May 1996 Swindon Link

amp No 168 May 19fi • Circulation 16.900

Distributed in West Swindon, Haydon Wick, Woodhall Park & Abbey Meads

west swindon

Together, we 've made a great team!

Happy 20th Anniversary, West Swindon THAMESDOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

3

A chance to look back Twenty years ago the first families were arriving into what was known as the western expansion' or 'western development area.'

In fact Terry and Teresa Davies, pictured below, moved in on 14 March 1976. Four weeks later baby Janice arrived, West Swindon's first baby born to the first family.

The story of West Swindon's growth is remarkable. The vision of Swindon's policy makers in the 1950s and 1960s has come about nearly forty years later. We would say it is a story of successful urban development. From a giant building site, consuming green fields, the area is almost complete with nearly 11,500 homes occupied by over 30,000 people.

There were big problems arising from the massive rate of expansion. During the mid1980's, a thousand houses a year were being built and the birthrate boomed to three times the national average. Lack of playgroup and school places caused much concern. Now all those under 5s are are becoming teenagers presenting us with a different set of demands.

In the early years the area was derided by outsiders and tainted with an unjust reputation. Yet the commercial, social and recreational facilities arrived, the open spaces were developed and have matured. West Swindon is now a very desirable place to live.

Nationally the notion of community was largely disregarded during the 1980s. But politicians and the media have rediscovered the idea and community will be a buzz-word in the coming general election.

However community has been absolutely central to The Link magazine. Over the last 18 years, we have endeavoured to foster it in West Swindon by promoting local organisations. We're proud to be a vital means of communication between people, and we're pleased to be providing the important channel of information in Haydon Wick, Woodhall Park and for the newcomers at Abbey Meads.

We hope to have captured some of the flavour of the last 20 years over the next few pages. Happy birthday West Swindon.

Congratulations From the Mayor of Thamesdown, Councillor Bert Smith Thank you for reminding me that it is 20 years this year since the Council embarked upon a very ambitious project that was ultimately to become what we now call West Swindon.

Fortunately, I am one of the people who were here in Swindon bee fore it all happened - in fact, I was a member of the Council when it was first talked about. I can well remember the days when the road from Wootton Bassett to Swindon meandered through open countryside with only a house here and there, and Great Western Way was going to be the ultimate solution to all traffic bottlenecks entering Swindon from the west. And so it was - for a very short time until the development got under way!

However, traffic is a very small problem with a hugely successful project.

We have a very prestigious industrial/ commercial development at Windmill Hill, and also others at Hillmead and Westlea.

The West Swindon District Centre was opened with the new Carrefour Store in 1981 with its separate mall of indoor shops and was followed fairly soon by the unique and very successful Link Centre with the most modem ice rink, community centre and library for miles around.

Next to the West Swindon Centre we have the De Vere Hotel and the attractions of the Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, and village centres have been created at Toothill, Freshbrook and Shaw.

Very recently we have seen the building of the fire station and police station at Westlea, in addition to the industrial and commercial developments there.

However, the most dramatic change has been the rapid, almost staggering growth in the population of the area to utilise the facilities I have already mentioned.

West Swindon has become a town in its own right with community centres and other facilities for groups and individuals, which have made it an area of which we are all very proud.

In the midst of all this change, I am happy to say that a community magazine was started at an early stage in the development. The Link is now a shining example of exactly what is needed to join communities together and keep them supplied with up to date local information. I understand its circulation now covers 11,500 households in West Swindon and has recently added 5,000 in the new Northern Sector development.

My congratulations to all the people of West Swindon for making it such a successful community in the past 20 years.

Let us look forward to West Swindon going from strength to strength in the future.

Capturing a 20 year feeling Thanks to Nick Belson of Origin Design Consultancy in Westlea for designing the West Swindon 20th anniversary logo for The Link.

Nick, who completed the London Marathon last month, raising money for the Foundation of Study of Infant Deaths, captures the growth of the community by imposing a baby's hand over an adult hand within a circle, giving a sense of care and support for people working together.

For high quality graphic design, Nick can be contacted on 875886.

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4

The Link Magazine • May 1996

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Building communities with identity

By Sue Bates, Leader of Thamesdown Council I first moved to West Swindon over 16 years ago and in that time it has transformed from an oversize building site into a proper community with its own identity.

Thamesdown Council deserves credit for the positive role it played in developing West Swindon. One of the reasons why I became a councillor was because I was so impressed with the positive way with which Thamesdown Council had gone about planning for the community.

However, in the end, it is people who make places, and the residents, past and present, also deserve recognition for the part they have, and continue to play.

When the first homes were built and the trees and shrubs were planted it seemed as though the place would always look new.

Walking around now we can all benefit from the passage of time and nature's steadfastness.

Twenty years on, a whole generation has grown up and another is coming through. What really gives places character are shared memories, and they can only come with time. West Swindon has been here long enough for a sense of history to exist, and of course many of you will have moved from the more established parts of town,

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bringing those 'Swindon memories' with you.

I would be foolish to pretend that everything in the garden is rosy. There are still not enough youth facilities, and in the newer parts of the area there is a lack of community facilities. These are all challenges for the new Swindon Council and its residents to concentrate on together.

Finally, I would like to thank The Link magazine for the part they have played in not only 'pulling together our community' but also for acting as a bridge between the council and its people in the early days.

Happy 20th birthday to us all!

Self Employed & Small Business Specialists Please call David Salter for • Accounting • Book keeping • Business Advice D.A.S. Financial Services Tel: (0 1793) 695563 (day) (0 1793) 530545 (eve) Contents

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Published by West Swindon Publications

Editorial: Roger Ogle

13 Castle Dore Freshbrook, Swindon SN5 8P0 Tel: (01793) 872282

I Apple Macintosh design, layout and lasersetting Printed by Wiltshire, Bristol

Fax: (01793) 878189

Published monthly.

Copy date for June edition: 18 May Published: 1 June Copy for July: 15 June

Publisher/Editor The contents of The Link are protected by copyriht. Copying of advertisements for business use, including publication is forbidden unless advertisers orpublishers have sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority.

1-12 Celebrating 20 years 13 Toothill 14 Freshbrook & Grange Park 15 Westlea 17 Shaw 18 Haydon Wick 19 Abbey Meads 20-23 Recreation 24 At Your Library 25-27 Swindon Wide 28-37 News & Views

"The Link was first published in December 1978 exclusively for the West Swindon community. It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. It commenced distribution in North Swindon in January 1994."

TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK, CALL (01793) 872282

The Link Magazine • May 1996

A road to success

5

The road west: 1975

By Swindon MP Simon Coombs Tam delighted to be asked to make a contribution to The Link magazine's 20th anniversary celebration of West Swindon.

I suspect that only a small proportion of West Swindon residents can remember a time when to pass under the railway bridge on Wootton Bassett Road was to reach open country. The start of the construction in 1975 dramatically altered the road to Wootton Bassett, Lyneham and Chippenham, and the view of the farm land on either side, and thus began a process which is nearing its end at Sparcells and Peatmoor today.

Although West Swindon was not planned as comprehensively as the more recent North Swindon development known as Abbey Meads, I believe it has been a great success, with its mixture of housing, a variety of employers ranging from industrial giants like National Power, Motorola and PHH, through process plants such as Scherer DDS and Anchor Foods, to the smaller firms at Delta, Blagrove and Westmead, and with excellent leisure facilities at Shaw Ridge, Delta and Link Centre.

Sadly, West Swindon has not

been without its problems. The road access to the town centre has come under increasing pressure and needs improvement. The quality of housing, both public and private, has not always been of the best, while some residents have in the past had to endure the un-

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pleasant odours of the Barnfield Sewage Works.

West Swindon has also acquired the unfair reputation of having an above-average number of family difficulties. I believe that it should also be known as an area blessed with many good neighbours, who

give great support to those who need it - the sense of community is becoming stronger, based as it often is on schools and community facilities.

The contribution of The Link magazine to this sense of community also deserves mention.

PJENDCOMB COLLEGE An independent, coeducational, day, weekly boarding and boarding school, situated between Cirencester and Cheltenham.

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40 years service Daihatsu franchise joins Vauxhall at town 's largest independent garage Quality products, personal service and customer satisfaction are the watchword for any business nowadays.

With 40 years experience as Swindon's longest standing independent vehicle supplier, Akers Garage at Moredon has these in abundance.

The Akers family carries on the tradition established by Bill Akers when he first opened the garage in 1956.

Akers is Wiltshire's largest Vauxhall specialist, offering new vehicles for sale, service and repair by Vauxhall trained personnel and the largest stock of genuine spare parts of any retailer in the county.

For used vehicles, it is hard to beat Akers on quality and price.

And just announced on 26 April, Akers will expand by taking on the Wiltshire region Daihatsu franchise.

Edward Akers, one of the directors of the company, says the secret of success is rooted in experience built up over four decades. 'Customer satisfaction is very important to us. As an independent we need to offer customers quality every time they deal with us. Their loyalty shows we are getting it right.

"Taking on the Daihatsu range of cars, four wheel drives and light vans is a very exciting prospect. They are superbly engineered and keenly priced."

He also points out that as a family run firm, it is still possible to deal with the same people over and over again. It counts for a lot when you expect personal service on a major investment such as buying a car - whether it be new or used.

Akers salesman Simon Potter with the new Vauxhall Vectra

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7

Local Lives West Swindon's first baby turns 20 In the beginning, there was nothing but building sites, cows and mud.

One of the first houses was made into a community hail which then moved to an old builders hut, also occupied by a shop, just down the hill from the present Toothill Village Centre. Church worker Olive King organised groups for mums and toddlers and Thamesdown Council neighbourhood worker Bob May visited new arrivals.

A doctors surgery took over houses in Deerhurst Way, opposite the shop, and a health visitor team moved in next door, and all the time, more and more people were arriving

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The western development '5 first family, still in the same house at Markenfield.

Terry and Teresa Davies with, centre, the area 'sfirst baby, Janice, and Kate, 9. Behind, Christine, 18, and Michael, 12

T

erry and Teresa Davies did not expect to move into a brand new council estate they had barely heard of, least of all one stuck out on a building site without any facilities whatsoever. Teresa was heavily pregnant, they were all packed, ready to move from their flat in Penhill to a house in Park North.

But the exchange fell through at the last moment and in desperation they called Thamesdown's housing department. It was decided they should be offered the first house to be completed at Toothill and on Saturday 14 March they moved in.

"We were all by ourselves for a few nights - in the wilds of the countryside," said Teresa. "Janice was due on 16 March, but didn't arrive until 16 April.

"We were surrounded by builders equipment and foundations.

We had to walk from the old Wootton Bassett road (the bus lane from Westlea onto Tewkesbury Way) from the bus stop to get to home, but it was so nice to have our own house at last."

"Everybody was very friendly," said Terry. "We were dubbed the pioneers and it did feel like it. We could get fresh eggs from the farm cottages along Freshbrook Way and used to walk across the green fields to Lydiard Park."

The first school age children to arrive had to be bussed to the Parks area. Janice was one of the first children to attend Toothill School and then went on to Greendown, followed by sister Christine and brother Michael. Kate is still at Toothill School.

The Davies have thought about moving but never from West Swindon. "It has everything you need and the people are friendly. It's a good place to bring up a family," said Teresa."

1976: West Swindon's shop on Deerhurst Way, Toothill

Ashington Way, Westlea West Swindon Tel:(01793) 616840 Monday to Friday 830a.m. - 6.00p.m.

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8

The Link Magazine • May 1996

Captain's log stardate: 20 June 1980.

Mentally, we moved in the moment we put the deposit down on our plot of land. Almost every week we came out to see how 'our' home was progressing. One day we found that the builders had put a plank through the space where a window was to go, and were barrowing stuff in/out of 'our' living room.

Being one of the first to move into our street, most of it was a building site. The road was very rough and only bits of pavement existed. As the builders were on site tiny problems, like blocked drains could be easily overcome.

Unfortunately, they regarded the area as 'theirs', and we were the intruders. One afternoon when I went to drive out of the street, I couldn't as they had dug across it entirely. Fortunately, they quickly put a steel sheet over the trench for me and off we went. This illustrated the cavalier attitude the builders had. Often their lorries would block the drive or road.

Bewildered and apologetic, they always moved their vehicles, but looked at you as if you were an alien.

Until we got a street name and house number, we were a plot of land. This made it difficult to direct deliveries to: no one other than the utilities had ever heard of

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Moving in - 1980 style Pam Pixton, right, reports on landing on a Freshbrook building site Newbury Heights. As time went on more people moved in and at dusk, the street echoed to the sound of the squeaky barrow. We were lucky as our carpet was muddy brown; when it rained it blended in with the area beautifully.

Later Asda, or Carrefour as it was then, opened the largest supermarketin town, with checkouts stretching as far as the eye could see.

The beauty of living herein those pioneer days was that after my second child was born, we'd often go to Lydiard Park for the afternoon, and have it all to ourselves.

Likewise, when we went to the Link, we were most put out when

other people came to swim in 'our' pool.

'The Builders 2' seemed to arrive when Cable TV was installed.

They marked the pavement for utilities, but still cut off the 'phone.

We came back from holiday and I opened the car door to be interviewed by a local pressure group (CACTUS), only to fall into the builder's trench.

As time went on, the development filled up and everyone seemed to make friends, possibly because because most of us had little children and so similar problems.

This culminated in some royal wedding/anniversary with street

Wild West Swindon - the good old days?

By Matt Holland, a one-time rural resident Looking back is a tricky business. Your eyes get misty. They go out of focus. The haze in your gaze can distort your view of the past, make the ordinary look exceptional, the terrific tawdry. The sifting process takes hold. You see what you want to. So, here goes.

Ah yes, I remember it well. 1979, or was it '69? Sane cows grazing in green planning-free fields. Dead elms standing brown and leafless along dense and rambling hedgerows. The Hunt galloping by, a tractor, muck-spreader in tow, chugging up the lane. These were the scenes where now stand vast car showrooms, ever-open superstores, glitzy computing centres, and a maze of suburban closes and cul-de-sacs.

This past decade and a half has seen 'development' well and truly take hold on the west side of Swindon. What do we really make of it?

I, for one, have mixed feelings.

In the sixties I lived in Purton and went to school in Malmesbury.

Life revolved around a big family and a handful of neighbours; while evenings and weekends were spent messing about along cow parsley lanes and getting real-life work

experience on North Wiltshire dairy farms. There was a yawning sense of space and a predictable kind of freedom. Yes, even for the young, country life had pattern and predictability.

And when I went to live and work at Lower Shaw Farm, at the end of the seventies, Shaw still had that country village feel about it.

Houses were of distinctly differing types and ages, plenty of space in between, with old sheds in the gardens, weathered tools, battered wheelbarrows and often a handful of happy animals scratching about somewhere. Things were wellworn and well-used, and seemed to know their place. People too, nicely weathered and worn, knew their place; and, true to village form, were inclined to know yours!

But then the earth movers came in and moved a lot of earth, changed the shape of the fields

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parties and a smashing do in the evening at the temporary community centre in Freshbrook. Profit was made and everyone talked of having a another one, but we never did. Perhaps this is what 'gentrification' of an area means.

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and things were never quite the same again. They were neater and had sharper edges. There were new mowers, shiny cars, and lots and lots of children. Even we started having them and enjoying the child-friendly centres and parks that were sprouting up everywhere.

Suddenly, instead of knowing 57 locals in 57 village houses, you know hundreds from all over the place. But you could not walk to Lydiard over open fields. But you could get a paper and a can of lager on a Sunday evening. But you couldn't get free firewood from the hedgerows; but you could 'go to the movies' without going into town. But you couldn't kick a ball on any green patch; but you could play tennis indoors! But your couldn't ... but you could ... still see the sun rise, see the sun set.

You bet!

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Swindon 873369 "Representative only of CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC for the purpose of effecting investment business introductions only.

CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC is regulated by the Personal Investment Authority for life assurance and pensions business'.

Credit broker fees of up to 1% on the advance may be charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. Rate applied is 2.34%PA (2.7% APR) for one year. APR is variable. Rates may vary. A written quotation on loans can be obtained on request. Only available to persons tO years of age or over, subject to status. Subject to our current lending criteria. A 4.9% reduction applied to the variable base mortgage rate, currently 7.24%. Those applicants benetitting from this special discount who redeem their mortgage within tour years from the date of completion will he charged an additronal six months interest. This charge will be reimbursed if a new mortgages then taken out with the Society. Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non-smokers, applying for an endowment mortgage of £50,000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 31 July 1996 secured against a properly being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments net of tax of £88.73. Monthly endowment premium 01 £74.96. Total amount payable £99,262 Calculated to include: Valuation tee £155. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted tote will apply throughout the term 01 the loan. Maximum loan £150,000. The 2.34% rate applies to loans up to and including 95% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate inapplicable for one year, after which the then current rate will apply. When an applicant is borrowing more than 75% the Society will require additional sacunty. This is usually in the form of a Risk Charge.

REMEMBER: YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT

10

The Link Magazine. May 1996

Looking at the plans Right: a plan showing the extent of the development to the west of Swindon. Notice the thick dashed line running north on the left of the picture, and in the top right. This was the so-called 'Red Bird Line' because of its shape and colour on the map in the mid-1960s when planners were looking at the next stage of town expansion. It incorporated a huge area, taking in Purton.

Below: an aerial photo taken in 1974 after construction of the Great Western Way by-pass, but before house building started.

The railway lines from Swindon to Bristol and Gloucester can be seen and the route of the Old Town line can also be picked out on the right of the picture.

Toothill was the first area to receive planning permission. Permission for Freshbrook, Grange Park and Westlea was agreed without problem, but residents of Shaw hamlet put up stiff resistance before development of land beyond Shaw Ridge was agreed.

Reference points: 1. Mannington Roundabout 2. Link Centre 3. Freshbrook Village Centre 4. Old Shaw village 5. Railway bridge at Moredon Rd Note, from A to B, the ancient salt way trading route running in a straight line from the pre-historic salt deposits at Droitwhich, Worcestershire to a port at Hengisbury Head, Dorset.

The route, which takes in Hay Lane was in use between 1000 BC to I500AD. Salt Way School, Middleleaze is named after it.

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The Link Magazine. May 1996

11

The planner's perspective Martin Trewhella had an oversight of West Swindon's development for most of the 1980s. As Principal Planning Officer at Thamesdown Borough Council he has a leading role in the planning of the town's northern expansion at Abbey Meads.

Here he reflects on how the plans on paper have become a living community in the west.

The 20th anniversary of West Swindon has coincided with the start of development within the Northern Sector (Abbey Meads).

The mammoth amount of earth moving, mud and building of new roads and houses in Abbey Meads reminds me of the start of West Swindon.

Thinking back to the early days, the first residents really were taking a step into the unknown and must have felt like real pioneers; particularly as Toothill was relatively more remote from existing facilities when compared to Abbey Meads.

I have never been a resident of West Swindon, but as a town planner working for Thamesdown, I feel a strong bond with the place.

It has been my job together with other colleagues, to recommend to our elected members how West Swindon should take shape.

Twenty years on it is fascinating to reflect on how well considered the original master plan was and to attempt to assess which aspects have proved either particularly successful or unsuccessful.

The original objectives sought to provide for 10,000 homes in a planned environment which would be safe, pleasant and convenient to live and work in. The Borough Council has sought, and I believe, achieved a successful mix of land uses with a greater amount of public open space than in otherwise similar developments elsewhere in the country. Its commitment to landscaping and employment opportunities have, I feel, proved notable achievements.

The 'grand plan' also realised that it is the people who actually live, work and go to school in an area that really turns the bricks and mortar into a vibrant and successful community.

The decision to plan 'urban vil- don do generate frustration and lages' which provided a commu- complaints. Town Planning is not nity focus around a local centre a precise science and mistakes are and primary school, does appear made. However, the continual rise to be very successful with resi- of car usage is a universal problem dents proud to belong to Toothifi and unless we all begin to reconor Freshbrook or the other neigh- sider how we undertake journeys, bourhood areas. matters will only deteriorate.

I read The Link magazine reguI don't regard West Swindon as larly and the vast range of commu- a 'test-bed' for future developnity groups, sporting and other ments but is is important to learn associations regularly featured from both the strengths and weakseems to confirm my 'outsider's' nesses of an established area.

For example, the merits of the perception of West Swindon as 'urban village structure' of West being a good place to live.

1986: Celebrating the first ten years, Planning Officer Martin Trewhella with Link magazine publisher Roger Ogle, right

Swindon has been a conscious input into the planning of the Northern Sector with the first neighbourhood of Abbey Meads being focused on a local centre, central open space and primary school. And the absence of footpaths along roads such as Tewkesbury Way, combined with subways to get pedestrians across major roads is being rethought in the Northern Sector. There will be footpaths safely positioned behind verges and subways are out, replaced by pelican-style crossing facilities.

The 20th anniversary of West Swindon is a good time for reflection. In just two decades the green fields have changed into a substantially complete township with 25,000 residents and over 10,600 jobs. With the exception of a few remaining development sites at Roughmoor, West Swindon has a distinct feeling of a settled and maturing community.

I can't help but believe that 25,000 residents confirm that West Swindon is indeed a safe, pleasant and convenient place to live.

With the Link Centre, Lydiard Park and Shaw Ridge Leisure Centre, West Swindon also boasts arguably the best leisure facilities in the town. I imagine that, on balance, these are welcomed despite the significant volumes of night time and weekend traffic they generate. From my perspective of having to regularly taxi my teenage children between Highworth and West Swindon, to the cinema and bowling alley, it does seem advantageous to have them on the doorstep.

I would concede that the access arrangements to the cinema complex are not ideal and that traffic problems, particularly the congested routes into central Swin-

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12

The Link Magazine • May 1996

West Swindon: A glimpse of the past

BRADON FOREST SCHOOL Purton, Swindon, Wiltshire SN5 9AT Telephone 01793 770570

Brian Bridgeman of the Swindon Society looks back

Fax: 01793 771063

A Grant Maintained School, 11 - 16 PROUD TO SERVE THE WEST SWINDON COMMUNITY SINCE 1983

A glance at the Ordnance Survey maps for this area in the 1960s shows practically no difference to those of the early 1800s. The names of farms and isolated cottages and hamlets, such as White Hill, Shaw, Windmill Leaze, Wick Farm, Toot Hill and Mannington appear. For many centuries this area remained largely rural unaffected by the changes around it including the growth of Swindon.

Prospectus available from the school Visits welcome from prospective parents

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Imported history: The Chiseldon Windmill in its high tech location near Freshbrook. Inset: A picture from the Swindon Society archives showing the Windmill in its original setting

In Roman times the clay lands here had been colonised by potters who produced cooking pots, jars and other coarse pottery for the settlements on the Roman roads nearby. Remains of their kilns were discovered when excavations were carried out in advance of the West Swindon development of the 1970s and 1980s. An open space near the Link Centre is named Kiln Park after these potters.

Various small rural communities grew up in the area in medieval times including Mannington (the name possibly derived from 'Mehha's hill'), Shaw ('tract of woodland') and Toothill ('the lookout hill'). Over the years many of these communities largely disappeared and only grassy mounds denoted the former position of the houses and corrugations of ridges in the fields showed where their strips of arable land had been.

Little changed over the centuries until the beginning of the 19th century when the building of the Wilts & Berks Canal to the south heralded the start of the industrial age. The routing of Brunel's Great Western Railway through the countryside north of the canal and the opening of the GWR Works in New Swindon in the 1840s would change the story of Swindon for ever. Although largely unaffected by these changes for many years the rural landscape of West Swindon would later have its own rail-

way station at Rushey Platt on 'Swindon's other railway', the Midland & South Western Junction Railway which ran from near Cheltenham to Andover. The station was opened in 1883 and for many years was important for the transport of milk from local farms.

Some traces of the station can still be seen today.

The Borough of Swindon boundary was enlarged in September 1928 and a small part of the parish of Lydiard Millicent and Lydiard Tregoze were added. Shortly after the Second World War the Corporation also purchased Lord Bolingbroke's estate of Lydiard Park.

The M4 motorway was built adjacent to the former GWR main line in the early 1970s and this was the beginning of the large changes to the area. A new dual carriageway was soon built to replace the old A420 road together with the first housing developments in Toothill.

The modem story of West Swindon could be said to begin when the Minister of Housing & Construction Reginald Freeson officially opened the first stage of council housing in Toothill at Markenfield on Thursday 8 April 1976. The release of further land for building in 1978 in the Whitehill and Freshbrook area did but carry on the story of development that has continued to this day.

13

TOOTH ILL

King Henry lookalike organises six wives reunion

SORE, TIRED, ACI'ING FEET?

King Henry VIII recently brought history to life at Oliver Tomkins Junior School.

Children studying the Tudors acrobatics and juggling.

Oliver Tomkins teacher Penny and Shakespere were joined by Greendown teacher Tim Noble, McAllister said her children had who bears a resemblence to the greatly enjoyed the project. "From much-wedded King in both visage the reports coming back from parand portly bearing, for a day at ents, the children have really learnt court to enjoy madrigals, dance, a lot about Tudor times."

Pick up the phone and book your appointment with

King Henry lines up with his wives,from left, Stephanie Palmer, Kate Jones, Hannah Margiotta, Caitlin Mooney, Sheha Mehta, Kimberly Tulley, and court jesters Mario Ondo, Michael Brooks and Michael Mead

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Lunch help needed

Grand Summer Fete

Lily Wiley, Toothill Community Centre lunch club coordinator, is appealing for several volunteers to assist with preparation and cooking lunch for retired people on Wednesdays.

If you can help, phone her on 495644.

Saturday 8 June, 2pm 4pm Oliver Tomkins Playgroup off Beaumaris Road, Toothill Cakes, toys, games, bouncy castle, plants, books, refreshments & barbecue Organised by Oliver Tomkins Under 5s Playgroup

Table Top Sale Saturday 11 May, 2pm 4pm Book a table at £4 on 495644 In aid of Toothill Lunch Club

Talent events call for entries

-

Bingo Every Sunday, 7.30pm Toothill Community Centre Admission 30p. Refreshments

Drinking restarts The licensed bar at Toothill Community Centre reopened on 23 April under the management of the centre.

It closed after the collapse of an outside company last August.

Under new arrangements, the bar is now run specifically for the benefit of the community centre by a trading company established by the centre's management committee within strict terms determined by the Charity Commissioners and Thamesdown Council.

The bar will be open to residents of Toothill and users of the centre.

The income will allow the centre to strengthen its financial position.

-

Children attending after school care clubs across Swindon are being asked to show off their talents.

Toothill After School Club is organising a talent contest at the Link Centre Arts Studio in mid-June so that youngsters at other clubs can take part.

The Toothill club held a contest against Westlea last year which was a great success. To find out more, call Terry Sergeant on 520339.

Further afield

The Purton Helping Hand Carnival Week are holding an amateur talent evening on Thursday 30 May, 730pm and the organisers are looking for singers, dancers, comedians and jugglers in fact anybody who wants to entertain.

Entry is only £1, but the closing date is very soon. Call Lynda Warren on 771453 for an entry form by 11 May. -

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Helping develop life skills Children at Freshbrook School will be improving their life skills, thanks to an education pack presented by West Swindon Lions Club.

The pack - Skills for the Primary handle themselves and become School Child -contains educational more aware of the choices they material designed to help children will face in life. Areas covered include health education, growing and changing, citizanship, environmental issues, careers guidance and economic understanding.

Lion president Brian Haynes said the club is looking forward to hearing how the pack is put to use.

Your local hair care salon Open: 900am - 500pm Monday Tues, Wed 900am - 600pm Thursday 900am - 800pm Friday 900am - 700pm Saturday 830am - 130pm

Left: Freshbrook School deputy head Angela Holman receives the education pack from Lion president Brian Haynes

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Cameras brings security hopes

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Traders at Freshbrook Village Centre are banking on newly installed closed circuit TV cameras at Freshbrook Village Centre to deter further vandalism to their premises.

Five of the six businesses at the centre have contributed £5,000 to the total cost of the £20,000 system put in by Thamesdown Council, the first at any local shopping centre in Swindon.

All the businesses have suffered the cost of smashed windows and break-ins and the inconvenience

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of having to clear up the mess afterwards.

Vandalism has been rife at the centre for several years and the traders repeatedly complained to the council and the police for measures to combat the problem. In April last year, Dillons convenience store was gutted by fire after a ram raid.

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Greendown playgroup said a sad farewell in April to Sherry Quarless, their supervisor for the past two years. Sherry was presented with a gold neckless from committee members and parents and a beautiful basket of flowers from the children for her contribution to the happiness and well being of the children.

The new supervisor is Sharron Roberts who was previously an assistant for the group.

Greendown playgroup which meets in the Len Hobbs Suite at Greendown School, Grange Park has some vacancies for children, three to five years old. For more details contact Sharron on 872745 or registration secretary Lesley Harris on 875205.

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New for toddlers Playmates parent and toddler group which meets in the Len Hobbs Community Suite at Greendown School in Grange Park on Tuesday from 145pm to 345pm has vacancies for newcomers.

The large room provides lots of space for children to use ride-on and trampoline toys and there is an organised activity weekly.

To join the friendly group, contact Lisa Tyne on 877029.

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Waiting for deterrence to take effect, from left, Martin Cole, assistant manager at Dillons store, Paula Hughes, proprietor of Cut 'n Dry Salon, Brendan Ball, dentist

Freshbrook dentist Brendon Ball said it was wonderful to see the cameras up. "I'm sorry we have to have them, but I hope they act as a deterrant to the poor behaviour at the village centre. I very much hope the village centre can return to being a pleasant environment for all to enjoy."

Cut 'n Dry salon owner Paula Hughes, who had her front door kicked in again during April, said she hoped the cameras will put a stop to vandals doing damage to traders who are trying to provide a local service to the community.

Inspector Andy Tatum from Westlea station said the police were keen on CCTV systems as they are successful in preventing crime.

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Vandals attack doctors surgery Sparcells and Roughmoor nearly lost its doctor's surgery on the weekend of 13 and 14 April when vandals pushed burning paper through the letterbox at Dr Kandiah's building at Midwinter Close, next to the Chinese Experience restaurant.

A drainpipe was pulled off its hinges and a windowsill was damaged when the vandals ripped down a sign.

The same graffiti sprayed on the surgery was also found on an empty house in nearby Letteridge Road.

A spokeswoman for the practice said the damage was a very worrying turn of events and she hoped it was an isolated incident. She appealed for residents and passers by to keep an eye out for people causing damage and report anything to the police.

Kindergarten on the move

Car boot sale Saturday 18 May, 9am -12 noon Link Centre coach park Boots £5 in advance, £7 on the day To book, call 876465 Organised by Friends of Brook Field School

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Eleanor Snowdon writes

From Tuesday 4 June Lower Shaw Farm Kindergarten will be holding their sessions at Roughmoor Social Hall in Peatmoor.

Although we are very sad to be leaving behind the lovely setting and outdoor facilities of Lower Shaw Farm, we will be taking with us all our current staff and children and feel confident that we will retain the same warm atmosphere and individual flavour for

For toddlers Sparcells Under 5s meet at the Sparcells Community Centre on Mondays 1.30pm - 4.30pm and Friday lOam - 12 noon for activity sessions and free play. Spaces are available and newcomers are welcome to join in. For more details telephone Mandy on 874343 or Beverly on 881076.

There are vacancies at Little Ladybirds which meet on Wednesdays, 130pm to 330pm in Roughmoor Social Hall on Swinley Drive.

There are organised craft activities, ride-on toys and time for parents to socialise. For more information, call 876153.

which our group is known.

In this year's annual report a member of staff wrote 'Lower Shaw Farm Kindergarten is much more than a building and gardens - it is the children and their families and learning and playing and fun and laughter and happy times.

This is what we will be taking with us., Our sessions will be on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, 915am to 1215pm.

We are unlikely to have any places available for new children until September, but if you would like to put your child's name on the waiting list please contact Candy Shaw on 771047.

The Kindergarten need a large storage shed and some low fencing for the garden. We would be grateful for help from readers.

As our new location will be close to the Peatmoor woodlands we have decided to change the name of the group to 'The Woodlands Kindergarten'

Road safety worries Jane Kirk from Lomond Close, Sparcells writes:

Following the inevitable closure of the Brook Field School car park to parents, lam writing to express some concerns I and many other parents have.

I was surprised to note the speed and volume of traffic; especially along Roughmoor Way. We are often told 'Kill your speed, not a child. With this in mind, speed ramps, crossing points, lights and/ or signs warning that there are children in the area would all help towards safer roads.

I am very disappointed that, at present, not one of the above steps have been taken to improve road safety. I find it totally unacceptable that children's lives are frequently put at risk for the sake of some simple safety measures.

Parked cars stretch well beyond the Brook Field perimeter. This in

I

itself is a major safety concern.

Sadly children run out from behind parked cars, lulled into a false sense of security by the temporarily narrower roads. Perhaps a solution to this would be to have more 'school friendly' bus timetables and additional local buses at peak times?

Lastly with the further postponement of the Peatmoor school, I can only see this problem escalating.

Surely, local planners realise this will cause severe problems? The quickly expanding local housing estates and rapidly growing population can only exacerbate this dilemma.

Hopefully this goes some way towards explaining my fears.

Please, lets not wait for a tragedy before we take some action to safeguard our children's lives.

THE NEW MARKET HALL MARKET STREET, S,WD0!t DO YOU KNOW WHAT'S INSIDE. Bakery Books • Butcher • Cafe • Cakes & Biscuits • Cards • Children & Babies Clothes Computers Crafts • Ethnic Clothes • Ethnic Crafts • Fancy Goods Flowers Haberdashery Jeans . Key Cutting Ladies Fashion • Material Mens Wear Nursery Supplies Jewellery . Pet Supplies Plants • Shoes Shoe Repairs Sweets Sports Goods • Tools • Videos • Watch Maker Plus our regular outside stall holders

Your everyday shopping and much much more New Market Hall (just behind MacDonalds) Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm

Mead Way, Sparcells, West Swindon

Enjoy some of the best Chinese cuisine in Swindon At home with the Chinese Experience takeaway service &740fl &e ad#aa1 Ia SIte eaIIc, aw meu a de Ia ia4 lasies.

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18

20 day offer

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The Haydon Centre Out of School Club which meets every week day is offering a FREE session to parents of 5 to 12 year olds.

The club is ideal for working parents, or parents who want to give their child a treat.

Cut out this voucher and present it at the centre.

Offer valid between 3 May and 31 May 1996

North Swindon Lions are holding a charity auction and social event aimed at people living in north Swindon and particularly newcomers to Abbey Meads.

The social evening takes place at 7 - 12 May. Beamish Promotion in the bar. the Plough Inn at Badbury on 25 May. Sly Fox Camp. The regular Saturday morning activities for Monday 20 May, 8pm, with Swinyoungsters at 1991 prices. More spaces than usual will be on offer. don's top auctioneer Roderick Starting 24 May. Circuits Plus, 7.1 5pm - 845pm. The first 5+ heart rating Whightman accepting bids. fitness class in Thamesdown. A complete hour and a half workout For more information on how to demanding an advanced level of fitness. join the Lions and on this event, Contact Reception on 706666 for information on centre activities. call Paul Smith on 486049.

H

Place to organise the garden

Valerie and Alan Trotman

Auction for charity

Getting ready for a birthday party The Haydon Centre has a series of events and promotions leading up to its fifth birthday on 10 August. In May, look out for 4 May. 45+ Pentathlon. A FREE chance to try out a range of activities for the 45+: short-mat bowls, badminton, table tennis, aerobics, circuits

Unlike many other garden centres, at Grange Farm Nurseries you can actually meet the people who have spent the winter raising the plants you are buying.

The nursery, run by Valerie and Alan Trotman, tucked away between Haydon Wick and Abbey Meads, is an ideal place to browse for bedding plants and pick up flowers to go into hanging baskets. There is also an excellent range of roses, trees and shrubs to improve the established, or create the brand new, garden.

It's well worth a visit to experience the Grange Farm motto: Not just a garden centre, more a gardeners paradise.

Huge selection of basket and bedding plants GRANGE FARM NURSERIES where you can buy unusual and hard to find varieties of Fruit Trees, Herbaceous Perennials, Trees, Shrubs, Alpines, Heathers, Conifers, Roses, Rockery Plants & Paving Slabs

Not just a Garden Centre - more a gardeners' paradise Stockists of unusual and hard to find varieties

Players make move ready for new production The Haydon Players are on the move in May. The group has expanded in the four years since its inception and success has meant the search for a new venue with a permanent stage.

The refurbished stage and lighting set-up at Moredon Community Centre proved to be just what they were looking for and rehearsals are now in full swing for their spring production, the farce 'Out of Focus' which can be seen at the centre on 22, 23 and 24 May from 730pm.

Scouts look for leader The 1st Swindon Sea Scouts in Haydon Wick would like to thank all who used the Scouts Christmas post last December. From their selling and posting point in Safeway the group sold over 8,600 stamps and delivered 5,811 cards, raising £680 for their funds.

The troop are currently looking for a uniformed leader to help with their activities. Interested? Then contact Scout Leader, Tony Kilburn on 534982 for details.

91 fr\

HAYDON END LANE, HAYDON WICK

The Double Glazing Doctor Swindon's window & door repair service (01793)431788 Mobile: 0973 - 452843 Sealed Units, Handles, Locks, Hinges

Ladies plan 11 May fete The Emmanuel Thursday Group had a busy 1995 raising £1,439 for a variety of local charities. Among the beneficiaries were the Sadler Unit and the Wiltshire Childrens Holiday Scheme and the group are hoping that 1996 will prove to be just as successful.

Plans are already in hand for a fete at Emmanuel on 11 May. The group extend a warm welcome to any ladies who would like to join them and a varied programme of speakers, visits and events have been arranged. Guest speaker for their meeting on 23 May is Marie McClusky from the Town Hall Dance Studio.

For more information about the group and its activities call Sue Martin on 722446.

Despite the players' success, help is still needed to build a dedicated backstage team and the group would like to hear from anyone wishing to do lighting, sound, props, costume and set design.

If you'd like to get 'in on the act' you should contact group chairman, Pete Craven on 723493 (evenings only).

Big target set for church expansion Emmanuel URC needs your help.

A rapidly expanding congregation and a commitment to meeting the needs of the local community means that extensions to the building are required. The church is committed to raise £28,000 within the next four years so this work can go ahead.

A series of fund raising events have been planned including concerts, treasure hunt, auction, buy a brick and an austerity lunch.

If you would like to help with any of the events, have items suitable for auction or would like to make a donation contact Sue Martin on 722446

Cake decorators call to other sweet people The British Sugarcraft Guild meet monthly at the Haydon Centre for demonstrations by skilled decorators, workshops and visits to local exhibitions. Whether you are handy with the icing or a beginner thinking of taking up a new hobby the guild has something for you.

Anyone thinking of joining is invited along as a guest initially.

Monthly meetings take place 7pm - 9pm and it's best to check dates with centre reception on 706666.

For further details, phone Guild secretary Eleanor Merryweather on 875475.

19

ABBEY MEADS

For tired parents and energetic under 5s

New Abbey Meads minister introduces herself Deaconess Maureen Spinks arrives in August to set up the first church presence in Abbey Meads from the beginning of September. The Link invited her to make contact with readers.

I was born in Laindon, Essex and grew up in the new town, Basildon.

At age 11,I paid 1 to lay a brick in the church that was built opposite my home to meet the needs of the growing new town community.

At the time I had no connection with the church that was eventually to help me discover Jesus Christ, feed my faith and encourage me to become a Deaconess. It seems amazing thatnearly 30 years later I. might find myself not just

laying a brick but being involved in actively building a new community of faith.

Ian and I met and married in that new town church and our three children spent their formative years regarding it as a second home. Ian was a computer programmer/analyst until I began training in Manchester as a Deaconess five years ago. For the last three years (my first appointment) we have been living and working

in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Our eldest daughter, Deborah, aged 18 will, A' level results permitting, be going to university in October. Our son, Stephen, 17 will be staying in Wakefield because he will be one year into a four year apprenticeship with West Riding Buses as a fitter/mechanic. Our youngest daughter, Rebekah is 13 and looking forward to the move and making new friends.

In Wakefield I have been working among traditional Methodist village chapels in contrast to the more varied and ecumenical church life experienced in Basildon. I have been involved in pastoral work, preaching and housegroups, visiting schools and pre-school groups. I am looking forward to sharing in the developing community and spiritual life of the Abbey Meads project. Our home, like the church I hope, will have an ever open door.

Busy Fingers are a voluntary run, structured pre-school group based at the Haydon Centre.

This friendly parent and toddler group combines a variety of activities with plenty of time for fun and play.

Growing numbers means they are now open four sessions a week, Monday and Friday mornings, lOam - 11.30am and Tuesday and Friday afternoons, 1pm to 2.30pm.

If you would like to put your name on the waiting list or find out more call Jill Crowhurst on 613892

HANDMADE FIREPLACES We offer: o A free design service o Choice of brick or stone o Traditional or Modern o TV Shelves & Video Units Tel: (01793) 535291

Maureen Spinks centre with, from left, Deborah, Rebekah, Stephen and husband Ian outside the house at I Hayward Close on the Wimpey site, which will be both family home and ecumenical worship cent refor Abbey Meads until a church is built

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20

Schools show competitive spirit

Lifestyle roadshow gets hearts pumping

Shaw Ridge and Tregoze School football teams met again in final of the West Swindon primary school tournament at the Link Centre on 20 April. However the result was reversed with Tregoze winning this year. Shaw Ridge had already won the league competition played over the winter for the second year running.

In netball, the girls from Brook Field dominated other schools in the area by winning both the league and the Link Centre tournament.

Winning ways. Tregoze Schoolfootballers,front,from left, Craig Chambers, Neil Jones, Peter Jacobs, Louis Webb, Danny Dunn, Nick Dodd, Craig Taylor, and Brook Field girls, from left, Lucy Parsons, Helen Griffiths, Laura LewisPaul, Ruby Kalra, Alison Williams, Dawn Field, Bethan Wadsworth

All nine of West Swindon's primary schools will be receiving a visit from the Swindon Health Promotion Service Lifestyle Roadshow over the next few weeks.

Children will be put through their paces in a series of circuits to show how fit they are and will talk with Lifestyle staff about the importance of regular cardio-vascular exercise. Youngsters will also be able to collect stickers after regular exercise which will win them free swims and skating sessions at the Link Centre.

Roadshow coordinator Nicki Green said the project aimed to increase young peoples physical Nicki Green, centre, with youngsters activity and to promote the impor- at Freshbrook's Windmill Hill School tance of regular exercise to health. the roadshow's first stop on 26 April.

Golf centre celebrates 20 years Swindons premier golf facility is also celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year and there's going to be a party in June.

Advertising in The Link works Call (01793)872282 to fsd out why

HK 974 CHINESE TAKE-AWAY West Swindon Centre

Tel:886871 Telephone orders welcome Opening Hours: (Open Bank Holidays) Monday - Saturday 12noon - 2pm (Sunday lunch closed) Monday - Sunday 5pm - 11pm

Unit 1133, Town Square West Swindon Centre

The Broome Manor Golf Complex Free target competition was opened on 15 May 1976 and Free driving range competition has become one of Britains's most Free treasure hunt successful public golf facilities.

Free guided tour To celebrate, the managers are Free bouncy castle organising a birthday Open Day Whether you are a beginner, on 9 June. From 2pm to 7pm, there improver, adult or child, male or will be lots of free activities: female, manager Tom Watt and Free taster sessions his staff at Pipers Way will have Free fitness testing something 'fore' you.

Free putting competition For more information, call 532403.

Somethi 1 everyone

1

tj

It's an easy drive down to Thamesdown's golf facilities where you will find: Broome Manor Golf Complex o 18 hole course o 9 hole course o Driving range o Restaurant o Bar Tel: (01793) 532403 Moredon Par 3 Golf Course o 9 hole par 3 course o 3 hole practice area Tel: (01793) 493634 Coate Water Pitch and Putt o 18 hole pitch & puff O Mini golf o Putting Green Tel: (01793) 522837 Recreation Services THAMESDOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL A division of Leisure Services

I

Highworth Golf Centre o 9 hole course o 9 hole pitch & puff O Practice green O 4 hole practice course Tel: (01793) 766014

Serving Swindon

Recreation Services

THAMESDOWN BOROUGH COUNCILr 7 A division of Leisure Services

Swindon's leisure provision is highly regarded across Britain for the range of activities on offer and the commitment to promote healthy lifestyles.

Our aim is to put the word 'active' into leisure, from an energetic keep-fit session right through to a quiet walk around the park.

In West Swindon, Link Centre, which opened in 1985, provides a host of entertaining and recreational opportunities, combining sports, educational, arts and community activities.

Whether it's a game of squash, an ice skate, a swim, a fitness session in the multi-purpose sports hail or in the Active Lifestyle Centre, Link Centre is the place for you.

It offers even more: a mall where you can pop in to meet a friend over a cup of coffee, or relax and recover after excercise, a Community Suite where groups gather and a Li-

0.1

Link Centre: one of Thamesdown's many leisure facilities in the community

brary where you can borrow or browse.

Closeby, the Delta Tennis Centre, with its four indoor and three outdoor 'all-weather' courts provides a new approach to taking up tennis.

There's no membership, you just pay-as-you play.

Delta is the area's premier tennis centre, offering coaching

CELEBRATION at Link Centre & Delta Tennis Centre

for beginners, development opportunities to improvers and tournaments at all levels.

It's an ideal venue for both the social and the competitive player. And after game point, the 'Umpire's Chair' bar provides welcome refreshment.

Just a couple of miles from West Swindon is the Oasis Leisure Centre, itself celebrating

20%

7th - 26th May (inclusive) FREE SWIM FREE TENNIS COURT

(7th May - 26th May inclusive)

any court at Delta Tennis Centre

LINK

Years of Quality Leisure Service for Swindon + For tip to 4 persons, up to 2 adults, swimming & domebusting Conditions: Normal price: ÂŁ10.60.

Triple Twenty price: ÂŁ8.50

CENTRE

Whitehill Way, Westlea, Swindon Tel: (01793) 445566

off Family Swim & Domebust Ticket., Days Only

When you book and pay for

When you book and pay for a 12 for 10 swim package at Link Centre

its twentieth birthday this year.

Its unique lagoon leisure pool under the translucent domed roof, set amidst subtropical plants has been much copied across Britain. But a visit is just as exciting as ever, especially when the wave machine is turned out or you come zooming down one of the domebuster slides.

The Oasis also offers some of the best sports facilities in the town. Play a game of football or rollerbiade around the multi-purpose sports hall, or bring a team to play on the Outdoor all-weather pitches.

Later this year, the Haydon Centre celebrates its fifth year.

This combined community and leisure centre serves Haydon Wick and is perfectly placed for the newcomers at Abbey Meads.

Swindon is at the forefront of leisure provision - committed to you for quality service, healthy lifestyles and fun.

Welton Road, Westlea, Swindon (01793) 445555

Conditions: Subject to normal rules of booking and availability. Not valid for any other promotion. Valid above dates only. Retain receipts as proof of purchase

I

Not valid for any other promotion Valid above dates only Contact reception prior to journey for Swim & Domebust times

ZEISUO North Star Avenue, Swindon Tel: (01793) 445400

22

The Link Magazine • May 1996

_sa:,.= -. i:r.

friendship troph Link Centre is privileged to be hosting this exciting new ice skating competition with champion UK and international skaters competing over three days for this very special trophy.

Friday 17th May - Sunday 19th May 1996 9.00am - 9.00pm Tickets: Friday 17th May Adults £1.00, Juniors 50p Saturday 18th May and Sunday 19th May Adults £2.50, Juniors £1.50 Mini-Group (all dates) £7.00 for up to five people, to include a minimum of 1 adult (16 years +) and 2 children (under 16 years)

LINK

CENTRE

Whitehill Way, Westlea, Swindon Tel: (01793) 445566 Recreation Services THAMESDOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

Hoop Centre

Cricket for fun

In an exclusive to The Link magazine, Link Centre coordinator Roger Byrne has announced that Link is to become an official basketball development centre backed by the English Basketball Association and the Sports Council. A launch is being planned for the early Autumn.

A cricket club is looking for players who want to play with an emphasis on enjoyment, and without the pressures of league placing.

Winterbourne Bassett Cricket Club have their own village ground just six miles from Swindon and is looking for new committed players to join.

To find out more, contact Ian Sharpe, captain, on 874468.

Street hockey team takes off

A group of street hockey mad youngsters have formed a team and are joining a Skater Hockey league which will bring them up against teams Lincoln's Easter Camp egg hunt all over the south and west of the country. was great fun writes Alison Bruce.

Sadly, this only takes place once a year, but all 5 - 12 year olds are welcome to join Lincoln on his halfterm holiday camp from Tuesday 28 to Friday 31 May. Registration takes place on Sunday 12 May at 6pm, so don't forget to book in advance. Leaflets will be distributed shortly with all relevant information including details on ice rink and swimming pool activities.

The coolest place in town We are very lucky to have not one Youngsters from the Swindon Flames squad with coach Lee Burden but two Bank Holidays this month which means two extended Bank Swindon Flames came together The club is the first Swindon Holiday skate sessions in the ice After an appeal for coaching help team to be registered with the Britrink. Join us on Monday 6 May in the February Link magazine. ish Street Hockey Association and and Monday 27 May, 2pm - 5pm Now forty youngsters ranging played their first game in April, a for music, fun and games on the in age from under lOs to over four- friendly against Reading Rhinos. ice. It's the coolest place to be. teens train on Saturday evenings Youngsters who would like to For details of Link Centre activi- at the Croft Centre under the guid- develop their street hockey skills ties please contact main reception ance of ice hockey player Lee Bur- with team training should contact on 445566. den.

Brigette Burnup on 770417.

Campers get ready

SUMMER IS NEAR SPRING INTO FITNESS MONDAY

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+ Not exercised for some time?

Need to do something about your body? This light, low-impact session is for you.

WEDNESDAY Light n Low Beginners Class Total Body Conditioning with Carol with Lee Lime Kiln Sports Centre Gym, Greendown School, Grange Wootton Bassett. 8.1 5pm - 9pm Price includes FREE SWIM Park 8pm - 9pm

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a

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The Link Magazine • May 1996

Rugby star boosts tennis Lawrence Dallaglio, the man tipped 930am and 1030am to promote as next seasons England rugby the LTA Love Tennis challenge. union captain will be visiting the Lawrence will be taking on local Delta Tennis Centre on Bank youngsters with National Lottery Holiday Monday 6 May, between presenter Toby Anstis.

23

CHILDREN'S SELF DEFENCE CLASSES EM LEIGH CHILDS SCHOOL OF

Swindon Old Town 8 • Sunday 19 May, 10.30am 8 mile race and 3k fun run (children and adults) Rural course starting and finishing in Old Town Car parking, changing and refreshments all at Nationwide Building Society, Pipers Way, Swindon Prizes, medals to all finishers, late entries on the day.

Entry forms from Terry Dixon, 3 Granary Close, Nine Elms, Swindon Tel: 874492. Last date for postal entries 10 May

Second sign up for soccer school The Swindon Town football club soccer school starts its second six week course at the Link Centre on 7 May. Children aged 5 to 16 years are given coaching in basic skills by the coaches from the Town and

those showing ability will be invited to trials at the club's school of excellence. For more information, call Gary Williams on 644777 or book a place at Link Centre reception.

In-line hockey event draws eager crowd Skater Hockey, one of the countries fastest growing sports, was demonstrated at Link Centre on 13 April when over 80 youngsters watched exhibition games and had the chance to take part in coaching.

Organised by the Sports Factory, suppliers of in-line skates and equipment, the event involved Franklin 92, one of the top three teams in Europe, sponsored by the top name in skater hockey equipment. Also playing an exhibition

game were the Swindon Flames from Shaw.

With good summer weather upon us, Sports Factory manager John Pittey, says get your skates and check out the equipment at the West Swindon Centre.

(01193) 874902

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4 3 31; 9 6

AT YOUR LIBRARY

24

USBORNE

I

Literature Fest around the libraries

BOOKS AT HOME

If Swindon Festival of Literature doesn't seem to have anything to do with you, then think again writes Librarian Vicki Moore The festival between land 12 May would like to listen to stories. Come along for moral support and is a celebration of the written and Wednesday 8 May, 11 - 1130am. inspiration: spoken word. Not convinced yet? Storytime for Under 5's - with a Moredon Library (Tel: 616273), Then read on. twist (West Swindon Library), Friday 3 May with Wren Sidhe, Libraries are just one of the many pupils from Bradon Forest School 2pm-4pm. venues taking part and there are will be taking this special West Swindon Library (Tel: opportunities for everyone to ex- storytime. Come along and find 871444), Thursday 9 May with INDIVIDUAL TUITION perience literature in many differ- out what they've got in store. Helen Kendall, 2pm - 4pm.

ALL SUBJECTS - ALL AGES ent forms.

Thursday 9 May, 10.30- 1130am.

If this programme of events No obligation quotation You don't have to do anything if Magical Storytelling with Nicola doesn't wear you out, then look you don't want to -just come along Moon (Moredon Library). Satur- out for Desert Island Books, or brochure from to your local library and see for day 11 May, 2.30 - 330pm.

Where's Wally? activities, short PREMIER TUTORS yourself what is going on.

For all those wordsmiths out there, story and poetry competitions.

01793-814354 Events include the following: Call in to your local library for a there are special individual writPoetry for the Community (West ers workshops taking place. If you full programme of events.

Swindon Library), students from are undertaking a new writing TUTOR WITH Greendown School Year 7 read project and could do with tips on New books to look out for in May: The Proprietors. Two their favourite poems. Come along getting started, or if you have al- JeffreyArcher powerful, influential men, both TWENTY YEAR'S and listen. Tuesday 7 May, 10.30- ready started a piece of work and gamblers, both prepared to risk 1130am. would like some help and advice, everything in their battle to conStorytime for Under 5's (West then these free workshops with trol the biggest media empire in EXPERIENCE Swindon Library), this regular Wren Sidhe and Helen Kendall the world. offers Maths, English storytime is open to anyone who could be what you need.

Margaret Bacon Friends and Relaand Science in your tions. School friends Kate and Betty went on to different lives, but fate home at Junior, draws them together again.

GCSE and A Level.

A packed programme with details of the events below, plus more Emma Blair Halfhidden. Story of that's not shown, is available from Libraries, Leisure, Arts and forbidden love in German-occuAge range: 6 to 50 pied Jersey.

Information Centres or ring 644510 Boost your confidence now Christine Marion Fraser U/un 3 May Writers Live, 8pm, Town Macbeth. Chrisann McNeil needs Tel: 870257 or 823159 Hall. Melvyn Bragg and Terry to escape her superficial and stressWaite are. ful London life. She returns to the 5 May Shakespeare in Speech and tranquillity of her home in the Song, 8pm, Arts Centre. Best of Hebridean islands and meets Ullin the Bard.

Macbeth.

6 May Football Poems, 8pm, Rob Grant Backwards. A new Red County Ground. Magic mouthDwarf novel. Dave Lister finds his Free introductory work to match the success by the way back to Earth. What is bad is that time is running in the wrong players on the pitch. computer courses for direction. If he doesn't get off the 7 May Mad Frank, 1pm, Art Galpeople seeking work and planet soon he is going to have to lery. Villainy unveiled. not earning go through puberty again.

7 May Current Affairs, 8pm, Link Martha Grimes Hotel Paradise.

Centre.

World premiere on ianWork in small When a child dies in a local lake in guage and life. groups at your 8 May Jane Austin, 1pm, Art Gal- 9 May Writing Romance, 1pm, Art similar circumstances to a death 40 years previously, only an innoown pace lery. Her little bit of ivory.

Gallery. Rewards and pitfalls. cent 12-year-old girl's knack of 8 May Bronte and Austin 'in per- 10 May Birth of the Blues, 1pm, getting adults to reminisce may Ring Bridget on: son', 730pm, Arts Centre. Two Art Gallery. Come pay your dues solve the mystery. one-women shows in one evening with ZZ Birmingham.

01793 - 512446 Jack Higgins Yearofthe Tiger. Story including Kim Hicks, above.

10 May The Three Snake Leaves, of physical and psychological en8pm, Arts Centre. Stories for durance set in the untamed moungrown-ups from the Company of tains of Tibet.

Storytellers.

The New Virginia Andrews by 11 May Stories, Books, Plays and Andrew Neiderman. Tarnished Mischief, Ham - 4pm. Town Gar- Gold. Prequel to the Landry series. dens. Outdoors and for everyone. Growing up in her beloved swamp 12 May Festival Finale, 12 noon, Gabriel is supremely happy, deGoddard Arms Hotel, Roy spite the ever-widening rift beHattersley, buffet, drink and good tween her mother and father. talk.

Terry Pratchett Feet of Clay. A Train to Gain! Speak up for the environment Discworld fantasy/ whodunnit.

A writing competition for children Who's murdering harmless old up to age 16 is being run by the men? Who's poisoning the PatriGreat Western Community Forest. cian? The City Watch have to track BUSINESS COLEGE Poems and/or essays up to 250 down a murderer who can't be seen.

27 Bath Road words (plus pictures) invited Call in or telephone Old Town Call Sarah Baird on 493715 for Exhibitions this month: Future Business College on (0 1793) 488518 Swindon more details.

New College Art 1 - 30 May T

Flexible part-time work.

Organisers required in Swindon area to sell our great books.

Under 5s go with you.

Call 01454 413650

Lit Fest diary

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THE LINK MAGAZINE'S GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON IN AND AROUND SWINDON

Uplift and inspiration from music Neil Savage reviews an early hit of the year in the US Mr Hollands Opus (PG) is a touching, nostalgic story of the life of a music teacher spanning over 20 years, starring Richard Dreyfuss, recently nominated for an Oscar, as the title character Glen Holland.

Consumed by his love for music, Glen Holland's ambition in life is to compose a memorable piece of music by which he will leave his mark on the world. But by finding his true calling as a high school music teacher he finds a way to share his passion of music and pass it on to the students he

teaches. Redefining his dreams and the meaning of success, Mr Holland realises that his true legacy is in the hundreds of lives he has changed or influenced over the years. In his dramatic journey to achieve self-fulfillment Glen Holland learns that life doesn't always turn out as planned.

Directed by Stephen Herch, previously better known for romps like Bill and Teds Excellent Adventure and the recent remake of The Three Musketeers. This uplifting movie is scheduled for release on 17 May.

Muppet Treasure Island (U) is another zanytake on a classic tale.

Long John Silver (Tim Curry) has seized a treasure map, taken over a ship and is setting sail to what he thinks will be his fortune.

But he hadn't counted on Captain Smollet, i.e. Kermit the Frog and his muppet crew including

Gonzo the Great, Fozzy Bear and the one and only Miss Piggy, who band together to make a daring attempt to thwart his evil plans.

Co-starring Jennifer Saunders this lively musical adventure is due to be released on 24 May.

C

Tel: (01793) 772289 In the heart of the Great Western Community Forest Afun day for all the family at

VISITOR CENTRE Sevenhampton Nr Highworth, Swindon Telephone: 01793 763939

(last admission 430pm)

Movieola at the MGM

Film at the Arts Centre

Thursday 9 May The Brother McMullen (15) Award winning comedy drama about a trio of Irish American siblings and their complicated love lives.

Thursday 16 May In the Bleak Midwinter (15) Romantic comedy about the pleasure and pain of mounting a small-scale production of Hamlet in a rural church.

Thursday 23 May El Postino The Oscar nominated Italian comedy

Tuesday 7 May Angels and Insects (15) Engrossing multi-layer film featuring fine performance by Mark Rylance, Patsy Kensit and Kristin Scott-Thomas, 745pm, £3.50 Wednesday 22 May Madagascar Skin (15) A shy young man (John Hannah) stumbles across a tattooed man (Bernard Hill) who has been left for dead on a beach. A humorous, surprising and tenderfilm. 7.45pm. £3.50

)"CACV1^CtJCtk Tandoori and Balti Restaurant

Visit the out of town Tandoori and receive a warm welcome from Mr Ali and his family 6 High Street, Purton, Swindon Fully Licenced Restaurant Open 7 days a week (inc. all Bank Holidays except Xmas Day) 530pm - 12 midnight

Tel: (01793) 770253 Takeaway Service now available: 10% discount

Open Wednesday to Sunday & Bank Holidays 11am - 5pm

Balllet Rambert comes to Swindon, 8 to 11 May. Booking details overleaf

March 16th - Sept 29th incl.

• • • •

Friendly farm animals Tractor rides • Bottle feeding Guided farm trails Country craft displays and courses • Childrens adventure playarea and bouncy castle • Granary Tearooms for light lunches & cream teas • Disabled facilities • Accommodation available • Venue for Barndances and Private Functions NEW for 96 - Wildlife Walks Adults £2.75. Children £1.75 Concessions £2.25

THE

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Sunday 12 May Thursday 2 May to Walk Beating the Bounds in May. Saturday 4 May Dance The Sullivan School of A guided walk around the boundaDance presents The Four Seasons. ries of Lydiard Park. 2pm 4pm.

Wyvern, 730pm. £6, £4 Adults £2, juniors £1 Friday 3 May & Saturday 4 May Comedy The Chuckle Brothers.

Drama Look Back in Anger by Wyvern, 11am & 2pm. Adults E6, John Osbourne presented by Swin- Dance Ramon Villar's Flamenco don theatre company, Head to Toe. Fiesta Dance Company. Wyvern, Link Arts Studio, Link Centre, 730pm. £9.50 £8 730pm. £3.50

All types of framing (trade & retail) Graphic materials/ art materials Pictures for sale including original oils, water colours and prints and posters Specialist limited editions, signed prints including David Shepherd, Sir William Russell-Flint etc

VF Tunleys, 40-41 Fleet Street, Swindon. Tel: 522152 Est 1880! ;_ n__u

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* Daphnes Flight at the Arts Centre Friday 24 May

Sunday 5 May Music The Texas Country Country Music Show featuring Geneva Malone. Strong ballads and Honky Tonk. Wyvern, 8pm. £8 Wednesday 8 May to Saturday 11 May Dance Rambert Dance Company present The Moonshine Tour.

Wyvern, 730pm. £11, £9, student discounts available

Monday 13 May Music The Dubliners. Wyvern, 8pm. £10.50, £9.50 Tuesday 14 May Comedy One Word lmprov starring Eddie Izzard, Neill Mullarvey & Stephen Frost. Wyvern, 8pm. £10 Wednesday 15 May Music The City Wailes, My Lady Greensleeves. Music from the streets, courts, taverns and countryside of 16th &l 7th century England. Wyvern, 730pm. £7, £6

Thursday 9 May Drama The Magic Toyshop. An adaptation of Angela Carter's novel which retains its macabre power to Dance workshop Introduction to shock. For over 14s. Arts Centre, Percussive Dance try Appala730pm. £6 chian clogging, step dance, Friday 10 May Amaerican tap and more. Town Dance Cinnabar presents Danc- Hall Studios, 630pm 8pm. £5 ing Girls a mosaic of travellers' Thursday 16 May tales and dance. Town Hall Stu- Dance Joe Chvala and The Flying dios, 8pm. £5.25 Foot Forum in Beserks and Other Saturday 11 May Pieces. Wyvern, 730pm. £8.50, Family Beauty and the Beast £7.50 puppets, actors, masks and mu- Thursday 16 May sic. Arts Centre, 7pm. £5 to Saturday 18 May Dance workshop Egyptian dance. Music In the Mood for Music feaTown Hall Studios, absolute be- turing the music of Glenn Miller, ginners 1130am 1245pm, songs from Acrousel and dance improvers 145pm 3pm. £5 from the 20s. Arts Centre, 730pm.

Workshop Calligraphy for begin- £4 ners & more advanced pen smiths.

THE DANCE HOUSE Arts Centre. lOam 4pm. £12 Gardening Fuschsias and pelarEllendune Community Centre goniums an illustrated talk and Wroughton demonstration. Moredon Gardens, Saturday 18 May Cheney Manor, 2pm. £4, book in advance on 523294 RED HOUSE Saturday 11 May Tickets: £6, Cone. £4, & Sunday 12 May Under 12s £1, Family ticket £15 Swindon Kite Festival.

Tickets on door or send cheques Wroughton Airfield. Further info and SAE to The Dance House, from Science Museum, Wroughton 131 Goddard Avenue, Swindon Airfield, tel: 814466 -

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27

May overview Friday 17 May Dance Clerkinworks present Sods in Space - Irish dance with witty words and wicked humour. Town Hall Studios, 8pm. £5.25

Saturday 25 May Music Swindon Male Voice Choir.

Wyvern, 730pm. £6.50 Sunday 26 May Comedy Lee Hurst and Sean Meo. Wyvern, 730pm. £7.50

Friday 17 May & Saturday 18 May Monday 27 May to Music Kentwood in Concert 1996. Saturday 1 June Wyvern, 730pm. £7 Drama Jane Eyre. Wyvern, 730pm eves, 230pm Wed & Sat Saturday 18 May Family activity Amazed at mat. £10, £8, discounts & concs Lydiard, celebrate Museums Week available at Lydiard House. £1 includes Wednesday 29 May admssion to the House.

Workshop Jewellery Junket.

Make jewellery with silver wire, Sunday 19 May Shire Horse Day at Roves Farm leather, glass, china and your own Fun day out for the family. Guided wooden, perspex and fimo beads. walks, tractor & trailor rides, farm Arts Centre, lOam - 3pm. £10 animals. 10am - 5pm. £2.75 adults, Thursday 30 May £1.75 children, £2.25 concs.

Family The Time Wizard prePlant sale & fete Craft demon- sented by The All Electric Puppet strations & displays. Moredon Gar- Theatre. A show full of surprises dens, Cheney Manor, 11 am - 4pm. with a wide range of puppets and special effects, suitable for 5 years Free entry and over. Arts Centre, 130pm & Comedy An adult evening with Billy Pearce. Wyvern, 8pm. £8.50, 430pm. £5, children £4 Friday 31 May Dance Los Gonzalea Dance Company - an exploration of the evolution of Cuban Dance from the Salsa to the Cha Cha Cha. Town Hall Studios, 8pm. £5.25 Music Bob Brozman in Concert.

Blues, soul, jazz and even calypso are explored in an exhilarating display of musical technique. Arts Lawrence Leyton's VR Experi- Centre, 8pm. £6 ence, experience the true power of your own mind. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £8.50 & 6.50 Comedy Phill Jupitus. Arts Centre, 8pm. £9

Monday 20 May Music Rick Wakeman's Wots on TV Tonite' tour. Wyvern, 730pm. £9 Tuesday 21 May Wildlife video On the work of the Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal Group especially wildlife conservation. Link Centre, 730pm.

The Carpenter's Competition

Wednesday 22 May Comedy Mark Thomas plus support Nobby Shanks. Wyvern, 8pm. £8, £6 Wednesday 22 May, Thursday 23 May, Wednesday 29 May, Thursday 30 May Gardening Summer hanging baskets - make a basket using a mixture of flowering and foliage plants.

Moredon Gardens, Cheney Manor, 7pm, also 1030am on Thurs 23rd. £14, includes cost of all materials, book in advance on 523294 Thursday 23 May Music Singer songwriter showcase featuring Kloe - catch a taste of modern Irelend, Ray Man unique & original local songwriter, Dave James - the talented 'Mr James'. Wyvern, 730pm. £5 Music Annie Ross and her musicians. Arts Centre, 8pm. £10.50 Friday 24 May Music A Tribute to The Carpenters starring Jenny Fitzgerald as Karen Carpenter. Wyvern, 8pm. £11.50, £10.50 Music Daphne's Flight- the very cream of British women singers.

Arts Centre, 8pm. £9.50

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Devizes Road Swindon Box Office: (01793) 614837 Thursday 9th May 7.30pm Angela Carter's THE MAGIC TOYSHOP A fairy tale of sexual awakening and defilement. Over 14s only Saturday 11th May 7pm BEAUTY AND THE BEAST An array of puppets, actors, masks, music and visual splendour.

Supported by Burmah Castrol Tuesday 21st May 8pm Time Out Comedian Of The Year PHILL JUPITUS plus support

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Jenny Fitzgerald and her Interplanetary Tribute Orchestra and singers present a Tribute to the Carpenters at the Wyvern on Friday 24 May. We have tickets to give away to the first three entries drawn on 18 May. Send your name and address on a postcard to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon SN5 8PQ by 18 May

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28

The Link Magazine • May 1996

Things to check before going to bed Things have started to get a bit busier at your local fire station and since I last wrote we have responded to 31 fires, 22 emergency special service calls and 41 false alarms, writes Sub officer Perry Payne of Westlea Fire Station.

Amongst those incidents have been assistance to a person collapsed behind a door, somebody trapped by falling timber, a rather severe flooding in Great Western Way following a burst water main (at 3am), several tree and grass fires - perhaps the first indication summer is on the way, a fire involving a thatched roof, gas leaks, a chemical incident, numerous car fires and a number of road traffic accidents necessitating the rescue of trapped persons, two of which sadly involved fatalities.

You may remember fireman Shaun Dunham was training hard for this year's London marathon.

Unfortunately he had to withdraw due to a knee injury. He is obviously very disappointed but wishes to thank all those people who kindly offered to support him by way of sponsorship.

In respect of fire safety matters I am often asked what sort of checks should be carried out last thing at

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Perry Payne with his son Steven

night to help ensure a fire does not break out whilst the family are sleeping. Here are a few suggestions to make routine.

1. Unplug all electrical appliances not designed to be left on.

2. Make sure all cigarettes are properly extinguished and that nothing is leftburningin ash trays.

The careless disposal of smoking materials remains one the largest causes of fire in the home and certainly one of the most avoidable.

3. Put a guard round open fires to prevent sparks from igniting surrounding materials.

4. Switch off portable heaters.

5. Remember to check cooking appliances have been switched off.

6. Close the doors to unoccupied rooms.

Senseless crimes On a month to month basis I normally find that our area is relatively quiet as far as crime is concerned, writes Sgt. Terry Cuss from Westlea Police Station.

This month, there are a number bus at Bloomsbury Close, Freshof individual incidents that I want brook. As a result of the assault to bring to your attention because the father has a badly swollen face. they are particularly heartless and In the early hours of Monday 15 senseless.

April someone set fire to plant veOn Thursday 11 April at about hicles atone of the building sites at 9.30pm a pensioner was walking Abbey Meads resulting in damage along the footpath which adjoins of over £100,000. This follows an Stokesay Drive, Toothill. He needs earlier incident at the end of March a walking stick to get along and he when another vehicle was set has a heart condition. alight.

Despite this he was approached Also over the weekend of 13/14 from behind by two young men April lighted paper was pushed who knocked him to the ground through the letter box of the Docand stole cash from his wallet. tor's surgery atPeatmoor. Luckily They then ran off in the direction only a small amount of damage of Pevensey Way. resulted.

At 1130pm on Saturday 13 The first two incidents show how April, a 34 year old local man was senseless violence can arise from travelling by bus with his teenage seemingly everyday situations and son, to Freshbrook from Old Town. how low some people will sink.

The bus was 'No Smoking' but a These offenders obviously live man and two women sitting be- locally and may well have been hind them began to smoke. The bragging about what happened. father did no more than ask these Can you help? people not to smoke but this was The second two incidents are obviously enough to cause the man worrying because someone seems to attack him. He managed to fend to enjoy lighting fires, and once off the initial attack and restrain started, fires can spread rapidly, the man, but was then attacked endangering lives. from behind by one of the women.

If you are able to help with any This allowed the man to break of these incidents, please contact free and he then kicked the father me at Westlea police station on in the face. All three then left the 528111.

What about the victim's rights?

Imagine your feelings were you to stand outside one of the small chain of jewellers' shops in the Parade in Swindon and see your own jewellery for sale in the window. This happened to me recently, writes

Ten Snape from Woodhall Park.

We returned home one Friday lunchtime to find we had been burgled. Admittedly a very tidy burglary, for which Jam grateful, but a singularly unpleasant shock all the same. Amongst other losses, totalling around £3,000 replacement value, all my jewellery was taken. I did not have much of great individual value other than a treasured ring left to me by my late grandmother and many of the pieces were mass produced, as, I suspect, are many items in women's jewellery boxes. This is where the major problem of repossession of property lies.

The burglary just about capped off 1995 for us personally, as it had been, to borrow a phrase, quite an 'annus horriblis' and due to financial constraints we had no house insurance. My only hope was to try to trace my goods and follow the recommendations of the local Burglary Sqaud Officer and contact them if successful.

On two separate occasions, in two separate local shops, I have

found some of my property. I have duly visited the shops with a police officer in tow to repossess my property. I have yet to be successful.

The old cliche about possession being nine-tenths of the law, is I am sorry to say, perfectly true in this instance. The onus has always been on me to prove the goods are mine. Despite correctly dating a gold and garnet ring of no great value, I was aggressively told it could not possibly be mine as there were thousands of them around, and 'no they could not produce records to prove when it sold to the shop.' But they were sure it had been in stock for a lot longer than was relevant to me; 'by the way, when was I burgled?' This, despite my regular checking of their display and this being the first time I had seen it. If the shop keepers are innocent of any wrong doing, why have I met with aggression and intimidation? Why do they not just show me or the police the relevant paperwork?

Why is the law so heavily on their side? As a burglary victim, you have no rights.

So, ladies, be warned. Jam sure that you, like us, have marked your electrical goods but not your jewellery. I have had my initials put on the shank of my sole remaining piece of jewellery. Do the same.

Anything of value to you should be marked. Don't do as I did and think it won't happen to you.

Don't think because it has very little value it will be safe, it won't.

I had costume jewellery stolen too.

None of it had any intrinsic value other than that of sentiment, like the earrings I wore on my wedding day and it grieves me to think of it having been thrown away as valueless. Don't be put in the very unpleasant and frustrating position of watching someone else buy your jewellery because you cannot prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is yours. The only way to prove it, is to mark it. If you are to be a victim, at least be a victim who can fight back.

I

LOCAL GARAGE LOOKS FORWARD TO NEXT DECADE Ten years ago Titcombe Garage made the upheaval from Swindon town centre to a new base in West Swindon.

It was a major investment in purpose built premises; a firm commitment to serving the private and company motorist. Driven forward by co-founder Barry Bull, Titcombe became one of Swindon's largest and busiest garages.

Sadly a fatal car accident snatched away Barry's energetic and highly respected leadership in November.

But the business continues with Linda Bull stepping into the breach, ably supported by new General Manager Ken Bendle and a staff of 42. Now daughter Kerry has joined the firm.

Titcombe Garage is renowned for being at the forefront of investment in the motor trade.

Being so close to the thousands of homes in West Swindon and the Haydon Wick area, Titcombe is ideally placed to provide servicing and repair facilities by very experienced personnel.

MoT tests are undertaken on a 'while you wait' basis.

And, until the end of June, there is £5 off any service.

Estimates for insurance claims are free and Titcombe Garage is the sole appointed repairer for several companies, as well as being approved by many breakdown and rescue organisations.

Although Titcombe Garage is now a big organisation, it has not lost the personal touch developed when it first moved to West Swindon. Service to the customer is still very much their priority. And in June the company hopes to gain ISO 9002 quality assurance accreditation.

Pride in personal service: Linda Bull and General Manager Ken Bendle at Titcombe Garage

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31

The Link Magazine. May 1996

Steve puts the boot in for clothes recycling scheme Swindon Town manager Steve McMahon took a break from chasing promotion on 19 April to re-launch a charity recycling scheme by donating a brand new pair of Mizuno boots.

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Nursery & Pre-Prep Individual Care Individual learning at Prior Park Preparatory School Cricklade, Wiltshire

The boots will be sent out to its income from the textiles banks Ghana by Devizes Textiles who to the Thamesdown Hydrotherapy operate textile recycling banks Pool, the only public facility of its around Swindon. Items deposited kind in Britain, which provides recin the banks are sorted for differ- reation and exercise for the physient uses. Good clothing and shoes cally and mentally handicapped, are sent for re-sale at affordable and those recovering from injury. prices in developing countries, Thamesdown Recycling Officer whilst fabric which cannot be re- Pete Beard said photographs will used is broken down and recycled be sent of the young player who as fibre filling in car seats and in- receives the boots donated by Steve dustrial wiping clothes.

McMahon. Who knows, a possiThamesdown Council recycles ble star signing of the future?

O 24 hour emergency service O From a total re-wire to an extra socket O Interior lighting design & installation O Patio & garden feature lighting O Security lighting

Steve McMahon re-launches Swindon's textile banks, with help from Hydrotherapy Pool attendant Kelly Roberts, Thamesdown Council's recycling officer Pete Beard, left, and Devizes Textile's managing director Danny Williamson

IMPORTANT DECISIONS REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

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Putting waste to good use More business interest wanted Recycling is not just dumping newspapers and glass in large metal containers at the West Swindon Centre or next to the Haydon Centre.

Recycling is also about reusing waste items for other purposes.

Swindon Scrapstore provides an important link between businesses getting rid of waste and 400 community organisations like toddler and playgroups, brownies, cubs, guides and scouts, and also primary schools across Thamesdown which rely on a good supply of materials to make their activities interesting.

The Scrapstore are always on the look out for interesting materials like foil, paper, cardboard tubes, foam, folders and pens. Business people just see these things as rubbish ready for the skip; they'd be surprised how much can be created from it, providing learning, fun and enjoyment.

Householders can also help out. Yoghurt pots, egg boxes, toilet rolls and foil can be turned into interesting works of art by children at playgroups and after school clubs.

To find out more how local organisations can be helped with a bit of rubbish, call Scrapstore coordinator Chris Fisher on 723585.

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32

The Link Magazine. May 1996

GARY WI LKI NSON Car Body Repairs and Paint Spraying M.o.T. Repairs and Welding Free Estimates Unit 12 Brindley Close Cheney Manor Industrial Estate Swindon

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Learning to work together through play Team work was the message of a musical production put on for parents at Salt Way School at the end of April.

The forty minute show the 'Artful Dodgers' told the story of an American little league baseball team whose plans to win tickets for the big game are ruined by a gang of bullies. All comes good when Oliver, the new kid on the block, brings the goodies and baddies together.

Below: Bats, balls and cheer leaders, the Art I Dod:ers of Salt Wa School

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Week for pets and their owners Local pet care specialists Thameswood Veternary Clinic are giving owners lots of opportunities to learn more about looking after their animals during National Pet Week, 4 to 12 May. Using the week's theme 'Learning from each other,' Thameswood Vets are putting on a display in the Link Centre mall and will be open all day throughout the week for free advice and free flea checks. The Purton Road Clinic is holding an open day on Saturday 12 May for visitors to look behind the scenes and talk to the staff.

Jiovanna Hartley of Thameswood Vet said the clinic, with three branches in town, aims to offer the very best level of care for domestic pets and their owners. "We are committed to providing a high quality service throughout a pets life, both when they are healthy and unwell."

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33

The Link Magazine. May 1996 I-

Butterfly man wants readers to join his FAB idea

IHIANGES

Gardening for insects can create better communities A self-confessed butterfly fanatic wants Link magazine readers to join him in creating butterfly havens across West and North Swindon.

He has turned his back garden into an experimental area for changing West Swindon's famous heavy clay and he has been cultivating flowering plants which will attract butterflies and other insects.

Many of John's neighbours have taken up his ideas and he is also cultivating the communal areas outside their homes. After four years residents in Gerrard Walk have seen a doubling of the butterfly population every year. This John Ball ready with advice and free August they can expect to see 50 plants to help butt erflies flock to west peacocks, 80 small tortoiseshells and north Swindon and many other varieties.

"It really is easy to create butterfly friendly environments," says John. West Swindon's heavy clay can be modified easily by adding builders sand to create a heavy loam in which the most beautiful wild flowers will thrive and provide the nectar to attract butterflies.

Seeing these lovely, colourful insects fluttering around your street really changes your outlook.

I now garden to serve butterflies rather than myself, and it has brought neighbours together. We all talk to each other a lot more."

John is also thinking big and has been talking to Thamesdown Council about creating a wild flower 'super meadow' on Shaw If Ridge. By digging in a few tons of Create your 'wn F utt sand and planting the right flowhabitats thi su ers, he believes butterflies will If you do ehatci.loork..of flourish to create a major tourist .rden digging .and • yo attraction.

Unemployed engineer John Ball from Grange Park has been researching the best way of improving the environment for butterflies in the area, and he now wants to share his knowledge.

John, with help from The Link magazine, is launching FAB. Standing for Wild Flowers and Butterflies, John's has a mission to bring residents closer together with butterflies.

SPECIA 0 FER

oranearsycom on. area, John BalIwill giv- . , free, a selection of butte y attracting wild flower seedlings.

Better still, talk to your neighbours about turning your street into a butterfly haven.

To obtain advice and free plants, contact John on 877261.

Backing for butterfuly scheme Harvey's, the local building supplies company, is offering a discount on sand supplied to create a paradise for butterlies in their gardens.

Anybody who contacts John Ball, for an advice sheet will receive a voucher giving a 5% discount on builders sand.

AM! SKIPS

2, 21/2, 3, 4, 5 yards capacity 5 days given to fill skip 12,

2.3 tonne Mini-digger for hire

Freephone 0800 - 387613 Tel: 731610 8am - 8pm

S

t

The r Ln Doc All maintenance undertaken Tree lopped • Shrubs pruned Lawn laying Grass cutting Planting Fence preserving/repairs

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Tel: (01793) 526571

Specialists in PVCU windows, doors and conservatories.

Also carpentry, fencing, patios, floor tiling etc.

LOW OVERHEADS MEANS LOW PRICES FOR YOU! For a free quotation, please call us on: 01793 848177 or 01793 770596

'..

I

ENTERPRISE WORKS (FACTORY FOR THE DISABLED)

Fencing Panels & Trellis Concrete or Wooden Posts All accessories. All timber treated Patio slabs & planters Wide variety of sheds & summer houses made to order Open Saturday mornings Visit our showroom and sales counter and check out our competitive prices Free local delivery on orders over £30

Gipsy Lane Business Park, Gips Lane, Swindon SN2 6DT Tel: (01793 616288 Fax: 01793 542235

Purton Garden Machinery Tel: 854603 or 770707 (after 6pm) Spares *Repairs *Servicing Overhauls to petrol & electric New & used machinery for sale Part exchange welcome Rotavator for hire with or without operator Lawn mowing and rough grass cutting, one off or on a regular basis Oaklands Enterprise Braydon Nr Wootton Bassett

nN GS

. . ......

5::HE.ESfrin 4.9 FENCING from PAVING from 89p MINETY, Barnfield Road, off Great Western Way, Swindon

The Link magazine is helping John with lots of publicity to encourage readers to take up his ideas to both improve the local environment and create a better sense of community spirit.

Everybody can take part: in your garden, takeover a communal area, outside playgroups and schools, in the brand new gardens of Peatmoor and Abbey Meads.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS -I

PLUS the best Qualil ty Price and Service available kcá Y

© (0 1793) 486762

m'Olnetgo '

34

The Link Magazine • May 1996

V.

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VV -

•V VV V V 'V

Dance & Fitness Wear Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Ballroom Shoes, Pointe Shoe Specialists Theatrical Make-up Costume Hire

'4

Free youth legal advice on offer Young people who need legal advice are able to receive free and confidential support in West Swindon.

A legal advice service is available on the first Monday of the month between 6pm and 8pm at the Link Youth Unit. Free fifteen minute interviews are available on youth rights regarding the police, criminal 8 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon • Tel: 532250 proceedings, children and family matters, rights in the workplace and A A. A .A A. A. A A..A A...A.! other legal matters.

AT SPOTLIGHT

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4

Mrs Lesley Taylor MBChA, MSSCh

Chiropodist Reflexologist

Then try our world patented nail extensions; a modern technique which give you beautiful new nails of your own!

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Surgery or Home Visits

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LLLVU rious

New at West Swindon Family Project The West Swindon Family and Community Project are running a volunteer training programme starting mid May, based on all aspects of the Project's work.

If you are interested contact Mark or Allyson on 871303.

The Advice Point at the Family Project is now re-opening on Wednesdays I Oam -12noon. There is also the possibility of opening one evening a week. More details in next month's Link magazine.

There has been some interest within the Project to start a men's group.

We are therefore having an open meeting for men to attend on 8 May, 1230pm - 230pm to discuss this. Anyone interested contact Simon or Steve on 871303.

Date for bike owners: Tuesday 28 May will be a bike stamping, repair and advice morning, lOam 1pm. Bring your mountain bike, racer, BMX and see Steve.

Talking about the birds and the bees

Horse show needs help

Did Daddy help to make me?

A group of Swindon volunteers is How did the seed get into your organising a horse show in June tummy? and need more help to make it a

Chocolate

Velvet - the ready to dO ii k Camb?idge Diet.

Tempted?

Phone your Cambridge Diet Counsellor on 873201

Drop in to the youth unit which fronts on to the car park, past the library entrance, or call 445529 to make an appointment.

12x12' & 14'x14'

For Parties & Events All with rain covers

Cl aoffibridge

Deb's Sunbeds Home Rental Fast tanning canopies - with or without facial boosters • Doubles also available Free installation and local delivety Tel: Swindon 421665 anytime (Mobile 0378 - 641052)

BRITANNIA TOWING CENTRE The BEST, BAR NONE, for quality, price and service Swindon's specialist towbar and accessory fitting centre

Unit 16, Station Industrial Estate, Sheppard Street, Swindon

Tel: (01793) 613147 • Fax: (01793) 488622

FREEPHONE 0500 340912

Have you ever tried to answer these questions on the way out of the door when you are already late for school?

Look at ways of making it easier to talk to your children about sex at three workshops to be run by the Swindon Health Promotion Service at the Link Centre on: 2 July, 9 July, 16 July, 1 230pm - 230pm. Participants are asked to attend all three workshops.

The trainers are Chris Beer from Swindon Health Promotion Service and Barbara Green, Psychosexual Therapist for Relate.

Contact Shirley Lewis on 481182, ext 208 to reserve your place. Cost: £5 per person, £7.50 per couple.

Inside sufferers

success.

The seventeenth LEAP Horse Show (Life Education for Autistic People) takes place on Sunday 9 June at Down Ampney, near Cricklade, and will include show jumping, gymkhana, dog show, craft demonstrations and stalls.

The event raises money for Stroud Court, a community at Minchinhampton which provides life-long care and education for adults with autism, a condition which can severely limit social and communication skills.

LEAP Show organising secretary Carole Birtwhistle from Toothill is looking for more volunteers to help with fund raising activities on show day. If you can help, contact her on 486329.

The North Wilts Group of Colitis and Crohn's Disease holds its annual general meeting at PMH on Phil Rashid, who publishes The 14 May, 730pm.

Charity Newsletter, organises Two videos about the bowel dis- monthly meetings in the Sunshine ease will be shown and two spe- Room, Westlea School where cialists will be on hand to answer members of charities and commuquestions about the illness. nity organisations describe their Many people suffer from the work. disease but do not belong to the The meetings take place between association. Newcomers are wel- 730pm and 9pm and are open to come to find out more, receive sup- all. Coming up: port and get encouragement in 30 May - Multiple Sclerosis coping with their condition.

27 June - Swindon Dyslexia To find out more, call Sue Thorn 25 July - OXFAM on 612640.

29 August - Prospect Hospice

Charity talks

TO VUTIS

I T41 UIUl, ULL (017q) 972292

The Link Magazine • May 1996

Baby arrived? Get back into shape A new service to help postnatal mums to beat those bulges and meet new people was launched in April.

The National Childbirth Trust Swindon branch has offered antenatal classes for expectant parents in and around Swindon for many years. Now NCT trained teacher Ruth Barratt is organising six week courses specially designed for women who have just had babies.

Each two hour class takes the form of a gentle low-impact aero-

bic session designed for postnatal women, followed by a discussion session on a wide variety of topics - all relevant to early parenthood.

The next course begins on 7 June, 9.45am to 11.45am in Toothill Community Centre. The price for the six week course is £24 with concessions available for those on low income. A creche is available for

Ruth Barrett, centre, with mums and babes aged 8 weeks to 5 months

the exercise session at no extra cost.

Before starting, all women should have had their postnatal check from their GP and been given the 'OK' to attend suitable exercise sessions. Babies should be at least six weeks old.

For more information or to book a place, contact Ruth Barratt on 430423.

Numbers are strictly limited to 12 per course, so don't delay; this is an ideal opportunity to get out of the house and meet new people.

35

DISCOVER THE POWER OF NATURAL HEALTH Aloe Vera & Bee products, known for thousands of years for their health giving benefits, now available locally.

Health care & nutrition, skin care, weight management Erica or Sharon will be pleased to help Erica (day) on Swindon 881007 Sharon (eves) 642028 Forever tJvuig Products Independent Distributors

Save Money ... Save Money ... Save Money

WEAR IT WELL Wiltshire's largest new and nearly new quality clothing agency with the great reputation

Buy a complete nearly new quality outfit for around a similar price as a brand new single item.

Group closes The Scallywags parent and toddler group that used to meet in the Community Suite at the Link Centre on Thursdays.

Typical prices: Shoes £6.50, Blouse £4.50, Skirt £5.50, Jacket E12.50. Total: £29.00 Ballgown/Evening Wear to hire/buy from £20.00 Bridal Gowns from around £100.00 or 59 North Street, Off Eastcott Rd, Old Town, otbe v a C\ot erA'l Swindon Telephone: 695223 Open: Mon. Tues, Thur, Fri 1000am - 400pm Sat 11am- 4pm (closed Wed & Sun)

Easy way to a new head of hair How would you like: long hair, thicker hair, highlights, lowlights?

Just Hair in Purton uses a system of bonding human hair onto existing hair. The results are quite amazing.

According to hair growth, the extensions can be repositioned or removed without any damage to the hair. Education and backup is provided to enable the client to maintain the new style.

Wigs and hairpieces, also gents' toupees are for sale in the salon.

The consultations are free and without obligation. The latest design of wigs are on display in the salon. They are proving to be a valuable and time saving accessory in the career girls' life.

Elderly people also benefit from wigs. They are light to wear and enhance the appearance of anyone that has suffered hair loss.

The most popular style of wigs sold are usually in complete contrast to the client's natural hair style. Ladies find it exciting to change their image by wearing a wig and we are told, so do their partners. Fun styles, theatrical and wigs for any occasion, male, female and children can be obtained, and a hire service is also available.

Call in to Just Hair or phone 770340 for further information.

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Fire talk to guild Doreen Shaw writes Our speaker for April was Sub. Officer Perry Payne from Westlea Fire Station, with an interesting talk on how the fire brigade started, to the present day with all its modem equipment.

He also spoke about the importance of a fire plan in your own home. The meeting was opened for questions with detailed and informative answers from Perry.

Our next meeting is on 9 May at 2pm in the Community Room at the Link Centre.

If you would like to know more about the Guild contact Doreen on 693707 or Stevie on 873567 who will be pleased to tell you of all our Townswomen's Guild activities

HAIR EXTENSIONS & WIGS from

Just hair

Professional hairdressing at its best For added length and volume we are pleased to announce human hair extensions are now available at our salon

WIGS & HAIRPIECES We offer a private and confidential home advice service.

Try before you buy.

IJust hair MIJL fflhTU1{1

5 The Parade, Purton Tel: (01793) 770340

Shape up for summer Summer holidays. Are you going to be in shape for the beach? Have some fun while you shape up.

Join Wendy's Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club and combine a sensible diet with forty five minutes of gentle exercise. Her classes are suitable for all ages.

A new weekly class started on 2 May in the Drama Studio, Greendown Community School, 6pm and 730pm.

Contact Wendy on 01793877750 for details of these and other classes.

b8H1SCLUbS

Weigh-In & 45 minute workout For details of classes in West Swindon, Wroughton, Purton & Wootton Bassett, please ring Wendy Cole on(01793)877750 (Pictured right, Wendy Cole, right, with Rosemary Conley)

REDKEN

36

The Link Magazine • May 1996

Jumble sale Lydiard Millicent Parish Hall Saturday 18 May, 2 - 4pm Refreshments. Admission 25p Donations of jumble gratefully received on the day from 12 noon For collection, telephone Pat Russell on 771116.

Organised by Lydiards Flower & Produce Society

CROSSWAYS PET & GARDEN For all your pet & garden need Stockists of: IAMS, Eukanuba, Hills Science Diet

Available now Baby rabbits, guinea pigs Full length growbags only 99p

Open 7 days a week Free local delivery for your area

537 Cricklade Road, Swindon (near the Moonrakers) Tel: (01793) 700170

DUNCAN SELF DRIVE HIRE

Lots of events planned for the house Lydiard House education officer Mary Keegan has returned from maternity leave to work with school groups studying history and on special events aimed at bringing the house to life.

She is currently preparing for a Victorian day in the summer and also organising a Victorian Christmas at Lydiard.

Coming up at Lydiard House Saturday 4 May, 10.30am - 12noon Magical Maypole. Have a go at the ancient art of maypole dancing, then make one of your very own to take home Saturday 18 to Mary Keegan, lower right, pictured with teachers from Shaw's Brook Field Sunday 26 May, 11am - 5pm Amazed at Lydiard. Discover the School and a chest of interesting artifacts used to illustrate what it was like to Lydiard treasure during Museums live in the house over the last few hundred years. From right, Caroline Austen, Kathryn Williams, Tia Sarmezey, Charlotte Rose and classroom assistant Week Diana Jordan Saturday 25 May to Sunday 2 June, 11am to 5pm Saturday 1 June, 10.30am - 11.30am Mask Making. Aimed at juniors, Wednesday 29 & Thursday & 11.30am to 12.30pm decorate a mask from one of the 30 May, 10.30am to 12noon 'You shall go to the ball!' A work- Dance around the house. An 18th portraits in the house. shop for juniors, making a mask Century dance workshop, for like the ones worn by 19th Cen- adults and children over 9 years, tury ladies and gentlemen to the run by professional dancers. Become aLord orLadyand takeyourfamous balls. self back into Georgian times.

Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates Vans • Lutons Estates • Cars 272 Ermin Street Stratton St. Margaret Swindon

Tel: 822193 Open Daily 9am - 6 pm Sundays 9am - lOam

GUARANTEED REPAIRS...

SAME DAY LOCAL SERVICE WHEREVER POSSIBLE

Outdoor Shakespere t1') N

WASHING MACHINES, TUMBLE DRIERS, TWIN TUBS, HOME LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT & DOMESTIC APPLICANCES

SERVICE • SPARES • REPAIRS

WA S H CA RE SWINDON

0793 - 643785

NO NEED TO LIVE WITH HARD WATER CONTACT:

F SWINDON5 ATER Kinetico Block Salt Water Softeners guarantee soft water 24 hors. a day. Only 19" high, non-electric, meter controlled.

Rent, lease, purchase. DIY sales & service. Salt delivered.

260 Ferndale Road, Swindon. Tel: 527172

YOUR LOCAL GARAGE DOOR SPECIALIST Up and Over Garage Doors supplied, fitted, repaired (spare parts available) * Remote Control * Free Survey with no obligation quotation

Relax with a picnic and enjoy one of Shakespere's best loved comedies 'Much Ado About Nothing,' performed by one of England's most successful outdoor theatre companies at Lydiard House on 27 July.

Likely Lad James Bolam directs this tale of humour, vilainy, intrigue, pathos and romance. Tickets ranging from £3.50 to £9 are on sale now.

Tickets for the above should be purchased in advance from the house.

Tel: 770401.

Vandalism in the park Countryside ranger, Michael Paul-Williams writes Rangers were kept busy during the Easter holidays with the influx of visitors to the park. We spend much of our time producing information on the park and surrounding countryside. One of our main duties throughout the school holidays is to patrol the adventure play area and maintain a safe pleasant environment for children to play in. Unfortunately most the problems occur when we are off site.

The ever popular aeriel slide will be out of action for some weeks as a result of vandals breaking a main support beam. Several swings

Introducing Senior Ranger Patrick English Patrick has recently joined the Lydiard team of four rangers. With fifteen years of rangering London country parks, he is familiar with the challenges of managing and promoting urban fringe countryside.

Getting to know every corner of the 268 acres of Lydiard Country

Park takes a little time. However MAXWELL HOUSE, MAXWELL STREET, SWINDON TELEPHONE: (01793) 513796

were also damaged at this time.

Do not let this put you off enjoying the park this summer, we don't.

There are plenty of activities and facilities available to help you enjoy your visit, some of the best are listed below: orienteering treasure trails farmland and countryside walks guided walks and talks picnics and barbecues campfire site For more information on the above telephone the Ranger Centre on 771419

Patrick soon hopes to start researching and producing new site management and interpretative

plans, a new information leaflet, signage, park furniture and displays at the Visitor Centre. He will also be involving himself in the busy public programme of arranged events.

Lydiard Park User Group meetings are also to be regularly held as a forum for all members of the public with an interest in the site to discuss issues, hear about plans and developments and find solutions for problems.

The Link Magazine • May 1996

Zaire church leader visits local church The congregation at St Mary's church in Lydiard Park heard how a church leader from Zaire who helped Rwandan refugees eventually had to flee for his own life. Archdeacon Beni Bataaga spent a weekend recently at St Mary's talking about his experiences in Bukavu in eastern Zaire.

Beni, pictured below, had spent six years co-ordinating work in medical centres in the Bukavu diocese near the Rwandan border.

Then, during one single day day in March 1993, more than eight thousand refugees flooded in. Helped by various church agencies overseas, the local churches helped to house, feed and clothe them.

However, most of the refugees were from the Hutu tribe and suspicious of anyone they thought a Tutsi.

One day last year when Beni was taking medicine to some refugees dying of cholera, they refused it, believing him, mistakenly, to be a Tutsi. Threats were made against his life and eventually the danger became so great that Beni's colleagues urged him to leave. He fled taking only a few clothes and was flown by the Missionary Aviation Fellowship to the town of Bunia, 400km away.

Beni has been in the UK since January, attending lectures at a Birmingham college and spending his weekends telling churches around the country about the problems faced by the Church in Zaire.

Most of the population live in poverty, the economy is bankrupt and there is rampant inflation. Beni

Cheaper travel insurance for over 55s If you are taking a holiday this year and you are over 55, Age Concern Insurance Services (ACTS) advises that you shop around for the best insurance deals.

ACIS itself has introduced a to health and the need for repatriatravel policy which is designed to tion.

Jo Osario, Director at Age Conmeet the specific needs of the older traveller, without automatically cern Thamesdown, says, "many older people visit family or friends loading premiums for age.

With holiday travel cheaper and as far afield as Jamaica, Australia, easier than ever, older people are the US and Canada. In addition, a now taking more holidays than large number of older people now any other age group. However, choose to spend the winter months insurance can be expensive and in places such as Spain and Portudifficult to obtain. Premiums are gal. The ACTS policy has proved often doubled, or even tripled, extremely popular, especially rebased on the assumption that this garding cover for longer periods, age group is more likely to make which is often very expensive for large claims, particularly relating older people.

Pet insurance for all ages Owning a cat or dog can be great fun and they can bring great comfort to older people. But illness can both distress the pet and the owners as the cost of veterinary treatment mounts up.

This is where Age Concern Insurance Services is very useful.

Their pet insurance scheme is designed to meet the hefty charges that can result from a wide variety of situations. For example, veterinary treatment in excess of £30 up to £1,500 will be met. There is provision for third party claims, pet loss and recovery, and death of a pet. Care for the pet whilst the owner is in hospital is also covered.

Jo Osorio from Age Concern Thamesdown says, "the cost of veterinary treatment has been rising

in recent years and with the development of specialist treatments, it is now often possible to treat treasured pets and see a full recovery Good insurance cover can meet the unexpected and provide peace of mind."

The insurance plan costs £44 per year for cats and £57 for dogs, which can be paid monthly by direct debit at £3.85 and £4.95 respectively. Anyone, regardless of age, can insure a cat or dog aged between 6 weeks and 10 years.

For more information about travel and pet insurance services, contact: Age Concern Thamesdown, 14 Milton Road Swindon SN1 5JE. Tel: 692166.

told of another church leader who only earns the equivalent of fifty pounds in an entire year but has six children at school. He encouraged the congregation to find ways of helping people in need whether at home or abroad.

As Beni cannot return to his former job in Bukavu, he hopes to go back to Bunia at the end of April - but he faces an uncertain future.

Freshbrook Evangelical Church

Urgently. needed alt year round The Age Concern shop needs good quality clothe0j. bric a-brac, :.bOOkifldSii1&IIeleCtriCal goods to sell in Its Swindon shop at 51 Fleet Street

All the money raised goes wards.work.with older people in the town.

If you cannot deftver collections can be arranged bycalhng692t66

I '

Worsley Road Will give YOU a warm welcome Sunday I Oarn Family Praise with children's Covenanter Movement & creche 630pm Evening Worship and Communion For details of mid-week meetings, house groups and other activities, telephone the Church Office, Tel: 873050

37

HAVE YOU .jMADE A WILL? We can help!

'Home Visits Anytime • Fixed Low Prices • Free Advice • Prompt Service

ACT:NOW! Just Wills Wiltshire

LOCAL CHURCHES All Saints'Lydiard Millicent - 10:30am Revd Peter Knight 772417 (for the Village and Roughmoor) St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze - 9:00 & 10:30am Revd Rob Bues 870244 (for Freshbrook, Grange Park & Hook) Holy Trinity Shaw - 10:30am Revd Andrew Hetherington 770568 (the Church is at Shaw Village Centre) Toothill Church - 10:45am Revd George Gibson 692620 (meeting in the Community Centre during rebuilding) Westlea Church - 10:00am Revd Peter Walker 872932 (this Church meets in Westlea School Hall, Langstone Way)

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

• United Reformed Church

HILLIER FUNERAL SERVICE LTD. 170 Victoria Road Swindon Tel: 522797

252 Whitworth Road Swindon Tel: 522145

PRIVATE CHAPELS OF REST 24 hour personal service throughout the year A FAMILY BUSINESS OFFERING HELP AND ADVICE WHEN MOST NEEDED

38

The Link Magazine. May 1996

REMOVALS ¶iJJ iL 7DTfl XlyiUlli Who gives the best price & service he can Large or Small we move it all! *Commercial or domestic -Single Item to a full house

Letters to The Link

Winners

Letters should be sent by 15th of the month to the address on page 2

The results of The Link magazine readers survey will be published next month. The winners of prizes in the draw were:

To anonymous letter writer To the 'angry parent' who wrote a anonymous reply to the letter from Mr Cameron published in the April edition: could you please contact us with a name and address.

Whilst we are prepared occasionally to print letters on the basis of name and address supplied, we need to know who the letter comes from.

*House clearance undertaken -Rubbish removed at cheaper rates than skip hire -Call anytime (24 hrs)

Anytime Anyplace Anywhere Immediate response Excellent price Telephone: 01793 - 828576 Mobile: 0836 - 204105

HOTPOINT WASHING MACHINE REPAIRS • Same Day Service • Guaranteed Repairs For a friendly, helpful service, call J. Martin.

Tel: 694930 1 Alnwick, Toothill

HOOVER Baydon Home & Garden Service

SPRING SPECIAL BEAT THE SUMMER RUSH

HEDGE CUTTING For information & estimate, phone Christopher Payne 01672 540435

For Sale

For Sale

S Kippax, Haydon Court, Haydon Wick & G Smith, The Holbeins, Grange Park. £10 gift vouchers from Pizzarama Mrs L Sore, Clayhill Copse, Peatmoor. Meal for two at the DeVere Hotel.

Vacancies Oliver Tomkins Under 5s Playgroup. Applications invited for deputy part time supervisor (13.5 hours per week). PLA or NVQ qualifications required. If interested contact Chris, tel: 534949, orplaygrouptel: 877299 to arrange a visit.

Upper Shaw Farm Playgroup has a vacancy for a part-time assistant for up to sessions a week.

For details, visit the playgroup at Ridge Green, Shaw or call Alison Hall on 873528.

Debbie Jennings, Wilmot Close, The Prinnells, Shaw. Meal for 2 at Freshbrook Takeaway Marilyn O'Sullivan, Somerdale Close, Westlea, & Nicola Daw, Betony Close, Haydon Wick HK97 meals Linford Madley, Gairlock Close, Sparcells & Mrs A Hillier, Juliana Close, Middleleaze MGM tickets Mrs L Mabey, Arley Close, Abbey Meads. Pizza Hut meal Mr RM Budd, Tower Road Peatmoor. Meal at The Maharajah Mrs JA Jackson, Chepstow Close, Toothill. Meal for 2 at Pinkertons The winners in our March edition MGM Little Princess competition were: Oona Delap, Greenmeadow Lisa Syers, Grange Park Maria Poulter, Woodhall Park Michaela Child, Nine Elms Heather Weston, Freshbrook Cassandra Hillier-Bawden, Shaw The winners of our April edition Badminton Horse Trials competition: Nikki Lloyd, Mint Close, Woodhall Park

Cleaner needed at the West Swindon Family Project, 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook.

Job share, 10 hours over 2 weeks, £3.25 per hour. Contact Linda Butcher on 871303

Christine Howes, Cleves Close, Grange Park

For Sale

Wanted

Raleigh Bianca girl's bicycle, age 6-8, Bridesmaid dress, claret, size 16, £70. Three piece cottage style suite, £75. Assistant Kumon Maths Club, Shaw saddlebag, £10. Tel: 882045 Bridesmaid dress, lilac, size 12, £40. 11 speed man's racing bike, £25. Tel: Ridge, Mons and/or Thurs, 4-5pm, £5/ 874990 (Peatmoor) hr, full training given, no special maths Young lady's mountain bike in pastel Tel: 822455 colours, 18 gears, suit 9-12, £50. Sega Wedding dress, long with train, oyster Mini electric cooker used 3 times, ability necessary. Tel: 763988. master system games, £15 for 3, or satin, size 12, £40. Tel: 497120 vgc, £75 ono. Teak wall fixing swivel Buggy, umbrella type with lie back £7.50 each. Tel: 694692 position, good condition please. Tel: Ladies blue denim shorts, ex cond, TV table, £15 ono. Tel: 771036 Lady's cycle, three speed, good con- size 10, River Island, £6. Tel: 874054 Creda washer/dryer, spin speed 1100, 876474 dition, Dawes make, £20 ono. Tel: White ice skates, size 4, excellent new parts, 1995, £50. Tel: 874034 Exchange 536869 (Green Meadow) condition, including bag and guards, Flymo electric hover mower, with 15m 2 bed groundfloorflat in Middleleaze, Bag full boys clothes, birth to 6 £25. Two skating skirts size 10/12, cable, good condition,30. Tel: 881353 double glazed, patio, doors, leading to months, £20. Mothercare ABC baby £10. Tel: 886110 Ford car clock suitable for Fiesta Ford, garden, will exchange for 2 bed house bath, £5. Mothercare denim short dun- Portable radio cassette recorder, boxed instructions fitting, exc condianywhere in West Swindon. Tel: garees, £10. Tel: 881362 (Ramleaze) Hitachi MW & FM, one touch recording, tion, half price, £20, no offers. Tel: 879278 Cot and mattress, drop side, £45. Car 6 watt,as new, £20. Tel: 872282 874767 (Westlea) seat 0 - 4 years, £25. Playpen, hex Pair Goodmans Magnum 150 watt, 3- Motorbike, 50cc Yamaha FS1 E, good shaped, also activity centre, £35. Tel: way speakers with 55 litre cabinets, condition, no MOT, red and white, £330.

875665 (Middleleaze) dark, £99. Tel: 872950 Tel: 878677 Mothercare pram, grey, very good con- Black & white television, 12" screen dition, £35. Tel: 522168 (Freshbrook) 240v & 12v DC, £15. Tel: 870336 -I Highchair, £10. Rocker chair, £8. Sit/ Storage cabinet for CDs, video casride train, £8. Brick walker, £8. Play settes, excellent condition, £10. Tel: Return this form to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon gym, £5. Tel: 877029 (Sparcells) 872463 (Freshbrook) by 16th of the month. Entries are subject to available space and are Child's 'midi' cabin bed, 2'6", mat- Three piece suite, blue with reversible published on a first come first served basis. tress, grey wood grain finish, exc cond, patterned cushions, £85. Large bird ideal for box bedroom, £50, can de- cage, 1 9in square, 27in deep, plus stand liver. Tel: 421665 & accessories, £25. Tel: 642472 Rabbit hutch, £20. Swinging white Green dralon suite, 3 seater settee, 2 crib & mattress, £35. Mamas & Pappas arm chairs, vgc, £250. Tel: 536763 baby walker, £27. Mothercare rocker Sliding mirrorwardrobe doors, set of chair, £15. All good condition. Tel: 3 with tracks, each 30 x 88 inches, £50.

872719 Tel: 874034 (Westlea) Mamas & Pappas baby walker, bought 3 teak wall units, 6 ft high, 3 ft wide, Oct 95, hardly used, vgc, £30. Tel: one drinks, one display, one shelving, Tel: 870632 (Shaw) all with cupboard bases, ex condition, Name & Address (not for publication) Roof rack for a Fiat Uno, £15. Leather delivery possibly, £200 ono orf80 each. black jump suit size 10 to 12 price, £80 Tel: 874330 (Westlea) Orono. Tel: 422398 (Freshbrook) L

r

Free Private For Sale & Wanted ads.

GREENDOWN Al"tg ji4d#41 s goAd

Greendown is delighted to wish West Swindon a happy twentieth birthday.

Residents of West Swindon's first decade will remember the campaign to ensure the area had its own secondary school. Thanks to those efforts, Greendown is now approaching its tenth birthday as West Swindon's local school.

As West Swindon has grown, so has Greendown.

From small beginnings, we have expanded so much that Wiltshire County Council have asked us to take an extra 40 first choice children.

Next September, we shall welcome 240 new year 7 students. We are delighted that so many parents have chosen us and that we are now the school of first preference for West Swindon.

We are committed to excellence in education. Out expectations of students are high. We focus on the individual and aim to meet the needs of all children.

We strive to provide a school experience of high quality, blending the best of the new and the traditional in order to prepare children for the 21st century.

Greendown is West Swindon's Community School catering for local families and a wide range of community groups.

We always make visitors very welcome and are happy to give interested parents tours of the school.

For more information please contact, Tim Noble (Parents, primary year 6) or Steve O'Sullivan

Greenclown Community School Grange Park Way West Swindon Tel: (0 1793) 874224

SWINDON

When you are looking to move to a brand new home, wouldn't it be nice to find a buyer who would make you a firm, fair offer for your existing house?

Well with our developments in Swindon, you can with our 100% Part Exchange Scheme.

T

he new 4 bedroom detached homes in Swindon feature oven, hob and hood to kitchen, downstairs cloakroom, en-suite shower, garage, gas central heating andtwfed front gardens.

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How does the scheme work?

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Providing no other incentive or selling scheme is being used, we are offering 100% of the assessed valuation of your existing house!

Q A

What about our existing property?

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Photography shown is not necessarily representative 01 Internal designs available

W._SWINDON

You need have no further worries about selling. We will market your old house. You simply move into your new home when it's ready!

7 LONGMEADOW

What if Part Exchange is not for us?

We have a wide range of alternatives to help you move - including

SWIN DON

Lordswood, Abbeymeads,Longmeadow, The Prinnels, Off Tewkesbury Way, Swindon Swindon 3 & 4 bedroom detached homes

front

ÂŁ79,500

Tel: 01793 700188

4 & 5 bedroom detached homes

front

ÂŁ110,000

Tel: 01193 811879

Our sales offices are open daily 11am to 6pm.

Call in for full details.

Call into the Longmeadow or Lordswood Sales Centre today for full details!

CLARKE

All offers described are available on selected plots for early exchange of contracts and are subject to status, terms and conditions

Trading as Westbury Homes

WESTBURY HOMES