May 2000 Swindon Link

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the positive newsfovice in West and North Swindon and the swindon wide what's on guide \,.

World first success Photographs from the West Swindon schools Shakespeare Festival

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p ages 20 and 21

Enter our short story competition Details on

page 14

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Stepping out in Swindon

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Swindon Visit the out of town tandoori and receive a warm welcome from Mr Ali and his staff Fully licensed restaurant Takeaway service with 10% discount

Three of the 40 singers from Swindon Young Musicians who were selected to sing in the Dome: Isobel Gibbin, Hazel Graham and Connie Garrett

Tel: 01793 770998/770253 Fax: 01793 770998 Sunday lunch: 1 pm - 3.30pm Open: 7 days a week 5.30pm to midnight (incl Bank Holidays)

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See page 31.

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The Link Magazine • May 2000 With teenage pregnancies in Britain the highest in Europe, and Swindon having higher than average levels, a lunch club to support young mums is being relaunched

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Michelle Sutton, now 28, had her first child at 17 when she was in care.

Suddenly taking on adult responsibilities was very hard she says, but being able to join The Grub Club support group at the West Swindon Family and Community Project helped her cope.

They suddenly change Now she wants to o : from being a child to provide support for . an adult and they have `` young mums under no experience of carthe age of 21 by reing for a baby. Their starting a lunch club parents often help that has been closed them, but teenagers for four years. can become cut off The Grub Club ran ' from their friends and for five years in the f early 1990s, but shut feel resentful at losing Mic . j; Sutton with their freedom." for lack of funding. her .t tgstest child Now a grant has been From her experience Sh on, 4, _ Michelle knows that received from the Wiltshire Commuyoung mums require nity Foundation to pay for a free support specific to their age group.

The Grub Club will meet on a creche and Michelle is keen for Thursday lunch time at the family teenagers to join her.

"The Grub Club was a life saver project in Freshbrook where memfor me when my first child was bers will help prepare a meal tosmall," said Michelle, who became gether. They will also suggest who a volunteer with the family project might be invited to discuss issues after the club closed. "I've dreamt which affect young parents, such about restarting the Grub Club for as child care and making benefit a long time and when we applied claims, and also organise social for a grant, the foundation remem- activities and outings. bered me from last time.

If you have a child and are un"It's a shock for girls who get der 21, call the West Swindon Fampregnant, for whatever reason. ily Project on 871303. ,

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine • May 2000

3

The WAL*MART® wish list Since January articles in The Link have exclusively featured the Before plans get too advanced, and bearing in mind that no leisure or coming of US retail giant Wal-Mart to the yet-to-be-built North cultural facilities were identified in the outline plans for the centre, Swindon district centre, under the guise of Asda which they bought The Link asked people living in Abbey Meads and Haydon Wick out last year. what they would like to see there.

Wal-Mart purchased over 200 acres of land in the Haydon III part of the northern development between Lady Lane and Taw Hill. A start on construction of the road netwwork and the 6,000 houses is delayed because Wal-Mart is reexamining the conditions imposed

by Swindon Council planners. It is understood that the company will sell off their housing land and focus attention on the 36 acre district centre site adjacent to Lady Lane and Haydon End Lane.

Haydon III will also have local commercial facilities, open space, primary schools and a secondary school to serve North Swindon.

Friends of the Earth declared in the April Link that they are watching Wal-Mart's moves and could mount a national campaign if the company pursues policies which threaten small businesses in Swindon and the surrounding towns.

Before the planning permission is granted Swindon Council will require the developers to hold an exhibition. But it might be too late.

Once Wal-Mart has decided on a course of action, getting them to signficantly alter their proposals in response to public opinion could be difficult.

The majority of people we spoke to say the facilities for the growing population of North Swindon are totally inadequate.

They welcome more shops, but are concerned at the lack of leisure provision, particularly for young people.

Claire Garrett, 29, from Abbey Meads "I would like to see a supermarket. But the district centre should include a leisure centre with swimming pool and a library. There are not enough facilities within walking distance."

Claire Garrett with her

children, Adam, 1, and Laura, 3

Eddie Bedwell, from Haydon Wick "Swindon is already catered for by 'pile'em high, sell 'em cheap, cost you a lot in the end' type shops.

Houseowners should be concerned that one massive supermarket will create a down market situation and affect house sales and prices.

What is needed here are shops covering regular needs, as well as small coffee shops and some leisure and educational outlets, missing from the current Swindon range."

Helen Prowting, 32, from Abbey Meads "A supermarket, smaller retail shops, restaurants and market stalls would be a good mix. Leisure facilities should include a library, swimming pool and gym. I would like to see specific facilities for teenagers. This development does not cater for young people."

Helen with Joel, 6, Kirby, 4, Neave, 10 months

Kirsty Stratton, 13, from Swan Hill, Haydon Wick I would like to see clothes shops and a youth centre or cafe bar with Internet access. There are no amenities apart from the Haydon Centre.

I would like a swimming pool, gym and tennis courts. There are no facilities for teenagers.

We have nowhere to meet after school or at weekends. There is one park and it is not safe at night, no matter what your age.

Also questioned: Marion Ward, 52, Abbey Meads " We should have a large food store, sports shops, DIY store, clothes and shoe shops and a good newsagent.

We also need a fitness centre, with a pool. A library is important because it would help students who will attend the new secondary school. I think we should have a bingo hall or some type of social club, which the older and younger generation could share, to stop the young gathering in the parks."

Diane Grant, 36, Abbey Meads "I would like to see a supermar ket, clothes shops a large chemist and electrical sup We have two large pliers. We need z barns full of top cinema, librar3 quality furnishing and leisure club fabrics (often more i ^s . including a pool than 50 metres) which There are no are the ends of ranges. enoughshoppin^ Also wallpapers. All are from or leisure facilities leading manufacturers at in the area." greatly reduced prices.

What's your view?

the Link MagaZine Published by West Swindon Publications Papermakers House, Westlea

Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 e: linkmagazine@compuserve.com www.swindonlink.com Roger Ogle General enquiries: Tel: (01793) 872282

Publisher/Editor:

Stories for North Swindon, Haydon Wick, Peatmoor, Shaw Tanya Parkinson

Tel: (01793) 705105 tanyaparkinson@ameads.freeserve.com TO BOOK ADVERTISING: Call Jenni Fowler on (01285) 861254 Booking deadline: 10 April

Editorial copy date for rJune edition: 10 May Published: 27 May Copy for July: 12 June

"The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978.

It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994."

To influence the planning of the district centre, people need to voice opinions now. If you have a viewpoint, call Tanya Parkinson, address left.

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No chance of Link and Oasis centres closing A Swindon Council official has refuted any idea of the town's two major sports and leisure centre's being shut. ' . '=:a Staff at the centres and users '' will have been thrown into uncertainty at Evening Advertiser front page reports in late March tha was a serious proposal.

One of several options in a report to the council s leisure services committee was a suggestion i that the centres could be replaced _ "The publicity given to a negaby one facility.

However this has been put be- tive option does not match the evifore councillors in an annual re- dence, considering the investments view of recreation strategy every we are making in the Oasis and March for the last three years.

Link Centres."

The Oasis is 26 years old and is Head of Recreation Services Rob Whitehouse confirmed that the used by 700,000 people annually. council's recreation provision is A £250,000 gym costing opened reviewed annually and there were at Link Centre in November and no new revelations in the discus- usage is exceedingall expectations. sion about the future of the cen- A new climbing wall has just been tres. installed.

Swindon: urban sprawl or renewal? What's in store?

Following Swindon Council's decision to pursue the development of the Front Garden between Old Town and the M4, the issue of how the town's facilities will cope with an even bigger population is a matter of concern.

The North Wilts & Swindon Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) are holding a public meeting on Wednesday 17 May, 7.30pm at Commonweal School, Old Town where Tony Burton, Assistant director of CPRE (national) and a member of the Government's Urban Task Force will be speak about "Urban Sprawl or Renewal: coping with pressures for new development."

All are invited to attend.

Capture the Front Garden and win a prize

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I

Work has started on the 99th pub for Arkell's brewery which will open at the new St Andrews Ridge village centre later in the year, next to a convenience store and nursery.

Costing nearly £900,000, the in- trade from companies in the area." tenor design will take account of Mr Arkell is offering a bottle of different needs. Managing Direc- champagne to whoever comes up tor, James Arkell says, "although with the chosen name. Suggesthe brewery is primarily concerned tions should be sent to James Arkell with offering residents a cosy, lo- at Arkell's Brewery, Kingsdown, cal atmosphere, we will also be Swindon, SN2 7RU by Monday 8 looking for substantial lunchtime May.

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Spring has sprung, the meadows are at their greenest, flowers and shrubs are in full bloom and the birds and the bees will be doing what comes naturally.

The Swindon Front Garden Action Group is inviting photographers to record this part of town and perhaps win a prize for their entry.

Prints which reflect Swindon's Front Garden in some way will be judged by a panel of five and all entries will be put on display at a venue to be announced.

The rules Prints only, no negatives Black and white or colour - a prize is offered in each class Minimum size 4" x 6", maximum 8" x 10" Location/subject to be written on the reverse, plus name and address of photographer Entries to be posted or delivered to TM King, 33 Bankside, Okus, Swindon SN1 4JZ between 26 and 31 May 2000.

TOOTH ILL

5

After-school club commended as best in Wiltshire Toothill's After School care club, which has been going for thirteen years, was the first to be launched in Swindon and is now the first in the county to receive the new Aiming High Quality Assurance Award made by the Kids Club Network.

Up to thirty five children from Staff collect and escort children several West Swindon primary from Toothill and Oliver Tomkins schools attend sessions at the School to the club daily.

Toothill Farm centre between Club secretary Elaine Johnson 3.30pm and 6.30pm. said everybody involved was ecElaine Johnson, centre front, holds up the Aiming High quality assurance award at Toothill after-school club, with staff from left, Lynn Lewis, Gill McFauld, Colleen Howard, Annette Gage

Toothill School

Spring Fair Saturday 20 May, 1 pm

static. "We presented a huge portGrand draw, side stalls, silent folio of evidence to support our auction, football tournament, application. It is brilliant to be the bouncy castle, refreshments first in Wiltshire to gain the award.

This sends a message to parents `that this is a very well run club with experienced and trained staff.

They can have confidence in the high standard of care that we offer."

She added that the award has been made at level 2 and the club has been recommended for level 3 SELF DRIVE HIRE which has to be considered by an Zlocuc 45r4€ 'eat42 efoocbaruy investigation panel.

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The club holds its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 3 May, 7.30pm at Toothill Farm.

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Village clean-up welcomed A scheme to get rid of graffiti and improve the environment at Toothill village centre was given the thumbs-up by residents who met local councillors, officials and the police at the community centre on 12 and 13 April.

Thirty people attended the evening meeting where graffiti vandalism was a major issue of concern. Swindon Council has allocated £5,000 to clear graffiti from the community centre, cut back trees and shrubs around the centre and improve lighting to make it easier to see and report vandals at work. Local traders will be making a financial contribution so that the area can be tidied up at the same time. Comments were also made about the disrepair of the Toot & Whistle pub.

In response to accusations that the police are not doing enough, Swindon crime and disorder coordinator Miriam Minty said that everybody has to be involved in reclaiming the community from vandals.

She announced that a Toothill Neighbourhood Environment Safety Team (NeST) would be set up in the area in the Autumn.

At the morning meeting a graffiti artist explained the needs of genuine artists for wall space, and accepted that tagging is vandalism.

Community worker Pam Pixton said those attending the meetings were realistic about what can be achieved and agreed that the clean-up proposals were a positive start on improving the village centre.

Charity cyclists make it back Three West Swindon women who took part in a sponsored ride at the end of March would like to thank all their friends, family and colleagues who have helped them raise over £6,000 for the Queen Charlotte's Appeal which aims to develop a new maternity and gynaecological unit at Hammersmith Hospital, London.

Louise Strickland from Toothill said she coped with the 355 kilometre ride across Israel, Jordan and Egypt, as did Christine Todman from Peatmoor and Suzanne King from Shaw. "It was a really enjoyable experience to fundraise and do the trip as an all woman ride. The

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temperatures were tolerable, but the walk up Mount Sinai and the headwind on the final day nearly finished us off."

Suzanne King still needs help to meet her fundraising target and 1 any donations would be welcome. She can be contacted via Louise on 488468.

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FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK

Drugs talk for parents

Meet your PC

Beat officer PC Rob Mortimer, below, is restarting his twice monthly surgeries at Freshbrook community centre as part of the Freshbrook Neighbourhood Safety Team (NeST) initiative.

Lau d at has been the need for more contact spend £5,000 on graffiti removal the end of Octowith the police and PC Mortimer and other improvements at Freshber, in response will be able to discuss crime mat- brook village centre. to the Crime and ; ters face to face on Monday 8 May, • Drugs - see right for action Disorderbill, the 7pm to 8pm and Thursday 25 May, NeST is interested in hearing of 10am to llam.

NeSTworkswith crime and safety concerns in FreshFreshbrook and Other issues raised by NeST: brook and Grange Park.

Grange Park resi• The need to involve young peoIf you /yourgroup/organisation dents to identify pie in community safety issues. wish to attend a meeting, contact both local safety Five discussion sessions are to be Miriam Minty, Crime and Disorconcerns and eforganised to give them a voice. der Co-ordinator on 466510. fective solutions • Graffiti. Swindon Council is to which will improve the quality of life for all in the community.

A major issue raised by NeST

At a recent Neighbourhood Safety Team (NeST) meeting in Freshbrook, concerns about drugs misuse were discussed. As a result Druglink is holding a special drop in session for parents and other people who may be concerned about drugs misuse.

It takes place on Wednesday 17 May, 7pm to 8.30pm at Freshbrook Community Centre. It is an opportunity to find out more about drugs and their affects, and what parents might look out for if they are concerned about their children.

Half a century together

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•• •• • •

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Fifty years ago Ron and Doris Packer from Grange Park enjoyed their honeymoon week in Edinburgh, and it cost them thirteen pound and four shillings (£13.20), the equivalent of three weeks wages.

TheymetwhenRon rationing which was still in force.

Their first night in Ron says he and Doris have a •' was seventeen and the Waverley Hotel had started an auto- good life together. " We've had was made even more _ "" • mobile apprentice- our ups and downs, been pennimagical when the ship and Doris was less and homeless, but have a flood lights on Edinstill at school. They smashing family. We've always burgh Castle were switched on for the knew of each other remembered our marriage vows: through their church for better, for worse, for richer, for first time since the before the war. where they later be- poorer, in sickness and in health."

Doris said their belief in the Ron, 73, and Doris, came Sunday school 71, who moved to g teachers. strength of family has seen them Their courting through. "I feel proud that we've Swindon in 1997 to be near their daughter, enjoyed a fam- lasted six years whilst Ron corn- stuck together. We've always had ily dinner party at the DeVere on pleted his apprenticeship and serv- a supportive family network 15 April and a blessing at All Saints ice with the RAF. It snowed on around us whilst our children were Church, Lydiard Millicent the fol- their wedding day, but all the growing up, and we now have their guests had a good time despite support as we grow older." lowing day.

TRIO COOL KIDS HOLIDAY PLAYSCHEME continues to operate from two conveniently situated sites: Tregoze School, Grange Park and The New College Comments from parents:

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SHAW & ROUGHMOOR

Bass welches on wager

1

The PMH special baby care unit should be £1,000 better off thanks to Bass Brewers and not just £500 says Shaw resident Phil Archer.

Last month he revealed that the brewery had not settled a wager about the use of The Village Inn pub at Shaw village centre, nine months after they agreed to pay it.

The bet was made in mid-1998 when a policy was brought in at the Village Inn which barred children from entering. Phil suggested a bet to Bass director and general manager Stephen Savill that the policy would change before the end of the century. They agreed to pay £500 to a charity of the winner's choice.

In April 1999 Phil claimed he had won as children were again being admitted into the pub at weekends between 12 noon and 5pm. He discovered that Mr Savill had retired but Bass business manager Phil McMahon agreed in June that the bet had been lost and he was 'establishing how best to pay up.'

But nothing happened despite emails and assurances that payment would be made.

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tickets sold for the millennium celebrations at the pub.' A member of

staff at PMH confirmed this was their understanding of how the money was raised.

However Mr McMahon told The Link that the money at the presentation came from the brewery's charities department and was absolutely nothing to do with customers of the pub. "It has always been our intention to settle the bet; as far as we're concerned it has been paid."

Phil Archer commented: "there's obviously confusion as to where this money comes from. I don't believe Bass have settled this matter, and PMH are due a further £500."

He is considering whether to pursue the matter at a higher level within Bass

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cheque for £500 being presented to the PMH special baby care unit. It was described as 'a percentage of the

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Get smiling in Shaw The slogan for this year's National Smile Week campaign, 15 to 21 May, is 'show your teeth you care' and Shaw village dental practice is holding a colouring competition for their child patients.

Book tokens and dental goodies the team at the practice are proare on offer in two age groups, 4 to moting three main points: 7 year olds and 8 to 11 year olds. brush you teeth twice a day with Adult patients who visit the flouride toothpaste practice during smile week will be • cut down on sugary drinks and asked questions in an 'an the spot' snacks quiz. visit your dentist at least once a John and Brigitte Wilkinson and year

Brownies have happy 10th birthday

For quality residential properties in Swindon and the

surrounding countryside 69 Commercial Road, Swindon SN I 5NX

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The 1st and 2nd Shaw Brownies were treated to fun and games from entertainers Razzamatazz as they joined together at their tenth

birthday party on 5 April.

Brown Owls Liz Daryon and Sue Raw, together with helper Emma, 17, who started in the 1st Brownie

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pack organised the party held at

Holy Trinity Church.

Liz said, "Brownies provide a great meeting place for girls aged seven to ten years. We work towards interest badges, have outdoor nature trails, treasure hunts and walks, as well as arts and crafts Brownie leaders with past and present activities and educational visits". members, Sue Raw, Liz Daryon and The 1st pack meet on Wednes- guide helper Debbie Woodland days, 6.30pm in Holy Trinity To join the waiting list call Liz Church, the 2nd on Tuesdays at (1st) on 873446 or Sue on 875438 6pm at Sparcells community hall. (2nd).

For a new style or colour, call in today for a free consultation with our friendly staff 2)ugu4, 4 gauz Sz did Shaw Salon, Shaw Village Centre, Swindon • Tel: 874825

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WESTLEA

Mayor says thanks to mums who lead the world ^WOHtU

YOUR NEAREST CLASS Monday: 6.00pm & 7.3opm St John's Church, Haydon Wick Nicole, 3387813 Tuesday: 9.30am Toothill Community Centre, Dunwich Drive. Jenny, 613423 Thursday: 7.00pm Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Rd. Jenny, 613423 Only £3.25 weekly. £6.95 membership

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Volunteers and staff at Westlea School who helped the award winning Storysacks innovation become a world leader in early years literacy were presented with certificates by the Mayor of Swindon coun Joy Brunt on 10 April.

Coun Brunt said, "it is really is a The idea of combining toys, puz- convention of Storysacks projects zles, simple games and audio tapes from around Britain at Westlea brilliantly simple idea which entogether with the book they are School in 1998. And last year courages parents and children to based on in a cloth bag was thought Storysacks won the European Par- use their imaginations. Storysacks up by former Westlea headteacher ents Association Alquin Award for are a significant contribution to Neil Griffiths in 1994. He con- cross-cultural educational innova- literacy development worldwide.

Neil Griffiths, who now with the vinced a group of mums to help tion, the first time Britain had enBasic Skills Agency, said, "the idea him come up with creative ways in tered the competition.

Storysacks are now used in 70 would never have come so far withwhich parents could bring books alive for their children by acting countries and in every local au- out the creativity of the ladies from out the story using the contents of thority in Britain. There are also Westlea School. Thanks to their projects in hospitals and prisons talents and time, thousands of chilthe sack.

The Princess Royal, patron of where they are used a parent train- dren and parents have benefited by developing a love for books." the Basic Skills Agency, visited a ing aids.

Celebratingcreativity, the Mayor with Neil Griffiths hold the Alquin Award surrounded by parents and staff at Westlea School.

Standingfrom left, VandaAllen, Anne Wong, Susan Axon-Eves, Sarah Morris, Gillian Knox, Marie Kopp, Jenni Rainbow, YvonneAdams, Gwen Metcalfe, Suzanne Seaton, director of Swindon education Mike Lusty.

Sitting, Vanessa Spackman, Anne Onslow, Christine Dams, Judith Blake, Brenda Moody.

On the floor, chair of the education committee Jo Garton and her son Tom

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Registered with the Mortgage Code Register of Intermediaries: No. 5151731 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 222123 Credit broker fees of up to t% on the advance may be charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. Rate applied is 075¼ (5.9% APR) for two years. 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 1.99 % reduction applied to the variable base mortgage rate, currently 7.74%. A life assurance policy may be required.

Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non-smokers, applying for an endowment mortgage of E50,000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 31 July 2000 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £239.58. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96. Total amount payable £144,517 calculated to include valuation fee £1 55. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply hroughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £150,000. The rate applies to loans up to and including 07% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable for two years, after which the then current rate will apply.

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Haydon Wick School children with parish councillors Richard Hailstone, left, Kath Smith, Phillip Eagle, rear left, Luke McEnroe, Louise Ormerod, Joshua McNally; front, Callum Griffin, Sarah Winn, Laurissa Hyner-Anderson

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Pupils from Greenmeadow, Haydonleigh and Haydon Wick schools received decorative mugs thanks to Hayden Wick Parish Council, so that they will remember the arrival of the 21st Century.

Greenmeadow artist Susan Carr, who received a grant from the parish council to work with pupils from the schools to create tapestries for the Millennium Dome, was asked to design the mugs.

They depict four children in the colour of their uniform and the name of the school. On the reverse is the school logo.

Richard Hailstone, Chairman of Haydon Wick Parish Council said, "as part of our millennium project we commissioned the commemorative mugs to give children attending our three primary schools a lasting momento of the year 2000 and their school days."

The tapestries on display in the Millennium Dome on 4 April, Swindon's day

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Greenmeadow and Haydon Wick WI will hold its Annual General Meeting on Monday 8 May at 7.30pm. The meeting, open to members only, will be at the Haydon Centre.

Greek for the day Children at Haydonleigh School had a taste of life in ancient Greece on 7 April after a term learning about life in classical times.

To mark the end of the project staff and pupils dressed up in costume and spent a day studying Greek maths, making broaches and head dresses and taking part in Olympic races and games.

All Greek to them, • In the afternoon the Cornelius & L front, Jes a Price.

Jones theatre company performed Rea, rom left, Rent Homer's Odyssey.

Glenn tdon,' Jonathan Habgood, 11, enKrista en,, thused, "it was a brilliant day."

Jessica Robertson, Classmate Leanne Price added, Mattheui Cannon.

"I really enjoyed the Greek theayou to the parents who put such a tre, it ended a super day."

Teacher Lilian Stevens, said, "we lot of time and effort into the cosall had a great time. A big thank tumes, they were tremendous."

11

NORTH SWINDON (including Abbey Meads, St Andrew's Ridge, Ash Brake, Taw Hill)

Builders accused of vandalism Angry Haydon Wick resident Eddie Bedwell is calling on house developers to clamp down on rogue building contractors who are flouting planning restrictions and damaging the enviroment in their haste to build houses in Abbey Meads as quickly as possible.

Mr Bedwell is not alone in his anger. Sevenfields Conservation Group, the Haydon Development Company and Swindon Council have all received or made complaints about builders working in the area.

Recent examples of problems include: • failing to erect adequate fencing to mark their boundaries and infringing public rights of way • digging up land without permission, including public footpaths • littering the roads with mud and litter from their skips • disregarding the effects of the way they work on the environment and local residents.

• damaging ancient hedgerow, which cannot be repaired • pumping drainage water from sites into Haydon Brook, causing flooding The Hayden Development Company and Swindon Borough Council will act if you see a builder working in an unreasonable way.

Useful numbers: HDC: 700896 Planning issues: Zoe Dixon at Swindon Council, 466226 Highways & landscape maintenance: Samantha Henley or Malcolm Read, 466487 The Link is also interested in incidents. Call Tanya Parkinson on 705105

• In April we referred to Mr Bedwell as a member of Sevenfields Conservation Group. He has asked us to point out that he is not a member.

Caretaker wanted Many local groups are now making full use of the community facilities at Abbey Meads School.

Fitness classes, scout groups, computer courses and NSPCC drop in sessions are all being held there.

A joint management committee made up of the community association, governing body and community groups oversee the running of the facilities. They are currently working hard to promote and extend bookings and are

happy to negotiate rates, particularly for youth groups who want to make use of the astro turf pitches.

Abbey Mead's second primary school - Catherine Wayte School on The committee is currently lookElstree Way - is now only four months away from welcoming its first ing for a reliable person to carry pupils and headteacher Gaye Ching has officially taken up her post. out caretaker duties involving variBuilding works able hours on a Saturday and SunA deputy head are due to be corn- day. The rate is £7 per hour. plus two teachers pleted in July and have been apIf you are interested in booking parents who have the facilities or applying for the pointed and a uniapplied for their position call Rachel Smith 705617, form of navy blur sweatshirt/ cardichild to start at the or call into the school reception. school in Septemgan, white polo her should have shirt and grey or heard if they have black trousers/ .,. a place. skirts has been agreed.

Mrs Ching will A bright logo be available to meet parents at a depicts a country drop-in session on scene synony:• ' ' Wednesday 10 mouswiththesur•' May from 5.30pm rounding farmto 7.30pm, at the land with oak trees in the foreHaydon Wick Parish council offices, ground symbolis• next to the Haydon ing knowledge and strength.

Centre.

Catherine Wayte was the daughFor further information contact ter of a local farmer and founded Mrs Ching via Swindon Council's the first school in Haydon Wick education department at Sandford Street, Swindon. Tel: 463902. over 200 years ago.

New school logo revealed

North Swindon youth need adults to get a club up and running A local venue to act as a weekly meeting place foryoung people living in Abbey Meads has been identified. But it cannot open unless interested adults come forward to help.

The group of people who have week to help get a local youth attended meetings on youth needs group off the ground, call Gillian organised by local beat officer PC Morris on 722427. A formal appliRoger Guy have been told that no cation will be required and approfunding is available from the Swin- priate checks will have to be made.

In the meantime youngsters livdon Council to employ a youth worker for the northern develop- ing on the development are able to ment. But the youth service is able use all the facilities at the Haydon to help train and support a group Centre. A youth disco for 12 to 16 of volunteers to form a youth club. year olds is held every Friday from If you can spare a few hours a 7pm to 10pm. Tickets £1.50.

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12

The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ May 2000

Tigersharks take a trip Members of Swindon's leading swimming club The Tigersharks spent their Easter holidays training and competing in Jersey.

The ten day trip for the 11 to 15 years olds included daily training sessions at the Les Quennevais Centre and taking part in the three day Jersey Tigers Invitation competition.

To get there, the swimmers organised sponsored swims, car boot sales, bonus ball competitions and raffles. Sponsorship was also received from Speedo, ML Integration and Link advertisers Mansfield Begbie Associates.

Club coach Phil Mallard said the trip provided great opportunities to train and compete in a different environment and also build selfconfidence and team spirit.

Taking a break from swimming, the youngsters also went surfing, hiking and cycling, and enjoyed a disco organised by the Jersey hosts.

Tigersharks in the Link Centre pool preparing for the Channel Island jaunt, holding the Winter Moonraker League trophy which they won against all

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine • May 2000 13

Youth take to games Six times national swimming champion and Olympic hopeful Sarah Collings was on hand on 6 April to launch the millennium area youth games for Swindon, Wiltshire and Dorset.

Taking place on Sunday 25 June, young people aged 11 to 16 of all abilities will take part in athletics, hockey, netball, tag rugby, swimming, tennis, basketball and football.

Sponsored by BAA and organised in partnership with Sport England, the events will involve children at schools, clubs, sports cen- Sarah Collings launches the games tre and recreation sites across Swin- with Swindon Council leader Sue don. The winners of the games Bates, left, and event organiser Gladys will go on to the national finals to Barr, with Greendown students, from be held between 17 and 20 August left, Nicky Davey, Steven Brander, in Southampton.

Sarah Tyas, Helen Scarisbrook

Football fest

In need of relaxation?

Ferndale-Rodbourne youth football club is organising a day of fun and football at Ferndale School on Saturday 6 May. The day kicks off at 11am with arena displays such as majorettes and a dog show, a craft fayre, car boot sale, trade stands and fun fair rides.

The football tournaments starts at 12.30pm.

To book a car boot space or trade stall, call Stuart Morgan on 878653.

Craft exhibitors should contact Nikki Brown on 491633.

Proceeds from the event will go towards club funds.

Reflexology or Aromatherapy could be the answer Call Isabel on 01793 720065 Also at Cricklade Osteopath Clinic on 722913 Fully insured. IIHHT qualified. Qualified nurse No men for massage, only for reflexology.

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Joy for Becky as business backs her dream A champion gymnast from Peatmoor has the chance of winning more medals for Britain, thanks to support from a Swindon business.

Now Richard Bull from Haydon Becky Jose,17, was close to quitting her rhythmic gymnast career Wick, who runs Wiltshire Valeting in June because UK Sport had Supplies, has come forward with changed its funding criteria and financial backing for the next two she no longer qualified fora £3,000 years. He was featured on the lottery grant. She won the British June 1999 Link front page after supchampionship in March and is re- porting children's cancer charity garded as one of the best in the CALM on a trip to the magnetic north pole. He said, "I know how tough it is to raise sponsorship and I wanted to help Becky achieve her goals. She has a great future; it's important for Swindon business to help young people showing promise."

Becky said her gloom had turned into joy when Richard offered his support. "I really thought I would have to give up, but the sponsorship will allow me to train for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 and the World Championships. It's great to know I have a future in the sport."

Her immediate aim is to win the European Championships in June.

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New members are invited to join the regular meetings of the Swindon libraries adult reading group held at Central Library, writes Robert Cotterill.

Members talk about books they Beautiful; Reindeer Games. We have read and everyone gets a will soon have our first collection chance to hear about titles they of DVDs which will be priced at £3 may not have encountered and are for week's loan. Watch this space introduced to new authors or dif- for more details.

We are still looking for volunferent interests. It is a good opportunity to broaden your reading teers to help with the exciting chilwhilst making new friends over a dreri s reading game planned for cup of tea or coffee. You will be the summer holidays. The theme made very welcome. For details, is the Olympics and is intended for call Pat or John at the Central Li- three year olds upwards. Volunteers will listen to children talking brary on 463238.

West Swindon Library has an about the books they have read excellent range of videos, for adults and encourage them to gain variand children. Coming soon: The ous rewards along the way.

If you would like to help please Matrix; Ronin; The Siege; The Opposite Of Sex; Star Trek; Life Is call me on 465555 or 463238

BOWER& AILEY

Write a short story for The Link In conjunction with Shirley Ludford from BBC Wiltshire Sound and spanning the Swindon Festival of Literature, The Link magazine is running a story writing competition.

SOLICITORS Cambridge House, 4 College Court Regent Circus, Swindon SN I I PJ

We now run a free legal clinic at The Abbey Meads Medical Centre on Thursday mornings

The challenge: Stories can be on any theme, but should have a Swindon connection Length: no more than 400 words Entrant's names should be enclosed on a separate sheet, not on the sto ry submission. "^.

For advice and assistance on the following:

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Accident and injury compensations (no win, no fee) Family and children House sales, purchases and mortgages Wills and estates Call Jackie on 01793 610466 for an appointment email: Jbehan@bowerandbailey.co.uk

77

Bigger prizes o

The judges: Shirley Ludford, Ma tt Holland, director of the Swindon Festival of Literature and Link publisher Roger Ogle.

The closing date: Entries should be sent to The Link, Papermakers House, Westlea, Swindon SN57BD

by Tuesday 31 May.

n offer Need some help?

The prizes: 1 The first prize will receive three ticketstothe Millennium Dome to

be used this year.

2 Three stories will be chosen i. to be printed in The Link and

ii. broadcast on Shirley's BBC Wiltshire Sound programme 3 The three winners will receive book vouchers worth £40, £30, £20 kindly sponsored by Waterstones Books

Book a place at the Swindon Festival of Literature 'Writing for Pleasure & Profit' workshop on Sunday 7 May,

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Veteran journalist Mike Stares is running the intensive course on how to write and submit news stories, features, a rt icles and reviews for

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Top marks for Little Scholars Staff in Swindon's newest pre-school are celebrating after hearing that it has passed an Ofsted inspection with flying colours.

Little Scholars has been based in The programme for personal and ther qualified or training at NVQ the purpose built room at Abbey social development is noted to be level 3. To find out more call Meads Community School since given a high priority and the in- Pauline Webster on 762037.

September 1999, but opened a year spection team found the language, earlier in the temporary commu- literacy and mathematical proGreendown Playgroup nity centre. gramme strong and well proIt is registered for 53 children moted. The quality of teaching require a Play Assistant and has six staff, plus pre-school and partnership with parents was (NVQ2 or equivalent qualification) coordinator Pauline Webster. also singled out for praise.

Candidates must be available The Ofsted report describes the Mrs Webster, said, "we are deto work five mornings a week pre-school as a secure and happy lighted with the report and pleased For details, contact John Forde, environment with many worth- that the hard work and dedication tel: 01793 873292 while activities. It says that most that the staff put in, not just for children are likely to achieve the Ofsted,buteveryday,hasbeenrecdesirable outcomes in all six areas ogmsed. of learning.

She added that all staff are ei-

r

MONKEY MAYHEM

Little Scholars with Pauline Webster, front left, and Cathy Whitfield, preschool supervisor, and rear Vanessa Utley, Anita Williams

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New pre-pre-school St John's Pre-school in Haydon Wick have started a session for two year olds to give them a gentle introduction to group play.

Toddlers, who do not have to be out of nappies, can join in with painting, gluing and sticking as well as free play.

The sessions run on Fridays at St John's Church, Thames Avenue, from 12.45pm to 2.45pm, and cost £4. To join the waiting list call Bev Badminton Tuesday to Friday, 9.15am to 2.45pm on 07879 623507.

Toddlers take on fire engine Rompers toddler group which meets on Wednesdays, 1pm to 3pm, at the Link Centre raised £246 for group funds by washing down one of the appliances at Westlea fire station.

The children who took part received a lunch box and a book as a reward for their efforts.

Rompers welcomes new parents with under fives. For details, call Ashmoon Carpenter on 877193.

Firefighter Steve Field demonstrates how

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Sidon Learn'IN'g where you live Enrolling now for courses in your area Painting in watercolours, oils, acrylics

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Painting & drawing

Spanish for fun

Upholstery & soft furnishings

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Pottery & clay modelling for beginners

Understanding Horses - Practical

Introduction to the Internet

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Ballroom & Latin American dancing beginners & improvers

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Cake decoration & sugar flowers for beginners Tap Dancing Alexander Technique Feldenkrais Method Calligraphy

Music with Mum or Dad Shiatsu - the next level Healing & self healing Meditation to quieten the mind What's the story? Part 1 & 2 Creative writing Yoga Hatha beginners & improvers

For full details of what courses are at a venue near you call

Freephone 0800 731 2250 ENROL By telephone: Our credit card line is available 8.30am to 4.45pm, Monday to Friday In person:

Call into Customer Services at Regent Circus or North Star Avenue, 9.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Full refunds can only be paid on courses that are cancelled

Other refunds are at the discretion of the College Courses are filled on a `first come - first served basis, so we recommend that you enrol early

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Buck House date for teachers Two West Swindon teachers have been invited to meet the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace on 3 May. The Department for Education and Employment asked for teachers to be nominated who had contributed something special to schools. Three of the five names put forward by Swindon Council's education department were chosen: Tim Noble from Greendown, Karen Winterburn of Tregoze primary school and John Saunders, head of Warnford School, Highworth.

Tim, recovering from coordinating the West Swindon Shakespeare Festival (see centre pages), said the invitation was a complete mystery. "I can only assume my name Tim Noble with actor David Calder and was put forward because of the visiting American teacher Amy Ulen at festival. I'm greatly honoured, but the West Swindon Shakespeare Festival the hard work was done by all the Karen co-directed a production teachers and parents involved with of The Tempest last year and was each production."

Karen was equally also involved in surprised when she reMacbeth at the Shakespeare festival. She visceived her invitation from the Master of the ited primary schools in Queen's Household. "I Australia at the end of last year and ran an abowas taken aback. I've riginal art day on her no idea how they got return. my name. All the Swindon Chief Eduteachers at Tregoze cation Officer Mike work really hard and I will be representing Lusty said, "all our the whole school." teachers work hard in difficult circumstances Karen Winterburn with and we have many staff children at Charlestown in Swindon who enSchool in Australia last hance the education of our children."

December

The Link M

1Veigh-in Work-out Weigh less Follow Rosemary's low-fat eating plan which now includes treats.

Combine this with exercise & watch the pounds and inches disappear!

Classes in West Swindon and Wootton Bassett Contact Wendy on (01793) 877750 new

Steps to Learning is a new and free service to help adults find information about courses and training opportunities

Membership Pack £6.00 Class Fee £4.25 Exercise-only £3.25 (no membership) ,Booking advisabl e

If you would like to see a Learning Advisor, Anna Shantry will be at Abbey Meads Community School for 4 weeks from 3 May on Wednesday mornings between 10. 00am and 12 noon. Drop in to get information and advice

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11I II

Train for the future It is never too late to retrain or change the direction of your career, but it is sometimes difficult to know where to start. One of Swindon's experienced Learning Advisors Anna Shantry, will be offering support and guidance in North Swindon this month.

Anna is based at the Job Centre, but spends a good deal of her time in the community offering information on training, courses and careers.

She will be holding drop-in sessions at Abbey Meads Community School on four Wednesdays from 4 May, 10am to 12noon.

VACANCY Toothill Junior Club (7-11 yrs) Toothill Farm Centre, Bodiam Drive Two playworkers required to provide stimulating play activities for 3 hours on Thursday evenings, including half an hour preparation ti me. £4.80 p/h Closing date: Thursday 11 May For details call Jean Goncalves on 465414

This is a free confidential service open to adults aged 18 and over, in employment or unemployed. Information and advice is available to women returners, ethnic minorities, the disabled or those needing help looking for work, writing CVs or wishing to retrain.

Learning Advisors are keen to develop links in North Swindon.

Anna said, "Abbey Meads is a brand new area, so it's important to work within this community.

We would of course invite people from all areas of Swindon to these sessions."

A time can be arranged at the drop-in to attend an interview for a more detailed discussion or to arrange a group talk. For more information contact Anna on 586142.

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See our Summer 2000 part time brochure

18

LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER Responding to the big issues

PARKING

CENTRAL SWINDON Annual long stay parking only £54.50 per month Contact: Lesley Golsby tel: 616333

y

The Budget is always a major political event and Gordon Brown this year delivered one to reward hard working families, to support the vulnerable and to help business, writes South Swindon MP Julia Drown.

The government continues to I was delighted that it included significant cash boosts for our pub- address the concerns of pensionlic services, particularly for crime ers. The winter fuel payment has reduction and transport, and £1 been increased from £100 to £150 a year - paid to all households where billion for education.

Crucially, there will be a major someone is over 60. Some peninjection into the NHS - an extra £2 sioners have expressed concerns billion funding for this year. The that they are penalised for putting Chancellor also announced that aside some money for their retireyear on year increases for the NHS ment. Therefore the capital limits until2004 will mean that UK health attached to the Minimum Income spending will increase from £1,850 Guarantee have been increased so per household in 1999 to more than that more pensioners will be eligible for this extra help. £2,800 in 2004.

Our ambition is to halve child poverty by the end of the decade on the way to abolishing it within 20 years. The Budget included a £4.35 a week increase in the under 16 child credit of the Working PRICE INCLUDES: • Third party, fire 8 theft insurance ONLY Families Tax Credit from June 2000, ^ • T Basic Training (COT) and in other income-related ben• Ming say security lock • Kiwi Atlas toll face helmet efits from October 2000. This will Orina 1090 gloves ON THE• Weise Vanguard locket make a big difference to families Weise Vanguard trousers on low incomes.

ROAD! • 12 months read tax A problem with Budgets is that it is often difficult to tell what difference the announcements will

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make. It is easy to be so dazzled by the maze of facts and figures that we miss the real impact.

However by 2001, when personal tax and benefit measures from this government's Budgets have come into effect, households will be better off by on average by £460 a year, and families with children £850.

Tax for a single-earner family on average earnings with two children will be the lowest since 1972.

The poorest 75 year olds will have over £950 more in income in April 2001 than in April 1997.

And, 1.2 million children will be lifted out of poverty. I can see the real impact of these measures in Swindon. I recently had the pleasure of opening The Big Adventure after school club at Brook Field School - an initiative supported by the National Childcare Strategy.

To get in touch with me, please write to 39 Victoria Road, Swindon SN1 3AT, or contact my office by phone or textphone on 615444.

36 monthly instalments of £97.51, £40 option tee payable with the last instalment, Total amount payable £3.575.36. APR 20.0%. Subject to status.

Science Museum Wroughton and the White Horse Kite Flyers

Swindon Kite SCIENCE MUSEUM •

•

Festival Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 May 2000 I Oam - 5pm

The I 0th year of this popular family event -

come and marvel at the huge professional kites, bring your own to fly at one of Europe's top kite-flying locations, or make one yourself in the kite workshop.

The Science Museum's three hangars of

treasures from the National collections will also be open, including the Air Transport,

Land Transport and Fire-fighting collections.

Admission: Adults £5, Children and OAPs free The Science Museum Wroughton Wroughton Airfield, Swindon Tel:01793 814466 Fax: 01793 813669 www.sciencemuseum.org .uklwroughton Find us on the A4361 De vizes Road, just off J 16 of the M4

On 30 March Julia Drown presented Open College Network certificates to volunteers at the West Swindon Family Project who completed a ten week counselling skills course run in conjunction with the Swindon WEA women's branch.

Kanak Samant thought the group had gained a lot from the course.

"We've become a lot more aware of people's needs. Many have commented that we now relate to others differently, including our children.

Sue Brewer said, "it changed my whole approach and has given me confidence to talk to people without prejudging them."

Course participants with Julia Drown, front from left, Mina Bhogal, Michelle Sutton. Standing, Debbie Banks, Annette Carol, Julie Byrd, Sue Brewer, project chair Emma Clay, WEA worker Liz Mason, Kanak Samant, Kanak Samant, Sharon Bond

Advice on new benefit rules The West Swindon Family and Community Project provides free, confidential advice on welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment rights and the CSA. Recent changes in the benefits system have increased the time needed to complete forms correctly to avoid delays in receiving payments.

Advice workers are encouraging anybody who needs help to drop into the project at 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook on Monday or Wednesday 10am - 12noon, or Friday 12noon - 2pm.

A session takes place at Holy Trinity Church, Shaw on Wednesdays 10am - 12noon.

19

uklinks4 There's some great resources on the Internet.

But do you know where they are?

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

We do!

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Programmes available from libraries or Swindon Information Centre or visit the festival web site sponsored by The Link

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Picture/photo frames Swindon's Wiltshire Festival is fast gaining a reputation for landing sensational acts. Last year child Prints & mirrors stocked soprano star Charlotte Church took the classical evening by storm, on her way to becoming one of the richest teenagers in Britain. On Saturday 19 August this year, Steps, the Brit Award winners of the 'Best 1 --0 % discount ith is adve L-------------I Live Selling Act' in 1999 will headline the party in Lydiard Park.

———————— Festival organ-

White and soprano Maria Kessellman.

iser Andy Cotton said the booking li ne went wild in early April when the Steps web site announced the

The heaven sent harmonies of special guests London Community Gospel Choir will en-

Swindon booking

trance festival

and GWR radio

goers, whilst a huge fireworks display and lasers will pierce the skies above Swindon.

For thefirsttime, festival supporters who book early will benefit from cheaper tickets: Classical Extravaganza £18 before 31 July (E20 after). Under 9s £5.

Party in the Park £19 before 31 July (E21 after). Under 9s £10.

started to promote the concert.

" We had to call in extra people to work the ticket hotline. Ten per cent of the tickets sold for last year's concert were booked on the first day that GWR started publicity, it was incredible.

"Steps are huge and have chosen us as one of only three festival

appearances this year. We're answering the critics who say we don't attract big acts to the Wiltshire Festival. I'm sure all 20,000 tickets will be sold."

Joining Steps will be The Vengaboys, Fierce and Esensual.

Ex-Spandau ballet hea rt throb Tony

Hadley returns after a massive set at last year's festival.

The Classical Spectacular on Friday 18 August will feature the English National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Jae Alexander, joined by the world renowned bass baritone Willard

3-he

Chinese (Experience

Visit this highly recommended restaurant besides Peatmoor Lagoon. The authentic Chinese pagoda housese the largest hinese restaurant in Britain with an extensive a la carte menu specialisin g in Cantonese, Peking and Szecli--, ^•7r^,^!-

DISCO/KARAOKE NIGHTS with evening meal and disco on 6, 13, 19, 26 May Members £13. Non-Members £17

Tickets are available from Link and Oasis centres, and Swindon Information Centre.

Credit card bookings carry a booking fee and conditions apply to child tickets.

The credit card hotline is open

seven days a week 1 1 am to 9pm: 01285 862858.

The Wiltshire Festival is sponsored by Motorola, GWRfm, Classicfm and NTL, supported by DeVere Hotels, Swindon Council, Newscom and The Linkmagazine.

CASINO NIGHT: 5th MAY £25 per person, inc. 3 course evening meal and a chance to win a mystery prize FREE PARKING

OPEN 7 DAYS

AWEEK

All major credit cards & cheques accepted

CHINESE EXPERIENCE Mead Way, Peatmoor, West Swindon TelePhone 01793 877888 Fax 01793 873883

20

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IMPORTANT DECISIONS REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. Buying, selling or remortgaging?

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"It was great to break away from the national curriculum and extend c what the system demands of them," said one headteacher during the Millennium Shakespeare Festival held in the first two weeks of April.

Sixty-five matinee and evening performances of thirty minutes each were staged at Greendown School by 14 primary schools, three secondary schools, two colleges and two drama groups involving some 1,200 performers.

The festival was one of the British flagship projects selected by the Shakespeare Centre in Stratford which is ' recording hundreds of Shakespeare events world-wide during year 2000.

Speaking at the festival launch on 1 April, Royal Shakespeare Company actor David Calder said he was honoured to be its patron and hugely impressed by the scale of the project.

The brainchild of Greendown teacher Tim Noble, the festival was funded by a lottery Millennium Award, the Shakespeare Centre Trust, Swindon Foundation for the Arts and Swindon Council. Regrettably, despite appeals r^ over the last six months, sponsorship from business in the town has amounted to a miserly £350. .--^ Exhausted from coordinating months of preparation Festival laude and performances, and also acting in a Greendown teachcentre, and Ti ers' production, Tim paid tribute to the teachers who had Erik Burnett-( worked so hard to prepare their pupils. "On top of their and Teresa 0' classroom duties, the teachers put in enormous extra on her final t effort. They have been like Shakespearean actor manag"it was a wor ers - adapting a play, deciding how to stage it, casting a creative an and directing the actors and selling the tickets. Last The festiva October few had done anything like this, let alone can teacher A Shakespeare. tackle 1 second week I

Festival photos can be seen online

www.swindunIink.com All the performances were memorable. Tregoze School used video, dance and their own musicians in an innovative presentation of Macbeth. Robert Le Kyng School put on Pericles as an ensemble with performers dressed in black and speaking the parts as a choir.

Saltway School staged the Merchant of Venice in a traditional manner, but explored the persecution of mlnorities in a very modem way.

The children at Crowdy's Hill School took Julius Caesar into another dimension, discovering new abilities in youngsters with special needs.

Marilyn Brown, headteacher at Abbey Meads School, said, "it has been a brilliant opportunity for children to read texts above their level; learning Love Labour's Lost has enriched their education immensel y " Nicki Moon, joint director of Brook Field School's A Midsummer Night's Dream said, "rehearsals were an extra pressure whilst preparing for an Ofsted inspection but we would not have missed it. The children loved every minute whilst parents have been amazed by their enthusiasm."

Tracy Muir, a Canad ian from Stratford, Ontario

to the s en.cc to tival as i

festival was ^ antes were e. how the Bard Tim hopes "This year wi don. The en that children speare in the i in presenting Several vid and during ti training aids. major proble ing for such a educational overcome.

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MOBILE CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS * Electronic tuning * Welding * Electrical work * MoTs arranged (no re-test fee) For a reliable local service with over 20 years expe rience (No VAT to pay)

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Wednesday 3 May to Saturday 6 May Drama Ring Round the Moon, presented by the Phoenix Players.

Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £4 Friday 5 May and Saturday 6 May Music Kentwood in Concert 2000.

Wyvern, 7.30pm. £7.50 Saturday 6 May Training Calligraphy. Arts Centre, 10am-4pm. £12 Sunday 7 May Music Classic Gilbe rt & Sullivan.

Featuring highlights from their Operas. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £8.50 Wednesday 10 May Drama The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. A poignant and funny story which is now a smash hit film. Wyvern 7.30pm. £8.50 Thursday 11 May Ballet The Sleeping Beauty, presented by the European Ballet.

Wyvern, 7.30pm. £13.50 Drama The Merchant Of Venice presented by Barebones Theatre in association with Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £6.50 Friday 12 May Music Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Kazushi Ono. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £10.50 Saturday 13 May Music Other Beatles. Wyvern, 8pm. £8 Sunday 14 May Music Tenors in Concert. Wyvern, 8pm. £10.50 Monday 15 May Lecture Mike Arlett with slides of the Somerset and Dorset railway.

Old Railway Museum, Faringdon Road, 7.30pm.

Tuesday 16 May Magic Paul Daniels. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £13 Wednesday 17 May to Saturday 20 May Drama Monty Python's Life of Brian presented by Old Town Theatre Co. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £5 Friday 19 May and Saturday 20 May Musical Music Express, performed

by Stage Struck. including songs from Starlight Express, Whistle Down the Wind and Anastasia.

Wyvern, 7.30pm. £7 Friday 19 May to Sunday 21 May Working Weekend Lower Shaw Farm. Free. For details call 771080 Saturday 20 May Training Bookbinding. Arts Centre, 10am-4pm. £15 Sunday 21 May Music Scrumpy and Western Evening, featuring the Wurzels.

Wyvern, 7.30pm. £10 Music Falling in Love Again, with Sian Phillips. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £13.50

Malaysian dancer, Mavin Khoo at the Wyvern on Sunday 28 May

Sunday 21 May Walk the line Discover the old railway link between Old Town and West Swindon. Meet High Street entrance to Lawn. £1.50 Thursday 25 May Music Magic, a tribute to Freddy Mercury and Queen. Wyvern, 8pm. £10

Tel: 01793 616880 Monday to Saturday 12noon to 2pm Special lunches for £4.99 Monday to Thursday 6pm to 11.30pm Three course special for £8.99 Friday to Saturday 6pm - 12midnight

FREE bottle of wine with every food order over £24 (Mon - Thurs evenings) Only applies with this adve rt eating for 120 people. Private car par

May overview Thursday 25 May Music Sarah Jane Morris. Versatile ex-Communards singer performs a range of songs. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £8.50 Friday 26 May and Saturday 27 May Music Dominic Kirwan. Wyvern, 7.45pm. £10 Drama Fever Pitch, Nick Hornby's best seller digs into the mind of an obsessed Arsenal fan. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £9 Friday 26 May to Monday 29 May Music Music and Singing Weekend. Suitable for singers, instrumentalists and music lovers of all standards. Lower Shaw Farm. £95. Call 771080 for details Sunday 28 May Music Warna, Colours of Bharata Natyam. Featuring international Malaysian dancer, Mavin Khoo.

Wyvern, 7.45pm. £12 Wednesday 31 May Training Children's Arts and Cra ft s. Suitable for 8 to 12 year olds. Arts Centre, loam-12.30pm and/or 1.30pm-4pm. £5 per session Swindon Fuchsia & Pelargonium Society Plant Sale Saturday 13 May, 1 Oam-12pm The Western Community Centre, Somerset Road

23

At the Wyvern, 7.45pm Monday 8 May The End of the Affair (18). £3.95 Monday 15 May American Beauty (18). £3.95 Monday 22 May Three Kings (15). £3.95 At the Arts Centre, 7.45pm Tuesday 23 May and Wednesday 24 May The Winslow Boy (U) A family fights to clear the name of

PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO

Find us at

or telephone Ron Goulding

The Barn, 116 High Street

Blunsdon, Swindon

The Straight Story (U) An elderly man travels 300 miles across the US plains on a lawnmower to visit his dying brother. £3.50

01793 - 536668 or 0976 - 965604 Collection/Delivery of large items can be arranged

Alan & Valerie Watkins invite you to join them at

Old Town Reunion

Lounge at the County Ground, organisers are keen to bring people together who remember the old

Clock, Watch & Jewellery sales, servicing & repairs

Penny Farthings Antiques Old Town, Swindon

£3.50 Wednesday 31 May

Saturday 13 May. Taking place at the Winners

SWINDON

A professional service for those treasured items

WEDDINGS PORTRAITS COMMERCIAL"

a naval cadet accused of stealing.

A get together in 1998 of classmates from King William Street School was so successful that a reunion for anybody aged over 50 years who spent their childhood in Old Town is being organised for

CRAFT

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Beer garden. Children welcome

High Street, Lechlade, Gloucestershire GL7 3AE

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days playing in the back alleys between Bath Road and Dixon

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The finest in Cantonese, Sichuan, Peking & South East Asian Cuisine

Menu available on request Fully Licensed

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Street, Ashford Road and Cricklade Street. " We've seen a lot of change in Swindon, but is it for the better?" asks Bob Lewis. "As kids we used

to play marbles and hide and seek in the streets, and roam all over

the area without fear of anybody.

"This is a chance for people to meet up with old friends and talk about the old days."

The cost of a ticket, including a buffet is £13. For details, call Bob on 822953.

Roves Farm prepares for summer The ewes and their lambs are in the fields enjoying the warmer weather.

The lambs have organised their own races around the field and the goats are being trained on the race track. Take a flutter on the billy goats who compete at weekends and during the school holidays in aid of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Sheep shearing will also betaking place at weekends and you can t ry your hand at spinning the wool.

There are two new additions to the happy band of farm pets, George and Smartie, the miniature ponies.

Farmer Rupert Burr says, "There's never a dull moment on a farm, so much to do and not enough hours in the day."

Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon Tel: 01793 763939 www.rovesfarm.co.uk Signed off A420 & A361. 3 miles NE of Swindon,

Wednesday-Sunday and Bank Holidays 11am - 5pm (last admission 4.30pm) TRACTOR &TRAILER RIDES Birds of Prey &ArcheryWed & Fri fro m 5th April Goat Racing & Sheep Shearing at Weekends • Bottle feed & meet all the farm animals • Rural craft demos • Granary Tea Rooms • Bouncy castle and ball pond • Toddlers indoor play area • 7 Nature walks

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24 The Link Magazine • May 2000

14

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LPG & Natural Gas Se rv ices

BLAYLOCKS SWINDON'S FAMILY SHOE SHOP

• Boilers • Fires & fire

Est. 1920

places

Dennis Brown

• Cookers

Gas Engineer

• Boiler changes

29 Meares Drive Shaw, Swindon

• Also riverboat appliances,

Tel: 01793 874742 Mobile: 0468 027860 SponsortoWroughton Shotokan Karate Club

installation &

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servicing

STOCKISTS OF ALL LEADING BRANDS

Aga, Rayburn specialist

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CONTRACTOR

Wootton Bassett Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Mrs Lesley Catling MCSP

Chartered Physiotherapist

Tel: 534271

Sanctuary Housing_ Sheltered accommo for rent for people of retirement age For details, call

Tel: 01 793 848424 Mobile: 0378 553703 60 High Street Wootton Bassett

01793 511333

Fax: 01793 431067 Sanctua ry Housing Association Swindon Area Office 89/91 Cricklade Road Gorse Hill, Swindon SN2 1AB

Following fathers footsteps Old Town shoe retailer Blaylocks has just celebrated their 80th year with a major refit which is sure to entice new customers to their successful family run business.

The shop has traded through three generations. Founded in 1920

by Robert Blaylock who carried out shoe repairs in Gorse Hill, the business moved to Old Town eight years later and was handed down to Arthur Blaylock in 1949. His son David took over in 1974.

As Blaylocks occupies a listed building, external changes are limited, but the family decided to give the premises an internal makeover and continued to trade around building contractors during March and April.

Mr Blaylock wanted to thank customers for their understanding during the refit. "We have brought the shop up to date, by enhancing David Blaylock, left, with Murial the look, but it is still in keeping Hanks, Silenna Brimson, Trevor with the character of the location." Ricketts Blaylocks take pride in their tra- styles and price. ditional personal service and highSpeaking about the completed light this as one of the reasons they work David said, "The refurbished have so many regular customers. shop is a much more pleasant enThere are nine members of staff, vironment for our customers and one of whom is David's 18 year old for our staff to work in. We hope it son Mark. The retailer offers a very will appeal to our regulars and wide range of ladies, men's and encourage new customers to come children's shoes in a variety of and browse."

Awareness raising for retired housing To coincide with a national promotion of housing provision for retired people entitled GOSH - Going Onto Sheltered Housing Swindon's Sanctuary Housing Association is organising two events in Haydon Wick and Wroughton.

On 24 May, 10am, a coffee morn- will provide most of the exhibits. ing, raffle and bring and buy is The aim is to convey a positive being organised in aid of the Pros- message about living in group pect Hospice at Haydon Court, dwellings and promoting what Haydon Court Drive. Donations older people can achieve in retireof items are welcome, please call ment, no matter what health probJune Kennedy on 726472. lems they may suffer from.

On Saturday 27 May, 11am to Some of the exhibits will be for 3pm, an art and craft exhibition sale and monies raised will be dotakes place at Harry Garrett Court, nated to the Wiltshire Air AmbuWillow Walk, Wroughton. People lance. For more information call living in sheltered accommodation Sanctuary Housing on 511333.

Children's Day y

met liv in.. w currentl have Ft a4 j: vn1cancies it Brain Court, Str; non Si_ w Nhirgart i il d ' indmil) Coua , FreshbricxA, ,,°ir on.

1'Ikax^r: cunt act uur Reg ttal O1 hex ` S¼'exleru Region. I0 C1 Pritde y P• Thu r ra #► . W,Itshir:; St tl 1 N

Tel: 0167 2 515622

-l ame Butcher

LJ louiino Association

Keep children safe

The fifth annual NSPCC Childrens Day takes place on 3 May to help raise money for the NSPCC Swindon Centre and Swindon Family Centre.

The theme this year is 'Protect babies from cruelty' to raise awareness of the number of infants who suffer abuse and die.

Office, factory, shop and college staff are asked to come up with ideas to raise money, with raffles, dress down and bad hair days or any other wild and original suggestions.

To find out more and to offer .help, call Jacquie Sheppard on

The North Swindon Family Project is organising a Keep Safe Day on 1 June for children aged 5 to 10 years and their parents.

There will be talks and demonstrations from the police and fire officers, and also representatives from road safety.

Subjects covered will include Stranger Danger, safety in the home and bullying.

There will be a free creche for under 5s.

For details, call Della Drury at the North Swindon Family Project

431308.

on 705810.

The Link Magazine • May 2000

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

PETS AT HOME Worried who will look after your pets whilst you're on holiday?

Pets At Home could be your answer Pets At Home is a service which cares for all your pets (except dogs) in their own home anywhere in the West Swindon area only.

Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on 873062

Why buy expensive pet foods from the shops when Trophy can be on your doorstep with a range of quality petyfoods offering superior nutrition at ver affordable prices.

19 PUT, The complete and healthy diet for EVERY household pet For information and free sample, contact your local agent: Wendy & Roy Rudkin.

Tel: 01793 873021

National Pet Week Saturday 29 April - Sunday 7 May The theme for this year's National Pet Week is 'pets today, pets tomorrow' and has four aims • To promote responsible pet ownership • To raise awareness of working animals • To increase public awareness of services available for pet animals • To make people aware of the benefits of pets to people Giovanna Hartley from Thameswood Small Animal Hospital says, "think before you get a pet and consider your budget and your lifestyle. Make sure you are able to provide for the needs of your chosen pet throughout its life. Consider offering a home to a rescued animal."

She adds that pet owners should be aware of the following: • protect against disease.

Arrange an annual veterinary health examination for your pet dog/cat or rabbit and ensure he/she is vaccinated.

• the cost of pet insurance is relatively low and relieves financial stress should problems arise.

,vet4Z SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive ^"CenrfL West Swindon SN5 9PY A friendly, caring service for you and your pet David Warnes BVSc MRCVS • Stefania Glowka DVM MRCVS Michelle Lindsay BVM&S MRCVS

Consultations by appointment: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.30pm

9.00am - 4.00pm Saturday 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 hours)

LINK DISTRIBUTORS WANTED Burghley Park ; P. Pembroke Park Abbey Meads Woodhall Park e Ab .

Rushey Platt Parts of West Swindon Must be over 13 year old Call Brian Holden on 723745 4

• control your pet - don't let your pet stray, dogs must wear a collar and tag, but both dogs and cats can be microchipped.

• clean up after your pet, scoop the poop.

• neuter your pet - to stop unwanted litters and to help prevent many old age gynaecological problems During the week Thameswood Small Animal Hospital will be holding a number of events. Ring 526780 for details.

25

Planning a holiday,.. but worried about your pets

Don't worry The Pet Adventure team provides a top class professional confidential service within your home that caters for all your pet needs No job to small

Contact 01793 703868

THE DROVE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Abbeymeads Veterinary Surgery For all your pets needs when healthy or III

Swindon

Opening hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 6.30pm Saturday 2pm - 4pm Consulting hours: By appointment Mon - Fri: 11am -12.30pm, 2pm - 4pm; 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Tel: (01793) 728728

Saturday

Unit 5

Abbeymeads Village Centre Elstree Way

Abbeymeads

2 - 4pm

24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE -All Sunday and Emergency consults by appointment at The Drove Veterinary Hospital - Telep hone (01793) 522483

1'

nmeswood Small Animal Hospital

Helping you care more for your pet

National Pet Week Open day Sunday 7 May, 10am - 5pm.

Pet owners are invited to look around the new hospital and take part in raffles, educational talks, stalls, games etc. Advice and information for your pet will be available throughout the day.

Swindon's most modern small animal hospital situated in North West Swindon, with ample parking. Offering high quality surgical and medical care at competitive prices within a caring, friendly and professional environment.

26 The Link Magazine • M ay 2000

Shop for the planet

Busy Book-Keep ng

or the last few months The Link has been following Kristianne Drake, Steve Brown and their son Roan, rom Westlea who have been trying to lead a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. This month we Dok at their shopping habits.

It may not always be obvious, ,ut how we shop can have a real mpact on the environment. An pple from New Zealand for exmple will have travelled 14,000 riles before you eat it, causing elatively high levels of transport p ollution. The environmental imact from an apple grown in an rchard down the road is a lot less.

And purchasing locally proluced goods has other benefits. )ften, less packaging is needed nd, of course, each penny spent elps support the local economy.

So what have the Action at Home smily been up to? Firstly they ave looked at the simple things

Start the new millennium by letting an experienced book-keeper take the strain from you.

Book-keeping, VAT returns, tax returns done at competitive rates Also familiar with the new CIS legislation & administration

Contact Lyne tt e on 01793 705997

PHILIP STONE

PAINTER & DECORATOR

hey can do that do not cost

nthing, like making a shopping st which helps them buy exactly chat they need. To reduce waste Zey re-use plastic bags, rather than icking up new ones at the checkuts. They also avoid over packged products and choose loose uit and vegetables.

To reduce pollution the family lake just one shopping trip a week y car. They coincide this with a isit to the recycling banks and, if iey need to buy odd bits throughut the week, they walk to West

For a high standard of work References available Telephone now for a FREE ESTIMATE

Tel: 870515 or Mobile 0374 - 208527

SUPERGLIDE WARDROBES

74

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sustainably managed forest, the Buy Recycled logo, which shows that a product is made of recycled materials and the Soil Association Organic Standard, which guarantees that crops and livestock are grown or reared in organic conditions.

If you would like to know more about shopping for the planet or would like to sign up to Action at Home, call Cath Rice on 526244.

Technics players set up Keyboard Capers Swindon Centre. When possible they opt for British produce.

Of course some staple foods can only be grown overseas. On these products such as tea, coffee, chocolate and bananas, look out for the Fairtrade mark. This tells you that producers of these goods have been paid a fair wage and work in decent conditions with respect for the local environment.

Other logos to look out for include Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) which indicates that a product is made of timber from

All the people who responded to publicity for a new group to learn how to master Technics keyboards came from the April Link.

Peatmoor resident Midge Dack who has started 'Keyboard Capers' is delighted. "I was really impressed by how many people called from The Link; they came from West Swindon, Liden, Fairford and Cirencester."

Keyboard Capers meets on 3,17 and 31 May 7.30pm at Moredon Community Centre and is open to anybody with Technics equipment, whatever their experience.

For details, call Midge on 872503.

GR€€fl DOW11 COMMUNITY SCHOOL

2 Due to continued expansion of the school to serve the education and community needs of West Swindon the following vacancies are available

Administration Staff - required immediately Senior Finance Officer (up to full time) APT&C Scale 5 point 25 Knowledge of school SIMS LRM finance and personnel packages an advantage

* Superb sliding door wardrobes all made tomeasure in our workshops

Evening Receptionist APT&C Scale 1 point 10, 2 - 4 evenings per week (Mon to Thurs) 6.00pm to 8.30pm Site/Maintenance Staff (full or part time)

* Door panels in laminates, real wood veneers, mirrors * We can also supply and install: fitted kitchens & bedroom furniture * Over 40 finishes available * Agents for Hideaway wall beds

Call now for free estimate on 01793 861584

Teaching Staff - from September 2000 Posts available in Maths, Science, Design Technology and P.E. Applications for full or part time will be considered Please request information packs from the school after 2nd May 2000 Greendown School, Grange Park, Swindon SN5 6HN Tel: (01793) 874224 Fax: (01793) 876274

The Link Magazine • May 2000 27

See us on th e net @ www. swindonlink. com

New doctor's surgery to serve West Swindon

/

A new GP practice opened at the end of April, in a move by Wiltshire Health Authority to improve services in the West Swindon area.

Based on the first floor at Upper Rhoda Williams. They are all es- they have installed a range of state Shaw Farm community centre, tablished GPs with backgrounds of the art medical diagnostic equipopposite Shaw Ridge School, the in hospital based medicine and aim ment which they are confident will Ridge Green Surgery has been to offer specialist skills and inves- greatly benefit patients as well as opened by Doctors Dieter tigations which are generally only reduce pressure on the hospital Nowotzin, Amit Dwivedi and found in hospitals. To this end service.

Doctors Nowotzin and Dwivedi are both trained cardiologists with Affirm life at the Living Well Experience the former previously practising Saturday 29 April, 10am to 5pm at the Crofts Sports Centre, as a consultant physician. Dr Old Town, in aid of the Prospect Hospice Rhoda Williams has a background Sponsored ramble on the Ridgeway: a 6 or 10 mile walk from Croft in children's medicine and womonto the Ridgeway and back. Entry £3 on the day. en's health.

An organic farmers market offering healthy produce To register with Ridge Green Exhibitions, demonstrations and participation with complimentary Surgery, call 877999. health practitioners, i.e. shiatsu, reiki, feng shui, yoga, nutrition Entry: adults £2, children 50p

\

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Workshop to promote the positive Could you list twenty negative qualities you have in five minutes?

Would you find it just as easy to list twenty positive ones in the same time? asks Mandy Parsons.

It seems that everyone is deal- but a thought can be changed. Selfing with the damaging patterns of approval and self-acceptance are resentment, criticism, guilt and self the keys to positive changes that hatred, to a greater or lesser de- affect every area of life. Get into gree. You were perfect as a baby; choosing positive thoughts.

Personally, my life changed beyou shared all your feelings with honesty and without shame, and yond all recognition after reading Louise L Hay's book called 'You you were lovable.

What's happened since? Who Can Heal Your Life.' Now I wish said you are not good enough? to share this at a workshop on 10/ The beliefs you choose to have 11 June. For more information, about yourself create your life - please ring me on 644472.

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28 The Link Magazine • May 2000

Hayfever - nothing to do with hay and no fever Dr Adele Steptoe of Ashington House Surgery writes Spring is here. The blossom is out. For one in five people the first symptoms of hayfever have started: sneezing, runny or blocked nose, wate ry and itchy eyes, tiredness and irritability. Sounds familiar? It will be to many people as the number treated has risen by four hundred per cent in 20 years.

Why me? The tendency is inherited, often along with eczema and asthma. Hayfever sufferers have an allergy to pollen. Pollen arriving in the sensitized nose causes the release of chemicals including histamine which leads to the familiar symptoms.

Those affected in early spring are most sensitive to tree pollen.

More commonly things hit a peak June to mid-July due to grass pollen. Flowers and fungal spores are responsible later on. Colourful or fragrant flowers rarely cause allergy because their pollens are too heavy to become airbourne. So that yellow oilseed rape is not to blame after all.

The effect of sunlight on pollution causes a massive increase in ozone - a powerful sensitizer. So you are more likely to react on a sunny day in the city than in the country. Mould spores might still get you on a wet day and the combination of other irritants such as

amounts of corticosteriod suppress the allergic response controlling the nasal symptoms well. They must be used daily to get the benefit as they do not work instantly.

Sodium cromoglycate - commonly used as eye drops - block the reaction between pollen and the body preventing the formation of histamine. Many people use all Detection equipment donated three treatments.

Doctors at Ashington Way Surgery in Westlea are now better placed Decongestants may give instant to detect heart disease amongst patients, thanks to a donation of a relief but should only be used for 3 Electro Cardio Graph (ECG) machine costing £2,800. to 5 days and can cause rebound The local branch of the British Heart Foun- congestion when they wear off. dation contributed £2,500 with the practice Desensitization injections are out making up th balance for the portable equip- of favour as very serious reactions ment which monitors heart condition and have occurred.

Treatment is most effective if helps diagnose potential and real problems.

Nurse Margaret Randell said patients will started before the onset of sympnow be better served. "The new monitor will toms. All these are available from save a lot of time in providing unconfirmed your chemist. If you had prescripdiagnosis and speeding up treatment of heart tion treatment last year call your surgery for a repeat script now - an problems."

Roger Hilton of the British Heart Foundation appointment is not always neces^^ t hands over the new ECG machine to Margaret sary.

1 Enjoy a long hot summer Randell and Dr Robert Nixon

house dust mite, smoke, or animal fur, will make it worse.

The recommendations are: stay in, close the windows, stop smoking, put the dog out, avoid pollutions and vacuum non-stop.

There are treatments to control the symptoms. Anti-histamine tab-

lets counteract the effect of histamine, controlling most symptoms, but are not always the most effective for nasal congestion. The newer anti-histamines are unlikely to cause the drowsiness associated with the older ones.

Nose sprays containing tiny

It^

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For free quotation & advice `phone (01793) 750390 or 750947

The Link Magazine • May 2000

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

29

Race for Life still booking There's still time to enter the five kilometre walk and fun run around Lydiard Park on Sunday 14 May to raisemoneyforresearch into cancers that affect women.

Organised by the Cancer Research Fund, the event is exclu sively for women and girls. To enter, pick up a leaflet at Link CenNikkiservic Green at Swindon C o or Counncil leisure viceson466526.

Call her to find out about las minute training. g Swindon bra walkers reach peak of fitness Eighty Swindon women, who call themselves Twin Peaks, are ready to walk a marathon course on the streets of London in the early hours of 14 May. They hope to raise up to £10,000 in aid of Breakthrough Cancer.

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Hozelock Watering Cans 7 litre, twin packs only £5.99 • 4 in 1 multi-sander jigsaw £76.50 Wizard multi-tool jigsaw £70.50 3 in 1 multi-sander cordless screwdriver £62.95 650w hammer drill, 95 piece accessory kit £23.95 650w hammer drill orbital sander £66.50 • 700w hammer drill jigsaw £74.95 MORE SPRING DEALS £14.50 Palm sanders Orbital sanders £14.50 Power planers £29.50 Mini grinders £15.50 8" compound mitre saws £49.50

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30

The Link Magazine • Ma y 2000

STEAM arrives on 14 June

CL Reclaimed Timber

Swindon's £11 million lottery funded railway heritage centre- STEAM - will open its doors to the public on 14 June. And organisers are still hoping that Prince Charles's office will respond favourably to an invitation to officially launch the town's latest tourist attraction.

Ply, timber, hardboard, chipboard sleepers, telegraph poles Delivery arranged in Swindon area

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PETROL PRICES UP AGAIN! There's never been a better time to buy a scooter. See the fantastic range at The Cycling Centre, Swindon's No.l scooter dealer.

Puch Maxi 5000 Moped Ideal for around town Was £799. Now £599. Only 3 left.

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STEAM will tell the story of Swindon's major contribution to the development of the railways in Britain and its position at the centre of the GWR. Planned across 70,000 square feet of the old R shop which was started in 1843, displays will show what it was like 'inside'the works during the boom years. Apart from rolling stock, everything from screws to boilers, rope to upholstered seats, was made on site. Reconstructed foundries and machine workshops will recreate the heat, dust, noise and smells of the town's heavy industrial past.

The centre piece of the exhibition will be the 80 tonne Caerphilly Castle, one of the most famous locos to be built at the works, dramatically lit and accessible from below by a pit in the floor.

At its peak 14,000 people were employed in the works and STEAM will also tell an important social story, of the lives and times of those who flocked to Swindon for jobs, and the sense of community they built whilst creating the basis for the town's present strength in the post-industrial age.

The museum will also contain a library, cafe and an education suite for school visits. A bridge at third floor level will allow visitors to look down on exhibits, and a viewing point in the gallery will provide a panorama across the present railway line to the town centre.

Located next to the Great Western Designer Village, STEAM is set to become a major tourist site for South West England.

Organisers are aiming to attract 200,000 visitors annually who will pay £4.80 for adults, £3 for children and £13 for a family of four.

Prince Charles will be missing something if he does not accept the invitation to open STEAM.

Steam driven celebrations A big party is being planned for 1 and 2 July to celebrate the opening of STEAM. Harking back to the 19th Century GWR fetes, there will be carousel and fair ground rides, a working replica of Stevenson's Rocket, street theatre and music performances.

On Saturday 1 July, there will two performances of the dance piece and cantata featured at the Millennium Dome (see opposite).

Tfje Trabitionat 'cfjooi of 3.eUUi

eating

Learn this ancient healing art Reiki is safe, completely natural and highly effective complementary therapy to all other forms of health care. Reiki is not a religion or a belief system An important difference between Reiki and other energy therapies is that once activated in your hands, you have it for life and can treat yourself.

Courses available at all levels, Hall informal groups, individual attention, comprehensive manual, certificated.

After course guidance and support.

Reiki Association Master E J. Taylor, (01793) 848940 or 07775 932984 (mobile) Reiki treatments available £10 per half-hor' or £20 per full hour

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ May 2000 31

stage at SwinDome day me together in a great display of creativity when off the talents of the town's young people at the ea of journeys and travelling through time were the > at the Our Town zone sponsored by McDonalds. oung Musicians Young Voices aged 7 to fourteen tled Steam, which told the story of Swindon's role eo images of Swindon and its surrounds, a graffiti 1a1l clocktower, teenagers from Swindon Dance he town's railway past, present and future. ited suitcases containing artwork by children from y theme, were displayed. "it was a fantastic day; the young people showed singing and the artwork were a real spectacle." ,will be on display when STEAM, Swindon's new

32

The Link Magazine • May 2000

Navy flies by on recruitment mission

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

FRLE SURVEY NO DEPOSIT Work it out for yourself 20' fascia board fitted £ 60 20' fascia & gu tt er fitted £135 20' fascia, so ff it & gu tt er £205 20' fascia & soffit £130 (prices correct at time of publication)

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Excitement spread across the Greendown school playing field on 21 March as a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter slowly approached over Lydiard Park, blowing several year 7s off their feet as the down draught hit them before the machine settled onto the centre circle of the football pitch.

Taking a break according to Eric Bullion, teacher from anti-subma- in charge of careers education, but rine duties with 810 the added attraction was the Squadron from chance of a fifteen minute ride in Culdrose in Corn- the Sea King. Lots were drawn wall, the crew of six and administrative worker Arlene were based at RAF Barratt and five lucky students Lyneham whilst were given a aerial view of the making sorties to school, Lydiard Park and the surschools in Swin- rounding area.

They included experienced flier don, Chippenham and Bristol, sup- Dave Seddon, 15, a sergeant with porting Royal Navy 1244 Squadron Air Training Corps, recruiting officers who spent his work experience giving illustrated placement last October at RAF talks to year 11 students about life Lyneham and has been taking flying lessons. in the forces. ^auste a^cd 2^eoa taz By contrast, Sian Taylor had The presentation was excellent never flown be^ili^iii^illlriYiiYlrlYfffi^lfir fore. "I really Interior and exterior v1 was terrified decorating carried out to when my name a high standard including: came out of the • Painting • Wallpapering hat, and it got • Coving Tiling worse when the • General Maintenance helicopter ar• Gardening rived," said Sian. "It was so noisy but I was For a prompt friendly determined to professional service go up. It was great to see West Telephone: 875354 Swindon from a Mobile: 07970 483393 different angle."

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33

WOOTTON BASSETT FOCUS

K & E.J Crump

Carnival Time in May

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The first Wootton Bassett Carnival took place in 1972. Twenty-eight years later, ten days of fun between 5 May and 14 May will bring out the best in community spirit in this small town just a few minutes away from Swindon. People from far and wide are invited to come along to watch and take part.

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Highlights include:

Saturday 6th, 1.30pm Carnival fete, Noremarsh School, Clarendon Drive Sunday 7th, 10am Car boot and table top sale at Memorial Hall Monday 8th, 7pm Open evening at the Fire Station, Station Road Wednesday 10th, 6.30pmChildren's pavement art competition and quiz at the Civic Centre, Station Road Thursday 11th & Friday 12th Art exhibition at Town Hall Friday 12th, 8pm Swindon Big Band at the Memorial Hall Saturday 13th, 4.15pm Children's fancy dress at Marlowe Way Grand Carnival Procession through the town, 6pm from Marlowe Way

Tel: 01793 848177 or 770596 22 Ravens Walk, Wootton Bassett)

Noremarsh Manor Hotel

PHILIPPA LAWRENCE

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Faithfully restored to provide guests with fine food & accommodation Small business conferences Private dining for anniversaries or weddings All bedrooms luxury suites • Special weekend rates Ladies monthly luncheons • Lunchtime Bistro

Your local independent agent specialising in selling and letting all types of residential property in Wootton Bassett and the surrounding area

127 High Street Wootton Bassett Tel: 01793 849111

Privately owned by Christine & David Goddard for the past three years

Tel: 01793 848506

Mon - Sat 9am - 5.30pm

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Contact us for a personal and NASA professional se rv ice

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Horses Impossible Classic Vehicles Crazy Bears Car Boot Sale Punch & Judy Trade/Charity Stalls

Admission Adults £3.00 Children (school age) £1.00 Senior Citizens £1.00 And MUCH more!!

Helicopter Rides Sealed Knot Dog Agility Craft Tent Dog Show Children's Fun Fair

FA Presented by Wootton Bassett & District Lions Club Vehicles sponsored by Maxfield Motors Lyneham

34 The Link Magazine • May 2000

A 2 Z Home Improvements All your needs in one number dij4 d 7uinter 25^c^r^tr r ntei-iY e

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Exterior

Kitchen/Bathroom fi tt ing, Tiling, Plumbing, Electrics, Painting, Decorating, Carpentry and much more Tel: (01793) 692340 Mobile: (0378) 207977

111 Pinehurst Road Swindon

Efff 4 A u Fret-

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^^' !> WOOTTON BASSETT FLOORING

Hillside Building Services Extensions, loft conversion, specialists in all types of building & plastering All work fully insured Contact Dave on 01793 488470

155 High Street, Woo tt on Basse tt . Tel: 01793 854149 U 10 SQ.MTRS OF STOCK • Visit our large showroom of both Wall & Floor tiles WALL TILES AND RECEIVE ♦ Fixing services 25 FREE BORDERS (on production of this advert)

Business Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 9am-3pm

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L For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

Ladies racer bike, gd cond, £40 ono.

Tel: 01285 862649 Bicycle, ladies 20, £10. Helmet etc, new, £10. Shopping trolley, leather bag, new, £10. Tel: 870774 Boys Raleigh bike & boys Aztec bike, aged 5-7 yrs, vgc, £30/£20. Tel: 330147 Girls bike 16" wheel, Forever Friends design, doll seat, stabilizers, Raleigh, excel cond, £45. Tel: 877029 Boys bike, 8 -10 yrs, £30. Tel: 871726

Large bag ladies summer clothes, size 10-12, offers? Tel: 01285 862649 DP multigym and free weights/curling bar/triceps/bar bell/dumb bell/bench/ 2101b weight, fold away, £200. Tel: 875649 Snowboard K2 154 HC, with Preston bindings. Good cond, £160 ono. Tel: 538071 Weider treadmill full size with heart monitor, incline feature, electronic distance scan & time features, £350. Tel: 770514 Bauer FX/1 roller blades, size 3, £15 ono. Tel: 6.92498 Single divan bed with blue velour head-

Two seater settee, mainly terracotta, £70. Tel: 871426 Two yellow curtain pelmets, sizes 3 and 5, £25 ono. Tel: 701255 Curtains, one pair, brand new, unlined from Debenhams complete with pelmet, dark green, and dark pink stripes with mottled effect, 54" x 44". £ 1 4 ono.

Tel: 875589 Overlocking machine, cost £48, used once, want £10. 3 tier shelf unit, 36 x 30, £2.50. Tel: 488771 3/4 glass bath/shower guard, £30. 3 bedroom awning tent, new, £30. Four Renault Megane wheels & trims, £50.

Tel: 873480 Wardrobe & dressing table units suit child/teenager, excel cond, £40. Tel: 728440 2 grey bedside drawers, 17.5" x 20", £10. Pink velour curtains, 52" x 66", £15. Coffee/cardtable21"x20"£12.50.

Tel: 706657 Coffee table £15, Three tier table £15.

Television video stereo corner unit, £35.

Tel: 878398 Dining table, 4 chairs, 2 carvers, mahogany, £125. Hifi cabinet, £75. 2 & 3 seater suite, beige, £125. Tel: 870034 Sofa bed, green draylon, spring base, £30. Bed chair, brown draylon, £10, both gd cond, Tel: 727648 Large comfortable chair, dk blue, £35 ono. Upright hoover, gd cond, £35.

Tel: 871282

Hoover Junior vacuum cleaner and tools, £8. Tel: 871426 S/S electric kettle, £6. Phillips steam iron, £6. Tel: 871426 Dishwasher Aquarius Ultima, gd cond, £100. Tel: 720078 Delonghi microwave, white, 700w, excel cond, 60 min timer, £30. Tel: 701442 Calor gas heater, £35. TV & video unit & coffee table, £50. Washing machine, gd working order, £75. Tel: 872077 (eve), 522307 (day) Portable electric sewing machine, various accessories, excel cond, £30.

Tel: 877 307 Technics electric organ, twin keyboard, exc cond, £500 ono. Tel: 702934 Apple Macintosh iBook portabletangerine 300MHz G3 processor, 32Mb RAM, 3.2Gb HD. £850+VAT. Tel: 872282 PC with Intel Inside, new monitor, Windows 93, can be upgraded to 95 etc, £80. Tel: 0771 271 8944 Psion Revo handheld computer, 8MB memory, PC docking station & PSI Win Software. Internet access and email, 3 months old, hardly used, boxed with warranty, £200. Tel: 488746 (after 6pm) Wooden 10" quick release wood work vice, £30. Tel: 771640 Garden tools - spades, forks, rakes etc, £3 each. Tel: 728440 Black & Decker Rotamow with grass box, gd cond, £45. Tel: 879144 Dog guard for estate car, desk & chair, garage, phone for details. Tel: 886354 Roof rack fits Fiat Uno, 3 door or similar car, gutterless, £20 ono. Tel: 881030 Morris Minor parts, 2 seats, engine

Pram Beebcar Nicer Sport, 3 in 1, multicolour with accessories, excel cond, £50. Tel: 349216 Playhouse, indoor/outdoor, plastic.

Tel: 881945 Baby car seat from birth to four yrs, gd board & guest bed underneath, gd clean cond, £15. 2 stair gates, gd cond, cond, £65. Teak effect corner TV unit,

£7.50 each. Pushchair suitable from £15. Stratos double wardrobe, £25. birth, apron, raincover, changing bag, Large healthy Yucca, over 5' tall, £25. gd cond, £20. Nest of tables in black, Large parlour palm, over 3' tall, £10.

Townsend boys bike, suit up to 13 yr £10. Tel: 874549 Cosatto solid beech cot with mattress, old, 15 gears, £25. Tel: 873602 exc cond, £75. Tel: 872829 Solid medium oak dining room suite: Beech cot-bed & mattress with remov- large oblong table with 5 chairs & 1 able cover, vgc. Tel: 873251 after 6pm carver, recently upholstered padded

Safety 1st swivel baby bath seat, £6. seats, matching buffet display cabinet with enclosed glass doors attop, drawer Rain cover for pushchair, £6. both in & cupboard base, exc cond, space req, excellent condition. Tel: 875589

£250 ono. Tel: 874178 Mclaren C110 2-in-1 pram/pushchair, Ercol round dining table, dark wood, raincover included, gd cond, £50, no drop leaf, vgc, £275. Tel: 495520 offers. Tel: 871820 Sofa, 3 seater & 2 seater, good cond, Brownie uniform, polo shirt, 30", Cu- £170 ono. Baby car seat, £20. Tel: lottes 28", £7. Tel: 728440 879083 Small selection womans clothes, CDs, Double bed, gd cond, £20. Tel: 700641 cassettes&LPs. Tel: 875061 ono, Single bed bed,brand new, only £30 ono Brides Thai silk dress, fully lined, lovely space urgently needed. Tel: 870981 condition, exclusive design, size 10- Single bed, 3' 3" x 6' 6" mattress & 12, £120. Tel: 771640. sprung base, £20. Tel: 349862 r-

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Free private For Sale & Wanted ads

I Return this form to The Link, Papermakers House, Swindon SN5 7BD

Tel: Name & Address (not for publication)

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3 piece suite, dark burgundy, mahogany trim, footstool, exc cond, £90.

Tel: 878918 Nest of 3 tables, limed oak effect, largest table 56cm x 41 cm x (H) 51 cm, good cond. Tel: 879144 Flip top table, 6 chairs, 2 carvers, sideboard, all in yew, £400. Tel: 876241 Two 2'6" metal sprung bed bases, originally from bunk beds, ideal for making custom-made beds, £10 each.

Tel: 726975 after 6pm Beech effect computer stand, approx 5ft x 2.5 ft, nearly new, £25 ono. Tel: 702112 Hotpoint Halogen hob cooker, 2 ovens, fan assisted, slim width, good cond, £250. Tel: 828533 (eves) Beko Glacier larder fridge 6 months old with remainder of warranty, white, v.g.c. £90. Tel: 729618

and gear parts, much assortment to clear, £50. Tel: 771464 Renault Scenic 1.6 RT 199821k miles, PAS airbag ABS C/L immob, FSH, towbar, £10,500. Tel: 485925 (eve) Peugeot 309 G L 5 dr,'K reg/88, 82,000 miles, MOTtil mid Sept, vgc, £800. Tel: 01285 862649 Scooter SYM Jet 50cc, S reg, yellow/ silver, low mileage, exc cond, £750.

Tel: 887394

Wanted Kareoke machine for 9 yr old in gd working order. Tel: 886093

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine • May 2000 35

Dental project to ease pressure

Have strong beautiful natural looking nails

Almost two thirds of adults in Wiltshire are not registered with an NHS dentist and a new service launched in West Swindon will attempt to address the concern that dental health may be in decline.

Despite the opening of two new geographical barriers to those usNHS practices in Swindon over ing the service." the past couple of years many denBased at the West Swindon tists' books are full and it is hard Health Centre, Link Avenue, the for people not registered to get centre is open Monday to Friday, treatment.

The new West Swindon Dental Access Centre went live in March and is part of a government initiative to make NHS dental treatment more accessible.

Lead Clinician Jim Foote, said the centre will provide the full range of services, although, priority will be given to people in pain.

"Our service is open to anyone in the Swindon area not registered with a dentist and to visitors who cannot reach their own."

The next step, according to Paul Harwood, consultant in dental public health at the Wiltshire Health Authority, is to extend the project across Swindon and give a In the hot seat, Julia Drown MP, and quick response to people needing from left, practice manager Helen Rees, emergency treatment. He said, receptionist Dawn Henderson and lead "the intention is that there are no clinician Jim Foote

Fibreglass Nail Extensions Full set £30

9am to 5pm, (closed 12.30pm to 1.30pm). Treatment is by appointment only. To find out more call

Done in the comfort of your home Contact Kelly on 07720 051013

889428 or 889426.

Bevirs Solicitors for Independent Financial Advice See us first for impartial guidance on investment and money matters Offices in Swindon. Wootton Basse tt and Caine Contact Jeremy Angell on 01249 814536 Authorised by the Law Society to conduct investment business

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Ukrainian dentists arrive for training Swindon comes to the forefront of training dentists from Eastern Europe when two dentists from the Ukraine arrive in the town on 2 May to learn western methods of treatment.

Organised by Freshamongst children. In brook dentist Brendon Ukraine drilling and fillBall, right, and orthodoning is routine, even with tist Richard Swift from the milk teeth. Visiting the Milton Road practice, the "` dentist there is one of the visitors will observe all as '" most feared experiences, pects of dental treatment, so the preventative mesat local surgeries, at PMH sage is an important one." and the Bristol children's A social programme for hospital. the dentist has been organised by Brendon and Richard visited the Brendon as a result of an appeal city of Cherkassy in Ukraine last for Ukraine language speakers in year where they were shocked by The Link which brought forward the outdated methods and the lack several offers of help. of pain killers when carrying out "It's going to be a pretty intense dental procedures. visit as they will have to learn eveBrendon hopes to get over the rything through translation; one importance of dental education. of the dentists has never been out"In the west we put a lot of stress side Chekassy. So they will need a on oral hygiene to prevent decay bit of a break with people they can and treatment, particularly relate to at a cultural level."

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Celebrating Europe Swindon-based language bureau AlphaPlus is sponsoring an International Social and Disco in celebration of Europe Day on Friday 5 May, 7.30 to 11.30pm at the Goddard Arms Hotel, Old Town.

Information stalls will be run by the Atrium or Wednesday nights cultural clubs such as the Anglo- at Longs.

French and Anglo-German Clubs, AlphaPlus Managing Director the Spanish Association, the Rus- Jamie Robertson said, "Swindon is sian Connection and the Swindon- home to many companies Ocotal Link. headquartered elsewhere in EuAt 8pm there will be a beginners rope, and is becoming very cosSalsa and Merengue class, followed mopolitan. We expect this to be a by a World Music disco to11.30pm. great evening being enjoyed by Tickets are £3 in advance from people of all ages from the greatest Swindon Information Centre in number of nationalities ever gathRegent Street, or from Ritmo Latino ered together in the town."

Salsa classes on Monday nights at Further details from 814354.

ctions

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Professional fully licensed bars for all types of event: Parties, Weddings, Christenings, Corporate Days, Shows etc

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Name the time and place We 'll do the rest!

* Marquees * Decorations * Catering Equipment Hire ' 1

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SERVICE SECTOR L ACCOUNTANCY

ACCOUNTANCY

`GRA' ACCOUNTANCY • Business Start Up • Book-Keeping • Annual Accounts • Self Assessment Tax

M T n x A s s, s D i

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses and taxpayers

Short & long term assistance and projects Free initial meeting Tel/fax: 01793 871790 Free phone: 0800 5422 778 .uk

BUILDER

Self assessment • Tax returns Annual accounts • Book-keeping PAYE • VAT etc • Employed Self employed • In business For a free initial discussion call Lyndon Day Tel /Fax: 01793 766000

CARPENTRY

Empire Construction Limited O UPVc conservatories O Property renovations O Garage & loft conversions O Painting & decorating O All professional craftsmen Whatever you need, we're here to help you

Tel: 01793 436539 Mobile 07775 621764 or 0973 760167

DECORATOR

KOVIN

r

Trevis ent For all your carpentry needs including fitted kitchens and bedrooms Wood and laminate flooring

Tel: 01793 514069 Mobile: 07932 140287

ELECTRICIAN

LANN ELq

WHE

High Quality Painting & Decorating

Interior & Exterior FOR FREE QUOTATIONS, RING

01793 725699 PLUMBING & HEATING Quality Plumbing & Heating • Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Outside taps • Power showers • Bathroom installations

R gno 128%6

All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 0973 663367

Dave

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For all your domestic & commercial requirements New installations • Showers Extensions • Extra sockets Re-wires • Security lighting • New fuse boards No VAT charges • Free quotes 24hr call out facility

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 0585 543294 Ramleaze, Swindon

AERIAL SERVICES Getting a clear TV picture isn't difficult Call Abbey Aerials of Haydon Wick v Multi-point systems v Satellite installations v Poor reception area specialists a• .• Amplifiers 3 All work guaranteed • 7 days a week v 100% customer satisfaction Call for a free estimate on (01793) 729794 or mobile 0402 921551

CARPENTRY/JOINERY Palm Joinery Quality carpentry & joinery !, for the home/office * Manufacture & fitting * Supply & fit * Fit only Doors, kitchens, fitted & free-standing wardrobes and bureaus, mouldings and panelling No job too big or small

Tel: 01793 721401 ELECTRICAL SERVICES

STEVE PACKER ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR • Fully qualified electrician • Domestic, commercial and industrial installations • Quality workmanship guaranteed • Free quotations • 24 hour call-out

Tel: 01793 436844 Mobile 0976 691989

ROOFING Wilts Flat Roofing Specialist • All aspects of flat roofing • Strip and retile, all repairs •A quality job at a competitive price

Tel: (01793) 701110 Mobile: 07979 392403

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Fast tanning canopies and doubles also available Free installation & local delivery

Tel: Swindon 726906 anytime (Mobile 0378 - 641052)

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

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

DECORATOR GK DECORATORS Tel: 01793 701394 Mobile: 0777 5894563 Interior & exterior painting and decorating Ceramic tiling Coving • Dado rails No job too big or too small. Free estimates and friendly service

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ODD JOBS

J OB MAN Small building work, carpentry, joinery, painting & decorating, fitted wardrobes and kitchens, plugs and washers fitted "No job too small" Very reasonable prices

Free estimates Call Tony, the Odd Job Man on 01793-886022

TELEPHONES When the phone rings does it seem it's always for the kids?

Why not get a telephone extension fitted to your existing line?

You've got your computer installed, but are those trailing wires causing a hazard to all the family?

Why not have another jack fitted and prevent an accident?

For minor repairs and new work call: J2 TELECOM (01793) 763331 during office hours

37

I APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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Letters to The Link Please send letters to the address on page 3.

Our policy is to not accept letters without a name and address. If requested and there is an explanation this information need not be printed.

• Most leading brands • Guaranteed repairs • Same day service

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Repairs to most makes of: 3 Washing Machines 3 Dryers 1` t 3 Dishwashers 3 Microwaves 3 Vacuum Cleaners John Phillips Servicing 25 years experience All work guaranteed

DECORATOR

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Professional painter, decorator & ceramic tiler

PREMIER PROPERTY SERVICES The only call you'll need to make for quality: • Painting & decorating • Paper hanging • Coving & artexing • Wall & floor tiling Domestic and commercial High standards guaranteed Call 525671 or

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BLOCK PAVING SERVICES n!! ill r l^!!. i :L'Lti' : L4• ITlT^ ^ !4_R: fT^T; T^ !".1 M1"3 7;flii; n 1 t !i! lll Ji I nIfl ^ :1.1'^'ii71L'>tIL^ L'ii 1Ly1 ^ . ^it1- n-1-r—

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TV REPAIRS

ILLIAMS V & VIDEO Specialists in repairs of TVs, videos, satelite, microwaves, audio equipment & in car hi-fi's. Free estimates 30A COUNTY ROAD, SWINDON

Tel : 01793 423371

Mobile 0976 752073

Empire Plumbing & Heating O Boilers & central heating O Bathrooms & showers O Servicing & fault finding Installations, repairs and maintenance Whatever you need, we're here to help you Tel: 01793 436539 Mobile: 0973 760167 Mobile: 07775 6217 64

UPVC CLADDING

PAUL DRAPER uPVC Fascia, Guttering & Cladding CLADDING

FASCIAS

4

GUTTERING

* FREE ESTIMATES *

Tel: (01793) 825965 3 Ove rton Gardens, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon

Gra ff iti menace attacks Grange Park Name and e-mail address supplied Grange Park is a grand title for a and washes over the whole area.

I have spoken with, and written housing development. It is also a gracious name for an 'urban vil- to, our local councillors and have lage'. Much of the reality lives up been given assurances. I have spoto the title. Roads with clear vis- ken with our local Council service ibility, wide verges, planted and have been given suggestions roundabouts, substantial lengths about using paint stripper and very of walk and cycle way, play parks hot water. I have been told about for differing ages and extensive hiring the graffiti-removing mause of brick in a variety of shades. chine and I have been promised Until recently the natural deterio- leaflets to all households about this.

I have also watched the plague ration and ageing of the development was also reasonably gracious. grow: a. street signs remain daubed Broken fencing was refurbished, with rude signs failed lighting replaced and litter b. brick walls remain in their was removed. appalling state The picture has changed substantially in the past few months. c. bus shelters are frequently targeted It seems that almost every stretch Why is it that we accept this of wall has now been blighted with graffiti. The rogue black outlines situation when we know that to appear overnight, to be filled with allow just one piece of graffiti to garish colour over the following remain on a wall for longer than a week. Until recently this menace day, encourages two more the lurked in the underpasses. Now, next? What can we do to clean up unchecked, it climbs and sprawls our area and show that we care?

Mannington House Pedestrians on cyclepaths Sheila Povey is delving into the There are two underpasses leadhistory of the Strange family who ing to West Swindon Centre, one once lived in Mannington House, from Freshbrook, the other from West Swindon. She has a recent the direction of Shaw Ridge, each photograph of the house but is comprises a pavement for pedesinterested to know if anyone has a trians and a roadway for cyclists. earlier one, taken before it was alA regular user of the route from tered, which she could purchase. Shaw Ridge has informed us of a Please contact The Link on 872282 recent incident where two cyclists if you can help. careered into one other in an attempt to avoid a toddler who was Needlecra ft tottering on the cycle path without Peatmoor Stitches needlecraft her parents paying the least attengroup get together on the first and tion. The result was a grazed arm third Thursday of the month in and shin and a twisted ankle. ForRoughmoor Social Hall, Swinley tunately the toddler, who could Drive at 7.30pm. The next meeting have been seriously injured, was is on 4 May. avoided.

Sarah Raymond has taken over Pedestrians please use the pavegroup coordination and new mem- ment bers are always welcome whatever their experience. For more Help a child by learning croquet details, call her on 886410.

As part of a nation-wide initiative Embroiderers supported by the Croquet AssoSwindon & North Wiltshire Branch ciation members of Swindon Croof the Embroiderers' Guild meet quet Club are offering coaching on Monday 8 May, 7.30pm at sessions, free of charge, from Churchfields School, Salcombe 9.30am on 7 May at the Moredon Grove when Ann Cox will talk Community Sports Centre. about silk ribbon embroidery.

Everyone taking part will be inAdmission is £3. vited to make a donation to On Saturday 20 May, 10am to Childline, the national free and 4pm, Ann is running a silk ribbons confidential helpline for children flowers day school. in trouble or danger.

The guild is holding a spring The club has an enthusiastic exhibition at the Link Centre li- membership that plays in tournabrary until Saturday 6 May. ments and competitions. For more For further details call Lynette information call John Airey on Hemming on 537481 873026.

38

2000

The Link Magazine •

JUST THE JOB Domestic Services Agency requires Domestic Cleaners & Ironers Flexible hours, good rates of pay Phone Jill or Sue on 861112

Cuts & Curls Ladies hairdressing 20 years exerience Call Debbie: 01 793 88142 7 < or 07790 432012 <

Easy Iron

.i' CREATIVE CURTAINS

Home ironing services Competitive prices

Complete affordable service

Hand made curtains, Roman & Austrian blinds, quilted bed covers, cushions Tel: Christine on 875869

Call Andrea on (01793) 870830 or mobile: 0793 288 3127

Tuition DECOTEX Private in all subjects & levels New • Key Stages 1-4 • GCSE & A Level teachers • Special Needs also wanted

Painter & Decorator Specialist Artexing

Personal 01672 539368

Tel: (01793) 791388

Tutorials

01793 538730

Play the Piano

Rubbish Removals Woodchipper Hire Household & Garden Waste disposed of for you

BC The person who changed AD

History is changing peoples lives Today

All ages of children & teens cared for

Information: call Brian on 849731 in association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

Choral music in Purton Quire make a third visit to St Mary's Church, Purton on 6 May. Formed in 1992, the outstanding choral group specialises in unaccompanied music from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. The programme for the evening will focus mainly on English and Spanish compositions.

Tickets are £6, £5 for seniors and under 16s, from 770525, or on the door.

Churches take to the air To celebrate Pentecost 2000, Swindon Churches Together are broadcasting a Christian Radio Station - Flame fm - for the month of June.

The aim is to celebrate 2000 years of Christianity, as well as to raise money for the National Association of Child Contact Centres, which supports children and parents of separated families.

This exciting venture needs lots of enthusiastic volunteers. If you would like to get involved in any way or would like more information, contact Barbara Aftelak : Tel 536815 or postmaster@aftelak.demon.co.uk or Suzanne Bullimore: Tel 870458 or suzanne.bullimore@btinternet.com

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building with people

THE PINEHURST PEOPLE'S CENTRE

The Church of Christ the S ant is due to open in Februat 2001 next to the Abbey Mead pub. Deaconess Maureen Spinks said, "it will be really great to see building work start on our church. It will bean important base for preschools and other community groups."

The church will have a main hall two. There will be a kitchen, enand worship area, a large commu- trance hall for coffee and informal nity room that can be split into drop in, a creche and an office.

y Sp Worsley Road af^^

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FOOTBALL CLUB AND AT

Disappointment at the long delay in starting work on a church building at Abbey Meads village centre has turned to relief. The land sale has gone through and the builders are due on site by mid-May.

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SUNDAYS 10.30AM MEETING AT THE WINNERS LOUNGE SWINDON TOWN

Prayers answered as North church building gets start date

Learn to Sing Phone Swindon 695235 for further information

Call (01793 772268

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH

Christian Aid Week Traidcraft Fashion Show - with excerpts from the West Swindon Churches presentation of the Christian Aid 'Musical for the Millennium' Feast of Life Saturday 20 May, 6pm Tregoze School, ( o ff Hay Lane, Grange Park) A lively evening of music, dance, fashion & video supporting the work of Traidcraft and Christian Aid in the Third World.

Refreshments (included in ticket price) and fairly-traded goods stall Tickets: £2.50 adult; £1.25 child, tel: 874221 or 850502

Come and join us Sunday at 10am & 6.30pm For further information of other meetings ring: 873050 or call at the Church office Jesus said: `I have come that YOU might have LIFE and have it in its fulness"

Swindon Churches

together in one place Between 9 and 11 June three major events will celebrate 2000 years since the birth of Christ including

OCAL CHURCHES All Saints' Lydiard Millicent - 10:30am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor) Holy Trinity Shaw — 10:30am Revd Andrew Hetherington: 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 Mark Roper: 692620 (also Free Church minister for the parish) Westlea Church — 10:00am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (this Church meets in Westlea School Hall, Langstone Way)

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Methodist

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United Reformed Church

11am - 3pm Street theatre in the Friday 9th, 10am Millennium service for Swindon Brunel Centre starring the face schools to be held at Christchurch, painted vicar Roly the Clown Old Town. An action packed event All day: Millennium sports superdesigned to celebrate the life of stars for under 10s, 13, 16s in five Jesus and his relevance to the youth events at the County Ground athof today. Details from Guy letics track. Details from Nigel Donegan-Cross, 521296.

Sharpe, 644178.

Saturday 11th Sunday 12th Conference organised by Swindon Congregations from 100 churches Churches Social Action Group: in Swindon will flock together for 'What does God require of you' a service at the County Ground, with workshops on homelessness, with mass choirs, bands, music third world debt relief, the needs groups, dance, drama and Roly of minorities. Details from Phillada the Clown. The 5,000 worshippers Ware, 729592. will be led by Rev. Brian Fessey.

The Link Magazine • May 2000 39

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Restored engine impresses Mayor The summer season of steam railway rides on the Swindon and Cricklade Railway was launched on 25 March when Swindon's Mayor coun. Joy Brunt together with over 100 guests took a trip to the railway society's brand new engine shed at Hayes Knoll.

The dignitaries travelled from Blunsdon Station after the Mayor officially unveiled the newly restored pannier tank locomotive, engine 9682, the last of its kind to be built at the GWR works in Swindon.

The loco was in service from 1949 until 1965 when it went for scrap. It was rebuilt at a cost of first trip as she had been a fan of £200,000 by Swindon Locomotive, railways since travelling on steam Carriage and trains as a child.

Wagon Works Ltd. Geoff Austin, Owned by the chairman of the railSouthall Railway way society trusGroup, which paid tees, said "it was a for the restoration, very successful day. the engine made its The guests showed running trials at the appreciation of the Swindon and Crick marvellous job be-lade Railway and ing done at the sociis now on the ety and the hard Bodmin steam railwork of our memway until Septembers." ber.

Left, hard at work Coun. Brunt said keeping the 9682 in she was delighted steam, ex-GWR driver to be guest of honDennis Kelly and fireour for the loco's man Paul Thomas

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