May 2006 Swindon Link

Life hope for a child where a cow is the difference between poverty and survival.

See page 2

Men of the moment Left, celebrating Brunel at Steam. See page 23.

Right, gold medal champ Jamie Cox, with mum Belinda Russan. See page 3 Photo: Richard Wintle. Calyx

Two schools coming together

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School closure opens new opportunities in education. The school councils from Salt Way and Shaw Ridge primaries met in late March to discuss the transfer of Salt Way pupils in September. Story on page 15 i Chairpersons Tyler Egleton and Joshua Sando with school council members. Also pictured headteachers Sally Cowell of Shaw Ridge and Susan Smith of Salt Way.

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The Link Magazine • May 2006

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Hope for Belarus child There was a tearful farewell from a Haydon Wick family in mid-April for Kristina Ezhenkova and Nastya Zhuk, two nine year olds on holiday from Belarus, made all the more sad because Kristina was returning home with a cancerous mole discovered whilst she was in Swindon.

Justin and Virginia Chernobyl Children Life McGiffin and their three chilLine will assist the family redren from Cloverlands were place the cow that died last hosting Kristina and Nastya year. Virginia explained that as part of the West Wilts the lack of a cow is an indicaChernobyl Children Life Line tor of poverty in Belarus. "It which provides respite care will provide milk to drink and for children affected by rato make butter and cheese and dioactive fallout from the a calf will provide veal to eat Chernobyl nuclear accident and barter for other essentials. which took place twenty "We also want to help proyears ago on 26 April. vide warm bedding and When Kaysha McGiffin, 12, clothes for the family, cookfound a growth on Kristina's ing equipment and extra leg, she was seen straight Kristina, Itft, and Nastya With Virsirta McGiffin food."

Abbey Meads family Toby away and referred to a conand two of her children, Lewis and Cameron sultant in Bristol who offered and Amanda Richards and to operate immediately without Virginia said, "we were disap- their sons Tom and Zach are going charge, through the cost of NHS pointed that Kristina could not to sponsor a daily hot school lunch care would have to be met. have an operation here but pleased for Kristina for £10 a month which Virginia contacted The Link to with the Belarus health ministry's will provide extra fresh fruit and publicise the need for money, but assurance that she will receive vitamins.

Another Swindon family is as the April edition had gone to treatment.

"Kristina is such a lovely, gentle sponsoring Nastya who attends the press their appeal appeared first at child who fitted in so well with us. same village school. swindonlink.com People wishing to sponsor simiHowever, with the Chernobyl Her family is one of the poorest in anniversary receiving interna- the Gomel region and we've made lar children should mail Virginia tional attention, Kristina's case was a commitment to improving her at: ginmcgiffin@aol.com Donations are also welcome. a sensitive issue and the Belarus life chances."

The McGiffins have raised £1,500 Cheques should be made payable Government denied permission for the operation to take place, but to ensure Kristina's mother can to Chernohyl Children Life Line and they agreed to treat her at their top travel to be with her in hospital sent to 28 Cloverlands, Haydon and for post-operative costs.

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T he Link Magazine • May 2006

Gold for boxing hero. Now Jamie's set his heart on being an Olympian

3

orrison

The accolades poured upon Jamie Cox after his brilliant win in the Commonwealth Games boxing ring at the end of March are well deserved and The Link would like to add our congratulations. n Jamie paid tribute to 4ty1 The 19 year old 3 the coaches at Walcot from lrt ( Solicitors emerged into the , f ^d Boys Boxing Club and Serving Swindon sporting and media the English squad. He spotlight as a tremenparticularly mentioned for 90 years dous role model for ,.

Islan Eltuyev, a former young people and an Russian amateur chamLegal problems? example of where pion and refugee from • hard work, self-disChechnyawhohasbeen We have the answers helping the Walcot club cipline and desire to succeed can take a on a voluntary basis.

Telephone 526601 However Islan and his person.

Jamie said he was family, who have lived overwhelmed by the in Swindon since 2003 ; support from Swinare threatened with dedon people on his arportation by the Home t rival home. "I went Of fi ce.

Estabfishcd over 12 vcarf out there knowing I "Islanhas given me so could win a medal much help," said Jamie.

WE COME TO YOU and gold would have ..

"My boxing keeps imAT HOME OR WORK' been good, but once I ' '' proving; Islan is a fanIi ' started final preparatastic trainer and must * FREE tions in Melbourne be allowed to stay."

I a collection & delivery and after the first bout, I knew I and a very modest young man; we North Swindon MP Michael Servicing & repairs could win it. Some boxers only only discovered his interest in box- Wills is trying to persuade the had to fight three times to the final, ing after he won the ABA school Home Office to reconsider its re'-_ WE ALSO SELL BIKE but I had four bouts, then the final boys' championships. Jamie's gold fusal to allow the family residency DOCTOR * New cycles was a walkover when my oppo- medal is just reward for his hard status. * Parts & accessories nent pulled out with an injury. work. He's a great role model for • What news have you for your old "The third bout against the Aus- young people across Swindon and school? See page 14 tralian boxer was awesome be- a wonderful ambassador for • Commonwealth Games expericausethecrowdwerealmostcom- Greendown." ence of young swimmer - page 35 pletely on his side. To beat him on home-turf was special.

"I've been amazed by the publicity and all the support from the town.

It's been fantastic" Mum Belinda Russan IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM: was delighted with Jamie's performance.

Backache, Leg Pain "We were ringside for him at all his matches in Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain Melbourne. He's naturally strong for his Headache & Migraine weight and very disciplined with his diet, his Sciatica training and his whole commitment to being the Comparing gold. Jamie and the Mayor Ray Fisher Sports Injury FCHECksAt' S best. Maybe it's the reat the Civic reception held on 1 April.

Arthritis wards afterwards; apart Photo: http:I/honiepage.ntlit,orld.com/calyxpix A A/ ^B from the medals he loves E Whiplash the chocolate cakes made by his Jamie has committed himself to gran and also a good curry." amateur status and working toJamie is very much a local boy wards winning gold for Britain at YOU SHOULD CONSIDER having grown up in West Swin- the 2008 Beijing Olympics with CONSULTING A CHIROPRACTOR don. Roger Nicholas, headteacher £80,000 funding through the Amaat Brook Field Primary School in teur Boxing Association to allow LONG COURSES OF TREATMENT NOT USUALLY REQUIRED Shaw, said he was very pleased for him to train full time. r SANDRA E. DAVIES D.C. _ i;'''i his former pupil. "Jamie's a lovely A gold or silver Olympic medal lad who has worked really hard at will make his professional prosCLARE DUNCAN-HAWES MSc. D.C. his sport. His sister Toni has prom- pects very strong.

Members of BCA • Registered with GCC Jamie admitted to putting on ised to bring her big brother in to Members of the College of Chiropractors show off his medal. We've already nearly twenty pounds in the three talked in assembly about success weeks of celebration after returnand what it takes to reach a goal in ing from the games, but said it was coming off quickly since getting life." www.shawchiropracticclinic.co.uk i y Greendown School headteacher back into training. In May he could Presentation of this advert will enti tl e you to a free new patient consultation which will include orthopaedic and neurological testing together with a confidential report of findings.

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The Link Magazine • May 2006

A new partnership to realise Swindon's cultural ambitions

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Swindon has much to be proud we have May's Literature Fesabout— some of Swindon's culture tival; the Mela has been deis of national and international scribed in the national press as one of the best' in a guide to 1, P value.

Amongst other highlights Swin- summer months; and cre8 Studon Dance is a national dance dios recently won a national agency that has helped talented First Light Film award.

We must not forget our locals dance to acclaim in solo performances at world class venues; world class heritage such as the Railway Village, which, I have ings been told, means that

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So why is there a need for the us. Research has proved that the cultural partnership? It originally huge majority of people feel that stemmed from discussions be- the arts enhance the sense of corntween the Arts Council and Swin- munity belonging; furthermore art don Borough Council regarding facilities keep a town centre lively the town's long term cultural de- and attractive places to visit (or so velopment, and quickly involved said 67 per cent people questioned other partners including the New by MORI) which can have a huge Swindon Company, the Univer- impact on incoming businesses sity of Bath, major businesses and and those hoping to recruit and the community who shared simi- retain the best staff. Finally researchers found that over half the lar aspirations.

So the partnership will bring people taking part in arts projects together the different elements of felt better or healthier and 73 per Swindon - civic, cultural, corpo- cent felt happier since taking part. rate and community - to strive to- A happier Swindon? Surely a wards a wide ranging programme cause worth working towards. To of cultural development. While do this successfully we need to t t a k wm asptra tons o S' .-t.-..,',Swmd on is unique, wehope t o tae - is new level, so that we can all work mi ouc aos Newcastle Br N together, alongside the major dewcastle annd tolpin sproh d Britol in promoting a vision for a vi- velopments, to seize the opportunities afforded from a vibrant culbrant town.

I am looking forward to work- tural life.

If you would like to participate ing with the whole community, as culture stands for more than a or hear more contact sarah.dawnay pleasant way to spend time — it can @creativeswindon.org.uk or call have a dramatic impact on all of 328 763.

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publisher@swindonlink.com June bookings by 5 May ' 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

Editorial copy date for June: 8 May Published: 27 May Copy for July: 6 June Registered in England & Wales.

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leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North 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

4513027. Registered Office 130 High Street, Hungerford Berks, RG17 ODL. Printed by pcp, Telford

The Link Magazine • May 2006

It's a crying shame Swindon town crier Fred Ferris is well known across the country and will be playing his part in many Brunel 200 celebrations - but not in Swindon, because no-one from Swindon Council has asked him to get involved.

It's been left for other towns to recognise what an asset Fred is, with his splendid livery which has won him Britain's Best Dressed Town Crier awards in 2002 and l^ 2005.

Fred's GWR Senior Station Mas ter's uniform was suggested by the council as a way to promote Swindon's railway heritage after he won the town crier competition at the Old Town Festival in 1997.

It's ironic then that Fred has not been asked to officiate at any of this year's Brunel celebrations in Swindon. Since 1997 he has only twice been invited to perform a civic duty. "As a town crier, I can't just turn up at an event; I have to be invited," he said. "It seems there's no-one at the council to make sure I'm made use of."

Perhaps the council is worried about the cost. However, Fred explained that it's a town crier's rule that they don't charge the council that appoints them.

There are many events where our own town crier could add to the occasion. Most recently, peopie commented that Fred should have led the triumphant procession for Commonwealth gold

r

.

Fred in his magnificent GYVR station master's uniform

medal winner Jamie Cox at the end of March.

Although disappointed at his shabby treatment Fred has no regrets about becoming a town crier.

"I've made the best of it and met the other criers who are a damn good bunch," he said.

Fred is available to 'shout' at any business or civic function and can be contacted on 721800.

Town's got a lot going for it Margaret D'Souza-Deshmukh arrived in Swindon 16 months ago to live in Priory Vale and says the town should recognise the positives and ignore the critics.

Having lived in Croydon and Swindon's history fascinates most recently Slough - towns that Margaret. "I was very impressed compete for negative criticism - by the Steam Museum when we Margaret says Swindon has a lot to first arrived. My mother's family shout about. "We enjoy living here is rooted in Indian railways; the a lot. As a newcomer it's been ex- sounds and smells at Steam citing settling into a new area find- brought home so many memories ing out what there is. There are and stories told by my uncles and people arriving all the time; you grandfather. It's the first place I just have to see all the new houses took my brother and his family springing up in North Swindon. when they came to visit from InThere are open spaces, schools and dia.

"Brunel did so shopping close to where I live; you many great things really don't need to put Swindon to go further if on the map. Even you don't want in the short time to."

I've lived here But since movthat legacy has ing Margaret's given me a sense of pride in the seen surroundtown. I'm so glad ing green fields my family is here gobbled up which makes her to enjoy the Brunel 200 celunhappy about the density of deebrations." velopment in • Brunel summer North Swindon. see page 23 Margaret and She'd also like to daughter Riya at see the town cenSteam for the new tre upgraded and Brunel exhibition tidied up.

The Link Magazine • May 2006

www.SwindonGallery.org.uk sponsored by Swindon Link

School action group takes to the streets for a community clean up Over 60 pupils at Greendown Community School have decided to do something practical to make West Swindon a nicer, tidier place.

Swindon's equ/va/ent to Bath b Roya/ Crescent at Eastbury Way in Red House, Priory Vale swindongallery.org.uk has been set up by the Swindon Civic Trust to show off the best and worst of buildings and features of town. If Swindon looks different through your view finder and you want to share your images, register yourself free and upload.

Link Centre attacked The youngsters are tired of the graffiti and litter in the area and the Vandals took advantage of blame the media dumps on young people for the ills of society. the lack of staff at Link They have formed themselves into working groups to take on differCentre on the day of the ent tasks, such as writing letters to councillors and utility companies to local government strike at get areas tidied up, taking pictures of graffiti and litter hotspots, the end of March to cover dealing with the police, fire service and also the media. the building in graffiti.

One group is writing to partner primary schools to see how they can The y climbed over a get younger children involved in their clean-up campaign.

Working closely with Fresh-brook Church youth worker Dave thirty foot drop to get around a security gate on Davidson, the Greendown youngsters are planning a practical day of action on 22 May to pick up litter in Grange Park and Freshbrook. the third floor to paint office windows. If you recFor details of the streets and parks they will be visiting - where you ognise any of these tags Centre manager Carol Jamieson with left, pro- could help out - mail Greendown teacher Jason Tudor: call the police on 0845 408 gramming assistant Kim Bedry and marketing jtudor@greendown.swindon.sch.uk or contact Dave Davidson on 873050 or mail: davecdjt@ ntlworld.com 7000. manager Annette Richardson

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The Link Magazine • May 2006

What's the plan for the Salt Way School site?

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Come along to the next West Area and find out.

The Forum gives West Swindon residents the chance to engage with the eight councillors representing the three Swindon Council wards covering the area.

The meeting will be the first opportunity for two new councillors elected at the local elections on 4 May to make a contribution.

Voters in Freshbrook & Grange Park and also Shaw & Nine Elms will be selecting brand new names

Forum on Monday 8 May in the Community Suite at the Link Centre

Still space for stalls

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to the council; there is no election • proposals for the Salt Way Prr in the Toothill & Westlea ward. mary School site after it closes in The agenda is still being final- July; ised. However items likely to be • the redevelopment and expandiscussed are: sionofShawRidgePrimarySchool; • the experimental traffic calming • plans for Swindon Youth Servchicane on Beaumaris Road out- ices after reorganisation on 1 April. side Toothill's Oliver Tomkins InThey want your vote fant and Junior schools; Candidates for election to Swin• the latest on the merger of don Council on 4 May can be found FreshbrookandWindmillHillPri- at: www.myeIection.co.uk/ swi ndon/who mary Schools;

; Pu on, Swindon

Tel: 01793 772287

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This year's day for Climb (Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases) on 4 June at Haydon Wick Farmhouse, Pond Street looks as if it's going to be a big one.

Suzanne Bullimore wants to thank everybody who turned up for Easter Monday's annual litter pick around Peatmoor Lagoon.

"Residents of Peatmoor, Sparcells and some from further afield As a result of an appeal for stalls turned up to help clear in the April Link. organiser Janet rubbish from around the Garrett already has lots of book- lagoon. Young and old ings - and she still has room for worked together to enmore. sure that the pathways "I can't believe the fantastic re- and hedgerows of this sponsefrom The Link." said Janet. beautiful area are again 11 ^` "We will have a great range of clean and litter-free. stalls. attractions, as well as dem"Thanks to all who -onstrations. competitions and re- gave up their time to help freshments." and a special thank-you To book a stall or make a raffle to Co-op at Peatmoor for Ready to pick up, from left, Suzanne and Ellie donation mail: janet.garrett providing Easter eggs for Turner from Grange Park, Harry, Oliver and Helen @virgin.net the children."

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The Link Magazine • May 2006

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Women offered helping hand in business If you've watched The Apprentice and think you could do better perhaps the Swindon Businesswomen's Breakfast Club can make it happen for you.

The club wants ambitious Swin- month. Members network their don women to apply for its Make business, exchange views and listen to speakers on a wide range of It Happen award, The interview panel is looking topics, both business and commufor a winner with clear career ob- nity related.

For more information on how to jectives and a considered plan for reaching their aims - with or with- apply call Maureen Inwards on 492471 or mail: maureen.inwards out the award.

Now in its tenth year, the award @intergraph.com Alternatively, write to her at includes up to £500 for training, career advice, the support of a Intergraph (UK) Limited, Delta mentor from the Breakfast Club Business Park, Great Western Way, Swindon, SN5 7XP and free membership for a year.

The closing date for applications The club meets at the Goddard Arms on the last Thursday of each is Friday 26 May.

Women's annual meeting Swindon Asian Women's Association hold their AGM on Thursday 25 May, 1pm - 3pm at the Broadgreen Centre, Salisbury Street.

The guest speaker is Kirti Patel, Immigration Law Advisor from the Wiltshire Law Centre.

A creche and refreshments will be available.

All Asian women are welcome to attend and put forward nominations for committee posts. For details or an application form call Nazma Ramruttun on 621531, Akila Sroya on 877117 or Nan Bains on 463244.

Helping with homework ...

Are you a parent of a child who is in Key Stage 2 and wants to help with their English and Maths homework - but sometimes just don't know how to? After all David Beckham is said to struggle.

A solution is at hand. Solomon Training runs free courses during the day and in the evening to help you to help your child. They run two courses for parents: one for English, the other to assist with Maths.

A creche and buffet lunch is provided for the daytime courses.

For details or to book a place, call Karen Moore at Soloman Training on 610710.

New group to boost confidence to get about Mobility scooter and wheelchair users are being encouraged to explore Swindon and beyond by the Mobility Explorers' Club.

The group will be launched with to provide free safety training, orhelp from South Swindon MP ganise trips to attractions beyond Anne Snelgrove on 6 May, 2pm to Swindon and are thinking about a 5pm, at Broadgreen Community disability fair. However to achieve Centre, and scooter and wheelchair the different aims the group needs more committee members and help users are invited to attend.

Guest speaker Dr Mike Bruton from users and also able bodied of the Disabled Ramblers' Asso- people.

For details about Mobility Exciation will talk about rambling on a scooter, illustrated with a video plorers' Club and to offer help, call Kevin Tolley or Elizabeth Ruff on of the association's activities.

Group organiser Kevin Tolley 618740 or 0790 167 2910. said he wants to create new opportunities for scooter and wheelchair Put some energy into users. "In the short term we want to create a mobility map of the World Cup weekend town to show wheelchair and The Swindon Therapy Centre for scooter friendly paths and also Multiple Sclerosis needs people make a video of routes, tips and to join a team to run up Mount advice of where you can go, and Snowden on 9 July with somealso the difficulties people face, body with MS in a wheelchair.

"There are many places people The centre i s also looking for can go but there are many no go people willing to do a sponsored areas for scooter users. We'd like hike along the Ridgeway on midto see more drop curbs and easier summer's night. routes for people whose mobility For details call Jackie Wray on is restricted."

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Commenting on the controver- take on the huge need from sial NHS contract for dentists, families in the area." he said, "we're not happy with k4 Receptionist Hannah French it because it forces us to work to said, "so many parents tell us : they can't find a dentist and targets with penalties. It reduces I" it's really sad to hear that." our flexibility to provide treat'^ ment and care of patients .'

Adultpatients with the pract • "But there is a demand from lice should also benefit from worried parents in the commuthe children's check up maraCheck up for Harry Colderick, 10, from nity and, after discussions with thon as evening appointments the Primary Care Trust, they St Andrew's Ridge with dentist Soheila Iravani will have been freed up for and nurse Patricia Pinto agreed the practice could take those who work.

Freshbrook dentist pulls out of NHS After 30 years as an NHS dentist, Brendan Ball of the Freshbrook Dental Practice has decided that enough is enough.

The new contract for dentists introduced in April was the final straw and he will now only see private patients.

Mr Ball thinks that the new con tract is unlikely to make dental care more widely available. He explained that dentists will now be paid a flat rate for meeting their

target. Hesaid,"I'mdisappointed that there continues to be a target driven system of remuneration for dentists. Once they meet the target, there'll be no point in doing any more work.

"After 30 years in the NHS, I haven't seen any changes that have

brought improvements. For all the rhetoric, it's exchanging one treadmill for another and the amount of ti me with a patient is getting shorter all the time."

Brendon feels strongly that when people pay for a service, as they do even under the NHS, they should have a choice of treatment.

He no longer wants to have treatments dictated by NHS regulations.

The practice has been private only for adults for some time but, until April, saw children on the NHS. Now children will be offered one free check-up a year and

charges for treatment will be about half the adult cost.

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New location for sanctuary Swindon's new sexual assault service opened its doors to victims on 1 April at a new location on the outskirts of the town.

The state-of-the-art purpose Hill was not successful. a three piece suite and TV to make built centre is now to be found in a Now called 'The New Swindon the centre as comfortable as possibuilding opposite the new police Sanctuary' and managed by the ble. Fully-trained crisis staff will headquarters just off the A420 at Primary Care Trust, it will run on help victims provide information Gablecross. similar lines. Victims of sexual as- to the police and support them The Sanctuary service was pio- sault will be taken there by the during the process of collecting neered over the last four years by police, but men and women will evidence of an attack. the Taw Hill Medical Practice with also still be able to refer themselves Centre manager Julie James said, funding from the Home Office and without the direct involvement of "people who come here are exWiltshire Police. But grants were the police and will receive the same tremely distressed and not really not renewed and a campaign by level of treatment and support. thinking clearly, so it is important practice partner Dr Peter Crouch The facility has two medical to create a supportive environto maintain the Sanctuary at Taw suites and a lounge-type room with ment."

The Sanctuary aims to ensure

that victims of rape have every opportunity to come forward and report their ordeal. To contact the Affiliated to the British Heart Foundation and established in 1993, I centre call 0845 456 3462 Swindon Healthy Hearts is a locally organised group which aims to assist people recovering from heart conditions.

Thanks for Taw Hill staff The group meets weekly, when a qualified cardio vascular instructor Dr Peter Crouch, unwilling to comprovides instruction and advice on how to improve your health through ment on the transfer of The Sancexercise. Exercises are organised in strict accordance with British Heart tuary service, said he wanted to Foundation guidelines. pay tribute to the reception staff at The group provides support for sufferers of heart conditions and the Taw Hill practice who used to their partners, professional training in first aid and life saving tech- open up the surgery at very short niques, and organises social events such as skittle evenings and barbe- notice, day or night in fog, wind, cues. rain or snow to provide victims of If you think Swindon Healthy Hearts would benefit you, contact June sexual assault rapid access to a Davies on 825510, or join them on Thursdays 5.45pm to 6.45pm at Croft medical facility whenever it has Sports Centre. been called upon.

Stronger hearts

The Link Magazine • May 2006

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The Link Magazine • May 2006

Special royal memories for Freshbrook resident

1

The Queen's 80th birthday on 21 April has a particular poignancy for Henry Barkus, who lives at Elsie Hazel Court, and turns 90 in May.

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Henry serenading other Elsie Hazel Court residents, frontfrom left Wyn Robinson, Vera and Ronald Meddlycot, standing Dolly Gordon

In 1949 he was an officer in charge of the Royal Navy's small ships gunnery school in Malta when he was asked to organise a ship board entertainment for the newly married Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, and her visiting sister Princess Margaret.

Before the war Henry had developed a talent for singing and playing the violin, but in the Navy his abilities were in great demand to put on concerts and sing songs to relieve long days at sea or in port, interspersed with times of terrifying action.

His war service took in the defence of Malta, escorting convoys across the Atlantic and to Russia, and protection for the D-Day landings, before transferring to the Far East before Japan fell.

Henry had a somewhat charmed career at sea, serving on four ships which were sunk after he had left them. One was torpedoed before it arrived in Gibralter where he was waiting to board. He spent the fol-

lowing 6 weeks waiting for his next ship organising concert parties for service personel and civilians.

After his Navy career Henry immediately landed an entertainment job with Hal Monty's variety show and was later the lead tenor in Geraldo's Orchestra, touring theatres all over Britain before Bill Hailey and the Comets and The Beatles gradually squeezed big bands and orchestras off the touring circuits.

Now Henry entertains his neighbours at Elsie Hazel Court music nights and in February appeared as a mad violinist in the winning performance at the Swindon One Act Play competition.

"I like to think the show I put on for Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip in Malta contributed a tiny bit to their happiness overall these years," said Henry. "Nowadays I just like to organise music evenings for people living in Elsie Hazel Court. They are all lovely people; we get on really well."

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The Link Magazine • May 2006

Connecting to the immediate past Three West Swindon schools are searching for news of graduates, to celebrate their achievements and provide inspiration for the present generation of children Freshbrook Primary School

Shaw Ridge Primary Deputy headteacher Jan Archer

recently returned from a course on

the importance of holding up positive role models to children, determined to locate people who atttended the school which celebrated its twentieth anniversary in 2005.

"Schools sometimes have past pupils who become celebrities and they are rightly very proud to be

should be recognised by children The school celebrates its twentytoday as someone who is making a fifth anniversary on 1 June and is contribution to society. Whatever planning a grand summer fete on your chosen career path - and also if 15 July, perhaps the last.

Swindon Council is proposing you've stopped work to have a famthat Freshbrook closes along with ily - we'd like to hear from you."

Mrs Archer is keen to receive Windmill Hill Primary, and to open photographs of former pupils at a new school on the Freshbrook work, or at home with children, site in 2007. with a note saying what you're doing now, the year you attended Shaw Ridge, and, if you have one, a photo of when you were there.

Send them to Shaw Ridge Primary, Ridge Green, Shaw, Swindon or call Ms Archer on 871601 with news of yourself or former

associated with them," she said.

"But it's imporJanet Archer with Shaw Ridge pupils looking through tant that everybody classmates. photo albums, from left, Curzio Potenza, Alexandra who has gone into Billie contacts wanted the world of work Richardson, Hannah Bruce, Jonathan White Sean Smith is writ=^ ing a biography Greendown Community School, Grange Park former _,. about Teaching assistant Anne-Alain, The first Year 7 children started at Greendown in September 1986, the Brook Field PriSalmon, who has worked at Freshbrook last brand new school to be built in Swindon. mary and Bradon Primary since the first day A programme of activities to mark the twentieth year isbeing worked Forest pupil, Billie out, but in advance, headteacher Steve O'Sullivan would like to hear Piper.

The first pupils will now be in from past pupils. The most recent famous graduate is Commonwealth If you have Billie - net / al / e, their early thirties. But if you atboxing gold medal winner Jamie Cox, but 'Mr O' would like to display memories to share to intergalactic tended Freshbrook at some point photographs and information about anybody who attended the school. contact him on tune traveller in the last quarter of a century, or Drop him a note at the school or mail: headspa@greendown 07790 549778 or taught there, send your details to .swindon.sch.uk mail: seansmith 100@yahoo.co.uk the school office, or call 872800.

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The Link Magazine • May 2006

Children coming together

15

Mr Brunel I presume Youngsters at Tregoze School completed a history topic by coming to school dressed in the appropriate garb at the end of last term.

Each year group looked at different time periods. From cavemen to spacemen with Christopher Columbus and townships dwellers during the apatheid era in South Africa, the children applied their research to their outfits and shared their historical references in an assembly.

Changing to a new school is never easy but staff at Shaw Ridge and Salt Way primaries are doing everything possible to ensure the transfer to Shaw Ridge is a positive experience for the children.

Swindon Council's proposal to when we sat down together. There close Salt Way at the end of the is a sense of excitement that this is summer term was endorsed by the a new adventure."

School's Organisation Committee Shaw Ridge headteacher Sally in March and the 80 children left Cowell agreed that the children on roll will start at Shaw Ridge in from both schools have very positive attitudes. "They are conscious September.

Staff from the two schools have of the short term changes of two been working closely for some schools coming together and also Callum Aslantepe as 1K Brunel was months to integrate the curricu- in the longer term that a brand one of the stars of the day, whilst lum so that topics are not repeated. new school is to be built on the teaching assistant Susan Adkin went At the end of last term the school Shaw Ridge site; so we're all in this back to the Swinging 60s in her Mary Quant outfit councils were brought together to together.

"It has helped that some former discover more about Shaw Ridge.

Susan Smith, Salt Way's acting Salt Way parents transferred their headteacher, said, "we could not children to Shaw Ridge before the do a great deal whilst the future closure decision so there were lots was uncertain, but we did spend of familiar faces here already. It time preparing for a transition if the really was lovely to see them playdecision was to close and integrate ing in the playground; apart from with Shaw Ridge. Now we are fo- different coloured jumpers there cused entirely on the children' s need was no difference whatsoever."

Before the holidays families from for information, re-assurance and a positive outlook on the next stage of both schools attended an Easter egg hunt at Shaw Ridge. their education.

In June artists No Added Sugar "The meetings of the school councils went very well. The Shaw will be working with Salt Way chilRidge children showed their school dren to create a piece of artwork to their Salt Way counterparts and which will be hung in Shaw Ridge we had very good discussions from September.

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Deputy headteacher Penny

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The Link Magazine • May 2006

Quilt success

Brook Field rated highly by new style inspection

West Swindon's Evening Star Quilters celebrate their first anniversary next month with an outing to the Great Malvern Showground for the Quilt Show on 19 May. The group meets every Thursday morning and is inviting new members of any standard to join. It holds occasional all day quilting sessions and in the last year several workshops have been held to learn the basics of patchwork and teach new techniques.

There are a few places available forthe quilt show. For details about the trip or joining Evening Star, call Sharon Rub on 642778.

Ofsted inspectors have found Brook Field School to be good in all areas in its first visit under the new self-evaluation regime.

Schools now have to assess their good because learners are well exceptional team who together own strengths and weaknesses taught and receive an interesting provide leadership that is dedicated to the needs of all the pupils.' which is then considered by the programme of work.'

Headteacher Roger Nicholas, They say that the pupils are gaininspectors. It makes the process sharper and more helpful for the ing the numeracy, literacy and said he was very pleased that the computer skills they will need for inspectors recognised the 'good school's development.

The report received before Easter the workplace. The report added provision for pupils with learning found that 'the school's self-evalu- that,'they are also developing ini- difficulties and those who are ation is good. A regular survey of tiative, independence and the abil- gifted and talented.'

He added, "we are obviously the views of parents and pupils ity to work in teams.'

The inspectors were clearly im- delighted with the report as it reensures that their opinions are valpressed by the leadership and man- fleets the high standards of learnued and carefully considered.'

The inspectors state that, 'over- agement, commenting, 'the ing and achievement which we all standards and achievements are headteacher and his deputy are an strive for at Brook Field."

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Roger Nicholas with his school council, front from left, Jack Robertson, Thomas Case, Janies Lentscher, Alex Edwards, Stephen Foulds, Alexandra Tong. Standing, Rachel Kee, Toni Cox, school council coordinator Claire Rayment, Callum Bragg, Simon Crankshaw

The Link Magazine • May 2006

17

Taste of times past at Moredon Infants Pupils at Moredon Infants School had a glimpse of Victorian life when the whole school stepped back i in time for a day before the Easter holidays Children and staff dressed the Mrs Hilson, herself the image of bly, filing in through separate enpart and lessons took on a very a Victorian school ma'am, con- trances and remembering to stand formal flavour. Headteacher gratulated parents on the effort up whenever an adult entered the Anthea Hilson, started the day by they had made to find costumes. room. delivering assembly from behind She said that it is important for the "We've done this for many years a lectern and after singing the Na- children to step into the role to as part of the history curriculum tional Anthem, the children filed really experience life in Victorian and the children love it. This year into class and paid a penny for times. "All pupils coped very well the work was linked to Brunel as their day's lessons which included with standing throughout assem- well so that the children can unhandwriting pracderstand that he is important for Swindon. The day is something i tice on traditional slates. they will all remember from the r — *` Play time meant year. We hope it will give them a the hoops and love of history in the future." _ skipping ropes were out but, of T - ++ 4 :. course, boys and 1pr girls had to play in OWtCS newdeal* separate playgrounds.

Into Hinduism in Taw Hill Youngsters at St Francis Church of England Primary School in Taw Hill discovered another faith on an encounter day at the end of last

term.

With the help of parent Sona Chaturvedi children across the school learnt about Hinduism and Indian culture, trying on saris, having a go at Indian art, making food and studying the basis of the religion.

The day ended with an assembly where dances were shown off and a Hindu wedding ceremony took place.

Two further days looking at Sikhism and Buddhism will be held alongside religious studies of Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

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The Link Magazine • May 2006

Frustration at River View shut out A parent who attended the open evening at the end of March to see plans and meet the headteacher of River View Community School in Priory Vale expressed anger that her son will not have the opportunity to go there.

In 2003 Swindon Council took Aaron, who is in Year 6 atCatherine makes the bus trip to Farmors. start Year 7 in 2007, so it is appealthe decision to open the school in Wayte Primary, will not go to a However parents of younger ing that he could be in the first Priory Vale to Year 7 children from secondary school close to her children are looking forward to intake at River View. But I'd like to 2007, not 2006 as parents cam- home. "We moved in 2001 having the new school. Sona Chaturvedi know more about the curriculum paigned for. The council argued been told by Swindon Council that from Taw Hill said, "my son will before making a decision." that the cost of opening the school the school would be ready for 2003. Thinking about applying to River View for September 2007, Harvey Midwinter was too great to cater for a smaller Even with a three year margin of and Vhruv Chaturvedi of St Francis Primary with Lauren Morgan and Samantha number of children than origina ll y error the council still got it wrong. psHe who attend Grcennw(Oo<<' Primary expected - due to changes in house The September 2006 intake will be types, house completion rates and scattered to different schools."

P._. a low birth rate.

River View governor Some 130 children Helen Miah expressed could have attended *' sympathy for parents in ;, River View this Septema similar position. She w^ ber but will now be gos wanted her son Joshim ing to schools further to attend the school but afield. ^, the failure of the cou p ! .,,,.— Parent Hilary Stubbs cil's first bid for PFI from Abbey Meads, funding to build the right, said she was still s` school meant a delay in angry that her son, the project. He now

£1 m to set up arts project at Learning Campus A Swindon arts scheme has been given a £lmillion cash boost to create projects for young people across Swindon and will set up a base at River View Community School.

Artsmad (Arts Make a DifferThe grant from the Govern- young people in schools and youth A full Artsmad programme ence) will run artist-led workshops ment's'Invest To Save' budget will projects. should be in place by next April, to for youngsters and work on also fund, from September, a moArtsmad is a partnership be- include school based workshops projects for all the schools on the bile unit equipped for new media tween Swindon Council and arts on the campus, after-school activiLearning Campus at Priory Vale. and digital arts run by Swindon and educational bodies including ties and community workshops The focus will be on new media, based Mobile Media to take op- Sixth Sense Theatre Company, who run by groups like Sixth Sense and digital and music technology. portunities out across the town to produce theatre for young audi- Swindon Dance. ences. The company will have a Cabinet Member for Children's period of residency at River View Services Garry Perkins, said, Community School and will pro- "Artsmad's scheme will use the duce and develop a major regional arts to encourage young people to theatre tour from their work with develop a sense of ownership and young people. pride in their community."

Families lose out in secondary school places lottery Parents of North Swindon pupils who applied for places at high performing Farmors School in Fairford in neighbouring Gloucestershire have been devastated to learn recently that there is no room and their children have been offered places at Swindon Council's bottom of the league school, Headlands.

For parents unhappy with their place — there are no guarantees." designated school in Swindon, Many of those who gambled on Farmors had become an attractive a place at Farmors also missed out option. In 2001 a group of parents on their second choice school, chose to bus 40 children to the Warneford in Highworth, which Fairford school rather than send tops the league in Swindon. them to Hreod and this trend has Under the co-ordinated applicontinued, with 150 North Swin- cations scheme, applicants can sedon pupils now making the trip to lect up to three schools and state Fairford each day. their order of preference. WarneFarmors' headteacher Anne ford places were all taken by those Stokes said there had been 250 who made it their first choice. applications for 174 places. "We The LEA admissions guide adhave the same number of places vises weighing up the odds of getbut it is possible there have been ting into a school before completmore applications from Cirences- ing the application form. It sugter and areas closer to the school." gests considering whether you are She added that a dip in the num- in the catchment area and whether bers fr omlocalprimariestwoyears the school was oversubscribed in ago treed up more places for out of the previous year. area children and that this may Statis ti cs for applications and have led to higher parental expec- admissions can be found in the tations. However, she stressed, council's printed guide or at: "parents can never be assured of a www.swindoneducation.org.uk

The Link Magazine • May 2006

Art inside and out to give new schools soul

August completion for two primaries The rush is on to finish Orchid Vale Primary School, south of Thamesdown Drive in Haydon End and Red Oaks Primary on the Learning Campus - ready for children to arrive in September.

Project managers Equion and builders Laing are confident that all will be ready in good time.

The first teachers have been appointed to start next term and the headteachers and administration assistants took up their new positions on 18 April.

For admission details to either Red Oaks or Orchid Vale, call Kate Phillips at Swindon education on 465867.

Viewing progress at Orchid Vale, governors Joanne Knight, Linda Wilke,, Clare Smith, headteacher Debbie Kalynka, Anna Richardson, Swindon Council Governor support, chair of governors Clint Ricketts, admin/finance officer Mandy Piotrowski

Nursery looking forward to move Children starting at the nursery at Moredon Primary School in September will be the first to enjoy the new facilities.

Nursery teacher Hilary Poole promised the same friendly atmosphere that there has always been, but in brand new surroundings. For details of free places call 535992.

A team of artists is working to put art at the heart of the seven new schools reaching completion in North Swindon.

The schools involved are Hreod on the theme of transition to be Parkway Secondary, Brimble Hill located at the entrance of Moredon and Uplands Special Schools and Primary School.

The art programme, which also Moredon Primary School, which are being rebuilt or relocated, and includes temporary projects and three completely new schools: Or- workshops, was written into the chid Vale Primary, Red Oaks Pri- PFI contract to build the schools mary and River View Secondary. won by Equion as part of Swindon Each school has selected an artist Council's Percent for Art policy. to work with them to make a per- This encourages developers to make a financial contribution to manent work.

Consultant artist Bruce Williams public art, has developed a series of coloured glass artworks inspired by the flora and fauna found at the site of each • • school. Describing the impact of artwork he said, "it's about adding other layers to functional space.

• square This extra layer brought by artists • round gives a building life and makes it •numbers •novelty ° feel like it's got some love in it."

•fruit or Ceramacist Mari-Ruth Oda has sponge cakes been working at Brimble Hill spe- i from £13.50 cial school. Headteacher Bob j Walker said, "Mari had the children working with clay and she's ' taken ideas for ceramic tiles from '' ' ' "' the things they produced."

• Bruce Williams will produce artwork to be sited outside Hreod Bekkies Cake Creations Parkway while Dutch artist Tel: 07767 402 332 Maarten de Reus is making a work email: bekkiescakecreations@yahoo.co.uk

OR

Parents Beverley Middleton and Sarah Evans view the plans with nursery teacher Hilary Poole, left, and future nursery customers Joshua Halle and Melody Pike

Lt R11 no CUPUE day nursery

A purpose-built nursery on the edge of Wootton Bassett Near M4 junction 16, just a short drive from West Swindon â For

children 3 months to five years

â Open all year from 7.30am to 6pm

3

Photogra,

show

19

â Extensive outdoor play and garden â Grant places available For information telephone:

01

793 851495 www. thedaynursery.com Brinkworth Road. Wootton Bass ett, S win do n SN4 8DS

typical KingsOak intericc 'omputer generated illustration shows Boulevard housetypes. Prices correct at time

of

going to press.

The Link Magazine • May 2006

20

INFANT MASSAGE Join a well established highly successful 6 week course

Children's Information Service

and learn the art of infant massage.

Courses held locally

A one-stop shop for ^ ,y^cyy FREE information' FOR"A x ,r0

Breast Mates are busting out They've made so many friends since their launch in November that a breast feeding support group has had to find a bigger venue.

* g

%

La

m

Also available: complimentary therapies including mums-to-be massage and hot stone therapy

Why not pop in and see us?

6 - 7 Theatre Square, Swindon Tel: 01793 541786 Email: info@cisswindon.co.uk www.cisswindon.co.uk

For more details contact Geraldine on 07821 686570

gez@holistictherapy-athome.co.uk

Babes and breast mates, from left, Becky Bradley and Amelia, Suzanne MurtaghSjoland with Meya, Chantel Ottley and Charley, Kate Ilsmar and Thomas, Sheree Bell with Amy

Breast Mates now meets in Christ the Servant Church at Abbey

Meads village centre on Mondays, 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

The drop-in sessions give new mothers a chance to meet others who have experience of breastfeeding and to make new friends.

Mums who have attended a six week peer support course are on hand to give general, non-medical advice and support.

Numbers attending the drop-in sessions are increasing all the time as the peer supporters attend

Health Visitor antenatal classes to chat to mums.

Group coordinator Chantel Otley said, "it's going so well that we've outgrown the school community hall. The church hall gives us room to spread out and also provides areas where we talk with mums in confidence."

Another benefit of the new meeting place is that the group can now get together every week in the

school holidays.

To join just turn up or give Anne Seymour a call on 704401.

Sweet news for Shaw playgroup

•

music ,, \ /^

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Classes in Abbey Meads, Ramleaze, Peatmoor, Wootton Bassett & Space Adventure.

NEW BABY CLASSES STARTING SPRING 2006 Call (01793) 722072. www.musicbugs.co.uk

Headstarts Day-Nursery School ,

Well equipped facilities and a superb environment nursery and pre-pr ep school

n

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,

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Established 1990

Delta Business Park. Westlea, West Swindon Headstarts is a friendly. 'l^tmily' nursery offcrin u a warm, happy and relaxed environment where ever y child benefits Prom individual attention.

^j

MEADOV 1 ^.

To request a brochure or

individual care individual learning

Inspectors have found that Jellytots is a good all round playgroup.

Based in a mobile classroom at Brook Field Primary School, the 1 group was included in the school's recent inspection a 01 report paid tribute to the ' staff saying, children have Y^ g 'the formed positive relationships with their peers and the kind, considerate staffing team. They ask children searching, indirect questions to make children think, reinforce - ; and extend their learning.'

The relationship with parents was also praised and the inspectors say the partnership with the school is helpful in supporting p ph g the part of the world of work topic, crew part children when they transfer. manager Tim Elliott andfirefighter Keith Manager Jan Woodward said Woodall from Westlea Fire Station visshe was delighted with the report. ited Jelhitots to talk about fire safety and "We are very pleased that we are what to do in an emergency - and dress regarded as a good playgroup."

Jan Woodward in full firefighting kit

to visit, telephone

Swindon 752600

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J Government Funded Nursery Sessions ° ^_ this advert* Claim up to £40 worth of Nursery Credits per child per week 'cond i tions app ly - now available for all 3 year olds "Rates may vary For further information or to arrange a visit, call Alison on 877779.

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Prices correct at time of going to press. Photographs show typical KingsOak interiors.

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The Link Magazine • May 2006

22

NCT celebrates 50 The Swindon branch of the National Childbirth Trust is holding a big party on Thursday4 May,10am to 12noon at Toothill Church for parents and children to mark the fiftieth anniverary of the charity.

Activities will include biscuit decorating. a colouring competition and songs with Mini Musicians. It ends with a children's lunch party.

For adults, there will be a'50 quiz' and the chance to win great raffle prizes.

The cost is just £2 per child, payable on the door.

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Art shows a sense of Swindon An art exhibition at Freshbrook Primary School at the end of last term showed what pupils think of their town. painted The Light Park.

The artistsfromYear i?'

"When I go around Swindon and 5 had been thinking there are lots of parks and I `i• about their environment like them," she explained. and how it makes them ^. v At the opposite end of the feel as part of a six week spectrum, Callum Lansdown 'Sense of Place' art and s chose a man-made structure design topic. They for his work. "I chose the molooked at images of the town and tried to create . , torway in Swindon for my idea. This is because I went to art to convey their views of Swindon.

London with my family for a They also studied nice trip on a sunny day." work by well known artPeter Todd concentrated on ists working in a variety Artists, standing fiom left, Jessica Povey, Rimsha colour in his Lightness and of styles including ab- Muhammad, Aaron Dobbs, George McKie, Callrnn Darkness picture. He said, "I stract, realist and surre- Landsdown. Front, Claire Collier, Peter Todd, Cassandra used thick bottle paints. They Greenman, Jordan Barrow alist. remind me of orange sun and Claire Collier took her inspira- hills, so I decided they would be the sandy desert and the lime green tion from nature for her picture good to paint." reminds me of jade. I did this becalled Hilltops. She said, "in SwinRimsha Muhammad also liked cause I like using light, bright coldon I saw this big hill. I really like the greenery in Swindon and ours."

Grants available for Haydon groups The Haydon Wick Fund is now entering its third year offering financial help to community organisations in the area, writes Kate Hunter of the Community Foundation for Wiltshire and Swindon.

The fund, which is run in part- A total of 16 grants have been volunteers in Haydon Wick the nership with local trustees, gives awarded in the last two years, to more admiration I have for people grants to support the the work of pre-schools, Scouts and Guides, who give their time and effort to those local groups and volunteers youth football, artists and the build theircommunity. It'sapriviwho do so much to make Haydon bowls club, to support their activi- lege to be in a position to support Wick a better place to live, particu- ties or buy new equipment. The them in this way." larly for people who are facing fund has also supported Swindon The next grant applications problems or disadvantage.

Volunteer Bureau to work in deadline is 23 June. Don't worry if Hayden Wick, encouraging local you are not an experienced ^• -^^x volunteering, and the Family Me- fundraiser. Foundation staff are diation Service for its vital work happy to help prepare an applicagiving advice and support to chil- tion with you. dren during family break-ups.

If your group could make use of Community Foundation Pro- the fund grant call Jill Dyke at the gramme Director Jenny Wildblood Community Foundation on 01380 said, "the more I get to know about 729284 for an application pack, or the amazing things achieved by mail: jill.dyke@wscf.org.uk

Starr

Volunteer with Home-Start

Practical help for families with under 5s

You can be special to our families by: sharing your parenting experience, talking, listening, encouraging, having fun! _ ___

For more information please contact Home-Start 7 Milton Road Swindon SN 1 5JE Tel: 01793 613886 Registered Charity No. 1106046

^

^ r

HomeQStart sa f)l5orting /a Indies

Supported by

Jan Aylward appeals for volunteers to come forward to take part in a preparation course starting in May Home-Start Swindon was established in 1982 and now gives support, practical help and friendship to over 100 families each year.

Home-Start works by introducing volunteers to families with children under 5 years of age, whom they visit on a weekly basis. The families we help include those new to Swindon, who feel lonely or isolated, mums suffering post natal depression, those with financial or relationship difficulties, families with several children all under five and many other family situations where a reliable, friendly volunteer can help in a positive way.

We are always looking for new volunteers, as our service is in constant demand. Our families have different needs, just as our volunteers have different skills.

Volunteers are people who have children and know how hard it can be to bring up youngsters, people who may not have their own children but have worked with children or grand parents who still enjoy being with young children.

We also run a Thursday morning Family Group, where volunteers are needed to chat with the parents, play with the children or even provide an activity for the adults.

All the volunteers receive training, support and expenses. If you enjoy being with children and their parents and want to find out more about how you could help, please contact us at the address left.

The next volunteer preparation course take place in May and then again in September.

23

JA

i

Swindon & Cricklade Railway IVOR THE TALKING ENGINE

Saturday 29th April Sunday 30th April & Monday 1st May

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

(on Saturda y Ivor will he static at Haves Knoll for footplate visits.

Train service will he diesel hauled)

Full steam ahead for Brunel party A series of celebration events in Swindon to mark the life and contribution of engineering genius IK Brunel was launched in April, as part of the South West's six month long birthday party.

Steam, the museum of the Great Western Railway at Churchward, has opened a new exhibition recreating Brunel's Duke Street office, with the great man himself surrounded by plans. drawings and equipment. Closeby is another exhibition, the 'Battle of the Gauges' which describes the fierce struggle by Brunel to establish his broad guage as the standard for railways in Britain.

Brunel features in the Swindon Festival of Literature during the first two weeks of May, with illustrated talks on the man who set out to do the impossible and a look at the places touched by Brunel between Paddington and Penzance.

Festival programmes are available from libraries, by calling 771081 or looking at: www.swindonfestivalof literature.co.uk An exhibition of photographs by Roy Nash at West Swindon Library from 28 April to 13 May gives a fascinating insight into life 'inside the GWR works before it closed in 1 986.

On 19 May Rosa Matheson will talk about'trip'the annual summer day trip of railway families to the seaside and on 24 May. 'Fire & Steel' a film on the works made in the early 1980s by Martin Parry will be shown at the old railway museum in Fleet Street.

July sees talks, walks, art shows, performances and parades across Swindon.

Throughout September Steam

, -r =u i

MURDER MYSTERY Saturday 20th May ket only event call 01793 692588 for details

CHILDREN'S TREASURE HUNT

_7

Sunday 28th May & Monday 29th May

The Mayor flay Fisher discusses the merits of establishing his vii/age as the location for the GWR works with /K Brune/ and his chief engineer Daniel Gooch at the launch of the Battle of the Guages exhibition at Steam will host a Royal Mail exhibition telling the stories behind the Brunel commemorative stamps launched in March.

Brunel mania comes to a close at the Swindon Railway Festival on 15 to 17 September at Steam with a day long symposium to examine the great man's legacy and two days to see visiting locomotives. model rail layouts, displays and exhibitions.

The world premiere of the youth opera 'The Little Man in the Big Hat with over 100 youngsters telling Brunel's story in song takes place on this weekend.

Lastly. on 23 September. Swindon Choral Society will perform a specially commissioned work, 'Brunel's Kingdom.'

There's more taking place, but not included here. A souvenir programme of events is available at li braries or Swindon Information Centre. by calling 463725 or at www.swindonbrunel200.co.uk

ro NToN -_,POLEUNE Blunsdon Station Tadpole Lane °" SWINDON Tel: 771615 Trains: 11 am - 4pm H DON Cafe. shop and WEST SWINDON free parking www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org

i =i -\!

L1 D /J

e2

ly

'

Wyvern Theatre A Hetherington Seelig Theatre

Theatre Square, Swindon Ticket Office: (01793) 524481

24

Sw rdon Wide

Taking an overview Here we display a remarkable photo of Swindon railway works taken in 1982

by Roy Nash who

was featured in the April Link.

He will be exhibiting 200 photographs

recording the last 20 years of the works at West Swindon Library from 28 April to 13 May. The staff from Steam have helped to identify the structures in the works, many of which have new uses or have been demolished.

Note the town's expansion westwards. West Swindon Centre and Great Western Way and the Thames Water depot can be identified, as well as housing at Westlea and the Shaw landfill site Swindon Works 1. Was from c1 920s the timber yard and saw mill. From the 1950s it was the con' yard where condemned steam locos were kept before

Come Rain or Shine!

being scrapped. Now Westmead employment area off Great Western Way. Sainsburys and housing off Paddington Drive.

Roves Farm

2.

'A' Shop (Wheel Shop) opened 1920. Now part of Designer

Outlet Centre (DOC) west car park and Churchward housing.

3.

'

•

^► 8 6 ^^^

Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon Tel: 01 793 763939 www.rovesfarm.freeserve.co.uk

Signed o ff A36l Highworth to Swindon Road Open May Wednesday - Sunday 10.30am to 5.00pm Daily during school holidays May Half Term: Scarecrow Week!

* Meet and feed the animals * The world's largest living willow maze * Tractor and trailer rides & electric tractors * Giant straw bale stack and bouncy castle * Kids crafty half hour * Indoor heated toddlers soft play & sandpit * Animal racing at weekends and holidays * Granary Tea Room - homemade cakes!

THEMED BIRTHDAY PARTIES & SOCIAL EVENTS

'A' Shop (Erecting Shop) opened c1900. Now part of (DOC)

car park and housing at Churchward.

4. Pattern Store (1897) and Turntable (1902). Pattern Store now a pub. Turntable still in existence but not operational. Whole area forms part of the west car park of DOC and Churchward housing.

1 5. Foundry (J Shop or Long Shop) opened c1875. Now used as a facility for restoring historic railway vehicles.

6. Various functions within the complex — brass foundry, boiler shop, patternmakers. Built in early/mid 1870s. Now the Designer Outlet Centre.

7. Tender and paint shop built 1876. Later known as tank shop.

Now forms part of Designer Outlet Centre.

8. 'B' Shop built 1876 (erecting shop plus engine repair). This incorporated part of Brunet's original works. Now a car park between STEAM and the National Monument Record Centre

due for housing development. Only the side wall facing the railway li ne remains.

9. Traverser (for moving rolling stock). Built 1959 and still in existence but due to be scrapped to make way for housing development.

10. Points and crossing shop built 1896 ('X' Shop). Now demolished.

Land now used by National Trust HQ and DOC car park.

11. Sidings. Came into extensive use c1 920s 12. General Offices built 1842-3. Numerous extensions built over next 80 years. Now National Monuments Record Centre.

13. St Marks Church built 1843-45, the railway church. Still in use.

25

Swindon Wide Be blown away at kite festival Wroughton skies will be filled with kites and the odd rocket on 6 and 7 May at the 16th Swindon Kite Festival.

The event organised by Wroughton based White Horse Kite Flyers. in conjunction with the Science Museum, attracts exhibitors from all over the UK, Germany and the USA. As well as kite flyThe Southern EngInside the hangar there will be ing displays, there land Rocket Flyers displays of miniature kites and will be an opportuwill be displaying their Pearson Roller Kites, famous for nity to see The Britamazing model col- being excellent to fly in light winds. lection in one of the ish Buggy Club tearIf you're inspired to join the flying along the runj hangars and firing ers. kite traders will be on hand to ways. These little ° rockets at intervals offer advice. buggies can reach throughouttheweek- The Science Museum exhibits speeds over 40mph with the help end. Some of the large ones can will be on display and the whole of a very large kite and favourable reach heights in excess of 2.000 event is free of charge.

For details call David Robinson winds. feet. on 07860 313681. www.whkf.org.uk

Tie the knot on a train

Rail enthusiasts Paul Jamie Lambeth and Brenda Elizabeth Hedges were the first couple to wed on a 1 930's railway carriage at Swindon & Cricklade Heritage Railway in April.

They exchanged vows in the Norwegian Railways carriage which is fixed on a permanent site and can hold up to 60 guests. After the photos were taken, the wedding party boarded a train for the reception meal and a trip along the line.

Spokesman Russell Wear said, "the day went very well indeed and was a memorable occasion for all concerned. Swindon & Cricklade Railway now holds a license for weddings, naming ceremonies, civil partnerships and re-affirmation of vows. The unique venue offers the opportunity for something out of the ordinary with pleasant views and a large pond for photo opportunities and the chance to set off on honeymoon in style on a steam hauled train."

The newly refurbished 'Moonraker' dining train seats 64 and has a buffet and bar. There are also facilities for outdoor events including a large marquee.

For more information contact catering manager John Ferris on 07855 320 842.

GOING TO ASCOT`?

NEED A HAT? Then call "` h.,t for all occasior The Ma

a Hatter

in Haydon Wick to see the large selection of Hats to HIRE! (01793) 704005 or 07710 298790 Make a personal appointment to find just the right hat for you www.hirehats.co.uk

You are cordially invited to attend... the Marlborough Wedding Fayre At The Town Hall, High Street, Marlborough Sunday 4th June, loam to 3.3Opm FREE Admissio n 20+ exhibitors â&#x20AC;˘ Be Inspired! , Further details from Caroline: 01793 724473

26

OPEN GARDEN

'

Nutford Lodge Longcot ( Off A420 next to the King & Queen pub) Sculptures, scented plants & colour schemes, lake with moorhens, coots and wild ducks Suitable for wheelchairs.

Plenty of room for children Oxford Art Weeks. Open: 13 May to 4 June, 12noon to 6pm Swindon Open Studios and every weekend in June, 1 pm - 6pm Free entry. donations to charity

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SWIndGYI Wide Swindon's claim to literary greatness on show Have you ever visited the birthplace of one of the most influential authors of nature? Now is your chance writes Jean Saunders.

You don't have to travel the Jefferies Land Conserfar to see where Richvation Trust, it is hoped to ard Jefferies, 1848bring the small farm back 1 887, was born and to its former glory. It is a raised at Coate until his charming place that delate twenties. serves preservation.

The old thatched cotCome along and learn tage and house on the more about this brilliant corner of Day House writer who was so passionLane and Marlborough ate and proud of his home.

Road along with Coate See the surrounding landWater, the fields, scape that inspired Richard Jefferies, inset, and the museum at Coate hedges, streams, hills, Jefferies' talent. You will plants, creatures and be given a warm welcome. village life were all described in teers from the Richard Jefferies For details call Jean on 783040 great detail by this prolific and indi- Society have kept it open to the or mail: R.Jefferies_Society vidual writer. This area is, perhaps, public from May to September on @tiscali.co.uk Britain's most written about land- the first and third Sundays of the Richard Jefferies Society month, 2pm to 5pm and at other scape.

Monday 8 May, 7.30pm Within the few years of his short ti mes by special arrangement.

Arts Centre, Devizes Road life Jefferies wrote over twenty The museum is located close to Janet Flanagan of the Wilts and books and hundreds of essays that the Coate Water roundabout and Berks Canal Group will be talking are still inspirational today. parking is in Coate Water Country about the history of the canal and Jefferies' best known novel is Park. Regrettably it is not wheelCoate Water reservoir which was Bevis, a boy's adventure story set chair accessible. created to supply it. around his home and at Coate With help from volunteers from Water where he reminisces about his childhood.

Jefferies' old home was bought

by Swindon Council in 1926 and Artsminds and Swindon Council are inviting local artists to enter this was, in part, opened as a museum year's Swindon Open Studios in June. You can enter as an individual or in the 1960s. By 1984, the mu- as part of a group, but there are only forty places available this year. seum faced a bleak future and was For details of commitment and cost of entry call visual arts officer due for closure. However volun- Barbara Dixon on 466560 or mail: BDixon@swindon.gov.uk

Open studios Swindon

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Enjoy a truly magical experience as you walk amongst hundreds of the world's most beautiful butterflies flying freely around a tropical paradise of plants and fish filled pools

Knitting & Haberdashery Sewing needs: X-stitch — Tapestry — Rowan Jaeger — Patons — Yarns and Patterns We'll also gladly order an thing else you need. y

Dolls houses & miniatures Traditional games & toys; local craft items

In the Stable A great selection of local pottery.

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In the Garden Pots, planters & o aments from around the world rn

Mon to Sat 10 to5' Sun 11 to5 ,

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^^tai our own Bi rthd - --------AN ALL WEATHER VENUE - Season Tickets Available Large Gift Shop - Tailored Educational Group Visits Organised Open Dally: Summer l oam - 6pm Winter. 9am - dusk Tel: 01793 852400 inlo@siudiaygrange,00.uk Groups and Coach Pa rt ies Welcome. Free Parking for Cars and Coaches Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park Hay Lane, Wroughton, Swindon, Wilts SN4 9QT a design y

27

Swirkr Wide Wh(t's On in MAIL Music Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th, 7.30pm Kentwood Show Choir: I Did It My Way. Features the Kentwood Junior and Youth Choirs with guest percussionist Donna Whitlock. £10.

Wyvern Friday 5th, 7.30pm Mrs Brunel - the Life of Brunel through the eyes of his wife. This musical journey follows the progress of Brunel though triumphs and disasters, tunnels and bridges. £8. £6 concessions. Steam Thursday 11th, 8pm Dancing in the Streets. With a full supporting company of singers. dancers and the Dancing in the Streets Band, experience the energy, excitement and emotion of Motown in this hit show. £21. Wyvern Saturday 13th, 7pm Wessex Male Choir with guests the Pontarddulais Male Choir present their 5th Annual International Concert in aid of Alzheimers Society. The repertoire encompasses hymns, gospels, operatic arias, swing and songs from the shows. £10. Wyvern Saturday 13th, 8pm Chris Farlowe & The Norman Beaker Band. Chris celebrates 50 years in the music business this month. £13 Arts Centre Sunday 14th, 7.30pm Swindon Recital Series: pianist Paul Turner,one of the most versatile pianists of his generation, performs Bach, Beethoven. Milhaud and Debussy. £10. Freetoaccompanied children. Arts Centre Monday 15th, 2.30pm We'll Meet Again. Hits from the Blitz. featuring songs from Vera Lynn, Bing Crosby, Gracie Fields and George Formby. £8.50. Wyvern Wednesday 17th, 8pm Albert Lee & Heroes Some of the best known and most respected rock n' roll and country musicians in the UK have come together to form this band. £1750. Arts Centre Thursday 18th to Saturday 20th, 7.30pm Sat Matinee 2.30pm Stage Struck: Anything Can Happen. Comedy and songs from The Wizard of Oz. Hello Dolly. The Sound of Music, Saturday Night Fever and Mary Poppins. £9. Wyvern Thursday 18th, 12.30 noon The Gallini Trio perform music for strings to include Beethoven's Trioin SF/at Rachmaninov's TrioE/egaique and Mendelssohn's Trio in D Minor. £6. Arts Centre Friday 19th & Saturday 20th Opera by Candlelight. An informal evening of music from Swindon Opera including a guest performance

by Louise Lloyd. f12 (inc/udes light supper,). Tickets. 721340 or 529502.

E//endune Centre. Wroughton

Friday 19th, 8pm Karine Polwart Band. Winner of Radio 2's Folk Awards for Best Album. Best Original Song and Best Emerging Artist. Karine combines folk storytelling tradition with probing intellect. £1250. Arts Centre Saturday 20th, 8pm David Knopfler & Harry Bogdanovs with special guest Megan Slankard. David, who was a founding member of Dire Straits with his brother Mark, is joined by longti me friend Harry Bogdanovs. £12.

Arts Centre Saturday 20th, 7.30pm Haydn's Creation performed by Swindon Choral Society. £5 St Augustine 's Church, Summers Street, Hodbourne. Tickets from Swindon /reformation Centre. Brian Taylor Music Shop or ca// 813606.

Sunday 21st, 7.30pm Tony Hadley - By Request. The ex Spandau Ballet singer performs some of his favourites and invites audience requests. £19.50. Wyvern Tuesday 23rd, 8pm

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See the work of 26 Swindon artists in one gallery Traditional, contemporary, modern; Landscapes. abstracts. portraits. animals Brunel Gallery, 31 The Arcade, Brunel Centre 12% donations to the Prospect Foundation on every painting sold at the gallery

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Join us for Canapes followed by tasty cuisine from around the world, then dance the evening away with Top Hat Disco.

Arrival from 7.15pm, dinner 7.45pm, dancing and late bar until 12.30am.

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To book please call 01793 878785

Charlie Dore. Rescheduled from February. Charlie is one of the UK's most respected songwriters.Her recent single S/eepA//Day is a Terry Wogan favourite. £10. Arts Centre Thursday 25th, 8pm Juliet Turner. Juliet's album Burn the Back Suit went double platinum in Ireland and was voted one of the top 100 Irish albums of all time.

Season of the Hurricane released in 2004 again went platinum in Ireland. £12 Arts Centre Saturday 27th, 8pm Lorraine Ayensu. The singersongwriter is backed by a six-piece band bringing traditional and contemporary acoustic sounds together against the backdrop of her West African and British heritage. £10. Arts Centre Wednesday 31st, 7.30pm La Boheme. The classic tale of Parisian love and loss. Opus 1 presents a bright young cast on the brink of international careers. Sung in Italian. £17 Wyvern Wednesday 31st, 8pm Degutis. Soulful rock with jazz, country and blues influences performed by the 5-piece band brought together by Steve Degutis. £8. Arts Centre

28

Swirkii Wide What's

Line Dance

Children & Family Events

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Monday 1st, 12 noon Storywalk. Led by storytelling trio,

Tuesday: Even Swindon, 7.00 Community Centre Jennings Street (off Rodbourne Road)

Annamation, hear tales from far and

wide as you explore this ancient and historic parkland. Suitable forall ages.

Wednesday: Highworth, 7.00 Thursday: Coleview 7.00 Community Centre, Nythe Road

,L a amiiy/BusinU

Step by step instruction for absolute beginners. Weekend socia/s in Highworth and Swindon For more details Ring Lewis Watson on 764732 Ten years of teaching!

• All types of fencing installed • Full patio/decking service • Made to measure gates • All pressure treated timbers • Help/advice on all fencing & landscape matters Free estimates on 01793 855800 Unit

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£3 (Child £2). Lydiard House Monday 1st, 11 am to 4pm Ivor the Talking Engine. Swindon& Cricklade Railway. See page 23 Sat 6th & Sun 7th, 10am to 5pm Swindon Kite Festival. See page 25

Monday 8th, 4.30pm to 5.30pm Wizzil. Based on a book by William Steig, creator of Shrek. Wizzil is a very bored witch and that can only lead to trouble. £6 (Family £18)Arts Centre Thursday 25th to Saturday 27th, Thurs 7pm, Fri 10am & 1.30pm, Sat 2pm & 7pm The Crowstarver. A gripping and moving adaptation of the book by Dick King-Smith for 8 - 13 year olds.

Spider Sparrow, abandoned as a

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Wrag Barn are pleased to announce that we now have the licence to perform Civil Weddings, Naming Ceremonies, Renewal of Marriage Vows and Commitment Ceremonies

F( ahcoming Events

Saturday 16th September 2006 - Murder Mystery including 3 course meal £25 per bead tickets available now Sunday 15th October 2006- Guide for Brides Wedding Fair from 11 am to 4pm, free admission Bookings are now being taken for Christmas Party Lunches @ £1 7. 95 per head and Party Nights @ £28 per head including disco

Sunday Carvery Lunch Come and enjoy our superb 3 course Sunday Carvery Lunch.

Service commences at 12 noon. Advance booking is advisable

Society & Company Golf Days The perfect location for your Golfing Away Day' 18 - 36 hole packages available and can be tailored to suit your requirements Golf Professional services can included

Dance Friday 12th, 7.30pm Bobbi's Academy of Dance: Gotta Dance. A new dance extravaganza incorporating ballet, tap, jazz, prestyle and tumbling. £9. Wyvern

Exhibitions To 13th May Benoit Philippe - Weaving Lights of Wiltshire. An exploration of Wiltshire's landscape and the variation of lights throughout the year.

Free. Arts Centre Thoughout May Open Art Showcase. Samples of work by local professional artists who will be taking part in Swindon Open Studios 2006. Free. Arts Centre Tuesday 16 May to 1 July, 10am to 6pm, Monday - Saturday Syd Pycroft, Watch: Wait

and his wife, is able to communicate with all animals. He is happy in his world but danger is just around the corner.. . 510. Wyvern Saturday 27th to Sunday 4th June, 10am to 5pm (Sun 2pm to 5pm) Half Term Quiz Trail through the State rooms of Lydiard House. Free.

Normal admission charges to the house apply. Lydiard House Saturday 27th to Saturday 3rd June, 10am to 5pm, closed Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday Treasure Trail Free. Bath Road Studies of people in urban landsMuseum & Art Gallery capes portrayed through traditional

Tel: 01 793 86132 7 Fax: 01793 861325 Email: info@wragbarn.com www.wragbarn.com fi

Film Thursday 18th, 7.45pm The Constant Gardener (15). Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz earned BAFTA nominations for their electrifying performances in this gripping suspense thriller based on the bestselling spy novel by John Le Carre. £4. Arts Centre

Treasure at Bath Road museum.

Centre piece from a Saxon shield Photo: John Gibbons

Venues Arts Centre Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Lydiard House Tel: 770401 STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 Swindon & Cricklade Railway Tadpole Lane. Tel: 771615 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Town Hall Studios Regent Circus.Tel: 463210 University of Bath in Swindon Oakfield Campus Tel: 328800 Wyvern Theatre Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

monochrome photographic prints Free. Wyvern Gallery To June Telling Tales. Explores the theme of storytelling in art and gives visitors the chance to create their own tales.

Free. Swindon Museum and Art Gallery To 30 December Treasure What makes a treasure? Precious metals, age, rarity? Or all three? Find

out more in this exhibition of archaeological treasures from the Swindon area. Free. Swindon

Museum & Art Gallery To 30 December Swindon Curiosities: the art of collecting. A dip into the museum's diverse archaeology and social history collections. Free. Swindon Museum & All Gallery To September Brunel 200: a series of exhibitions to include the Battle of the Gauges.

Visitors will also see Brunel in his Duke Street office surrounded by plans, drawings and equipment.

Normal admission charges. Steam

29

On in M^>^

Comedy

Theatre

Wednesday 15th, 8pm Jimmy Carr Off the Telly.

Wednesday 10th, 7.30pm Eleanor of Aquitaine. Royal Shakespeare actress Eileen Page presents her fascinating tour de force about the only woman to be Queen of England and France. Famous for sex. wealth, wisdom and dastardly diplomacy, she ignited the Middle Ages and set in motion hundreds of Anglo-French wars. On her death bed, aged 83 years, she challenges the ghosts of her past. £10. Wyvern Tuesday 23rd & Wed 24th, 7.30pm Lady Chatterley's Lover. DH Lawrence's beautiful, tender and sensual tale of love across the class divide is retold in a sensitve new adaptation for the stage. (Contains scenes of an explicit nature including nudity). £12.50. Wyvern Wednesday 24th, 7.30pm Old Times by Harold Pinter. Deeley a film-maker. and Kate. his wife of twenty years, live in an isolated farmhouse by the sea. The calm and seclusion of their world is splintered by the arrival of the beautiful Anna, a solitary dinner guest and old friend.

The trio reminisce over their shared past in 1950s London. £10. Arts Centre

This new stand-

up show 5 promises to be averyhotticket.

Book early. Not for the easily offended and suitable for over 1 6s only. £1750. Wyvern Tuesday 16th, 8pm 20,000 Leagues Under the Office.

Two office workers on a lunch break suddenly find themselves plunging towards the centre of the earth in this parody of the disaster genre. A hair raising. cock-eyed meditation on life. £10. Arts Centre Monday 22nd, 8pm Paddy McGuinness: The Dark Side. This is your chance to see Paddy live, up close and personal before he gets too big for his boots and you end up paying a king's ransom fora ticket on ebay. For over 16's. £15. Wyvern Friday 26th, 8pm Sue Perkins: embarking on her first one woman show without Mel her partner of 17 years. Enjoy a tour round Britain's first online Romany community; see the prototype of the Pentagon's Gay Bomb and find out why you should always keep a badger in the fridge. £12. Arts Centre

FUNDRAISING Spring Fayre Christ The Servant Church Abbey Meads Saturday 6 May, 1 pm - 3pm Stalls and entertainment for all Cycle MOT pit stop. car wash, bouncy castle, refreshments

Spring Fayre Moredon and Rodbourne Cheney Library Sunday 7 May, fpm to 4pm Car boot sale, hook-the-duck raffle - with top prizes donated by local traders ,face painting, bouncy castle. refreshments. To book car boot spaces call 346783.

Organised by The Friends of Moredon and Rodbourne Cheney Library'

Tregoze Primary School Fete Family fun with football theme Saturday 17 June, 3pm to 6pm Bar and BBQ. To book a stall call Jackie on 878278

Tea Dance Thursdays 11th,18th & 25th May 2pm to 4.30pm Memorial Hall, Wootton Basset.

All styles and rhythms: sequence, modern ballroom. old-tyme, line dance. All welcome.

The all new Swindon Rendezvous

Situated in the heart of ThuaLre Square, Swindon Rendezvous is pleased to bring a taste of the Orient to the heart of Swindon.

We take pride that all our food is selected from the very best ingredients and wherever possible healthy and organic produce, which all form the foundation of our foods. All our food is freshly cooked to order.

Talks Monday 8th, 7.30pm Richard Jefferies Society. Janet Flanagan from the Wilts and Berks Canal Group talks about the history of the canal and Coate Water reservoir. Arts Centre. Fordetailscall 783040 Tuesday 9th, 7.30pm An Evening with Blowers. Cricketer and broadcaster Henry Blowers puts on aquintessentially English evening. with anecdotes about life in and out of the commentary box. £14. Wyvern Wednesday 10th, 5.30pm to 6.30pm The Greyhound of the Deep: Brunet's Flagship of the Industrial Revolution. Nicholas Fogg talks about life on SS Great Britain: the food, drinking and gambling, and the ever-present threat of disease and death. Free. University of Bath in Swindon Wednesday 17th, 7.30pm Tootleabrook WI. Poems and readings. Toothi//CommunityCentre.

Fordetai/s ca// Jean Brock on 539456 Friday 19th. 7.30pm Swindon's Big Trip. Rosa Matheson. author of a new book about the GWR Trip Week, will give an illustrated talk. £4.50. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Tuesday 30th. 7.30pm An Evening with Gervase Phinn.

One of Britain's most popular writers. best known for his autobiographical novels shares his hilarious tales of life as a schools' inspector in the Yorkshire Dales. £14.50. Wyvern

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Swirdor Wide F1

Discover something different in early May

AL

1 to 13 May are days of delights right across the spectrum of literature.

But festival director Matt Holland says there's more to the Swindon Festival of Literature than famous faces and best-selling authors.

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Swindon has a reputation as a festival of ideas. And these ideas come not only from the well known but also from the less well known authors and events.

We are as proud of the `small' names that appear as we are of the 'bigger' ones. The broader the range the larger the choice. Something for everyone meansjust that at the Swindon Festival of Literature.

Do you like poetry? Would you like to be entertained by music, visual images, and stunning poems from around the world? If your answer is yes, then BeingA/ive. on the first day of the festival, is for you. It sees professional performers presenting fabulous poems by famous poets from the brilliant Bloodaxe collection. This promises to be a night to re.memher_

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Do you like art or thinking about art? During the first week of the festival, a good part of the fourth day is devoted with art talk. One author, ProfessorJohn Carey, asks the question. WhatGoodare the Arts?' And answers it. Another, art lover Julian Spaldling, looks at The Art of Wonder, and the wonder of art. These two authors promise words of wisdom and insights.

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On 6 May, young people's writer Melvin Burgess, above, comes to town. His book Doing/twas adapted for the big screen in a film starring Kelly Osborne. His best selling book 3unkis the definitive tale of teenage drug addiction: and his controversial novel My Life as a Bitch helped win him the coveted Carnegie Prize. He's a nice man.

The lives of two dead authors, Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard and British broadcaster Malcolm Muggeridge, are celebrated

by two living ones. These are two performances that bristle with ideas.

On the penultimate day of the festival, one of the topics is Happiness.

Psychologist Daniel Nettle takes a close look and asks a few questions.

What is happiness? Are we only ever as happy as we make up our minds to be?

P/antsrnan Patrick Harding And on the same day. there are three events that are completely different. Patrick's Flori/egium is an illustrated talk on culinary and medicinal use of plants. Guitar Manlooks at the life of the guitar, the modern musical instrument of choice. Firstti me author and guitar player Will Hodgkinson tells his six string odyssey and explains his answers to the question, 'Why do you love that guitar more than me? And Preparing for Paraguay introduces the audience to the culture and the country that play England in their first football match at the World Cup. On the final day of the 13th triskaidekaphobia-defying Swindon Festival of Literature, mischievous Ca// My B/uff clue writer Marcus Moore appropriately sets minds in motion on the matter of As Luck Would Have /t, a quizzical event for all the family. It has questions, answers, ideas, and prizes!

Book tickets on the numbers be/ow: Being Alive 1 May, 7pm.

Arts Centre. Tel 614837 What Good are the Arts? The Clive Brain Memorial Lecture. 4 May, 5pm. Swindon College. Free!

The Art of Wonder 4 May, 7pm.

Arts Centre. Tel 614837 Melvin Burgess 6 May, 2pm.

Arts Centre. Tel 614837 Kierkegaard 5 May, 7.30pm.

Art Gallery. Tel 466556 Muggeridge 9 May. 12.30pm.

University of Bath in Swindon.

Tel 466454 Patrick's Florilegium 12 May, 12.30pm. Arts Centre. Tel 614837 Happiness 12 May, 6pm.

Art Gallery. Tel 466556 As Luck Would Have It 13 May, 2pm. Old Railway Museum.

Tel 466454 Fora fu//,orograrnrne of events, calf 430328 or 771080 of And it at: www.swindonfestiva/of/iterature. co. uk

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Town of verse

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Six years of looking at Swindon through poetry has been published

by Tony Hillier.

Called one man's journey. Tony's word pictures illustrate community, educational and cultural events and issues that have been his Swindon experience.

There is something for everybody in verse, from Frank Bruno to Jenny Agutter, from graffiti to wind farms, from hip-hop to aniseed balls. Amongst many other places, the poems show you fireworks, carol singing and take you out for a meal. Theatre visits, campaigning and exploring a museum hanger at Wroughton are mixed with the excitement of Asian, Afro-Caribbean and forest festivals.

School closures, the threat to Coate Water and Swindon's response to the Iraq War all get poetic expression. An underpinning theme is the generosity of spirit of Swindon folk, towards local and international social need.

"If you were at the events portrayed, this a chance to re-capture powerful moments," said Tony. "If you missed these delights of Swindon, then these poems may well tempt you to look at the town differently and participate in the future."

For a copy mail: tony.hillier @ntlworld.com

Year 5 pupils from Westlea School were VIP guests for the filming of the very last edition of the CBBC daily kids programme Xchange at the end of March.

Researchers from the BBC had visited the school in November as a. ` part of a survey about making children'sTVprogrammes. They were impressed with the whole school, commenting on the integration of ° FInrIUiT^ y disabled children into the life of the school, the displays and the at t — mosphere.

Everyone at Westlea had forgot 1 _' ten about the visit until, out of the blue, a producer phoned and asked -" the children to be guests on the last ever Xchange.

Producer, Jilly Longton. who also In the SluePetergarden. Josh Talbot made the first episode, said that MylesGooden, IacA-Adams, Sophie from all the thousands of children Roberts and hundreds of schools featured, some frogs in the pond."

Westlea kept coming back to her.

The whole class appeared The young guests learned that throughout the programme, in the there's a lot more to filming a one background and chatting with prehour programme than meets the senters. Jessica Harmer had a eye. The children were at the stu- chance to meet presenterJez. She dios all day, leaving home at said, "I was a bit nervous but Jez 6.30am and returning late in the helped me with what to say on the evening. Anna Waddington said show. He asked me how I felt about that in between takes they went in the programme ending and I said the green room but no one minded was really, really sad." the waiting. "The studio was smaller As a thank you. the youngsters than it looks on TV and it was very were all given a goody bag to take hot. We had lunch in the BBC can- home with signed autographs of all teen and we saw the Blue Peter the presenters and an Xchange garden. It was pretty and we saw alarm clock.

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The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ May 2006

33

Global viewpoint goes beyond stereotypes at Greendown Greendown Community School's connection with a partner secondary school in South Africa is breaking down barriers and building understanding writes teacher Cristina Bennett. vidual the chance to take control From where do we get our ideas over the way others see them. about people and places we know From these photos came poems nothing about?

Our global view is usually filled with powerful images of pride, respect for their families, shaped by a mixture of news stothe value of schooling, the imporries, film images, popular music tance of freedom. These are far and its performers; it's very rarely away from the media images of shaped by individual voices. Fragpoverty and crime. These are the ments of images from film, music vital, final missing pieces of the and news give us partial views. 'global image' jigsaw.

From these fragments comes the Ordinary lives and ordinary average British sixteen-year-old's voices are essential to our underimage of the life of a sixteen-yearstanding of others, they provide a old South African: one ruled by full picture of life in a community. poverty, street crime and racism.

Greendown teacher Cathy Urquhart working with a class The next stage is for our students Sadly, we rarely complete this picat Moriteng Wa Tutu in February at Greendown - inspired by the ture by having the chance to listen to individual voices. Ordinary sional Development) Rebecca things that would show us who pictures and poems from Meriting students - to select their pictures viewpoints are often ignored and Fitzgibbon, Cathy Urquhart, Janet they really are.

Usually, a photographer is an and write their poems of people dismissed, they can't provide us Mason and I worked with teachers with a balanced perspective, but and students at Moriting to plan observer who takes and presents and places of importance to them. they are an essential part of the and design a scheme of work to be pictures of people and places from These will be exchanged through overall picture, the final pieces of used in both schools, to help stu- an outsider's viewpoint, often the scheme of work which focuses dents get to know about and share without the knowledge or consent on the cultural differences and the 'global image' jigsaw.

The voice of the real person who aspects of each other's lives - the of the people. When the photogra- similarities in young people's lives lives an ordinary life is the voice more individual and personal pher comes from within a commu- today. These pieces of the 'global that Greendown is so keen to find, things that often don't feature in nity, the pictures are different - image' jigsaw will then be in place.

Sometimes it takes looking at they present things the people listen to and share, through our films and news.

Following a series of workshops themselves have chosen to share other cultures to take a look at our global partnership.

Earlier this year, during the Feb- led by Greendown teachers, small with others, things they think are own - that's what the partnership ruary half-term break, four teach- groups of Grade 10 to 12 students i mportant for others to know between Greendown and Moriting ers from Greendown School made (15 to 18 year olds) were given about; the camera gives the indi- Wa Thuto School is all about. a fourth visit to our partner school, disposable cameras. They were Moriting Wa Thuto Senior Second- asked to take two or three pictures ary School, in a township of Clarens each which they felt showed somein the Free State. Funded by TIPD thing about their lives: the people and places important to them, (Teachers' International Profes-

School hosts global links get-together Schools, churches and community groups developing partnerships with other parts of the world will come together for the 2006 United Kingdom One World Linking Association (UKOWLA) weekend conference at Greendown on 20 and 21 May. The weekend event called 'Looking Out to Look In will demonstrate the links across the planet. allow ideas for building stronger bonds to

be shared and encourage greater involvement of local communities in global projects.

Organiser Cristina Bennett said, "it's an honour to bring so many organisations together in Swindon. The weekend is being planned by

teachers and pupils involved in Greendown's literacy and global partnership. For us we're striving to do what former education secretary Charles Clarke said, 'putting the world into world-class education."

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34

The Link Magazine • May 2006

Swing into action 1

Swing into action 2

Croquet, the game for all ages

CALM calls golfers to big fundraising event

As Swindon Croquet Club celebrates its twentieth anniversary, awardwinning coach John Airey credits The Link with attracting him into the game soon after the club was launched.

"I joined the club after answering a call for new members in The Link some 18 years ago," said John.

After learning the game and playing for a few years John was sponsored by his employers, Rover, to enroll on a Loughborough University Summer School course and eventually became a coach at the Swindon club. His efforts were recognised last season when he was named Croquet Association Coach of the Year.

John said of the award, "I ac- Award wirniing Link reader Jo{in Airey cepted it on behalf of the members who provided a huge number of At the other end of the specthe coaching hours. The award sits trum, John is keen to emphasise nicely with the club's 20th anni- that croquet is perfect for the older versary." generation. "With an ageing popuThe club's record is impressive. lation, the sport is ideal to keep us TheyhavebeenFederationLeague seniors active and fitter. All new winners two years out of the last players are welcome, including four and reached the finals or semi- seniors who want to add to their finals in all the national and re- daily step count while enjoying a gional events entered last year. fun game in good company."

Croquet is a sport that people of The club meets on Tuesday and all ages can enjoy. Five years ago Wednesday evenings at Moredon the club started a schools 'taster' Recreation Ground from 5.30pm. programme. During the last two Allequipmentisprovidedtolearnyears, over 1,000 children have ers. been introduced to the game.

For details call John on 873026.

Swindon volunteer run cancer charity holds its thirteenth annual Golf Day on Thursday 22 June at the Wrag Barn course near Highworth and golfers across the town are asked to enter as individuals or teams.

Event organiser Jackie Lambeth past year for example, thanks to said, "this is always an excellent people's generosity, we have conday for CALM and we are looking tinued to provide much-needed forward to strong support from convalescent breaks in our two both men and lady golfers and seaside caravans, organised coach from the local business commu- trips and social gatherings for faminity. lies and also financed a family sup"We are very grateful for the port worker and social worker in continuing support of the Wrag partnership with CLIC Sargent.

Barn management and staff, who "We are also keen to receive always provide superb golfing fa- items to auction and prizes for the cilities and excellent catering. The draw.DonationsorcompanysponSwindon DeVereHotelisourmain sorship will be most welcome." sponsor this year, providing an CALM operates in the Swindon excellent first prize of a round of health area. For over 22 years it has golf for four with lunch at the fa- been run totally by parents. No mous Belfry course." money raised or donated is used Teams of four players play an 18 for salaries or office accommodahole Stableford competition in the tion - everything goes to help the afternoon, as well as a 9 hole Texas children and their families.

At any given time CALM is supScramble event in the morning.

There are also a number of smaller porting over 20 children with cancompetitions including target golf cer or leukaemia. The aim is to and a prize draw and auction at support the whole family both the end of the day. during treatment and in the stressJackie said, "as in previous years ful period afterwards, or after bewe can guarantee entrants a very reavement.

To enter the golf competition, or enjoyable day and a chance to provide invaluable help for a popular offer items for auction, contact local charity at the same time. Last Jackie Lambeth on 335981 or mail: year the day raised over £5,000 calmpost@hotmail.comorwriteto which has really helped us to re- PO Box 1191, Marlborough, SN8 spond to the needs of families. This 1 WG.

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Kids to launch Corporate Games Swindon youngsters are set to get the Corporate Games off to a flying start with a fun run on the opening day.

The games will see company 1.5 kilometre course at Lydiard. teams from all over Britain taking As well as the children's fun run, part in a weekend of sport, fun and Lydiard will host a variety of atfestivity from 2 to 4 June at venues tractions including free fitness across the town. Some 6,000 com- tests, live music, parades and petitors are expected to represent roaming acts, as well as a tent viltheir companies in twenty-one lage showcasing the companies sports ranging from netball to taking part.

For details about the fun run call cricket, from dragon boat racing to tug-of-war.

Swindon Council's Lifestyle Team On Friday 2 June at 11am chil- on 511033. dren aged 4 to 17 years will run a www.corporate-games.com

Colon clear outs for better health Bowel health is not something that enters everyday conversation but more people are turning to colon cleansing as a way of correcting a whole range of complaints.

In only a few years it has moved can be helped by this therapy are from being considered somewhat weight problems, acne, food allereccentric to become an accepted gies, headaches, menstrual probcomplementary therapy. lems and arthritis.

Qualified nurse Carol Lindsay "People can be apprehensive but from Hayden Wick trained in co- the treatment is very discreet. It lonic hydrotherapy after it helped takes 45 minutes and, apart from relieve her of irritable bowel syn- sometimes feeling a bit light drome. Carol, who set up the headed, there are no side effects," Askim Clinic in January, says that said Carol. if there is a waste build up, the She also gives advice on mainbody absorbs the toxins which can taining a healthy colon by eating result in health problems. the right foods after the treatment.

Among the ailmentsshebelieves For details call Carol on 727323.

The Link Magazine • May 2006

35

Tigershark gains experience at the games A young swimmer from Grange Park returned from the Commonwealth Games in Australia at the end of March ready to compete at an even higher level.

Bassett School.

At 15 years of age Swindon Jazz attended Tregoze Primary Tigersharks swimmer Jazz Carlin School and children were encourwas the youngest member of the aged to follow her progress by Welsh squad in Melbourne where teacher and Tigershark's coach she reached two finals, coming Caroline Roberts. eighth in the 800 metres freestyle Jazz is now back in training and and helping her team come sixth looking forward to further interin the 4 x 200 relay. national selections.

Jazz joined the Tigersharks t;_Tigersharks run an exciting Learn-to-Swim programme when swimming development proshe was five and has now won two gramme to encourage youngsters national championships. Last year to achieve their best in the sport. she won a bronze medal at the For details call Steve Langley European Junior Championships 639133. and also swam for the Great Britain senior squad in Italy in Decem and competition. However Jazz ber.

The Commonwealth Games kept up with her GCSE preparameant being away from home for tions by exchanging work by etwo months of intensive training mail with her teachers at Wootton

Race for Life places going quickly Two fun runs on Saturday S and Sunday 9 July at Lydiard Park will involve up to 6,000 women raising money for Cancer Research UK. The target for this year's 5 kiloShe said, "the event has been metre Race for Life is £370,000. well supported by Swindon Places are going quickly but there women in the past; it's a great way is still time to enter. to help Cancer Research as an indiOrganiser Karina Morgan says vidual or with a group of friends the entry fee covers the cost of or work colleagues." organising the event. Individual Fundraising ideas and entry desponsorshipwillfundtheresearch tails can be found at: that can ultimately save lives. www.raceforlife.org

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The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ May 2006

Shaw team fly the flag in town shirts

Team gets Cre8ive touch

Brook Field Primary School will be wearing Swindon Town shirts Green meadow when they represent the town in the BT Community Cup 6-a-side Youth under us semi-finals at the MK Dons ground on 2 May. B team are now The winners will go better prepared through to the finals at Car- for games after diff's Millennium Stadium receiving track at the end of May. suits sponsored The new term sees the by Cre8 Hair & team also trying to win the Beauty salon of Swindon school's Pentel cup Haydon Wick. and the West Swindon priThe club runs 14 teams across mary schools' league.

Callum Fitzgerald, Mathew Parsons, Mason Thompson, Andrew Edwards, Alex Forsythe. Front, Ryan Turner. Not pictured, Michael Reynolds, Matt Jones

!D

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the age spec-

trum and is hoping World Cup fever will boost the number of young people Teresa Chandiran of Cre8 with young models and team intrested injoinmanagers Liz and Paul Swindall and Errol Chandiran, centre ing.

For details about Greenmeadow 512000 or for the under 11s, call Liz FC teams call Paul Merchant on Swindall on 729271.

v

PILATES CLASSES Shaw Village Hall Mon: 6 - 7pm; Wed: 7.30 - 8.30pm 24 Hour Gym Tues: 10 - I lam; Wed: 2.05 - 3.05pm (Beginners) Haydon Wick Tues: 8 - 9pm St Francis Primary School,Taw Hill Thurs: 6 - 7pm (Beginners)

YOGA CLASSES Haydon Wick Mon: 6.30 - 7.30pm (Beginners) Cricklade Mon: 7.30 - 8.30pm Greendown School Tues: 7.50 - 9.20pm; Fri: 7.15 - 8.45pm 24 Hour Gym Wed: 12.50 - 2.05pm (Beginners welcome)

Home advantage helps hockey team A closely fought game between Abbey Meads and Tregoze Primaries in the final of the Swindon's school hockey tournament at the end of March on the Abbey Meads astro-turf saw the home team take the trophy sponsored by Swindon Hockey Club.

Eight primary schools entered mixed teams in the seven-a-side tournament, which offered the chance to go through to the Wiltshire Youth Games at Bath University in July.

Organiser Chris Jones said, "the children's enthusiam was fantastic; so was the sportsmanship."

The Abbey Meads winners, back from left, Luke Thomas, Holly Frampton, Conor Thompson, Cameron Baydon, manager Steve Bicknell, Luke Jewett. Front, Holly Heath, Karrthik Man Iieie . Daniel Jelleiy, Leanne Dee y e, Molly Parker

Makeover magic Sixteen year old Stephanie Ray

from Toothill was the winner in our competition in the March edition sponsored by Partners Hair Salon.

Her new look was provided by nail, eyebrows and make-up specialist Kerry Tsokos, hair colourist Sheralee Crame and hair stylist Emy Mazzotta - pictured left with Stephanie.

She said, "I really like the new look; I looked a bit of a mess before and wasn't sure what I was going to do. Winning the competition was great."

The Link Magazine • May 2006 5

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38

The Link Magazine • May 2006

G'awo^e s SERVICE 14 Waterdown Close Taw Hill, Swindon

01793 702098 Mob: 07904 734 758 www.carolespetsitting.co.uk Taking the worry out of leaving your lets ^` whilst you're .IwaV

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Vet visits for children Drove Vet is offering schools a rare chance to take a look behind the scenes at their new Taw Hill practice.

Grooming salons are not just for poodles!

Whatever shape, size or hair length, all dogs deserve a visit to Hair of the Dog Collection/delivery available, or drop your dog off in the morning and pick up in the evening 74 Basepoint. Rivermead Drive, Swindon Call Denise on 01793 608747 or 07866 507633

Professional Pet Carer in West Swindon offering a comprehensive range of pet caring services including: • Pet sitting • Dog walking and exercise • Feeding

• General all-round care Very competitive

rates For details call 01793 324654 07974 151776

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L'et Andrew Turkington with visiting children from St Francis Primary School

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

Pets At Home could be your answer Pets At Home is a service which cares for all your pets (except dogs) in their own home anywhere in the West Swindon area only Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on 01793 873062 or 07710 543197 sheila@hannahlightfoot.freeserve.co . u

There is an opportunity for day time visits while the practice is building up to full capacity. Jane Carter, marketing coordinator, said that children can visit the operating theatre and consulting room and see the animals in for treatment. "We can't usually let children come in and have a look round during school hours, though we have visits from Brownies and Cubs in the evenings."

But Jane is happy to visit schools and groups with Tango the cat, Biff the snake and others to help teach children the importance of looking after their pets and treating all animals with respect.

Vaccination boost month Throughout May Drove Vet is making a special offer.

"If vaccinations have slipped, you can get a full course for the price of a booster," said Jane. "An annual booster is needed to keep immunity levels up and to be able to book your pet into kennels or a cattery for the holidays."

To arrange a school visit call the Taw Hill clinic on 725514. Call them also to arrange a vaccination, or the Abbey Meads clinic on 727728.

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The Link Magazine • May 2006

Swan Sanctuary appeals for food Swindon's swan sanctuary run by Sue Hulbert and her husband from their home in Shrivenham Road is asking for donations of food to sustain their rescue work.

Keep Lydiard's ducks lean - don't feed them Nick Burton, head gardener at Lydiard House & Park, asks visitors to leave bread at home We have probably all enjoyed feeding ducks at some point in our lives and Lydiard's ducks seem very happy to gobble up bread thrown to them whilst we get pleasure from seeing them at close hand. = As avian flu has reached Britain, But this seemingly kind act may close contact with migrating birds not be what it appears to be. Feed- is not encouraged. ing ducks with lots of bread can Naturally, ducks eat lots of cause major problems. aquatic insects such as midge larAs part of the restoration project, vae and mayfly during the spring funded by the Heritage Lottery and summer, which are high in Fund, the new lakes at Lydiard protein and help the rapid growth Park are beginning to fill, and Swindon Borough Council wants and survival of ducklings. Bread is low in protein and does not proto encourage a healthy, natural and vide the balanced diet ducks require. Feeding them sustainable population of waterfowl in the park.

Feeding bread to ducks can lead to overcrowding with lots of bread can actually lead to malnutrition.

If you still want to feed the ducks you can suppleat a particular point, leading to water pollution and ment their diet with whole grain during the autumn soiling of adjacent grass.

If too much bread is given, it will attract rats and and winter, available from the Lydiard Park visitor mouldy bread can cause botulism in ducks. Feeding centre from late summer until the spring. wild birds can also alter their migration patterns, But remember, it is generally kinder not to feed the ducks and let them forage for their own food. putting their survival at risk.

3

The demand to help rescued swans and other birdlife always rises in Spring. This time last year Sue, above, was looking after 40 fledglings as well ducklings, baby squirrels, foxes and bats.

The February Link reported that the sanctuary could close in a year's time unless there are major contributions towards the £8,000 running costs.

To make a donation or help with fundraising call Sue on 336408 or mail: roger.hulbert@ntlworld.com

Your pet, one of the family Thameswood Small Animal Hospital is once again supporting National Pet Week in May, writes Giovannia Hartley.

The aim is to boost awareness of the many benefits of companion animals and the need to look after them responsibly, which includes good preventative health care.

This year's theme is on 'your pet as one of the family' which the Thameswood staff fully subscribe to. The TVC team like to spoil their own pets as much as you spoil yours and we endeavour to treat both you and your pets as part of the practice, not just another pet owner.

The aim of our Client Care Girls, Lovely Nurses and Charming Vets is to never upset your pet and ou r hope is that your furry family member will enjoy coming to see us.

To celebrate National Pet Week, register with us and you will get £20 off any future consultation. On registration, one of our team of nurses will give your pet a check and will be able to give you advice regarding all aspects of preventative health care.

So call us on 526780 to arrange a free health check for our pet.

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40

The Link Magazine • May 2006

Oil executives to dig at Toothill Farm

PARKING CENTRAL SWINDON Long stay parking from only £65 per month

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A team of executives from oil giants BP will be mucking in at Toothill Farm community hall in May. Sixteen managers from the USA, of the farmhouse, improve the council changed its policy and on Singapore and Europe are coming landscaping and build a large shed. 1 April transferred the farm site to the BP offices in Swindon for a Mavis Reed and the volunteers from the housing department to one week team building exercise, who run the popular Friday the youth service. but will be breaking out of the evening junior youth club are deToothill councillor Steve office for a two day community lighted. "To think, nearly 18 Wakefield said,"we'vebeenworkchallenge to spruce up the grounds months ago officers from Swin- ing hard to get a better deal for of Toothill Farm. don Council were trying to empty young people in the area and it's The event has been organised the farm of users for whatever rea- great that BP chose the farm site by the business development arm son. Now we're looking at the gar- for their community project." of the youth adventure charity den being enlarged and made safe Raleigh Development ConsultRaleigh International. In some- for children with help from Raleigh ant, Ian McLaughlin, said the BP thing ofaGroundforcemeetsChal- and the BP staff. It's great that the executives were looking forward lengeAnnekamakeover,thegroup club can feel secure at the farm." to coming to the farm. "This will aims to tidy up the garden in front In early 2005 Mavis and the club be an excellent challenge for peoput up a fight against eviction and pie who are normally to be found with help from local councillors behind computers in office blocks and publicity from The Link, the in different parts of the world."

ik

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Mavis Read with junior club member Joe Haines, centre, and Ian McLaughlin of Raleigh, right, coun Nick Martin, left. Standing Niki Hillier, outreach worker for Toothill from the West Swindon Family Project and coun Steve Wakefield

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Youth service has new purpose

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After a savaging by Ofsted in 2005 Swindon Council has radically overhauled and reorganised its Youth Services to provide new hope to young people across the town.

Head of the service provision, including Tim Mason said, "for opportunities to take too long young people part in Duke of have beenleftoutofdeEdinbugh Award accision making. I'm pastivities at the Link Censionateaboutengaging tre."

4 them in delivering bet"The changes in the ter youth provision." youth service are really In West Swindon excitingandlaimtohave Dale Colsell, right, has _ a number of intersting been appointed as initiatives up and runYouth Development ning over the next few Worker and is getting months." to know the views of Dale is currently young people and is recruitingses- meeting young people around sional youth workers to organise West Swindon and hopes to bring activities, together a development group to He's no stranger to the area ha y - discuss ideas. To achieve them he ing worked as a youth worker be- will be recruiting adult volunteers tween 1992 and 1996, starting as a and also paid sessional workers. volunteerin the oldbarn atToothill Dale said, "I'd like to hear from Farm then helping run youth club the young people I worked within nights at Freshbrook Community the 1990'saboutvolunteeringnow, Centre as well as street work as wellasadultswhowanttoknow around the Link Centre. more about creating positive opHis task is to develop projects portunities in West Swindon." where there is a great sense of Call Dale on 07765 505033. ownership by young people. - Tim Mason would like to hear "There's scope for a youth coffee from Swindon's young people on bar in Toothill and I'll be looking 463705 or mail: tjmason@swindon to develop evening and weekend .gov.uk

41

The Link Magazine • May 2006

North youth centre opens

CAR MEDIC

The Mayor Ray Fisher was on hand on Easter Saturday to officially open the Underground Youth Centre, under the steps by the fountains at the North Swindon District Centre.

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The Mayor in the Underground nil!; m mber^, standing Ir/i ' ri7hl, Jmne, Stephens, Ben Molton, Jess Robertson, Hannah Downes, Emma Brnkitt. Front, Louis Robinson, Mark Brazen, James Broadbank

Members were exclusively featured on the front page of March Link, decorating the cavernous space with help from artists No Added Sugar.

The facility was first built four years ago next to the library, but leaks from the steps above and the lack of staff pending reorganisation of the youth service meant that sessions did not start until last October.

Apart from radical decoration centre members have built a coffee bar and have organised a development group to bring together ideas

for future projects. The centre is also equipped with a computer suite, games consoles an d music.

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Activity is coordinated by youth worker Lindsay Poole. She is recruiting part time youth workers and would also like to hear from people interested in volunteering at the Underground. Training will be provided. She can be contacted on 07919 111539 or mail: 1poole@ swindon.gov.uk

Free offer to car sellers Mike Jeffers who runs Trimline Systems is offering 10 readers a new pocket guide to ensure that your car is sold quickly at the best price.

He says selling a vehicle is never straightforward and first impressions always count. His business Trimline Systems specialises in removing scuffs, stains and general cosmetic wear and tear to paintwork, interiors and upholstery to ensure a car is well presented. Mike says, "I've lost count of the cars I've seen for sale with chipped paintwork on the bonnet, scuffed wheel trims and an interior no cleaner than a farmyard. These factors affect the price and it's certainly going to make a buyer think the engine will be just as poorly maintained."

With a little bit of effort you can get rid of a vehicle you no longer want and focus on the one you do want to be seen driving. To get hold of Mike's top tips for a successful sale call him on 07050 266325.

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42

The Link Magazine • May 2006

bebo for natural beauty

HOUSE TO LET Middeleaze, from August Fully furnished two bed mid-terrace house.

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When the Clarins treatments studio at House of Fraser closed last year, beautician Kathy Lawton decided to branch out on her own.

She now runs her own salon, bebo, based in the prestigious Goldsworthy hairdressing salon in central Swindon.

Before setting up her new business, Kathy was determined that her customers would enjoy the same benefits that they had with Clarins treatments. She researched all the options and decided that Decleor offered the high quality products she was looking for.

Kathy, right, a former Westlea and Ridgway School pupil completed her beauty training at North

Negotiators needed Neighbourhood disputes can be

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treatments, including a number of different facials and body treatments. Also on offer are waxing, eyelash/brow tinting and various different body wraps, suited for all individual needs. b ro is open 4 days a week, Wednesday to Saturday. To book your appointment, call Kathy on 07775 737146 or at Goldsworthy's

she knew exactly what she wanted to offer her clients.

She explained that with Decleor nothing is synthetic.

"Decleor's approach to beauty is unique, combining the purest, most potent and natural ingredients. Decleor treatments will relax your mind, de-stress your body and revive your energy levels."

At bebo, Kathy offers a selection

Climbing the management ladder Simon Rumming, 22, from Freshbrook has been promoted to assistant manager at The Trawlerman fish and chip shop at the West Swindon Centre.

He started as a server after leaving Greendown School in 1999 before moving on to chip preparation and then shift supervisor.

Simon has passed his NVQ I and II in health and safety and also food and hospitality. He is about to start studying for NVQ Level III in both subjects.

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The Link Magazine • May 2006

43

S p ace age pl a y area opens soon in North Swindon It's been a long time coming but the new play park at Groundwell is finally complete.

As reported in the December Link, frustrated families in the area have been waiting for four years for a place to play. The last of the play equipment was installed in the middle of April and contractors completed laying the rubber safety service by the end of the month.

The playground has a futuristic

look with equipment including a 'Spiker' which is a revolving pole platform, a'Supernova' which resembles a polo mint and spins, and a skateboard type unit which runs on tracks and takes a certain amount of skill to work.

There are two separate areas, one for 3 to 6 year olds and one for 7 to 14s.

Dave Hunt Parks and Amenities Officer for Swindon Commercial Services said the park costing

Eager to use the new play park at Groundwell, but waiting for the safety surface to go down, Katli; rive, Izzy and Henrrt Prothero

£360,000 is the biggest ever in-

stalled in Swindon.

New look Eastleaze park promised

^

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sw aon

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As part of a rolling programme of improvements the worn out and

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A public consultation will take place over the summer and work is 1 expected to be completed by the end of the year.

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44

The Link Magazine • May 2006

Fifth year for open gardens Has your Easter gardening inspired you to open it for Breakthrough Breast Cancer?

West Swindon Open Gardens opens for the fifth time on 17 and 18 June and organiser Lesley Dredge is looking for gardeners to let her know if they plan to open up. Call her on 772869 to discuss joining in. __-

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Mum comes up with green scheme Jane Eatwell from Middleleaze is a woman on a mission.

Three years ago she didri t think ri' ^' "' much about the future of the planet, rt let alone grow anything in her gar:; "^'" den. But then she had a revelation and has been on a steep learning curve ever since.

Jane's back garden, right, is now filled with recycling boxes, plasti _______ greenhouses, planting beds and bo'saooir^ containers for rain and also grey e^♦^^ water.

"Six of us find it difficult to fill a wheelie bin nowadays because we recycle everything," said Jane. "But I need more space and I'd like to more recycling across West Swinget together with others to set up a don to create a new kind of corncommunity allotment - if we could munity spirit in the area.

If you have an affinity for Jane's rent some land from a farmer. Failing that could we look after gar- viewpoint call her on 07979 377996 dens for older people and share or mail: bettyboop_354@hotmail the produce?" .com Jane's also keen to encourage She would like to hear from anyand promote green projects and body with a plot of land to rent.

Mob: 07802 752576 www.acerpaving.co. uk

Tree plant brings community together

H.J.WEBB & SON

Hundreds of people turned up at a community tree plant at Shaw Forest Country Park on 19 March.

It was the fifth since the landfill site was designated for development as part of the Great Western Community Forest in 1994. Over the last twelve years 55,000 trees have been planted and there is now footpath access across the park.

Further planting and footpath building will take place later this year and completion is targetted for 2008.

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Front, Alan Hayward, John Doyle. Standing rear left, Swindon Council landscape architect Chris Annis Right, the Cruse family from Eldene planting their tree Below, Haboon Jama taking part in indoor activities on 19 March

f

1.

The Link Magazine • May 2006

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46

The Link Magazine • May 2006

After the fish, the birds get a look in at the River Ray restoration Well, the euphoria has died down; the TV crew and nature pundits have gone home, and wildlife on the River Ray between Westlea and Barnfield, has been left alone to settle into its new home, writes Susan Litherland of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

The freshly sculptured river ders went without a hitch at the Now that the noisy banks and carefully contoured end of March. Indeed, more than heavy machinery has river bed created by the Swindon 800 fish - chub, dace, roach, perch, died away, it's a good Water for Wildlife Project should stoneloach and bullhead to name time to give the birds a help wildlife survive and thrive in but a few species - were rescued helping hand, just in times ahead. from the old channel and released time for the nesting seaThe breakthrough, below, from into their new home, right. son. Neil Pullen, Swinthe old channel to the new meanBut the fish are just one feature don's Wildlife Officer of wildlife that needs to who runs the Active be encouraged to return. Swindon volunteer So the Active Swindon groups, explained, volunteers, sponsored by "English Nature have the Home Office, are given us 30 bird boxes pulling up their sleeves to be located around the floodplain better than pottering around a pile and getting ready for and on the tree mound behind it. of rotting twigs. another bout of practical "They have differing size enThe volunteers will also be plantconservation on the trance holes to tempt birds such as ing wildflower seeds in the project, which is a part- blue tits, robins, house sparrows, meadow. If you'd like to help, Neil nership funded by the blackbirds and even the barn owl is always looking for more volunEnvironment Agency, into making Rivermead home." teers. You don't need prior knowlBiffaward, npower, The volunteers will also be mak- edge of wildlife and training is Thames Water and Swin- ing 'dead hedges' to shield key provided for all jobs. don Council. points around the pond and the Active Swindon volunteers will river, such as the kingfisher banks, be meeting on: 6,000 ducks to take a dip for cancer charity to protect them from too much Thursday 4 and 11 May, 11am Yellow plastic ducks will be racing down the River Rayon 29 May at the intrusion by people.

4pm; Sunday 7 May, 10.30am Westcott Place Recreation Ground on Wootton Bassett Road.

"We don't want to shut people 4pm. The meeting point is the end Old Town Rotary Club are running the event in aid of Macmillan out, rather to direct them away of Barnfield Road, near Minety Cancer Relief. Ducks cost £1 each; the first over the line wins £1,000 from specific points so that birds Fences. Call Jo Sayers on 526229 and there are five runners-up prizes. can nest in peace," said Neil. "Af- for details about joining in.

The ducks come under starter's orders at 3pm, but get there earlier ter all this hard work, we don't www.wiltshirewildife.org to buy one. want the birds to feel crowded out The Rotary Club will be organising other fundraising events on the by humans." recreation ground, including a car boot sale from 1 Oam. As they rot down, the hedges will also provide fantastic homes for invertebrates. Mostbeetles, for example, like nothing

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Showing how the new environment works. The Ray flooding the wildflower meadow in early April

Fine for polluting the Ray Cable & Wireless was fined £20,000 in April for polluting Westlea brook and the River Ray after a leak of diesel from their premises at the Windmill Business Park in January 2005. The slick was traced for 8 miles downstream from Grange Park. The company also had to pay £180,000 to clean up the spill, plus court costs.

New guide to the town's wild side For all its growth and urban sprawl Swindon is quite a wildlife friendly place, boasting country parks, nature reserves and ancient woodlands, set against the wonderful landscape of the North Wessex Downs.

But it's too easy to take . ganisation. wildlife for granted. A lot Swindon wildlife more can be done to improject officer Neil Pullen, prove where it can thrive. said "this booklet is a To spread the word handbook of ideas about Wiltshire Wildlife Trust ways in which everyone has published a booklet can help make Swindon a sponsored by English Nabetter place for people ture called Hands Up to Help Wild- and wildlife, whether it is giving life in Swindon. up your time to volunteer for pracIt provides all the information tical conservation work, being a you need to get out and enjoy the 'green consumer' or simply turngreat outdoors, plus the things you ing off a tap or a light." can do to help protect nature, such Free copies are available in Swinasgardeningwithwildlifeinmind, don libraries or the Information using your car less and joining an Centre or mail: neilp@wiltshire environmental volunteering or- wildlife.org

47

The Link Magazine • May 2006

Buy a butterfly to protect a butterfly on e-bay How would you like to own a handprint by Damien Hirst, recently named the most powerful person in the international art world by ArtReview magazine, or creator of Wallace and Grommit Nick Park, or local jazz maestro Jamie Cullum?

They and some 40 other famous names from the worlds of art, showbiz, journalism, and politics have donated their own handprints, transformed into butterflies to be auctioned by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust on eBay to raise money for conservation, and in particular its work to protect the county's butterfly population.

Some contributors have added humorous doodling. Soon to depart Blue Peter presenter Liz Barker has graffitied: 'Let butterflies stay beautiful.'

The auction will run until 16 May and every week a batch of paintings will be featured on the internet auction site for seven days.

Andrew Foot, WWT head of fundraising, said, "we were amazed by the response from celebrities after we wrote to them. It

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a species of concern in the UK

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genera/p/umbing

m: 07764 788737 Pte" h:01793 879029

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BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS

BUILDING SERVICE S

BUILDING SERVICES

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CHANT BUILDING SERVICES

Paul JZhind

® Plumbing * Quality bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics,

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

flooring all taken care of

Tiling

* All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, machines installed

Walls LLJJ

Bathroom and kitchen installations

01793 87661; 07748 9644;x_

Call Sean on 703550 Mobile: 07749 862361

DECORATOR

Paul Comer

DECORATOR & CARPENTRY

Professional

• Interior/exterior painting and

painter and decorator Personal one-to-one service Clean, reliable, quality work - no job too small For free quote call Paul on

0777 5840236 or 321981

All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

P LANSDRAWN

wise plan Sandra wiseman Plans drawn for extensions and change of use.

Garden design.

For a professional & fri endly service

call 01793 539274 or 07773 103926 fora free

no obligation consultation.

q No hard selling q No obligation quotes

internal alterations

INSTALLED OR REPAIRED

HEATING, GAS & PLUMBING SERVICES Central heating installations, boiler servicing and repairs, bathroom and power showers All aspects of plumbing Tel: 01793 815254 Peg 167606

PLASTERING

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

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

raylorMaae' Windows of Swindon q Fascias & guttering q Very competitive prices

SI YOUR LOCAL CHOICE

01793 611398 07968 757860

or 07900 835116

DOUBLE GLAZING

q Installation q Double glazing repairs

replacement • Kitchen • Bathroom

Call Andy: 01793 729354

* * * * * *

Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

R IA

Laminate flooring

ROB HALL

Roofing £1 building maintenance

•

WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES

• Doors & skirting

Quality Plumbing & Heating

and guttering

Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling

DOUBLE GLAZING

• Tiling

HEATING & PLUMBIN G

• Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Outside taps • Power showers • Bathroom installations Reg: 128966

Call 01249 661572 or 07734 088185

• Coving

HEATING & PLUM BI NG

Conservatories, fascias

Interior & exterior work 12 years experience

Wallpaper

No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

UPVC windows & doors

Plastering • Carpentry Tiling • Kitchens Bathrooms

decorating •

Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted

Small or large jobs welcome

& Floors

Free estimates

interior/exterior

C`

HEATIN G & PL UM BING

from the local reliable company Call Ray on 0790 9962 770 or 325124 taylormade.windows@ntlworld.com

HEATING & PLUMBING I

RJ PEARCE PLUMBING & HEATING LTD 20 years experience in plumbing work' •

Central heating

O All gas appliances serviced, repaired & installed O Warm air unit service, repair & installation

Bathrooms & showers • Competitive •

O Landlord/moving house safety inspections O Bathroom suites installed and all other plumbing work undertaken

rates

O Central heating systems flushed (powerflush)

All work guaranteed • No job too small •

O Hot water systems descaled

11^ 51

O Quote on request 24

For further details R call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

0

0 British Gas trained Reg: 203455

PLUMBIN G & HEATING Professional & Reliable • Specialists in full heating

systems and heating conversions • Boiler replacements • Gas and oil-fired appliances • Cylinders, showers, tanks Full bathroom suites, tiling & electrics • No job too small • Free quotations

24 hour call out

O Natural gas & LPG qualified

Rn

Call Craig Gavin 01793 321326 or 07880 735405

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38

Peg 202015

Tel: 722449 • Mob: 07956 410982

PLUMBING

NEED A PLUMBER? G13 Plumbing Services for all your domestic plumbing needs: leaks, burst pipes, radiators, immersions, hot water cylinders, taps, toilets, tanks, ball valves and bathroom installations.

Call 01793 524200

51

CARPENTRY

CARPENTRY

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DECORATOR

CARPENTRY

JAMES O'SULLIVAN

1 S Property Services Nome & G a rd a Improvements

0 Fitted bedrooms "'=1 and kitchens O Replacement doors & staircases O Laminate floors O Household repairs and general maintenance 0 Decking - supplied and fitted

General carpentry Fitted kitchens/bedrooms Laminate flooring Replacement doors • Skirtings Patios Block paving Decking Fencing • Turfing Guttering/fascia

Free no obligation quotes Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

Office: 01793 704309 Mobile: 07775 948833

Fitted kitchens & bedrooms

* Wood and laminate flooring Loft conversions -*- Doors & windows * All carpentry work Stairs Shop fitting

E cur

specialist sTER ^wP For details call Paul on 07932 013360 or 01793 812849

ELECTRICIA N

ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICIAN

SAFE & SHAW

Dave Ody

JC White Electrical Services

ELECTRICAL SERVICES 3 EXTRA SOCKETS / LIGHTS 3 SECURITY LIGHTING/FIRE ALARMS 3 GARDEN LIGHTING & OUTDOOR SOCKETS 3 SHOWERS/COOKERS INSTALLED 3 FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT 3 COMPLETE RE-WIRING FREE QUOTATIONS, NO OBLIGATION

New installations • Showers Extensions • Extra sockets Re-wires • Security lighting

For all home, garden, small commercial & industrial electrical requirements Rewires, extensions, repairs & fault finding No job too small Advice freely given

New fuse boards Free quotes 24hr call out facility

MOBILE: 07769 883717 TEL: 01793 876029

Part

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294

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HOUSE/GARDEN

HOME MAINTENANCE VI

G

For all your domestic & commercial requirements

CES R SER Painting and decorating Floor & wall tiling Garden maintenance Turf ing, fencing, patios Upvc double glazing Fascias & guttering Roof repairs Carpentry services Friendly, reliable & competitive

Call Glen o n ^ 01793 487450 07774 84 1879

^ ^ r

DALLL EXTERNAL & AINTE NAL TWORK Tel/Fax: 01793 723495 Mobile: 07771 617992 All garden work Building Guttering and Concreting paths fascia Patio repairs All carpent ry Patio jet wash External painting Repair or replace Internal painting & small walls Hedges & trees cut decorating Drives jet washed Grass cutting Tiling Plumbing repairs overflows ps ove Toilets,, wash basins, bath taps, repaired or replaced ALL WORK GUARANTEED, FULLY INSURED

Tel: 01793 706396 Mobile: 0776 1302831

MAINTENANCE (v w 1

All interior and exterior maintenance problems solved • Bathrooms & kitchens

• Carpentry

• Plumbing

• Fascia/ cladding

• Electrical

• Painting

Fully insured Special rates for senior citizens Tel: 01793 434184 • 07719 272393 www.generalmaintenanceservices.co.uk Our reputation is built on your satisfaction

TflW

HOUSEMARTIN w c' e uwa

ILES BRO

• FELT ROOFING • ASPHALT ROOFING • SHEET ROOFING • TILING • SLATING *SINGLE PLY • FASCIA • GUTTERING

CERAMIC TILING FLOOR & WALL SPECIALISTS

$ervic

330years plumbing & heating experience British Gas trained • Central heating installations

• All Plumbing work undertaken • Servicing & repairs • Bathroom Installa tions All at competitive rates Alec McKay Tel: 01793 878353 215153 Mobile: 07963 953439 E-mail: towerplumbheat@aol.com

Established 22 years For a professional finish

telephone 07971347345 (mob) or 616933

FLOORING

All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet - MASTERFITTER

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

07970 865883 25 Kennet Avenue, Greenmeadow

MAINTENANCE

Retired and semi-retired tradesmen available for all household tasks Electrical • Plumbing Carpentry • Decorating Patios • Handymen Call Andrew on 01793 820991 or 08456 444170 (calls charged at local rate)

• Reliable • Trustworthy • Affordable

I WINDOW

TILING

ROO FING

4

Wallpa ing, Coving, Artexin & Plast?ring

G E;\t1CLl:'vi.Ti \ 1 t.\.y X CE SERVICES

PLUMBING

P[un

Int o & Exterior Pain i a `Decorating

Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921

REPAIR

1)()("1'OR GLASS repairs & replaces cracked, t ---broken or misted double glazed windows Also hinges

/

and locks Call: 01793 633336 or 01793 854448

CALL NEIL ON

Call Mike

01793 700436 07725 028776

on 0778 8444 084

Emergency call outs:

or 01793 520526

07976 219671

1

52

ADVERTISING

ACCOUNT

CHARTERED CERTIFIED

ACCOUNTANTS

01793 610008

Specialising in: • Small Businesses • Tax advice, planning and payroll • All aspects of accountancy and business development • We offer a personal service with very competitive rates

HIGH

IMPACT the link Magazine SWINDON'S MOST CLOSELY READ PUBLICATION

or visit www.dykebrading.co.uk to see how we can help your business

CALL [01793) 872531

Located off the A419, ample parking 16 Dorcan Business Village, Murdock Road, Swindon SN3 5HY

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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

COMPUTER SUPPORT

Aerial & Television Services •

TV/FM/DAB aerials • Extra satellite points • Video & TV repairs • Freeview installation • Signal amplifiers

Noticed interference

lately? Tetra

charge

filters fitted

All work guaranteed

Call Neil Provis on 01225 706379 or 07774 943 783

See advertising rates at

www.swindjnlink.com

BOOK-KEEP ING Can't face doing the books after a hard day's work?

BOOK-KEEPING

CARPET CLEANING

if Whiteway

J & D Bookeeping

C

for

Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 15 years' experience.

Year End Accounts for small business & Sole Traders Tax Calculations Please contact:

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

• Carpets. rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured • Quickly usable NC'

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748

Jane Loeber (MAAT) Tel: 07747 844104 e: jloeber©tiscali.co.uk Donna Bailey (MAAT) Tel: 07900 616967 e: donnabailev_3@hotmail.com

You'll be amazed how affordable it is ...call for your free estimate from you local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487

COMPUTER SUPPORT

DEBT MANAGEMENT

DRAINS

Email: cliff.whitewav@btinternet.com

° O D

PC Repairs

MG

= Free home & business visits -

Jargon free

advice &

Tel: 01793 422534 or

O IT -2-U.Com

Mobile: 0792 005 6077

• No obligation consultancy in your home • Control of your debt and creditors

• Take away stress • Recover your life

01793 878511 after 6pm

^^

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or 07833 986141 daytime

OVEN CLEANING I [ ARTIES

0 VENCLEAN

Gems, Cryst al s & Magnets HEALTHY ENERGY PARTIES

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

To book your Oven Clean call 01793 520362 We use caustic free cleaning products with a fresh solution each time. Hobs. extractors, microwaves and barbecue grills

also undertaken

See our beautiful jewellery ;emstones, dowsing pendulums & crystals, Tarot reading and healing wands Ecoflow magnets Gi ft to host To book a party call Yvonne on 613419

oho

CCTV surveys High pressure jetting Pipe lining Locally based - competitive rates No call out charge

support

= Upgrades/repairs All parts & labour guaranteed :i Flexible hours, inc. eve/weekends

D90B© C>

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Why go anywhere else? When we'll come to you.....

07947-831378 01793-887883

y

No call out

Corn Master's

Home Computer Help

Mr M•e. i9ATtf1^'

AER IA L SERVICE S_

REMOVALS

WHITE VAN MAN Single items moved y an where in Swindon for £20 Disposal of unwanted items House clearance Long/short distance Call for a free quote Tel: 01793 828700 Mobile: 07796 236436

REMOVALS & STORAGE r

ll14

MOVE Zap' First Class Removal & Storage Solutions

• Quality removals & storage • Single items to full house moves • Complete packing service • Sales & supplies of packaging • Piano removal specialists • A free quotation/fully insured

0800 019 5037 www.abbeymove.co.uk

AE RIAL SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING

AIRPORT TRAVEL

CHRIS PAYNE

COOLING & HEATING

AIRPO a Connect Ltd

3 Installation 3 Service to all makes 3 Sales 3 Free survey work 3 Commercial installations 3 Lofts and conservatories

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

Call Airgene on 07967 449253

Storm damage

Ud IKIH

*asHiea

SKY

Tel: 01193 700078

for 10% discount with this advert

CLEANI NG

CLEANING

one

The Cleaning & Ironing Service

' vi' 1D. usted

Domestic Cleaning Services

lect/ Guaranteed

Reliable travel for holiday makers

of domestic

House cleaning starts at just £15 per house

Fo rtnightly Monthly

Ironing just £14 per basket We will collect and return next day

Tel: 01793 814782

Mob: 07909 500724 Project manager Mandy 17 Elcombe Avenue, Wroughtorr

Tel: 01793 875665

www.donendusted.co.uk

or 07780 625244

GARAGE DOORS JUST PULL UP, PREoS A BUTTON AND DRIVE IN A wide range of garage doors to suit your requirements See our displays at THE GARAGE DOOR CENTRE Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon or for information on installation and repairs

01793 513796 email: swindondoorservice@btinternet.co.uk

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk 10% discount with this advert

S ECURITY SYSTEMS

y

Electronic Securit Solutions ) INTRUDER ALARMS O CCTV SYSTEMS 0 FIRE ALARMS

SECURIT Y SY STE MS

5E

security systems ltd Expert Design & Installation of Electronic Security for Commercial, Industrial and Residential Customers

• CCIV • Access Control & Intercoms • Intruder Alarms • Gates & Barriers • 24 Hour Monitoring

O EAS DETECTION SYSTEMS O ACCESS CONTROL O ENTRY SYSTEMS O GATE AUTOMATION

i

repairs to

appliances

Competitive prices Same day/next day service

I: 431111

Tel: 01793 469300

CLEANING

` B E L j SA y SA es

Professional, dependable and honest domestic cleaning service Cleaning and ironing for a fully inclusive rate of £8.25 per hour (minimum 2 hours per week) Specially selected and insured staff You receive the same person each week

0870 243 0197 www.bellecasa.co.uk

GARDEN CLEARANCE

:i e Automatic Choice

s

ics ^ 30 yea s

all makes

ee

Weekly

5.

REMIER

Specialist airport transfer services by car, MPV or 8 seater minibus

;,^

Mobile: 0111 6236415

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

LETTING AGENT

CLEAR AWAY GARDEN & HOUSEHOLD CLEARANCE

NO JOB TOO SMALL Also odd jobs & lawn mowing Free estimates Call Danny on 01793 702407 or 07957 820064

Relax and let the family agency take the strain!

• Only 9% for our Full Property Management Service.

• Competitive fee for our Introduction Only Service • No fee's charged until a tenant has been housed.

See our main advert on page 4

01793 855222 'a-.' www.atanhawkins.co.uk

TV & VIDEO REPAIRS GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE Free home estimates * No call out charge i

All repairs guaranteed

For a free, no obligation e: into@osesecc

quotation

tel: 01793 705216

Al sSa 1

b

SSa1 b www.osesecu

Tel: 01793-812738

54

The Link Magazine • May 2006

Corrections from April Link COBRA MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATION

Beginners classes starting at Haydon Wick Community, also classes at Liden Community Centre s For details call 0790 314 7430 www.blackdragonmartialarts.co.uk All students must be aged 15+ No contracts, no pressure

JOY'S PIANO FORTE Tuition in piano and keyboard All ages, pre-school to adult Classical, grade exams. jazz. church music Concert pianist/organist Accompanist for exams. concerts Call Joy Walker on 01793 722296 p r ,

e

Add

EMBROIDERY

LOGO LTD

The number for Alison Carr and Sara Vanes. above, who organise children's parties under the name Candy Canes should have been 07946 727693.

Home education. The correct web site is: www.swindontomeeducators.org.uk

ir

`1Zasoi'- T e Indian Kitchen Authentic Indian Cookery

&

TEXTILE PRINT

O

Courses in Aldbourne.

4 week evening classes & One day workshops (Saturdays)

078111 39686 01793 608833

Call Mamta for details

addalogo@aol.com

01672-540-427 0775-997-0915

Mail: dialm4mamta@hotmail.com

www.addaloqo.co.uk

Linda's Childminding Service Registered Childminder in Westlea NCMA Member

\ l y );

Tel: 01793 870104 Mobile: 07883 247733

LW

?DISC SERVICEStK specialist in Cine Film Transfer, Camcorder!

Tapes, VHS Tapes, Camcorder Discs Ne collect and deliver over a wide area

Il MEEIR STHRT Domestic Cleaning Services • Regular weekly cleans • Fortnightly cleans • One-off Spring cleans Call Christine on (01793) 701413 (9am - 5pm) Mob: 07951 184424

Y. D. 21 pholstery Repairs & Recovering Antique and Modern Large range of fabrics

1:01793705333 / M: 07831 575758

Call 871808

PO Box 2079. Manvers St, Bath BA1 3TJ

for competitive prices

DECOTEX

P5 SERVICES

Specialist Artexing

PAINTING & DECORATING GENERAL MAINTENANCE No job too small Free estimates

Tel: (01793) 791388

Call Phil on 827557 Mobile: 07790 102280

Painter & Decorator

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mm

6uifding with people

Cafe of friendship in Abbey Meads The Church of Christ the Servant Abbey Meads opens on Wednesdays in term time to serve light lunches, tea and coffee to anybod y passing.

Friendship Cafe welcome, from left, Julie Candlin, Kate James, Rer Brian Swoeetman, Caroline Pegler, Diane Charleszoorth-Herbert, Ruth Harris, Sian Wiltshire

Co-organiser Ruth Harris Organiser Sian Wiltshire said the cafe provides a pleasant, friendly added, "there are lots of toddler place for single people to drop in, groups in the area but we wanted or mums and dads or older people to offer a place where adults can living in the area. Children are wel- get together. Do drop in on Wednesday, 12.30pm to 2.30pm. come but there is no child care.

She said, "the lunches are home- You never know who you'll meet." made and vary from soup and rolls New day for lunch to jacket potatoes and sandwiches.

As the cafe is non profit making Toothill Church's souper lunch has changed its get togethers to the prices are very reasonable."

Fairtrade tea and coffee is served the last Thursday of the month.

Soup, bread, cheese and fruit is and Fairtrade products are used where possible for the lunches. available from 12 noon on 25 May There is also a Traidcraft stall with and 29 June.

For details call Jan Partridge on a variety of crafts, hand made 534992. cards, tea, coffee and dry goods.

Concert for Alzheimers support Wessex Male Choir hosts their fifth International Choral Concert at the Wyvern Theatre on Saturday 13 May, 7pm, in aid of the Swindon branch of the Alzheimer's Society.

The choir, which rehearses at the Church of Christ the Servant Abbey Meads, will be complimented by the world renowned 100 strong Pontarddulais Male Choir from Wales and the choir from Highworth's Warneford School.

The concert will be compered by broadcaster Shirley Ludford. In March singer and broadcaster Aled Jones recently Tickets are on sale agreed to be the Wessex Male Choir's patron. He is from the Wyvern box pictu red with musical director Rob Elliott, left, and office on 528144. choir chairman Ga r ry Robson

Saturday 6th May 11am to 4pm COMMUNITY AND CHURCH EXHIBITION

free admission: refreshments available: open to all 12 noon Swindon Choral Society 7JL5pm Vintage film: The Hiding Place FRESHBROOK EVANGELICAL CHURCH, WORSELY ROAD, FRESHBROOK

The Link Magazine • May 2006

What do you want from the Church of England in North Swindon?

Rev Mike Haslam, right, wants ideas which may see the church working differently in the future.

Whilst Mothering Sunday and weddings or Easter continued much as they al- christenings, ways have, in May and June the traditional or parish of North Swindon is ap- contemporary pealing to individuals and organi- services, stuff sations across the area to come up on Sundays or with ideas as to how the church during the week, opportunities for should go forward. small groups or courses, working "I'd like to hear from residents with schools or businesses - or anywith ideas, however off the wall. It thing else you can think of. could be working with children or "I'd also like people to tell me young people, commenting on what they think the church is here for, what it could be doing in the community and what services and other activities they could run.

"This is a great opportunity for members of the community to help form what the Church of England in North Swindon will do over the next five years. Get in touch and let us know what you think."

• To contact Mike and for a questionnaire to give him guidance call 07817 702929 or mail: jama.haslam Children at the Good Friday service @virgin.net held at St Francis Primary School

55

Church holds community exhibition on 6 May

Eleanor Hughes, the oldest member of Freshbrook Church at over 95, will have the honour of opening a two storey extension to the church on Worsley Road on 6 May and launching an exhibition to show off many of the 65 activities the building is used for.

Apart from a wide range of with the new facilities on offer."

The ribbon will be cut and the church related groups, the building which opened in 1990 hosts the extension dedicated at 11am and Chinese Church, blood donor ses- the church will be open until 4pm. sions, the Swindon Choral Sodi- The Swindon Choral Society will ety, Weight Watchers and give a brief concert at midday and Freshbrook and Windmill Hill Pri- the combined church adults' and children's choirs will perform mary School assemblies, The £160,000 cost of the exten- Jonahman Jazz at 3pm. Refreshsion has been met by church mem- ments will be available all day.

At7.15pm the 1977 film The Hidbers, the congregation and a £25,000 grant from Biffaward, the ing Place will be shown. It tells the multi-million pound environment story of Dutch patriot Corrie Ten fund which utilises tax credits do- Boom who served many years in a World War II concentration camp nated by Biffa Waste Services.

Event organiser Maurice Row- and was eventually released due landson said the day is a tremen- to an administrative error. dous opportunity for the church to share how deeply involved it is Singing to the creator with its community. "Everybody Swindon Choral Society perform is invited to come along and enjoy the free exhibition and see how Haydn's Creation on Saturday 20 church activities can be extended May, 7.30pm, in St Augustine's Church, Rodbourne.

Tickets at £5 are available from Swindon Information Centre and Brian Taylor Music Shop, Wootton Churches in the West Swindon partnership have come together with Freshbrook Evangelical Church, Bassett, or ring 813606.

For details mail: secretary@ Swindon Family Church and Swindon Youth for Christ to run a weekly youth night at Jax Bar at Shaw swindonchoral.org.uk Ridge Leisure Park.

Working with youth in the west

Cafe Base Westside for 11 to 16 year olds is a fast paced evening of loud music, live bands, dance, games, talks, videos and Christian input from youth leaders. The sessions in April were attracting over 75 youngsters per club night.

The 8 week experiment ends on 16 May but organisers and the management from Jax may agree to keep it going.

Turn up from 7.30pm to 9pm or call Swindon Youth for Christ for details on 829795.

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Sunday services are at I Oam & 6.30pm For further information you can either ring (01793) 873050: e-mail: office@freshbrook.org or visit: www.freshbook.org the gift of God is Eternal Life" (Romans 6 v23)

West Swindon & the Lydiards churches

Sunday Worship 10.30am Sunday School and Creche

All Saints', Lydiard Millicent Holy Trinity, Shaw St Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze

NSBC

Meeting at Abbey Meads Community School ^THAMESDOWN DRIV `\

Toothill Church; Westlea Church I

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 tartnershipo ffice «btopenworld.com

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