May 2004 Swindon Link

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No. 264 • May 2004

Circulation 23,000 tt are js/i fiahly proud o/ Hie quality of

out products and our repulatum for rr bale service and attention to detail.

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

Brandon takes to the cat walk Four year old Brandon Humphries from The Prinnells is now in Hungary receiving special education to help him walk thanks to fundraising by Swindon people.

Before he went Brandon joined children . in a fashion show to help boost funds for an operation.

See page 2

England netball prospects

Don't disturb Swindon's Forest Country Park

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The 19' 4 30 year ^ •. ^ o t

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See page 32

Westlea lad elected President of UK's largest S student union.

See page 3.

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Unbeknown to most people, a giant figure has been shaped into the landscape of West Swindon. From the air the symbolic representation of a human being can be seen in the topography of what is Swindon's newest park, Shaw Forest Country Park.

However some bright spark at Swindon Council has suggested it could accommodate a new stadium for Swindon Town FC. The announcement at the end of March has caused consternation and outrage amongst thousands of people in Swindon who have helped plant some of the 46,000 trees already growing on the park, a legacy to their children and grandchildren.

On pages 22-24 we explain why the stadium idea is a bad one and why Swindon Council is betraying the trust of its people.

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The Link Magazine • May 2004

Brandon takes to the cat walk

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Brandon was partnered by Shane Gough at the Asda fashion show Brimming with confidence Brandon made his way down the catwalk twice, modelling garments from the George range, to the delight of the seventy people watching the 15 children taking part.

The four year is now in Hungary with his mother Tracey where he is attending the Peto Institute for a month long course in conductive education which aims to improve the ability of cerebral palsy sufferers to walk.

Tracey and Tony Humphries from The Prinnells, West Swindon, launched an appeal for help in March so that they could meet the £4,000 cost of attending the institute for a month. It is just the start of a long fundraising battle if Brandon's prospects are to improve in later life.

Tracey said she and her husband had been amazed by the response to their appeal. "We have been overwhelmed by the kindness we have received; the willingness to help is absolutely fantastic and we are very humbled by people's generosity.

"Brandon is a normal, bright little boy, perfect in every way, except he cannot walk. The Peto Institute has developed a system of treatment which is not available in this country."

Tracey :.aid she had been planning to return to Hungary with Brandon in October for another month of conductive education, costing a further £4,000. However on this trip she will be discussing the possibility of surgery to correct Brandon's bone alignments.

There it is routinely carried out on young children whereas a child in Britain would not be operated on until the age of nine or ten.

"I have no idea what the cost of an operation is, but Brandon is such a determined child that finding the money to give him a future is something I must do."

Brandon, having enjoyed his three year old sister Abby's birthday party earlier in the day said he enjoyed showing off in front of the crowd. "It was fun wearing those nice clothes. The dancing Easter bunny was funn y as well."

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The long-standing problem of dumped supermarket trolleys around Haydon Wick and Abbey Meads is shortly to be eased with the introduction of a hi-tech system.

Asda Walmart at the North Swindon Centre is to introduce a Cartronics retrieval system which should prevent trolleys being taken off-site. If wheeled beyond the car park low frequency radio transmitters at the perimeter will activate a wheel lock to prevent further movement. The system has proved very successful at other Walmart stores. Where it was first piloted, no trolleys were lost compared to 200 a week previously.

Parish councillor Phil Eagle welcomed the development. "It has taken a long time for Walmart to address the issue, but now the pressure we have brought is getting somewhere. I hope now that Morrison's, the new owners of Safeway, will look seriously at what they can do to stop their trolleys polluting our environment."

To report abandoned trolleys in North Swindon, call Walmart: 707770; Safeway: 726705.

The Link Magazine • May 2004 3

Local boy done good

Charles Lucas

Alex Ogle from Peatmoor describes fear and loathing on the campaign trail as a former Westlea and Greendown School pupil is elected

-----.

(Established over 10 nears

President of UK's largest student union with help from Swindon mates.

' WE COME TO YOU AT HOME OR WORK'

Steve is in his last year at the University of Manchester studying English and American Studies, and will take up the reins of the union when he finishes his three year degree in June.

Through exhausting canvassing of the city campus, George ran a successful apolitical campaign to attract the popular vote. The former Swindon College student won by a narrow margin of 40 votes in the largest turnout in the

union's history.

Of all the sabbatical positions on the ballot, Steve was the only candidate to beat the block vote of the left wing groups and huge Islamic Society by mobilising students from all backgrounds.

Having known Steve since our

Due to the block votes of groups that have dominated the union for years, Steve's campaign began on a worryingly steep slope, however he managed to cultivate grass roots support from all corners of the campus electorate.

Two other friends from Swindon joined his campaign team, Rob Bartlett and Tom Spooner. Whilst other candidates sullenly handed out leaflets, the Steve-O camp pumped up the volume with reggae on the stereo and lollipops for all. Every bit helped, as the narrow victory showed.

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down, I made the trip to Manchester to help his campaign. By the time Steven George it , itll ho West Sn'illdon campaign sidekicks, I arrived, Steve Rob Bartlett, left, and Alex Ogle had milked his many contacts in the city to galvaSteve's success can easily be atnise support. Posters demanding tributed to his unprecedented com'Steve-O as President' plastered mitment and hard work. shops and bars throughout stuBut his enthusiasm is definitely all Swindon. In a brief moment of dent areas.

He had put in twenty hour days reflection, before knocking on anin the previous month, doing lec- other door, Steve said, "I would ture talks, pitching himself to thou- have found it harder to do this if I sands of students in halls of resi- hadn't worked at Suits You in the dence and talking to different Outlet Centre. I learnt how to talk groups and societies in the union. to people, how to sell a guy some It was well known that barely suits worth a thousand pounds six per cent of the 60,000 student when all he wanted was socks." population took an active part in Every candidate congratulated their union. His campaign strat- Steve on his unique victory. It apegy was to tap this goldmine of peared that even those in opposdisinterest, to motivate those who ing coalitions fell for the Steve-O couldn't care less about politics or brand and wanted him to win. how their union could improve After years of leftist groups with idealist visions and incompetent their university life. actions holding the presidency, Save Coate Steve now has to deliver what he promised during the election week.

A public meeting calling on the But he has other priorities over University of Bath not to build a the next few weeks, "I'm finding it 35 hectare campus, alongside hard not to think about the win 1,800 houses, between Coate Water Country Park and the Great because there is such huge expecWestern Hospital takes place on tation up in Manchester but I just Tuesday 11 May, 7.30pm at the have to concentrate on completing Broadgreen Community Centre, my degree."

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The Link Magazine • May 2004

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Pensioner picket forces Tesco to call the police Irate older residents from Shaw took to protesting at the end of March outside Swindon's main Tesco store in their ongoing battle to stop the company closing the post office at Shaw Village Centre when the local store is converted into a Tesco Express in August.

Zimmer frames in one hand and placards in the other they took up a prominent position at the Ocotal Way store entrance until frustrated security staff called the police, who wisely took their time about arriving to mediate. But having run out of leaflets the protesters decided it was time to take their leave.

"I thought we were successful in taking our message to Tesco," said lead organiser Jean Waller, from George Tweed Gardens sheltered housing. "People who live in the Gardens rely on Shaw Post Office to collect their pensions and stamps; so do hundreds of families living close-by. The alternative is getting to the West Swindon Centre where the post office is alShaw residents, getting their message across at Tesco in Ocotal Way ready very busy.

"Many residents are disabled let Tesco deprive us of an essential Shaw residents and calling on and just could not do it. We cannot service just because they need more Tesco to reconsider its decision to close the Shaw post office. selling space."

She said the petition with over • Campaigners at Longlevens, 2,000 names would be delivered to Gloucester have given heart to the 'lesco in June, after other unspeci- Shaw residents by successfully forcing Tesco into a u-turn on the fied protest events take place.

• On 15 April Swindon Council closure of the post office in their passed a resolution supporting local convenience store.

u kiln ks4 There are some great resources on the Internet.

But do you know where they are?

We do!

www.uklinks4.com

Shaw mobile mast fight still on People living off Cartwright Drive in Shaw are continuing to argue against the erecting of mobile phone masts on the Hillmead Employment Area, close to their homes and also Brook Field School.

The April Link pictured angry residents protesting in Marshall Road at Hillmead. Later in the month Swindon Council's planning committee turned down an application for a 12 metre mast from Vodaphone.

However the battle continues. Campaigner Sarah Jordan said, "by objecting to the Vodaphone mast, we discovered that BT was given permission two years ago for a 15 metre mast even closer to our houses and Brook Field School.

"It has not been put up yet and we are demanding that the decision is reversed. We have written to Julia Drown MP asking for her support for our campaign against a mast so close to houses and the school."

the link Magazine Published by Swindon Publications Ltd. Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 e: publisher@swindonlink.com www.swindonlink.com Editorial:

"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 Roger Ogle leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Tel: (01793) 872282 Swindon commenced in January 1994."

'

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority

Publisher/Editor:

in England & Wales. No: 4513027. Registered office. 130 High Street, Hungerford Berks. RG17 ODL. Printed by pep. Telford

Open throughout the Bank Holiday Weekend Treat your family to a meal out over the May Bank Holiday.

Pagoda Palace welcomes families and is open 7 days a week from 12 noon until 1 1 pm. Set meals start at £19.50 per person with many main course dishes priced at £8 or less.

Alternatively try freshly made Dim Sum at lunchtime - a Chinese favourite comprising of steamed dumplings and a variety o` tasty dishes to suit every palette.

Book now for our popular disco/karaoke evening on Saturday 22nd May. Enjoy a three course meal and evening of entertainment for only £22 per person.

If you book a table for 10 we will give you two FREE bottles of house wine.

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6

The Link Magazine • May 2004

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and experienced team.

Cre'8 five team, from left, Theresa, Nicki, Hanna, Stephanie, Hayley

The majority of people will not know that Wiltshire had the first county police force, summed up in its motto Primus et Optimus, First and Best.

For over 165 years the Constabulary have kept us safe in our beds and continue to ensure that Wiltshire is one of the most crime free areas in the country.

The history of the force is available in an illustrated 80 page book by Paul Sample. He tells the story of its formation in 1839, as well as the nature of crime then and now, plotting how the force has changed and kept up with technology. The book has a fascinating insight into social history and gives accounts of investigations over the years.

Although copies are free, a donation to a police charity would be welcomed. These include the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, Splash, Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal and Crimestoppers.

To request a copy, write to Kate Taylor, Public Relations, Wiltshire Police HQ, London Road, Devizes SN10 2DN or call 01380 735735.

Stephanie Stroud and Nicola Holt, well known in the Swindon area, would like to cordially welcome all past and present clients to visit them at their new premises for that Cre'8 Live look

Ring for appointment on 01793 520813

Safety in West Swindon Freshbrook and Grange Park police officer Sam Kelly, pictured above, is working with the West Swindon youth service team to set up a safety group for young women.

It will discuss personal safety and how to avoid getting into difficult situations. She hopes that a West Swindon community safety day can be organised later in the summer so that the public can pick up safety tips and crime prevention information.

For details on the safety group call WPC Sam Kelly on 528111 or the West Swindon youth office on 465413.

Have your say at the parish meeting The Annual Parish Meeting for residents of Haydon Wick takes place on Tuesday 27 April, 8pm, at the parish council offices in Thames Avenue.

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Parishioners have the opportunity to hear about developments and to discuss concerns and wishes for the future of the area. The council is hoping for a good attendance and a lively debate, The guest speaker is Cheri Wright, Swindon Council's Crime and Disorder Officer. She will explain aspects of the recently enacted Anti-social Behaviour Act that can be called on to address these problems. These can include orders restricting the activities of individuals and dispersal orders preventing gangs congregating.

The parish council will be presenting its annual performance plan setting out its achievements over the past year and its proposals to meet its objectives of keeping under review the economic, cultural and physical well-being of the community served and to deliver quality services at economic cost. To achieve this, it has set a rate precept for the new financial year equivalent to £23.75 for a Band D household - a reduction of 60p on last year.

Much of their activity in the recent past has been the provision, i mprovement and maintenance of play areas and open spaces and this will continue to be a major focus of attention in the future.

Nearly a quarter of expenditure raised through the rate precept goes on this service. Five new play areas in Abbey Meads and Taw Hill are shortly to be adopted.

The council also scrutinises more than 170 planning applications each year, makes representations to the Local Education Authority about school provision, meets with law enforcement agencies and supports local voluntary groups.

The parish council prides itself in being accessible to the people it serves. Anyone unable to attend the annual meeting can attend ordinary meetings of the council on any third Tuesday of the month or call into the council office on a weekday, 9am to 4pm. Telephone 722446. Better still - get really involved and become a parish councillor; there are vacancies. www.haydonwick.gov.uk

7

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The Link Magazine • May 2004

Parents can now see their baby's face before birth New hi-tech equipment installed recently at Taw Hill Medical Practice is offering an amazing service to expectant mothers and their partners.

Having made ultrasound scanning available on a limited basis for about two years the practice now offers 3 and 4D scans which a ll ows parents-to-be to see their baby inside the womb before birth.

Dr Peter Crouch said the service offered by the practice should be seen as complimentary to that offered by doctors an d ultrasonographers at the Great Western Hospital. "Patients should not expect the already over-stretched antenatal scanning service at the hospital to be able to offer this additional provision. They must concentrate on using their ultra-

Menopausal effects A new group is planned for women who are either starting or are already experiencing the effects of the menopause.

The group will provide informal support and an opportunity to talk to others who are going through or have been through this phase of life.

The first get together takes place on Wednesday 5 May, 7.30pm, Frreshbrook Church, Worsley Road, Freshbrook.

For more information call Gloria Light 771487.

disc orDVD to share baby to her elderly grandmother sound facilities for the important with family and in Canada who is so frail that this aspects of antenafriends. Many of the might be the only opportunity to tal diagnosis. parents who see us see her first great-grandchild.

They provide at the clinic feel that "Most parents gasp with a vital service it it helps them de- delight when they seethe pictures. this regard and velop a closer bond Some, including the dads, get rewith their baby be- ally emotional and wipe tearsfrom nothing the hosfore birth, their eyes." pital does is any All the procedures are carried "Some parents feel less important or it is appropriate to out by doctors or trained valuable, bring family mem- ultrasonographers.

"The service we Taw Hill Medical Practice regisbers including chiloffer can be described as 'ultradren to the scanning ters patients living in North SwinAn example of the new sound for pleassessions which are donandhopestomoveintoabrand technology scan unhurried and af- new, permanent, building at the ure.'

"The Voluson Pro Ultrasound ford lots of opportunity to watch end of August.

For other images go to: Scanning machine is a truly amaz- on a large viewing screen.

"One a 1 d y told u s th at she . .co . uk ww w ukbabyscan mg prece fok't i. Th e i mages canbe www.ovenbuns.co.uk taken away as prints, on computer planned to send a picture of the

The tragedy of teenage dental health We should all be showing off our smiles for Spring during National Smile Week, 17 to 21 May, but for many young people their lives have been ruined by a diet high in sugary fizzy drinks, writes Jon Wilkinson of Shaw

Dental Practice.

Most people nowadays know the teeth due to acids in the mouth, bles, and sucking drinks from cans about the two main dental prob- and a particular menace can be directly over the front teeth. Remember, even diet drinks are lems — tooth decay and gum dis- fizzy drinks, ease.

We see many teenagers who acidic.

However dentists now have to have tragically ruined their teeth. Fizzy drinks league table: Erosion Ph cope with a different kind of prob- To get a picture of the problem, potential lem — dental erosion. imagine teeth made from ice that High 2.5 This is the loss of enamel from are gradually melting — see the Cola drinks Medium Orange juice 3.8 picture below

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In severe cases, nearly all the enamel can be lost from the front teeth, leading to sensitivity, discolouration and fracture. These teeth are difficult to restore, and can never be the same again.

Kids have certain fizzy-drink habits, which make this erosion worse, such as swishing the drinks around their mouth to feel the bub-

• Still water and milk are the best things to drink; • Tea without sugar is good too, as it also contains fluoride; • If you drink fruit juices between mealtimes, dilute them with water; • Don't brush your teeth immediately after acidic drinks or foods -

the enamel is softened during this period — wait an hour or so.

Please remember, prevention is better than cure, and if you are worried about the problem of dental erosion, see your dentist.

For more information go to www.dentalhealth.org.uk Below, examples of enamel erosion in young teeth

The Link Magazine • May 2004 9 Free new patient consultation * Free Chirocheck always available IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM:

=

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John & Brigitte Wilkinson and Bob Bridgeman of Shaw Village Dental Practice bringing afriendly smile into the community New private patients welcome Celebrate Smile Week with us 17th - 21st May v1LL

Tel: (01793) 887801 Members of BCA • Registered with GCC Members of the College of Chiropractors *Presentation of this advert will entitle you to a free new patient consultation which will include othopaedic and neurological testing together wil a confidential report of findings (Treatment will incur a fee.

Offer excludes insurance claims)

Is your family overweight and ready for a life change?

Granada TV is looking fora Swindon family interested in taking part in making a series about dieting, fitness and healthy living to be broadcast in the Autumn.

The six half hour programmes lot of confusion about the right will track a number of families as diet for children and how best to they confront what they eat, how control weight; I've talked to many they exercise and what activities women who are frustrated about they do together. With the help of the different messages as to what dieticians and fitness consultants, is best to buy for their families. " We'll be looking into the food the whole family will be taken on a journey from their high fat, salt cupboard and also at activities the and sugar, couch potato lifestyle whole family can do together. Call me if you are motivated to change to a leaner more active future.

Producer Julie Dolphin said, your life."

Call Julie on 0117 974 5915 or "we're not necessarily looking for very overweight people. There is a mail: julie@granadamedia .com

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10 The Link Magazine • May 2004

Butterfly child support

Easter meets West over the craft table

A child with the skin as delicate as a butterfly's wings has been given free access to one of the town's most popular tourist attractions, Butterfly World Studley Grange garden and leisure park.

The Parivaar Asian women's group which meets at the West Swindon Family Project enjoyed a practical activity course before Easter focusing on traditional western crafts.

Heather Skerry from Gorse Hill night through a stomach tube. suffers from the painful skin conMum Wendy explained that dition epidermolysis bullosa, EB, there are only 2,500 sufferers in which means there are no anchor- Britain who are supported by the ing fibres to keep the layers of skin chari ty Debra. "I wrote to the Buton her body together. The result is terfly Centre to ask if we could chaffing and blistering where her hold a fundraising event here and clothes rub or if she is touched. they kindly offered us a pass.

The condition also affects her "Because EB is quite rare Debra internally, her eye sockets, on her is a small organisation and memtongueandherthroatwhichmeans bers do what they can to publicise she has difficulty eating and has to the condition. Heather copes amazreceive nutrients and drugs over- ingly well even though she is in constant discomfort. She never complains and just V says the blisters will get Blooming good project, back from left, Nadira Khatun, tutor Jill Ryan-Browne, better." coordinator Mina Bhogal, Thelma D'Costa. Front, Melba Sheffield, Harsav Butterfly World man- Khaira, Mo Bassi, Manjit Kaur, Bulwinder Chana ager Luke Brown said he The six sessions run by WEA Members take part in regular did not know much about Women's Branch tutor Jill Ryan- courses run by the WEA and the EB until Wendy called and Browne covered cross stitch, card colleges. In the last year the group he watched the Channel 4 making and flower arranging. has covered an introduction to documentary in March.

Group coordinator Mina Bhogal computers, health awareness and 1 k _ °' ^ __ "Heather is such a bubbly said, "many members are already English for speakers of other lanand bright kid, despite the accomplished in traditional crafts guages. obvious pain she must feel. from other countries so it was reComplementary therapy is the " We're delighted to help ally good to try out different ac- topic for the summer term with ' Heather and Wendy an tivities and add our own touches." sessions on reflexology, aroma` „ ^^ raise awareness of Debra."

Parivaar meets on Mondays, therapy and Indian head message.

If you can helpfundraise 12.30pm to 2.30pm, at 15 New members are welcome at for Debra locally, call The Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook to the group. A free creche is availLink on 872282 bring together women from many able. For details call 871303 or Heather with Luke and butterflies www.debra.org.uk x

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12 The Link Magazine • May 200 4 Proprietor Paul Edwards, 18 years hairdressing in London

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is one of the founder members of the Penhill Orchard project which is cultivating an area of groun d into productive use. £ The title Community Education Development Worker gives church," she said. "I'd like to hear Roxanna an open brief to work from people with ideas for new with people organising ongoing groups and activities and also those activities and also one off events, who are willing to coordinate their like festivals. development."

"I'm meeting organisers of the Roxanna can be contacted at groups which meet at the school Abbey Meads Community Priand also in other buildings like the mary School on 723239.

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Parents of children at Freshbrook's Rainbow Playgroup made a special effort for this year's Easterbonnet competition as the top prize was a cut and colour by Paul Edwards at HairWorks Salon at Freshbrook Village Centre.

The collection of wild designs and colour concoctions worn by the children made Paul's job of choosing winners difficult, but he selected the bonnet worn by Charlotte Rabey for the first prize.

The four year old was a winner last year and was pictured in The Link. Her mum Karen agreed that if her design was selected again, Charlotte's childminder Angela Blake would receive the prize.

"There were some great bonnets which made it almost impossible to find a winner, especially when

so many parents were there for the hat parade," said Paul.

Angela is the coach of Ferndale Netball Club and said her new light weight hair cut would give her more speed around the court.

Above, the three winners with Paul Edwards, Charlotte Rabey, Charlotte Bremner, front Tainsin Dunn.

Left,Angela and Paul and her new hairstyle

Take to the water for charity The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is calling on big-hearted companies, clubs and groups in Swindon to splash out by taking part in the charity's annual Dragon Boat Race on Saturday 12 June at Coate Water Country Park.

Teams of ten paddlers and a drummer to beat the time will race against each other in 30 foot dragon boats with a professional helmsperson to steer the course. No previous experience is necessary.

Last year the event raised over £5,000 to help the British Heart Foundation fund vital research, education, care and life-saving equipment in the Wiltshire area.

For entry details call Paul Bancroft on 01380 848 276.

The Link Magazine • May 2004 13

School wins industry standard computing status West Swindon's Greendown Community school in Grange Park has been formally recognised as a Microsoft IT Academy, one of the few schools in the UK to achieve the much sought-after award The January Link first revealed cences to use state of the art soft- older students and staff and to MCP and MCSE qualifications are some of the most widely recogthat Greendown was in line for the ware to benefit pupils as well as teachers in other schools."

Driving the initiative is the nisedITcertificationsavailableand prestigious accreditation which local business. "As a community provides a range of advantages for school we already offer many of school's ICT systems manager Tom they give potential employers conthe school. To compliment the our facilities to the local popula- Dwyer, who obtained the fidence in the type of person they building programme last year tion, but as a Microsoft IT Acad- Microsoft Certified Professional are going to employ."

"Greendown is now at the leadwhich will increase the school roll emy we will be able to build part- (MCP) qualification two years ago by 285 pupils a year, £380,000 has nerships with companies in the and is currently working towards ing edge of high quality training, been invested on upgrading IT fa- area, to provide IT training at the the prestigious Microsoft Certified education and resources for our cilities with a new computer net- industry standard. The additional Systems Engineer (MCSE) qualifi- pupils,peoplelivingin WestSwinwork of 200 desktop PCs in ten IT income generated from the train- cation. He said, "the Microsoft don and Swindon companies."

To find out about Microsoft IT suites, as well as200laptops linked ing courses will be put back into training is quite tough. Each qualithe school and will help us to pro- fication requires passing exams at Academy programme, call Tom to a wireless network.

Headteacher Steve O'Sullivan vide an even better education for an authorised centre, with a pass Dwyer on 874224 or mail said that the accreditation would our pupils. We will also be able to mark of about 80 per cent. The msacademy@@greendownswindonsch.uk give the school access to a wide offer these qualifications to our range of eduterials and liGreendown pupils,from left Stuart Hartley, Carrie Wilson, Alan Alder, with back from left, Dennis Denley, IT

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14 The Link Magazine • May 2004 PIANO & THEORY LESSONS

Tregoze top Ofsted delight

Graded exams no obligation

Tregoze Primary in Grange Park has been told by Ofsted inspectors that it 'is an effective school that provides a good standard of education in a very positive and caring environment.'

All ages welcome Relaxed and friendly atmosphere

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The accolade is particularly

The report overall rates every Tielemanssaid,"thegovernorsare

gratifying as current headteacher aspect of the school good, very Helen Swanson only took over in good and of a high quality; there January. Tregoze's first head- are no major areas to improve. The teacher Steve Menham moved to school was particularly praised for Wroughton Junior School after 13 developing pupils' social skills, the years after Christmas. Even though teaching of music, the provision of the inspection took place in Ms extra-curricular activities such as Swanson's first month, the report residential trips and for excellent concludes that 'leadership and links with Greendown and Bradon management are of a high stand- Forest Schools. Children were ard' and, 'the new headteacher has complimented for their behaviour, a real strength of character and attitude and attendance. supports all her staff very well by Mathematics, science and all asradiating quiet confidence.' pects of English were also singled out as being well above average.

For science, the number of pupils OF attaining the expected level are in GORSE the top five per cent, both nationally and compared to similar HILL schools.

1 979 - 2004 Chair of Governors Marc SPECIALISTS IN WEDDING HIRE SENIOR SCHOOL UNIFORM

absolutely delighted with the report and would like to thank all staff at Tregoze for their commitment and hard work. We believe that Tregoze is one of the best primary schools in Swindon and are pleased Ofsted seems to agree with us.

"Choosing a new head after 13 years was never going to be easy for the governors but Ms Swanson has shown us that we made the right choice."

Ms Swanson said she was delighted with the report on her school. "The children are a delight to teach; hopefully they leave

Tregoze with excellent memories.

"Praise must go to Steve Menham who made the school what it is today."

Headteracher Ms Swanson with children from evert/ class at Trr,,o:c School

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School moves in after 7 month delay Staff at Bridlewood Primary School in North Swindon had a busy hard working Easter holiday moving into their new buildings.

Rather than taking a well earned secure reception, administration break, they spent several days car- office, headteacher's office, large rying boxes of books and equip- hall to accommodate assemblies, ment from the two temporary PE and dining facility, kitchen, ICT buildings occupied since Septem- room, general welfare facilities, beron an adjacent siteatChartwell secure hard play area, a well estabRoad, off Lady Lane, and putting lished sports field, staff parking, up displays to landscape welcome their works, a pond children on 19 and feature path April. through the Costing £2.6 woodland. million to design _ .,.-.,,.

The March and build, and Linkdescribedin bvllr' ^^ detailtheprepamanaged Swindon Bor ^ ^j^] -rations for the ough Council's move. An official Technical Serv-, opening is being ices Group, the — planned for the new accommoda end of May. tion consists of a -Left, two Bridlereception classwood children getroom plus six furLing ready for their therclassrooms, a new school

The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ May 2004 15

Art week work on show

Skills quality award for school

Parents and grandparents of children at Catherine Wayte School in Abbey Meads were treated to an end of term art display and musical performance to complete the school's art week which took place in March.

A West Swindon primary school has been recognised for its work to boost children's reading, writing and numberwork.

On the last day of term Peatmoor School received the prestigious Basic Skills Agency Quality Mark. To be able to display the mark, the school had to show that it has a clear strategy and an action plan to deliver basic skills to its children and has targets for continued improvement. This includes knowing what individual children require to improve their skills and providing staff with the means to teach better.

Headteacher Terri Peacock said, "we're delighted to have qualified for the Quality Mark. It has meant a great deal of hard work by staff across the school, particularly Rachel Brittain who has coordinated our application and liaised with the assessors."

The school can use the Mark for three years when it will be inspected for improvements to see if it should be awarded again.

Right, Rachel Brittain receives the award from Pat Collard from the Basic Skills Agency with Peatmoor children

Reception children stick on their mosaic tiles with help from Rachel Emms of the Jain Tart Company

Last month's Link pictured Year World.'

1 children at a drumming work- On the last day of term every shop. The week included paint- child helped make a mosaic of faces ing,bannermaking,windowdeco- with the Catherine Wayte logo rations and visits to the library on which willbe sealed and displayed the theme of 'Our Wonderful in the school's entrance.

Stick figures for Salt Way Youngsters in Year 6 at Salt Way School rolled up their sleeves at the end of last term and got to grips with wire and modrock to create figures in the style of Giocometti Working with Toni Robinson "So many original ideas came from No Added Sugar, and artists through from very little instrucLucy Rosewarne and James tion and hardly any one-to-one atAldridge, creativity and colour tention," said Toni. "Everybody flowed into a wide range of inter- went for it and enjoyed getting to grips with the artist's work." pretations.

Year 6 artists show off their work with, back right art coordinator Lisa Skeene, , centre, Toni Robinson, and 1 clom 1c t Lucy Rosewarne

16 The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ May 200 4

Wrigglers has places for babes and toddlers Alison Carr, the former Little Sunshines playgroup supervisor in Abbey Meads, discovered last year that after having a baby she could not join any of the local parent and toddler groups because they either full or only accepted children once they were mobile.

Not content with sitting at home waiting for her turn to come up on a waiting list she joined up with childminder Lisa Hume and approached the Swindon Children's Information Centre and the Pre-School Learning Alliance for help with starting another group for parents, babies and tod-

equipment were purchased and Wrigglers was launched in February.

"There is a desperate need for more groups for families in North Swindon," said Alison. "It was great that the information centre and the learning alliance had funds to help get us started."

Mum Cristie Tester is glad the group was available. "I joined a waiting list at other groups in the Autumn and was told there would not be a place until after Easter at the earliest. I saw a poster for Wrigglers and jumped at the chance to join."

Wrigglers meets on Mondays 1pm to 2.30pm. For details call Lisa on 700141.

dlers.

With a grant from the Swindon Early Years Learning Partnership toys and

Left, a friendly Wrigglers welcome

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A toddler group which meets on the edge of Lydiard Park is looking for new members.

First Steps which is based in the St Mary's Church stable

room next to the car park close to Lydiard House offers a friendly meeting place for parents with babies and toddlers, with craft and musical activities, Bible stories.

The group gets together on Fridays 10.15am to 11.30am

Nursery School

2 - 4 years Baby Nursery 0-2 years

Would you like to know more about stress free ways to cope with your child's behaviour?

Health Visitors in North Swindon are planning another community parenting group to help and advise parents with strategies for dealing with those everyday situations. It will also provide the chance for parents to share ideas with each other.

The series of six sessions start on 8 June, 12.45pm to 2.45pm at the Haydon Wick Parish Council offices on Thames Avenue.

A free creche will be available, but places are limited. Book early by calling health visitor Geraldine O'Driscoll 489545.

during term time. To join call Lorraine on 771188.

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Bonnets for first time at nursery

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Children at the new Learning Curve Day Nusery in Wootton Bassett wore a special display for their first ever Easter bonnet parade.

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A Meadowpark is a well established thriving school with faultless DfEE and OFSTED reports across the 0-7 years age range A Conveniently located for Swindon and the surrounding area in a pleasant rural environment in the grounds of Prior Park Prep School A Come and see why past and present parents believe we are unique A Registrations being accepted for 2005 Certain places available for 2004

Manager Caroline Rayner, who lives in Westlea, said the nursery had seen a successful start. "The mums and children worked really hard on their Easter hats and we had great fun showing them off to each other."

"Visitors to the nursery like the atmosphere and have commented on the brand new, purpose built facilities."

For details of Learning Curve, call 851495.

Caroline Rayner with some of the children at Learning

Curve

The Link Magazine • May 2004 17

Fun day for all at North Swindon Family Centre A pizza making competition sponsored by Domino, Smartie Pants the clown and story telling are some of the attractions that will be on offer at a free open-to-all family fun day at the North Swindon Family Centre on Saturday 15 May,11.30am and 2.30pm, to mark the NSPCC's annual Children's Day. It highlights the country's leading child protection charity and the work of its 180 teams and community based projects.

The March Link featured the work of the family centre which is based in Atworth Close, Penhill.

It offers such activities as the Wednesday morning drop-in session for parents and pre-school kids at the Church of Christ the Servant in Abbey Meads, dads drop-in sessions at Pinehurst People's Centre Faiiiili/ centre manager Gary Holmes Ir, ping on Thursday lunchtimes forward to a free family fun day on 15 May and at the Atworth Close fun." building on Saturday mornings.

The centre can be reached on Individual family counselling and support and general advice is foot from Abbey Meads via an important aspect of the centre's Woodsman Road, Groundwell.

More information on the day and work.

The open day also includes dis- on the services offered by the cenplays, a bouncy castle, hair braider tre can be obtained on 705810 or and a disco. Centre manager Gary mail: nswindon@ nspcc.org.uk Holmes, said, "all families are wel- www.communigate.co.uk//wiltscome to come along and join in the north swi nd 0 nfam il yce ntre

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18 The Link Magazine • May 2004

Drop in West primary population puts paid to pioneering after school club Toothill After School Club at Toothill Farm Community Centre, Swindon's first and longest running after school and holiday activity club, has had to close because it is no longer able to make ends meet.

A trend setting community de- ago to £500, has meant that it was lies are moving to North Swindon. left as confident juniors ready for "We didnotreally have a choice. secondary school. The first who velopment project in 1988, involv- no longer financially viable. ing parents in its management, it Club manager Annette Proberts Our income from fees and grants attended would be around 25 now; was the first in Swindon to win the said, "two years ago we were up to did not match the outgoings and perhaps they are parents themKids' Club Network Aiming High our maximum of 35 children every parents did not want to see the selves.

"The club became an important Award at Level 3, and consistently afternoon. Since then we've seen club run up debts which it did not set an example for similar clubs numbers dwindling as Toothill's have the means to cover. partoftheToothill communitybut across the town.

"The staff are verysadthatithas it's now time to close." population has matured, whilst A rapid drop in the number of parents from further afield have had to come to this. We've been Present an d past members, staff primary age children is the main placed their children at commer- with the club for over six years and and parents enjoyed a party on 23 factor for its closure. This corn- ciallyrunclubsattachedtoorclose have built such close relationships April to celebrate the good times bined with cuts in grants by Swin- to their primary schools. We've with the children and their par- before closing the club down. don Council, from £21,000 six years also noticed that many youngfami- ents. Over the _ ,^ a years the club ^ ^ ^ has cared for ~" many hun ,. ^z j .,^ *, CO-OPERATIVE FUNERAL SERVICE dreds of chitdren who ' ( ` ^' _ SWINDON ' joined as ' "^ — nervous fiv ' '^ 439 Cricklade Road h Y year olds and ,, ^^ON

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•1.

Community Dividend Scheme A minimum of 1 % of the Society's profits

Bradley Fraser was far more interested in playdough than the attention of nursery staff, from left, teaching assistant Sylvie Kimber, nursery teacher Hilary Poole, nursery nurse Lynsey Neal

are returned to projects to benefit the

local community through the Highworth Netball promotes and organises netball for girls aged 9 to 21 years but wanted to involve youngsters in the game at an earlier age.

An £800 grant helped buy scaled down equipment to promote First Steps aimed at If you think a projec t introducing 6 to 9 year olds to the game you know of could at club sessions and in local schools. qualify for a grant Pictured is Alan Massingham, of up to £ 1,000, call: High worth Co-op manager with local players

Community Dividend Scheme.

call 0800 43 5902 for more information

Oxford, Swindon & Gloucester

The nursery class at Moredon Infants School opened its doors at the end of last term for parents to visit the classroom and meet the staff.

Children due to start in September were also introduced to the many exciting activities on offer.

Mum Amanda Fraser from Abbey Meads, brought her son to meet the staff. She said her daughter Emily had enjoyed the nurser y before moving onto primary school. "It's a lovely well organised class with lots to do. The staff are so friendly and prepare children well for their next stage in education."

Places are available for September. Call heateacher Anthea Hilson on 535992 for details.

♦^

19

Flowers and Wood Quality flower arrangements made to order.

Weddings, floral tributes and other occasions,

traditional or contemporary designs.

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

Some of Swindon's hidden surprises on show Swindon Museum & Art Gallery in Bath Road is celebrating its fortieth anniversary with Fab Forty!, featuring forty specially selected works from the Swindon Collection of Modern British Art. The town has one of the finest small collections of its kind in Britain which provides a fascinating journey through 20thC British art. from Gwen John and L.S. Lowry to Lucian Freud and Gillian Ayres.

Works of major importance by artists such as Henry Moore, Richard Hamilton and Howard Hodgkin are highlights of the eclectic range of over 280 works. Recently acquired works include 'The Chinese Bowl by Ivan Hitchens and `The Stripping of London' by Timothy Hyman.

The works are often in demand for display in other galleries and venues, in the UK and around the world. Ben Nicholson's striking oil painting 'Composition in black and white' is currently on display in Japan and the evocative painting of 'Tower Bridge, London — A War time Nocturne', by Sir Claude Francis Barry is on a tour of galleries around the UK. The Swindon Collection grew from an initial gift of several modern British paintings from a private collector. H.J.P. Bomford, in the mid 1940s. In 1964 the collection found its first permanent home when the museum on Bath Road

For further details call Linda on 01793 344695 or e-mail your enquiry to Ii daB flowers-and-wood.co.uk

Do y ou need a hat but don't want to BUY one?

Then (nil

Th e

/^ ad Hatter

' In Hl a^ y' d on Wick

(01793) 704005 or 07710 298790

to see the large selection of Hats to HIRE! Make a personal appointment to find just the right hat for you Museum assistant Lynne Hawkins adjusts Gillian Ayres picture 'Florestan' was extended with a modern purpose-built Gallery.

Since the late 1960s, Richard Morphet, then a young curator at the Tate Gallery in London, has acted as advisor on acquisitions for the respected collection.

The Fab Forty! runs until the end of October.

Pick your favourite picture Swindon Museum wants to know your favourite in the Fab 40. Visit the free exhibition and fill in the form available.

about how The smash hit c®unedy y

children

C iian'c

our life forever

Starring Sarah White (Brookside), Rebecca Wheatley ( Casualty), Kim Hartman ('Alto 'Alto), Maureen Nolan (The Nolans), Polly Highton (Brookside) and Julie T Wallace (Life and Loves of a She-Devil) 'This show should be sponsored by the NHS' Mail On Sunday 'Roars of delighted recognition' The Times

Exhibition looks at the town at war To celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of D-Day in early June, Swindon Museum & Art Gallery will open an exhibition on 22 May which focuses on the town's contribution to World War II, including the preparations for the Normandy landings.

The exhibition will run until May 2005 to include the next big anniversary Victory in Europe Day. • Swindon libraries help you search BBC D-Day website. See page 35 An exhibition picture of a landing craft built in the Swindon Railway Works being transported along Ferndale Road in 1944. on the way to the south coast ready to carry troops to France

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Mon 31 May - Sun 6 June • Tickets: £14.50; £16.50

WYVERN

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THEATRE

THEATRE SQUARE, SWINDON

Box OFFICE: (01793) 524481

SWIhdGr Wide Wt's

20

Talks

The Fox & Hounds

Monday 3rd, 7pm Historic Gardens of Wiltshire with Tim Mowl. SFL. £5. Lydiard House

High Street, Haydon Wick ) ur

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We have a cosy lounge bar ..and a separate sports bar offering: • Real Ales • Home cooked food made to order • Exceptional Sunday lunches

• Sky Sports • Darts, cricket and football teams • Quiz every Tuesday • Regular live entertainment

Wednesday 5th, 12.30pm Elizabeth George. Get an insight into the writing mind of this author of twelve international best-selling crime novels and the creator of Inspector Linley. SFL. £5. Arts Centre

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bookings please call 01793 878785 quoting SSD04

'Tables to be booked in advance 'Excludes menu supplements *No further discounts applicable & cannot be used with Park Brasse rie Cards or Gold Card Club

—THE— DE VERE SWINDON -"s--

De Vere Hotel Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon SN5 7DW Tel: 01793 878785 Fax: 01793 877822 www.de,tereswindon.co.uk

SeYehe S^nKday...

4

Weo. esday 5th. 1.15pm Anne Mustoe, above, talks about her world tours, by bicycle. SFL. £4.

West Swindon Library. Link Centre Wednesday 5th, 6pm Music of the Primes. Mathematician Marcus du Sautoy entertains with tales of eccentric geniuses, dangerous ideas, and escapes from death amongst those who grapple with prime numbers. SFL. £5. Arts Centre Thursday 6th, 12.30pm Crop Circles - The Hidden Form with Nick Kollerstrom. SFL. £4.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Thursday 6th, 5pm Clive Brain Memorial Lecture.

Baroness Helena Kennedy OC speaks on 'Just Law.' SFL. Free.

Main Hall Swindon College Venues

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Visskl Mc Aoky

This Sunday why not take time out to enjoy the use of our superb leisure facilities, have dinner and stay for the night in a standard double room. Then enjoy a leisurely Monday morning over a full English breakfast all for the fantastic inclusive price of £75 for two!

Best Western

Blunsdon House Hotel Blunsdon, Swindon, Wiltshire SN26 7AS Tel: 01793 721701 Fax: 01793 721056 Email: info@blunsdonhouse.co.uk www.blunsdonhouse.co.uk

/

12.30pm i Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic.

Ambition, hunger for power and intruiging relationships are explored

by Tom Holland, a captivating and inspiring speaker. in his latest book.

SFL. £5. Arts Centre

Introducing The New Sunday Supper Deal any sunday ct eautg until 31st May 2004

Friday 7th, 6pm Simon Jenkins, right. on England's Best Houses. SFL. £6. Lydiard House Monday 10th,

Come and see us soon or call Ellen Lee on 724749

Enjoy arty 2 courses for £73.95 or 3 for £7 Z95 is the Park Brasserie

Friday 7th. 12.30pm My Life in Orange with Tim Guest.

An insightful. poignant and humorous account of growing up in Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh communes. The SFL. £4. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

The A rt s Centre. Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Brewe ry A rt s, Cirencester.

Tel: 01285 655522 Lydiard House. Tel: 770401 National Monuments Record Centre. Kemble Drive. Tel: 414600 Richard Je ff eries Museum.

Marlborough Road. Tel: 466556 STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 Swindon & Cricklade Railway Tadpole Lane. Blunsdon.

Tel: 771615 Swindon Festival of Literature www.swindonfestivaloflileralure.co.uk

Tel: 771081.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Town Hall Studios Tel: 463210 Wyvern Theatre. Tel: 524481 Confirm date. time and price with the venue

Monday 10th, 6pm Colin Sell will play the piano and tell some stories from behind the recording studio scenes, as he joins Marcus Moore in conversation. SFL. £6. Arts Centre Monday 10th, 8pm Karen Armstrong. Former nun and a powerful speaker who regularly addresses the US Congress and the UN. Karen Armstrong has discovered her true vocation as a writer. Her latest ' book, The Spiral Staircase, is a candid memoir that recounts a profound journey into the heart and soul of life. SFL. £6. Arts Centre Tuesday 11th, 12.30pm Humphrey Carpenter on Spike Milligan. SFL. £5. Arts Centre Tuesday 11th. 8pm Therapy Today with Dorothy Rowe and Frank Furedi. Clinical psychologist and prolific author Dr Dorothy Rowe and Sociology professor. Frank Furedi. author of Therapy Culture talk things over with Jill Tomalin. SFL. £7. Arts Centre Wednesday 12th, 12.30pm Pauline Perry. Baroness Perry of Southwark is an educationalist and broadcaster. Her book, The Womb in which I Lay, looks at mother and daughter relationships. SFL. £5. Arts Centre

Thursday 13th, 6pm Barry Cryer, well-known panellist on Radio 4's 'I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue talks with Marcus Moore. SFL. £6. Arts Centre

Thursday 13th, 8pm Laurie Taylor, author of 14 books, acclaimed social psychologist, broadcaster and columnist. SFL £6.

Arts Centre

21

On inM(Aq Friday 14th, 12.30pm Jonathan

Porritt. Author. broadcaster and

commentator on sustainable ^.^ developments, Jonathon ranges over the issues in his recent book.

Playing Safe: Science and the Environment, and more. SFL. £5. Arts Centre Friday 14th, 6pm Bob Flowerdew. Committed gardener and popular panellist on Radio 4's Gardener's Question Time.

Bob's talk will be followed by questions and answers SFL. £7. Arts Centre Friday 14th. 8pm Mark Lynas. Climate change is already happening. as Mark Lynas demonstrates in his acclaimed book.

High Tide. SFL. £4. Arts Centre Sunday 23rd, 7.30pm Gervase Phinn. This best selling author. radio and TV personality shares his hilarious tales of life as a schools inspector in the Yorkshire Dales. £12.50. Wyvern Friday 28th. 7.30pm Signatures of War. Bob Clarke from QinetiQ Archaeology and lead tutor in Archaeology for the University of Bath in Swindon talks about North Wiltshire s secret' military history. from the start of the First World War to the end of the Cold War. £4.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery NB: SFL refers to Swindon Festival of Literature. Programmes from libraries: call 771080 or www.swHdonfestivalolliterature.co.uk

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery From 22 May Swindon at War A special exhibition to mark the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings,

by looking at the role of Swindon and its people during the Second World War. What do you remember? We shall be collecting oral history stories about Swindon at war during the exhibition. Free.

Bombed houses in Drove Road in 1942

Line Dance

CYCLECARE - Purton

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repairs

Midnight Cowboys

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sales

Tuesday: Even Swindon. 7.00 Community Centre Jennings Street (off Rodbourne Road) Wednesday: Rodbourne Cheney, 7.30 Rodbourne Cheney Club. Moredon Road (near Rodbourne Arms)

Thursday: Coleview 7.00 Community Centre. Nythe Road

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

PUKY German made kids bikes.

ADAMS trailer bike with smart hitch for age 4 - 8. BROMPTON folders GIANT family bikes.

89 High Street, Purton Tel: 778123

Jarzice Thompson JiJr i1 r Sir gii1¢ Classes

Film Tuesday 4th, 7.45pm Girl with a Pearl Earring (PG)

Charity No 1101723

Friday Beginners age 5 - 9 years i

e' .

Tuesday Girls age 9 - 13 years Friday Girls Ensemble age 13 - 17 years Saturday Boys age 8 - 13 years

An educational singing programme for children, solo ensemble and music theatre.

Annual events include exams, festival and a Wyvern Theatre performance Tel: Janice Thompson, Director MA LRAM ATCL on 535185 or e-mail: JTPTrust@aol.com Adaptation of Tracy Chevalier's bestselling novel starring Colin Firth as Vermeer and Scarlett Johansson as the sitter in his most intruiging portrait.

SLF. £4. Arts Centre Saturday 8th, 7.45pm

Studley Grange

garden & leisure park

You can walk among hundreds of the world's most beautiful butterflies.

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Exhibitions Arts Centre Until 29th Quiet Voices, Many Words by Jenny Florence with music by Ennis and Larry Lloyd.

Sound. vision and touch are used to explore language and communication.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Until 29 August Swindon in Focus.

Photographs of Swindon by Denis Bird taken mostly in the 1960s.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Fab Forty!

Forty works of the Swindon Collection of Modern British Art have been chosen to celebrate the Art Gallery's 40th birthday.

West Swindon Ladies You've seen Calendar Girls so why not join your local WI? Tootleabrook WI next meets on Wednesday 19 May, 7.30pm at Toothill Community Centre.

For more details call Jean Brock on 539456.

Sylvia (15) Gwyneth Paltrow gives an astonishing performance as Sylvia Plath to Daniel Craig's Ted Hughes, in this daring and inspired film about their relationship as it moves from college romance to a dark chamber piece about a marriage falling apart.

SLF. £4. Arts Centre Monday 10th, 7.45pm The Lord of The Rings (12A) The Return of the King. £4. Wyvern Monday 17th, 7.45pm Lost in Translation (15) Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson as bored Americans passing time in the alien world of Tokyo trying to discover the meaning of life. £4.

Wyvern Monday 24th, 7.45pm Master and Commander (12A).

Russell Crowe battling the elements and the French on the high seas. £4.

Wyvern

Open daily Summer: 10am - 6p Winter : 9am - dusk

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Season tickets available Full disabled access Tailored educational visits- Group visits welcome Large gilt snap - Free parking for cars and coaches

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Tel : 01793 852400 info : studleygrange.co.uk

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At Studley Grange Vitt..s, there is a huge range of beautiful and interesting x,_ . _ — handcrafted gifts many of which are skillfully created on site. Not only a great place to shop but also an interesting and interactive experience.

Tel: 01793 85460E

Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park, Hay Lane, Swindon, Wilts SN4 9QT

22

Swindon Wide Whct's Or it M^1

dual fashions for the erning lady N'ood Street )wn, Swindon

Swindon & Cricklade Railway Sunday 2nd and Monday 3rd May Children's Treasure Hunt Sunday 30th and Monday 31st Ma Ivor the Engine meets Jack the Station Cat

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BLUNSDON NORTH a '. srnrioN SWINDON

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Blunsdon Station Tadpole Lane Swindon.

Trains run 11am to 4pm

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Tel: (01793) 771615

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Comedy

Dance

Friday 7th, 8pm Sean Hughes reads extracts from his collection of poems. short stories and biographical pieces, followed by an

Friday 21st, 8pm Reflexions. An evening of dance and choreography from regional black dance a rt ists including Jeanette Brooks The Dance Movement, Menelva Harry's Gelede Dance Company and Suzette Neptune Indigo Dance Company. £8.50. Town Hall Studios Saturday 29th, 3pm & 7.30pm Swan Lake. The Vienna Festival Ballet perform one of the world's best loved classical ballets. £10.50 £19.50. Wyvern

extended

question and answer session.

SFL - see venues page20. £10. Arts Centre Sunday 9th, 7.30pm Jimmy Jones. Strictly adults only. £12.50. Wyvern Sunday 12th, 7.30pm Dave Gorman's Googlewhack Adventure. Plus special guests. £16.50. Wyvern Thursday 27th, 7.30pm Think No Evil Of Us - My Life with Kenneth Williams. written and presented by David Benson. This one-man show unlocks the character of one of Britain's best loved and missed entertainers. £12. Wyvern Friday 28th. 7.30pm Freddie Starr on a new UK tour.

Strictly adults only. £16.50. Wyvern Saturday 29th, 8pm Brendon Burns gives a no holds barred, hard-hitting stand-up performance in which he tackles some of the greatest taboos and most contentious issues. £10. Arts Centre Monday 31 stto Saturday 5th June.

Mon - Thurs: 7.30pm; Fri & Sat: 6pm 7 8.30pm Mum's The Word. The smash hit comedy about how children change your life forever. £16.50. Wyvern

Children and Family Events From Sunday 2nd 2pm - 5pm Richard Jefferies Museum. The birthplace of Victorian writer Richard Jefferies opens to the public on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month until 19 September. The museum will also be open on Sunday 12 September as part of the Heritage Open Day activities. Free admission Sunday 2nd, 11am, 1pm & 3pm Storytelling with France Ellul.

Enjoy stories new and old, from around the world, accompanied by a harp. flute and drums. SFL. £3. Twigs Roundhouse. Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor Sunday 2nd & Monday 3rd, 11am to 4pm Children's Treasure Hunt. For details call 771615. Swindon & Cricklade Railway.

Lowe

Farm Old Shaw Lane. Shaw

MAY CARNIVAL

SALE Starts Saturday 1st May, gam Watches, clocks, jewellery, china, crystal, gifts

MANY ITEMS HALIF PRICE

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Children & Families Day Sunday 9 May, 10am - 9pm Writing workshops. story walks and author talks in- t ' r cluding Storysack Surprises with Neil Griffiths, right.

11.30am, and finishing with campfire & story telling at 7pm.

The Storysacks presentation is sponsored by The Link magazine.

For details see SFL programme or call 771080.

Family Morning Wednesday 5 May, loam 12.30pm and 1pm - 3.30pm Fun on the farm for young children and their parents or carers. Follow the nature trail, feed the hens and collect the eggs. Make and take home seasonal art and craftwork.

Free, but places must be booked on 771080.

Saturday 8th, 2.30pm A Little Princess. Image Musical Theatre present the story of courageous Sara Crew and the defeat of her arch enemy Miss Minchin. For ages 5+. SFL. £6.50/ £5.50. Arts Centre Saturday 29th to 6 June Travels with my mummy! Holiday trail for children. Travel round the museum finding out where in the world (or in Wiltshire) the objects have come from. Free drop-in activity.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Sunday 30th & Monday 31st, 11am to 4pm Ivor the Engine meets Jack the Station Cat. For details call 771615.

Swindon & Cricklade Railway.

23

Swindon wide

A stadium for Swindon Town on Shaw Forest Country Park A developing story of dividing the Swindon community and betrayal of its people A football team is part of the lifeblood of a community and Swindon Town FC is no exception.

However the proposal by the club, in league with developers St Modwen Properties plc, to move away from the confines of the County Ground, in the middle of a residential area, to impose itself on another residential area in West Swindon is wrong.

Swindon Council own both the County Ground and the country park site and are willing to engage in discussion. But at what cost to the environment and the social cohesion of the town?

The idea should be dropped now and another site identified before Swindon is split into warring facti ons which will inevitably attract national media attention.

Overleaf is a scheme to be presented by St. Modwen at local'consultation' gatherings. Apart from a planting belt around the edge of the site every square inch of the country park site is proposed for development. Not only is there a 23.000 seat stadium. there will also be an athletics track, as well as a cricket ground, rugby pitches, a speedway and dog track around a lake, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, restaurants and two hotels with conference facilities.

So why does The Link object?

1. Swindon Town FC and St. Modwen and a few people in Swindon Council still think of the area as Shaw Tip. But this is not the case - this is no longer a tip. Thousands of people across the town regard the area as a country park, not as mature as Lydiard or Coate Water, but Swindon's new park for the 21st Century.

In 2000 Swindon Council won an award for what it is doing and numerous Government Ministers have been shown this example of best practice in land restoration.

Until 19 March nobody had a clue that the country park was being considered for redevelopment.

It does not appear on any local or strategic plans: 2. Nobody knows what material is under there. There are no records nor information on toxicity.

The St. Modwen model is designed on a beautifully flat landscape. But anybody driving by will know the steep banks on the edge of the site. On top you realise that hundreds of thousands of tons of Swindon's domestic and industrial rubbish from between the 1940s and the late 1970s is buried there, capped with vast quantities of clay from the northern development.

passed away... (This) was going to be a great country park one day for children, and future children such as my own."; 6. There is merit in seeing a range of sports facilities brought together to enhance opportunities available to Swindon residents.

Yet one thing is for certain. Swindon Town FC won't be paying for them.

Nor will St. Modwen Properties plc. They are not investors: they are property developers and expect a significant fee for pulling togetherthe project. Therefore who will pay for it all?

Overleaf councillor Nick Martin looks at some of the financial issues: 7. Most importantly. by even entertaining development proposals for one of its country parks. Swindon Council is in the process of betraying its people.

As a council deemed to be failing. what greater failure is there to sell-out on a policy which it has worked so hard, and successfully. to get people to buy into?

Overleaf resident Brian Toft spells out some of the lethal consequences of disturbing the site; 3. Access is a major problem. St. Modwen imagine Mead Way will cope with the volume of traffic trying to get to the site. In fact every verge, cul-de-sac and shopping centre within a mile and a half will be jammed with cars because the roads are

inadequate. Supporters will walk to the stadium, stopping off for pints on the way. Many arriving by train will walk from the town centre.

What they will get up to on the way back does not bear thinking about. Seeing the number of police in full riot gear at the Swindon v Bristol City derby clash on 10 April makes you wonder: 4. Just thinking of the noise from the pop concerts in the summer and from the speedway track, it is not surprising people li ving in the 2.000 houses of Sparcells. Peatmoor, Shaw and Nine Elms are outraged. For nearly 18 years they posted at www.swindonlink.com This is notadone deal. Theemerghave moved to the area on the express the anger people feel that ing opposition and the major enviunderstanding that the former the trees they planted could be ronmental concerns will make it landfill site could not be built upon ripped up. They believe the time. very difficult for the project to get commitment and trust they put in the go-ahead. Expect to see the for up to 100 years: 5. This is not a'not in my back yard' Swindon Council to create a legacy Government Office of the South situation: people all over the town for the town's children and grand- West and the Deputy Prime Minister's Office involved, and appeals are angry. In 1993 Thamesdown children is being abused.

To quote Katie Cfrom Sparcells. to European Courts.

Council's planning committee This could be a long, very messy agreed a change of use from a a Swindon Town supporter for 16 landfill site to create a new country years. "I was only 11 when I planted and expensive exercise. The counmy tree and ...which I dedicated to cil tax payer should not have to park close to the town centre.

In 1994 a'planning for real' pub- my granddad who had previously bear the cost, nor should Swinli c consultation exercise Is this an alternative site by Junction 16? Excellent don's reputation.

In the immediate future. engaged people in the location with good transport links and possibilities for a project and the site was park and ride. The only problem is it is privately owned. the plans are to be presented to the public see overleaf. included in the Great , w q Then on 10 June there are Western Community < ' the local elections for seats Forest 30 year plan to on Swindon Council. ry ~ x^^' green the landscape. !

So here's thechalleng eto ,,,.^^'^ ^' ^\ ^j Since then thre eco ^ s or f Ja "' y Swmdon'sthreepoliticalparm unity tree pi a ntin g `t om`, ties. Are you behind the prodays have involved °^• a,.'^ ^^F posaltoturnoneofthecounthousands of people in :^ j cil's major policies on its creating 'their' new — = ; head and allow a country country park. park to be developed for Some 46,000 trees have been planted and t ^;a1;:; _` ^^,:; commercial gain? Or do you ,oppose it'? the site has been coloWrite an article for the i nised by a range of wild i,. r -_ June Link and let everybody life. mo` w know where you stand.

The Link has publi+ '' For the full version cised and reported all of of this article go to these events. www.swindonlink.com The many e-mails ^(

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24

Swir Shaw Forest Country Park: a disaster waitiby Professor Brian

Like many of the inhabitants of West Swindon I realise that Swindon Town FC needs a new modern home and that the building of new leisure and sports facilities would be advantageous to the people of this town. Furthermore, the support for such an initiative by some of Swindon Borough Councillors is understandable'.

However, a brief desktop exercise of the risks involved in the proposed development on the Forest Country Park reveals that their enthusiasm for the project is not justified. Here is a summary of just a few of the risks that the proposed project is exposed to.

Contaminated Land The site has been used for landfill since the 1960's and will have received a variety of wastes. For example, Mr Kane who was the Superintendent of the Barnfield Road Incinerator Plant has stated: 'From 1975 —1991 I worked at Barnfield Road incinerator plant. During this ti me I was responsible for sending toxic wastes to Shaw Tip. One of these toxic waste materials was large quantities of blue asbestos from the town's decom-missioned railway works. '2 On the other hand Mr Short, Director, Swindon Contractors and Recreation Services, claims that: 'In the late seventies the site was filled with domestic refuse but has since had thorough investigations, bore holes and samples taken.'3 Unfortunately there is no documentary evidence to support either assertion, as the records detailing the types of waste that were buried at the Shaw Forest Country Park site are missing.° However, as Mr Kane observes: 'Mr Short can have no idea of what is on the site because he wasn't there in my day and he doesn't have records to prove it— you can't second guess these things.'S It is accepted in academic research `that people can and do comment on their experiences, and that these commentaries 6 are acceptable as scientific data.' Thus, it can be argued that since Mr Kane had practical experience of working with the waste materials that were transported to the Shaw Forest Country Park site and Mr Short did not, it is Mr Kane's view that should direct Swindon Borough Council's actions.

Furthermore. my understanding is that the Shaw Forest Country Park site generates methane gas and water contaminated with the contents of what was originally tipped there.

At present these two by-products are closely monitored , and the site is deemed to be safe.- However, if the

loft BA (Hons), Dip Comp Sci (Cantab,) PhD, MlnstD, FIIRSM,

site was to be subject to constructi on activity then conditions may be created that would allow the methane and the contaminated drainage water to affect near-by residential properties, their inhabitants and the local fauna and flora.

Perhaps even more worrying is the thought that if a pocket of methane gas were to form in a residence, the stadium or a leisure park building and ignite the results could be catastrophic.

Conservation and Biodiversity The area is also part of the Great Western Community Forest and during the past ten years it has been planted with thousands of trees. Notwithstanding the fact that Matt Prior, Conservation Officer. Wiltshire Ornithological Society reports: 'The River Ray corridor is one of the few places in Swindon where wildlife flourishes... The area in question is the secand best area in the whole of Wiltshire forthe secretive grasshopper warbler. barn ' owls hunt the rough grassland and well over 150 sPe cies of bird have been re 4 corded. It is also crucial to the survival of the red listed reed bunting in north Wiltshire. The area on top of the old landfill site supports a i good number of snipe and L-' in recent years internation- R ally important numbers of the scarce jack snipe. `I n addition to birds, of ~

fan Terry Offen rightly poins out that the current proposal is ludicrous given there are at least: ...two opti ons, one; a prestigious site next to a major trunk road or motorway giving easy access and a good impression of the town, or two: a site on an old tip within 'smelling' distance of the sewage works only accessible by local commuter roads. So, they [Swindon Borough Council] pick option two.'10 Managing Harmful Effects Given the above, Swindon Borough Council should adopt the 'Precauti onary Principle' with regard to the proposed Shaw Forest Country Park development. This is the approach that the Health and Safety Executive advise should be used when:'...there is good reason to believe that harmful effects may occur to human, animal or plant health or to the environ-

ment;' and `...the level of scientifl uncertainty about the consequence or likelihood of the risk is such th, the best available scientific advic cannot assess the risk with suff cient confidence to inform decisior making.'"

Such a situation clearly exists wit regard to the current proposals fc the Shaw Forest Country Park dE velopment and by invoking the pre cautionary principle it will shift:'...th burden of proof in demonstratin presence of risk or degree of safet towards the hazard creator. The pre sumption should be that the hazar creator should provide, as a min mum, the information needed fc decision-making.'t2 Thus. St. Modwen Properties pl should have to provide compellin evidence that any construction ac tivity at Shaw Forest Country Par would not prove to be injurious to th,

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Traffic There are numerous other risks that also need to be considered with regard to the proposed project such as other new developments that are taking place in West Swindon and the combined impact, for example. on the road network. Even some of the football fans, who so ardently want and deserve a new home, do not appear to want the solution that has =; been put before them. One i

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Wide happen

Will Swindon's council tax payers have to pay for this stadium?

, FIRM, Hon FICDDS esidents and the environment. Paricularly. as the liability for any injury r damage caused by the hazards iscussed above is highly likely to emain with Swindon Borough Coun1 and therefore if compensation or ther additional costs have to paid ut it will be the residents, as local

taxpayers, that will bear the financial burden and not the developer.

I believe it is clear that the proposed St. Modwen Properties plc project at Shaw Forest Country Park is fatally flawed and should be consigned to where it belongs - the dustbin!

eferences Plans for stadium unveiled today'. Swinon Evening Advertiser (SEA-22 March Kane. K'The deadly waste buried at the p', (SEA-22 October 2002) Short. JF 'We're proud of this former ndfill site', (SEA-28 September 2000) 'Records of toxic waste are missing'.

EA-10 August 2002) 'Records of toxic waste are missing'.

EA-10 August 2002) Brown, J. and Sime, (1981). J.A. A Methdology for Accounts in Social Method and ocial Life. fed. M. Brenner), Academic ress.London.

Short. J. F, 'We're proud of this former ndfill site', (SEA-28 September 2000)

8 Prior. M'Stadium would be a disaster for wildlife, (SEA-7 April 2004) 9 January 2001. Wiltshire Structure Plan 2011: A joint Replacement Structure Plan covering the Administrative Areas of Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire County Council, Adopted Explanatory Memorandum & Written Statement, Wiltshire County Council. Trowbridge.

10 Offen. T (25 March 2004), 'Same old Swindon.' This is Swindon Town F.C. website: www.thisisswindontownfc.co.uk/ f ens .. postbagStory. asp ? N ews I D=282 11 & 12 Heath and Safety Executive. website: www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/meetings/ilgra/pppa.htm#1

^ ^

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f 1.

West Swindon Councillor Nick Martin (for Shaw & Nine Elms) outlines the problems of financing a new stadium There are dozens of reasons why destroying Shaw Community Forest

to build a stadium is an awful idea.

However, I have been asked to summarize the financial puzzle and explain why residents may be forced to fund the multi-million pound scheme and councillors may be taken to court and fined.

Three years ago the football club proposed a new stadium near Junction 16. This sounded an excellent idea, but the stadium was to be owned by an investment company associated with Swindon Town FC and the money was to be found by allowing this company to buy and sell Swindon Council land at a huge profit.

Effectively the Council would have been giving millions of pounds away and councillors mightwell have been prosecuted. When the members understood their personal risk the scheme was dropped. the investment company left town and the football club went into financial administration.

Today, financial support for the stadium is a mystery but St. Modwen Properties plc are very keen to promote the scheme and some facts do exist: 1. Swindon Town FC has no money to build its own stadium;

s^.

2. Swindon Town don't own the County Ground stadium;

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3. The County Ground and the adjacent athletics track is owned by Swindon Borough Council (the council tax payer): 4. Shaw Community Forest Country Park and the tip land north of Barnfield Road depot is all owned by Swindon Borough Council;

,

I

4

5. St. Modwen Properties plc state thatthey will not invest any money in Swindon; 6. St. Modwen Properties plc also state that they 'do not come cheap.'

It therefore seems that they charge substantial commission on the property deals that they arrange: 7. Swindon Council own 90 percent of the land under discussion and don't require St. Modwen Properties plc to teach them howto make money by giving planning permission on farmland or brown-field sites: 8. If by some miracle it was safe to build on the Shaw Community Forest the Council would have to give planning permission for the development. This would raise the land value from £3,000 per acre to £1 .000,000 and this massive development gain should belong to the Swindon council taxpayer and not to St Modwen: 9. It is alleged that St Modwen wish to be given a long term lease on the Community Forest land and planning approval for development!; 10 My advisers tell me that Swindon Borough Council has no legal authority to fund private football clubs or property speculators and that any action that effectively gives council tax payers money away will lead to the prosecution and legal surcharge (to be heavily fined) of those involved.

So, in summary, every aspect of this development scheme points to money that rightfully belongs to the taxpayer ending up in developer's pockets. I cannot support such a project and neither can my fellow West Swindon councillors.

Four things you can do: Attend the public presentations of the plans and model and talk to representatives from Swindon Town Football Club and St. Modwen Properties plc on: • Thursday 29 April, 2pm to 8pm. Roughmoor Social Hall, Swinley Drive, Peatmoor. West Swindon • Thursday 6 May, 1 pm to 8pm. Swindon Town Football Club, County Ground, Swindon 2. Attend a protest outing on Mead Way on Saturday 1 May, 1 2 noon. Gather at Hillmead Industrial Estate, between Clarion and Skurrays Vauxhall. Wear strong shoes and visible clothing.

Image provided by St. Modwen Properties plc with annotations added for clarity'

.0

3. Then take a stroll around the Shaw Forest Country Park on 1 May at 12.15pm to symbolically stake the community's claim to it.

4. Send your views to www.swindonlink.com

26

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In the Garden Pots, planters & ornaments from around the world Open: Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm • Sun 11 am to 5pm

Saturday 1st, 7.30pm Janice Thompson Performance Trust concert. in aid of Christian Aid. with Junior Boys, Youth Ensemble and Collegium Brass. £5. Immanuel Church, Upham Road. Details from 642866.

Sunday 2nd, 7.30pm Ian McLagan and the Bump Band (right).A member of The Small Faces and then the Faces. Ian McLagan has also played with The Stones, Bob Dylan. Bruce Springsteen and Bonnie Raitt. Now touring with his own band. £12. Arts Centre Wednesday 5th, 7.30pm Rotary Grand Charity Event produced by North Wiltshire Rotary Club. Music and comedy featuring performances from The Pegasus Brass Band, Blag Theatre Co and Ten in a Bar. £7. Wyvern Friday 7th & Saturday 8th, 7.30pm Kentwood in Concert 2004. An evening of top songs, stories and surprises featuring the Kentwood Show Choir, the Kentwood Juniors and the Kentwood Youth Choir, to celebrate their 40th anniversary. £9.

Wyvern Friday 7th, 8pm Zubop. Worldbeat, upbeat and gutsy music from the band with a wide range of styles: salsa, samba, South African township music, ska, funk, reggae. Northumbrian folk. North African and Eastern music. £8.50.

Brewery Arts Cirencester Thursday 13th, 7.30pm In Other Words. Willy Russell and Tim Firth with a blend of spoken word with songs and verse performed, sung and played. £13. Wyvern Friday 14th & Saturday 15th, 7.30pm A Touch of Summer produced by K School of Music. a show full of fun. song and dance for all ages. £8.

Wyvern Saturday 15th, 8pm Eric Roche. One of the leading lights in a new generation of finger-style guitarists. £8.50. Brewery Arts Saturday 15th, 7.30pm Band of the Wiltshire Constabulary. £5/£4. St Augustine's Church, Summers Street. Call 693230 for details Sunday 23rd. 7.30pm Albert Lee and Hogan's Heroes.

Albert Lee is a 2002 Grammy winner. member of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, and a renowned guitarist who has played with Eric Clapton.

Emmylou Harris and Joe Cocker.

Expect a mix of country music with everything from ballads to rock'n'roll. £16. Arts Centre Wednesday 26th, 7.30pm The Counterfeit Stones. The greatest rock and roll clones in the world come to Swindon. £17.50. Wyvern

Wednesday 26th, 7.30pm Fairport 'Acoustic' Convention with long standing band members Simon Nichol and Dave Pegg, plus violinist Ric Sanders and mandolin. bazouki and violin player Chris Leslie. £14.50. Arts Centre

Friday 28th, 7.30pm Cantabile from Madrigals to McCartney. One of the world's top vocal groups. outstanding in both comedy and the classics. £8.50.

Brewery Arts Friday 28th, 7.30pm Brian Kennedy. A modest beguiling star, this Irish songwriter is best known for his outstanding vocal talent. £14. Arts Centre

Theatre Thursday 6th, 7.30pm

The Unexpected Man presented by One From The Heart. A famous novelist and a passionate admirer of his work meet on a train. The dazzling monologues reveal their inner lives and deep affinities, giving the play its humour, heart and suspense.

Suitable for 15+. SFL. £10. Arts Centre Thursday 20th to Saturday 22nd, 7.30pm Don Juan and Tartuffe presented

by Old Town Theatre Company.

Moliere's legendary comedic characters, the infamous trickster Tartuffe and philanderer Don Juan, are brought up to date in these modern adaptations. £5: postal enquiries to OTTC, PO Box 594, Swindon SN1 3UQ. Arts Centre Tuesday 25th, 8pm Pugilist Specialist presented by The Riot Group. A timely premiere dissecting the American military's hunt for evil in foreign lands, in which four highly trained American marines are assigned the task of eliminating a troublesome Middle East leader. £10. Arts Centre

Swindc F n Wide

27

Young dancers perform for CALM Swindon's Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Movement CALM will benefit from a show at the Wyvern Theatre put on by the Estelle School of Dancing from Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 June, with a

C C eflve

Saturday matinee.

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The children and adults will perform The Slipperand the Rose, an

adaptation of Cinderella.

Tickets from £7 are now on sale at the Wyvern Theatre box office, tel: 524481.

• CALM is celebrating its twentieth anniversary and provides support to families of children suffering cancer. It is run entirely by volunteers. no money is spent on staff or office accommodation.

One of the young stars who wi//be dancing Megan Gibson from Shaw.

Photo: Eliot Walker

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Tee off for children's cancer charity CALM holds its 11th annual Golf Day on Thursday 24 June and is looking for players to take part in this major fundraising event, which last year raised over £5,000.

Once again the Wrag Barn Golf and Country Club at Highworth will provide the venue with the Marriott Hotel again the major sponsor.

To register for this popular day amongst local golfers. call CALM secretary Helen Wilistead on 01672 841098. write to PO Box 1191, Marlborough, SN8 1 WG or mail: calmpost@hotmail.com Call her also with offers of auction prizes and grand draw items.

Singing live Tracey Shield is Celine Dion.

Winner of Granada's `Stars in Their Eyes'. Enjoy the tribute together with a 4 course candle lit dinner.

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Swindon Farmers' Market Food producers from around Swindon sell locally grown and produced vegetables, meat, poultry. eggs and cheese. cakes, jams and chutneys and plants on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month. 9am to 3pm. on Wharf Green outside the tented market.

They will be thereon Thursday 6 and 20 May.

Kites to fly in festival The Swindon Kite Festival returns to the Science Museum.

Wroughton on 8 and 9 May. 1 Oam to 5pm, thanks to White Horse Kite Flyers and with permission of the Science Museum.

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Flyers from all over the UK and from the USA will put on spectacular displays of kites in all shapes and sizes. some big enough to lift a man, Indian fighting kites and sport kites.

There will be team flying demonstrations, children's workshop and kite buggying. Members of the British Buggy Club will be making an attempt on the land speed record, for a buggy.

This year's guest is Mikio Toki from Japan. a world famed 'Edo' kite maker and artist.

There will be an unusual gathering of collectors of a rare World War II box kite. Known as a'Gibson Girl' kite complete with a dinghy, it was carried on aircraft and flown on a copper wire which acted as an aerial for a small distress signal transmitter to locate a downed pilot.

The festival is a great opportunity to discover the fun of flying kites and there will be traders happy to advise you on which to buy.

For entrance details and locati ongoto: www.swindonkitefestival .co.uk

Artists show off The Swindon Artists' Forum display their work at a Spring exhibition in the Wyvern Theatre until 5 May. On show are paintings in a variety of styles from landscapes to animal portraits.

Springer spaniel for Spring.

One

r

ink

vertiser Vikki Loeber's pictures on show

29

Swindler Wide Big North Swindon Roman site dig on Groundwell Ridge being planned Dr Pete Wilson, Senior Archaeologist for English Heritage, describes a major exploration in search of more evidence of the town's Roman past which will take place this summer, with help from local volunteers This year, as part of a joint English Heritage (EH)/ Swindon Borough Council (SBC) project, we are excavating part of one of the buildings damaged when the site was found by construction workers in 1 996.

The stripping of the housing estate road cut a swathe through the centre of a major Roman structure. but did not destroy it entirely. The area to be excavated includes the damaged parts and better-preserved features to either side.

We believe the building might be a bath house, or the bath wing of a larger building. perhaps with a cold plunge bath. We know it had an under-floor heating system and probably painted wall-plaster. It also may have had one or more simple mosaic floors. We also hope to dig a trench across the a possible Roman road, perhaps a key element of the site, the interpretation of which is currently purely based on the appearance of the earthworks.

We are currently waiting for planning permission for our site offices and scheduled monumentconsent (SMC) from the Department of Culture Media and Sport, the gov-

ernment department to which Engli sh Heritage is responsible. We need SMC as the site is protected in law and we have to justify what we propose to do very carefully.

We are also applying for a licence to use metal-detectors on site as part of the project and hope once again to be working with the Wyvern Historical and Metal Detector Society who scanned the spoil heaps and trenches for us last year.

Assuming we get permission this will not be a race against time rescue' excavation, but a project that proceeds at the pace that best lets us understand what we find.

The project is conceived as a Community Involvement initiative, but given the protected status of the site we need to ensure that the work undertaken is to the highest possible standards.

Local people will work alongside professional archaeologists to get involved in digging and learning archaeological skills. They will also be able to help with processing the pottery and other finds.

Due to the need to ensure adequate supervision it will be necessary to limit the numbers of vol-

unteers involved at any one time.

As well as opportunities for residents to participate there will also be places for student trainees who want to improve their skills.

We hope to be on site from 9 June to 25 July. working Wednesday to Sunday. Before that we are mounting a month long display in the North Swindon Library from 20 April.

On 19 April Swindon Council launched `The Friends of Groundwell Ridge at the Hayden Centre and we hope that the project will develop close links with the

new group. We have a web-site at www.english-heritage.org.uk - follow the archaeology link. During the project there will be an on-site display and site tours so that those not directly involved can keep up with what is going on. Dates and ti mes will be available closer to the dig at North Swindon Library.

Anyone interested in getting involved is asked to contact Groundwell Ridge Excavations, English Heritage Centre for Archaeology, Fort Cumberland, Eastney, Portsmouth PO4 9LD, or mail:cfa@english-heritage.org.uk

Half term archaeology at Lydiard Discover Lydiard Park's hidden past during half term, Tuesday 1 to Friday 4June, when there will be a programme of archaeology activities.

On Thursday 3 June there will be a family have ago day' when visitors can dig and wash finds, whilst children can excavate in a sandpit.

Details will be available in the June Link or call Lydiard House on 770401.

Lydiard Project on the web from 1 May The Lydiard Park regeneration project will be on the world wide web, thanks to the involvement of the University of the West of England.

Discover more about Lydiard's fantastic history and details of the work now underway to restore, including virtual tours and video sequences. www.lydiardpark.org.uk

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sw irdol Wide Wiltshire Festival back in Lydiard Park with Blue as headline

The UKs biggest pop act Blue take top billing at the Party In The Park on 28 August when the Wiltshire Festival returns after a year's break.

They'll be performing their stunning one hour live show which recently sold out a major city arena tour. With two No. 1 albums, three No.1 singles. two Brit Awards, 5 million albums sold and 2.9 million singles, tickets will be going fast in Swindon as well. Other acts are to be confirmed but already on bill is Jamelia, one of the UK's hottest new female performers.

The traditional Classical Night takes place on Friday 27 August, now renamed Picnic And Proms. Jae Alexander returns with the English National Symphony Orchestra to present all the classical favourites, ending with Last Night of the Proms pomp and fireworks.

Soloists this year will be Sarah Ryan, currently starring in the hugely popular London musical 'Jerry Springer — The Opera,' and tenor Ted Jackson, the opera-singing builder who was runner up on Channel 4's 'Operatunity' programme.

Tickets are now on sale at the Link and Oasis Leisure Centres and

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Swindon Tourist Information Centre in Regent Street. There is an early bird discount offer if tickets are bought before 31 May. Up to date details can be found at www.wiltshirefestival.co.uk

Racing ducks to raise funds for Rotary projects Swindon's famous Duck Race takes place again for the fifth year on Bank Holiday Monday 3 May at the Wootton Bassett Road Recreation Ground (opposite The Running Horse).

Organised by the Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town, this year's event promises to be the biggest and best yet with over 5,000 ducks heading for the first prize of £750, £100 for second and £ 50 for three runners up.

The fun starts at 1 Dam with a car boot sale, pitches £5. The Warneford Band will keep everyone entertained whilst families enjoy a traditional fair with skittles, pony rides, games and tombola stalls.

The race starts at 3.30pm when the ducks will be launched into the River Ray. Ducks cost only £1 on the day.

A corporate Drake Race starts at 2.30pm when bigger fatter ducks sponsored by local companies at £50 each will compete to win a superb crystal bowl.

Organisers are aiming to raise £10,000 for local charities. For details and for company sponsorship, call David Jackson on 845846.

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The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ May 2004

Footballers soon to look the best

With sponsorship from MOTest arranged by The Link, the team will be turning out for summer tournaments and for their games in the next school year in a graduated black, red and white shirt with white shorts, a combination the lads think will put the opposition off their stride.

Team coach, teacher Steve Bickell, said the

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grateful to MOTest for Coach Steve Bickell with the Abbey Meads Year 6 agreeing the support players and their shirt choice, from left, Martin Dallow, the school. "The boys Fraser Murray, Joshim Miah, Lee Habgood, Daniel have been extremely Johnstone, Matthew Porting excited at the prospect of a new kit and have worked re- trative officer and she found them ally hard for it. They were given spot on." the catalogue and had to make sure Player Fraser Murray admitted their choice of strip was within the the team had not been doing very budget, taking into account the well in the Swindon Primary suppliers discount and also VAT School's league. "We don't have where it applied. many older boys in Year 6 in the "It's been a very good exercise team and have some Year 5s, so we in team work and the use of maths' lose most of our games. But the kit skills. The boy's calculations were will make us look good; we all checked by the school's adminis- liked the fading red colour."

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32 The Link Magazine • May 2004

Aiming for England top spot

Achieve Success ,fitness Consultancy PILATES CLASSES Monday: 6pm - 7pm; Wednesday: 7.30pm - 8.30pm Holy Trini ty Church, ShawVillage Centre Tuesday: 8pm - 9pm Taw Hill Worship Centre Tuesday: I Oam - I I am Primebodies Fitness Centre YOGA CLASSES Tuesday: 8pm - 9pm Greendown School, Grange Park Thursday: I pm - 2pm CrickladeTown Hall Friday: 7.30pm - 8.30pm Greendown School, Grange Park

At just under six foot Chrissie Munro from Grange Park is using her height advantage to great effect.

The 16 year old Greendown pupil has been picked to join the EngH land netball development squad of twelve girls and recently showed off her talent at a home countries plus Gibralter tournament in March.

Chrissie plays for Pinehurst Netball Club and also Greendown, who beat the presitigious Millfield public school in early April. Two years ago the team went through to the national school's finals.

Over Easter Chrissie attended i-^a an England performance camp and knows she has to work harder to S maintain fitness. "It's a big step up in standard," she said. "Now that I' m in the England set-up, I have to fight hard to keep my place. If I can get stronger and develop my skills then I have a chance to make the England senior team one day."

Chrissie currently trains three times a week, working on speed, agility and endurance. "I've had lots of encouragement from my school coach Gail Tipper and I could not have got this far without Pat Harris, my coach at Pinehurst.

She gives me a lot of help to be a better player."

After her GCSEs in June Chrissie will move onto New College.

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Delta manager Gail Light said players were very pleased with the improved facilities. "It's much safer to play without loose tennis balls bouncing around and the centre looks almost like new.

"Come down and have a look in advance of Wimbledon."

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'j j .

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Tuesda y . 6.36nm a Bam Ahhev Meads School, Paula. 761442

Th —dav: 6pm a 7.30em Church. 6avenn Wick.

Sher t

Peter er,

764664

^YV^NI^

together we can do it

The Link Magazine • May 2004

Restoring Health & Well Being

CHERRI ANN MATTHEWS

•'• Reiki

•

•'• Indian Head Massage •'• Crystal Healing v Personal Coaching Phone Jane on 01793 701523 for an initial consultation

hnCh,rr tomnix'

Holistic Therapist & Reiki Master/Teacher

Andrew Hill B.Sc (Hons) Dip Hip PNLP MNCH (Reg.)

Then get help here

WESTLEA SCHOOL Thursday 5.30pm FRESHBROOK CHURCH Wednesday 7pm

Reiki I st, 2nd and Master Degree Courses.

ABBEY MEADS PRIMARY SCHOOL Thursday 6.15pm

• Learn Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) - I-Day Workshop

HAYDON CENTRE Monday 9.30am.

Wednesday 6pm & 7.15pm

• Banish fears, phobias, addictions and mental/emotional blocks holding you back with EFT.

Discover the new 'Time To Eat' programme

• I & 2-Day Meditation Workshops.

Reflexology/Aromatherapy.

• Reiki/EFT/Indian Head Massage.

Call 08457 123 000 for other meetings in the area or visit Meeting Finder at

• For free brochure/info call: t: 01793 871410 m: 07720 635761

www.weightwatchers.co.uk

CHIROPODIST

Personal Coaching Want to lose weight: stop smoking: change your life; overcome anxiety. depression, panic attacks or fears; i mprove your confidence. sports, exam or work performance?

Associates

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Advanced Reflexologist & Kinesiologist CLINIC AT 113 HIGH STREET WOOTTON BASSETT

For an appointment with Mrs Lesley Taylor

Hilary Norris-Evans BA Hons, DABCH, MCAHyp. NLP Cert, MNCH

Call 01793 873451 talk in confidence with the therapist visit our website

www.ahassociates.org

WEIGHT LOSS New Shape - New You!!

Wanted Serious people interested in weight loss 30 day money back guarantee

FREE SUPPORT Still enjoy your favourite foods

Call 01793 706289 www.slimondown.uk.net

Tel: 01249-740506 or mail: info@getmindfit.co.uk Now working at Best Of Health, 127 High Street. Wootton Bassett

Lifestyles Are you interested in: Weight Loss, Gain or Maintenance Sports Nutrition Health Improvement & Energy Boosting Skin Care & Beauty Wellbeing Simple, Affordable and Effective Our Herbal products have helped over 40 million people worldwide.

They are 1 00 % safe, natural and doctor recommended For more information call ore-mail Jo or Paul on 01793 702475 or 07901 55408 0 jo@jplifestyles.co.uk www.jplifestyles.co.uk

33

\IBChA, MSSCh, MIIR, ASK George Irwin D.Hyp. BSCH (Assoc ) Registered :Hypno?tirthingW Practitioner Now at Swindon & Highworth ^ E: georgeirwin43@aol.com

Call Freephone 0808 108 8545 (01793) 849914 anytime

Can Chiropractic help one?

How much will it cost?

We are often asked, "What's the best way of finding out whether a doctor of chiropractic can help my problem?"

We believe the answer can be found in a complete chiropractic consultation and examination, including x-rays. And to help find out for sure, we will do a complete consultation and examination, including xrays. if necessar y , for just

These procedures normall_c cost £100 or more!

(Does not include personal injury cases or car accidents

£15.

resulting in insurance claims.:

Testimonial Hi! Something aura--ing has happened!

Acupuncture at Taw Hill Medical Practice Mark Ackland BSc PhD Lic Ac MBAcC

On Friday evening I went out with Dale to the cinema, had a Chinese. afew glasses of wine stayed up until midnight!!

Nothing amazing about that I hear you say. But for me it is! I have not been out with me husband on a Friday night for sereral rears. All the weekend has ere- held for me was headaches, pain, exhaustion and bed before 10pm. After 5 weeks of t reatment my quality of life has al ready improved. Thanks Pat ti

If you want to get a life - get a chiropractor

Laser (needle-free) acupuncture now available

Appointments call: 07973 - 185158 SESSIONS: FRIDAYS 2pm to 7pm Please contact the practice or visit www.tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk for details.

TAW HILL MEDICAL PRACTICE. QUEEN ELIZABETH DRIVE. SWINDON SN25 1 WL.

TEL: 01793 709500 • FAX: 01793 723875 E-MAIL: ENQUIRIES@TAWHILLSURGERV.NHS.UK

Lore Valerie Tar/or y

If ou are experiencing an', of these symptoms, call our office for an appointment

A4361

01793 814 67

w,o^t — 1400s

M uk Blokland and Associates (GCC Registered)

CoM4116

Ridgeway Chiropractic Clinic wwNi.ridgeway-health.com

Fairwater Stables, High Street, Wrou g hton

cev l:es W

B404 o M4 A461

1I5

34 The Link Magazine • May 2004

MOBILE CAR SERVICING II REPAIRS * Electronic tuning * Welding * Electrical work * MoTs arranged (no re-test fee) For a reliable local service with over 25 years experience (No VAT to pay)

CALL GRAHAM ON (01793) 873045 or 07867 556350 Z'owz 4aeae 'e,ttoi &MA4 i Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates

DUNCAN Cars • Vans • Luton Tail - Lifts SELF DRIVE HIRE

Tel : 822193

Radio de-coding while you wait Open daily 8.30am - 5.30pm EM Sundays 8.30am - 9.30am

272 Ermin Street. Stratton St. Margaret. Swindon

FREE PARKING

Olympic hopes on the horizon for hockey player Seventeen year old Shane Moore from Midd leleaze is in so many icehockey teams that his mum Cathy does not know whether she is coming or going - either in her laundry room, or when she is travelling to a game. Is it for Swindon Innogy Lynx or an England team today?

Having worked his way up through England under 14s and 16s, former Windmill Hill Primary and -^ Bradon Forest pupil, Shane is now in the Great Britain unde r ^^' 18s and has been at^r tending Olympic 4 ^^gy`+ squad training camps with a view to the 2010

M.O.T.

Cars • Motorcycles

01793 428430 More than just your local bus company

7- Thamesdown

*^

I winter games. rIn early March r,_ J'' Shane won a gold medal at a five nation tournament in Lithuania and in early April m Daryl Lipsey Swindon Innogy Lillis anager he was picked for the congratulatcs Shan eon on his Power Play award England under 19s ary, possibly the youngest in the team which beat Scotland.

The Swindon College student is English Premier League, said, clearly marked for bigger things. 'Moore is clearly the one to watch Power Play Magazine in naming for the future.'

Shane player of the month for Janu- In addition to the opportunities created by Innogy Lynx, family support and sponsorship from

Running for fun

Shaw Chiropractic Clinic and Prime Bodies Gym are obviously Chiseldon School PTA are invit- helping Shane develop into a top a ing participants for a Fun Run on i class athlete.

Sunday 23 May, 10am.

All runners welcome. The adult run covers five miles, the chil dren's, one mile. n Call Chiseldon Primary School on 740349 for further details.

in Chiseldon

Corporation Street, Swindon S/N

1 DS

FIAT & ALFA RI)MFI! Providing friendly & efficient * servicing * engine & gearbox rebuilds * electrical repairs * brake and clutch ^ E5 repairs * cam belt replacement * MOT repairs

Running for life in Lydiard Organisers of this year's Cancer Research UK Race For Life in Swindon are looking for well over 2,000 women to take part in a run/ jog/walk around Lydiard Park on Sunday 6 June.

39b

tation Road, Wootton S Bassett

(Opposite St lvel)

MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS/ SCOOTERS

HIRE REPAIRS SERVICING ACCESSORIES

* sales

Tel: (01793) 840667

ELECTRIC AND

NEW AND USED MACHINES

S^F.vP1"R^o

OPTIMA

For all your needs:

Home visits our pleasure Last year 2,115 entered the Swindon event individually or in teams, raising£140,000. Across the nation Cancer Research UK are aiming for 325,000 participants to raise £20 million.

The entry fee is £8.50. To enter call 08705134314 or register online at www.raceforlife.org

or call in at: 1 25 Rodbourne Road Tel: (01793) 423484 or

50 New Road, Chipppenham Tel: (01249) 462404

The Link Magazine • May 2004

35

North library celebrates first birthday On 13 May last year, Mayor designate councillor Derek Benfield, cut the ribbon to declare Swindon's newest library open at the North Swindon Centre, inaugurating a new service eagerly anticipated by residents of the rapidly developing area.

A year ago group librarian The innovations included Sun- homework clubs, story times and 'There's more than books in libraries' Shaun Smith, recognising that the day opening, a read and relax area a games' club for teenagers. Al- including a games' workshop, a central location in a thriving retail with coffee machine, a CD head- though we are delighted with the special meeting of the homework centre surrounded by a growing, phone listening station, and a self- success of the library so far, we are club, a mini-musicians session, young population, said to The Link, service issue and return facility, always looking for ways to im- story time for under 5s, a chance to "it's an impressively big space right A year later, most people will prove, with a home library service meet the home library volunteers, next to the public thoroughfare; agree the provision has lived up to and a readers' discussion group silver surfer sessions to get'oldies' the library service will be trying a expectations. Assistant manager just starting. We are always open started on the internet, as well the range of new ideas for the town." Shirley Culbeck said that it had to new suggestions." launch of the new readers' group.

Principal library manager Gilli been a very busy and exciting As part of Swindon Festival of Look out prize draws and colBrookes-Palmer, added at the time, twelve months for the twenty or so Literature, on 11 May, 7pm, au- ouring competitions, and dis"it's very exciting to be involved staff, with more than 5,000 new thor Sarah Duncan will talk about counts on DVDs and videos hired with such aground breaking project. users enrolled. "Libraries are no the techniques of novel writing, on the day.

Call into the library for up to The library is a fantastic resource for longer just about books. We have 13 May will be celebrated with a North Swindon residents." free internet and e-mail facilities, range of activities under the theme date information or call 707120.

D-Day + 60 in Swindon libraries To mark the sixtieth anniversary of the Normandy landings Swindon Libraries are running five free sessions to help users put their stories onto the BBC D-Day website in order to create a national archive.

These will take place at • North Swindon Library, tel: 707120. Wednesday 28 April, 2pm to 4pm and Thursday 20 May, 10am to 12noon.

• West Swindon Library, tel: 465555. Thursday 13 May, lOam to 12noon and Wednesday 2 June, 10am to 12noon.

• Highworth Library, tel: 463500. Tuesday 8 June, 2pm to 4pm.

Book a place by calling the library. www.bbc.org.uk/ww2

£u4

Reading and discussing

THE GARAGE DOOR CENTRE • Up and over, roller

and sectional garage doors • Remote operation doors

wa' 4 c wa ryS pea i is ed + Dent removal

h t

West Swindon Library readers' group next meets on Tuesday 27 April, 7pm to 8pm to discuss Margaret Murphy's books Darkness Falls and Weaving Shadows and on 8 June when members will be discussing The House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III. For details about joining call Tracey Dowling on 465554.

1Ae

-

r

' !

+ Bumper scuffs + Stonechips + Interior trim repair + Windscreen repair

Don't let small but anno}ing damage ruin the value of your vehicle!

We visit your home or premises for a convenient and fast repair To arrange a free quotation, call 07050 266325 www.t ri mli neswindon.co.uk

GREAT WESTERN ENTERPRISE your partner in business

• All doors guaranteed

''q 6 IC IN

• Maintenance free doors • Superb security locking facilities • Highly trained fitters • Full back-up service

For quality and service second to none

Only the highest quality garage doors supplied and/or installed across Wiltshire. Gloucestershire.

Berkshire and surrounding areas since 1981

CENTRAL SWINDON Annual long stay parking from only £58.08 per month

The largest stockists of top quality branded products in the South West of England GARAGE DOOR z C o m a ^ o o N (I)

Discounts for group and company bookings

f/) QU4l .I

IN

,55I

RI

II

Contact Christine Jenkins Tel: 01793-690600

36 The Link Magazine • May 20 04 HEALTH & WELL BEING FOR YOUR PET

Would you like your pets looked after in the comfort of their home?

Magnets have been used for thousands of years to relieve a wide range of aches, pains and discomforts in humans and animals.

I provide a friendly caring and professional pet sitting service for dogs, cats and caged animals.

Whether you're away on holiday or just out at work all day, I can feed, walk and care for your pets.

Service tailored to suit your needs.

Many pet owners have seen dramatic changes in cats and dogs suffering with stiff joints.

For more details phone Carole on 01793 702098

For a full colour brochure, call 872282.

Pets left home alone?

Are you out at

work all day?

I provide a fr-iendl v, professional service. ra r ing for all pets in sat' own home.

Also dog walking, pet sitting, feeding and all round pet care y Tel: Mand 324654

or mobile: 07949 363502

Desperately seeking cat friendly people Swindon Cats Protection, Swindon Branch, urgently requires a welfare officer, a branch coordinator and publicity officer These are vital posts necessary to keep the branch open. For more information about the positions call 861847.

National Pet Week: 1 to 9 May This years theme of is pet awareness and how to be a responsible pet owner.

For details, call into one of the veterinary surgeries advertised below.

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

Pets At Home could be your answer ?ets 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

err,. SHAW

^ enf ' C

fl

SCRUPLES PET SITTING

oo

A caring service at competitive rates.

• Home / pet sitting - live in or out • Home visits - including feeding/ walkies • Dog walking • Travel to airports / fer ry po rt s • Transport/collection from any

.::R

C RY b

Abbeymeads Village Centre Elstree Way Abbeymeads Swindon Tel: (01793) 728728

European destination For details, please call Estelle on 07810 814953 or Tracey on 01367 253844 or 07799 488652 e-mail: tracey@hoefnagels.fsnet.co.uk

VETERINARY CENTRE

Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 5PY

A friendly, caring service fog° you and your pet David Warnes BVSc MRCVS Consultations by appointment: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.30pm 9.00am - 4.00pm Saturday

-_r

Abbeymeads Veterinary Surgery Opening hours:

Mon - Fri Saturday

9am - 6.30pm 12noon - 3pm

Consulting hours by appointment:

Mon - Fri: 9am - 10.30am; 3.30pm - 5pm; 5.30pm - 6.30pm Saturday 12noon - 3pm

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

Local care for local people and their pets

It's Pets' Paradise 0 at Paradise Pets. r

Superb selection of cage and

New reptile

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 hours) t•

For offers,

Thameswood Small Animal Hospital ,m

prices, advice a information, log on to our web site

24 hour Emergency ' ►e indon's most modern small animal l'ospita , offering c[ua[it y surgical and medical care at competitive price r ithirr a carinc, fi iendh and profe:rsiuna[ eneironnment.

i

•

* ,

62 - 64 Purton Road!, Swindon Tel: 01793 526780 Open all day: Monday - Fri Saturday 9am - 11 am onsultations by appointment. Ample free parking

l

Eve j hincj for lour t" in one %h©^^ Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor, Swindon Tel: 01793 512400 Fax: 01793 5124 44

The Link Magazine • May 2004

West walks' routes now available online A series of daytime walks around West Swindon are proving tremendously popular.

Planned and led by Link Active Lifestyle Centre instructor Brian Gardner, using the new West Swindon map published by The Link, the walks will continue every Wednesday,1.15pm, until the end of September.

Not everybody can make the daytime walks so the coloured maps and walk descriptions are now available online free of charge at: www.swindonlink.com There are 6 routes exploring different areas of West Swindon and one to Old Town and back via the railway path. Prints of the full set are available by sending £5 to The Link, address on page 4.

To join a walk with Brian, meet at Link Centre main reception.

Each lasts about two hours and are mainly on tarmac paths. The cost

37

IAN CURTIS LANDSCAPING

Patios • Block Paving Fencing • Decking and all other aspects of landscape work Tel: 01793 854255 Mob: 07949 341724 Striding outaruwid the sculptures of West Swindon with The Link map

varies from £2.60 for non-Swindon Card holders, £2 for Swindon Card holders, or £1 and 30p depending on the concession rate.

For details of the May walks, call Link Centre on 445566.

Take to the Sarsen Trail in aid of wildlife Every year over 2,000 runners and walkers, in various states of dress and fitness, and from all over the world, make the marathon trek from Avebury to Stonehenge in aid of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. And walkers are needed for this year's 26 mile trek across some of the most beautiful parts of Britain on Sunday 2 May. The trail WiltMarching sh re countryside p with stunning views lover the in periort,.

Vale of Pewsey and the Avon Valley. Walkers cos t111111 can do the full 26 miles or one of two eleven is an miles stages. optional Runners can do the Neolithic Marathon which extra on follows the same route or a half marathon which the Sarsen starts on the edge of Salisbury Plain.

Trail Entrance fees and sponsorship money will enable the charity to protect wildlife and wild places all over the county, for people to enjoy today and tomorrow.

To register for either of the events, send an i•SAE to the Trust's office at Elm Tree Court, Long Street, Devizes SN10 1NJ. To volunteer as a route marshal, call Sheila Martin or Patrick Turner on 01380 725670, ext 225 or mail: sarsen@wiltshirewildlife.org

Cycle marathon and treasure hunt Swindon Cares is recruiting riders to take part in July's 25 mile White Horse Bike Ride and Treasure Hunt on Sunday 11 July, 10am, starting and finishing at Stanton Park, just off the A361 at Stanton Fitzwarren.

The route takes in the countryside below the Uffington White Horse and the money raised will be split between Macmillan cancer relief, NSPCC, Age Concern Swindon and the GWR FM Community Fund.

For details, call Jacquie Sheppard on 692166. To sign up, return the the entry form below, with a cheque: To: Jacquie Sheppard, Age Concern Swindon, 14 Milton Road, Swindon, SN1 5JE Name Address ......................Post Code • Entry fee: £6, which includes a Swindon Cares t-shirt • Accompanied children under 16 years: £2 • Closing date for entries: 22 June • On the day entries: £10

Matthew Scott NCH

LAWNIHOPPERS

LANDSCAPE &

grasscutting

GARDEN SERVICES Including Fencing.

Decking, Patios & Walling Grass Cutting, Pruning Clearance and Paddock Maintenance Free quotations

A grasscutting service for both large and small gardens Weekly, fortnightly or monthly visits All machinery supplied to keep your garden neat and tidy All rubbish removed

All jobs considered

Mobile: 07909 671501 Tel/Fax: 01793 771498

Full garden maintenance service available

Tel: 704204

Garden Design and Maintenance Why not get some help from a plant specialist and RHS Chelsea medal winning designer • Professional designs drawn to suit your needs/budget • Imaginative planting plans for whole/part of your garden • •

Plant supply and planting Garden maintenance - lawn care, shrub pruning, hedge cutting, border renovation

Call John or Anita Barratt ND Hort A / Hort on Swindon (01793) 751403 for further information

Anita Barratt Garden Design

1 i

:aminate floor laying general gardening painting fencing & turfing house clearance/tidy decking & patios cleaning windows, patios etc. hedge & tree cutting Call us now for a free no obligation quote on

Quote: Link

01793 870350 or 07766 465752

I..

38 The Link Magazine • May 2004

Environment events in May Sunday 2nd, 10am - 2pm.

Woodland conservation activities in PeatmoorCopse. Call Liz Emerson on 876654 for details.

Sunday 2nd, 11am - 4pm. TWIGS Wildlife Garden Open Day. Free entry. Exhibition of Illuminations art project; make something in the Twigs craft studio & wood workshop, get inspiration for your own garden in the thriving plants nursery Also storytelling in the Roundhouse as part of Swindon Festival of Literature at 11 am, 1 pm and 3pm (adults £3, children £2). To book call 523294.

0 CL Timber e ns New - Reclaimed, For all your timber decking & pressure treated timber for garden use, ply, close-board fencing new & old sleepers

Sunday 16th, 10am - 3pm.

Himalayan Balsam Bashing. Help remove this invasive alien weed clogging up Westlea stream. Meet at the end of Barnfield Road by Minety

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL WORKS UNDERTAKEN

The Yard, Tate Estate Kingsdown Road Stratton St Margaret, Swindon Open: Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm. Sat 9am - 4pm

For a free quotation call Mike on 01793 722264 or 07919 5561 19 10SH Managing Safely Certified Public Liability insured

Delivery in Swindon area

Saturday 8th. Dawn chorus at Lydiard Park. Advance booking essential, call Neil Pullen on 526228 for details.

Thursday 13th, 7pm. Guided walk around Moulden Hill Country Park organised by Haydon Wick Parish Council. Meet Taw Hill Medical Centre. Bring a torch.

Maintenance

Drop by or tel: 829715

iii)]

Monday 3rd, 7.30pm. Bat survey talk and walk around Lydiard Park.

Advance booking essential through Lydiard House on 770401.

Thursday 13th,12.15pm. Lost lake tour. Discover the extent and former glory of the Lydiard Park lake on a walk guided by the Lydiard Project engineer and historic landscape architect. Book a place by calling Lydiard House on 770401.

EMA Grounds

• Grass cutting - large or small areas mown weekly, fortnightly or monthly • Weedcontrol - lawns, gravel driveways, block paving etc.

• Hedge trimming - annual trimming or reductions

lr1

Sunday 2nd, 10am - 12.30pm.

Yellow and Blue. Three mile walk around Coate Water listening out for early summer bird visitors and looking at seasonal features in the woodlands and wild flower meadows. Wear stout footwear. Meet at Coate Ranger Centre. Book in advance by calling Swindon RangerService on 771419.

Saturday 8th, 1.30pm - 3pm.

Poachers Paradise. Gentle two mile stroll around Lydiard Park listening to old poachers' tales and local folklore. Wear stout footwear. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

vio*A - WB^^ i

4..

FREE DELIVEF COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 7 DAYS BUILDING MATERIALS Block paving • Driveways • Paths • Patios Decking • Rockeries • Fencing • Pergolas • Turf Side of Manor Garden Centre, Cheney) Manor Ind Est, Swindon. Tel: 484455

Sunday 9th,10.30am. Maintaining the Haven. Help with the upkeep of this wildflower garden at TWIGS, next to Manor Garden Centre. and take some samples home. Call John Ball on 877261 for more details.

Sunday 9th, 2pm to 3.30pm.

Hanging Baskets Workshop. Learn how to make a hanging basket which will bloom all season. Materials provided. Wear old clothes and bring gardening gloves. £10 per kit.

Suitable for wheelchair users. Meet at Lydiard Park Visitor Centre. Book in advance by calling Swindon Ranger Service on 771419.

Tuesday 11th, 7.30pm. Save Coate Campaign. Campaigners fighting proposals for a massive development at Coate are hoping to come face-toface with councillors who will decide whether to allow the scheme to go ahead. Broadgreen Community Centre, Salisbury Street. Swindon.

For more details call 783040. www.savecoate.org.uk

Jo Sayers, hidden in the foliage in Westlea stream, getting stuck into Himalayan Balsam or the Terminator plant with volunteers in 2003 Fences (SU 131854). Wear suitable footwear and old clothes and bring lunch, refreshments provided. For details call Jo Sayers on 526229.

Wednesday 19th, 8.30pm.

Searching for mini-dragons. Hunt the great crested newt in Lydiard Park. Advance booking essential through Lydiard House on 770401.

Wednesday 26th. Lydiard Park

Project Bat Emergence Surveys.

Help us find and count the number of bats using various roosts around Lydiard Park. Contact Neil Pullen on 526228 forfurther details and to book.

Haydon Wick & District Garden Society Tuesday 25 May, 7.30pm Andrew Bullock will speak about Lavenders and Buddleias Haydon Wick Community Centre Annual membership £2.

No additional monthly cost.

For details call Clair Abbott on 436680

The Link Magazine • May 2004

LA.NDSERVE

GARDEN

Garden Maintenance

DOCTOR LANDSCAPIN

& Landscaping

(ltlf%.

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

Hedge Cutting & Pruning

LAWN & HEDGE CUTTING

mss,-'

39

s.4

LANDSCAPING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

PATIO & TURF LAYING GENERAL GARDEN TIDY

1:11t"^I

I

FENCE ERECTION, STAINING & MAINTENANCE All types of fencing installed e Repairs/refurbishments • Made to measure gates • All pressure treated timbers • Help & advice on all fencing & garden matters •

No Job Too Small. All works insured.

Call Martin Emer MI Ilort. y

for free quotation

on 01793 870956 or Mobile (17771 9562)4

Give your garden a inakeover Tel: 01793 873630 Mobile: 0781 8430556 nail davidsmith@garden-groomers.com www.garden-groomers.com

•

• Trained team • Fully insured For free quotation Tel: (01793) 526571 Mobile: 07760 127139

LAID CAP l IG

* Hedge cutting * Fencing * Turfing t • Gravelling ' sir One-off or regular customers welcome For regular reliable and friendly service call Steve Tel: 01793 536713 Mobile: 0794 1022 461

LANDSCAPES

GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION

ar Lawn cutting s7 General gardening

Unit 23 & 24 Oaklands Ind. Est. Braydon. Swindon

EDEN

STEVE JEANS Lawn & Garden Maintenance

Free estimates on 01793 855800

• Fencing - closeboard, panels etc.

• Drives and patios - slabs. concrete, shingle • Patio cleaning, grass cutting, gardens tidied up • Turfing and grass seeding • Ponds & pergolas

Contact: 01793 692687 ,;;obile: 0771 1253508 L

O Paving, Walling

LANDSCAPE SERVICES www.liorticare.co.uk

0 Fencing, Patios 0 Gravel drives

Patios * Ponds ** Turfing * Fencing Garden maintenance

"No job too small'!

* Garden design ** Decking * Pergolas

For reliable service and quality work

Tel: 01367 710772

ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Mob: 0775 4245160 www.timberdeckingco.co.uk Tf-tE TIMBER DECKING COMPANY Your complete LTD TIMBER DECKING Specialist

Suppliers of turf, compost and bark mulch

Now supplying easy to assemble Jungle Gym playhouses in a great range of sizes and modules to satisfy every child's dreams this summer

SEED GROWN LAWN TURF - COMMERCIAL QUALITY OR SUPERIOR QUALITY * SCREENED TOPSOIL * SOIL CONDITIONER * BARK MULCH

DELIVERED OR CASH & CARRY

Tel: 01793 526320 Transfer Bridge bldustrial Estate County Road, Swindon

Call us about Hot Tubs l ,J

Timber Decking O Easy Assemble Customised Decking Kits O Tanalised Timber O Pergolas, Arbours & Gazebos ' O Decorative Aggregates O Ornamental Fencing

• P

^^_ - r h

'

6 Brindley Close, Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, Swindon. Tel: 01793 488899 C

•

Open: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm:

Saturday 9am - 5pm

40

GK

HARDROCK PECORATORS SURFACING

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

FIREI: SURVI Y NO 1)EPOSI'1' Work it out for yourself 20 fascia board fitted £ 60 20' fascia & gutter fitted £135 20 fascia, soffit & gutter £205 20' fascia & soffit £130 (prices correct at time of publication)

l'

Tel:01793 701394 Mobile: 07830 184483 Interior & exterior painting and decorating Coving • Dado rails No job too big or too small.

Free estimates and friendly service

J.F.K BUILDING SERVICES

Driveways paths, drop kerbs and edgings, etc.

Complete tarmac services

Tel: 01793 712268

All aspects of garden construction including fencing

Specialists in PVCU, windows, doors and conservatories.

Tel: 01793 701469 or 07799 085252

Rollers • Verticals • Venetians Pleated Blinds • VELUX= Conservatory Blinds QUALITY BLINDS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

All blinds fitted free it

Choose from a wide range of fabrics from the comfort of your own home

^ I 1n1i

Tel: Mr J.F. Keenan

(01793) 727824

Also • Floor & wall tiling • Plastering • Plumbing • Internal & external building work undertaken • References available

- Fast and reliable service Evenings & weekends no problem

All general building work

e-mail: rapers@tinyworld.co.uk

Bathroom & kitchen installations

D & L Blinds

Extensions, Alterations, Renovations For a free quote

N.G. Dyer Property Maintenance

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

Contact Paul on 01793 619428 FREE QUOTES NO OBLIGATION

Tool Hire Summer Deals

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Wallpaper stripper

Day £10

Carpet cleaner c/w free lit carpet shampoo £20

C Jl^!?/^PrXfI^I^XGPIj YOUR LOCAL PVC-U MANUFACTURER • Buy direct from our factory • We make it and we fit it • High security • 10 year guarantee • Lowest prices

178 Rodbourne Road (Near Designer Outlet Village)

Tel: 01793 522306

Wend £14 £25

Pressure washer

(ideal for patios)

£20

£25

Concrete breakers

£20

£25

Plate compactors

£20

£25

Many more deals - phone for details

°'"' ^^

Why not let us handle everything

from start to finish?

Call today 01793 790944 or 07973 232435 (evenings and weekends) The Marsh, Lower Wanborough. SN4 OAS

Whv sefs

All prices include VAT

#he dire sta nda rd?

CHARISMA BLINDS

rr

ainbow of colours for ur home this Spring!

he rainbow at Charisma Blinds The factory - the place for quality and value

Manufacturers and suppliers of all types of blinds Full fitting service or cash and carry Factory showroom open Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm Friday 9.30am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm BSS House. Cheney Manor Ind. Est., Swindon. Tel: 01793 434584

M14

AMI

DECORATORS

SKIPS

High quality painting tt decorating Interior 8t exterior

2, 22, 3, 4, 5 yards capacity 5 days given to fill skip

For free quotations call

Freephone 0800 - 387613

01793 634523 or 07734 779736

For a Quality Installation

For free & friendly advice on our full range of Gutter/Fascia systems professionally installed and guaranteed. CALL US ON

Tel: 731610 8am - 6pm

Swindon 855700 / 855800 U n it 23 & 24 Oaklands in

Est. Graydon. Swindon

Philip Stone Decorating Services The decorating service you can trust, est. 1986 Interior and Exterior Painting Et Decorating

Wide selection of quality rugs Rug edging service Remnants (vinyls, Flotex, carpet & bathroom) Laminate flooring

Specialist in Wallpapering

COMPLETE PROPERTY SERVICES (Formerly Merlin Property Services) + Kitchens

+ Bathrooms

+ Renovations + Alterations 2 Industrial maintenance + Plumbing + Electrical

Home selection service including estimating & fitting

General Maintenance and odd jobs No job too BIG or too small Telephone for a free quotation: 07774 - 208527 days or 870515 eves.

+ Floor & wall tiling

Unit 59 BSS House Cheney Manor Industrial Estate. Swindon SN2 2PT

Tel: 01793 542333 Mobile: 07778 976752

e: philip.stone@decorator-services.co.uk www.decorator.services.co.uk

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SG

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Loft Conversion Specialists

INSTALLATIONS

+ UPVC Doors & Windows + Carpentry° + Painting & decorating

Mobile: 07785 522377 Tel: 01793 616170

CONSERVATORIES WINDOWS & DOORS UPVC FASCIA & GUTTERING

I

i Acenti Designs Ltd specialises in converting all types of loft into quality living space.

Whether you need more space or wish to expand your house rather than moving, loft conversions are a cost effective way of increasing your living space without losing valuable garden area. We convert all types of lofts including modern 'W' truss lofts.

We are a professional engineering company, who make extensive use of computer aided design (CAD), to optimise the space and the head height within a loft and to accurately design stairs to fit into the complex geometry of a loft causing a minimum disruption to existing living space.

If you need more living space for a bedroom, office, playroom or a place to relax, converted lofts make very attractive li ght extra rooms.

Designed correctly loft conversions are an environmentally friendly, cost effective way of increasing living space.

Freephone 0800 9178695 www.acenti.co.uk

Make your dream a reality FENSA

f

REGISTEREDCOMPANY

t

l'

I

n1

10 YEAR GUARANTEE

Free 3D dimension drawing References available on request Free survey and quotations

Tel/Fax 01793 331551 Mobile 07775 621764 Mobile 07799 284998

BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS

ire

bathrooms

general plumbing Complete Bathroom Installation' • PLUMBING • TILING • ELEC I RIGS • EN SUITES

FREE QUOTATIONS

01793 431211 or 07771 998924 email: shirebathroomsc c aol.com

DECORATOR •

® Plumbing Quality bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring all taken care of * All types of plumbing undertalken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, machines installed Free estimates

01793 725232 07748 964433

DECORATOR

oEIARATORSJ

Interior/exterior painting & decorating • Wallpaper hanging • Tiling • Replacement skirtingboards, coving, picture rails • Laminate flooring fitted And other carpentry & building services No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligtdion 24 hou r quotations

Contact Andy or Mitch: 01793 729354 /07977 562288 01793 537324/07900 835116

JAMES O'SULLIVAN

BUILDING SERVICES

G.P. Building Specialist Ltd Extensions and loft conversion specialists All building and maintenance work undertaken Est 15 years Fora free quotation call 07767 417079 01793 435576 DOUBLE GLAZING

SG

ELECTRICIAN

Dave Ody

INSTALLATIONS

Interior & Exterior Painting and Decorating

For all your domestic & commercial requirements New installations • Showers Extensions • Extra sockets Re-wires • Security lighting New fuse boards

Wallpapering, Coving, Artexing

Free quotes 24hr call out facility

Established 22 years

For a professional finish 'eplrone 07971 347345 (snob) or 616933

For quality windows and doors Tel: 01793 331551 07775 621764 / 07799 284998 FENSA See our advert on page 41

HEATING & PLUMBING

GARAGE CONVERSIONS

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294

HEATING & PLUMBINGI

ROB HALL I NEMA ROOM • GAMES ROOM GYMNASIUM • OFFICE PLAYROOM • KITCHEN/DINER TEL: 01793 770088 MOB: 07710 150644

nUN's" MUI/^` UU^"...' U!/€ /N...!

KITCHENS

KITCHENS

MH KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

Building Services Fitted kitchens Home improvements Extensions

• Kitchen installation • Bathroom installation • Ceramic floor & wall tiling • Plumbing

Garages Call for a free quotation

Tel: 01793 872343

Tel: 01793 723407 Mob: 07990 847623 Free estimates

HEATING, GAS & PLUMBING SERVICES Central heating installations, boiler servicing and repairs, bathroom and power showers All aspects of plumbing

Tel: 01793 815254 Reg 187606

MAINTENANCE

Don't be left out in the COLD! •

All gas appliances serviced, repaired & installed Landlord/moving house safety inspections • Bathroom suites installed and all other plumbing work undertaken • Central heating systems flushed (powerfl ush) • Hot water systems descaled • Quote on request • 24 hour call out • Natural gas & LPG qualified • British Gas trained

Reg: 202015

Tel: 722449 • Mob: 07956 410982

MAINTENANCE

Western Property Maintenance • Painting & Decorating • Laminate & Tiled Floors • Plumbing and Electrical • Fitt ed Furniture Installation & Repair • Odd Jobs

For a free quote call Mike Nuttall Tel: 01793 886032 Mob: 07729 722829

Retired and semi-retired tradesmen available for all household tasks Electrical • Plumbing Carpentry • Decorating Handymen ('all Andrew on 01793 820991 or 08456 44417O (calls charged at local rate)

• Reliable • Trustworthy • Affordable

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BUILDING SERVICES

Paul J2hind Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted UPVC windows £t doors Conservatories, fascias and guttering Roofing £t building maintenance Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

ELECTRICIAN

Ladsworth ELECTRICAL Quality Domestic Electrical Installations Extractor fans & showers Extra lights & sockets Garden power & lighting Aerial, phone & PC points Inspection & testing Free quotations Experienced & reliable Tel: 01793 821377 Mob: 07930 284293

HEATING & PLUMBINGI M.P.S.

Heating & Plumbing For gas central heating, bathrooms, showers and all other plumbing & heating work

CALL 01793 522579 MOBILE: 07816 906437 matt@mpsheating.co.uk www.mpsheating.co.uk

CARPENTRY J&R Qarrpe itry scirvk e J Fitted bedrooms and kitchens O Replacement doors & staircases O Laminate floors O Household repairs and general maintenance O Decking - supplied and fitted Free no obligation quotes Kevin Cook

Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

ELECTRICIAN

M.D. ELECTRICAL SERVICES SOCKETS AND LI6HTIN6 TO SHOWERS AND RE- WIRES. FOR FREE ESTIAIA TES AND ADVICE, TEL

01793 495365 MOBILE 077438 74621

Brian Jones lastering Services External rendering * Plastering two coat Re-skimming : Dry lining Coving *' New or repairs

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

DECORATOR

D.R. BALL CARPENTRY

Painting and decorating Domestic & Commercial

Laminate floors Doors/skirting Household repairs * Kitchens All work guaranteed

FREE ESTIMATES

1 4 Morrison Street Rodbourne. Swindon

Quality & Service

Tel: (01793) 484490 Mobile: 07919 915386

Tel: 01793 882093 Mobile: 07957 934536

ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING

J u r

Domestic, commercial & industrial i nstallations. Maintenance & repairs

* lighting * rewiring ( __ i * security lighting I. O

.dc MASTERFITTER

*: garden electrics

power & electric showers s: heating * bathrooms

Tel: (01793) 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364 wr'Ir_E1 National Inspection Council .o,^,..na• for Electrical Installation Contracting

RJ PEARCE

Quality Plumbing & Heating

20 years experience in plumbing work

• Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive

rates • All work guaranteed • No job too small

For further details

• Centr al heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Outside taps • Power showers • Bathrooms in,tallations Reg: t2ese^ All plumbing work unde rt aken Reliable service, realistic prices Kevin Rolfe

call Richard on

PLASTERING

Tel: 01793 881905 Mo bile: 07973 6 63367

PLASTERING

1st Call

_Plastering Services • Fully insured • Quality workmanship • Competitive rates All aspects of plastering covered Tel: 01793 882329 _ M: 07766 525959

All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet

!

HEAT ING & PL U MBIN G

PLUMBING & HEATING LTD

FLOORING

SHAW Electrical & Plumbing Ltd

HEATI N G & P LUMBING

01793 879156 or 07747 723606

PLASTERING

CARPENT RY

L.P.A PLA5TERINE From a patch

to a whole house Free estimates

Wood & ceramics • Supply or fit only Commercial/domestic • Safety flooring All work guaranteed • 14 years experience Call now for a free, at home consultation

I i L 07970 865883 25 Kennet Avenue , Greenmeadow

HOUSE /GARDE N D & G HOUSE & GARDEN MAINTENANCE ALL EXTERNAL & INTERNAL WORK

Tel/Fax: 01793 723495 Mobile: 07771 617992 All garden work Concreting paths Patio repairs Patio jet wash

Building Guttering and Fascia All carpentry

Repair or replace

External painting

small walls Internal painting & Grass cutting decorating Hedges & trees cut Plumbing repairs Electrical Toilets, wash Replace sockets basins, bath taps.

Extra sockets overflows repaired Outside lights or replaced ALL WO RK GUARANTEED, FULLY INSURED

PLUMBING General plumbing services • Radiators • Pumps 4 (4 • Tanks • Boilers • Cylinders • Burst pipe ij-' • Taps • Washing machine installed

(7.

A local service

Mobile: 07909 983462 Tel: 01793 703936

by

Tel: 01793 435392

44

SERVICE

ACCOUNTANCY

Day & Co. Chartered Management Accountants

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses and taxpayers 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 e-mail: info@dayand.co.uk

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

ACCOUNTANCY .A. Accounting Services for all your accounting needs Our friendly and experienced staff are ready to help you with: VAT Returns • Tax Returns Payrolls • Construction Industry Partnerships • Sole-traders We offer a tailored service to suit all your needs Call us now for a free no obligation quote Tel: 01793 632249 Mobile: 07810 543325 helen @hsaaccountingservices.fsnet.co.uk

ARCHITECTURAL

AERIAL SERVI CE S

AERIAL SERVICES

Aerial & Television

CHRIS PAYNE

Services

AERIALS

& SATELLITE SYSTEMS

• Extra satellite points • Video & TV repairs • Freeview installation • Signal amplifiers

* Satellite TV Sky & digital terrestial Extra TV, telephone & electrical points

No call out charge

-

4

All work guaranteed Tel: 01793 702601 Mobile: 07774 943 783

BOOK-KEEPING J

• Most leading brands

• Guaranteed repairs • Same day service No call out charge • No VAT

A SUDS

For prompt service,

DRAINS o D Bo

Complete design, plans, and planning service for New build Extensions Conversions Refurbishments

Go

BLOCKED DRAINS CLEARED FAST • CCTV surveys • High pressure jetting • Pipe relining • Locally based - competitive rates • 24 hour call out • No cal I out charge

Tel: 01793 435392 REFRIGERATION REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING ENGINEER

Book-keeping Se rv ices Management accounts • VAT return Sage - payroll • Sage-accounting • Self assessment • Self employed Small business For a professional & friendly service call 01793 616170

for a free no obligation consultation

ELECTRICAL SERVICE S

GARDEN SERVICES

Sw 4ett

Grass cutting Hedge trimming

e sewce4

SPARES • REPAIRS • SERVICE YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT From a 13 amp fuse or cleaner bag to fridges or vacuum cleaners we otter an efficient & personal service.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE II The Arcade, High Street \Vootton Bassett Te l: (11793 854378

REMOVALS/STORAGE

ABBEY MOVE .nBeeY MO VF;

(?;y

• Regular. occasional or one-off • Long grass no problem • Clean, tidy work • Sensible prices • Odd jobs, fencing repairs, etc.

Friendly, 7 day service

Chris Reed Swindon 538839

All domestic, commercial and industrial repairs, maintenance and installation work undertaken

Tel 01793 435722 Fax 01793 435722 Over 20 years experience

Mobile: 01116236415

CARPET CLEANING The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist • Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc • I?mergency call out available • I-lard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured NC^a • Quickly usable -^ You'll be amazed how affordable it is ...call for your free estimate from your local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 I. muiL clitl'.aehitewwavSthtinternet.com

INTERNET ` -

Nine Elms Solufions ltd

We will build you a single page website, provide a '.co.uk' domain name, give you an e-mail address & host your site for 12 months for as little as £125!

For further information, call 01793 875854 or 077108333661

or e-mail: info@nineelms.com

REMOVALS & STORAGE

RUBBISH REMOVALS

nO

REMGvFdES a _ .;Ficc

COMM ERCIAL/DOMESTI

SS•p1•EO

RUBBISH DISPOSAL W,.

-

Single Items / Full House Long / Short Distance Storage Specialists Packing Service Late Bookings

SKY

Mobile: 07702 285865

F(-I:

bfggsi IA .+a s rwJ/

01793 772888

J.I.B. REGISTERED ELECTRICIAN • FRIDGES • FREEZER • CHILLERS • COLD ROOMS • AIR CONDITIONING UNITS

Tel: 01193 100018

11tewwa^,

tel: 321943

E

Storm damage

Savage

Complete

ARCHITECTURAL

4''

• TV & FM aerials

THE MAN WITH A VAN (Est 1993) • 24hrs - 7 days a week • Single items to a full house • 8 different size vehicles • Disposal of unwanted items

Tel (01793) 727307 Mob 07811 188564

Tel: 01793 772888 Fax: 01793 772444

WWW..ABI3EYMOVE.CO.UK

EMail: ashobbs@theashgroup.freeserve.co.uk

DEMOLITION HOUSE CLEARANCE METALS & CARS DISPOSED OF You name it, we move it Quick & clean service Monday to Friday

8am to 6pm

Tel: 01793 772268

SECTOR

45

AERIALS

AIRPORT TRAVEL

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

AIRPORTS

I JiV!

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

I

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

Competitive prices

Tel: 725 000 CARPET CLEANING

CO MPUTER SERVICES

SAFECLEAN IT

www.puretechsolutions.co.uk • Computer

• carpets

. curtain,

• upholstery

• rn1.

• leathrr

* Recommended by Leading Retailers throughout the UK

Established in the UK since 1971 x

Guardsman Anti Stain I'rotection^ I ° Spot Stain & Odour Removal forathorough(r S11 eclea11 .good clean call..

Adam Elmore Freephone 0808 144 5425

IRONING

repairs • Supplies • Training for home, education small business • Free callout service • Desktop PC's: new & used • Friendly professional service

Tel: 0845 128 4362

COMPUTER SU

COMPUTER SUPPORT

I SIGMA Computer Solutions NEW PCs/Spares/Repairs Upgrades/Service/Support Internet & Network Solutions For friendly EXPERT advice & PROMPT on-site service

Tel: 01793 633924 Mobile: 0781 6014363

NOT ANYMORE!!

Ironing collected & returned to your door- within 24 hours.

Fully insured For a friendly, reliable service telephone 321665

SECURITY SYST EMS ^Q ssaib

,,own

• w,n=,

Security

Burglar alarms Access controls CCTV • Fire alarms Installed, repaired, maintained 24 hour monitoring for police response

For details call Doug Marshall on 433999

Computer running slow?

• Need some advice?

• Looking to upgrade?

• Equipment required?

Virus and Internet attack questions?

Wishing to backup?

info@puretechsolutions.co.uk

sales@sigmacomputersolutions.co.uk

IRONING

OVEN CLEANING

PLUMBING SUPPLIES

Ironing Service p;

I RONING A CHORE??

PC Support straight to your door

01793 887883/07949 288996 contact@it-2-u.com Pro-R.

or mail:

Busy Bees

LH IRONING SERVICES (est. 1998)

IT 2 -U.com

^'nt Ott konte

l.1 \CLEAN

the same day.

Tel: 01793 882186 Mobile: 07745 332555 e-mail: busybironing@aol.com

SKIP HIRE BASSE TT SKIPS LTD O 2, 4 or 6 ton skips O Same day off road delivery 20 to 40 yard roll-on roll-off containers ) Hire the grab lorry to pick up a pile of waste O Hardcore/crushed concrete available O Domestic, industrial or commercial

Tel: 01793 848951

^•^-•• ^

mann p& n

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service i

Suppliers of Plumbing • Heating and Bathroom products

To book your Oven Clean call 01793 520362

All at competitive prices & free delivery

We use caustic free cleaning products with a fresh solution each time. Hobs, extractors, microwaves and barbecue grills

Call into our showroom or ring Swindon 877444

s'onde7iny eeIut 1(01C i7ortiytc pile is nlakiny you ct1'

Give us a call. We'll take it away.

We can even deliver it back

www.it-2-u.com

also undertaken

TV & VIDEO REPAIRS

'GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE 4

Unit 8 Caen View, Rushy Platt off Wootton Bassett Road behind Lovett BMW

VHS TO DVD DON'T LOSE THOSE MEMORIES Wedding videos Irreplaceable TV programmes and sports events Children's first steps. Birthday parties.

Christenings & Confirmations.

Free home estimates

Cine films, Super 8. Regular 8: repaired, recorded & digital editing

No call out charge

Obsolete formats, i.e. Betamax, Video2000: camcorder tapes

" All repairs guaranteed

Tel: 01793-812738

fel: 01793 495733 Mobile: 07940 810733 e-mail: vhstodvd@btinternet.com ^ www.vhstodvd.co.uk W Lovell Close, Covingham, Swindon SN3 5BT

46 The Link Magazine • May 200 4

Registered Childminder

-----'UNIQUE'-----

Experienced 7 years Flexible, friendly, negotiable rates

1c Personal Trainers :c Stylists ,c Make-up artists :r Beauticians ,c Dieticians :r Life Coaches :r Reflexologists :r Marketing PAs ,r Modelling, radio, acting. singing, presenting sessions Reasonable prices. Tel: 01793 704089

Available Monday to Friday for school drop-o ff s from 6am to 9am. and pick-ups from 3pm to 9pm Also available all day on Monday. Thursday, Friday. weekends & late evenings

Call 07957 166529 or 871466

AMETHYST N'.

CRYSTAL & REIKI HEALING Julie Hopkins Crystal Healer & Reiki Master Tel: 01793 870109

DECOTEX Painter & Decorator Specialist Artexing Tel: (01793) 791388

Ladies 18+

All money raised at this event will go to the president's charity Weston Spirit. Call 702935 for tickets or to book a table. Closing date: 7 June.

Committee to draw Turkish community together

Brand new catalogue • Hostess discounts Special offers

Swindon's growing population of people from Turkey and Northern Cyprus now have a cultural focus provided by a new committee THP - Turk Halk Birligi - The unity of the Turkish people.

Regular monthly meetings are held to organise events such as a cultural party in the summer. A day time women's group has started to meet and on 25 April the community marked Children's and National Unity Day in Turkey & Northern Cyprus with a children's party.

For details mail: Seniz.Ismet@arvalphh.co.uk

Or why not become a party organiser?

For details call Nina on 07717 315863

Earn a 2nd Income! £50 to £500 a week currently being earned, many on much more.

Your own home based business.

Proof of earnings available.

Call 01452 359190 www.Superbincomes.co.uk or text '4money' to 07781 489100 For FREE Information Pack

Jh HER1 ALIFE

recovering from f 18

The way to lose weight

G

This is an opportunity to hear an amazing story by a man who has inspired many by turning disaster into opportunity and success.

Ann Summers Party

upholster] rc/)(/i)s &

cc111 01 793 871808

26 June, 7.30pm for 8pm, Winners Lounge, Swindon TownFC Lounge Suits / Posh Frocks. £35.00 per person

For a great night in hold an

flLn J D. 'Upholstery Large range of materials or inz your owe For , fin°tbe r details

Meet Simon Weston OBE Falklands War veteran and co-founder of Weston Spirit Simon Weston is the guest speaker at Swindon & District branch of Soroptomists International hosted by President Elect Jacquie Sheppard on Saturday

We're there for life Call your Independent Distributor

Colin Ward on 01793 343323

LETTER TO THE LINK From Suzanne Bullimore and the Friends of Peatmoor Lagoon Thanks to everyone who helped clear litter from the paths and copse around Peatmoor Lagoon on Easter Monday. We managed to fill 24 bin bags in two hours, including a bicycle, a front door bell, still working, and a rusty saw.

Thanks to Asda, West Swindon for donating 40 creme eggs.

Please maintain this beautiful area by taking your rubbish home and alerting the council if you see unacceptable amounts of litter around the lagoon.

Right, Suzanne Bullimore and the Samal fhtttil y

WekOfr4Ae Buy direct from your local manufacturer and save money James Butcher Housing

Association provides a wide choice of quality,

At Faringdon Upholstery we manufacture top quality upholstery supplied direct to the public. We make your furniture the way you want it, with thousands of fabrics to choose from

affordable housing for

* Craftsman built

those in retirement in the

* All suites fully guaranteed

Swindon area.

Tel: 01672 515622

* All suites covered in your own choice of fabric

www.jbha.co.uk

* Solid wood frames * Made to measure

James Butcher Housing Association Providing accommodation throughout the central and south of England.

A charity, incorporated as an Industrial and Provident Society No. 16602 R.

Re-upholstery

service * Curtains

Don't settle for mass produced when you can have made-tomeasure for the same price!

J

(^

0136

241855

Come and

ee our wide selection of suites today

47

The Link Magazine • May 2004

Single parent fun day planned for 1st May Jane Skinner describes how a new group for single parent families is

coming together.

Several meetings have been held at Toothill Church over the last few months exploring how to respond to the needs of single parent families in our area. ' One Plus' rang out at a recent get-together and the name was agreed.

A rummage sale to raise some money and have fun working together took place at Holy Trinity, Shaw and a big thanks to all who donated items and helped on the day.

On 17 April we took a trip to the Cotswold Wildlife Park to enjoy new life and signs of spring.

We've met in different venues across West Swindon so that single parents from different areas can meet up, express their views and share ideas. These have taken place after school with children playing in an adjacent room; we're looking at the possibility of a morning meeting in a home without children.

If you live in West Swindon and are interested in joining the discussion and becoming part of this group, then please get in touch.

I am one of the ministers who has been involved in supporting the group but I'm not around to lead it. I can put you in touch with several of the mums who are meeting and would be glad to chat.

The next event will be a fun day on Saturday 1 May, 10.30am to 1pm, at Holy Trinity, Shaw where there will be lots of activities and games.

For details, call me on 770568 or mail: skinners@shawrectory.fsnet.co.uk

New name on high The Bloor Homes development on the site of the old Princess Margaret Hospital on the top of the hill at Okus is to be called Angel Ridge after BBC Radio Swindon asked listeners to come up with suggestions.

Tenerife: Amarilla Golf

SPANISH APARTMENT - COSTA BLANCA

1 bed apartment. sleeps family of 4

Swimming pool Sleeps up to 6 people

£150 per week

Reasonable rates.

Call 01793 871055 or

Call 01793 700253 or visit: 'ww.spain-holiday-apartment.co.uk

07790 303107

MOBILE HAIRDRESSING

by C4farion

rilE CUTTIN4 CLUB

Looking for a change?

Cuts. perms. hi-lights, tints Reasonable rates ,15+ years experience ^• For an appointment telephone 87335 ^LtA

London trained mobile hair

(7

stylist Call Sue on 0779 6432700

Steph.anie Mobile Hairdresser Has now joined Cre'8 Hair & Beauty Salon in eenmeadow and would like to invite her clien .st and present to join her for that Cre'8ive loo

^Evange . aWorsley Road

1^C,

f

For an appointment Tel: 01793 520813 building with people

ANNA ELISABETH

Beautifufhanrfmadfe wedding stationery Individually designed stationery created with exquisite materials Contact Anna on 07717 775577 o r a nn ae li sabet h designs@yahoo.co.uk

Sunday services are at l0arn & 6.30pm For further information you can either ring (01793) 873050: e-mail: office@freshbrook.org or visit: www.freshbook.org -die gift of God is Eternal Life" (Romans 6 x231

Sunday Worship 10.30am Sunday School and Creche Meeting at Greenmeadow Prima ry School Groom allow Prima ry Snhoo{

The start of demolition at PMH in February. The Manor councillor Derek Benfield with Bloor Homes development director John Lusty

D'art Avenue

w mwc+, Ra

Retired listener Ernie Austin, who moved to Swindon in 1965, was one of the first to call the station with the winning nomination.

Hundreds of people put forward names for the public to vote on.

The five shortlisted favourites were Princess Margaret's Heights, Angel Ridge, Nightingales, Margaret Rose Heights and Okus Heights.

Lorraine Palmer, Bloor sales & marketing manager, said, "everyone at Bloor Homes was overwhelmed by the response we've had to this campaign. It's a testament to the pride the people of

Vroom to Brum The winners of tickets to the Sunday Times Motor Show Live at the NEC in May are: Gavin Waldron, Nine Elms Chloe Smith, Ash Brake

Swindon take in their town.

"Angel Ridge will be a wonderful name for the new development.

We have asked our designers to start work on a logo, and the finished design will feature on entrance boards, brochures, on-site signage and sales literature. We are also hoping to incorporate Ernie's name in the designs as the first person to suggest the name."

Bloor Homes plan to build around 500 properties, from onebedroom apartments up to fivebedroom houses. Sales will begin during the late summer with first residents arriving early next year.

The company is keeping safe the original PMH foundation stone laid by Princess Margaret in 1957.

This will be displayed in a memorial garden dedicated to those who were born and who died at the hospital during its forty years.

0

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West Swindon & the Lydiards churches All Saints', Lydiard Millicent Holy Trinity, Shaw St Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze Toothill Church; Westlea Church

For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son.' John 3:16

For details of our weekly services please contact the Partnership Office on 874221

48

Western Property Maintenance • Painting & Decorating

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Also

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FR.IF? SURVEY NO 1)l:l'OSI'1'

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• References available

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Building Services

All general building work

e-mail: rapers@tinyworld.co.uk

• Internal & external building work undertaken

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CHARISMA BLINDS A rainbow of colours for your home this Spring!

Catch the rainbow at Charisma Blinds The factory - the place for quality and value Manufacturers and suppliers of all types of blinds

or 07973 232435 (evenings and weekends)

Full fitting service or cash and carry Factory showroom open Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm Friday 9.30am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm

The Marsh, Lower Wanborough. SN4 OAS

BSS House, Cheney Manor Ind. Est., Swindon. Tel: 01793 434584