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192 • May 1998 • Circulation 18,000

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Swindon (01793)

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

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Two of our poetic guides, Sarah and Ruth Ttas

An 800 line poem all about West Swindon by children from local schools receives its world premiere on 9 May at the Swindon Festival of Literature. Take a photo' tour of the area A stained glass window will be unveiled on 24 and catch some exclusive snippets May when Lydiard Park's new Great Western of the epic on our centre pages. Community Forest interpretation centre is See page 19 for a Literature Fesopened. See story on page 32. tival programme listing.

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The Link Magazine. May 1998

Princess to meet Bananas in Pyjamas and the Very Hungry Caterpiller Westlea School's pioneering Story Sack Project, which includes the book titles above, receives the Royal once over on 18 May when Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, drops in for an hour to meet volunteers, parents and children. idea is now used in schools,hospi-,. As patron of the Basic Skills helped headteacher Neil Griffiths story sacks with their children. Judith Blake, one of the first two tals and social services across BritAgency, she will be meeting some put his inspirational idea into pracof the parent volunteers who tice, and will watch parents using volunteers to work on the project, ain and abroad, encouraged by said that a group of mums came Neil who is currently on a year together about five years ago. "Neil long project with the Basic Skills outlined his idea that early read- Agency to spread the word about ing skills could be developed if story sacks. "It's been a leatning experience books were a central part of family life. But a book needed to come to for all involved," said Judith.' :1 life with the help of puppets sim- don't think Neil knew how itwbUld ple games and tapes which par- take off and the mums discovered talents they didn't know they had; ents could use with a child. "We all liked his suggestion and Some of the clever ideas they come decided to have a go at a sack up with to help children underabout Old MacDonalds Farm. stand a story are amazing. "Most important, the children When Neil asked for somebody to make the first character, I timidly love the sacks and the surprises they find in them. The impact on put my hand up." Westlea School now has 80 story their reading is tremendous. It's sacks in its borrowing library. The so important as they get older." Just afewof the Story Sack characters with volunteer Judith Blake and Westlea children, from left, Marcos Mistry, Joseph Morris, Jordan Bonello, Thomas Parker, Stacy Lack Parents and friends attending the Hreod Parkway School Easter concert and fashion show on 31 March and 1 April were dazzled by the creativity shown by the GCSE art and textile students. A Professional Service For Landlords Course work by 17 students was modelled, with year 10 student 4 fabric designs on T shirts and ties also on display. We specialise in letting quality Art teacher Linda Gatehouse said the students had worked exhomes in and around Swindon tremely hard to produce dresses from scratch. "They had to design the T TI Tel: 01793.434491 • Fax: 01793.480210 garment, cut and die the fabric, and finish them with paint or embroidery. They are a committed group; I hope they achieve high grades." E-mail: postpaulvitti.co.uk • http://www.paulvitti.co.uk PROPERTY Ex-Hreod student fashion designer Bianca Jones helped course memMANAGEMENT 23ADevizesRóad, Swindon SN! 4BH bers with ideas and techniques, and hair styles for the fashion show. were designed by Monroes Salon of Moredon. Origianal styles on show. Hreod students, from rear left, Sophie Fisher, Deborah Smith, Alexa Stevenson, Cheryl Houston, Tracy Blunsdon, Lyndsey McConnell, Evelyn Turpin. Front, Linda Murray, Zoo Hunt, Julia Kimber.

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The Link Magazine • May 1998

Relief for education budgets Schools struggling to make ends meet are to get an extra £750,000 injection after Swindon Council discovered it had over budgeted in other areas. Primary schools will receive an extra £2,000 to £5,000 on top of the agreed budgets, whilst secondary schools will get up to £18,000. The Link reported in March that schools were facing cutbacks and higher class sizes even though Swindon was getting an extra £3.4 million from the Government's commitment to education. Headteachers had expressed concern that the 2% increase in budgets would not cover inflation and pay rises. In last month's Link,

Comtel backs

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Cable TV company Comtel has agreed to sponsor the creation and performance of the epic poem about West Swindon written by children at local primary schools and Greendown School. In a deal brokered by The Link, Comtel is supporting the work of professional poet Marcus Moore who has been working with the children for the last five months, towards the world premier of The Long Poem on 9 May at the SwindonFestival of Literature.

Comtel Swindon marketing manager Claire Flory, right, said Westwords was an exciting project to be involved with. Westwords coordinator, Greendown teacher Cristina Bennett is delighted that Comtel has agreed to help the children who have made West Swindon come alive with their creativity.

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council leader Sue Bates responded by stating that the council was doing its best under severe financial pressures. Swindon Council education director Mike Lusty said the extra money had been found after a new calculation of the budget. "Arising from the handover of education from Wiltshire County Council to Swindon, we had allocated money to pay for education of special needs children at schools outside Swindon. We discovered that these costs had already been met and we could redirect the savings into Swindon schools." The Education Committee agreed to put £465,000 into school budgets with the remaining £285,000 to be spent on special needs education, the educational advisory service and new nursery classes at Moredon and Oliver Tomkins Infants Schools. Commenting on the difference in funds going into primary and secondary sectors, Mike Lusty said pupil numbers affected the overall budget. "The money is spread over seven local authority secondary schools and 69 primary schools, and the four grant maintained schools receive a share. In fact, the allocation is such that primary schools will get more per child than secondary schools." Hreod Parkway headteacher Andrew Fleet congratulated the council for finding the extra cash which will help his school cope with rising numbers of children coming from North Swindon. "The original budgets put us in a difficult situation and things are still very tight. We will be able to cope

for the next year and hope to reduce class sizes slightly." Keith Burke, headteacher at Shaw Ridge primary, said that the council had done its best but government ministers needed to realise that schools are still underfunded. "Last year we only balanced our budget by employing cheaper teachers to cover maternity leave; it can't be right for the children's sake."

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Published by West Swindon Publications

Copy date for June edition: 12 May

13 Castle Dore Freshbrook, Swindon SN5 8PQ Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 e mail: linkmagazine@compuserve.com Internet: www.i-way.co.uk/-swindonhink

Published: 23 May Copy for July: 13 June

"The Link was first published in December 1978 exclusively for the West Swindon community. It is completely independent of Link Editorial: Roger Ogle Centre and, in fact, won a competition Publisher/Editor to name the leisure centre in 1984. It I Apple Macintosh design & layout commenced distribution in North Swindon in January 1994." Printed by Wiltshire, Bristol The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Copying of advertisements for business use, Including publication is forbidden unless advertisers or publishers have sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority.

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The Link Magazine • May 1998

Swindon: a City? What are the essential ingredients for city status? University of the West of England lecturer Lin Davies from Shaw is not convinced that Swindon qualifies. When I think of cities which feel intuition or by learning, that Swin- Bath University will not bring a makes a city, nor in terms of meetlike cities, I think of lots of things don would need to be a certain size new building to Swindon, to mark ing the traditional criteria. The Labour majority on the the occasion. Martin Boddy's reto do. Activity, variety, choice, and have at least a cathedral. A similar question injected into cently published book, City for the Council have 22 months, until the bustle, varied shops in the town centre, with commercial areas, my lecture to degree level Town 21st Century appears equally un- Millennium, to convince us that theatres, street cafes, people lin- Planning students at the Univer- convinced. Frustratingly to Swindon merits city status. Of gering, cultural centres, narrow sity of the West of England, Bris- Swindonians he does not even course cities do have their streets, old building, buildings of tol, confirmed that essential city mention Swindon in the title, even downside too, such as crime, poor architectural renown and the abil- ingredients must include an abbey though it is a history of Swindon. levels of education in schools, acute No, I am not convinced either in poverty, decaying inner cities etc. ity to walk around with perhaps a (Bath), a cathedral (Bristol) and of Do we really want that? course, a university. Well, they the intuitive sense about what chance meeting. Yes, Swindon meets some of the are Bristolian students! In summary, all the impromptu criteria, but there are more. Sounding out the younger generation, interviewees felt that Swindon did myadolescent sons and their mates not merit city status. I reflected. Even Swindon's new link with A 40 minute video showing life as it used to be lived by Swindon's immediately added whether by railway workers has been re-issued in an effort to raise funds for the Mechanics' Preservation Trust trying to save the town's Mechanics' Institution. Last month we publicised a date for an open meeting by Swindon Council's The film was enthusiastically re- support the efforts of the Mechanplanning committee to discuss the towns new hospital. ceived when the first 500 copies ics' Preservation Trust which After publication the meeting was postponed and will now take place after were issued in 1992. Abroad range hopes to restore the building, the local elections on 7 May and the formation of the new Council. of opinion is expressed by retired which was the social heart of the We will publish the date when it is announced. railworkers, who tell stories of life railway town, for use by all future 'inside'. Additional commentary Swindonians. Another publication already is read, in a Swindon accent, from the 1911 text of Life in a Railway available is This is our Heritage, a 38 & page summary by local Factory by local poet and * For all your decorating and property maintenance writer Trevor forge hammerrequirements: Cockbill man Alfred UPVC fascias & soffits, replacement guttering, replacement which deWilliams. Quality work UPVC windows, plastering, walling, patios, insurance work scribes the With strika aflordab undertaken • Free advice and estimates given profound prices ing images of Call Terry: 828019 or Nigel: 823775 significance the town and of the Metheworksinchanics' and tenor while itsmany it was still in operation, as well as music also achievements over the years from composed locally, the video is an 1843. Other works are planned for eye-opener for anyone who did not know Swindon in its railway publication, if the response is good. Copies of the video and booklet heyday. It is more than a bit of a tug at the heartstrings for those can be purchased at the Swindon who did. The inclusion of 1983 Railway Museum, as well as by LOOK and LISTEN before you commit yourself to any footage of 'King George V' steam- post using the form below. major home improvement. New windows, doors and A donation can also be made to ing through the Wiltshire countryside highlights what it was all the Mechanics fighting fund to help especially a new conservatory the Trust preserve the building for about can transform your home... Proceeds from sales will go to community use. '—

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highlighted, as is the use of story sacks borrowed from the school. The close links with the school and with parents enhance provision Playgroup chairwoman Karen Dunham said she was delighted with the report. "Praise must go to the children for their good behaviour and the staff for their enthusiastic, yet calm approach to teaching and play. We're also proud of our close relationship with parents."

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Grans go back to school Westlea School held another of its successful grandparents days on 2 April when older relations had the chance to see what children get up to in school.

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Safety conscious students put school on top Children at Haydon Wick primary were the sharpest in this year's annual road safety quiz, and have become the second school named on the new Swindon shield. Twenty schools took part in the first round which involved comF. Haydon Wic pleting a multiple choice paper on aspects of road safety. Primary Teams of three pupils then took part in the finals on 9 March which involved answering six rounds of questions from the highway code plus slide identification and crosswords. Parents and grandparents in the audience were not left out either. They also had a mini-questionnaire to fill out, to test their knowledge.

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Swindon road safety officer Margaret Tester with shield winners, Kate Harding, Jon Richards, Natasha Avenell Steel in the park Hreod Parkway's well known steel band will be

entertaining visitors to Lydiard Park on 4 May, between 11am to 4pm. Greenmeadow School May Fayre, Saturday 9 May, 3pm. Many

stalls and attactions, in aid of furniture and books for the new school library. Green fingers at work again The greenhouse group at Hreod Parkway School have been busy potting up hanging baskets and flower displays ready for the annual sale which takes place from 2.40pm on 20 May at the greenhouse on the south site.

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Sweet Swindon strike gold Members of the Swindon branch of the British Sugarcraft Guild have repeated their home success of three years ago to take the gold medal for their display at the annual South West and South Wales exhibition at the Haydon Centre on 4 April.

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Cindy Mitchell and Maria Carroll at the Swindon branch sugarcraft entry

The branch last organised the event in 1995 when they came first. Taking their theme as 'Celebration, forty members contributed cakes, marzipan models and intricate icing to a display depicting the life of Queen Victoria. The centrepiece was a wedding cake backed by a stained glass window made of jelly. "Putting on such a big event was a huge undertaking, but it all came together well," said organising committee chair Marla Carroll. "We had displays by 14 adult and

three children's groups. Branch chairwoman Cindy Mitchell said the group had been under pressure to put on a good show and to win again on its home turf. "We tried especially hard; I'm delighted our display was chosen." The Sugarcraft Guild meets on the second Thursday of the month for demonstrations and hands on activities. Newcomers interested m developing icing and sugar work skills are always welcome. Call Cindy Mitchell on 727707 for more information.

ABBEY MEADS

Play bus to visit St Andrew's Ridge play area opening Crafts, games & fun on 25 May Three major play areas on St Andrew's Ridge will be completed in May and Paula Johnstone from Standen Way is organising an opening event for parents and children on Bank Holiday, Monday 25 May. The Haydon Development Company is sponsoring The Octobus play bus to visit The Crescent (Bovis Homes) between lOam and 12 noon. There will be lots of craft activities, games and refreshments to celebrate the arrival of much needed play facilities in time for the summer months. "Come along and join in, said Paula, who is pictured below with her Sons Ben, 6, and Max, 3.

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Drop in for info, and chat Now that the evenings are lighter, Swindon Council Community Information and Support Worker Ros Deakin is restarting her coffee and chat evenings in the community centre on Elstree Way. She will be on hand to meet residents every Monday evening from 11 May, 730pm to 9pm, and will be assisted by people already active in the community. Drop in for a chat over coffee if you would like up to date information about the North Swindon

development, or if you have points of concern to raise. Ros is also interested in talking to people interested in starting community groups in the area. If Monday evenings are not convenient, she can be contacted on 466511.

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Official opening for nursery The Mayor of Swindon coun Maurice Fanning visited the new nursery at Toothill School on 24 March to cut a cake with the parents and play trains with the children. The unit which caters for 52 children aged three and four years in separate morning and afternoon sessions opened in early October.

The community centre is available for new community groups to start up and also private bookings such as weddings and parties. For more information, call in toToothill Village Centre or telephone 614492 on weekday mornings

Last toddler group could close Last month we reported that Toothill Farm playgroup will close in July for lack of children. Now the Little Poppets Toddler Group which meets in Toothill Community Centre could shut down as well.

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Little Poppetts who may not be around much longer Volunteer parent organisers so important for parents to come Vivienne Paxton and Dominique together with their children to play Nursoo have been subsidising the and meet each other. The group is group from their own pockets, but a good stepping stone to nursery." The group will close in May una recent £82 insurance bill means less more parents join Little the limit has been reached. "As the only toddler group in Poppetts which meets on Thursthe area, it would be really sad if it days from 10.30. For more inforclosed down," said Vivienne. "It's mation, call Vivienne on 641365.

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Toothill Community Centre's Womens Darts Team took second place in their first season in the Wednesday Night League. Sharpshooters at the ochy,from left, Sheena Pullen, Marie Score, Elaine Walters, Shirley Grouvel, Patsy Dart

SHAW & ROUGHMOOR

Summer craft fair stalls now booking Shaw Ridge Primary School at Ridge Green, Shaw is holding a raft fair in conjunction with the summer fete on Saturday 13 June. Crafts people interested in exhibiting are invited to contact Mark Woolf on 881208 for further details

Wartime experiences explored Year 6 children at Brook Field School spent the spring term studying the 1940s and entertained parents and grandparents on the last afternoon of term with a presentation of music and information They spent the morning dressed up as land girls, factory workers. and in uniform, working with parent helpers, trying out wartime recipes, making seed tray, allotments and model air raid shelters. Teacher Janet Archer said the term's work had looked at the war years from a child's viewpoint. "The pupils studied what, it was like to be an evacuee and how they might react to the news from the battle front, the air raids and the: living conditions at home."

Association gets down to business Neil Cushing, chair of the newly formed Peatmoor and Sparcells Community Association outlines some of the issues raised at its meeting on 14 April: 1. Work on a footpath from Furze Close to Nightwood Copse has started. We are seeking assurances that it will be adopted by Swindon Council when completed. 2. Plans have been approved for the 'Zeppelin Building' next to the lagoon subject to the deletion of the jetty. We have asked Swindon's Chief Planning Officer to confirm this revision, and also for assurances that the footpath around the lake will remain open throughout construction. 3. Residents have complained about the extended hours that contractors have been working at Roughrnoor Village Centre, particularly over the Easter bank holiday weekend. The Environmental Health officer is to be contacted. We are also looking at the security measures to be implemented when the centre opens, with a view to reducing the level of vandalism and graffitti in the area. The Peatmoor and Sparcells Community Association can be contacted via: Neil Cushing, tel: 881587 or spca@cushwi.demon.co.uk. Correspondent: Menna Stapley, tel: 877192.

Dressed 1940s style,. rear from left, Stacey Bodin, Natasha Peachey, Kate Jones. Front, holding a mini-allotment, Nick Laws, Samantha Kingsbury, Lucy Davis, Michaela Child, Harry Edwards, Katy Colley

Bright bonnets for Easter Upper Shaw Farm Playgroup held an Easter Bunny Party in the holidays so that the forty children could show off their bonnets to parents and grans. Chairperson Alison Hall said the playgroup was maintaining its numbers even though children could now enter school at four years of age. "Parent support is brilliant; they enjoy participatingin a community run group which sees learning through play as an important preparation for school."

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St George takes the day once again at pre-school Brookside Pre-School at Nine Elms took the story of St George and the Dragon as their theme for April and had a great time dressed up as knights and ladies with the help of a colourful dragon. The small homely group has been running for over 8 years and recently had an excellent Ofsted report. There are only ten children in each session which means a lot of individual attention from the staff. The group meets every morning and afternoon. To find out about available places, call Pat Russell on 771116..

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School has teaching down to a fine art Windmill Hill Primary School has received an outstanding report by Ofsted inspectors in terms of the quality of teaching and delivering value for money education. But it will still have a £10,000 budget deficit in the financial year from April. The inspection in January graded every lesson as 'satisfactory' and almost 70 per cent as 'good.' Twenty per cent of lessons seen were 'very good' or 'excellent.' Pupils are well behaved, work hard and enjoy their lessons. Their spiritual and moral development is good, and social and cultural development is very good. All the work seen by inspectors was of 'above average' standard and the quality of displays around the school was commented upon positively. The standard in art was particularly praised. Pupils study the work of famous artists and develop practical skills using their techniques. The report says that the children have 'an interest in art which is not often seen in pupils of this age.' In 1995 the school was the first in the country to have art work exhibited at the National Gallery. In terms of providing value for money, the school is rated in the top four per cent nationally. Headteacher David Messenger, whose leadership was recognised

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Windmill Hill pupils visited the National Gallery on 31 March to learn more about the newly restored painting The Ambassadors by Holbein. Pictured in front of a display of school work about the painting,from left, Jessica Harding, Mark Richardson, Melanie Easy, Christina Blackmore, Mark Clayton, Robert McGill in the report, said he was very in this funding crisis situation." A combination of inflation, the pleased. "This is a massive endorsement of our teaching. Yet it teacher pay settlement and a drop is infuriating that the level of school of 4 pupils on roll means the school funding does not recognise the will be £10,000 in the red this fisupreme efforts by teachers who nancial year. Numbers are expected to rise are delivering across 10 subjects. After 31 years in teaching, it is from September which will prointensely frustrating to continue vide income to balance the budget.

Global company celebrates ten years in Grange Park Five hundred staff at Galileo International, one of the world's largest travel information businesses celebrated its tenth year in Swindon, by attending a reception in early April. Company Vice Presidents Gordon Watt, centre below, and Dean Bibb, planted a cherry tree with Grange Park residents group member Eileen Sawyer, to acknowlege the contribution made by local people to helping Galileo establish itself in the community.

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Swindon 772779 "Representative only of COANHILL 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. Credo 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 6.7% (7.01Y. APR) for one year. APR Is variable. Rates may vary. A Written quotation on loans can be obtained on request. Only available to persons 18 years of age or over. Subject to status. Subject to our current lending criteria. A 2% reduction applied to the variable base mortgage rate, currently 8.7%. Those applicants beneittong Son this special discount who redeem their mortgage win -in tour years from the date of completion we be charged an additional six months Interest. This charge will be reimbursed ft a new, mortgage Is than taken out with the Society. Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non-smokers, applying for an endowment mortgage of £50000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments). con Paring before 31 July 1998 secured against a property being purchased for 655.000.300 monthly mortgage payments net of tax of £254.05. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96. Total amount payable £146.111. Calculated to inrClUde valuation tee £t 55 and arrangement tee of £100. Sos calculation Is based on the esanarrptton that the discounted rate will apply throughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £150,000. The 6.7% rate applies to loaos up to and Including 95% of the purchase price or valuation. whichever is the lower. The discounted rate Is applicable for one year, after which the then current rate will apply. When an applicant Is borrowf ng more than 75% the Society will require additional security. This Is usually In the form of a Risk charge.

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The Link Magazine • May 1998

Loser friendly consultants Monday 5.45pm & 8.00pm St John's Church, Haydon Wick Nicole, 613923 Tuesday 9.3Oam Toothill Community Centre, Dunwich Drive. Jenny, 613423 7.00pm Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre. Pat, 741021

Coaching helps schools win trophies The annual West Swindon primary schools football and netball tournament at the Link Centre on 28

March saw another appearance in the finals by a team from Shaw Ridge School. The school has appeared in the by FA qualified coach Paul Mutlow primary schools and St Mary's finals over the last few years, usu- from Grange Park, retained the cup Purton took part in the competially in football. This year for the for a second year. tion which is sponsored by Midfirst time; the girls netball team Teams from nine West Swindon land Bank. took the tournament trophy to add to their league title. The result was very pleasing for volunteer mums Jill Rigali and Julie Turner who have coached the team since September while their regular teacher was on maternity leave. In the football competition, the Freshbrook School team, trained

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SHAPE-UP FOR SUMMER Combine a sensible low-fat eating plan with exercise classes in West Swindon and Wootton Bassett.

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Winning schools: the Show Ridge Netball Team,froin left Sarah Tyas, Laura Spink, Natasha Thompson, Ruth Tyas, Sophie Rigali, Rebecca Norcross, Katherine Thompson, Hailey Gibbons. Front, the Freshbrook School foot ballers, Martin Hall, Luke McPherson, Chris Povey, Graham Haziegraves, Sam Facer, James Murphy

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Just half an hour of physical activity a day can really improve your health, make you feel and look good, and help keep you mobile and independent in years to come.

Into the bargain you reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes, reduce blood pressure, reduce mild anxiety and depression and improve self-esteem. Last year just over 31,000 Swindonians took part in a day dedicated to physical activity. On 3 June the Swindon Get Active Team are looking for an even larger number of people willing to exercise for 15 minutes in a second attempt to break the national record of 48,000 participants. Anyone can take part - on your own, with a friend, partner, family members, school class, colleagues MayorofSwindon counMauriceFan- or neighbours. fling gets up a sweat with Lifestyle Almost anything counts- so long officer Nikki Green as it's safe. Leave the car at home

and cycle to work, walk to the shops, go for a swim, dig the garden, take part in a team sport, do housework or organise a wheelbarrow race. If it's physical, your effort will count towards the record. For more information, and to find out where group activities are being organised, call Danny Robinson on 539983.

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Croquet: a sport for all ages Summer days are approaching and the members of Swindon Croquet Club extend a welcome to players of all levels of handicap to take part in its programme of friendly and league matches and club tournaments. The club plays at Swindon Councils well maintained lawns at Moredon Community Sports Centre. For anyone wishing to learn to play croquet, an eight week beginners course starts soon. For details, telephone club coach John Airey on 873026 or Cliff Cardis, club secretary, on 535667.

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The Link Magazine • May 1998

Splash at Link, boogie at Oasis, hit it at Delta

Footcare at home We all reach times in our life when the normal everyday things become difficult to do. Even small things like cutting toenails and caring for your feet becomes a chore. You may no longer be supple enough to reach your feet or illness can make it an impossibility. Help is on hand. West Swindon based chiropodist Hazel Kenee offers a fast, efficient and friendly service in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Telephone 01793 871248 for further details.

Alison Bruce writes:

Advanced Reflexology & Reiki TWO WONDERFUL ANCIENT HEALING THERAPIES For appointments with F.J. Taylor, M.I.I.R. (Regd.), Reiki Master Telephone: (01793) 849914

Angela Cracknell Chiropodist Registered Nurse MSSCh MBChA

Home Visits by appointment Telephone: 01793 613334 Answermachine - all calls returned

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Lin CentTe swimming pool is now open To help us celebrate, bring this voucher with you for a swim. For every paying adult we'll admit one adult/junior ABSOLUTELY FREE, any casual session, you choose Subject to normal opening times and availability. Valid until 31st May 1998

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Link pool re-opens! We are pleased to announce the re-opening of the Link Centre swimming pool after months of serious maintenance work, refurbishment and cleaning. We thank all our customers for their patience and understanding during this difficult period and welcome you all back to a safer, more efficient facility. See the special offer below enabling 2 to swim for the price of 1, valid until the end of May. Oasis Leisure Centre is pleased to announce the opening of their new softplay facility Captain Capers, which also houses a smaller area, Kiddies Kove for the under 5s. See the advert on page 24 for further details, or phone our hotline number: 445401. May is also a hot month for concerts at the Oasis. Following the appearance of Jimmy Nail in April, Errol Brown (Hot Chocolate) is

appearing on 28 May and Jasper Carrott on 29 May. Tickets are available from Oasis box office so book now to avoid disappointment. Delta Tennis Centre will be producing their summer programme shortly with special offers, discounts and also some summer events for both adults and juniors. Their Summer Series Tournament runs from 6 to 14 June. The closing date for entries is 18 May. The Junior Series Tournament will be held 10 to 14 August. So look out for entry forms available from Delta reception shortly. Don't forget the half-term holidays, 25 to 29 May. Our centres will have lots of varied activities on offer for all age groups and abilities - just phone for details: Link Centre tel: 445566 Oasis Leisure Centre tel: 445401 Delta Tennis Centre tel: 445555

DIY STANDS FOR DON'T INJURE YOURSELF! DIY is not only a way to save money, it increases the value of your home. But if you are like the majority of 'DIYers' the jobs you are doing are likely to be far removed from your normal daily activities. This is the main reason why so many DIY enthusiasts suffer aches and pains, writes local chiropractor Sandra E Davies from Shaw Chiropractic Clinic. Working with your arms above your head, stooping or reaching, whilst carrying heavy objects, can make you susceptible to low back pain. Working in confined spaces, such as under a sink, can also put your back at risk. Most backpain is caused by DIY due to the unaccustomed and prolonged stretching of ligaments and tendons in the back. If this strain continues, it can lead to a gradual loss of support to the spine, increasing pressure on the spinal nerves which can give rise to pain elsewhere. Whilst chiropractors are always available to help ease those DIY pains, they much prefer that their patients take precautions. Here are a few guidelines to help prevent these injuries: Lifting and carrying: always bend your knees and hold the load close to your body. • Kneeling: kneel on one leg rather than bending from the hips. • Workbench levels: these must be at such a height that you don't have to bend from the hips. Always place one foot slightly higher than the other foot. • Vary the task: avoid repetitive movements to prevent sprains and strains. • Keep warm: cold muscles are more easily strained.

• Rest: don't work beyond your capacity. If you exercise and keep fit generally you'll Sandra Davies be in much better shape for tackling those DIY jobs. For free advice, contact Sandra Davies on 887801

BACK PAIN If you are suffering from: o Backache, Leg pain o Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain o Headache & Migraine 0 Sciatica C) Sports Injury C) Whiplash - You should consider consulting a Chiropractor

SANDRA E. DAVIES D.C. Shaw Chiropractic Clinic Shaw Village Centre

Tel: (01793) 887801

Member of the British Chiropractic Association

AT YOUR LIBRARY

New improved video choice

H)F4!VOi

There is more to the library than just books, writes librarian Vicky Moore

The video loan service offered by Swindon Borough libraries has been very successful. However, improvements have been made. Firstly, the loan period for all videos has been set at one week. It is hoped that this will give a wider choice of titles. The one week hire period also applies to CDs. All cassettes are still hired for three weeks, but are now 65p. Video categories have been simplified. Feature films, previously known as Video Gold have been renamed 'Premium' and these titles will hire for £2.25 per week. Children's and other videos, previously known as Checkout choice, are now called 'Budget' videos and hire for 65p per week. There are at least 30 new video adult and junior titles available in West Swindon, Moredon and other libraries. Early warning of June closure Swindon Borough libraries are shortly to launch a new computer system. We are busily preparing behind the scenes for transfer of all data from the current Urica system to GEAC's Plus. To enable staff to be trained it is necessary to close libraries from 1 to 9 June. Time will be allowed on issue for the closed period and extra items

may be borrowed by negotiation. We look forward to offering a continued high level of service in the future. If you have any problems or concern please contact West Swindon library on 871444. Exhibitions in May 12 May to 30 May: Western Counties Photographic Foundation/ Swindon Camera Club.

able life is upset when an old enemy's dying wish leaves him as guardian of an orphaned boy. Dynasty 21. Alexander Kent Sword of honour. In March 1814, Admiral Sir Richard Bolitho returns to England from several months' rigorous patrolling off the North American coast. Terry Pratchett The last continent. It's hot. It's dry, very dry. There was this thing called The Wet, which no one now believes in. Practically everything that's not poisonous is venomous. But it's the best place in the world, all right? It's the Discworld's last continent.

New Books in May Jeffrey Archer The eleventh commandment. Connor Fitzgerald is the professional's professional. The CIA's most deadly weapon. But for the past twenty-eight years Fitzgerald has been leading a double life. Coffee morning Emma Blair An apple from Eden. with cake, book, plant & bric n' Birdie gets a job as maid on the brac stalls estate of Sir Ian of Seaton and much Christ Church with St Mary's, against her will, falls in love with Devizes Road, Old Town Sir Ian's brother's step-son, also Saturday 16 May, 930am - 12noon called Ian. Margaret Graham Out of the night. In aid of the overseas friends of Christ Church Claire, the wife of an Army Company commander serving in Now booking Bosnia, finds her whole life turned Trip to Lourdes/Nevers/Paris by inside out when the daughter she luxury coach, 14 - 19 August had had adopted at birth tracks Hotel, meals and transport her down and publicly confronts £198.50 plus insurance £12.50 her. Contact Group Leader Cynthia Harrod-Eagles The outcast. Benedict Morland's comfort- Mrs L Gibson, tel: 01793 487821

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LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER Turning ambitions into achievements

Looking forward to something for a long time is often just a prelude to disappointment; and when you have been looking forward to it for 18 years, the risk of a let-down is all the greater. Swindon North MP Michael Wills looks back on the Government's first year and his first year in Parliament. In a packed Parliamentary programme, we are delivering on our election promises. A total of £4.5 billion of new money has gone into our spending priorities of health care and education. We have launched a £3.5 billion programme to get people off welfare and into work. In the recent Budget, there were loud cheers in the House of Commons when the Chancellor announced measures to support working families. He recognises how difficult many find it to make ends meet, no matter how hard they work. So he brought in the biggest ever increase in child benefit, up £2.50 a week. For the first time, there was direct help with childcare. The new Working Family Tax Credit will provide for lower income families up to £150 a week, for 2 children, paying 70% of costs. Families earning up to £30,000 a year will benefit from this childcare tax credit. Yet the Chancellor has succeeded in keeping a tight grip on the public finances. It looks as if the £20 billion annual deficit Labour inherited from the Conserva-

tives will be cleared by year 2000. There have been important steps forward removing power from Westminster and Whitehall with legislation being brought in on human rights, freedom of information, regional Development Agencies and Scottish and Welsh devolution. Contrary to popular opinion, only some of an MP's work consists of speaking in the House of

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Commons. It is important - on my second day I put in for an Adjournment Debate about the state of PMH and a week later, I confronted the Minister for Health with the problems of hospital care in Swindon. I believe, partly as a result, six weeks later the town was given the option of a new hospital. But most of my time has been spent dealing with the problems of over 1,000 constituents, a number that is growing. Sometimes the issues are individual: getting compensation for pensioners whose frozen food had defrosted while they waited for a bus that never turned up, or getting a ree dundancy payment from the Mindundancy istry of Defence, or getting a new bus shelter. But there have also been issues which affect the whole area, like my continuing campaigns to see cure the Blunsdon bypass, to proro tect Swindon from unrestricted tect new housing development and to deal with the problems of travellers. By banging persistently on the door for the Minister for Roads, I was able to reverse a decision taken by the previous government and get the canal culvert built at Latton, thus opening the door for a regional canal network. I have been determined that noo one should be able to accuse me of one the familiar charge against politicians - that we are only seen at election time. That is why I have held so many open public meetings - on PMH, on education, on Swindon's bus service, on hunting, on international development and accounting to the public for what I do at Westminster. I plan many more in the months ahead. It is often hard to remember that the Government is only a year old. Yet every member of the Parliamentary Labour Party knows that this is not a short-term, quick-fix Government. We are in it for the long-term. This Government is determined to lay the foundations for sustainable growth and a fairer society not just for this year or next year or even until the next election but for a generation. For too long, our country has been one where - for too many effort has gone unrewarded, enterprise has been stifled and the energies of all those who could have been helping our economy grow have been wasted. The first year of this Government has made an important start in putting that right.

Swindon: the first year Leader of the Council councillor Sue Bates assesses a year of change

1 April 1997 was a day that all Swindonians could be proud of, when Swindon was clearly put back on the map. On 1 April this year I was able to look back over the last 12 months with pride having led Swindon Borough Council through its first year as a unitary authority. The transition was probably as smooth as we could have expected, and we have already made some achievements, including the opening of three nursery classes, providing new homes at affordable rents in the Northern Sector, an extra £5 million for schools, the development of the Swindon Foyer to provide housing and training for young people. For me, the highlight has been launching Swindon's bid to be the home for the University of Industry. The problems we had during the year were of course financial, due to the inequity of the local government settlement we had been given by the former Conservative Government back in Dee cember 1996. Having to make £11 million budget cuts ensured that the first year of Swindon Borough Council would be difficult. Within a month of the new Council came the election of the Labour Government. It shared our priorities, particularly in education, came with new ideas and aspirations and believed in the role of local government to meet its own commitments. Ibelieve the benefits of Swindon as a one-stop Council, the only Council residents need to contact, the one they can hold accountable, are already widespread. There are many things to look forward to. I intend to lead the Council in public consultation about our priorities for spending because I firmly believe residents should have a greater say. Education remains this Council's number one priority, but creating a best value Council - providing the highest quality at the best possible price - will be an essential part of this process.

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The Link Magazine • May 1998

Charity shop opens to fend of women's health centre closure Gina Dennis reports: In a bid to gain time to find new funding and ensure its continued existence, Swindon's Well Woman Centre has opened a charity shop at 82 Victoria Road, Old Town. On Saturday 4 April, as volunteers and well wishers looked on, Mayor of Swindon councillor Maurice Fanning officially launched this new venture by cutting a blue and white ribbon. He expressed sadness that Swindon Borough Council had to slash funding to the Centre. He and his wife Sheila said they would join the Centre's management committee to help raise the £30,000 needed to keep the service going. Well Woman Centre Chair Ann

Antiques Davies praised the time and effort put in by volunteers. "We hope the shop will contribute a significant amount of money to give us breathing space, to help us overcome this funding crisis. "We understand the funding problems faced by the council, but women in Swindon could lose a very important service if the Centre closed." The Well Woman Centre, based at the Health Hydro, Milton Road, encourages women to be responsible for their own health and wellbeing. It is run by women for women, offering free, confidential advice, information and support on health issues. A range of health

checks is available and a listening service is offered by support workers. The Centre also provides a meeting place for a number of selfhelp groups. To find out more about the Well Woman Centre and its services, telephone 511064. To make a donation, offer clothing, bric-a-brac or your help to the charity shop, telephone 486286

Course to help prospective volunteers What do you need to know, what should you ask, where should you go, who can help? These are just a few questions to be covered in a free course for anyone who has recently started or would like to start volunteering. The sessions take place between lOam and 1pm on Thursdays from 7 May to 25 June (excluding half term 28 May). For details, call Jaclyn Oldman at Swindon Volunteers on 538398.

Project to help the disabled have choice to do everyday activities A new service designed to improve the quality of life experienced by people with physical disabilities is looking for volunteers. The lottery funded Swindon bled people who want to do ordiLifestyles Befriending Service will nary activities that the able bodied put volunteers in touch with disa- take for granted, such as sport, shopping, going to the pub, travelling, etc. Mobile on Mondays The organisers are raising Shopping for disabled people is awareness of the project and are being made easier with the open- interested in hearing from: ing on Mondays of the Swindon • disabled people who might use the service Shopmobility scheme to make it • people who can volunteer time available on 6 days a week. in response to what disable Based on the ground floor of the people want. Wyvern car park, people with disFor more information, call the abilities can use a range of scooters and electric wheelchairs to visit Swindon Lifestyles Project on town centre shops independently. 514055.

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The Swindon Coalition of Disabled People represents the interests and activities of disabled people and aims to open a resource centre in the town. Responsibilities: • Undertaking a feasibility study of the project • Securing & fitting out of retail premises • Developing a volunteer training programme • Development of a marketing plan You should have project management experience, and understand and empathise with disabled and voluntary sector. Apply in writing with CV to: Joe Backshell, Secretary, Swindon Coalition of Disabled People, do Voluntary Action Swindon, I John Street, Swindon SN1 1RT Closing date: 15 May 1998 An Equal Opporlunftieu Employer

Children atTregoze School presented a cheque for £1,477 to the NSPCC in early April, raised from a sponsored geography quiz. They also sent £150 to UNICEF after a non-uniform day in February. Pictured above,from left, Rachel Cejer, Luke Graham, Shirley Wootten, Kelly Feeney, Jason Flatt

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CASUAL MUSEUM ATTENDANTS Rate of pay £4.43 per hour Swindon Museums require Casual staff to provide holiday and sickness cover at two of our main museum sites: Lydiard House and Swindon Museum and Art Gallery in Bath Road. Duties involve Reception and shop duties, cleaning and general security of the buildings and collections. The post would suit someone who is flexible and can respond at short notice to requests to work. The postholder is likely to work regularly at one site, but must be prepared to work at other museum sites if required. Saturday and Sunday working is regularly involved. Closing date: 15.5.98. Interviews: TBA. Application forms and further details are available from the Health Hydro, Milton Road, Swindon SN1 5JA. Tel: 01793 465667 (24 hour answering service). Minicom for deaf users (01793) 436659. Please note that we cannot accept CVs. We are actively working towards equality of opportunity and welcome applications from any individual.

SwinDon 5S3 .Jj_ BOROUGH COUnCIL

The Link Magazine • May 1998

Connie has designer intentions Busy entrepreneur Connie Croker from St Andrew's Ridge has opened her second Wear It Well shop at 202 Rodboume Road, just a few yards from the Great Western Designer Village. garments sold on behalf of people Connie, the recent winner of a Wear it Well in Old Town is were impulse buys and some have Wiltshire's largest dress agency special commendation at the Wiltnever even been tried on. You can and is an excellent source of as shire Business of the Year Awards, really pick up some great outfits." new high street and designer la- says the reputation of Wear It Well After five years in business, startbels at impressively low prices. rests on quality control. "Seconding with just two small rails, Connie knows how to satisfy her In the Link Centre customers. With the opening of the shop within Insight Photogracommunity suite phy at 202 Rodbourne Road, she is Women Out West a small, Bookkeeping Services friendly, informal, social group for hand is not second best by any offering the chance for people who women with or without children, means. All garments are carefully do not often go to Old Town to • Monthly & Annual meets on Fridays from 9.30am, selected and must be immaculate pick up some designer clothes at Accounts during term time. New members before we stock it. Many of the bargains prices. 'Self are always welcome and there is a Assessment free creche. Call Kerrie on 875820 or Hazel on 871248. Tax Returns Swindon is the meeting point on 8 May for local people and repre• VAT Returns Tootleabrook WI next meets on sentatives from towns in Germany, France and Spain which are • Book-keeping Wednesday 20 May. The subject is twinned with Ocotal in Nicaragua. holiday slides and refreshments • Secretarial Also present at the conference in On 20 May Mayor Martha will will be served. All welcome. • FIRST MEETING FREE the Hotel This will be the Mayor of attend the annual public meeting For further details call Barbara Ocotal Martha Adriana Peralta of the Swindon Ocotal Link at the Tel: (01793) 539138 on 530368, or come along. who will discuss how European Pattern Store Bar. The business towns can better assist the poor will be short and will be followed by talks on how Swindonians can 59 North Street (Off Eastcott Hill) Central American town. On 9 May, the delegates will help the people of Ocotal. Old Town, Swindon meet up with the Salzgitter twinThe evening ends with Latin Tel: (01793) 695223 Wiltshire's largest dress agency ning group and will end the day music and dancing and a large Open: Mon, Toes, Thurs, Fri, Sat with the great reputation withapan-European skittles match bucket collection in aid of Ocotal. 1000am 4.00 at the Goddard Arms at Clyffe To find out more, call Bruce Evening wear/ballgowns/day/ Pyppard. Clark on 533338. casual/business wear -

Gathering to focus on Ocotal

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Primrose Care Limited, the market leader in the provision of home care, is now successfully established and providing employment opportunities for many local people.

The company has experienced prolific growth in its five year history, with other offices situated all over England. Backed by BUPA, Primrose Care has taken the domiciliary care market by storm with its high quality, professional customer service image and readily admits to aspiring to be the 'M & S' of the this growth industry. Whatever the individual needs are, our service always includes: • Free assessment of need by experienced managers • Rigorously selected and trained carers • Regular supervision • Qualified and dedicated management • Friendliness, companionship and commitment to all needs Primrose Care offers excellent training for staff, the opportunity to gain NVQ's, recognised by City & Guilds and opportunity for promotion and progression. If you are considering a career in this industry or want to know more about the service we provide please give us a call. Primrose Care, 3 Charnwood Court, Newport Street, Swindon

Tel: 01793 616066

A week long visit by members and officials from Swindon's German twin town Salzgitter toured Salt Way primary school and Greendown

Community School in West Swindon. At Salt Way they saw the new nursery unit and classrooms, which included a performance of a folk song in German. At Greendown, Swindon chief education officer Mike Lusty and headteacher Ian Matthews described secondary education in Swindon, before students conducted tours around the school. Above: Salt Way School's Alisha Collett dressed in German folk costume presented flowers to Salzgitter chief executive Detlef Engster and Swindon Mayor Maurice Fanning.

Germans in a French class in an English School: Greendown students David Roberts, Rachel Liddle, Fuss Orr, Jenna Harris, Ryan Cushion with rear, Luck Egon, coun Doreen Dart, Cyron Uwe, Korner Horst

See us on the net @ www.i-way.co.uk/-swindonlink

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SW IN DO

1 OF

literature

The Link Magazine • May 1998

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

AT"LL MARTIN

Pick up the full programme in a local library or venue, or see it on the internet @ www.wispernet.co.uk/swindonlitfest/

1-10 MAY 1998

FRIDAY 1 MAY Dawn Chorus Lawn Woods, The Planks, Old Town. 5.30am! Tony Bullimore - Saved! One of the greatest true-life adventure stories. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery. I - 2pm £4 (0) City Lights, On The Road - a poetry and jazz cabaret! Town Hall, 8pm (bar from 7.30). £6 (E5)

SUNDAY MAY Workshops Lower Shaw Farm 930am - 4pm Writing to be read. £35 (includes lunch) 2pm - 5pm The Art of Storytelling. £20 (includes supper) 7pm Campfire and Stories. £2 MONDAY 4-MAY Poetry Tease The Goddard Arms, Clyffe Pypard, 7.30pm. £4 TUESDAY 5 MAY Poetry from Greendown pupils at West Swindon Library, 10.30am Douglas Hurd - and a new book! Swindon Museum & Art Gallery. 1 - 2pm £4 (E3) The Clive Brain Memorial Lecture by Sir Christopher Ball. Main Hall, Swindon College, Regent Circus 5pm. No charge. Is Anybody Out There? - a space quest, with Heather Couper & Nigel Henbest. Arts Centre, 7pm. £5 (E4) Starry Starry Night - echoes from the Universe, with Dr Paul Murdin Arts Centre, 9pm. £5 (4) Paul Foot on P B Shelley Lydiard House, 730pm. £4.50 (Tickets from Town Hall. Tel: 463210)

SATURDAY 9 MAY Mind Matters - word games and creative thinking! Arts Centre, lOam - 1230pm. £4 (3) 10- 11am Wordplay with Tony Augarde 11.15am - 1230pm The Brain, Creativity, and Poetry: a stateof-the-art View and Perform ance with Tony Buzan and Rikki Hunt Children, Parents, Books, Poems and Stories Day. Arts Centre 1030am and 2.30pm I made a poem - two poetry workshops for children aged 5-11, with author Beverley Millin. £6 (E4.50) 12.30-1.30pm Bel Mooney on Writing for Children and Grown-ups. £2 1.30pm Storytelling with pupils from Headlands, Kingsdown, and Hreod Parkway schools. 3pm The Long Poem - a world premier performance by children from nine West Swindon schools. 3.30pm Jacqueline Wilson, (the only children's author to feature in the top ten best selling writ ers of 1997) - In conversation with you! £2 Blue at the Throat - a dramatic musical and poetic performance, with Aidan Andrew Dun. Arts Centre, 8pm. £5 (E4)

SUNDAY 10 MAY Last Day Frolic: Wine, words, food and song with the Big Hum and ZZ Birmingham Blues Band. The Goddard Arms, Clyffe Pypard 12noon onwards £3, lunch extra Festival Finale: The Swindon WEDNESDAY 6 MAY Slam! Town Hall, Regent Circus, Writers Talking: Libby Purves 8pm (bar from 7.30). £5 (E4) and Deborah Moggach. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery. 1 - 2pm £4 TICKETS Howard Marks talks, with John Tickets for most events can be Birmingham, and Sue Pycroft booked in advance from the Arts Centre. 8pm £6 (E5) venue. Note: Each venue issues tickets for its own events only. THURSDAY 7 MAY

VENUES Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Arts Centre, Devizes Road. Tel: 614837 Town Hall, Regent Circus. Tel: 463210 The Goddard Arms, Clyffe PypFRIDAY 8 MAY Rebels Without a Cause - a talk, ard, Near Swindon. Tel: 731386 by Dr Dennis Tate. Swindon Mu- Other enquiries: seum & Art Gallery, 1- 2pm. £3 (E2) Swindon Festival of Literature, Germaine Greer - in conversa- Lower Shaw Farm, Shaw, tion, with Matt Holland, and with Swindon 5N5 9PJ. you! Arts Centre, 8pm. £7 (6) Tel/Fax: 771080. Fax: 491727 Oxford Antipodean Poets: Fleur Adcock and Chris WallaceCrabbe. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, I - 2pm. £3 (2) Anthony Clare - with Judith Stares. Arts Centre, 8pm. £6 (5)

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The positive newsforce across Swindon

The Link Magazine • May

1998

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Free advertising on the Internet (almost!) The swindonlink internet site is the social, community and cultural site for Swindon with lots of information about community organisations, schools, pubs and restaurants and news from The Link magazine. In order to make the internet In return: you sponsor a good The cost of sponsorship: £50 for accessible and relevant at a local cause - a Swindon charity or com- a whole year (less than £1 a week). level, we're launching 'help a good munity organisation, or a school, Now is this a bargain or what? cause onto the internet.' so that they have a page of infor- And you'll getpublicity in The Link. The deal: we'll put an advert for mation displayed on the internet To register your interest, call your business on the site linked to as well. The organisation can be of (01793)872282 quickly. First come, a whole page of text and pictures your choice or we can link you up. first served. Limited offer. about your products and services. This will be free of charge.

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. ON FREE ADVERTISING THE INTERNET Take your business We'lL give you a page beyond Swindon completely FREE, if you sponsor with an advert a charity. on the swindonlink aLL The Link, site on the 872282 world wide web. for details.

E-mail messages sent to the swindonlink web site and published in the April Link were read out on Shirley Ludford's BBC Wiltshire Sound Saturday morning show computer slot on 28 March. Many of the messages were from Swindonians now living abroad wanting to make contact with old friends. Also on the show was regular contributor, freelance journalist and computer consultant David Griffiths who said it was the first time he had heard of e-mail being used to find people via print and also radio. If you would like to find somebody who has moved away, we will put their name on the internet site with your message asking them to make contact. We can also include photographs as you were

then, and a current picture. With h1f the US population on-line, its a good way of reaching long lost friends. Send messages and photos to The Link, address on page 3.

Have you gone digital? The swindonlink web site is looking for people who have bought digital cameras and are willing to take on photo' projects. If you would like to put your investment to good use, and see your work on the internet, call Roger Ogle on 872282 or at linkmagazine@compuserve.com

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

Real life 'ghost' relation returns to Lydiard House

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Free tickets for Shaker exhibition

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Shaker: The Art of Craftsmanship, A well known story about a modern day 'ghost' at Lydiard House has a major international touring exhibeen given a new way of spreading with the launch of story box audio bition visits the American Museum guides on 4 April in each of the state rooms. in Bath from 16 May to 18 October. The Link has 25 pairs of tickets Joyce Vincent from Lydiard Milworth £10 to give away. licent is pictured with keeper of the The only other European destihouse Sarah Finch-Crisp trying out nation has been London's Barbican the audio guide describing the hiGallery. This is an opportunity to larious incident in which she was see a fascinating collection of some involved during the war. 100 items which reveal the beauty As a 17 year old in 1944, Joyce and innovation of Shaker-made obhad just moved into the house with jects, and also their meaning in the her parents who were caretakers daily life of the best known and for the new owners Swindon Corlongest surviving communal reliporation. With an American camp gious group in the USA. situated where the playing field are To obtain a ticket, write to The now, she was always being asked Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, to show servicemen around. Swindon SN5 8PQ. "It was a summer's evening, the light was fading and I was showing a group around," said Joyce. "There was one who opened every door and cupboard. Unbeknown to us, my mother was making her way round by a back passage to let us know more visitors were expected. "She reached the hall just as the inquisitive soldier opened the door. My mother was framed in the gloom, rather tall, with white hair and wearing a grey dress. I can still see the American throwing up his arms, his jaw dropping, letting

Celebrate the fire festival free The Goddard Arms at Clyffe Pyppard holds the first rock festival of the year with a celebration of the Celtic Festival of Beltane on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 May. Fifteen West Country bands will be playing original music and entry is free. The fun starts on Friday at 6pm 'til late. On Saturday, things get going at 10am for a day of music, drumming, poetry, digiridoo workshops and other spontaneous happenings ending with Swindon band Xavier Hark. For information, call Terry on 73386 or Josie on 533876.

• out a piercing scream. "It was a genuine English ghost! He collapsed in a feint and for good measure our excitable terrier Peter took a nip out of him." The story has circulated far and wide ever since and Sarah FinchCrisp confirms that she has heard reports of a female ghost at Lydiard from several sources. Joyce's story is just one of many about of life at Lydiard. Accompanied by music and sound effects, designed for adults and children, history comes alive with accounts of the visit by Queen Elizabeth I, how the Civil War brought tragedy to the St John family, that Jonathan Swift's Gulliver was modelled on the then Lord Bolingbroke. Swindon's railway past is illustrated by the Victorian Lord Bolingbroke's famous complaint that the GWR hooter kept him awake and tried to get it banned. Throughout there is the story of the staff of the house and estate, from maids to manservants, gamekeeper and cook. Lydiard House is open Monday to Saturday lOam - 1pm, 2pm 4pm and Sundays 2pm to 4pm. Admission adults 75p, juniors 30p.

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Until 5 July Exhibition A Sculptor's Landscape by Lynn Chadwick. National Monuments Record Centre. Great Western Village. Wed-Sun 11am 5pm Thursday 30 April to Saturday 2 May Music Salos present Variations, music to suit all tastes. Arts Centre, 730pm. £5, to book let: 852711 Saturday 2 May Music Another Night at the Opera presented by the Garden Consort. Wyvern, 730pm. £8.50 -

Wednesday 13 May to Saturday 16 May Drama Semi Detached a comedy by David Turner presented by the Western Players. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £4, to book tel: 724269 Thursday 14 May Music The Shirley Bassey Experience. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £9.50

Friday 15 May Music The Bert Kaempfert Orchestra in concert. Wyvern, 8pm. £14 Saturday 16 May Ramble Ramblers Association 6 ml Saturday 2 May & Sunday 3 May mystery walk. Meet junction MarlWorkshop Printmaking: collagraphs borough Rd/Lambourn Ave, Swinand drypoint. Arts Centre. lOam don, or Savernake, Postern Hill car 4pm. £35 park, map ref: SU197680, 1.30pm. Free except cost of car share Sunday 3 May Ridgeway Ramble 9 miles, Spars- Workshop Watercolours for beginholt Firs to Bury Down. Pick up 9am ners. Arts Centre, 1Oam-4pm. £12 Lydiard Country Park, 930am Coate Music Bournemouth Symphony Water, bring walking boots, water- Orchestra Last Night of the Proms. proofs, lunch and drink, not suitable Wyvern, 730pm. £17 for children. £6, book on 771419 Monday 4 May May Day Fair at Lydiard Park organised by Wootton Bassett Lions Wednesday 6 May Comedy Gayle Tuesday plus support. Wyvern, 8pm. £10 Thursday 7 May Music A Taste of Meatloaf. Wyvern, 730pm. £8.50 Friday 8 May & Saturday 9 May Music Kentwood in Concert. Wyvern, 730pm. £7.50 Saturday 9 May & Sunday 10 May Swindon Kite Festival Science Museum, Wroughton, lOam 5pm Adults £3, children over 5 £1 (Photo: cwmni ballet gwent) Sunday 10 May Ridgeway Ramble 8 miles, Bury Tuesday 19 May Down to Streatley. Pick up 9am Dance Cwmni Ballet Gwent Lydiard Country Park, 930am Coate presents The Tempest. Wyvern, Water, bring walking boots, water- 8pm. £9.50 proofs, lunch and drink, not suitable Wednesday 20 May & for children. £6, book on 771419 Thursday 21 May Ramble Ramblers Association 11 ml Comedy Just Like That. The story walk around Lydiard Millicent and of Tommy Cooper and his long lost Tregoze. Meet at Civic Offices main double act Frankie Lyons. Wyvern, entrance, Euclid Street, Swindon, 730pm. £9.50 9am. Free except cost of car share. Thursday 21 May Music The Drifters. Wyvern, Drama Happy Birthday Mr Presi7.30pm. £11.50 dent. In a unique piece of theatre, the very private life of Marilyn Monday 11 May Comedy Bill Bailey. Wyvern, 8pm. Monroe and the Kennedys is invaded. Arts Centre, 730pm. £7 £10 Friday 22 May to Monday 25 May National Trail Boat Festival- The Wilts & Berks Canal, Wootton Bassett, 11am 5pm. Trade & craft stalls, boat trips, raft races, medieval battles, dog show, Punch & Judy etc. Saturday 23 May Music Dean Friedman in Concert. Arts Centre, 8pm. £12.50 Sunday 24 May Walk Launch of the Heartwood Way celebrate the opening of Lydiard's Gateway Centre and a new footpath link to Braydon Forest. 9 miles, meet Dean Friedman at the Arts Centre Lydiard County Park, lOam. Book on 771419 on 23 May -

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May overview

Tuesday 26 May Music Chris Barber's Jazz and Blues Band. Wyvern, 8pm. £12

Saturday 30 May Workshop Didgeridoo making learn to make and play this unique Australian aboriginal instrument. Wednesday 27 May Music 5-4-3-2-1-It's the Manfreds. Arts Centre, lOam - 4pm. £17 Wyvern, 8pm. £10 Music Champagne SupernovaOasis tribute band. Wyvern, 8pm. Thursday 28 May Children The Chucklebrothers. £8.50 Music Louis and Bessie. A celebraWyvern, 2pm & 5pm. £7 tion featuring the Ben Cohen Hot Friday 29 May Music Cohn Blunstone plus support. Seven and Sheila Collier. Arts Centre, 8pm. £8.50 Wyvern, 730pm. £9 Sunday 31 May Music The Bushbury Mountain Daredevils with Celtic, English, Hobo Music 20th Century Musicals II, The folk, Cajun, Newgrass and Country Movies. Wyvern, 8pm. £9 stomp music. Arts Centre, 8pm. £7

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The Bushbury Mountain Daredevils at The Arts Centre on 29 May

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II t1TAINN1NT Musicals now booking Dr Dolittle 13 July, evening Adult £28, child £26 Whistle down the Wind 18 July, matinee £35 Starlight Express 25 August matinee & 14 September, £26 Phantom of the Opera Bristol, 17 Jan, 22 March, 7 April, £22.50 to £35 Beauty and the Beast Dec Saturday mat & Xmas shopping, approx £30 Ring for details: Chicago, Saturday Night Fever, Miss Saigon & Showboat

To book, call: 01793 772729 or 0860 436361

Concert at St Mary's, Purton

Film at the Arts Centre Tuesday 19 May & Wednesday 20 May, 7.45pm The Wings of the Dove (15) Helena Bonham Carter heads a superb cast in a moving tale of love, loyalty and deceit set in 1910 London and Venice. £3.50 Wednesday 27 May & Thursday 28 May, 7.45pm The Winter Guest (15) At the heart of the story are mother and daughter Elspeth and Frances played by real-life mother and daughter Phylhida Law and Emma Thompson. Set on the shores of a Scottish seaside town in the depths of winter, with ravishing photography, poignant drama and some fine comedy this is an accomplished, fascinating film. £3.50

Time and Concord is the theme of the next concert in St Mary's which is to be given by Quorum on Saturday 9 May, 730pm. Their choral programme ranges from the 16th to the 20th Century and will be accompanied by readings by Jacqui Crago and David Barlow. Tickets, £5, or £4 for pensioners and under 16s, are available from College Farm House, tel: 770525 or on the door.

The Swindon Society AGM The AGM of the Swindon Society will be held on Wednesday 13 May at Broadgreen Centre, Salisbury Street, 730pm. Slides will also be shown at the meeting. For details of the society contact Secretary, Mrs Jean Allen on 528418.

Lower Shaw Farm Friday 22 May to Sunday 24 May Women's Creativity A chance to meet, to be together and to be creative. Weave with written words, draw drawings from within, mould papier mache bowls, share dreams, work body and mind with yoga, and soothe both with massage. Delight in the familiar or discover something new; celebrate your own skills by sharing them with other women. £75 for the weekend, or call 771080 for non residential rates

Enjoy the £10' Sunday lunch menu Feast upon the 8 dishes set before you. (6 for children) Treat your family to lunch this Sunday at The Chinese Experience Sunday Lunch Spring Rolls Capital Spare Ribs Spicy Chicken Beef in Black Bean Sauce Chicken with Bamboo Shoots & Mushrooms Egg Fried Rice Singapore Rice Noodles Toffee Banana 10% service charge applicable

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-4

School singers to back soul legend

The line-up for this year's three day Wiltshire Festival has been announced and for the first time, a Swindon school is to perform on stage at the pop extravaganza. Musicians and singers from Greendown will kick off the Saturday 15 August show with a 20 minute set and will return in the evening to back American soul legend Sam Moore, of Sam & Dave Hold on, I'm coming fame, in a performance of 'Johnny the Revelator,' a yet to be released track from the new Blues Brothers film. Festival organiser Andy Cotton said he was pleased to give the youngsters exposure with a big star. "There are some really talented kids at the school and they're so enthusiastic about performing."

Also at the pop show will be Alexander O'Neal, Bonnie Tyler and Eurovision winners Katrina & The Waves. The classic night on Friday 14 August sees the return of Jae Alexander and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and overflight by a World War II Spitfire, plus international cellist Julian Lloyd Webber. Classic Country on Sunday 16 August is a new feature. A six hour country music spectacular will be headlined by legend, movie star and ex-Beach Boy Glen Campbell, right, the 'Rhinestone Cowboy' backed by a full orchestra. He will be joined by Rita Coolidge and Adie Gray. From the UK comes The Cheap Seats, Steps and the famous Woolpackers.

Old Town Festival launched The South West's largest free event is now getting close and plans are being made to entertain up to 20,000 people in the streets and parks of Old Town. Many will be dressed in Victorian costume on 11 and 12 July. Some of Swindon's biggest companies have made major contributions to the £10,000 bill needed to stage the event. Arkells Brewery, Burmah Castrol, Nationwide, Wiltshire Sound, CJs Ice Cream, Rymech, Gilberts and the Co-op are all helping out. The Link is designing and selling programme advertising to raise around a fifth of the festival income.

A Midnight Cowboys event

TO JT413ottngbrohe rm

Tickets: £17.50 for each day, £3 for children under us are now on sale at the Link, Oasis and Swindon Tourist Information Centre. Credit card bookings: 01793 878864.

Planes, boats & trains Next month watch out for our annual competition to win tickets to the Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford. But this month... Swindon & Cricklade Railway Society charity rally from lOam on 16andl7 May in aid of Stratton St Margaret Hospital, the Society and charities supported by North Wiltshire Rotary Club. Take a steam engine ride and discover the Society's efforts to rebuild the railway. Admission: £5 adults, £2 child. Family tickets: £12.

(On the Wootton Bassett to Purton Road)

The family pub just 2 miles from West Swindon

The Mayor of Swindon coun Maurice Fanning receives cheques for the festival from corporate backers, from left, Liz Rouse, Burmah Cast rol, HarryLawrence of Gilberts Furnishings, festival coordinators Shirley and Ted Ludford, Emma Bean, National Power, Brian Andrew, festival treasurer, Julie Beesley, Nationwide Building Society

Outside music for Old Town Festival

Beer garden Childrens' play area Freshly prepared home-made food Vegetarian menus Traditional Sunday roast Excellent beers and wines

A date advertised in the April magazine has been put back a week. Young guitar player Chris Butcher from Haydon Wick was to play in the town centre on 25 April to raise money for the Old Town Festival. This date has been delayed until Saturday 2 May. Greendown band Axis and singers from the school will be joining Chris under the tent outside Debenhams from lOam. Axis line-up from left, Dean Fisher, Rees Edmonds, Gemma Whitmarsh, Louis Garrett, Pat Edmonds

National Trail Boat Festival on 22 and 25 May at the Wilts & Berks Canal, Wootton Bassett. Parade of 30 boats, trips on the canal, fair, crafts, classic motorcycles, vintage engines, dog show, hot air balloons. Find out how the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust is restoring the Wessex waterway ring system. The site will be signposted from M4 junction 16. Site admission free, car park and programme £2.

The Link Magazine • May 1998

See us on the net @ www.i-way.co.uk/.-swindonlink

Firefighters show off their skills

Where's the 'bobby on the beat'?

Last month Inspector Paul Longden of Westlea Police Station wrote about the correct use of the 999 system. This month he sheds some light on where the bobby has gone. Hundreds of people visited ate a response time with our con- Westlea fire station on 1 April to I've now been working in the calls that are not emergencies. celebrate the half centenary of the Sometimes, you can get a bet- trol. For example, instead of exNorth and West of Swindon for Wiltshire brigade. over 3 months and I have met many ter service if you agree or negoti- pecting immediate attention from The firefighters put on demona policeman in a patrol car when members of the public who tell me strations of vehicle rescue techchildren are playing in the street how much they appreciate seeing niques and performed several during the summer holidays, you the bobby on the beat. Unfortucould arrange to speak to an area drills. nately they complain that there are beat officer sometime during the Leading fireman Lance Forster with not enough of them. aspiringfirefighter Connor Lynnfrom next few days. However, it's not simple to inYou may find that longer term Nine Elms crease the number of officers on problems are better dealt with by foot control. The public, quite an area officer with a good knowlrightly, place the utmost imporedge of your area. tance on our emergency response Whatever your views on the potimes. They expect immediate licing of North and West Swindon, service, and believe nothing else don't forget that the latest crime will do. figures show that Wiltshire is the So, we are faced with a dilemma: safest county to live in. We shall providing a first class 999 service continue to do our best for you and or levels of foot patrol that the keep Wiltshire safe. Bike bourne officer covering public would also like. Officers at Westlea Police StaRod bourne, Cheney Manor & You can help us to get more tion can be contacted on 528111. Hreod Parkway PC Bob Tatum officers on foot by reducing the

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The Link Magazine. May 1998

Picture wins a prize Hannah Tielemans, 7, from Grange Park was presented with a colouring set by head butcher Dale Ballard at Tesco, Ocotal Way, after her sheep collage was chosen as the winner in a recent competition. Sizzle for Scope

Young cooks compete Secondary school students are putting the finishing touches to original recipes for the Swindon Young Cooks competition. Entries considered practical, fla- put their ideas into practice for a voursome, nutritionally balanced panel of judges. The competition is designed to and make use of local produce will be selected for a grand cook off at encourage young people to experiSwindon College when students ment in the kitchen.

The charity which supports peoYoung Cooks organiser Sheila Parsons with year 10 students from Bradon ple with cerebral palsy, is appealForest year 10 students,from left, Andrew Hoefling, Erin Richardson, Lewis ing to people to organise sponLamb, Jo Bridgeman, Katie Colbert, Paul Walter, Jamie McPherson sored barbeques in Scope Week 1 to 7 June. Help make the week a sizzling success by calling 0500 575 222 for a free barbeque pack.

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The Link Magazine • May 1998

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Cheap bikes can be a poor bargain The Bike Doctor Phil Mitchell, now in his seventh year of cycle repair and sales, has become very concerned about the number of cheap make cycles being offered for sale and wants to warn people to be careful about buying a new mountain bikes unless it is a well known make. "1 have many calls for repairs on cycles that have only recently been purchased because the components used are not up to the job. Make sure you are getting a real bargain, not cheap quality," says Phil, who lives in Shaw. "It it may be better to repair a old bike, rather than buying a new one." Phil also sells new and used cycles, plus slightly marked new brand name bikes at up to 50% off normal list prices. The Bike Doctor specialises in going to the customer at home or work, at hours to suit the customer. He will pick up and deliver without any extra charge, and will also provide home demonstrations of the cycles he sells. For honest advice and free estimates on repairs and sales, call Phil Mitchell on 874873 daytime or evenings.

Safe place for learner drivers Driving a car is a dangerous activity at the best of times, yet there are few opportunities for learners to get accustomed to driving in a safe place before being allowed out on the public roads. Fieldtrack have come up with the answer with monthly under 17s learner sessions. Every month they lay out a three and half mile course around Wroughton airfield especially for learners accompanied by parents or instructors. The route is one-way only and the maximum speed limit is 30mph. There is also an optional short two way stretch, and speed on the main runway is 60mph. Fieldtrack director Mary Boyle said that many parents are anxRachel Wood from Grange Park with her mother Elizabeth at one of Fieldt rack's learner sessions

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The Link Magazine' May 1998

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Debate to address age issue The number of older people in society is growing with profound effects on family life and the services they will need. A millenium Debate of the Age secondary schools. "We want to sponsored by Age Concern has involve younger people in discussbeen launched to look at the issues ing the issues which will affect and intends to reach 80% of the them as they get older in the next population over the next two years. century. "We are also organising a reAge Concern Swindon director Jo Osorio said the local focus was a gional conference about how we project sponsored by Raychem all will have to meet the cost of an which will take the debate into aging society." Local launch of the millennim Debate of the Age on 27 March, by Pensions Minister John Denham, front right, with Age Concern Swindon chairman Mike Brougham. Rear, Swindon South MP Julia Drown, Marion Myers from Age Concern England, Janet Roe of the Debate of the Age campaign, Margaret Rutherford, Age Concern benefits advice worker, Derek Benfield, Swindon Borough Council deputy leader, Jo Osorio, Age Concern Swindon director, Audrey Wood, volunteer.

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The Link Magazine • May 1998

Grans give extra dimension to group Ten years ago this summer an advertisement appeared in The Link. The Oliver Tomkins pre-school in Toothill was looking for older people to be grandparents to the children. Judy Sturgess, 59, from Toothill and Gwen Adams, 77, from Shaw came forward to help out, and they are still there. Judy joined the preschool staff eight years ago and is now assistant supervisor, but Gwen, known as Granny Gwen, has continued as a volunteer. "My husband had recently died when I saw the advertisement in The Link, and I was looking for something to do," said Gwen, who helps on three mornings a week. "1 love being with the children. A recent Ofsted inspection reports that Toothill's Oliver Tomkins Many don't see their own grandPre-School is a good playgroup offering a balanced educational parents because they live far away. "The children see me and Judy programme in a welcoming, secure and stimulating environment. The programmes for personal Supervisor Barbara Pechard said Gwen and Judy with Kyran Scott, and social development, math- the report showed that pre-schools Francesca Rudkin and Samuel Hale ematics, language and literacy, knowledge and understanding of the world and creative development are good. Some weakness was found in arrangements for physical development. Good behaviour and the lively buzz of conversation as the children talk about their activities was particularly noted. Staff relationships with children was also identified as a strong point, as is the partnership with parents and carers.

are of vital importance to a child's early years development. "Since the Government changed its policy to allow four year olds into school, hundreds of playgroups have closed and many risk closure. Yet the ratio of adults to children in a pre-school compared to a nursery class is much higher." Oliver Tomkins Pre-School is open every morning and afternoon during the week. For more information on places, Barbara Pechard can be contacted on 877299.

differently. They come over to tell us their news and have a friendly cuddle." Judy Sturgess who is sometimes known as the Dragon for her kind but no nonsense approach said the children often take more notice of older people. "1 would say the pre-school is good at preparing children for school and I think they are missing out on important learning experience through play by going into a classroom too early."

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The Link Magazine • May 1998

CL Reclaimed Timber & building materials

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GARDENING ACCESSORIES Tools, Pots, etc. NOW ARRIVING at MBROS

The Great Western Community Forest will have its own interpretation centre when the Lydiard Park visitor centre is relaunched on 24 May. The cafe has been moved to another location to create a large, flexible space for displays and information about wildlife and the environment in and around Swindon. Senior Countryside Ranger Steve Clarke said the said the centre is not just about Lydiard Park any longer. "We're creating a place where we can interpret the wider countryside and show visitors where the Great Western Community Forest actually is and how people can gain access to it. There will be information about plant and wildlife, and the range of activities going on in the forest. Displays will change with the seasons and visitors will be able to talk to countryside rangers and volunteer helpers." The centre will also have an environmental games area for children, continuous audio visual shows and features two new pieces of artwork, a three dimensional

mobile which mimics the famous stained glass window in Lydiard House, and a new stained glass window by local artist Martyn Stanton-Harris. The rangers getting the new Great Western Community Forest centre ready: from left, Steve Clarke, Mike Newton, Darryl Cox

Plastics no more Swindon Council has had to end a plastic bottle recycling trial at Sainsburys because increasing collection costs and decreasing prices for collected materials have made the project uneconomical. Other options have been researched but no viable alternative has been found. Recycling Officer Sean Spencer-Wort would like to thank all those who so enthusiastically donated plastic bottles.

Water workers get wet in community clean up Employees from the Thames Water Customer Centre in Swindon donned their wellies and pulled on their gloves to clean up the brook running through Westlea on 8 April.

THE BARGAIN STORE WITH A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Footwear, kitchenware, household goods, gift sets, exquisite ornaments, picture frames, mirrors, DIY tools, radio cassettes, watches, stationery, electrical appliances, radios, calculators, disposable tableware, wide selection of toys, scented candles, V(/ cards Watch Battery fitting 'and paper service only £2.50 MBROS, 79-83 Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, Swindon

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Thames Water st aff with some of the rubbish collected in the stream at Westlea

People living closeby have complained for some time about the smell from the stream and Freshbrook councillor Phil Rashid asked Thames Water community partner Cheryl Pickles to see if a group of volunteers would undertake a clear out project. Old shoes, plastic bottles and cans, car exhausts and supermarket trolleys were hauled out by the 15 members of staff as part of a team building exercise dedicated to the Keep Britain Tidy campaign. By the end of the day a skip was filled with the rubbish collected.

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The Link Magazine • May 1998

WEDDINGS PORTRAITS COMMERCIA

Receptionists urgently needed

Mediation service helps families make sense of divorce

The Relate Centre in Swindon see over 1,000 people each year. Many require evening appointments. In order to provide this service Relate need volunteer receptionists. If you have 2 hours you can offer on a regular or variable evening, please ring the office on 527664 for further information.

The Swindon Family Mediation Service has a new service manager, Wendy Hall, working alongside practice manager/supervisor, Karen Taylor. The Service was set up in 1981 by a group of professionals working SWINDON with children because they were I.., 'JIt increasingly worried about the MEDIA iu', SERVICE damaging effects of divorce on children, writes Wendy, right. This remains our concern today as we work with parents so that they can do the very best for their children during and after separation and divorce. Each year we see more than a hundred families from the Swindon area. Parents worry about who the children will live with, how the children will see the parent they are not living with, and how everyone will cope with that. What to do about the house and how to sort out money matters can be a big worry. We also don't tell people what Quite often the parents have started to work things out but have they should do: parents know their got stuck because they cannot children better than anyone else agree. This is awful for them and and, with help, can do the best for for the children because the argu- them in these difficult circumments go on and on and get worse. stances. We are not there to give Mediation is a good way of help- legal advice but we do have a great ing parents seeing a way through, deal of experience and informaor to avoid getting into that situation which we can share. The Family Mediation Service tion in the first place. We don't take sides: this would can be found at 37A Regent Street, not help the family because it's Swindon, just above the Informaeasy to find somebody to agree tion Centre. To contact them telwith you and just as easy to find ephone 527285, Monday to Friday somebody who takes the other 9am to 4pm. The service is confiside; parents need help to find so- dential, friendly, informal and affordable to all. lutions not extra supporters.

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For more information, contact the Swindon Baha'is Community on 01793 421615 or 01793 872853

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH Live with integrity Love wholeheartedly Trust God in all things SUNDAYS I0.40AM AT THE LINK CENTRE (Community Suite)

& P(NEHURST PEOPLE'S CENTRE All ages of children & teens cared for Information: Call Brian on 849731 In association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

Charity teddy bear maker Ruth Richmond from Toothill was delighted by the response to her appeal in the April Link. The busy knitter has made over 50 teddies and was rapidly running out of stuffing and wool so that she can keep up production. "I was so pleased with the help from readers," said Ruth. "I have lots of wool now, but please keep sending me stuffing material polyster fibre filling from duvets and pillows is ideal." The teddies are made to a simple pattern and are sent to children in troubled countries. If you have old pillows or a duvet to be replaced, call Ruth on 541077.

Freshbrook Evangelical Church Worsley Road

Will give YOU a warm welcome Sunday lOam Family Praise with children's Covenanter Movement & creche 6.30pm Evening Worship and Communion For details of mid-week meetings, house groups and other activities, telephone the Church Office, Tel: 873050

OCAL CHURCHES All Saints' Lydiard Millicent - 10:30am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor)

Holy Trinity Shaw - 10:30am RevdAndrewHelherington: 770568 (the Church is at Shaw Village Centre)

St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze - 9:00am, 10:30am Revd Ann Mackenzie: 870244

Toothill Church - 10:45am Revd Jan Partridge: 534992 (also Free Church minister for the parish)

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 Ba,t. i r . ,p.• to ,'.. :

Ukraine appeal by local worker A church worker has returned to his home in Toothill with an appeal for cash to help needy families in the Ukraine. Tim Bath has visited eastern Europe five times on aid and comfort trips with the Glasgow based organisation Messianic Servant Ministries. In March he spent two weeks in a cut off area in southern Ukraine, close to the border with Hungary where he found great poverty amongst the families and in the orphanages he visited. He will be making another trip in the summer and says cash donations are the best way to help. "Hungary is becoming prosperous, in contrast to the Ukraine, which means it is better to buy foodstuffs and essential goods there and take it over the border," said Tim. "We don't have to organise and pay for transport from the UK and sort out all the red tape involved. Tim is available to speak and show a video to local groups willing to help. For more information, call him on 613219.

Chinese date The charity Hope Now will benefit from another ball being organised at the Chinese Experience on 1 May. Last year's event raised £10,000 which paid for a playground at an orphanage in the Cherkassy region of the Ukraine. For information on tickets, call Bill Allen on 700180.

The Link Magazine • May 1998

See us on the net @ www.i-way.co.ukl--swindonhink

A personalised wedding service A new service has been launched for couples getting married in the Swindon area. RSVP, a personalised wedding stationery agency, offers couples the luxury of selecting their stationery in the comfort of their own home.

Sue Bristow, RSVP manager pictured left, says, "arranging your wedding can be one of the most stressful times of your life. By offering a personal service, we hope to ease some of our customer's burden, by giving them time to choose the right stationery for their wedding. "We happily deliver our catalogues to the customer's home, leave them for a few days, and then arrange to collect their order when they have chosen the style that suits them." RSVP have a wide range of stationery designs, from traditional to a much more modern style, which encompasses everything from invitations, order-of-service and thank you cards, to serviettes, favours and placecards. To find out more, you can phone RSVP on (01793) 881218

Jensons for Wedding Hire. FREE CAR PARK www.xlnt.co.uk/jensons a,

FORMAL WEAR

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ACCOUNTANCY Business start ups Book-keeping Annual accounts Self assessment tax Short & long term assistance & projects

GRA Accountancy Services Free initial meeting Tel/fax: 01793 871790 Mobile: 0468 068 770

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GUARANTEED REPAIRS...

WASHCAR E

SERVICING & REPAIRS BY HOOVER TRAINED ENGINEER Repairs to most makes of: / Washing Machines / Dryers / Dishwashers / Microwaves / Vacuum Cleaners John Phillips Servicing 25 years experience All work guaranteed No VAT to pay

01793 - 643785

Tel: 526656 or 827804

Same day, local service wherever possible Washing Machines Tumble Driers Twin Tubs, etc. I.S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Service Spares Repairs

DECORATOR

CHIROPODIST

HEEL or LEG PAIN?

PECORATORS

CAR AUDIO SERVICES

HELP IS AT HAND

Repair and service to all makes of car radios and cassettes de-code service available

Book your appointment with Martin Drew MBcHA, MSSch Children's verruca surgery open. All other aspects of foot care V. catered for.

Tel: (0 1793) 480544 Mob: 0374 935344 Unit 2,Axis Trading Estate, Westmead, Swindon

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

'444et1 Eëeazca1 Sewcx4 YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT From a 13 amp fuse, cleaner bag or consumer unit to fridges, freezers or vacuum cleaners , we offer a fast, efficient and personal service.

Only 5 minutes from West Swindon Ample free parking

Call FREE anytime on .. 0800 7316879

7 Is

Home visit service or come to " our modem town centre surgery

FINANCIAL SERVICES • Fixed Rate • Discounted Rate • Cash Back (subject to status)

THE ANDREWS PARTNERSHIP Independent Mortgage Brokers

Tel: 01793 - 642245 or 07771 - 627982 Your home is at risk 9 you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loans secured on it

SUNBED HIRE

TV REPAIRS

Fast tanning canopies -with or without facial boosters Doubles also available Free installation & local delivery

Tel: Swindon 421665 anytime (Mobile 0378 - 641052)

Interior & exterior painting and decorating Ceramic tiling Coving. Dado rails No job too big

or too small Free estimates

and friendly service

GAS REPAIRS

MORTGAGES

11 The Arcade, High Street Wootton Bassett Tel: 01793 854378

Deb's Sun beds Home Rental

Tel: 01793 701394

LPG & Natural Gas Services Boilers Fires & fire places • Cookers • Boiler changes • Also riverboat appliances, installation and servicing • Aga, Rayburn specialist

CARE: Dennis Brown Gas Engineer 29 Meares Drive Shaw, Swindon Home tel:

01793 874742 Sponsor to Wroughton Shotokan Karate Club

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Local Authority Approvals Independent Advice n Kitchen Design OD Domestic Extensions & Alterations a speciality e Personal Service

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DECORATOR Professional painter, decorator & ceramic tiler All interior and exterior work undertaken For free estimates

call Paul on Tel: 01793 823609 or 771628

MAINTENANCE PETE'S MULTIFIX Call the man that can

for all your painting & decorating, glazed tiling,kitchen fitting, carpentry, coving, property maintenance Tel: 01793 877859 or 0836 799614

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GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE

Bradon Forest School Class of '88

Letters to The Link BURGLAR ALARMS

Force heavy traffic off Whitehill Way From Mark Woolf, Bainbridge Close, Grange Park. mark@m-twoolfdemon.co.uk

cjwdn

Domestic & Commercial Alarm Systems

Free phone 0800 9807700 24 hours 49 Cricklade Rd. Gorse Hill, Swindon

SSAIB

sEctarry

BOARD 1,4 5. WILIA

In response to an article in the April Link concerning the proposed pelican crossing on Whitehill Way between Link Centre and Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, I agree that it would be a very good idea. However, isn't prevention better than cure? The problem is the traffic that uses Whitehill Way as a short cut to and from the M4. The majority of vehicles are HGV's going to orfmm ASDA, Safeway or Renault, and trucks going to the proposed park at Shaw tip. If they were forced to use Great

DRIVER TRAINING TI RI JJi1K to Is Ltd.

Western Way the volume of traffic would be reduced, also cutting the risk of any further accidents. Recently, because Whitehill Way was blocked with commuters etc. going towards the motorway,! followed a 40 foot articulated lorry owned by Broadleaze Transport taking a short cut into Freshbrook along Rowton Heath Way, back onto Whitehill Way and then through Windmill Hill Business Park to get ahead of the traffic. This was totally unacceptable and dangerous.

Reunion Could all ex-pupils please contact Martin: 829553, Cilla: 513324, John: 770574, or fax: 772666

Embroiderers' Guild The Swindon & North Wilts Branch of the Embroiderers' Guild are meeting on Monday 11 May at Churchfields School from 730pm to 930pm. Pat Savoury will give a talk about lace. Everyone welcome admission £3. Call Maggie Harris on 720097 for more details.

MASTERFIT

Computerised theory training makes learning easier and more ENJOYABLE! Awarded Top Three - Times supplement training awards for 1997 Covers the full DSA Syllabus Start before your 17th Birthday Used by many local driving schools Full 8-10 hours of supervised training that could cost less than a driving lesson

what Vauxhall MasterFit have done to service prices

To find out more,

At MasterFit, all prices quoted include the cost of fitting and VAT. So whether you just turn up or book in advance, MasterFit's well worth looking into.

Call us FREE 0800 146 455

PHYSIOTHERAPY Wootton Bassett Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Mrs Lesley Catling MCSP,

OPENING HOURS: Mon-Fri: 8.00am -600pm

Chartered Physiotherapist

Sat: 8.00am-6.00pm

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Skurrays —S

AnKa pm-1-1—darc (or all Sealer peleol engmcd models rcgntnl,on prefix C Retail Saks only H--if you, MRS l a d,exel. 16.uahc or rcgis,,auon prefix IlL. pirate us loran ineln,isef,t,edpnceCacaler prices fcalurrdarrloralllls-aluepclrnleng,ncdseh,cicx1982-1996 Relailsalesonly. FloncexerilynurCaval,er,sadie,eI,4u4. 6-saInt. V6 or ,u,bo please contact us for an ,flclunicc fitted m, Site, pd-, lealu,ed ate (or Al petrol engined (loran (excluding 1.6 engInes). Retail (alex ttnJy Hoseecertlynursnea,sad,esc)orhasa l6priro1enginr.pleasecontaciun loranincloniucfihlrdprtcemescnffernan, -lid unIil Midi dpnl 1998

The Link Magazine. May 1998

clay the , Piano earn to Sing Phone Swindon 695235 for further information

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LL1L For Sale

For Sale

Boys bike, 12" Raleigh Animal with Ring, ladies, gold, five diamonds, as Secondary glazing units in various Surround sound Yamaha DSP E200 new, suitable eternity, engagement or sizes to suit windows in Bradley type pro-logic processor for use with hi fi stabilisers, £25. Tel: 874451 house, £20 each. Tel: 872833 system, cost £350, boxed, as new, barBoys blue Raleigh bike, 5 gears, suit dress, £150 ono. Tel: 0441 174112 ages 6-8, 1 yr old, vgc, £50. Glass top Cream lace wedding dress & veil, and 120 base Donzelli accordian, £75. New gain, £100. Tel: 882868 stereo unit, black sides, radio, 2 tape hand made head dress, never worn. stainless steel sink with fittings, £10. Bike carrier fits most hatch back cars, New gas camping stove with grill, £15. takes two bikes, quick and easy to fit, decks & record player, £20. Tel: £150. Tel: 524801 £15. Tel: 876056 881707 Scout trousers, 34/36 waist: £5. 26 Tel: 421716 Boys bike, Raleigh Mega Extreme, 21 waist: £5. 34 waist: £10. Scout belt Morphy Richards salon style free Cycle carrier/roof rack takes 2 bikes, speed, suit age 8-12 yrs, exc cond, £2.50, Scout shirt 13 neck, £5. Tel: standing sit under hairdryer, folds away, lockable, fits most cars with roof guteasy storage, 4 heat settings, boxed, ters, excel cond, £30. Tel: 874501 529476 £50. Tel: 705259 Boys Raleigh Scorpion bike, 6-10 yrs, Two seater settee and one armchair, new condition, suitable for mobile hairWanted 20" wheel, £30. Girls Raleigh Calypso dark cotton, as new, little used, £250. dresser. Tel: 487766 bike, 6-10 yrs, 20" wheel, £30, both TV wall bracket, swivel platform, white, Brother knitting machine, 836, as Dark oak blanket box, must be in good £10. tel: 874131 new, table, extras, punch cards, books, condition, reasonable price. Tel: vgc. Tel: 876067 790182 Child carrier for adult bike, suit child Ekco electric hostess server, table yarn, £80. Tel: 613495 Camera case, hard type, holds 2 cam- Haynes manual for Ford Fiesta 1.1 6 months - 4 years, vgc, £12. Tel: model, still boxed, £40. Tel: 728440 538245 Cooker, top gas, oven electric, dark eras lens etc, exc cond, £5. Tel: mark 2 1984. Tel: 728440 Chinchilla cage. Tel: 01225 555536 Outdoor Early Learning climbing sys- brown in good working condition, £75 874501 tem, frame, ladder extension, slide, (new over £450). Double bed head Rowing machine, good cond, £15. (day) platform, tent and firemans pole, good board, 4' 6", good cond, red, £5 ono. Tel: 874673 Lost Tel: 611686 condition, £80. Tel: 520094 Black & Decker GB200 12" clylinder Girl's red jumper with teddy bear face Silver Cross pram/pushchair checked/ Gas cooker New World Chorus II' only mower with grass box, £30. Tel: motif on front. Mislaid in Lydiard Park green, from birth used for 5 months, 3 months old, electronic ignition, eye 524194 on the afternoon of Sat 28 March. To level grill, £180. Tel: 721408 £75 ono. Tel: 887952 Technic stereo system, tuner, turnta- return it please call 876056 Dolls pushchair as new, £5. Tomy White wall unit, H 177cm, W 160cm, ble, amp, in glass cabinet, £60 ono. activity castle (sort, build, hammer), includes cupboards, drawers, drinks Tel: 705411 Services boxed as new, suit 18 months +. £8. cabinet, good cond, buyer collects, Keyboard, Yamaha PSR 100 plus Home help & care assistant. Cook£20. Tel: 721812 Tel: 882868 adaptor, £30 ono. tel: 0441 174112 ing ironing, shopping, transport and Bebecar pushchair with carrycot, sun- Kitchen chairs, two, good cond, £15 DJ equipment, 2 x DJP 120, turnta- personal care for disabled and elderly. shade, good cond, £55. Sofabed, fold- pair. Tel: 524194 bles, Gemini PMX 18 mixer, head- £4.50 per hourly rate. Tel: 875665 out, £35. Patio doors, uPvc, brown, Bath side panel, white, 67" long, 20" phones and all leads, £200. tel: Services 6ft sliding, new, £150. Tel: 877472 wide, as new, £10. Tel: 524194 881557 Early Learning climbing frame with Vacuum cleaner, AEG cylinder type, Alba music centre, twin cassette, dig- 50p per word. Cheques to West Swindon Publications. Use form below platform, £30. Boys Raleigh bike, age spare bags, exc cond, £35. tel: 874501 ital compact disc, £40. Tel: 874990 5 to 8 yrs, £15. Tel: 872541 Wall unit, drinks cabinet, 26" display -1 Mothercare 3 position reversible pram cabinet, 3 drawers, storage cupboard, and lie-back pushchair, navy & white vgc, £75. Tel: 870571 stripes, large under basket, matching MFI grey curtains, 90"x72", exc cond, Return this form to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon cover, easy to wash, very good condi- £20. Black ash video unit, £20. Black by 14th of the month. Entries are subject to available space and are tion, £55 ono. Tel: 870331 tubular display unit, £20. White 3 published on a first come first served basis. Baby toys, all as new, some boxed, drawer bedside chest, £10. Tel: £8 the lot. Walk through stair gate, as 875382 new, £10. Tel: 882868 Denby dinner service, oddments, Climbing frame with platform, old but memories pattern, vgc, £10. Tel: sturdy! £35. Tel: 870729 878553 Cosatto cot, white, engraved design, Two seater sofa and easy chair, cream drop side, lower and higher position, colour, removable covers, good condiexc condition, £55 ono. Tel: 887269 tion, £150 ono. Tel: 872426 Scaletrix, good condition, 2 Fiesta Twin wardrobe with matching centre XR2s, track length 4m with bridge. 2 dressing table, colour cream, overall Tel: child typist chairs, £4 each. Tel: 873295 W 8'H 62". vgc, £80 ono. Tel: 433598 Heated rollers, Carmen, 20, tested, Rug, 230cm x 170cm, all wool, patName & Address (not for publication) good working order, £10. Tel: 722335 terned in terracota and beige with Ladies white pleated skirt, new, Marks fringe, £30. Tel: 871961 and Spencer, size 18, length 28", £7. Small old pine dresser, 3' wide, £140. El Tick if you do not want your ad to appear on the swindonlink internet web site Tel: 873450 Tel: 772062 L J

Free Private For Sale & Wanted ads.

See us on the net @ www.i-way.co.uk/--swindonhink

The Link Magazine • May 1998

College set -for world expansion via the web

ROTTEN WOOD?

With some 40,000 full and part time students on its books, Swindon College is in a strong position to PEELING PAINT survive the predicted rationalistation of further education colleges and is set to expand the range of courses it offers locally and further afield. DRIPPING GUTTERS? •That is the bullish message from education for Swindon people. rise to well over 600 in the next new principal Dr Stephen Griffiths, There are 300 undergraduates at, three years." who was appointed to succeed the the College and this number will The number of staff will expand late Clive Brain. Maintenance free from the current 1,200, though they In the last five years, under Mr will not necessarily be based in the UPVC fascia boards Brain, the college grew by twotown. cladding & guttering thirds and is now in top five per The College is one of only a few cent for size iBritain Expertly fitted at DIY prices to have developed diverse links "One of the attractions of the ,,and currently runs motor industry post was the possibilities created courses in South Wales, vocational by size,": saidMr riffiths, who training for the Bermuda Govern-, took up his post on 1 April. "The -ment and vocational courses in Government is -committed to exDubai. Work it out for yourself panding education opportunities As a result of a visit to the Swin20' fascia board fitted £ 50 and we are in a good position to don College web site on the inter20' fascia & gutter fitted £115 offer them. net, a partnership has been formed 20' fascia, soffit & gutter £175 "My aim is to provide a onewith Barton College in Australia 20' fascia & soffit £110 stop shop for high quality post 16 to offer degree level courses. (prices correct at time of publication) "We're on the verge of some very exciting developments to offer courses to countries right - round thePacifid- Rim via the internet;" said Mr Griffiths. "I'm also keen on targetting Look out for some interesting Formerly the organiser for western and eastern Europe. The adult education courses in the au Wootton Bassett, Raziya is now tumn once new Swindon College based at Greendown School and organisation of further education area organiser Raziya Sacranie has responsibility for the adult pro- in Britain is streets ahead of contiFor a free quote settles into her job. gramme in West and North Swin- nental countries. With English being the language of commerce, I" don, and Purton. Her role is to develop the exist- think we are well positioned to ing range of courses, the bulk of take up the opportunities prewhich are run at Greendown and sented to us by developing countries." the Hayden Centre. She will investigate new Courses of interest to the local community. She is also iookingfor different venues to attract new students. In her last job she put on successful NURSERY & PRE-PREP courses in painting, reflexology S' and Spanish in a pub. Individual Care "If there's a need and an interIndividual learning at est, I'll organise it," said Raziya. She would welcome comments Prior Park Preparatory School and ideas for new adult education Cricklade, Wiltshire courses. Her Greendown office number is (01793) 871413. For children aged 6 months to 7 years (out of scho and holiday provision 7.45am - 630pm) Please contact Shelagh Hanbury B.Ed (Hons) Rajvindar Kular B.A (Hons) Twenty GCSE students from four Swindon secondary schools spent. TELEPHONE (01793) 752600 two days at the beginning of the Eastr holidays at Hreod Parkway School building up-- their confidence and picking up some powerful brain boosting ideas. Thecourse put on by Lightning S 0 L I C I 1 0 R S Learning used business training Commerce House, 34/35 Commercial Road, Swindon techniques to give the students new ways of- retaining information, planning their revision, coping • A fast efficient fully computerised conveyancing service with stress and focusing effort. Trainer Jon O'Brian in discussion with • Family Law • Wills • Probate - Andrew Williams from Oakfield School was expecting lectures. "It Andrew Williams and David Briggs • Personal Injury Claims was completely different. We did Swindon coordinator Fil Came • Employment Matters puzzles .and games, had - discus- of Quantum Training said the sions about our aims in life, and course aimed to compliment the picked up loads of ideas and tips efforts of school teachers to preTelephone now for a quote: about how to revise. It has been pare students for the GCSEs. "We absQlutely excellent-and has given have given the students different Tel: (01793) 617617 Fax: (01793) 511249 me a lot of confidence." - - - kinds of revision stimulation." -

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