west Swindon's
Magazine THE
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LINK: No. 86. May 1989 . Circulation 10,000
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Beauty in the eye of the beholder Like it or hate it, what goes on inside the Link Centre is more important than its appearance according to centre co-ordinator John Fisher. The four year old £11 million multi-purpose recreation and community centre was nominated as one of Britain's ugliest buildings by viewers of the BBC's Daytime Live magazine programme in April. "Whether you like it or not, the Link Centre is impressive and unusual," said John. "A 'traditional' brick structure would not have allowed the enormous internal spaces which can be used so flexibly. It would have been far more expensive; all the money would have gone into the walls and roof and there would have been nothing for equipment. "What should a building with a library, arts studio, community rooms, ice-rink, sports hail
Looking 100 years into the future Link Mag. to go underground for 21st Century readers
and swimming pool look like? "We think the quality of service and the range of opportunities people have to participate in different activities are the most important aspects of the Link Centre."
£800 cash to local groups Fifteen West Swindon community organisations benefitted from money raised from a birthday celebration in February. One group received £100 and the rest had £50 each donated to their activities. The Trawlerman Takeaway at the West Swindon Centre celebrated its fifth year of trading in February by donating 10% of a weeks's sales to local organisations. This was matched by its parent company Coach Caterers (Southern) Ltd. making a total of £800. Groups were invited to apply for the cash through The Link. At a cheque giving ceremony on 15 April attended by representatives of local groups, Mr. Ian West, Coach Caterers Operations Manager said that The Trawlerman had done very well since it opened. "We feel it is important to put something back into the area. West Swindon is a large, thriving community with lots of people doing good works. There's a terrific feel about it and we're pleased to help local people make it even more successful." Mr. West also congratulated The Link for keeping people in touch with each other and promoting community spirit. Story continues with photograph on page 19
Hillsborough Help Cut 'n Dry Unisex Salon at Shaw Village Centre is holding a marathon hair cutting session in aid of the Hillsborough Disaster Appeal. From 2p.m. on Saturday 29 April for 24 hours. Come and have your hair cut for the cause. Donations taken in lieu of hair do's.
• Book now for the courses in the new Link Centre programme -details at the centre. • How did the Link Centre get Its name? The answer is on page 3 of every edition of The Link Magazine.
Many thanks for your help Nearly 500 people have sent in the questionnaire published in last month's Link. Are there anymore to come back? We're extending the closing date until 8 May especially for latecomers. Please return them soon. You could win
Z50
in the grand prize draw.
Who are you going to vote for in the County Council Elections on May 4? Read what the candidates say about themselves on page 4 & 5.
The Mayor of Thamesdown Coun Jim Cordon will conduct a ceremony on 1 May that will be repeated in reverse in 2089. He will place items suggested by local children in a time capsule to be buried by the lakes at the West Swindon Centre. Also included will be microfilmed copies of West Swindon's magazine The Link and the Swindon Evening Advertiser. Christine Duddy of the Property 3 Managing Agency, who are organising the event, gave an assurance that the capsule will be well secured. "We have a specially designed, air and moisture proof container ready. It will be placed in a lined casing and embedded in concrete three feet underground. "The idea emerged after we were asked to resite and look afterJon Buck's sculptures called Looking to the future.' The theme represents a positive attitude towards the continued successful growth of West Swindon as a place where future generations of people will live." The sculptures have been moved from Westlea Park where they were the target of vandalism. Jon Buck has been repairing the three figures known locally as 'The Bathers.' The Mayor will unveil the sculptures and bury the time capsule at 12.30p.m. on May Day. The ceremony will be followed by Maypole Dancing, free funfair rides and the chance to go up in a tethered Royal Mail hot air balloon. The proceeds of donations in return for the rides will go to the West Swindon Family Project. • Microfilm help - page3 • Jon Buck photo - page 23.