Arts Scene

WHAT'S ON AT LINK ARTS

Films

On Saturday 7th November the Children's Film Club presents 'Young Sherlock Holmes' (PG) t 2.30 p.m. Produced by Steven Spielberg the film speculates on what might have happened during the youthful yam of Sherlock Holmes. 'The Secret of Nimh' (U) is a full length cartoon about a widowed lady mouse who stumbles onto a laboratory full of super intelligent rats. Starts at 2.30 p.m. Entrance to each film is SOp, membership 25p.

For older viewers the Film Society is showing 'The Shooting Party' (15) on Thursday 19th November. This was James Mason's last film and tells the story of an aristocratic weekend in the country. The Swindon Film Society is showing the French film 'Vagabonde at the Arts Centre in Devizes Road on Friday 20th November.

Events

Jazz at the Link Swindon Jazz Front present the 'Gary Boyle Band' with 'Jim Mullen' on Thursday 12th November at 8.00 p.m. Tickets now available price £3.00 / £2.00 I £1.00. Feltinaking - Exhibition & Slide Presentation On Friday 13th November at 7.30 p.m. there will be a talk and slide presentation on 'Feltmaking', with workshops on Saturday 14th/15th November. This coincides with an exhibition in the Arts Studios which runs until the end of November.

Wall Mosaic at the Link Centre

The Link Centre is pleased to announce it's latest public art purchase. The large wall mosaic above the Centre's entrance doors by the swimming pool was produced by Louise Pearson, an Art Student from Bath. The mosaic is 12 feet long and depicts scenes of activity from within the Link Cente, swimming, running and tennis. It also contains a detail of an exhibition held in the Arts Studios by Pete Steel in February 1986. This exhibition was entitled 'Invitation to a Wake' and dealt with issues of apartheid in South Africa.

The mosaic is made up of hundreds of ceramic tiles stuck on to a wooden frame and then grouted. If anyone is interested in mosaic design and making, please contact Chris Humphrey - 871212 ext. 227. Classic & Rock Music

at the Link

The concert, on 4th October, given by Swindon Choral Society and St Michael's Choir from Salzgitter was a great success. Over five hundred people attended the Requiem performances and discussions are now taking place to bring other classical music concerts to the Centre. This is good news for West Swindon. So far the Oasis Leisure Centre has provided the focus for large scale musical events, although mainly for popular music, for example 'David Essex' and 'Simply Red'. However the acoustics and atmosphere of the Link Hall seem to be of a high enough standard to encourage more live music of a classical nature.

Rock fans are also going to be catered for at the Link with a series of concerts by local bands in the Arts Studios. 'Rock Front' aims to provide local bands with opportunities for rehearsals and concerts on a regular basis. Three gigs have been arranged over the next few weeks so check out the Link Arts Studios for more details.

HIGHLIGHTS from Swindon venues

Phoenix Dance Company are back at the Town Hall Studios on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th November with some of the most exciting contemporary dance around (tickets £3.00/2.00)

Gary Stevens presents 'If the Cap Fits a 'minimalist costume drama' at the Town Hall Studios on Thursday 19th November... The Wyvern classical music series continues on Saturday 21st November with the Cracow Radio Symphony Orchestra who will be performing Brahms Violin Concerto as part of the evenings programme . . . while the Kentwood Choir present 'Starburst' from Tuesday 24th to Saturday 18th November . . . for details contact the Wyvern Theatre.

LOOKING FOR A JOB WITH SCHOOL HOLIDAYS?

GOOD WITH CHILDREN?

We are looking for a responsible person to look after baby Christopher in our own home when I return to work in January. Term time and day-time only. Might suit a mum with children at nearby Oliver Tomkins School. Alternatively the job may appeal to a more mature person. For further details, tel. 870729.

LINKS WITH THE PAST PREHISTORIC WEST SWINDON

by Chris Chandler For many years the claylands of Groundwell Industrial Estate in North Wiltshire have been written North Swindon and presumably off archaeologically as being too serving Castle Hill Blunsdon, has heavy a soil to support anything ever been found. The farms serv- other than woodland. ing Ringsbury must be in the clay

The Thamesdown Archaeo- under West Swindon, but where? logical Unit have helped prove The only certain evidence of this untrue through its excava- man in our area in 10,000 years tions in West Swindon. We have before the Iron Age was a cresRoman-B ritish and post Norman cent shaped bully on Shaw Ridge conquest occupation, but the excavated at Upper Shaw Farm. evidence of Prehistoric man has In the gulley was a Bronze Age been more difficult to find, urn (approx. 1,000 B.C.), two

There are Iron Age hillforts in clay sling shots, a hand sized the area, the nearest being stone worn concave by friction Ringsbury at Purton. These and a finely worked flint blade. massive fortified areas relied on Very little to show for so many an agricultural system to support years, but I am sure the evidence them with farms in a ring around is there beneath our feet, waiting the central fort. Only one, on to be discovered.

WHAT'S ON AT LOWER SHAW FARM

by Matt Holland On the fungus weekend in 6-8th November October over 100 varieties of SHIATSU fungi from Savernake Forest and 6-8th November Salthrop Hill were named, photo- Voluntary working on an graphed, named and even eaten. Organic Giirden Sorry you missed it? There's still 13-15th November a chance to book for any of the GAMES following week-ends. (Fee con- 20-22nd November cession available to people on MUSIC low income). Tel: 771080. r

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RICHARD WALKER

77 High Street, Purton Complete framing service with over 200 styles of moulding to choose from. Extensive range of pictures in stock or to order from our catalogues. Exclusive range of greetings cards. Mirrors made to order. 1<

Opens Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 9.30-5.30 Sat. 9.30-12.30 Other times by arrangement Telephone: 771874 or 770124 evenings

ARTS IN THAMESDOWN

• Dance. Media Arts. Visual Arts Workshops • Dramas Music • Performances and more YOUR GUIDE 10 ARTS VENUES

Studios

kk ox o 611181 '\ Li di dios — os rts e Vsk ye " \ -rn,Swi indon,S n 261 't on 87121 149 O t. I or 26161 ext babb \k hy not get on our mailing ist for aI events an vern Th n box office 24 activities? contact: Barbara McDavitt on 35536