video repair service ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Free home estimates No call out charge TV & video tuning All repairs guaranteed

Tel: 01793 - 812738

15/2/08 09:39:31

45

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

GUARANTEED REPAIRS...

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

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

WASHCAR E

01793 - 643785

COMPUTER SUPPORT Com Master’s PC Repairs

Why go anywhere else?

When we’ll come to you..... ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻

Free home & business visits Jargon free advice & support Upgrades/repairs All parts & labour guaranteed Flexible hours, inc. eve/weekends

Tel: 01793 422534 or Mobile: 0792 005 6077

CARPET CLEANING 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 your local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 Email: cliff.whiteway@btinternet.com

COMPUTER SUPPORT PC repairs/upgrades Systems built to requirements Private or business • Free estimates

Accidentally formatted your hard drive or lost data?

Let us try and get it back for you - no results, no cost.

Call Andy Anderson Computer Data Recovery Tel: 01793 871718 Mobile: 07703 033790 email:jlanderson@ntlworld.com

MINI BUS HIRE

REMOVALS

White Van Man AIRPORT SERVICE From Swindon to...

Gatwick - Heathrow Bristol - Birmingham Stansted

For family holidays, business trips and all occasions, we cater for 1 to 8 passengers Call for a competitive quote now!

Tel: 01793 703899

VHS TO DVD Transfer VHS to DVD plus all Tapes & Slides • 8mm & 16mm Cinefilm • Frame-by-Frame, Broadcast standard • All Camcorder formats DV, Hi8 etc.

• Transfer your family’s heritage onto DVD • Photos & Slides onto CD or DVD • Obsolete formats, i.e. Betamax, Video2000, Laserdisc etc.

• Discounts for large collections

Single items moved anywhere in Swindon for £20 Disposal of unwanted items Garden rubbish removed House clearance Long/short distance removals Call for a free quote Tel: 01793 706821 Mobile: 07796 236436

WINDOW CLEANING FED UP WITH DIRTY WINDOWS? FOR A REGULAR & RELIABLE WINDOW CLEANING SERVICE CALL ALAN ON

0800 0304595

SAVE THOSE MEMORIES Call 01793 495733 or 07940 810733 www.savethosememories.co .uk DON’T DELAY SAVE THOSE MEMORIES TODAY

Service Sector March 08indd.indd 45

FARINGDON UPHOLSTERY 31 Park Road, Faringdon Buy direct from your local manufacturer and save money Top quality upholstery supplied direct to the public.

We make your furniture the way you want it, with thousands of fabrics to choose from

★ Established 25 years

Don’t settle for mass produced ★ All suites fully guaranteed when you can ★ All suites covered in have made-toyour own choice of fabric measure for the ★ Solid wood frames same price! ★ Craftsman built

★ Made to measure ★ Re-upholstery service ★ Curtains

www.aandlcleaningservices.co.uk

✆

01367 241855

Come and see our wide selection of suites today

Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm

15/2/08 12:55:40

46

swindonlink.com • March 2008

Hotel hosts ball for special playgroup

We believe that Jesus Christ is able to forgive our past, give meaning to the present and hope for the future

Koalas was the nominated staff charity for the De Vere Hotel last year and their association continues with a charity ball on 29 March.

Although the group is partially A generous discount has brought book a table for friends and family funded by the council and Primary the ticket price down to £20, to in- at the fundraising event.

Koalas, which provides a play- Care Trust, they have to fundraise clude a four course meal followed by a disco and light show by Top Hat group for disabled children and to cover staff costs. They hope that their siblings, moved to Salt Way the ball and auction will raise over entertainment and an auction.

Hotel manager Andrew Spink has Children’s Centre in Middleleaze £2,000.

To book tickets or to offer prizes been involved in organising events just over a year ago from very outSunday services are at for the group in the past and when dated premises at Victoria Hospital for the charity auction, call the De 10am & 6.30pm he heard of the trustee vacancy in Old Town.

Vere on 878785.

For further information you can through Swindon Employers in the either ring (01793) 873050; Community he quickly volunteered Reflection and celebration under the stars e-mail: office@freshbrook.org his services.

Walking by moonlight to a midnight gathering at Barbury Castle will be or visit: www.freshbook.org He hopes that the very reasonable ticket price will encourage people to an emotive way for hundreds of women to remember lost loved ones. “the gift of God is Eternal Life” (Romans 6 v23) The first walk to unite Marlbo- course is designed to be achievable rough and Swindon, the Starlight for most people. Organisers have Memories night walk is a 10k lowered the entry age to 14 so that sponsored event, open to all women families can walk together.

After balloons are released high across the community served by the on the Ridgeway in an act of reProspect Hospice.

Join us in worship on Sunday mornings “Many people will already be membrance there will be a positive familiar with the concept,” said fun- atmosphere in keeping with the Westlea Church, Westlea School: 10am draising manager for the hospice, philosophy of the hospice which St Mary’s, Lydiard Tregoze - the church in the park: 10am Rebecca Jordan. “Many hospices aims to celebrate life.

All Saints’, Lydiard Millicent - the church in the village: 10.30am Nationwide are the headline and charities nationally have a night Holy Trinity, Shaw: 10.30am walk firmly fixed in their calendar sponsors and Triumph will be Toothill Church: 10.45am and we think that Starlight Memo- providing glow sticks for the ries will meet a similar need in our goodie bags whilst Thamesdown For details of these and our other services area too. It will be beautiful and a Transport are volunteering their call the Partnership Office on 874221 really precious way for people to time and vehicles to bring walkers Email: partnershipoffice@btopenworld.com back to Swindon. remember someone.” www.wswinlyd.org.uk The night walk will be on SatWalkers will set out from Coate Water and Marlborough following urday 10 May and there are 1,000 Anglican • Baptist • Methodist • United Reformed Church a cross country route along the places available. Registration costs Ridgeway and meeting at Barbury £10 and walkers are asked to raise Castle where a welcome bacon £50 in sponsorship. For details and On Thames Avenue butty will be waiting for them. a registration pack contact Paul The route will present challenges, Maxwell on 815142. next door to as will walking in the dark, but the www.prospect-hospice.net

Morrisons

Contact: Revd Raymond Adams Tel: 634258

St. John’s Haydon Wick Sunday Services 9am 11am

Traditional communion service Eventful, contemporary worship with children’s groups meeting

www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

Women combine for prayer worldwide

Women’s World Day of Prayer 2008 takes place on Friday 7 March, it’s the oldest world-wide ecumenical movement, writes Suzanne Bullimore.

Each year the service is planned by women from around the globe.

This year it has been prepared by women in Guyana, on the theme of God’s wisdom provides new understanding.

St Peter’s RC Church in Westlea is hosting the West Swindon event starting at 7.30pm with guest speaker Clare-Marie Burchall.

All women will be welcomed. There is disabled access and ample parking. For details or help with transport call me on 870458 or mail: suzannebullimore@ntlworld.com

Sunday Worship 10.30am Sunday School and Creche Meeting at Abbey Meads Community School

21-52 March 08.indd 46

14/2/08 16:41:00

Spring offers to get you moving! georgewimpey.co.uk/moveme All developments open 10am – 5pm daily.

We pay half your mortgage for 2 years.*

The Ridings

2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes from £164,995 The Boulevard, Taw Hill SN25 1WB 0845 026 4187

Move in for £99.**

Summermead

3, 4, 5 & 6 bedroom homes from £194,995 Junction 9 Thamesdown Drive SN25 2BF 0845 026 4169

Let us sell your property and pay for you to move.***

Oakley Park

2 & 3 bedroom apartments from £149,995 3 & 5 bedroom homes from £249,995 Off Dorcan Way SN3 5BL 0845 026 4157

Free Conservatory OR

Royal Mead

1 & 2 bedroom apartments from £109,995 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £249,995 Okus Road Old Town SN1 4GX 0845 026 4163

Prices correct at time of going to press. Imagery depicts typical George Wimpey house type. *Offer based on paying a subsidy for the first 24 months equal to 50% of the monthly mortgage interest only payments of the loan amount offered to the purchaser up to a maximum annual interest rate of 6%. **Offer based on paying 5% of the price, stamp duty, £500 legal and £500 mortgage fees. ***Offer based on the existing home being valued by our agent and using the easymover scheme, estate agents fees, stamp duty, legal fees, HIP and removal costs up to a total amount paid being equal to 6% of the price. Terms and Conditions apply. The offers can be withdrawn at any time and only one promotion offered on each purchase. George Wimpey is not a mortgage provider and therefore this advert does not constitute mortgage advice. All offers are subject to using the recommended authorised mortgage broker who will provide independent advice, details available on request. YOUR HOME MAY BE AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. †Available on completion only.

21-52 March 08.indd 47

15/2/08 13:04:23

For more information, visit our website: www.swindon.gov.uk/leisuresport

21-52 March 08.indd 48

15/2/08 13:02:52