November 1995 Swindon Link

THE

No. 163 • November 1995 • Circulation 15,000

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Swindon

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Swndon

SP 610188

KAR HIRE

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

SELF DRIVE

MOVING HOUSE?

CARS - VANS - MINI-BUSES

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

Royal launch for 'Safe Swindon' project HRH The Princess Royal to address West Swindon youth needs in new initiative West Swindon was selected because the Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visits Swindon on Thursday 23 November to give a population profile allows lessons learnt to be keynote speech to business leaders at the transferred to other developing areas of the launch a new project aimed at improving town.

The 'Safe Swindon' launch at BT headquarfacilities for young people in West Swindon.

Called 'Safe Swindon,' the project being ters at North Star will outline the recommendeveloped by Swindon based Crime Concern dations arising from the research. An 'Action Plan' covers a range of activities aimed at will try to get business backing for ideas that have emerged from recent research into youth helping young people keep out of trouble by offering a range of opportunities to become needs in Toothill and Freshbrook.

The research, sponsored by BT and the involved in their communities.

Halifax Building Society, showed that alThese may include: though the level of crime in West Swindon is • establishing a youth advice, information low, there is concern about the level of nuiand resource project sance, anti-social behaviour and the number of young people who are themselves the vic• establishing more Youth Action Groups tims of crime.

• recruiting volunteers to organise sports activities

• With over 11,000 homes occupied, West Swindon has by far the largest concentration of teenagers in Swindon with the numbers of young people growing all the time as a result of the baby boom amongst young families during the 1980s.

In the 1990s there were about 1300 children of secondary school age (11 to 16 years) living in West Swindon. There are around 2000 children now and this number will reach some 2500 by the year 2000.

Large numbers of teenagers are also attracted into the area's leisure facilities, • Link comment: page 3

• organising a youth festival

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• a peer-led drugs education project Crime Concern Chief Executive Nigel Whiskin, said: "The 'Safe Swindon' launch is an ideal opportunity for other local business and agencies to join the initiative, maintain a safe community and help the young people of Swindon."

Left: The last time The Princess Royal's attention was turned on West Swindon. In March 1987 she opened Greendown School in Grange Park

Local Bonfire and Fireworks events Friday 3 November. Gates 6pm. Fireworks 6.30pm.

Refreshments. Guy competition Organised by the Friends of Westlea School Friday 3 November. Gates 6.30pm. Fireworks 7pm Adjacent to Village Hall, Lydiard Millicent Families £5 (2 adults, 4 children). Adult £2, child £1 Refreshments. In aid of village hall funds Friday 3 November. Gates 6pm. Fireworks 6.30pm Oliver Tomkins Infant School, Toothill Families £5 (2 adults, 4 children). Adult £2, child £1 Organised by the Friends of Oliver Tomkins Infants School

Friday 3 November. Gates 630pm. Fireworks 7pm St Mary's Church, Lydiard Park (Hay Lane entrance. Free parking) Adults-C2, children (5-15) £1 • In aid of Schools Outreach - pastoral support care in Swindon schools Saturday 4 November. Gates 5.30pm. Bonfire 6pm.

Fireworks 7pm Lydiard Park (free car parking off Hook Street) Tickets: Adults £3, children £1. Refreshments Organised by 1st Purton & Lydiard Scout Group

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Sunday 5 November. 6pm Brookfield School, Cartwright Drive, Shaw Adults £1.50., child 75p. Refreshments & barbeque

Is this your lucky Link Mag? Look inside for a personal letter from Dominos and win a pizza!

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The Link Magazine November 1995

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Last month Candy Sheppard, pictured right, from Shaw made a heartfelt appeal to readers to help her find her mother whom she has not seen for six years.

Candy was told her mother Margaret Sheppard (nee Brind) had died but investigations revealed she was not registered dead.

A letter addressed to Candy arrived at The Link magazine office two days after it was published.

After comparing handwriting, she is convinced the letter was from Below we publish a reply from her mother. But no address was given and Candy is still desperate Candy in the hope Margaret will to make contact with her mother. see it

Dear Mum, As we both know we've both had a rough life - me without you and you without me.

Every person I see with long brown hair I stop and take a second glance but finding it isn't you makes it worse than ever. Not having an address or 'phone number to actually write or speak to you is bad and is really hard forme. Ican remember the good times we had together at my fifth birthday

Christmas edition already!!

24 hour response

We're already planning the next Link magazine to be published on 2 December. Would advertisers and readers please note that the next edition will be a combined one covering both December and January.

The copy dates are given below.

TOOTHILL CHINESE KITCHEN

THE NEW LETU TIKKA & BALTI RESTAURANT 52b High Street, Wootton Bassett

Chinese Cuisine, English Food and Fish & Chips

Tel: 487055 OPEN Sunday 6pm - 1130pm Monday Closed Tuesday 5pm - 1130pm Wed 12noon - 145pm 5pm - 1130pm Thurs 12noon - 145pm 5pm-11 , 30pm Friday 12noon - 145pm 5pm-11 . 45pm Saturday 12noon - 145pm 5pm - 1145pm Open Bank Holiday Monday from 5pm

when we had the paddling pool out and on my first day at primary school you told me everything would be fine, and it was. As we all know a teenager needs her mum. But you are special and if we do meet I promise I won't ever leave you and when you're ill, I'll be there.

Please get in contact mum, as soon as possible.

Love from your beloved, Candy

A&M Services

Tel: 874240

AMAZNGY GOOD TRAVEL AGENTS

Mum, please contact me again

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Ailifid M%1I' Published by West Swindon Publications

Editorial: Roger Ogle Publisher/Editor

13 Castle Dore Freshbrook,Swindon SN5 8PQ Tel: (01793) 872282

I Apple Macintosh design, layout and lasersetting Printed by Wiltshire, Bristol

Fax: (01793) 878189

Published monthly.

& Sat 5.30pm - 1.30am

INCL. PLAIN RICE OR PLAIN NAN

Tel: (01793) 854600 or 848300 Copy date for December!

January edition: 20 November Published: 2 December Copy for February: 15 January The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Copying of advertisements for business use, including publication is forbidden unless advertisers or publishers have sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority.

Contents 4 Toothill Freshbrook & Grange Park 5 6 Westlea Shaw 7 8 Haydon Wick 10 At Your Library 12 Recreation 15-17 Your Security 19-21 Swindon Wide 24-35 News & Views 32 Plan Your Wedding

"The Link was first published in December 1978 exclusively for the West Swindon community. It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. It commenced distribution in North Swindon in January 1994."

The Link Magazine • November 1995

Comment

A welcome for prevention and pro-active effort At last, a major response to the long term needs of young people in West Swindon That's not to say that youth workers, teachers and volunteers have not made valient efforts since the first eager people started to remove cow manure from the old milking shed in 1978 at Toothill Farm. It's now the West Swindon Young People's Centre but it limps along, relying on a few hard working volunteers to keep the underfunded building going for teenagers.

Credit must be given to those who have worked with youth in a paid or unpaid capacity over the years West Swindon has been growing. Under resourcing of youth provision in the area has always been a problem. With rising numbers of young people, there are only two full time youth workers coordinating a team of parttimers and volunteers; in 1990 there were three.

Yet the sheer numbers of young people living in West Swindon is almost frightening. By the year 2000 there will be around 4,500 people aged 11 to 20 years living in the area.

As the Crime Concern research shows the level of crime by this age group is low, but there is concern about the level of nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

In a 10 page feature on youth issues published in the July 1991 Link magazine, we predicted that the potential for problems escalating to higher levels of crime would grow as the youth population grew. After all, those babies born in 1980s would turn into teenagers in the late 1990s.

So we welcome the visit by Her Royal Highness and her keynote speech on the need to create opportunities for young people to contribute positively to the communities in which they live.

Inclusion of young people and recognition of their needs must be to the way to prevent problems and neighbourhood degeneration.

The 'Safe Swindon' project aims to encourage the town's businesses to inject resources to enhance the money available from the hard pressed budgets of Wiltshire County Council, and soon the new Swindon authority.

In 1991, The Link asked readers: are we as a community going to consider young people's needs, and how are we going to respond?

People sympathetic to teenage needs will still be required to make 'Safe Swindon' work.

The questions remain. Will you come forward?

From the archives: The Princess Royal on her visit to West Swindon's Greendown School in March 1987, with chair of governors Roger Ogle. On the bar is Martina Flaherty with Clancy McMullen who celebrated her 21st birthday in October. (Photo: Richard Wintle, Calyx)

For Swindon's biggest collection of porcelain ) dolls visit us opposite the Town Hall L

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Collectable teapots Giftware Stockists of Alberon dolls and The Leonardo Collection

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PREMIER Property Management WANT TO MOVE? CAN'T SELL? NEGATIVE EQUITY? Letting your property may be the answer

CLASSIC COLLECTABLES 1 Theatre Square Regent Circus, Swindon

FOR FREE ADVICE & RENTAL VALUATION

Tel: 01793 434143

01793 435260

Phone Derek or Bill

NEW BIKES FOR CHRISTMAS AT BEST POSSIBLE PRICES 'WE COME TO YOU?'

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* Most makes available * Small deposit reserves * Accessories (lights, locks, computers, etc.) * Quality cycles bought & sold

PLUS CYCLE REPAIRS FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY.,

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For a fast, friendly and professional service.

Call Phil Mitchell on Swindon 874873 or 0850 650956

MORGAN & C I• SOLICITORS COMPUTERISED CONVEYANCING LOW LOW FEES

SWINDON (01793) 512982 OLD TOWN CHAMBERS, 119A VICTORIA ROAD, SWINDON SNI 3131-1

CITROEN SPECIALIST

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Call (01793) 872282

Remember, remember MURRAY & WHITTAKER for Citroen Service and Parts Swindon's leading Citroen Servicing Specialist with over 100 years combined Citroen experience

Call Robin Whittaker on Swindon 642717 for details on our special

HALF PRICE SERVICING OFFER Murray & Whittaker, Kennedy Drive, Eldene, Swindon

TOOTHILL

4 Christmas Bazaar Saturday 2 December, 2pm-4pm Toothill Farm, Bodiam Drive Stalls to include: toys, books, tombola, raffle & Father Christmas Grotto In aid of Toothill Farm Playgroup

Victorian studies students set for Great Britons Channel 4 show

Bingo Every Sunday, 730pm Toothill Community Centre Admission 30p.

Refreshments available

Seven pupils spent three days before half term filming the education programme on location at the GWR Museum, in the Railway Village and the railway works.

Their programme called 'Great Discovering the influence of the rail- Briton and Local Hero' will be part ways on how time is measured,from of a five part series called 'How we left, Chris Collict, Amy Moss and used to live.' It will be shown from early January and the Oliver Nathan Buries Tomkins children should be onscreen in mid-February.

The children in Jessie Daniels year 6 class have spent the first half term following the national curriculum local studies and history topics.

Children from Oliver Tomkiris Junior School will be exploring Brunel's legacy to the Great Western Railway and his influence on Swindon in a Channel 4 documentary to be shown next year.

Circus comes to playgroup The children at Oliver Tomkins playgroup spent a week in October imagining they were part of a circus. There were face painted clowns, tigers and lions at each daily session whilst playgroup staff dressed up in leotards, juggled and performed finger puppet plays.

Oliver Tomkins playgroup supervisors Julie Morris and Jean Goncalves with a collection of clowns and little animals, from left, Amber Bolt, Dale Lewis, Sam Burdock, Gemma Taylor, Ross Dearing, Luke Simpson, William Mann

Toothill Church Christmas Bazaar Saturday 18 November, 2pm-5pm Children's fancy dress competition with prizes, Father Christmas Grotto, stalls, games, refreshments.

Wiltshire's greenest SORE, TIRED, ACHING FEET? Pick up the phone and book your appointment with Martin Drew MBcHA, MSSc

CHIROPODIST

IANELWE HAVE IT ALL

UNDERCOVER...

DUNCAN CAR SPARES COMPREHENSIVE STOCKS OF GUARANTEED NEW & USED SPARES

MOT FAILURES & ACCIDENT DAMAGED CARS & COMMERCIALS BOUGHT FOR CASH

Home visit service or come to our modern town centre surgery

PARTS REMOVED BY v1S4 131OUR OWN PERSONNEL MONSOON

Tel: (01793) 511284 anytime

TEL: 01793 - 820000

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BRITANNIA TOWING CENTRE The BEST, BAR NONE, for quality, price and service Swindon's specialist towbar and accessory fitting centre Wr

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Toothill School has been declared the county's most environmentally friendly in the 'Growing Up Green' competition run by the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald and WH Smith.

Children, parents and staff have been planting large numbers of shrubs and bulbs as part of a ten year plan to transform the school grounds into a green haven.

Their work and the plans for the future impressed the judges who awarded the school top prize of £115 worth of books from WH Smith, a further £100 in vouchers and £30 to spend at Whitehill Garden Centre.

Prize line up, school governor David Hoare, left, with teacher Brian Gardiner, with David Kane, Daniel Broom, Marie Fitzgerald and Jennifer Marshailsay in the front

Lively church welcomes all Ann Hall writes We are a lively, friendly church and everyone will be very welcome at any of our services or activities listed below.

Sundays: Services 10.45am and 630pm Mondays: First Steps 1030am - 12 noon, a group for pre-school children, their parents and carers.

House Group 2pm Wednesdays: House Groups 8pm Thursdays: Coffee Morning lOam - 12 noon Mid-week Communion Service 12.15pm, except 5th Thursday Thursday Fellowship (alternate weeks) 2pm Fridays: House Group 8pm If you are in need of spiritual help or prayer our Minister, Revd.

George Gibson will welcome your call. His 'phone number is 692620.

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Don't get stuck in a rut

Facechoice Pharmacy

say members of Freshbrook Parent & Toddler Group. Join in and meet new friends on Tuesday and! or Thursdays between 930am to 11.3Oam. Refreshments are always available. For more details, contact Hazel on 875813.

Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 870226 Opening Times:

Indoor car boot sale

Monday - Friday 9am- 1pm 215pm - 6pm

Freshbrook Community Centre Every Sunday morning 9am - 12 noon.

No need to book. £5 per table Phone 872450 for more details

Saturday 9am- 12noon

Bingo Every Sunday evening Doors 7pm, eyes down 740pm Freshbrook Community Centre Cash prizes, everyone welcome phone 872450 for more details

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XO X O

Freshbrook Village Centre

X O UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT X

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Clients old and new welcome

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New opening hours:

9.00am - 5.00pm Monday Tues, Wed 900am - 6.00pm 9.00am - 800pm Thursday Friday 9.00am - 700pm 8.3Oam - 1.3Opm Saturday

Tel: (01793) 873217 • X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X•

Enjoying the warm autumn weather in a tree house at Greendown Copse, Grange Park are, top, Oliver Smith, Dan Cardis, Christopher Langley, below, Sean Cardis, Leigh Stone

Centre management muddling along A quorum of 25 Freshbrook and Grange Park residents were found to enable the Freshbrook Community Centre annual general meeting to take place on 4 October, and a management committee to be elected.

The meeting had been postponed from the first meeting on 6 September because only nine people turned up.

Long time committee member Viv Dipper said many of the old committee had continued to serve, but it was getting harder to sustain enthusiasm for keeping the centre's door open.

She said that Freshbrook has one of Swindon's busiest community centres with a large range of regular groups, a licenced bar and many one off events. However more people are needed to keep it going.

Decorate for Christmas in more ways than one Friends or relations visiting for Christmas?

Now's the time to think about decorating the spare room, or the lounge to make your Christmas decoraçions look even better this year

Phone West Swindon's local decorator, Philip Stone for your pre-Christmas booking on 870515 or mobile 0374 - 208527

CLEAN CARPETS FOR CHRISTMAS Christmas is a time when people have their carpets cleaned ready for the season of good cheer and merriment with family, friends and relations.

And as things have been going very well for Alan Trask from Grange Park since he set up his Ultra Clean carpet and upholstery cleaning business in March this year, he is celebrating by offering readers a further 100/0 off his already very competitive rates.

Alan believes in good old fashioned service and does not leave a job until the customer is satisfied.

And as a local person with a reputation to protect, it's in his interests to do an excellent job. In the short time since he set up Ultra Clean, the word has got about and most of his work already comes from recommendation.

Many of his bookings also come from estate agents who want houses presented in the best possible condition.

Alan uses a cleaning system with a high level of moisture extraction so that the drying time is minimal.

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning ready for your guests and family Cleaned by fully trained and fully insured local professional operators * OFFER FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER * * Dupont Stainshield

Alan Trask from Grange Park

Protects against spills and dirt * Deodorising Treatment Leaves carpets & fabric smelling fresh * Conditioner Re-Textures your carpet & upholstery * Anti Allergy Treatment For Asthma & Allergy sufferers

Normal 50% discount Carpet (12'x 12') 24.00 12.00 Through Lounge (12'x 21') 18.00 36.00 Hall Stairs Landing 34.00 17.00 3 Piece Suite 29.00 58.00 Curtains (full length) 42.00 21.00 14.00 Curtains (half length) 28.00

Produce this advertisement for The cleaning solutions used are a further 10% off discount price recognised in the carpet cleaning trade as the top brands.

Alan offers a range of services in addition to carpet and upholstery * Stains treated free of charge * We move furniture cleaning. Dupont stainshield pro*Commercial Rates Available * Mondex Retailer tects against spills and dirt and a Phone now for free no obligation quotation on conditioner can be used to re01793 870756 texture carpets and fabric.

For asthma and allergy sufferers, aspecial anti-allergy treatment is available.

Open: Mon - Fri 900am - 700pm 'Sat 9.00am - 100pm. All prices subject to VAT

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ULTRA CLEAN

WESTLEA

Cheers to another 10 years The ladies of the West Swindon Townswomen's Guild celebrated their tenth anniversary in October with a birthday cake at one of their regular monthly meetings, followed by a evening meal at the Goddard Arms Hotel.

Set up by Marion Pearce from the Lawns, the club opened within a few months of the Link Centre opening its doors. For several years the club had around twenty-five members, but in a tribute to The Link magazine, current secretary Doreen Shaw said numbers began to grow when regular articles started to appear. "The club was small when we were using other

forms of advertising, but our numbers rose quickly when we started to send in reports about our activities. Now we have over 60 members and newcomers arriving all the time."

The guild has speakers on a wide range of subjects at meetings held on the second Thursday of the month, and a full programme of outings, social evenings and special events throughout the year.

There is a members choir and the skittles team are this year's Wiltshire TWG champions.

Chris Chandler will be talking about Swindon's archaeology at the November meeting.

To join in the next ten years of activity with the Townswomen's Guild, call Stevie on 873567 or Doreen on 693707.

The founder members of the West Swindon TWG, from left, Marion Pearce, Marie Mainwaring, Muriel Jones, Ivy Prentice, Lylie Saunders

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TheBig Adventure gives you peace of mind

The Big Adventure After School Club is open between 3pm and 6pm throughout the week for children aged 5 to 11 in the Len Hobbs Suite at Greendown Community School. We provide: * Qualified staff * Quality care * A varied activity programme * Light snacks and refreshment

To find out more and to book a place, phone Tracey Bailey on (0793) 875992 or 0374 - 800617 for a Big Adventure information pack

Rat runners watch out People who cut through Westlea and use Westlea Drive as a rat run' to the Great Western Way will be in for a bumpy ride when new traffic calming measures are introduced early next year.

Councillor Linda Yavuz reports that Thamesdown Council will be installing a new kind of plastic hump which will force drivers to slow in order to prevent damage but will allow service vehicles to pass without hinderance.

There have long been complaints about speeding cars on Westlea Drive, particularly in the morning when children are making their way to school.

Other traffic modification works planned for Westlea Drive include a narrowing of the entrance to Langstone Way and a miniroundabout in addition to the hump to prevent corner cutting at the T-junction of Rivenhall Road.

Locals take over Westlea shop The convenience store on the Delta Business Park has been taken over

by John and Anne Watkins from Moresby Close, Westlea who will be operating as a Londis shop.

A complete refit took place at the end of October to allow the range of stock available tobevastly

increased to include food items, newspapers and videos.

Using Londis buying power, John Watkins says prices will be very competitive with the much larger supermarkets in the area.

"Comments have been favourable in the short time since we opened."

ENJOY SHOPPING

FOR ALL THE 'WEST' REASONS!

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40,10?o WEST SWINDON SHOPPING CENTRE Tewkesbury Way, Swindon.

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ASDA Superstore Newsagents MARTINS DIXONS Electrical Retailers BARRE1TS Shoes Motor Accessories MOTORSAVE ROSEBY'S Curtains & bedding Travel Agents A.T. MAY'S THE SPORTS FACTORY Sportswear & equipment Familywear Os Cleaners BOLLOMS Shoe repairs/Key cutting MR. MINIT CROCKERS Shoes J.D.BROWN Jewellers Chemists COOPERS THE BAGGAGE FACTORY Travel Goods MORRISON & MASTERS Solicitors TAYLORS Estate Agents NAT WEST BANK Chinese Take-away HK97 DOMINO'S PIZZA HOLMES Opticians JOB CENTRE Hairdressing salon PARTNERS VIDEO SOLENT Turf Accountants LADBROKES Fish & chips takeaway TRAWLERMAN HARVESTER PUB HALIFAX Building Society DENTAL PRACTICE RED BALLOON Restaurant

SHAW & ROUGHMOOR

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Where's our village centre?

THINKING OF RENTING YOUR PROPERTY?

Plans for the village centre at Roughmoor are said to be 'imminent,' but the facilities cannot come soon enough for residents at Sparcells.

Whitbread Brewers have already The first people moved in seven years ago and have been waiting declared that they will be building D.B. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT for the promised shops and pub on the pub. A spokesman for the (West Swindon) the north side of Peatmoor lagoon agents advising yet to be named require 1 t 4 bed. houses ever since. Housing development shop developers said he hoped to & flats for waiting tenants in the area is nearly finished, but reveal their plans fairly shortly.

Professional service with a high standard of care the village centre is unlikely to "We are making positive progress and competitive rates open for at least another fifteen towards a planning application." months.

A Thamesdown Council spokesContact: (01793) 874067 Sarah Doyle from Tower Road, man gave an assurance that full - (Day or Eve) overlooking the village centre site, public consultation would take I TN said the area* does not have any place once plans had been submita amenities. "I can't understand why ted. a centre is not here already. The area is nearly complete; the shops and a pub would be very handy and very popular. I think the operators will be surprised how successful they will be."

Tony Mercer, who has just Do you need computer moved into Sparcells from Merskills quickly? seyside, said he bought his house on the understanding that there would be shops closeby. "I'm surElementary and Keyboard skills courses from £60 prised it has taken so long to proPlus more advanced courses in wordprocessing, vide the facilities. I'm using the car a great deal to visit shops, cerspreadsheets, Sage, typing, book keeping, shorthand tainly more than where I used to (including Word for Windows & Wordperfect 5.1 & 6 for Windows) live. The developers should get on with it."

Choose you own study times at •• ,-,-..

Table Top Sale & Auction 14 November, 8pm 10pm -

Upper Shaw Farm Community Centre, Ridge Green Entry 50p. Table tops to include Chocoholics, Red House Books, Anne Summers,Toys and more.

Tables available for hire. Call Stacy, 875972 or Jane, 491308 Organised by Nutkins Toddler Group

The Prinnells gets a meeting place

Getting together, from left, Tracey Farley, Alyson Cardis, Virginia New, Katrina Rekowska, and Thamesdown play officer Teresa Quinn

Residents in The Prinnells area of Shaw are invited to join a Thursday coffee morning from lOam to noon in a new community meeting place at 54 Walter Close.

The flat, which is being leased free of charge by the Knightstone Housing Association, will be the base for a welfare advice point, adult education courses and after school activities for local children.

For more information, call Alyson Cardis at the West Swindon Family Project on 871303.

TRAIN FOR WORK

Kickabout space delay The controversial hard court play area proposed for the open space off Sparcells Drive has been put on hold pending further consultation between residents and councillors.

Thamesdown Council's leisure services department wants tobuild play facilities for a range of age groups. But plans for a toddler's play area, equipment for older children and a hard play area, along with tree, shrub and bulb planting, have run into objections from residents who say consultations have been inadequate. They are worried that the hard play area aimed at teenagers will attract people from outside Sparcells and will lead to vandalism, nuisance, alcohol abuse and drug taking.

Local councillor Linda Yavuz said council officers had agreed with her view reported in last month's Link magazine that the hard court should be delayed. "The play area for younger children and landscaping will go ahead, but we will have more time to discuss with residents the more controversial aspects of the project.

"I still hold the view that teenagers should be catered for in their own neighbourhood."

She and other councillors will be distributing plans to assist the discussions with residents.

Bath Road, Old Town, Fuituire BUSINESS 27Swindon (01793) 488518 COLLEGE

EDUCATION FOR YOURFUTURE

Children from Salt Way primary school in Middleleaze, Shaw took part in a harvest festival assembly on 12 October. From front, left to right, Joe Shipcott, Neevon Khayarti-Dargan, Robin Jefferson-Jones, Liah Jones, Armani McGowan

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New College Swindon

OPEN EVEN I NG For school-leavers, parents and friends.

You are welcome to look around the college and talk to staff on: Thursday, November 23rd 600pm - 9.00pm New College Swindon

Helston Road, Park North, Swindon SN3 2LA Tel: (01793) 611470

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HAYDON WICK

Getting ready for new school opening

HAR AT HOME Appointments available weekdays, evenings & weekends For all aspects of hair care over 12 years experience Tel: Elaine (01 793) 705049 (answerphone) Mobile - 0378 406641 Gents wet cut from £3.50 Ladies cut and blow dry from £6.00 Perms £1 7.50

Can't wait to get into school. Haydon Leigh School headteacher Jon Swaffield with from left, lake Rundle, Claire Lay, David Robertson, Samantha Titcombe

Take your partners The Haydon Wick Community Association Autumn Dance takes place at the Haydon Centre on Saturday 18 November from 7.3Opm 1145pm.

Smiley Mac will be on hand to provide the music and the ticket price of £5.50 is inclusive ofaplated buffet. Tickets are available now from Centre reception or call 706666.

HIGHWORTH'S ONLY INDEPENDENT

Testing Station for Petrol & Diesels

NOW OPEN

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Retail Motor Industry Federation

MOT's £21.00 with this advert* Free Re-Test

Phone: (01793) 861196 for an appointment

C. J. Parry Unit B, Bartrops Yard, Westrop, Highworth SN6 7HJ *Va lid until 31st December 1995

Children at the new Haydon Leigh School will be enjoying an extra long half term holiday whilst their teachers spend three days to move equipment and prepare classroom in their new building off Haydon Court Drive.

The forty-two children and six staff have been based in a temporary building and have been sharing facilities at Greenmeadow School since September.

The eight class, 240 place school will reopen on Thursday 2 November.

Headteacher Jon Swaffield said everything will be ready, even though the handover time is very tight. "We are given the keys on the Monday of half term and the staff will be fitting in a short break before we start to move equipment and set things up ready for the children. It really looks super inside. Everybody's very excited."

• The new telephone number for the school is 700443, fax: 700445.

• The photograph of the first children at Haydon Leigh School, published in The Link last month and held by Mr Swaffield above, will be on display in full colour in the new school. Copies can be ordered and all profits will be donated to establish a school fund.

Fund raising models Children from Greenmeadow School paraded clothes from suppliers Monkey Business and raised £84 for school funds at a fashion show on 19 October.

Fifty-five children were the models in front of a hail packed with family and friends of the school.

Gardeners annual meeting The Garden Society will be having their Annual General Meeting at the Haydon Centre on Tuesday 28 November from 7.30pm. Business will be followed by a slide or video show. New members are always welcome.

Daytime Tea Dance The Haydon Centre is the venue for a Ballroom and Sequence Tea Dance every Thursday afternoon, 2pm - 4pm. This is a friendly and informal session with the accent on enjoyment. Beginners welcome.

To find out more ring the Centre on 706666.

Retired and young If you are retired and live in Haydon Wick, you may be interested in the Young At Heart Club which meets at the Haydon Centre, 2pm - 4pm every Friday. The group enjoys a full programme of speakers, demonstrations and outings so if you'd like to find out more call secretary Betty McLarty on 692266.

In the fashion The Clothes Show comes to Moredon Infants School on Thursday 9 November when parents and pupils take to the cat walk.

The models will be showing off chainstore garments at greatly reduced prices which will be on sale from 'Just A Second.'

The event organised by the Friends of Moredon Infants School starts at 730pm.

Tickets cost £1 and includes a glass of wine. They are available from the school (tel. 535992) or at the door.

Working together to help other children Greenmeadow and Haydon Leigh Schools held a joint harvest festival assembly at the end of September to celebrate God's gift and to present donated food items to the Salvation Army. A cheque for £353 was donated to the NSPCC. Pictured with Major Margaret Wicker from the Salvation Army Swindon Citadel and Rev. Craig Bowman of Emmanual LIR Church, Haydon Wick are Ryan Russell, Sheree Neale, Amy Lawson, James Hanczuk, Michael Holborow, Ian Mainwaring, Corinne Jones

Building houses of excellence Buying house is a big move for the majority of people. Many factors affect the decision - site location, convenience to work, schools, leisure facilities. Clarke Homes have been building houses in West Swindon for nearly 20 years and have developed a reputation for quality of design and construction.

Extra space for a growing family The Youngman family's relationship with Clarke Homes goes back a long time. They moved to Longmeadow four years ago after the company bought the house they were moving from, and when they decided that they needed more space for their growing children, another Clarke's house at Longmeadow was a natural choice.

"We looked at four bedroom houses elsewhere, but nothing matched our needs," said Mandy Youngman. "The children are happy at Salt Way School which is doseby and all West Swindon's facilities are within easy reach which was very important to us. We've made some good friends in the area

and we didn't want to move away."

Working from home as an account manager for Burmah Castrol, Andy Youngman is impressed by the way Clarke Homes helped them. "It's well known that moving house is one of the most stressful activities. With the market being what it is, and having part-exchanged with Clarke's before, it was natural to go for it again. They made us a fair offer and it was the convenience and knowledge that we were not going to be let down."

The Youngmans moved into a four bedroom Windermere in October which they were attracted to because of the unusual design: the whole roof space is a large multi-

Flexibility is the key Another family who wanted to stay in West Swindon are the Hopkins who moved from closeby Grange Park. Longmeadow was their choice because of its proximity to RAF Lyneham and Greendown School which their sons Glyn and Chris attend.

They could not find a second hand house large or well placed enough, and did not like several features in the Clarke's showhouse.

But making changes was easy says Gill Hopkins.

"Buying a new house meant we could see it being built. Clarke's were very flexible and built the kitchen to our requirements, we had wardrobes built in and they were marvellous with the garden.

It kept flooding and they dug out the old ditch nearby and when that did not work, they raised the level of the garden by several inches of top soil."

Pride on the job Longmeadow site manager Ron Bye, pictured right, has won seven awards for quality site management and has managed all the Clarke sites in West Swindon since 1978.

There are some 20,000 site managers across the country and during the last ten years Ron's name has appeared in the list of top 100 managers on three occasions.

His work has been commended 4 times and he has won the South West title once, which means he was one of the top 10 site managers in the country.

Longmeadow sales representative Audrey Downes -Hall presents Andy and Mandy with a bouquet on moving day in October purpose room spanning the third floor of the house. Andy will be using it as an office and there's plenty of space for a spare bed, the children's toys and perhaps a snooker table!

The actual house move went very smoothly, once again thanks to Clarke's cooperative approach to

its customers. "Even though we were only moving 500 yards, they made things so easy for us," said Mandy. "We were able to move the garden shed the week before and we had two days to move our belongings down the hill. It was a great stress reliever and has allowed us to settle in very easily."

Improving the environment Clarke Homes take a 'whole site' approach to the living environment they are creating. Not only does Longmeadow feature well de-

Gill Hopkins and son Chris in her custom designed kitchen Pete Hopkins reckons site manager Ron Bye must be one of the best. 'He is excellent - any slight problem and its fixed. We've been here over a year and the site workers are still doing little maintenance jobs for us. Ron treats every house as one of his babies and it shows."

signed, practical houses, the company has also enhanced the site by sponsoring a variety of artistic touches.

Practical design, meticulous approach, value for money Arthur Beltrami, a Technical Sales Manager for a multi-national company supplying the electrical power and transport industry, take a critical view of the houses he buys.

"We moved from a Clarke Home off Liskeard Way, Freshbrook and were happy to buy another, especially in West Swindon because of its easy access to the M4. Clarke's take their time and care. They are meticulous and very thorough in their approach. The brick laying is straight, the windows are seated into the brickwork properly, and the rooms are very square so there are no problems with built in cupboards.

"The designs are just so practical. All the space is well used and so much is included in the price like carpets, curtains, glass fronted wardrobe, fitted kitchen, fire and burglar alarms.

"I'm pleased to say that Clarke Homes offer extremely good value for money."

Look out for the 'Hey Diddle Diddle' sculpture by Portugese artist Vega Bermejo at the entrance to Longmeadow.

Further into the site, there's an oak and steel seat designed around a giant, living oak tree standing in a peaceful green.

And beyond the site altogether, Clarke's are responsible for paying artist Marie Brett to work with children from Salt Way School whose designs adorn the underpass which connects The Prinnells with Middleleaze.

AT THE WEST SWINDON LIBRARY

10

New librarian takes over Joyce Kirk-Browne writes

Car....

s an4aii Spraying M. • T 3tWeIding imates

Unit 12 Brindley Close Cheney Manor Industrial Estate Swindon

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MOBILE CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS * The local service you can rely on * No job too large or too small * Electrical work * Welding * MoTs arranged (no re-test fee) * Electronic tuning: * Exchange engines & gearbozes *All makes & models catered for *All work guaranteed * Over 20 years experience CALL GRAHAM ON (01793) 873045 or 0860 835912

This month I would like to introduce our new librarian, Mrs Vicki Moore.

Vicki, pictured below, is a Wiltshire girl, from Trowbridge and studied at Brighton University where she gained her degree in Librarianship.

She has worked at Swindon Central Library and branches in North Swindon before taking up her post here at West Swindon. Her interests include reading (of course), swimming, cooking and walking.

Look out for Vicki on the Enquiry Desk or phone her on 871444.

Our Housebound Service is now underway and we currently deliver books to four people in the area. We have more people who would like to receive Books on Wheels, if only we had more people willing to be helpers. Do you have a couple of hours to spare once every three weeks? You do not need to be a book expert as library staff will select the books and you can claim a mileage allowance to cover petrol costs.

Please think about it - it's very worthwhile.

For more information please phone Joyce or Vicki on 871444.

Books to watch out for in November

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from this popular author Clare Francis Betrayal A new thriller from the sailor turned novelist.

Elizabeth Jane Howard Casting Off. The next volume in the continuing saga of the Cazalet family.

HARVEYS

David Nobbs The LegacyofReginald Perrin. Just as funny to read as it

Builders Merchants

was to watch on TV. Danielle Steel Five Days in Paris.

Get your requests in quickly!

All titles can be reserved for 70p.

Swindon 643744 Unit 7 • Bramble Close • Swindon SN2 6DW

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Exhibitions at the library Until 11 November Photographs of Thamesdowns German twin town Salzgitter to Celebrate twenty years of twinning and international peace by Matthis Witzel

30 November until 16 December 5th Exhibition of Artists Work organised by The Hodgson Gallery, BSS House, Chaney Manor

cIT DOwN, RELAX, SAVE MONEY • L";I 'A

A gymnasium for the mind

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Amid the plethora of clubs and evening classes available locally, Swindon Philosophical Society occupies a unique position writes Judith Stares.

Founded in 1963, it is one of the Many people often mistakenly few Societies in the country to meet feel that philosophy is purely for weekly all year round, and has an the academics, but nothing could enviable reputation for attracting be further from the truth. It is a distinguished speakers from a va- useful way of reflecting on the beriety of backgrounds. liefs we hold and ways we live. If The Autumn programme in- nothing else, the stimulating cludes Harry Stopes-Roe, the son weekly sessions are certainly a of women's champion Marie gymnasium for the mind!

Stopes, speaking on 'Filling the The range of ages in the audiMoral Vacuum'. Other talks sched- ence is sometimes more than sixty uled include 'The End of Enlight- years. The society meets at 740pm enment', Intelligence Testing', and on Friday at the Arts Centre in 'Nature, Nurture and Sex'.

Devizes Road, Old Town. New Philosophy has often been de- members are particularly welscribed as 'thinking about think- come, even if they can only attend ing'. In practice, this translates occasionally, and the charge varinto providing a forum for discus- ies from 50p to £1.50 depending on sion on many subjects affecting the speaker. the lives of people today, from Further enquiries can be adpolitics and moral behaviour to dressed to the Secretary, John Liteducation and religion. tle, on Swindon 619687.

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CORNHCLL INSURANCE PLC is regulated by the Personal Investment Authority for life assurance and pensions business'.

Credit broker toes of up to 1% on the advance maybe charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit penod Rate applied in 304%PA (3.5% APR) for one year APR is variable. Rates may vary, A written quotation or, loans can be obtained on request Only available to persons 18 years of ego or over. Subject to status Subject to our current lendorg criteria. A 4.95% redaction applied to the variable base mortgage rate, currently 7.99% Those applicants benetleng from this special discount who redeem their mortgage within three years from the data of completion will be charged an additional two months interest This charge will be reimbursed ifa new mortgage when taken Out with the Society Example: A rnenred oneple aged 30 years and 28 years, both nonsmokers, applying or an endowment mortgage of 650.000 over 25 year ammo (300 monthly payments), completing before 30 November 1995 secured against a property being purchased for £55,500. 300 nronthiy mortgage payments not 01 tax of £1 1716. Monthly endowment Premium01 £74.96. Total amount payable C107,791. Calculated to include , Valuation tee Cl 55 This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply throughout the term or the loan Maximum loan £150,000 The 304% rote applies to loans up to and including 95% 01 the purchase price or valuation, whichecer is the lower The discounted rate inapplicable for one year, after which the than current rate will apply, When an applicant is borrowing rnoro than 75% the Society will require additional security. This is usually in the 100001 a Risk charge.

REMEMBER- YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT 2

RECREATION

12

The Link Centre sports hail will be closed throughout November for refurbishment and will reopen on 2 December

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Playing with his own design A keen young tennis player was taken aback in October when one of the world's top makers sent him a tennis racket. And what's more it was made to his own design.

Nine year old Matthew Gill from ideal tennis racket," said Shaw Ramleaze sent seven drawings to Ridge pupil Matthew. "1 sent in racket makers Head Sport AG in seven designs and got a letter from Austria during the summer holi- Head in September saying they days. In mid-September he re- were going to make one of my ceived a letter from Head saying rackets. I was really surprised they were pleased with his work when it arrived in the post; it's and they were going to make a fantastic. It has the shape I drew unique racket based on one of his and the colour is the same." designs. The letter added that the Matthew takes lessons at the company was thinking of using Delta Tennis Centre and wants to Matthew's ideas in its junior range. be a top player. He reckons his "1 was a bit bored in the summer new racket will give him a lot of holidays so I started drawing my confidence to improve his game.

Matthew with his unique racket and poster of his tennis hero, Andre Agassi

LTe1 410937 to book your appointment

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(next to Safeway) Haydon Wick Mondays 6pm & 8pm Thursdays 6pm & 8pm Tel: Chris 871026

Brookfield Primary School, Cartwright Drive, Shaw, Swindon Thursday 5.30pm - 7.00pm 7.00pm - 8.30pm Classes open week commencing 23rd October

(9.50 for your first class)

YOU COULD LOSE STONE IN A MONTH ST JOHN'S CHURCH

Purton Village Hall, Station Road, Purton Thursday 1.15pm - 2.45pm

Membership Fee £6.00 Weekly Class Fee £3.50

Shaw's Holy Trinity Church rings out to the cries of martial arts fighters from the Shaw Karate Club on Saturday and Monday evenings.

Run by Black Belt Richard Evans, the club follows the Shotokan code which instills discipline, respect and self-confidence, and teaches practical self-defence to men, women and children of all ages.

Each class consists of an aerobic style warm-up, followed by training in a variety of techniques and ending with a period of meditation to calm the mind and body.

Richard says that unlike many westernised forms of Karate, the Shotokan style is firmly rooted in Japanese traditions which emphasise mental as well as the physical aspects of martial arts.

Newcomers can visit a session at Shaw Church at the village centre on Saturdays and most Mondays between 6pm and 7pm, or telephone Richard Evans on 874372.

AT

Wroughton Parish Church Hall, Priors Hill, Wroughton Tuesday 1.15pm - 2.45pm

Telephone Wendy Cole on (0 1793) 877750 Booking advisable

Circuit workout Paul Johnson from Shaw has started 45 minute circuit training sessions in HolyTrinity Church on Thursday, 730pm.

Just turn up in loose clothing or call him on 877856.

Martial arts in church

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UPPER SHAW FARM CENTRE, Ridge Green, (Opposite Shaw Ridge School) Tuesdays 6.30pm & 8pm Tel: Nicole 886656 FRESHBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE, Worsley Road, Freshbrook Thursdays 7pm Tel: Nicole 886656

13

KEEP FIT, LOOK GOOD WITH THE LINK MAGAZINE

Fitness from fat experience New fitness classes are being established in the Swindon area by a former British running champion who admits to having had a weight problem in her earlier years.

Wendy Cole, pictured below, from Sparcells has recently passed the RSA Exercise to Music qualification and is opening a Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club covering West Swindon, Purton, Wroughton and Wootton Bassett.

"1 was overweight during adolescence and in my twenties, but many attempts to lose weight came

to nothing until a friend suggested I try a fun run," says Wendy. "1 managed to get round the 10 miles and realised running could be fun."

Wendy eventually became the UK veterans 10k track champion in 1990, but a demanding job as a computer consultant prevented regular training. Now she's quit that to improve the quality of her life by concentrating on setting up her own business running a Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club.

"1 decided I wanted to use my experiences of being overweight, getting fit, achieving goals and improving self-esteem to help others."

She says the Rosemary Conley method is to combine good advice on diet with lots of encouragement and an exercise programme. Participants can arrive at any time during the first half an hour of a session for a weigh-in which is followed by a discussion on a dietary, exercise or weight loss topic and a 45 minute exercise session designed to reduce fat deposits,

Advertise in our 'make your New Year resolutions early' keep fit, look good feature in the December/January edition.

Call(01793)872282

improve muscle tone and body posture.

"The Rosemary Conley system is ideal for women of all ages who are inactive and want to lose weight," says Wendy. "Combining a diet programme and exercise in a supportive environment is the best way to get rid of excess pounds."

Wendy hopes to return to competitive running once her fitness clubs are established in the area.

She can be contacted on (01793) 877750.

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Beauty!eatments and Nail Studios Nail Extensions £30.00 Nail Art (individual designs) from £1.50 £7.50 Manicure £8.75 Pedicure Eye-Lash Extensions £4.50 Full Make-over £10.00

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14

The Link Magazine • November 1995

Two for one offer to parents

Mums higher education success

Parents who want to help their pre-school and infant children read Nine wives and mothers from West training to be primary school teachand write have a another chance to get involved. and North Swindon were among ers. Julia Sheriden (English) and the 28 adults who returned to New Audrey Hutchinson (History) are An enthusiastic group came toCollege on 14 October to receive completing their BAs at Bath Colgether on a Swindon College Read Diplomas in Higher Education lege of Higher Education. Helen and Write Together course for parwhich celebrate the formal recog- Penfold, already a published ents in September and they are nition of their success, achieved writer, is completing her BA looking for new people to join them alongside the demands of family through the Open University. for the second half of the autumn New College offers Higher Educommitments and jobs. term. The sessions take place on History students Ursula Arthur, cation courses in English, GeograMondays between 9.30am and 1130am in the West Swindon LiEmma Hooper, Anne Hughes, phy, Psychology, Philosophy or Caroline Roberts and Alison Spen- Media Studies. There is an open brary, starting on 30 October. A cer together with English student evening on Tuesday 5 December bookable creche is available in the Link Centre for £1.50, £1 for Gold Amanda Aldridge have now at New College, Heiston Road, Card holders. started on the last two years of Park North from 6pm to 8pm Other courses take place at: their B.Ed. Studies at Westminster where potential students can find Toothill School Monday 1pm to College, Oxford where they are out more. Or call 611470.

3pm, tutor: Pat Room Hard workers, rear, left to right, Julia Sheridan, Amanda Aldridge, Anne Oliver Tomkins School, Tuesday Hughes, Alison Spencer. Middle, Helen Penfold, Ursula Arthur, Caroline 1pm to 3pm, tutor: Jo Evenett Roberts. Front, Audrey Hut chinson, Karen Freemantle with Alexanderand Alice West Swindon Library, Tuesday Tutor Debs Osorio working with 6pm to 8pm, tutor: Josie Fergie Maggie Milson and Claudia Stanley Westlea School, Thursday 9.45am - 1145am, tutor: Helen Snook parents who don't have a recent Organiser and tutor Debs Osorio qualification in English and those said, "many people read about the attending are able to work towards course in the September Link maga- a City and Guilds Wordpower Cerzine and enrolled. Like many par- tificate in Communication Skills." ents who want to help prepare chilThe course runs for the rest of dren for school, they want to brush the year during term times and up their own reading and writing costs only £5; free to those on benskills so they can do their best for efits. their children."

For more information, drop into "It's a '2 for 1 one' offer. Parents one of the courses to meet the othare improving their own skills ers and to speak to the tutor. Alterwhilst learning how to help their natively, call Swindon College on children. The course is aimed at 498468.

Computers more accessible to adults A new centre for adults is being set up at Greendown School and will be running a range of day, evening and Saturday courses aimed at helping people return to learn, or to work, starting in November.

Organised by Swindon's New 'Computers for Dummies' will SATURDAY ONE-DAY COURSES College in the West Swindon Tech- also be running in the evenings, as Desktop Publishing 18/11/95 £40 nology Centre, the courses run at a well as courses in the use of variety of times. Daytime sessions spreadsheets and databases.

Wordprocessing using Word 25/11/95 £40 include a two hour gentle Return Saturday courses are planned in Visual Basic Programming 2/12/95 £40 to Maths course on Thursday, and desktop publishing,and word'Computers for Dummies' courses processing using Word and Visual SHORT EVENING COURSES 6.30 8.30pmJ on Monday and Wednesday morn- Basic Programming.

Computers for Dummies FIf v ings designed for people with chilSee the advertisement on this An Absolute Beginners Course dren at school or playgroup. There page or call the New College adWed 15/11/95- 13/12/95 (5 weeks) £45 is a recognised qualification at the missions department at on 611470 end of the five sessions. for more details.

Spreadsheets with Excel VS An Introduction Mon 13/11/95 11/12/95 (5 weeks) £80 Neighbourhood net set to go worldwide Databases with Microsoft Access The New College 'Neighbourhood Tues 14/11/95 12/12/95 (5 weeks) £80 Net' which links computers at the college and the West Swindon DAYTIME SHORT COURSES Technology Centre will go live on Computers for Dummies 15 November. Users will also be An Absolute Beginners Course 9.30 1130am able to send messages or gain inMon 13/11/95 11/12/95(5 weeks) £45 or formation from computers across the globe via the Internet.

Wed 15/11/95 13/12/95 (5 weeks) £45 One of the first users of the elecSpreadsheets with Excel VS An Introduction 12.30 230pm tronic message interchange will be Tues 14/11/95 12/12/95 (5 weeks) £65 Greendown students studying For further information contact Admissions, New College, Spanish who were visited before Heiston Road, Park North, Swindon SN2 3LA half term by Nicaraguan teacher (01793)611470. Voice Mail 400. Fax(01793)436437 Santiago Chow from Thamesdown twin town Ocotal.

Reduced course fees are payable on some of these courses for those on benefit The students wrote letters and 1ff sent photographs to counterparts Mouse clicks across the sea, Santiago in Nicaragua and hope to be com- Chow with Lee Williams, Richard The West Swindon Technology municating electronically when the Norman, Diane Bentley, Lisa O'Brian, Swindon Centre (Greendown Campus) necessary equipment is in place. Leon Paolytta

COMPUTING COURSES

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15

YOUR SECURITY

PFS

The nights are darker now, burglars are on the prowl. A break-in at your home or a theft of property can be a traumatic experience. Over the next three pages, Sergeant Bob Walton from the Swindon Crime Prevention Unit suggests how to improve the security of your home and belongings.

Confuse the crook Whenever I go to a person's home to give crime prevention advice I am always asked about locks, bolts and burglar alarms.

Obviously, the physical security of the house, its doors and windows, is important, but by taking a few common sense measures you can often deter a criminal from even attempting to burgle your home.

There is little doubt that most domestic burglaries are commit-

ted by people who do not pre-plan their crimes. These are 'opportunist' criminals who are constantly on the look-out for a suitable target. They are looking for those tell tale signs that a house is unoccupied: • those pints of milks on the doorstep all day • the papers sticking out of the letter box • the empty garage with the door wide open and • no car on the drive, • at night the house in total darkness.

All these things are a good indication to the thief that no-one is in and may persuade him to chance a break in.

What to do At night or if you are not going to get home before darkness, use a timed or a darkness sensitive system to turn some lighting on in the home.

While you are out, leave a radio on in the house. Arrange for a good neighbour to keep an eye on

No room for complacency in North Swindon

things, to collect parcels left on the doorstep or to push the newspaper through the door, anything that gives the impression that the house is occupied.

Believe me, put enough doubt in the mind of the crook and there is a good chance that he won't bother you.

ZH im-Pc ALARMS

Appeal to parents

At this time last year, we were very concerned about the high level of house break-ins in the Green-meadow / Haydon Wick areas.

So far this year the level has reduced to less than half, due in no small part to our efforts to target individual criminals as well as investigating each crime. But we cannotbe complacent. Please make sure your home is secure and hide those ready wrapped gifts to deter the opportunist thief ruining your Christmas.

One last concern we have is the regular complaint of youths hanging around on street corners, shopping centres and so on.

These groups often intimidate the more vulnerable people in the community merely by their presence and sometimes by their foul language.

However, as you can imagine, when police officers are called it is very difficult for us to take positive action as they obviously do not commit offences in front of us.

Can I please appeal to parents to ask themselves what their teenage children are doing in their spare time. Are they hanging around in groups? Are they becoming involved with others in causing damage, graffiti, nuisance, drinking alcohol or worse still become exposed to drugs?

Please do what you can to keep your community safe, secure and peaceful.

Cycle thefts

Pedal cycles are an increasing target for thieves. Many are stolen from inadequately secured garden sheds and garages as well as parked unsecured bikes.

Please make sure that your bikes are kept secure and are easily identifiable with postcodes and make sure that you have the serial number written down somewhere.

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Protect your home There can never be such a thing as total security. Quite simply if somecL one wants to break into your property badly enough they will find a way of doing it.

What you must do therefore is to make things so difficult for the thief to achieve, that the reward becomes not worth his effort and increases his chances of being caught. There is then a good chance thathe will leave you alone.

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These days there are a confusing range of security products available to the householder. Whatever product you choose, the following rules will always apply: • All opening windows must have suitable locks fitted.

• Patio doors normally require locks top and bottom and should also have an an device installed to prevent a thief simply lifting the door off its runner.

• Don't forget the security of your sheds and garages.

Often they contain not only expensive items, but also tools that can help a crook break into your house.

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There are obviously many other things that can be done to secure your property such as: • movement sensitive security lights on the side of the house.

• fitting a burglar alarm.

• attaching small, lighweight,

Bicycles

battery powered 'attack' alarms' to equipment in the garage.

For further specialist advice you can contact the Crime Prevention Department at Westlea Police Station on 528111. A member of the team will be pleased to help.

BRING YOUR BIKES TO A CYCLE POST CODING SESSION Saturday 25 November 11am - 3pm

These are a popular target with thieves: valuable and easily disposed of.

397 pedal cycles were reported stolen in the Swindon area in the West Swindon Centre first 6 months of 1995. Last year Plus Crime Prevention Display 1,200 were stolen: 100 a month! and Santa's arrival at 2pm Whenever you leave your bike, even for a few minutes, always lock it to something immovable such as a lamp-post or a railing.

Even in the garage, it should be secured to a fixed object. Try to arrange things so that the lock goes through both the frame and a wheel, and if your machine has a quick release wheel, remove it and lock it in the with the frame and rear wheel.

The best type of lock to use is a 'D' lock. Chains or wires may deter a casual thief but are easily cut by the determined ones.

Mark the frame with your postcode and keep a photograph of Unfortunately the Link Centre is a your machine to help the police prime target for cycles thieves. Inreturn it to you if it is stolen. vest in two locks to deter them.

U E.S. is a wholesale e ectrical company who welcome your enquiries.

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Best sellers The Wireless Alarm System (Al RF8000) only £129.99 +VAT • install in less than 1 hour • no messy wiring • no fuss guarantee (5 zone keyboard panel, P.I.R movement detector, remote control/panic, window/door sensor, prewired beilbox, batteries, fixings, fitting manual and helpline) £25.99 RF8002 additional FIR's The Wired Alarm System (D.E.S. 3000) £76.58 + VAT 2 pairs surface/flush alarm contacts, 50 mtr 6 core alarm cable, 3 P.l.R. movement detectors, 1 x 4 zone fully programmable XL4 alarm panel, 1 x prewired bell box, low profile, c/w battery/SAB, anti-tamper device, flashing strobe, 114 db very loud integral sounder, 1 personal attack button, all clips, fixings & manufacturers instructions plus helpline available.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Losing any credit card or cash card can prove to be a nightmare particularly if it falls into dishonest hands.

The inconvenience and worry of altering account details and notifying all concerned can be considerable and of course the potential financial loss can be ruinous.

Probablybecause we are so used to handling our credit cards we tend to become a little complacent and careless of their security.

However you must remember that a thief only needs a moment to make off with your valuables.

Your coat hung up with your wallet in it, your cheque book and card left on the shop counter as you pay a bill and your handbag left unattended in the supermarket trolley; they are all vulnerable if you look away for a second.

Never leave you PIN number with your credit cards and always keep your cheque card separate.

If you lose your cards inform the card companies and your bank immediately. Credit card loss insurance is a good idea which can save you a lot of money.

Although most people in our society are honest, there is a minority who are criminals. These people seem to take delight in depriving good and hard working citizens of their possessions and appear to show little remorse in doing so.

How then can we assist each other in preventing and deterring such criminal acts?

Neighbourhood Watch schemes may not be the total solution, but have certainly proved their worth in the fight against the criminal and the fear of crime which can often be worse than the actual crime.

Neigh bourhood Watch is simply being a good neighbour looking out for yourself and for others in the area where you live.

The knowledge that a near neighbour is keeping a watchful eye on your home and your possessions whilst you are out and knowing that they will take prompt action in the event of something suspicious occurring can be very

comforting. Experience has shown that areas covered by Neighbourhood Watch are less popular targets for burglars. Thus the display of stickers and street signs themselves can act as a deterrent.

Neighbourhood Watch brings together people who care about their community. Membership can also carry financial benefits: many insurance companies offer reductions to scheme members.

Finally there have been many examples of active Neighbourhood Watch members helping to clear up major crimes by taking sensible action and reporting suspicious behaviour to the police. Lives have been saved, injuries prevented and property recovered. Everybody can help keep Swindon a crime free and pleasant place to live. So play your part by joining, starting or strengthening a local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

For further details contact PC Bob Rigby, the Police Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer at the Crime Prevention Department, Westlea Police Station on 507889.

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Court support service needs volunteers "There was a general lack of information, for example whether there is refreshment in the court, and sometimes victims found themselves waiting in the same area as the defendant who they feel is responsible for the crime."

The volunteers will have the task of showing witnesses around the court beforehand. On the day he or she will liaise with court officials to keep witnesses informed of the progress of the case. They will be on hand to support the witness in a separate waiting area, and will be ready to provide emotional support after the appearance, and after the judgement is made.

Lynne is looking for people from all sections of the community interested in working within a court environment who can commit themselves one day a fortnight.

Applicants do not have to have Ex-policewoman Lynne Walton, any particular experience, but they pictured above, who is setting up will have to go through a police the service in Swindon and is ap- check.

A short training course for the pealing for volunteers to come forward says, "it would be fair to say first group of volunteers will start that witnesses who have to give, at the end of November and Lynne evidence in Crown Court usually hopes they will be ready to profind the experience frightening, in- vide support in court by January.

To find out more, contact Lynne timidating and nerve-wracking. In some cases it is as distressing as Walton at Swindon Crown Court on 484040. the crime itself.

Appearing in Crown Court can be a confusing, even traumatic experience if you are not used to the proceedings and surroundings.

Now victims of crime and witnesses are to receive help coping with the anxieties of appearing in court once a confidential Crown Court Witness Service is set up using trained volunteers.

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New equipment put to the test Sub Officer Perry Payne from Westlea Fire Station reports

We've just started using a 'scoop' type stretcher complete with a very robust 'basket' which we recently put to use in rather unusual circumstances.

The stretcher breaks down into two parts and as it fits together it literally scoops the casualty up from the ground. The stretcher and basket are then used to firmly secure the casualty who can then be transported over most terrain.

In this instance a workman fell onto a roof of a well known food shop in Stratton, from a low surrounding wall. It was only a short distance, but unfortunately it was far enough for him to break his leg.

Acting leading fireman, Shaun Durham and fireman Steve Field from Westlea used the new stretcher and worked well with the ambulance crew and colleagues from Swindon and Stratton fire stations. The injured man was removed from the roof in the stretcher firmly attached to the turntable ladder and lowered safely to the ground.

cooled and the hot summer spell has ended.

Since I last wrote we have responded to 21 fires, 24 emergency special calls and 27 false alarms.

As far as fires go, it's clear our calls have significantly reduced this month but 21 is still high. The number of calls to domestic fires at this time of year actually rises as we switch on heating appliances and spend more time at home.

The single greatest cause of fire in the home is chip pans. To close, here is some advice on how to avoid a chip pan fire and what to do if you're unfortunate enough to find yourself faced with one.

1. Never fill a chip pan more than one third full of fat.

2. Never leave a chip pan unattended.

3. If you have a chip pan fire, turn off the heat if it is safe to do so.

Cover with a damp (not drip ping wet) cloth and leave for a least half an hour to cool.

4. Never throw water on burning fat or oil - serious injury is the most likely result.

Fire calls and chip pans I'm pleased to say the number of Remember, if you have any doubts: calls to Westlea Fire Station have close the door, get out, get the fire greatly reduced as the weather has brigade out, stay out.

(07793) 874240

Pictured left: Westlea fire station group 2, Sub Officer Martin Lloyd, left, who received an official commendation on 11 October from Westlea Chief Fire Officer John Craig for his actions off-duty when he successfully resuscitated a man who suffered a heart attack whilst driving his car in a busy road in Swindon. With Martinis John Payne who was presented with a 20 years long service medal by Joan Main, chairwoman of Wiltshire County Council

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Meet the leader The leader of Thamesdown Council Sue Bates is putting herself in the firing line by providing borough residents with the chance to meet her on a one-to-one basis every month.

The experiment, a first for Thamesdown, and unusual for any council, is designed to maximise accessibility of council members to the public.

The surgeries started in October, and will also take place on Monday mornings, lOam to 12noon on 20 November and 18 December.

"Councillors often hold surgeries at a ward level," said Council-

lor Bates. "But I also believe residents should have the opportunity to discuss the wider issues that effect the borough, which is why I'm introducing Leader's surgeries.

"I consider it a vital part of my duty to be available to answer any questions members of the public may have."

No appointment is necessary to meet the Leader. Turn up at the Civic Offices, Euclid Street on the appropriate morning. For those unable to make the surgery times, Councillor Bates can be contacted on 493391, or write to her at the Civic Offices.

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THE LINK MAGAZINE'S GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON IN AND AROUND SWINDON Children In Need in West Swindon Raise funds by supporting the combined efforts of West Swindon Lions Club & the Westlea Fire Fighters

Technology thriller

Chocolate - the ready to think Canthhdge Diet, LLLvtlnouS

After Apollo 13 last month, Corinne Glanville looks at another technology based movie which opens at the MGM in November

A dramatic action adventure film with a running time of the 116 minutes, Crimson Tide gives good Westlea Fire Station entertainment value.

The Chesters Not least because Gene Saturday 25 November Hackman stars in it as Captain Frank Ramsey Commanding OflOam 1pm ficer of the USS Alabama.

Free admittance to static Hackman is one of the most popudemonstrations, drills, fire lar actors and has appeared in safety displays, refreshments over 60 films. His credits include All donations to two Academy Awards.

Children in Need In Crimson Tide, Hackmans acting skills are challenged as he BBC Children in Need heads up a list of characters who Friday 24 November find themselves in catastrophiccirCall Shirley Ludford at BBC Wiltshire cumstances, impending danger, Sound on 513626 for a free a very unpredictable situation. A information packs on how you can volatile Russian nationalist and a raise cash. rebel faction of the former Soviet army seize control of a nuclear missile base, which triggers a masA Great Family sive global emergency. With the Night Out world on the brink of disaster, the at The Dance House USS Alabama leaves port to patrol Russian waters carrying on Ellendune Community Centre board enough nuclear firepower Wroughton to start World War Ill. Chaos results as two dedicated Saturday 18 November: naval officers - Captain Ramsey All Blacked Up and Lieutenant Commander Ron Tickets: £6, Conc. £4, Hunter (Denzel Washington) clash Under 12s £1, Family ticket £15 over the validity of their orders Tickets on door or send cheques and vie for control of the submarine. Hunter insists on operating and SAE to The Dance House, by the book which conflicts with 131 Goddard Avenue, Swindon Ramsey's aggressive combat

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Film Elsewhere Tuesday 7 November, 7.45pm Poetic Justice (15) Director John Singleton. Janet Jackson plays a lonely beauticiancum-poet recovering from her boyfriend's murder. Fate throws her and mailman Lucky (Tupac Shakur) together. Arts Centre, Devizes Road. £3

Gene Hackman, trying to save his job and avoid Armageddon Wednesday 8 November, proven instincts. Pitted against 7.45pm To Live (12) China each other, the crew also find Forty years of China's turbulent themselves caught in this mortal history seen through the experiduel, torn between their loyalty to ences of a shadow-puppet pera captain they know and the ethiformer and his family. Presented cal dilemma posed by their new byThe Swindon Film Society. Arts lieutenant commander who instiCentre, Devizes Road gates a mutiny.

With the threat of Armageddon Sunday 26 November, 7.45pm hanging in the balances, only one Geronimo (12) USA man will prevail to determine the A true story of how Geronimo's small band of warriors defied an wake of the Crimson Tide.

This is a story in which two men army of soldiers in their fight for are confined in a submarine hun- freedom and justice starring dreds of feet below the surface of Robert Duvall and Gene Hackman. the sea and in their conflict they Presented by The Swindon Film hold the future of the world in the Society. Arts Centre, Devizes Road palms in their hands.

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From 4 November Until 30 November Exhibition The Lost Estate: Lydiard Exhibition Is it Art? A focus on Park - housing estate in the 1950s. very modern works that visitors to the Gallery find more than a little Lydiard House puzzling. Swindon Museum & Art Until 31 December Gallery, Bath Road Exhibition Chocolate and Cream: Swindon's Carriage Works. A dis- From 11 November play of the distinctive GWR car- Exhibition Rover: 40 Years in riages and rolling stock. Great Swindon. From Pressed Steel to Rover: an exhibition celebrating Western Railway Museum the 40th anniversary of Rover in From 4 November Swindon at the Stratton plant.

Exhibition AfterAthens. 21 works Swindon Museum, Bath Road from the Swindon Collection chosen by the British Council for the Wednesday 1 November Athens Festival in September re- Family The Prospect and Pudsey turn for exhibition at home. Swin- Show starring The Wurzels, in aid of Prospect Hospice and BBC Childon Museum & Art Gallery dren in Need. Wyvern, 730pm. £6, conc £5

Sunday 5 November Music The Best of Rhythm and Blues with King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys. Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 730pm. £7.50 Monday 6 November Music Voulez vous - the ultimate ABBA experience. Wyvern, 730pm. £9.50, £8.50 Music The Music Club presents classical guitarist Ray Burley. Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 7.45pm.

Wednesday 8 November to Saturday 11 November Dance Tanwood 95. Gala evening Friday 10th. In aid of CALM. Wyvern, 7.3Opm&Satmat2.3Opm. £6

Thursday 2 November Music The All Priests Holy Roadshow, from Ireland, back by populardemand. Wyvern, 730pm. £9, £8

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Drama Don Juan presented by Commotion Theatre Company.

Commotion re-tell this classic story in their own spectacular and hilarious way. Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 730pm. £6 Friday 3 November Music The Swindon Recital Series. Sarah Markham (Saxophone), Paul Turner (Piano). Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 730pm. £7 Harry Hill, live and surreal at the Arts Centre, 4 November

HK 97

Thursday 9 November Music June Tabor, a leading voice in British folk music, in concert.

Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 8pm. £6.50

CHINESE TAKE-AWAY

Friday 10 November Family TheJungle Book presented

by Snap Theatre Company. Suitable for 5-11 year olds. Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 8pm. £6, children £4.50

West Swindon Centre

Tel:88687 1 Telephone orders welcome Opening Hours: (Open Bank Holidays) Monday - Saturday 12noon - 2pm (Sunday lunch closed) Monday - Sunday 5pm - 11pm

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Sunday 12 November Music A Celebrity Concert in aid Dance Peter Badejo and Koffi of the NSPCC, starring Frank Koko, above, in Sisi Agbe Aye: Carson. Wyvern, 730pm. £10, Opening the gourd of life. Vibrant concs £8 African dance from Benin and Ni- Monday 13 November geria. Town Hall Dance Studios, Ballet The Nutcraker presented 8pm. £5.25, concs. £3.25. Box of- by the Vienna Festival Ballet. fice 493697.

Wyvern, 730pm. £12.50, £10.50 Saturday 4 November Ballet Cinderella presented by Vienna Festival Ballet. Wyvern, 2.30 & 730pm. £12.50, £10.50

Tuesday 14th November Music The Magic of the Musicals - the finest and best loved songs from the most successful West End Comedy Harry Hill Live back with and Broadway musicals. Wyvern, his blend of old style stand up gags 730pm. E10.50&28.50 and modern day surrealist quips. Wednesday 15 November Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 8pm. Dance Candoco Dance Company. £8.50 A sensational evening of dance by

this company of 8, 3 of who use Sunday 5 November Festival of Remembrance. wheelchairs. Wyvern, 730pm. £10, £6, £4 Wyvern, 630pm. £6

November Overview Saturday 25 November Workshop Origami - learn how to

21 Thursday 30 November Music The Good Old Days pre-

fold two dimensions into three. The sented by Leeds City Variety MuArts Centre, Devizes Road, lOam sic Hall. Wyvern, 730pm. £8.50, -1130am. £2 Drama Frankenstein presented Saturday 25 November

by Snap Theatre Company. This to Sunday 26 November dynamic new adaptation will shock Exhibition Model Railway - up to and move audiences everywhere.

15 layouts in various scales. Arts Centre, 730pm. £7 Greendown Community School, Sat lOam - 6pm, Sun lOam - 5pm.

M,,,br

Tel 771615 (Sat or Sun, lOam - 5pm) for details

Presents the 5th exhibition of artists work at

Swindon & Cricklade Railway.

Blunsdon Station, tel 771615, (Sat or Sun, 1 Dam - 5pm) for details

West Swindon Library, The Link Centre, West Swindon

Monday 27 November Drama Don Quixote de Ia Mancha,

Organised by The Hodgson Gallery, BSS House, Cheney Manor, Swindon Telephone 01793 541404

below. This highly physical staging of Cervantes' epic romance is performed in a combination of arVariety Stage Struck in Variety. tistic sign language and the spoArts Centre, Devizes Road, 8pm. ken word. An entrancing total theatre experience for deaf and hear£5, for tickets call 535052 ing people alike. Wyvern, 8pm.

Thursday 16 November £7.50 Guided Tour of the State Rooms at Lydiard Park. Find out more about the fascinating history of the House and how it was rescued in 1943 and restored. 11 am. Normal admission charge Wednesday 15 November to Saturday 18 November

30th November

- 16th December

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Music Elkie Brooks in concert.

Wyvern, 730pm. £15, £13

Commerce House, 34/35 Commercial Road, Swindon Tel: (0 1793) 617617

Friday 17 November Dance BT Dance 96 West present

up to ten exciting youth dance groups from all over the region, in co-ordination with Thamesdown Dance Studio. Wyvern, 730pm. £5, groups of 10+ all seats £2

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Saturday 18 November Music Bournemouth Symphony

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Wyvern, 7.30pm. £16, £13, £10 Sunday 19 November Music The Music Club presents Comedy Jim Davidson - adults Sharon Fleetwood Law (soprano).

only show. Oasis Leisure Centre, Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 8pm. £13.50 745pm.

Monday 20 November Tuesday 28 November to Saturday 25 November Drama Under Plain Cover, preMusic Kentwood Choir presents sented by Experiments in Exile

Krazy for Kentwood. Wyvern, Theatre, a scandalous story of love, 730pm. £5 private lives and the Fleet Street backhander. Wyvern, 730pm. £8, Wednesday 22 November concs £6 Children The Michael Faraday Road Show. Wyvern, lOam& 1pm. Music An Evening with Dean Friedman- American singer song£3.50 writer. Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Sunday 26 November Comedy JimmyJones. The show 8pm. £8.50 is outrageous and is for adults only. if you are easily offended please stay away. Wyvern, 8pm. £10.50, £9.50

Blunsdon Station Sunday 26 November

The Hodgson Gallery

Sunday 26 November Santa's Steam Train Special,

Dean Friedman, at the Arts Centre on 28 November

Santa's Steam Train Special at the Swindon & Cricklade Railway

Wednesday 29 November Opera Another Night at the Opera

- a classic selection of the bestloved arias, duets, trios and quartets, presented by The garden Wednesday 22 November Consort Artistes from the Royal to Saturday 25 November Drama The Western Players in A Opera House. Wyvern, 730pm Letter from the General, a play by £8.50, £7.50 Morris McLoughlin. Arts Centre, Comedy Jeremy Hardy Speaks 730pm. £3, £2.50. Tickets from To The Nation. Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 8pm. £7

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Tel: 874844

22 The Link Magazine • November 1995 Christmas Bazaar Thursday 2 December

Caring for Cats Stephanie Giles, Co-ordinator Wootton Bassett & District Cat Protection League, describes her voluntary work On a dark wet and chilly morning at 5.30am I am frying to trap a cat and her kittens living wild on a refuse site in Swindon.

I had to make an early start before the lorries arrived. After two hours I gave up as although I saw them, no way would they go in the traps. I don't know what was worse, the aroma from the tip or the strong smelling fish. This is just one of the problems I am dealing with. I have approximately 100 phone calls a week. People

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need help with vet bills, and transport to vets, or homes for their cats due to relationship break ups, allergies, homes repossessed or going into hospital or residential care.

Also we are informed of stray and abandoned cats.

The Cat Protection League is a national organisation with 240 groups throughout the country, all run by unpaid volunteers. We have no sanctuary, so people foster cats for us, and we raise funds for their upkeep until new homes arefound.

Piano player wanted Wootton Bassett Choral Society, a lively and friendly group of some 40 singers, is looking for an experienced pianist to accompany them at monthly intervals.

The singers perform a wide variety of sacred and lighter works at regular Christmas and summer concerts in and around Wootton Bassett. They practice on Monday evening during school terms at the United Reformed Church Hall, Wootton Bassett. New singers are always welcome.

If you want to sing, or can provide piano accompaniment, telephone the chairman on 643011.

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I got involved with the CPL 8 years ago, just helping occasionally on stalls, but I didn't really know much about it. I had no idea what a cat problem there was.

When the co-ordinator retired noone wanted to take on the job. I volunteered to give it a try, 6 years on, over 6,000 cats helped, I know now why. We are a small group trying to help in other areas beside our own, where no CPL yet exists.

If you can help in any way please phone (01793) 611170.

Stephanie with some rescued cats

Showroom at: 1 Rodbourrte Rd, Swindon Tel: (01793) 612288 Specialists in Fireplaces, Gas Effect Fires, Flue Systems

Box of delights A toybox filled with games, puzzles, dolls and other surprises has been compiled by Thamesdown Council's play service with multicultural understanding in mind.

It includes toys and games relevant to all cultures as well as dolls of different ethnic groups and correct skin-toned crayons and paints.

The multi-cultural play box can be hired for £5 a month by organisers of groups for 5 to 14 year olds. Call 493618 to book the box.

1pm - 3pm Haydon Centre Tombola, cakes, table top sale Organised by Haydon Wick Tea & Tots

Disease of destruction Sufferers of a disease described as the 'worst condition which can befall a human being' are able to receive support from a local organisation.

Andy Wheatley from Godolphin Close, Freshbrook is the chairman of the local branch of the Huntingdon's Disease Association which aims to support families and sufferers with friendship and advice on benefits, social services, special equipment and grants, and to raise awareness amongst the public and professionals. The group also fundraises and organises day trips and short breaks for sufferers.

Huntingdon's Disease, formerly known as Huntingdon's Chorea, causes the slow, relentless and irreversible physical and mental destruction of a sufferer.

Control of physical functions is lost and personality, attitudes and mental capacity are affected. Loss of speech, of muscle control, of eating ability, of mental dexterity can cause increasing isolation whilst the financial and emotional strain on a family can be devastating.

The disease is hereditary, except in the rarest cases. Although research has identified the cause, there is no known cure yet.

The North Wilts Branch of the HD Association meets twice a month at Stratton Hospital with specialist speakers talking about issues of interest. To find out more, Andy Wheatley can be contacted on 873268

Responding to Dyslexia Dyslexia affects four out of every ten people. Problems can show themselves in reading, writing, number work, short term memory, hand control and visual processing. Timekeeping, sense of direction and interpersonal skills can also be affected.

The Swindon Dyslexia Centre aims to help anyone suffering from specific reading and writing difficulties. Pupils are taught in pairs by experienced qualified teachers.

The tuition complements the work already provided in most of our schools across the county, and to that end, we endeavour to work with the child's school in the hope of giving support and feedback to child, teacher and parent.

The centre endeavours to proro vide a challenging and exciting learning atmosphere where students are encouraged to reach their full potential, and in so doing, helping them overcome their difficulties with their reading, writing, spelling and numeracy.

Each student follows a carefully structured, individual programme, designed to remediate difficulties and provide a sound basis for future study.

In the three years since opening the Swindon Dyslexia Centre has helped over 150 pupils and in March 1995 a Dyslexia Helpline was launched. For free counselling and advice, telephone Swindon 433967 between 9am and 1pm.

THINKING ABOUT A CONSERVATORY OR REPLACEMENT WINDOWS? If you are,then you're probably thinking about some quotes. Your checklist to select a company may have these requirements: / No pressure sales - friendly advice in a relaxed environment / Fast, quick quote / Local reputable company offering best value for money / Quality products with a good choice If this sounds familiar to suit your budget

- give us a call.

Fordmontague is owned by Andrew Montague from Wootton Bassett who has 12 years experience in conservatories. He can visit you to provide a competitive quote with no hard sell techniques.

Alternatively, visit the showroom in Wootton Bassett High Street which includes wooden gifts and collectables. Or come and see us at our display unit at Dorcan Market on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Parking at both venues is free.

As members of the Conservatory Association you can be assured of high standards and a reputable service.

Y-v 7

To enquire, please telephone and ask for Andrew Montague

Tel: (01793) 849832

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The Link Magazine • November 1995 1 v2 long warm days of summer leaving us and it's time for ids to start moving. Birds such the insect-eating Hirundinidae :.mily and Warblers have flown i'uth to warmer climates of Afca, while other birds arrive in :itain for the winter months.

Redwing (Turdus Iliacus) and ieldf are (Turdus pilaris) arrive in -1ge flocks from Scandinavia vhilst geese, swans and wading irds travel from their arctic nestrig grounds. Most birds start their 3lrnies before there is a shortage 'f food and once they have built ip their reserves of body fat to ,ustain them during their epic light.

Migration - time to move on Lydiard Countryside Ranger David Swift, watches the birds take off

Migratory birds are born with an instinct to travel and this is triggered by daylight hours all around the world which also affects their breeding cycle too.

Many species of bird travel at night.

This can be an advantage preventing them becoming a victim to predation but it means that they have to feed during daylight hours.

Birds navigate by using the sun or the night constellations but if night navigation is obscured by cloud they can sense the earth's magnetic field and use it like a

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compass. There is one bird which stands out from the rest when it comes to migration and that is the Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea). It is said that this species of bird enjoys more hours of daylight than any other creature. The northern limit to its breeding range is high inside the Arctic circle, about 700 miles from the North Pole. The Arctic tern spends its winter off the coast of South Africa and many

Tree for peace The Mayor of Swindon 's German twin town Salzgitter Oberburgermeister Hermann Struck joined Thamesdown's Mayor Coun Bert Smith in planting a maple tree in the Salzgitter glade at Lydiard Park on 6 October

DO YOU KNOW

Wildlife gatherings Link Centre is the venue for monthly meetings of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Thamesdown Group and anyone interested is welcome to attend.

The next two meetings in the Community Suite will take place from 730pm on: Tuesday 21 November An audio/visual mystery tour with Tony Bennett Tuesday 12 December Tim Roger will give an illustrated presentation on 'Talking Flowers.'

Butcher • Baker . Newsagent Shoe shops Co.. ers Sports goods • Plants • Fashion • Fabrics • Rugs • Computer games Nursery goods Cards • Flowers Pet shop . Tools . Jewellery Sweets • Kitchen wear Wallpapers Watches • Books Baby Clothes • Bathroom wear • Crafts • Cafe

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A day of coppicing at Peatmoor Copse at the beginning of October marked an anniversary for the volunteers who have been working over several years to bring the woodland back into useful life.

Peatmoor Copse group organiser Liz Curd said volunteers had been coppicing (clearing and cutting back trees) on the edge of Peatmoor Lagoon for eight years.

Coppicing is an ancient way of making trees commercially productive whist keeping woodlands environmentally friendly for wildlife.

Now the group had started to cut down areas in the copse which had been worked when voluntary work first started. "The trees are tall enough to provide wood for hedging stakes, thatching spars or fencing. We are working to a management plan which means we will move around the copse to work on different areas as trees reach the right size," said Liz. The Peatmoor Copse Group welcomes people who would like to take part in the ongoing maintenance work. Call Ross or Liz Curd on 876654 for dates and times.

Cutting and trimming, from left, Liz Curd, Dee Atkins, Simon Gathercole, Ann Clitheroe, Ross Curd

44o.'n Me adiüa1 h dw eIic, aia øiea a ds4e 10 aa1uj

wander to the Antarctic ocean to the edge of the packed ice.

There are other birds to think about and one of those is the cuckoo. You would presume that they would be guided back to Africa or Asia by their parents but this is not the case. The adults depart approximately one month earlier leaving their young to be looked after by foster-parents. The young cuckoos then migrate to Africa or Asia only to return the following season to exactly the same area that they were hatched.

The adults are even cleverer because they can return to the exact spot where their young were hatched.

So, when you see a thrush or even a robin in the park or garden just think it may not be a resident bird but may have travelled hundreds of kilometres to get here.

IaSI&i.

To place your order to book a table, telephone (01793) 877888 Large parties & corporate clients welcome Private dining facilities available

The Link Magazine • November 1995 25

Historic baby arrives in new community Abbey Meads has welcomed the first baby to be born to parents living on the development since residents started moving in at the end of last year.

Carl and Janice Laxton, the proud parents of baby son Declan who was born on 11 April, were presented with a commemorative silver salver and flowers by Peter

Bond of the Haydon Development Company in early October.

He said, "we are delighted towelcome little Declan into the world and also to Abbey Meads. He is the first of many children who will Peter Bond of the Haydon Development Company, left, presents Janice and spend their first years here at AbCarl Laxton with a silver salver and a bouquet to mark baby Declan 's arrival bey Meads. We have spent a lot time and effort making this a safe and friendly place to grow up.

"Abbey Meads is the first development in the UK to be wholly designed on the new principle of traffic calmed roads - there is a speed limit of 20mph in all residential areas. With the other community facilities that are being planned, it will be a community that Declan will be proud to grow up in."

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Haydon Wick's Tea & Tots group gives parents a chance to meet each other and for their children to do all the things they can't do at home.

The group uses a large room at the Haydon Centre every Thursday between 1pm and 3pm where The purchase of a house is probably the biggest financial commitment there is a lot of equipment and you can make. Therefore, choosing the right mortgage is as important space to rush about in.

Telephone The group would like to meet as choosing the right house writes Grahame Lee of Abbey Meads (01793) 423651 any mums who want to join them.

Financial Ltd. For more information, Karen Dobi Over the past few years, the on 729782 mortgage market has changed dramatically and mortgage providers have launched many special mortgages in order to keep their market share. They have introduced discounts, fixed rates and cashbacks.

This is good for borrowers provided you know the options available, the true costs and hidden extras and how they fit your personal circumstances.

Your first step? Talk to DBS. We For the average housebuyer it is analyse the whole market, compare almost impossible to establish all rate and hidden costs, then offer an of these facts so you need expert unbiased recommendation on help, which we can provide via the best deal for you. You our computer access to virtually Grahame Lee,front, and Cohn can get the same unbiased every bank and building society Edenbo rough of Abbey Meads advice on all your essential lifelong mortgage. We survey the market Financial Ltd for you and then provide a nofinancial needs. With no obligation to obligation written quotation. tial that you seek professional help buy. Simply call your local DBS Having found the best mortgage from an unbiased independent adviser on the number below. offer we then help you determine adviser who is constantly researchthe most suitable method of pro- ing the market and who can advise Abbey Meads tecting and repaying the loan. As you as to the most suitable mortFinancial Ltd Independent Financial Advisors gage for your individual requireIndependent Financial Advisors we have access to virtually all pro- ments.

COSTLY FIXb. Suite 2, Pembroke Centre viders of insurance, investment Are you aware that all banks and pension products. and the vast majority of building Cheney Manor, Swindon SN2 2PQ Many borrowers are also con- societies you see everyday in your Tel: (0 1793) 512612 fused as to the many different re- High Street can only advise you on payment options available so we the products of one company? help you establish the most suitAbbey Meads Financial Ltd are A roesobor of DBS Finanoul Mnugeneens PLC able for your circumstances from Independent Financial Advisors UNBIASED FINANCIALADVICE Repayment and Endowment or who can advise you on the majorFROM THE UK'S LARGEST PROVIDER OF INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE. Pension and Pep mortgages, with ity of products and companies that DBS Financial Management PLC. life cover and critical illness pro- make up the market, and make the Registered Office: Independence House, Holly Bank Road, Huddersfield I-ID3 3HN. tection. mortgag' decisions easy.

Regulated by the Personal Investment Authority These are only a few of the opContact us today on (01793) *PIA do not regulate these products/services. Written quotations on request. tions available to you and with 512612 for a no-obligation quotaYOUR HOME is AT RISK IFYOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT such enormous choice it is essen- tion or further information.

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26

The Link Magazine. November 1995

,47

Fundraising help wanted

Taste the finest Cantonese, Sichuan, Peking and South East Asian Cuisine Visit us and try our superb menu 5 course meal £13.50 per head Selection of starters, main courses and desserts Book early to avoid disappointment

Menu available on request Fully Licensed

53 Devizes Road Swindon Tel: (01793) 521515

Oberburgermeister Hermann Struck and Thamesdown's Mayor Coun Bert Smith unveiled a new road at Abbey Meads in October to celebrate the twentieth year of twinning between Swindon and Salzgitter.

The West Swindon Family & Community Project is looking for volunteers to run stalls at the following three fund raising events.

18 November Craft stall at Link Centre charity market: 9am - 1pm 2 December Table top sale at Freshbrook Village Centre: 9.30am - 1230pm 27 January Money collection in the West Swindon Centre shopping mall: 9am 5pm. A minimum of 12 collectors will be required to run three collection points for up to 1.5 hours each in a group of three (less time if more volunteers come forward).

If fewer than twelve members volunteer this will result in cancellation of the collection which in turn

The Hawthorns Medical Centre in Gorse Hill has set up a Patients Participation Group which discusses activities at the centre and how support services can be improved.

The centre has many patients living in West Swindon and in the Haydon Wick area and the group wants more of them to come forward to take part in discussions. To find out more, patients living in West Swindon should call Debby Hobbs on 874833. The contact for North Swindon is Arthur Hollick on 522480.

.1

Raise money for your cause

Other community groups are invited to book a table on 2 December at £3, with proceeds going to their own cause. Contact Mark Thomas at the Family Project on 871303.

Donation welcome

The West Swindon Family Project is looking for a vacuum cleaner.

If anyone has one in good working order that they are willing to donate for use in a new community organisation please contact Mark, Pam or Allyson at the project on 871303.

Interested in learning a new skill?

Advice workers wanted

Patients participation

'r

will jeopardise the continuation of the outings and parties.

Are you good with people? West Swindon Family Project are looking for people who are interested in training to be voluntary advice workers. All volunteers will take the Law Centre accredited Welfare Rights training course. Please contact Mark, Pam or Allyson on 871303.

# q

1 WRt, er r, r\i 1-94 13 -0

OPEN DAY AT THE HEALTH HYDRO Friday 24th November lOam - 9pm A great opportunity to experience the following FREE Exercise Room

Turkish Baths

Life circuit training machines Life steppers Life rowers r Power joggers r Life cycles * Upper body machine

ie 3 Hotrooms * Spa pool r Plunge pool e 2 Steam rooms * Large rest area

Frm Sturday 1th to:Wednsda 20th December Tt*o perforimnces dnily - Call now for dtai1s!

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The Link Magazine. November 1995 27

Mondex moves into school A group of Young Enterprise students at Greendown School claim that their school business is the first to offer Mondex 'cash on a card' facilities to its customers.

The company which started life converted soon. Mondex could be as the Greendown Radio Group very successful in schools and I and relaunched the school radio think we're the first in Swindon." station last year, has expanded to Midland Bank, one of the two 11 members and now sells CD banks backing the Mondex project, clocks and stationary to other stu- has a branch in the school. dents during break time. The Pushing Mondex,from left, Matthew group signed up as a Mondex re- Lewis, Nadine Preston, Louise tailer on 29 September to cater for Gravier, Phillip Coltas the growing number of people in school with cards.

Company Managing Director Matthew Lewis believes the Mondex concept has a lot going for it. "More and more people are getting Mondex cards. About 25 students and several staff have them. It can be used in the school canteen and the payphone will be

Winners The Link has run several competitions in the last two editions. The winners are: Cambridge Diet wordsearch (in September Link) June Dziubinski, Elsie Hazel Court, Freshbrook Gill Westcott, Stancombe Park, Westlea Mr C Dodds, Lineacre Close, Grange Park Gurinder Kaur, Lambert Close, Fresbrook Lorraine Darnell, Marney Road, Grange Park Mrs C Smith, Comfrey Close, Woodhall Park Mrs M Dexter, Avonmead, Greenmeadow Dorothy Witts, Westminster Road, Toothill Mrs Bhogal, Wilmot Close, Prinnels A B Woodrow, Furlong Close, Swindon Sam Ashton, Edgehill, Freshbrook MGM Pocahontas word scramble Hailey Spearing, Shropshire Close, Ramleaze, Shaw Dela Butler, Wentworth Park, Freshbrook Hannah Kenealy, Avonmead, Haydon Wick Andrea Wilstead, Conyers Close, Grange Park Georgina Louca, Coriander Way, Woodhall Park Wyvern Theatre Yogi Bear friend's name Steve Kerrigan, lxworth Close, Ramleaze, Shaw Miss M Bowen, Lineacre Close, Grange Park Oasis Halloween Party Steve Kerrigan, lxworth Close, Ramleaze, Shaw Jeannie Wedge, Cranmore Avenue, Park South Miss K Shendrick, Bradenham Road, Grange Park

Events at the West Swindon Centre Darth Vader and his Star Wars storm troopers will be invading on 1 November with a full sized X Wing space fighter recoverd from outer space. Performances take place at 11am 1pm 3pm 5pm Santa arrives at 2pm on Saturday 25 November to take up residence in his grotto until late December Colouring competition for under 5s, 5s to 10,11 to 14 Blank copies of the colouring competition are available in the centre next to the play bus. There are great prizes to be won. Closing date is Friday 22 November.

Youth dance at Toothill centre Children and teenagers have the chance to dance at a new class at Toothill Community Centre.

Freestyle disco dance instructor Bobbie Tomlinson wants to offer more activities for youngsters and there are classes for 5 to 8 year olds, under 12s and teenagers on a Tuesday evening from 630pm.

The cost is £1.50 per session, or £1 each if two children from the same family attend.

Bobbie will be introducing classes in Rock & Roll and Lindyhop, and she is already planning a Christmas show.

Youngsters who would like to dance should drop into the community centre, or call Bobbie on 700063 for more information.

Enterprising Car Boot Sale Sunday 12 November 8am-lpm Car Park Greendown School Grange Park

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As well as our quality pine furniture and beds, we now stock a full range of brass and iron beds.

Boots: Cars - £5.

Vans - £7.

No need to book Refreshments ANTIQUES & ALL PINE available. Raffle Organised by Greendown Young Enterpise Students

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0

28 The Link Magazine' November 1995

Mrs Lesley Taylor MBChA, MSSCh Qualified Surgical Chiropodist •!

Duke award followers sleep out in home made shelters

Also offering Reflexology Surgery or Home Visits

For an appointment please telephone (01793) 849914 anytime

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24 hour emergency service, tel: Swindon 526780

Al HOME IMPROVEMENTS Unit 72 Pembroke Centre Cheney Manor Swindon

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On complete kitchens with a minimum order value of £3,000

On fitted replacement kitchen doors with a minimum order value of £995

Offer includes: Furniture / Appliances / Plumbing

Choice of over 50 door fascias on display Free worktops Choice of 25 designs

Electrics

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Extended offer closes 31/12/95

Extended offer closes 31/12/95

Impress your friends and guests with a new kitchen fitted before Christmas

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme participant Vicky Hornby writes: On 29 September the Duke of Edinburgh group camped out at Greendown Community School, except we had no tents. We all got on and worked really well with each other. Our shelters took over an hour to make and ours ended up looking like a toblerone. It was a bit of a squash with nine of us in there.

Later on most of us went across to Lydiard Park but came back at about 9pm with our trainers soaked. We went into other peoples tents and talked for most of Putting up their shelters, Melanie the night. Most of us fell asleep at Rucker and Rachel Lawrence with about 4am.

In the morning we were woken Duke of Edinburgh leader Nick Stenning in front, with from left to up by the boys pulling the plastic right, Rosemary Ogle, Becky Chester, sheeting off our shelter and then Kerry Webb, Uan Harrison, Rachel we had our pictures taken. We all went home at about 7.45 in the Almond, Anish Harrison morning and were very tired.

Since then we have all become better friends and are looking forward to the next trip. I just hope it isn't so cold.

Housing and the elderly

Pensioner viewpoints wanted

Age Concern will be running a campaign in 1996 'More Than Bricks and Mortar' which will focus on the effects of bad housing on older people.

Age Concern Thamesdown Director Jo Osorio,who is coordinating the research in Swindon, says, "all homes should be affordable, easy to get around, safe and in good condition. Is yours? If not, what would you like to see done about it?

"We would like older people, their families and friends to write giving us their views and comments on any aspect of housing, whether you rent or own and wherever you live.

"We would really value your views and may reproduce them in our campaign report, although names will not be mentioned."

Comments should be sent to Jo Osorio, Age Concern Thamesdown, 14 Milton Road, Swindon.

Keep the donations coming please Age Concern Thamesdown is appealing again for donations of goods to sell in its shop in Swindon - things like good quality clothing, bric-a-brac and books.

'We were delighted by the response to our recent appeal' said director Jo Osorio, 'and I want to thank readers for the help they gave. But our work doesn't stop.

Each week we see or hear from around 500 older people at our day centres, through our advice or home visiting service, when we deliver meals-on-wheels or at our activity groups. Demand for our services will increase as winter approaches."

Goods can be delivered to 50 Fleet Street, Monday to Saturday, 9.45am and 330pm. Collection can be arranged. Call 692166 to arrange collection, or to find out more about Age Concern services.

Free guide for older car owners

Age Concern Insurance Services has produced a new leaflet in its Handy Hints guide series aimed at motorists aged over 55.

Handy Hints for Car Owners provides practical advice on many motoring matters including information on car maintenance, car security, driving abroad and what to do in case of an accident.

Age Concern Insurance Services is one of the country's largest provider of insurance for older people. For a free copy of their leaflet, contact Age Concern Thamesdown. Tel: 692166.

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The Link Magazine • November 1995 29

Why can't girls play football?

A fed up teenager wants to play Hannah Povey, 13, from Grange league football. The problem is, Park, is frustrated at seeing her there is no girls team to join, nor is brothers playing each week. "I there a league to play in. love football and I'm fed up with Frustrated.. Hannah Povey

Youth coach comes forward Daniel Austen responded .to The Link magazine's call last month for somebody to take a baseball course in preparation for the setting up of a youth league in Thamesdown next year.

We will be advertising soon for young people to join a team, learn the game and get ready to compete.

Candidates for Lions award The West Swindon Lions Club is delighted by the increased response to their call for applicants to its International Youth Award scheme.

There was one nomination last year, this year there were three.

One will be selected to go forward to regional finals.

Last year, Lions nomination Vicky Cox was the regional final winner for her voluntary work with the Thumbs Up playscheme for children with learning needs.

watching my brothers play in league matches and winning trophies in competitions. I want to take part and have the chance to improve, and take pride in winning.

Why should football be only for boys. With more training and experience, I know I can be just as good as boys of the same age."

Hannah wants parents to encourage their daughters who like football to ask their PE teachers and youth club leaders to set up teams which could lead to a girls league being formed.

• Nikki Green at the County Ground Lifestyle Unit says the Champion Coaching Scheme will be running girls football courses in secondary schools from January, and there are moves to set up a 5 a-side league. Team organisers are wanted. Call Nikki on 511033.

MAD arts fest gets cash backing An arts festival aimed at young people has received a £3,000 grant from the Thamesdown Foundation for the Arts.

The Music, Dance and Arts (MAD) Festival, reported exclusively in last months Link magazine, will take place in May next year. Based on the Inspirations drama group, the MAD Festival will be organised and performed by young people. In addition to music, dance and art, there will drama, circus skills, graffiti events and workshops.

To offer help and get involved, call youth worker Jo Marchment on 871212 ext 229.

cop

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30 The Link Magazine November 1995

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Dishwashers

A&M Services 24 hour response

Tel: 874240

Danger for cyclists Campaigners for improved cycle routes in Swindon are calling for a safe crossing point across Wootton Bassett Road.

Following the opening of the new cycle track from West Swindon into Swindon town centre, pictured in last month's Link magazine, cyclists from the Swindon Bike Group want Thamesdown and Wiltshire County Council to consider the safety of cyclists and pedestrians who risk life and limb against the heavy traffic near Mannington roundabout.

Anne Billingham of the Swindon Bike Group said, "the new cycle route into Swindon is very welcome and will be well used.

Now we want the council's to look at how people can cross Wootton Bassett road. Sometimes its almost impossible because of the traffic coming out of town or racing

off the Mannington roundabout.

It's an official crossing point for the River Ray Parkway between Coate Water and Lydiard Park, but it's very dangerous.

• The Link is interested to know of other danger points for cyclists.

Call 872282 if you have a complaint that should be publicised.

Bernard Cashman of the Cycle Touring Club and Anne Billing/tam from Swindon Bike Group with Steve Thomas from Wroughton, on the right, who crosses the Wootton Bassett road twice a day

MODERN DRIVING TECHNIQUES WEST SWINDON'S PREMIER DRIVING SCHOOL • High Pass Rate • Full Hour Tuition • Free Pick Up Service ALAN COLLICT. Est. W Swindon 1978

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01793 872244

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Property Maintenance Painter & Decorator• Specialist Artexing

Telephone: (01793) 791388 YOUR LOCAL GARAGE DOOR SPECIALIST Up and Over Garage Doors supplied, fitted, repaired (spare parts available) Remote Control Free Survey with no obligation quotation

MAXWELL HOUSE, MAXWELL STREET, SWINDON TELEPHONE: (01793) 513796

The Double Glazing Doctor Swindon's window & door repair service (01793)431788 Mobile: 0973 - 452843 Sealed Units, Handles, Locks, Hinges

Railway women wanted Rosa Matheson is reseaching a Ph.D into Women and the GWR at the University of the West of England and hopes eventually to write a book about women's experiences.

She is focussing on the Swindon works and women who lived in company houses in the railway village.

Rosa is interested in meeting women who worked in Swindon works at any time, particularly if they worked 'inside' before 1947.

She also has an interest in women who worked on the railways in any capacity, particularly in nontraditional areas.

The project is being carried out in conjunction with Thamesdown Museum Services who want to find women who worked in the stores so that tey can be portrayed in the proposed railway heritage centre in Swindon Rosa has questionnaires for women to fill out and she would like to arrange interviews as well.

She can be contacted on 764968.

If you need Advertisements Booklets Business Stationary Certificates Contracts Forms Invitations Leaflets Manuals Mailshots Menus Newsletters Notices Overhead transparancies Posters Price Lists Prospectuses

Women's Information

Reports

Thamesdown Council is prepar- Tickets ing a free directory of women's Timetables groups and organisations in the borough.

Groups concerned with women's needs have until 17 Novem- Graphic Design, ber to send information to be inIllustration, Photography cluded. Call 526161 ext4858 for an and Copywriting entry form.

U

The Link Magazine • November 1995 31

Autumn events for under 5s

NO NEED TO LIVE WITH HARD WATER CONTACT:

F SWINDON5 ATER Kinetico Block Salt Water Softeners guarantee soft water 24 hors. a day. Only 19" high, non-electric, meter controlled.

Rent, lease, purchase. DIV sales & service. Salt delivered.

260 Ferndale Road, Swindon. Tel: 527172

K.J. ARRELL Plumbing and Heating • • • •

Under 5s got together with Fireman Sam to hunt for treasure at Lydiard Park on Monday 9 October in an event organised by the West Swindon Under 5's Workshop. Following a trail of clues, the youngsters had to search for natural treasures like feathers, fir cones and nuts, and find pictures of woodland animals hidden around the park. Pictured above are under 5s exploring the treasure box at the end of their search.

Robots, masks and make believe

Fancy Dress Christmas Party

Imaginative and messy arts and crafts for under 5s Please note rearranged date Thursday 2 November lOam to 11.30am Community Suite Link Centre 50p per family Bring a plastic bag to take away painted creations

Thursday 7 December lOam - 12noon Community Suite Link Centre Party games, disco, prizes for fancy dress Tickets: 70p per family available after 8 November from the Community Suite

New blood needed for under 5s workshop Chris Dams appeals Help! The West Swindon Under 5s Festival and Workshop team needs new parent volunteers to join in to plan and organise next year's events. Some of our children are starting our schools soon and volunteers will be moving on.

We need new interest and new ideas - you?

What do we do? We organise a lively range of events for under 5s in the West Swindon area. These include workshops at the Link Centre and a range of events at an annual summer under 5s festival.

Each workshop has a theme which is creatively expanded using different learning materials: painting, collage, playdough, music, movement, stories, song, etc.

The ideas are generated by a small team and put into action with the help of a wide band of volunteers. We aim to combine fun with learning new skills for both the children and their parents.

The summer festival uses a variety of venues and events, often outdoors, all dedicated to enhancing children's play.

What can you do? We're all

volunteers and we need new help to organise activities for during 1996. Join us. The last year has been great fun and we thank the parents who are moving on with their school age children.

To find out more, search out Sue Godfrey or Chris Dams at the events listed above, call into the Link Centre Community Suite office or call 871212 ext 234.

Father Christmas Suit for hire from Westlea Playgroup £5 plus £5 refundable deposit Tel: Lyn Serrank on 870007

Quality work Reasonable prices No job too small Free estimates

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All maintenance undertaken Tree lopped • Shrubs pruned Lawn laying Grass cutting Planting Fence preserving/repairs

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Tel: (01793) 526571

• Fencing & Shed Manufacturer • Trade & Public Sales • Metpost Stockist Desktop Publishing, typesetting & Graphic Design Offset Litho Printing & Finishing Contract Packaging & Assembly Work Gipsy Lane Business Park, Gipsv Lane, Swindon SN2 6DT

Tel: (0 1793 616288 Fax: (01793) 542235

Childrens Playhouses

Delivered for Christmas

The IàeaL ChlzlsTwas PJZeSeHT Because at Minety we believe the better the quality, the longer lasting the product and nobody pays more attention to craftmanship and solid reliability than us

5 Exclusive Models Prices from £189.00

Roughmoor group vacancies Buttons Mother and Toddler Group who meet on Mondays, 2.30pm - 430pm at Roughmoor Social Hall in Peatmoor have vacancies on their waiting list.

If you have children aged between one and three years old and would like to join this group from January 1996 onwards please contact Kathy Tregelles on 876324.

' 01793 - 727397 Mobile: 0850 219 553

ENTERPRISE WORKS

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24 Hour Service

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Barnfield Road, Swindon (off Great Western Way)

Tel: (01793) 486762

32

The Link Magazine. November 1995

West Swindon Lions Club

Baby equipment & large toy sale

RUMMAGE SALE AND BIKE STAMP

Saturday 18 November, 1 p - 3pm Freshbrook Community Centre Cots, car seats, buggies, walkers, etc. sold on a 15% commission To register items for sale, call Hazel on 875813 or Angela on 512278.

Goods for sale should be delivered between 1130am to 12.30pm on 18 November Organised by Freshbrook Parent & Toddler Group

Shaw Village Church Hall Saturday 11 November, 2pm - 4.30pm Lots of bargains!

Refreshments available, free admittance All proceeds to local needy causes

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Professional Wedding Photography Brochure on Request Telephone Tod Clark Cirencester

01285 860667

WEDDIING

Reputation built on quality Well known social photographer Graham McCallion of Wootton Bassett comes from a family steeped in the business. His father and brother run studios in Scotland, so the standard of his work is closely and critically scrutinised.

Photography is in his blood and he believes he has quite an old fashioned approach where quality of work is all important.

Working with two other highly qualified photographers the Graham McCallion Studio probably covers more weddings in the Swindon area than any other.

SIHIBLIL1111 Professional Mobile Hairdresser based in West Swindon 7 years experience

Cuts, Colours & Perms

Tel: 877214 (New number) or 0585-641377

Deb's Sunbeds Home Rental Fast tanning canopies - with or without facial boosters • Doubles also available Free installation and local delivery Excellent Rates!!!

Tel: Swindon 421665 anytime (Mobile 0378 - 641052)

WHITE ROLLS ROYCE, JAGUAR & ROVER

LOVELL - E - NAILS • Nail Jewellery • Me ur, all Sue Lovell On 0374 496252 (mobil ) or 01793 700350 • Nail Extensions

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10% off all treatments with this advert Hostess required for demonstration parties

Christmas Event Need something special?

We make evening dresses to your specifications o New wedding dresses for sale from £20d o Nearly new wedding dresses from £75 O Wedding and bridesmaid dresses made to your design o Hire available on wedding dresses & accessories from £150

Call now and ask for Laura or Avril on (01 793) 490057/495727

'1

Kate Bowd and David Rabey from Middleleaze were married at Freshbrook Church in August and photographed by Graham McCallion

"It's important that wedding photographs reflect the happy occasion, so they should be very natural," he says. 'Taking photographs is eighty per cent handling people, knowing when to say something or to stand back. We believe in letting things happening without imposing too much structure or taking too much time.

"We have a saying, 'we don't take weddings, we take photographs'."

Virtually all the studio's work comes from recommendation.

After all, there's only one chance to get it right.

So if you want to remember that special day in years to come, it's important to have a guarantee of excellence. You will with Graham McCallion studios.

Fully chauffeur driven, air conditioned cars Contact: (01793) 762117 Mobile: 0860 683205

Graham McCallion PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO WEDDINGS PORTRAITS COMMERCIAL 4 I'

151 HIGH STREET WOOTTON BASSETT

TEL: (01793 853010 -

To aàv1zT1s in Quiz SpJzinqTIwe Wainq FeaTU1z, cciii (01793) 854030

The Link Magazine. November 1995

Disability info, centre opens Anew Disability Information Service designed specifically for the needs of people with disability opened in October.

Run by Living Options Swimdon at the Shaftesbury Centre in Rodbourne, the free, confidential service will help disabled people identify their needs and requirements. A computer database and library holds information on local and national facilities, services and support groups available for disabled people.

Volunteer information worker Pauline Separghan helps Allan Thipthorpe from Toothill

The centre also acts as a signposting and support service to help users make contact with the organisations or people they require.

The service is available for disabled people, their families, friends and personal assistants, professionals and voluntary groups.

A telephone informtion line operated by trained personnel is also available. The number is 537588

Home based workers make connections

DUNCAN SELF DRIVE HIRE Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates Vans • Lutons Estates • Cars 272 Ermin Street Stratton St. Margaret Swindon

Tel: 822193 Open Daily 9am - 6 pm Sundays 9am - lOam

HAVE YOU MADE A WILL? We can help: • Home Visits Anytime • Fixed Low Prices • Free Advice • Prompt Service

ACT NOW! Just Wills Wiltshire

(01793) 727091

'Office' party planned

1 The sound of merriment and mild hysteria greeted me as I joined the inaugural gathering of The Link Get ready for Christmas with Magazine Home Business Netthese great offers: workers' Group (it needs a less • All perms £25 (normally £45) cumbersome title?) in the relaxed • Bleached highlights £20 (normally £30) surroundings of the De Vere hotel • Includes a cut & blow dry bar on Friday 13 October writes excludes very long hair Jan Baird Feeling slightly apprehensive • Late night Thursday that we would be a bunch of sad individuals who rarely ventured (thaa beyond our cosy converted boxHAIR STUDIO rooms in the hours of daylight, and had forgotten how to talk to 35 Havelock Street, Swindon the world (unless you count gruntTel: (01793) 521177 ing at the postman), my fears were LCut out this advert to receive the special offer. Valid until 30 November soon confirmed.

Well, in the sense that it transpired that most of us had indeed grunted at thepostman in our time, but that was usually because we'd noticed he'd been trying unsuccessfully to fold a clients priceless piece of artwork or six months supply of CD Rom disks to get them through the letter box (only kidding, posties).

LOOK and LISTEN before you commit yourself to any There was a mixed bag of busimajor home improvement. New windows, doors and ness represented but most of us especially a new conservatory shared similar reasons for starting can transform your home... a business from home; minimal CI-IECIQJST. but its worth using this overheads, fed up with commuting, wanting more flexibility, besimple checklist: Q CHOICE Are they offering a good / ing able to combine work with famranqe of rI n.... -I -" various ily commitments and so on. Our locking Options? experiences were also similar - it Q REPUTA-jQJ,,,. 17 ••vei,"' known was heartening to hear that selfLOCAL firm, well established discipline, motivation and organiwith a reputation to protect? sation were hard for most of us at the beginning, but that a routine Q QUALITY' Are the products they soon settles in. The myths were install supplied by a major dispelled too, - none of us admitnational manufacturer like 'AA'A'A ted to succumbing to the delights Coastal? of daytime TV; indeed most of us 0 GUARANTEE: Is my in vestment agreed we worked harder than we Properly prote Cted? ever did before.

All in all, it was a great evening.

So, calling all home-based bookkeepers, aromatherapists, marketeers, designers, etc., if you couldn't ERMIN WINDOWS make it, come along next time.

flovemberJjctir Specia/?

Christmas Bazaar 25 November, from 1 .3Opm Santas Grotto, Bric-a-brac, tombola, cakes, raffle Freshbrook Community Centre Admission 20p Organised by Freshbrook Rainbow Playgroup

NCT Christmas Fayre Saturday 2 December 10.30am - 1 p The Moose Centre Eastcott Road Admission 20p, children free.

Santa's grotto, craft stalls, tombola, childrens activities

Vacancies Friendly parent and toddler group Little Beavers has vacancies for newcomers with children aged 2 to 5 years.

The group meets every Monday morning from lOam to 12noon in the Community Suite at the Link Centre at a cost of £1 per child per session There are structured activities and the session includes a sing song and story. The morning ends with free play and there are lots of toys for children to use.

New members are welcome to just drop in. For more information, telephone Penny on 874093, Lynn on 879703 or Dawn on 871217.

Sinop

We're meeting in the Chinese Experience bar at 8pm on Friday 17 November, to plan our Christmas office party!

Call Brian Smith on 824419 A S.AA !er and !'sIaIIon

Vindows Coors ano cGnservato,!es

34

The Link Magazine • November 1995

REMOVALS ¶JKIL \7LflJ

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Who gives the best price & service he can Large or Small we move it all! *Commercial or domestic 'Single Item to a full house -House clearance undertaken 'Rubbish removed at cheaper rates than skip hire 'Call anytime (24 hrs)

Anytime Anyplace Anywhere Immediate response Excellent price Telephone: 01793 - 828576 Mobile: 0836 - 204105

For Sale

INDIVIDUAL TUITION ALL SUBJECTS - ALL AGES No obligation quotation or brochure from

PREMIER TUTORS 01793 - 814354 WASHING MACHINE REPAIRS • Same Day Service • Guaranteed Repairs • Immersion Heaters • General Plumbing • General Electrical Installations For a friendly, helpful service, call

J. Martin. Tel: 694930 1 Alnwick, Toothill

For Sale Cruiser with access to mooring on the River Thames at Radcot 21 Norman single cabin cruiser, outboard.

Needs some renovation £3,800 inclusive of mooring rental for 1996 Tel: (01793) 872282

For Sale

Apollo Sonnet and Apollo Wanderer bi- Saga mega-drive boxed, turbo pad, 10 cycles to suit girl aged 11-12 and lady. games, top titles, excellent condition, £95. £35 the pair, will separate. Tel: 495784 Tel: 485700 (Toothill) (Woodhall Park) Mega CD for Sege 16 bit, 5 games, excelBoys BMX, suit 8yrs +, good condition, lent condition, still under warranty, only choice of two, Raleigh Burner and Apollo £110, contact Mark or Michelle. Tel: 0378 Scorpio, £35 ono. Tel: 693416 (Fresh- 289904 (Woodhall Park) brook) Saga Mega drive 16 bit, 2 control pads Rayleigh Scorpion boys five speed bi- with 6 games, excellent cond. £90 incl. cycle, suit 5-8 years, excel condition, £50. insurance iii October 1996, ideal Xmas gift. Tel: 530518 (Toothill) Tel: 873602 (Eastleaze) Ladies large wheel bike with basket and Sege Mega drive 2 in excellent condition rack, also child seat and stand, £75. Tel: with 2 control pads and 3 games, 2 years old, £55. Tel: 875958 (Shaw) 875665 (Middleleaze) Mothercare anyway pushchair, tartan VCR, VHS Goodmans, videoplus, remote with matching cosy toes, baby bag, full control, twin speed, childlock, auto-head raincover, swivel wheels, shopping tray, cleaner, index search, 2-head system, 11 as new condition, £65, no offers. Tel: months old, box & instructions, new condition, bargain, £100. Tel: 887186 (Grange 875665 (Middleleaze) Tandem Silver Cross & raincover, buggy Park) linners £90. Maclaren Super Dreamer & Disney's Fansasia video and two CD carrycot, raincover, cosy toes, £60. 2 boxed set, escellent condition, £12 ono.

Britax car seats, matching, £40. Tel: Casio PT30 mini organ with manual and starter books, £12 ono. Tel: 875723 875665 Stairgate, £10. Cot quilt with two covers, Wedding gown-designer Roland Joyce, £10. KiddicraftKiddiwalker,E10. Clairbois matching headdress, veil, petticoat, activity rocker as new, £15. Tomy bought for £600, will sell for £300 ono, Dreamrider carrypack, new, £25. Tel: beautiful princess style, must be seen.

Tel: 871492 (Nine Elms) 881425 (Westlea) McClaren Skipper pram/pushchair, two Nikon fit Klron 80- 200 zoom lens. £50 raincovers, sunshade, vgc, £60. Wooden ono. Tel: 872282 playpen, £25. White Broderie Anglaise Knitting machine, does fairisle and fancy pram set, £5. Mint green baby bath, £5. stitching, also wool winderand instruction Tel: 728507 (Woodhall Park) book, space needed, £30 ono. Tel: 495644 Cot, white, drop-side, and mattress, £40. (Toothill) Tel: 875665 (Middleleaze) Contessa solarium, 6' long, five tubes, Violin, quarter size, as new condition, adjustable height vertical/horizontal use, £40. Tel: 875276 (Grange Park) very good condition, £100. Tel: 496187 Scalextric, £15. Fisher Price cassette, (Toothill) £5. Garage, £3. Airport £5. Fire station, Rotastak hamster housing, various com £5. Baby bath £3, changing mat, £2. Tel: partments and accessories, £10 per item.

Tel: 873013 (Westlea) 875489 (Grange Park) Two white jujitsu suits for 9/10, 10/11 Clear seal aquarium, size: 30" x 12' x year olds, £5 each. Tel: 872282 13', no lid, C20 ono. Tel: 871819

PICTURE POWER Missing Initiative A new footpath was built in the summer where Sandacre Road enters Nine Elms, Shaw. For some reason it stopped 30 metres short of joining up with an existing footpath, so pedestrians have to step out into the road. Who was responsible for this lack of initiative?

If the footpaths had been joined, would it have been safe to assume the letterbox sitting in the centre of the pavement would have been moved?

And how long will it take for the footpaths to be joined?

New rubbish dump?

Have you a picture to be taken?

In September we published a photograph of trolleys polluting a stream in Freshbrook. In October, we featured the overgrown state of the mini-pagoda at Peatmoor Lagoon.

Have you seen something which needs exposing in a photograph?

It might be dangerous, it may be ridiculous. Let us know and we will try to capture your idea in a picture? Call The Link on 872282.

James Trew of Ravenglass Road, Westlea reports flytipping of builder's rubble and refuse at the Withy Meads open space in front of the Renault building.

A telephone call to Thamesdown Council call and a letter in October has not brought a reaction.

He wants vehicular access into the open space to be blocked before more dumping takes place.

For Sale

For Sale

Tea and dlnnerset, 4 place setting, never used, cost 19.95, sell forE12. Tel:612918 Portable calor gas heater, four heating settings, regulator and gas bottle included, good condition, £30. Tel: 876115 (Grange Park) Supersercalorgas heater, complete with full bottle, excellent condition, £60. Nylon car cover, water resistant, brand new, £30. Tel: 875959 (Peatmoor) Calor gas heaters, both fitted with nearly full gas bottle, vgc, £25 each. Tel: 872957 (Peatmoor) G Plan mahogany TV & hi-fl unit, 59' L x 56" H x 18' D, £175. White dining room table, seats 6, extendable, £30. Tel: 875508 (Shaw) Nathan teak sideboard, very good condition, must sell, need the space, has to be seen, £45 (price dropped). Tel: 872541 (Westlea) Wardrobe, approx 6' x 4' x 3' full length hanging space plus drawers, £40. Double bed £20. Tel: 610798 (Freshbrook)

Brown pinstriped three piece suite, velor, unbuttoning cushions easy to wash, excellent condition, £80. 3 single beds with drawers excel. condition, £15 each.

Tel: 874294 (Freshbrook) Bridgecraft 3 piece suite, green dralon, £125. Tel: 874988 (The Prinnels) Regal double glazed Georgian-style window, white uPvC, two side openings and locks, one year old, excelilent condition, size 6' x 4', £150 ono. Tel: 873306 Normans high captains bunk bed with mattress, wardrobe, six drawers, desk and shelves, buyer to collect, £100. Tel: 873602 (Eastleaze) Teak effect wall unit, 64", incorporates glass display and cocktail cabinet, 2 cupboards and drawers, buyer moves, £50.

Tel: 873528 (Middleleaze) Stainless steel sink complete with taps and waste, I/h drainer nearly new, size 37" x 19', £20. Tel: 615675 (Freshbrook) Ford Fiesta 1.45, £1,500, excel. condition, one year MOT. Tel: 870530 (Shaw)

1 TFree Private For Sale & Wanted ads Return this form to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon by 16th of the month. Entries are subject to available space and are published on a first come first served basis.

Tel: Name & Address (not for publication)

L

I

Local Lives 50 years of Christian Aid Celebrations were held in September to mark Christian Aid's half century of promoting self-reliance in poor countries.

Locally a birthday party was addressed by the Bishop of Swindon Revd. Michael Doe Carolyn Soulsby of Westlea Church gives her perspective A luxury cruise, an ideal home, a Christian Aid also runs a trade trip to a secluded island, is this campaign, encouraging us to buy your dream?.. maybe.. or could it fairly traded goods such as Cafe be clean water, sufficient food and Direct, and lobbying the governclothing, health care for all the fam- ment to increase the British aid ily, education for the children? budget, which is currently below For most of us there are things the 0.7% of the GNP recommended we take for granted and can't im- by the United Nations. agine being without. For millions However the majority of the of people they are not part of daily money raised (88.8%) is used in experience but the sort of things relief aid and development work they can only dream about. overseas. As well as providing Some of those dreams become disaster relief in the form of food, reality thanks to the work of Chris- medicine, transport and shelter, tian Aid, which aims is to search Christian Aid supports a wide for creative ways to address the range of projects in developing root causes of poverty, injustice countries working to improve the and the denial of the most basic health and living conditions of the human rights of life. local people.

The West Swindon Ecumenical Churches raised £250 for Christian Aid from a barbecue at the West Swindon Centre last May. Pictured from left, Nick and Audrey Hutchinson, Christine Rogers, Jean Hill, Maria Hannah, Carol Farrow, Chris Stanley

• Planting trees to retain water and prevent erosion; • Working with those trying to preserve their livelihood in the tropical rainforests; • Supporting the oppressed of whatever age, e.g. street children or children used illegally in carpet making in India, Nepal and Pakistan; • building local amenities for shanty town dwellers and the construction of wells where needed.

Collection income Although income from the house to house collection across Swindon was slightly less than last year, the amount raised from collections in Toothill, Westlea and Shaw went up, with the people of Shaw contributing nearly £300 more than in 1994. £352.28 Toothill Westlea £235.68 £764.16 Shaw In addition, a further £797.45 was raised in the West Swindon area from hunger lunches, events at Toothill and Oliver Tomkins Schools and a burger stall at the West Swindon Centre during the year.

Freshbrook Evangelical Church

Parish of West Swindon & The Lydiards

Worsley Road

It all began in response to the needs of refugees in Europe during the Second World War when the British and Irish Churches set up an organisation called 'Christian Reconstruction in Europe': the name 'Christian Aid wasn't adopted until 1964.

It is a popular misunderstanding that Christian Aid only benefits Christians. In fact it helps those in greatest need in over 70 countries world wide, regardless of nationality or religion.

Part of the funds raised are used in Britain. There is a theatre company which goes into schools and other community groups with the purpose of drawing attention to the issues of poverty and injustice through lively drama and entertainment. A small percentage of income is given to support community and project work related to different racial groups in deprived areas in the UK and in Ireland.

They have found over the years that people's lives improve the most when they are allowed to make their own decisions, so money is passed to approved 'partner groups' overseas who administer the projects making full use of the local knowledge and skills and ensuring that the money is spent wisely to benefit those in greatest need.

This method of working results in a sense of dignity and self respect being maintained in those receiving support and encourages them to work towards becoming. self reliant.

The kinds of projects Christian Aid is involved with are numerous, including: • Helping farmers to work together, understand land rights, discover new crops/methods of farming and gain access to unused land;

The rationale behind all Christian Aid's work is the desire to put into practice Christian teaching about human dignity and the equal worth of all people, as well as showing practical love for our neighbours as commanded by Jesus in the parable of the good Samaritan.

By supporting Christian Aid you can help those which society ree jects and often chooses to forget.

If you can help, the local secretary is Phyllis Peet who can be contacted on 535154.

Will give YOU a warm welcome Sunday I Own Family Praise with children's Covenanter Movement & creche 630pm Evening Worship and Communion For details of mid-week meetings, house groups and other activities, telephone the Church Office, Tel: 873050

Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, URC All Saints, L. Millicent (10.30am) (for the village & Roughmoor) Revd Peter Knight 772417 Holy Trinity, Shaw (10.30am) Revd Andrew Hetherington 770568 St. Mary's, L.Tregoze (10.30am) (for Freshbrook, Grange Park, Hook) Revd Rob Buries 870244 Toothill Church (10.45am) Revd George Gibson 692620 (also free-church minister for parish) Westlea Church (lOam) Revd Peter Walker 872932 Evening & other services as announced, full range of childrens' & other groups

HILLIER FUNERAL SERVICE LTD. 170 Victoria Road Swindon Tel: 522797

252 Whitworth Road Swindon Tel: 522145

PRiVATE CHAPELS OF REST

24 hour personal service throughout the year A FAMILY BUSINESS OFFERING HELP AND ADVICE W1IEN MOST NEEDED

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