Issuu

THE

No. 162 • October 1995 • Circulation 15,000

TSP4810188 Swindon

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Distributed in West Swindon, Haydon Wick, Woodha!! Park & Abbey Meads

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

Help me find my mum Readers help wanted in quest to find long lost Freshbrook resident A fourteen year old girl who was once told her mother was dead believes she is still alive and wants to find her. Candy Sheppard, pictured below, who was born and brought up in Freshbrook but now lives in Shaw, last had contact with her mother Margaret Sheppard six years ago shortly before she walked out of the family home.

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hOrn: pa The new Haydon Leigh School We line up the .childrenand: staff: .page8. Abbey Meads. one: year on Looking back gage 9 hoosln9 a secondary ixis pa9el4 btECheok • Options onpetith: a three P59

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Candy's memories of Margaret came flooding back when she saw her mother again this summer, but only in a photograph taken 12 years ago by The Link magazine. It was on display as part of the West Swindon library's tenth anniversary celebrations in July. We've provided Candy with copies, and now she wants readers to help her find Margaret. At first Candy always thought she would see her mother again until family members said she had died. After three years she asked a social worker to investigate the register of deaths in England and Wales. Margaret's name does not appear on it and Candy is now convinced her mother must be alive - somewhere. "I was really shocked when I was told my mother's name was not registered dead," she said. I always had a feeling that she couldn't be; no officials like the police or a vicar visited the house and nobody would tell me where she was buried or anything. I cried and cried when I was told my mum was dead. People who were in my class at Freshbrook School will probably remember. "My mother could have visited us after she left home, but perhaps she didn't have the bus fare; maybe she couldn't take the pain of seeing us again." Candy is now more determined than ever to find Margaret and is appealing to anybody who knew the Sheppard family when they lived in Freshbrook to reveal any secret information they might be keeping. She could still have her married name, or she may be using her maiden name Brind. Or she may be remarried.

Is this your lucky Link Mag? Look inside for Donny Domino and you could win one of ten takeaway pizzas!

"1 can't imagine what it will be like to see her again. I always felt close to my mum and I really need to find her to satisfy the confusion in me. I want her love and understanding. I want to know her again, and I want her to see what I'm like now. We've missed a lot together and I've got such a lot inside to say to her." Anybody who has information which will help Candy in her search is asked to contact us. Right: Margaret Sheppard in a Link magazine photo from 12 years ago

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C,icles eSe c'

5 49O7

The Link Magazine. October 1995

Networking for home working Link readers Same Day Local Do you work or run a small busiElectrical Services ness from home in West or North

MAUREEN PEARSON A.T.T.

TAXATION

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ADVISOR For Advice and Help on Personal and Business Tax Completion of Tax Returns and Preparation of Accounts for the Inland Revenue 27 Holmleigh, Haydon Wick Swindon SN2 3RH

aQ M

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24 hour response

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J.I.B. Restered

COMPUTERS AT COMPETITIVE PRICES FROM A LOCAL COMAINY PROVIDING A PERSONAL SERVICE

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Swindon? Perhaps you are a freelance contractor or a consultant, or one of the increasing number of teleworkers who has rejected the hassle of commuting in favour of a modem link to the office. Whether it was your choice, redundancy or maybe having children forced a change in your working pattern, The Link magazine is organising a social get together for people who work from home and want to meet others. Marketing consultant Jan Baird has now worked from her Peatmoor home for a year after deciding she wanted more flexibility and less stress in her life. "Like so many people, I always seemed to be rushing around from meeting to meeting, often arriving home late and exhausted. Working from home suits me much better - the pace is slower and fewer distractions mean you often get more done than you would in a busy office. I also seem to have much more time now for other things. "The one thing I miss is the feedback and camaraderie of the big

Jan Baird office environment. It's something you have to get used to but I do find myself talking to the cats a little too often!" If you're interested in swopping experiences with others, the network group will gather for the first time on Friday 13 October, 8pm, in the bar at the DeVere Hotel. Look for copies of the magazine on the table. There are three marketing consultants and three people who use Macintosh computers already involved. Are there other home based workers interested?

Send out the boat me hearties!

;j TOOTHILL CHINESE KITCHEN Chinese Cuisine, English Food and Fish & Chips

Tel: 487055

Telephone Orders welcome before 11pm

OPEN Sunday 6pm - 1130pm Monday Closed Tuesday 5pm- 1130pm 12noon-1.45pm 5pm- 1130pm Wed Thurs 12noon 145pm 5pm - 1130pm Friday 12noon 145pm 5pm- 1145pm Saturday 12noon 145pm 5pm - 1145pm Open Bank Holiday Monday from 5pm

HOME DELIVERY SERVICE Eves only: 5pm - 10pm Delivery in W Swindon: ÂŁ1 Delivery to other areas S1.50 Toothill Village Centre Toothill Swindon

Ailifilk M410 %0% Published by West Swindon Publications

Editorial: Roger Ogle

13 Castle Dore

Tel: (01793) 872282

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

Fax: (01793) 878189

Published monthly.

Freshbrook, Swindon SN5 8P0

Publisher/Editor

The mini-pagoda on an island opposite the Chinese Experience restaurant at Peatmoor Lagoon looks very nice. Except it's getting difficult to see because it is becoming overgrown. The pagoda once looked lovely at night, with floodlights casting shadows across the still waters. But no more. The vegetation smothers the lighting and there is only gloom. So avast there Thamesdown Council! Cast off a team to do some maintenance work. Last month's photograph of trolleys dumped in a Freshbrook stream got an instant result. Will it be the same this month?

Copy date for November: 16 October Published: 28 October

Copy for December: 16 November 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 Toothill 4 Freshbrook & Grange Park 5 6 Westlea 7 Shaw Haydon Wick 8 Abbey Meads one year on 9 10 At Your Library 12 Recreation 21-23 Swindon Wide 24-39 News & Views 34 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."

TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK, CALL(01793) 872282

The Link Magazine ' October 1995 3

Primary schools Local Studies Centre opens

PREMIER

Westlea School teacher Sue Anderson commented: "It will be a really valuable resource for all local children. The centre allows them to study the ancient and the modern history of West Swindon more effectively.' Before the local studies centre was formally opened, the 117 primary school teachers discussed how the transition between primary and secondary school could be made as smooth as possible with Greendown colleagues in all national curriculum subjects. Freshbrook School head Phillip Gurney said it is important to create better liaison between primary and secondary schools. "The cross-

Property Management

Nearly every teacher working at West Swindon's ten primary schools attended thelaunch of the West Swindon Local Studies Centre at Greendown School on 18 September. Funded by a £5,000 grant from Education 2000, which is backed by several of the towns companies, including WH Smith, the centre will make a range of equipment and materials available which individual schools would find difficult to provide. The local area is part of National Curriculum History, Geography, R.E. and Science and the project will involve staff from Lydiard Park and Lydiard House.

A meeting of minds. Examining maps in the West Swindon Local Studies Centre at Greendown, from left, Brian Gardiner from Too thill, Suzanne Seaton, deputy headteacher Westlea School, Zina loannu of Freshbrook School, Tony Gianotti and Pauline Harris from Salt Way School

phase meeting was a significant development for education in West Swindon; I hope it's the first of more meetings, more working together to help children's education between the ages of 5 and 16.

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CITROEN SPECIALIST Murray & Whittaker Previously Swindon's Citroen Dealership for 17 years, we continue to pride ourselves on the quality of the service we provide with fully qualified, experienced mechanics * Very Competitive Rates * Collection & Delivery Service

Project gets equipment from volunteer's winning ways A playscheme for special needs children enjoyed the abilities of one of their volunteers in more ways than one during the summer. Vicky Cox, 18, a volunteer with the Thumbs Up playscheme for children and teenagers with learning difficulties, won £500 which was spent on stimulating equipment to help those who attend. Vicky was nominated by West Swindon Lions for last year's Lions International Youth Award. After winning the regional finals she went before the national judging panel at the end of February. Competing against 13 other regional finalists, Vicky had to write a report and answer questions from a panel about her voluntary work with the holiday playscheme which meets at Greendown School. The Lions are looking for young people who they can nominate for the 1996 awards. They should be involved in voluntary work of benefit to the community. Anyone knowing of a youngster whose efforts could be recognised should

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MORGAN & C ). Surrounding a box of sensory tricks for special needs children, Vicky Cox is pictured rear right with West Swindon Lions Steve Austin and Mary Reeve, rear, and Thumbs Up members, left, Billy Salter, Susan Lawrence, Thomas Fox, and right, Jonathan Papworth, Tina Axford

contact Brian Haynes on 771822. Each district finalist wins £500 for the project he or she is involved with, and the overall national winner gets a further £1,000.

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Teacher's grief

DECOTEX Property Maintenance Painter & Decorator' Specialist Artexing Telephone: (01793) 791388

MODERN DRIVING TECHNIQUES

Our sympathy goes to Mrs CarolAnn Jones, a teacher at Oliver Tomkins Junior School, whose husband Ian was killed after being caught in a train fire on 8 September. Mrs Jones from Broad Hinton has an 18 month old son and is expecting a baby early next year. Oliver Tomkins School head-

teacher Rev. Andrew Padgett said the whole school was shocked and saddened by the tragedy. 'We explained to the chidren what had happened, and have been saying prayers for Mrs Jones and her family. A collection was being made amongst children who attend the school, he added.

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3-C PHOENIX SURGERY

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Tel: 433211 Fax: 433903 Dr Peter Swinyard and his staff are pleased to announce that they will be opening their new surgery at 36 Deerhurst Way, opposite Toothill Village Centre on 16th October The telephone numbers are unaltered Surgery Times. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

830am - 12 noon 400pm - 700pm 8.30am - 12 noon 300pm - 600pm 830am - 12 noon 830am - 12 noon 200pm - 300pm (antenatal) 400pm - 600pm Friday 8.30am - 12 noon 300pm - 600pm Saturday 10.00am - 12 noon (alternate weeks) Nurse appointments daily by arrangement Wart clinic monthly. Minor surgery by appointment

A well known West Swindon doctor is opening a new surgery - to be known as the Phoenix - on 16 October at 32 Deerhurst Way, opposite Toothill Village Centre. Announcing his plans exclusively in the April edition of The Link Dr Swinyard said: "My aim is to create a friendly family atmosphere where the patient is able to see his or her own doctor. Patients will also receive longer consultations. By offering ten minute appointments, both patient and doctor can discuss problems in a relaxed way without having to watch the clock. The surgery will have a waiting room more like the front room of a house, rather than a hospital waiting hall." Peter Swinyard, who has been

working independantly at the Ashington Way Practice for the last six months, will operate on a single handed basis with his wife Caryl as practice nurse.

No move for Dr Kandiah The announcement in the April Link by Dr Swinyard that he was opening a surgery caused much concern amongst patients registered with Dr Kandiah, who has

practicised at 1 Deerhurst Way for the last ten years. Dr Kandiah is deeply committed to Toothill and has no intention of leaving the area.

New effort in grounds project Children at Toothill School have started the new term keen to carry on the work of developing their school grounds. Over the next ten years a thouband trees and shrubs will be planted, pathways built, playgrounds improved and wildlife

encouraged. Parents, children and staff are involved in voluntary projects and contractors will be brought into carry out heavy work. A path to the pond in the grounds was built in the summer, but children have had to spread out the tree bark over its surface.

Spreading bark,from left: Adrian Weston, Thomas Hartley, Kayleigh Seymour, Christopher Ricketts, Rebecca Mundy, Stephanie Baldwin, Sara Egan, Louisa Sandover, Tsz Yan Cheung, Rebecca Deegan, Laura Jackson

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK

New crisis hits community centre Viv Dipper appeals for more support at a reconvened annual general meeting on 4 October Do only 9 people care what happens to Freshbrook Community Centre?

Sales start again

Eyes down

Indoor car boot sales are back at Freshbrook Community Centre Every Sunday morning from 8 October 9am - 12 noon. No need to book. ÂŁ5 per pitch Phone 872450 for more details

Bingo every Sunday evening Doors open 7pm Eyes down 7.40pm Freshbrook Community Centre Cash prizes, everyone welcome Phone 872450 for more details

That is how many turned up for martial arts lessons, dog club, the Turnpike bar and many other the AGM on 6 September. Freshbrook is one of the busiest groups that regularly meet there. commuity centres in Swindon and Please spare an hour to come to the without more support there will next ACM on 4 October at 8pm New hair care be no playgroup, mother and tod- and show that you care about your The new owner of Freshbrook's dlers, dancing lessons, youth club, community centre. Cut 'n Dry hair salon is Paula Hughes who took over in June. With twelve years experience in hairdressing, Paula used to run a salon in Old Town before moving to Freshbrook.

Playground key to good behaviour

arrangements "The friendly people, theground floor location and easy parking were all attractions,' said Paula. The salon has been completely refurbished and now stocks the Tigi range of haircare products. It also opens six days a week.

Mrs Lesley Taylor MBChA, MSSCh gg Qualified Surgical Chiropodist Also offering Reflexology

Surgery or Home Visits

For an appointment please telephone (01793) 849914 anytime

Facechoice Pharmacy Children at Freshbrook School waiting for shrubs and trees to be planted in a new quiet playground

Freshbrook School is becoming a happier place because of moves to improve behaviour. A whole range of policies, procedures and physical changes to school facilities are promoting positive relationships between children and staff says headteacher Phillip Gurney. "We asked the children and parents how the school should develop. One of the main complaints was the lack of places to sit and talk without risk of being hit by a football. So with help from Matthew Hawkins of the Community Forest team at Thamesdown, we have changed the playground arrangements. We now have a hard play area with goals and low walls and a quiet playground which will soon be planted up." He said the physical changes were linked to the staff development programme which aims to set new behaviour standards. "We want to raise pupils self-esteem so that they take responsibility for their own behaviour. We've had a successful 'yellow card' system in force since January where children who misbehave are penalised. "We're very pleased with the progress. There's an improvement in relationships and it means teachers can be more effective in the classroom. He said many parents have commented favourably on the changes.

Toddler Group vacancies Greendown Playmates is a very friendly group of mothers and toddlers, writes Ann Edwards.

We meet every Tuesday at 145pm until 345pm in the Len Hobbs Suite at Greendown School in Grange Park, There is an initial membership fee of ÂŁ1 plus 70p per family per week. We offer a supervised activity every week for those children who want to join in. There are lots of toys to share, refreshments for both children and mothers and we end each week with a sing song. Your first visit is free, so why not come along to see for yourself just how friendly we really are. We look forward to welcoming some new members to our group very soon' Freshbrook Mother & Toddler Group runs twice weekly sessions for children to play and for parents to meet. It is a friendly group who meet at Freshbrook Community Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am - 1130am. Refreshments are always available. The hall is fully enclosed and there are trikes, slides and an activity table for safe play. So why not go along and relax with a cuppa whilst your children have fun.

Freshbrook Village Centre T iei.. o,u o Opening Times: Monday - Friday 90m - 1pm 2.1 5pm - 6pm Saturday 9am 12flOOfl

SHOWERS * Repairs to most types of showers

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UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

C4D Paula Hughes and her staff at Freshbrook Village Centre are pleased to welcome customers old and new

New opening hours:

Monday Tues, Wed Thursday Friday Saturday

9am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 7pm 830am - 130pm

Tel: (01793) 873217

Paula, centre, and left to right, Emma, Julie, Phillippa, Kin

WESTLEA

6 II I 111111111111111111111111111

PHILIP STONE

THE ODD JOB MAN Small building work, carpentry, joinery, painting & decorating, fitted wardrobes and kitchens, plugs and washers fitted "No job too small" Very reasonable prices Free estimates Call Tony, the Odd Job Man on 01793-886022 11111111111111111 111111 1111111

Events at Westlea School

PAINTER & DECORATOR

Beetle Drive Tuesday 3 October, 630pm £1 entry

For a high standard of work References available

Car Boot/Table Top Sale Saturday 7 October, 930am Boots: £5/6 on the day Tel: 870469 to book

Telephone now for a FREE ESTIMATE

Bonfire Night Friday 3 November, 6pm. Fireworks 630pm Guy competition

Tel: 870515 or Mobile 0374 - 208527

All organised by the Friends of Westlea School

Better safety Westlea school headteacher Neil Griffiths says that getting to school is now safer. Parents used to drive into the school grounds to drop off and pick up their children. But they were stopped in May when the school gates were locked shut. "We now have fewer parents bringing cars, and those who do are parking insensible places," said Neil. "It's a much better situation." All children have attended road safety sessions to make them aware of dangers when crossing roads outside school.

Happy campers

your shopping needs under one roof at Swindon Market

All

(formerly Greeenbridge Market)

To Sondofl . Con'

Ooord Rood

at Faraday Road, Dorcan open every: Wednesday Saturday. Sunday 9am - 4pm

Large car boot sale on Sundays Large free car park

WENDY FAIR MARKETS

Westlea Scouts and Cubs will be camping out more comfortably thanks to a £500 donation from the WH Smith staff charity. Arts and crafts materials will be bought for the Beaver group. The 1st Westlea Scouts have 18 scouts, 24 cubs and 30 beavers supported by volunteer leaders. Helper wanted

The Westlea Scout Group has been running for 12 years catering for boys aged 6 to 16. The group is now in need of a volunteer to lead the Beavers colony for 6 to 8 year olds. If you are able to offer yourself for this fulfilling position, call Eddie McDonald on 876271 for details. Ray Girling from WH Smith presents Westlea Scouts chairman Eddie McDonald with a cheque for £500

Old

Wendy Fair Markets, The Old Workhouse, Ducks Hill Road, Ruislip, Middlesex Telephone: 01895-675558, Fax: 01895 -621042

Thank you! It is 10 years since we opened in West Swindon Thank you for your loyalty and support

Ken Schofield Ashington Way Pharmacy Ashington Way Westlea Swindon Tel: (01793) 616840

10 years service It was ten years ago on 30 September when Ken Schofield opened his new pharmacy in a portakabin next to the Ashington Way doctors surgery. He and his staff moved into a new building the following January. Nowadays they dispense twice as many prescriptions compared to their early days in West Swindon. Despite the high turnover of the areas population, Ken says the pharmacy has many regular and long standing customers who have settled in the area. "We get a tremendous number of Christmas cards which is very unusual for a pharmacy. West Swindon has not changed very much, but the people have. The babies we saw when we opened are now getting ready for secondary school." Here's to another 10 years Ken!

Ken Schofield

SHAW & ROUGHMOOR

Sparcells crime concern A meeting in the Chinese Experience restaurant on 13 September called to get more Neighbourhood Watch Schemes going in Sparcells has been hailed a success by the organisers Eighty-five residents heard PC Geoff Suffolk and Inspector Andy Residents living in Ramleaze Tatam talk about the benefits of and in The Bramptons are objectorganising such schemes. Organiser Michelle Loyden said ing to a plan by Standard Homes she and co-organiser Darren Mogg to build 20 houses on a site on were very pleased by the turnout. Shaw Ridge. Although designated for hous"We were surprised by the response. It shows that Sparcells ing, residents say the site is one of residents are taking their security the few open spaces left within a seriously. Twelve new schemes densely developed area. There are planned for the near future; would be increased traffic through most of the 450 homes in the area Angus Close which is already too narrow, and there would be inwill be covered. "There has been one burglary in creased pressure on already overSparcells since January, but 49 in crowded primary schools. Standard Homes have amended the adjacentbeat area of Ramleaze, Nine Elms and Middleleaze. We the plans, provided for an emerneed to get all households involved gency access and reduced the proto keep an eye out for each other." posed number of houses. For more information on the Friends & Neighbours Sparcells Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, call PC Bob Rigby at the meets on Wednesdays, Crime Prevention Office on 507889, 2pm - 330pm or area policçman John Molloy on in Shaw Community Centre, 528111. Ramleaze Drive, (next to the • Inspec. Andy Tatam reviews his Doctor's surgery) 12 month in charge of West SwinAll in Shaw who would like to don policing on page 25. meet others are welcome

No more houses

Good inspection, but too many children at school Government school inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education have adjudged Shaw's Salt Way primary school as having a 'positive ethos which encourages a good level of self discipline' and 'provides education of sound quality.'

But the inspectors say the rapid sharing of existing expertise by growth in the number of children providing a wider range of culattending the school over the last tural experiences for all pupils. six years, to the present 344 pupils, Headteacher Sue Butcher said: has put pressure on facilities. The "I am particularly pleased that the school hall is too small for whole report has highlighted the very school assemblies, while the library high quality of relationships and has to be housed in a corridor. caring atmosphere which are cenFive classes and the staff room are tral features of the school. to be found in mobile classrooms. "I am proud of Salt Way - the The inspectors stated the cur- children deserve praise for their riculum was broad and balanced efforts." and pupils are enthusiastic learners who make sound progress in most lessons. The quality of teaching varies from very good to unsatisfactory. Overall it is sound and staff set a good example which is reflected in pupils's awareness of moral issues. There is good management and financial control. The inspectors make several re-EASY1VIOVE commendations including strengthening the emphasis on standards of achievement, seeking to raise standFREE ESTIMATES ards in physical education and infor tea and a chat HOUSEHOLD AND OFFICE MOVES formation technology across the school, and in numeracy among I SWINDON 871715 older pupils. DISCOUNT The quality of teaching should A councillor wants Thamesdown Council to delay the start of buildFOR MAGAZINE READERS be improved through a greater ing the Sparcells play area this autumn until next spring so that more consultations can take place.

REMOVALS STORAGE

Delay open space building call

5289

Linda Yavuz, councillor for Toothill ward which includes Sparcells, wants the council to put the scheme on hold until residents who object to the plans get a proper hearing, and the council can explain its plans more effectively. In last months Link magazine, Sparcells resident Mirek Rejek from Melfort Close described public consultations by the council over designs for the open space in the middle of housing off Sparcells Drive a sham, designed to divide the community. Thamesdown Council is going to spend £102,000 on planting trees and shrubs and installing a toddler's play area, adventurous equipment for older children, and a tennis court sized tarmac kickabout area. Many residents say the open space is too small for the facilities proposed, with the kickabout area being 30 metres from the nearest houses. Residents fear teenagers from other areas will be attracted and cause noise, vandalism and disruption from the abuse of alcohol and drugs. Council officers circulated a letter with a sketch proposal in May requesting comments. The Council's Leisure Services Committee

then approved a plan with some amendments in July, subject to changes put forward by local councillors after meeting individual residents over the summer. Coun. Yavuz told Sparcells residents at the Neighbourhood Watch meeting on 13 September that she wants further time to hear what residents have to say. "There are obviously differences of opinion so we need to spend more time considering viewpoints. On this scheme officers have moved away from the confrontations you get in large public meetings. I want more information circulated to every household so that everybody can comment on the scheme." She added that she had been fighting for better provision at Sparcells for several years and it was important to offer teenagers somewhere to congregate in their own neighbourhood. Commenting at the same meeting, Inspector Andy Tatum from Westlea police station said teenagers would probably not travel to the Sparcells open space because it was isolated, but drinking and drug taking did take place in play areas elsewhere which made them unsuitable for use by younger children the next day.

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HAYDON WICK

The new Haydon Leigh School line up

The 40 youngsters at the new Haydon Leigh School are just waiting to move into their brand new building on Thursday 2 November. They came together for the first time last month in a mobile at Greenmeadow School where they are sharing facilities. The children will have an extra long half term because the headteacher Jon Swaffield and his staff need a few days to prepare the classrooms after the contractors have handed the building over. The first children of Haydon Leigh School with their staff. Headteacher Jon Swaffleld, centre, and from left, Susan Wray, Educational Support Assistant, Jo Chisholm, deputy head, Lynne Fletcher, administration officer, Helen Smith, teacher

No have a go

Bowlers promote concert

Women's get together

The ever popular Kentwood Choir are making a welcome return to the Haydon Centre in October with a concert promoted by Haydon Wick Bowling Club on Saturday 14th at 7.30pm. Tickets are available now at £3.50 or £3 (concs) from Barry Smith on 722972, Les Haines on 725395 or Duncan Harper on 644239.

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The Haydon Centre's first annual Funtathlon, due to be held as part of the Thamesdown Games weekend, had to be cancelled through lack of entries. "It is very disappointing" said a spokesperson from the centre. "Perhaps it was just too early in the season". Organisers were hoping for a bumper turnout of families wishing to 'have a go' at a number of fun sporting challenges with vouchers from Olympus Sports World as prizes. Despite this year's lack of interest, the centre hopes to be running the event again in 1996.

Women wishing to meet new friends and enjoy a variety of demonstrations, speakers and activities may be interested in the Emmanuel Thursday Group which meets at Emmanuel IJRC on alternate Thursday evenings from 8pm, during term time. Already this year the group have enjoyed a visit and tour of Ridgeway Hospital and a ten pin bowlPlaygroup places ing evening at Superbowl, as well available as raising over £750 for charity. To find out more call Sue Martin Still looking fora playgroup place for your child? on 722446. St John's Playgroup, a friendly, community run group, currently Leader needed has a number vacancies. The 1st Swindon Sea Scouts, who Themed craftwork, structured are celebrating their 25th birthday activities designed to stimulate this year, require a uniformed learning through play and a speScout section leader to help with a cial rising 5s group to prepare chiltroupe which numbers just over25 dren for school are just some of the members. advantages offered. If you enjoy working with young Interested parents are welcome people and would like to get in- to drop in and look around when volved ring Group Scout Leader the group is in session, Tuesday to Tony Kilburn on 534982 for de- Friday from 915am - 11.45am. tails. Alternatively, call supervisor Wendy Wiles on 616029, or secretary Tracey Hobbs on 725856, evenings, for an information pack. Travellers tales The Garden Society are having a meeting guaranteed to appeal to the armchair traveller at the Haydon Centre on Tuesday 24 October at 730pm. The guest speaker will be Mr Terry Creswell, recently retired from Thomas Cooks, who will talk on 'My travel experiences from the past'. New members and visitors are welcome to go along for the ride.

The place to bee If you are interested in honeybees the place to be is the Haydon Centre on Thursday 26 October from 7.30pm as that's when Swindon & District Bee Keepers Association are holding their monthly meeting. For more details contact David Shaw on 771316, Ron Hoskins on 525364 or Ron Hill on 615193.

Abbey Meads, the first year Twelve months ago on 21 October, the first families moved into Swindon 's newest housing area. Nearly a year ago the Scotford family were ready to make history. They were packing up their house in Sherford Road, Haydon Wick to move to a brand new Bovis Home at Abbey Meads, Swindon's latest housing expansion. It may have been just down the road, but they were moving into a whole new era for Swindon. History making family: David and Ann Scotford with their sons Daniel and Alex outside their new Bovis borne at The Chase housing development -21 October 1994

Apart from the experience of living on a building site, the Scotfords were the first residents to move into Britain's largest private housing development. Swindon's 'northern development' had been planned and argued over since it was first proposed at the beginning of 1969. The building of West Swindon had not even started at the time, but the germ of an idea started to develop amongst land owners and housing developers. The housing boom of the 1980s and with the end of the building to the west of the town in sight, the focus of attention on the north to become much sharper. But building company optimism that they could rapidly build on the 1,500 acres of land in their ownership was dashed as Thamesdown Council refused to contemplate piecemeal building which had blighted earlier housing areas in the town. Not only did the council want an integrated master plan for any expansion, they also demanded advance commitments from devel-

opers that they would build all the roads and sewers and also the community facilities to serve the people who were to live in the houses. Plummeting house prices in the recession of the late 1980s, from which the housing market is struggling to get out of now, threatened the northern expansion until land owners Crest Nicholson Ltd. decided to go ahead and develop its holdings. Agreement was reached with Thamesdown planners and commitments to infrastructure costs were thrashed out. The first part of a 10,000 home expansion costing around ÂŁ650 million over a fifteen year development timeframe came into view. Abbey Meads was launched in August 1994 when a consortium of companies launched their plans to build the first 3,200 houses, together with a village centre including shops and a community centre with sports hall. Ninety acres of land has been set aside for open space, and the whole area will he linked by traffic-free

"Blunsdon Ridge" Abbey Meads -.Swindon and 'The Chase," Abbey Meads - Swindon 2, 3, and 4 bedroom homes from J52,750 to ÂŁ128,000 Two great places to Discover the Difference of a Bovis Home. Telephone: 01793 706883.

cycle routes and footpaths. First on site were Bovis, selling 20 houses between October and Christmas 1994. By June this year the various building companies had sold 100 houses, many unseen, 'off plan.' Considering the present reluctance to buy houses, Abbey Meads is off to a good start. 1994 Mayor of Thamesdown David Glaholm at the launch of the Abbey Meads development in July last war with developer Crest Homes chief executive John Callcutt

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Lots free for under 16s This month's column is written by Group Librarian Joyce Kirk-Browne who worked for many years as a school librarian in London and has a special interest in children's books.

Congratulations to the winners of our holiday colouring competition. They are: Charlotte Harris, age 5; Katie Taylor, age 6; Dhani Virik, age 10. Each will receive an exciting prize (a book of course). Thank you to everyone who brought in pictures and footprint book reviews. I hope you all had a lot of fun with our codebusters theme this holiday and collected all the puzzles to go in your Special Library Agent's folder. I certainly enjoyed all the activities myself even though my Where's Wally costume stayed in the wardrobe this year. Are you still using Mum or Dad's card to borrow library books? Why not get a card of your own? There is no lower age limit - we even have a few babies with library cards - and it's very easy to join. Just pick up a form from the library, get your Mum or Dad to sign it and take it back to the library with something that shows us were you live (or one of your parent's card). You can join straight away and best all it's free. Do keep your card safe and make sure you bring your books back on time or we might need some of your pocket money. We Lave books for all ages, from pictur( hooks to Point Horror. We have books on all kinds of hobbies and sports. We have books and encyclopaedias to help you with school projects. We have magazines, stories on tape, music cassettes, CDs and even videos. Almost everything is free for readers under sixteen, even reservations for books you especially want but are out on loan. You will only be charged to borrow music items or videos. We even have a photocopier for when you are too tired to write notes. So what are you waiting for? Come in and join soon.

Here area few suggestion for books you may like to try. Picture books

Little Bear and the Wish Fish by Debi Gliori.

The Bear family are always moaning, but when the Wish fish grants their wishes they get more than they bargained for. Grace and Family by Mary Hoffman.

Grace loves reading stories but they all seem to be about perfect families while her family are living apart, some in England and some in Africa. This is a thoughtful and reassuring story with stunning illustrations. Sequel to Amazing Grace. Junior fiction

Blodin the Beast by Michael Morpurgo. A young man sets out armed with a special carpet to destroy the evil Blodin. Anexciting quest story in traditional fairy tale style with beautiful illustrations. Double Act by Jacqueline Wilson. Ruby and Garnet are identical twins on the outside but completely different inside. Each girl tells her own life story as it seems to her, as they come to terms with growing up and Father's new lady friend. A funny and sensitive book. Mapshead by Lesley Howarth. Part fantasy, part thriller - a welcome change from all those Point Horrors. Whispers in the Graveyard by Theresa Breslin. A genuinely scary story with an exciting climax in the graveyard. This book has just won the Carnegie Award for an outstanding book written for children. The last two titles are more suitable for readers over 12 years. Don't forget.orget: Story Time for under fives takes place every Wednesday at 11am.

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Swindon 873369 "Representative only of CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC for the purpose of effecting investment business introductions Only. CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC is regulated by the Personal Investment Authority for life assurance and pensions business. Credit broker lees of op to 1% on the advance may be charged at completion depending on the type 01 product and credit period tiara applied is 3.04%PA (3.5% APR) for one year, APR is variable Rates may vary. A written quotation on loans can be obtained on request Only available to persons IS years of age or over. Subject to status Subject to our currant lending criteria, A 4,95% reduction applied to the variable base mortgage rate, currently 799%. Those applicants henetittirtg front this special discount who redeem their mortgage Within three years front the date of corrrpletion will be charged an additional two months interest This charge will be reimbursed it a new mortgage is then takes not with the society, Example:A mewed couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non-smokers, applying for as endowment mortgage of £50,000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 311 November 1995 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000 will 300 monthly mortgage payments net of tax of £11 7.16. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96. Total amount payable £107.701 Calculated to Include. Valuation tee £155 This calculation Is based on the assumption that the discounted apply throughout the tern of the loan Maximum tour £t 50,000. The 3.04% rate applies to loans up to and including 95% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower, The discounted rate is applicable for one year, after which rate the then current rate will apply. When an applicant is borrowing more than 75% the Society will require additional sacurito. This is usually in the form of Risk Charge.

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Link Centre leisurely entertainment Now that the autumn has arrived and the sun has packed its bags, Link Centre is offering a huge range of activities and entertainment to keep those dark evenings lively and enjoyable, writes Alison Bruce.

If you -1 get too Meeting, try our Weight Wtohert At Home -ice. ioe. Tel: Nwoontle 0l9l-296 2200.

If you haven't been to a Wildcats ice hockey matches before, why not come and try it for size? It's fun for all the family and available every week throughout October. The fixtures are as follows: 7 October v Dumfries 530pm 14 October v Solihull 530pm 19 October v Medway8.00pm 21 October v Peterborough 530pm 28 October v Telford 530pm 29 October v Blackburn 600pm

runninv, Lincoln's Camp as usual. Registration takes place from 630pm on Sunday 8 October. All the normal camp activities will be available. In addition a special Halloween party hour will be taking place at the end of the week. Swim school and our freestyle session in the pool will keep all our 'water babies' happy, plus Mums and Dads of course. We guarantee the water will be a lovely warm 28C (plus or minus 2C), no matter what the weather does outside.

10th year Halloween Dance

DAP again

On 28 October and to mark Link Centre's 10th anniversary, Jeff Hooper and the Freddie Staff All Star Big Band will be returning for a special Halloween Dance. The entertainment starts at 730pm and tickets will be available shortly from reception.

Our special DAP Double Activity Pass will also be available during half term week, 23 27 October. See our advertisement on page 22 for further details. So, whether you're old or young, fit or flabby, an expert or novice we really don't mind. Link Centre will give you all a warm welcome. For further details contact main reception, tel: 871212/445566

Its half term already!

For the younger ones, Link Centre has daily entertainment, especially during half term when we will be

Judo in Freshbrook The Freshbrook Judo Club which meets on Monday 330pm to 430pm in the community room at Freshbrook School has restarted after its summer break. Led by 4th Dan Tom Coombs, the club is open to girls and boys over 5 years old, as well as mothers and fathers.

Fancy coaching a baseball team? The Link magazine is looking for two people to go on a course and who would be willing to start youth baseball teams in West and North Swindon. Details on page 32.

Targeting Sydney 2000 A young swimmer from Grange Park is aiming to compete in the millennium Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia in the year 2000. Jason Williams, right, who swims in the Great White squad with the Swindon Tigersharks club, attended Bradon Forest School and has just started at New College where he will be fitting his training around Maths, Business Studies and Geography A level studies. Jason has collected armfuls of medals on his way up through county and district age group competitions. He has qualified for national age group placings in both under 15 and under 16 age groups. In April, he was placed tenth in both lOOm and 200m breaststroke at the European junior trials. His immediate ambitions for next season is to join the national youth squad and to break the Wiltshire county breastroke record which he set last year. In the longer term Jason aims to build up his strength and experience ready to challenge for a place in the Olympic team for the year 2000. To get there, Jason will have to

continue a gruelling training schedule which presently requires 9 hours swimming every week, plus 6 hours working out in the gym. Jason's family will be making a few sacrifices as well. It costs around £2,000 to keep a swimmer on the road, with frequent trips to competitions around the country, and of course the drive to the pool for early morning training.

KEEP FIT, LOOK GOOD WITH THE LINK MAGAZINE

Where can you get fit for free? On 1 October Swindon Gym and Fitness Centre celebrates its first anniversary under its owner Leigh Childs from Toothill. And to mark the year, Leigh is offering a free two week trial usage to Link magazine readers. In the last twelve months, Leigh has made some dramatic improvements to the facilities. A second floor has been added and a separate Ladies Gymnasium has been built with acreche running on three mornings a week for parents who want to train, and have their children cared for closeby. The Fitness Centre offers an all inclusive membership package in-

To advertise in The Link magazine's Recreation and Keep Fit pages. call (01793) 87222 In November,, we're featuring Hair and Beauty,

call (01793) 84030 to place an advertisement.

cluding all Aerobic and Step Classes, unlimited use of sauna and gymnasiums (male and female), and discounts on solariums. To sign up for the two week free trial offer, call the Fitness Centre on Swindon 497123 to book your appointment. Don't forget to mention you read about the offer in The Link magazine.

Fitness in Haydon Wick The Haydon Centre offers a variety of classes to suit all abilities taught by well qualified instructors to help you to get the best from your session. All the classes are graded so you know the level of intensity. Choose from beginners sessions, ideal for those who have never exercised before or those returning to exercise, to improver and intermediate classes demanding more from the experienced exerciser. There's Circuit Training, Step, Cardio Shape and Aerobics classes, plus sessions to shape up those Tums n Bums, plus the Wise Owls to keep the over 45s hail and hearty. For further details, drop into the Haydon Centre or call (01793) 706666.

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The Link Magazine. October 1995

Choosing a secondary school Making the right choice is important. With three schools serving West Swindon, many parents might be confused by admission arrangements. The Link magazine put a range of questions to Wiltshire County Councils Chief Education Officer Dr Keith Robinson to clarify the situation. How many schools may I choose from? Parents may express a preference for any secondary school in Swindon or beyond. The key question is which schools are most likely to have a place available for a child. For parents living in West Swindon two schools give highest priority to applications for places. For parents living in Westlea or Toothill the two schools are Greendown and Ridgeway. For parents living in Freshbrook, Roughmoor and Shaw the two schools are Greendown and Bradon Forest. Which school can I get free transport to? Free transport is available from West Swindon to Ridgeway because of distance (over three miles) and to Bradon Forest on grounds of road safety. Transport is not available from any point in West Swindon to Greendown. How many places are available at each school? In September 1996 there will be 240 places available for Year 7 pupils at Ridgeway, 200 at Bradon Forest and 240 at Greendown. What happens if a school is oversubscribed? If a school is oversubscribed then places are allocated to a clear set of priorities. If for example Ridgeway School has more applicants than the 240 places available then first priority is given to children living in its traditional designated area (Wroughton and neighbouring parishes). Second priority is given to children living in West Swindon with siblings already in the school. Third priority is given to other children living in the Toothill and Westlea areas.

yourchild. Dobear Only if there in mind however are places availthat you will only able after all aphave priority atone plications in the or two particular above categories schools depending have been alloon where you live. cated will other Remember any children be conparent in West sidered for a Swindon living place. This inoutside Toothill cludes children and Westlea does living in any not have high priother part of West ority for a place at Swindon. Ridgeway School. If the admisIf parents put a sion limit for school other than Ridgeway is the high priority reached before all Dr Keith Robinson school or schools as children from Toothill and Westlea have been first choice, and are not successful, allocated then distance from home they are not likely to obtain a place to school measured as the crow at a popular second or third prefflies will decide which children erence. This means that if you live from those areas are allocated in the Freshbrook, Roughmoor and Shaw areas of West Swindon and places and which are not. do not put either Bradon Forest or Will any school be allowed to Greendown as your first choice, admit more than the agreed you are not certain to get either of number? these schools as your second prefThe admission limit for a school erence. will not normally be exceeded. Exceptions are sometimes made How do I go about making my choice of school? through the appeals process. Find out all you can about the Who takes the decision as to schools concerned and don't just whether a school may exceed rely on any hearsay information. the number? Consider carefully whether an The admissions authority for the application to a particular school school decides how many children is likely to be successful dependcan be admitted: for Ridgeway and ing on the popularity of the school Greendown Schools this is the lo- and whether or not you have high cal education authority, Wiltshire priority for a place there. County Council; for Bradon Forest Grant Maintained School this is What do I do if I don't like the the Governing Body. school that my child is finally What advice would you give allocated to? about how to choose a school? In these cases you have the right to Visit any school at which you may make an appeal. In the case of be interested in seeking a place for appeals for places at local educa-

tion authority schools, e.g. Ridgeway and Greendown an independent appeals panel will consider your case. If you wish to appeal against a decision not to give your child a place atBradon Forest Grant Maintained School you can apply to the Governing Body. Does the headteacher of a secondary school decide who attends his school? Decisions about admissions are made by the County Council for local education authority schools and by the Governors for Grant Maintained schools. If transport is provided on the grounds of safety, who decides whether a route is safe and how do they come to this decision? Decisions about the safety of a walking route to any school are made by the County Council on the advice of Road Safety Officers.

When does the LEA decide, and when will I know whether I have my first choice of school? All parents will be informed by the beginning of February 1996 as to the outcome of their application for places at secondary schools for September 1996. In order for this arrangement to work, all parents must complete and return their applications by the end of the Christmas term. Who can I talk to if I want more information about the process or need help with the system? If you need any further information about admission arrangements for any secondary school in Swindon, in the first instance please contact: Kim Burgess at the Sanford Street Education Office, telephone (01793) 480155.

INVITATIONS TO VISIT SECONDARY SCHOOLS

GREENDOWN

Come and see for yourself!

BRADON FOREST

Greendown School is open to parents and their year 6 children on four evenings at 6.30:

A GRANT MAINTAINED SCHOOL

Tuesday 3rd October and Wednesday 4th October Wednesday 1st November and Thursday 2nd November All our subjects and ficilities will be on display with plenty of lime to ask questions

The students, staff and governors of Bradon Forest extend a warm welcome to all, at their Open Evenings to be held on:

Daytime visits are easily arranged. Please contact the school on(01793)874224 Greendown, Grange Park Way, West Swindon

Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th October commencing at 7pm in the Main Hall BRADON FOREST, PURTON, SWINDON

This is

GRE E NDOWN A Newsletter from West Swindon's Local School â€˘ October 1995

40 :ndividual attention idividual achievement The 1995 GCSE results represent a very creditable performance; the result of hard work by students and staff. Although slightly down on last year, they are good,with 45% of our pupils achieving 5+ A-C grades and 67% achieving 1+ A-C. 93% of the year group obtained at least

Our first Oxford University entrant: Andrew Compson achieved three As at A Level at New College and will be start an engineering degree in October

one GCSE pass. This year we had 13 pupils with statements of special educational need; if an adjustment is made for this, the figures nearly match last year. One student who did exceptionally well this year was Sarah Compson, who achieved 10 grade A results, five of them the top A grade. She worked steadily throughout her five years at Greendown, and picked up her first A grade GCSE, for Maths, two years ago at the end of year 9 as part of our early entry Maths scheme. We wish Sarah, who is taking A' Levels in Maths, Physics and English all the best for the future. We are delighted to con"ratulate her brother Andrew, a 1993 Greendown graduate, on ,aining three As at A' Level and assured his place at Oxf' cd University's St Peters College. Many students are well organised and successful, and we support their efforts. We 'target' those students who need extra help to reach their full potential. At the beginning

of year 11 we establish a set of anticipated grades for all pupils and then try to relate these to what we believe are the pupils' capabilities. We also use a set of standardised NFER tests of verbal, numeric and visual ability to check our own assessments. We have a whole range of procedures designed to support student who appear to be underperforming. We aim to treat each student as an individual. Each targeted student receives a programme designed to meet their specific needs. The further help includes extra teaching sessions both after school and in the evenings, individual counselling or assistance with planning. This is reinforced by frequent contact with parents. The result has been a general improvement in performance often resulting in GCSEs well above our initial estimates with over 40 pupils achieving higher grades than we originally anticipated. This process of 'targeting' is being extended throughout the

school as part of the creation of 'personal development plans' for all pupils. These will allow our tutors to establish clear goals for all pupils and will further enable us to continue to meet our aim of getting the very best from each and every student.

Not to be outdone: Sarah Compson was Greendown's top GCSE performer this year with 5 A and 5 As. She has started three A' Levels at New College

Big Blue takes on Greendown graduate A 1993 Greendown graduate has secured a much sought after position with IBM, one of the world's largest computer companies. Arthur Barr, from Freshbrook, left Greendown two years ago with 9 GCSEs, including Maths which he took in year 10. He gained A's in Computing and Maths at New College this summer which secure one of only twenty sponsored undergraduate places with IBM. There were over 1,000 applicants for the scheme which has

been in suspension for some years. On the shortlist of seventy, Arthur had to undergo two days of interviews, informal chats, assessments and appraisals at IBM headquarters in Portsmouth. The company will pay him a salary of ÂŁ7,400 while he studies for a BSc in Computing at Portsmouth University on a day release basis.

Delighted mumJune Barr paid tribute to the preparation Greendown had provided for Arthur. "IBM wasn't just looking for academic high flyers. The successful candidates were selected for all round personality, flexibility and ability to work in settings. team Greendown encourages self-reliance, self-organisation, initiative, adapatability and has high

expectations of students. We're really proud of Arthur's achievements which reflects well on him and also on Greendown and New College." Arthur moved to Freshbrook with his family in 1982 and was one of the first children to enter Freshbrook School when it opened. With a birthday on 19 July, Arthur was always one of the youngest in his year group which makes his achievement all the more impressive. We congratulate Arthur. The future looks good.

This is Greendown â€˘ 2

A ninth year of achievement Students in all years have worked hard. Staff record all extra effort and significant improvement shown by students in the Greendown Diary.

Polly Benford - lOOVo effort

Record numbers of these 'positive achievements' were awarded over the year - so many that new certificates had to be designed to respond to the students' success. At the end of year assembly, in which we recognise achievement, 18 students who received 100 or more positive achievements were presented with special certificates by the Headteacher. The final award at the July assembly is the Paula Brooks Award for Endeavour in memory of a past student Students who show an outstanding effort or make a special contribution are nominated by staff who then 'vote' on who should receive the award.

Sports awards reward success Outstanding sporting achievement at Greendown is recognised with a shield awarded to the best all-round sporting effort and achievement by a boy and a girl in each year group. A special award for outstanding performance went to David Harvey, then in year 9, who was second in the Wiltshire 1500 metres and third in the South West of England 1500 metres. Emma Kingston also received a special award for her hockey achievements (see story overleaf). Greendown was able to look back on a good all-round year, with good performances by teams in nine different sports. The under 15 cricket team did well to reach the final of the Wootton Basset cup, which they lost to Commonweal. Last year's award whiners: year: 7 Lucy Knight and Mark

This year the shield was shared by two students, who were special for different reasons. Mark Gill has shown remarkable courage with a kidney disease and in coming through a transplant operation. Despite painful and uncomfortable treatment, Mark has always been brave and cheerful and has shown concern for others. Polly Benford has also shown exceptional concern for others, and her excellent academic progress has been bolstered by 100% effort in every subject. Polly also did not miss a day of school in the year, and she was joined by over 20 other students who received certificates of 100% attendance.

Mark Gill wearing the Sheffield United shirt sent to him In hospital by his classmates earlier this year

Technology centre opens for post-16 education in West Swindon

New College

Swindon

EDUCATION FOR YOUR FUTURE

Young. Year 8: Kirsty Collins and Lee Edmonds. Year 9: Claire Griffin, Rosemary Ogle and Christopher Philpott. Not pictured are year 10: Samantha Brassington, Jonathan Lampard and Gemma Wallace, and Lee Wilson from year 7

West Swindon Technology Centre manager Pete Crayford and New College Head of Information Technology Ray Burcham The New College satellite sixth in West Swindon. Greendown staff and New form has opened its doors this term, and visitors to Greendown College staff have worked towill see the distinctive blue sign gether to design an exciting pointing the way. Over the sum- course in GNVQ Engineering, a mer, New College has put con- brand new initiative coming into siderable investment in building schools and colleges over the work and computers on our site next two years. Advanced and to provide a really first class Intermediate Engineering will be technology facility. available next year, and New The West Swindon Technol- College is using the facility for ogy Centre is linked by the latest exam classes and adult evening communication technology to groups. It will also be used by the New College network, and some of our Technology and represents a considerable addi- Engineering groups in years 10 tion to the educational facilities and 11.

This is Greendown • 3 Greendown has enjoyed a number of successful book, writing and poetry events over the past two years. We were pleased to be involved with the second Swindon Literature Festival in May which 'gave' us the services of a poet for the day - South Yorkshire performance poet, Ian McMillan. Barnsleybased Ian has appeared several times on television and has a regular slot on BBC Radio 4's 'The Afternoon Shift'. He has published a number of collections of his poems.

Performing poets

• English teacher Ms Cristina Bennett selected thirteen students to work with Ian McMillan for a whole day, writing and preparing poetry to perform at the Link Centre as part of the festival. The students gave up their Saturday morning to perform their work to varying sizes of audiences, and they had a great time! We hope to be be involved in next year's Swindon Literature Festival, working with years 9 and 10, and our event will start with a writing weekend. We would like to thank Matt Holland and the festival organisers and look forward to more great times ahead.

Above: Year 7 students with Swindon Literature Festival

organiser Matt Holland at their outdoor performance Far left: Media poet Ian

McMillan working with year 7s performing poets

Greendown en Francais! News of Greendown travels across the Channel: our postbox, not to be opened until 2045, has been the subject of a front page story in "Mon Quotidien ", France's national daily newspaper for ten to fifteen year olds. The postbox, which featured in an earlier newsletter, is a time capsule, to be opened in fifty years. The Post Office, through our Neighbourhood Engineers contacts, chose us to help them celebrate fifty years of the au Design Council by sealing the designs by Green:Henr Top down pupils in the postbox. The box, which has 'Leconte a been seen across Britain on Sky Television's School of the Week Programme, has now caught the attention of French children across their country.

—

Greendown continues its highly successful modern language trips to France and Spain. Three trips, to Clisson (in the Vendee), to Paris and to Pamplona ran in 1995. Over a third of our students have been on these working weeks and polished their written and spoken foreign languages. Dr Robert Graham, who organised the trips for the past four years, has moved to become a Head of Department in an Aylesbury school. We wish him all the best. The trips will continue, and 1996 will see further visits to France and Spain.

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Matthew Curtis posing on last year's trip to Clisson CREP

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This is Greendown â€˘ 4

On the verge of England team

Susan brings good luck to Swindon

Emma Kingston's hockey playing achievements have been recorded in earlier newsletters. She has now played for the under 21 Wiltshire side and is being watched by the England under 18 selectors. Emma attended an under 18 squad training camp in June with help from the West Swindon Lions.

Greendown student Susan Shaw, of 9Kb, was Swindon Town's lucky mascot at their recent match with Bradford City. Bradford topped the table with Town at the start of the season, but Swindon dispatched them 4 - 1 after Susan led them out. Susan says, "Ill be glad to bring them luck again if they need me!" Susan's lucky night was arranged by Swindon Town FC and the Evening Advertiser. Her mum wanted to thank Susan for her efforts during the holidays with the Thumbs Up holiday

Emma with Lions President (1994-95) Gloria Haynes

playscheme and asked the EA to 'Fix It'. Thumbs Up arrange a programme of activities each vacation for children with special learning and physical needs. The playscheme is held at Greendown, and is supported by a large number of schoolchildren who give up a large chunk of their own holiday to work with the youngsters. Two thirds of the young volunteers come from Greendown, including Susan, who continued to help with a broken arm - a break she got playing football!

Towns School of Excellence

Olympic time for Matthew

Greendown is delighted to host Swindon Town Football Club's school of excellence as part of its Thursday evening community programme. Swindon Town places great importance on its youth policy and has an extensive network of scouts and contacts nominating

young footballers in the West of England for consideration. If a boy is seen playing and recommended, he is then invited to the school of excellence. The school of excellence uses Greendown's Sports Hall and all-weather surface for both indoor and outdoor coaching for

Primary P.E. link up Greendown values its work with all the West Swindon primary schools in giving boys and girls a good education from 5 to 16. We are continuing to offer the facility of our primary science laboratory, which was used by eight primary schools last year to work on National Curriculum Science. We are also developing joint work in Physical Education, and P.E. staff from Greendown will be sharing their extensive coaching experience. Primary school staff have met Greendown colleagues in all national curriculum subjects in order to further improve our strong curriculum links.

Maths teacher and Swindon Hockey Club coach Chris Jones, rear, takes an after-school hockey se. -ion at Freshbrook School Another notable individua success was achieved during the summer by Matthew Ford, now in year 10 who went to North Carolina as part of a swimming exchange. The American Raleigh swimming club hosted Swindon's Tiger Sharks, and Matthew swam in an inaugural competition at the Hargrave Military Academy. Matthew won his event, the 200 metres breaststroke, against the American swimmers, and in doing so achieved an American Olympic Junior qualifying time. Well done, Matthew!

boys aged 11 to 15. The players come from a fifty mile radius for the sessions with Swindon's professional coaches, all hoping to develop their skills and perhaps make it to the big time. We are glad to offer our facilities to the community, and thank our other Thursday users, in particular 'Springs and Things' trampoline club, for their cooperation in making our space available to Swindon Town's footballers of tomorrow.

GREENDOWN Greendown is West Swindon's Community School catering for local families and a wide range of community groups. We always make visitors very welcome and are happy to give interested parents tours of the school. For more information please contact, Parents (Primary year 6): Tim Noble Other parents: Steve O'Sullivan Community use and bookings: Margaret May

Tel: (0 1793) 874224 Readers who would like to see back copies of 'This is Greendown' are invited to contact the school

'This is Greendown' is published by Greendown Community School under contract with The Link Magazine

The Link Magazine • October 1995

Making choices, finding the right options Careers & training exhibition at the Oasis What is the first important choice that young people often make for themselves? From the age of 14 or 15 onwards, students make more and more decisions that will affect their future. Some relate to their personal lives only, but many are centred around educational and training routes into their eventual career. To make sense of the multiplicity of possible routes to take, Wiltshire Careers Guidance Services are organising the Options 95 exhibition at the Oasis Leisure Centre on Wednesday 11 October. Its an ideal forum to explore the opportunities for work or further training available locally and on a national level. Young people and their parents will find Options of great benefit.

The exhibition is also aimed at adults seeking to retrain, or thinking about returning to work or wanting to switch jobs, On hand will be over 60 major educational institutions, training providers and employers in the Swindon area showing off the opportunities on offer, and ready to discuss future employment and training possibilities. Experienced careers staff from the Wiltshire Careers Service will also be available to give impartial advice and information to those attending. Whatever your age, Options provides the ideal place for taking stock, reviewing choices and contemplating future paths. Options is free to all and is open between 11am and 8pm.

TO STUDENTS & EVERYBODY.... Do you need computer skills quickly? Reduced prices held for introductory courses during October

Elementary courses and Keyboard skills courses from £60 Plus more advanced courses in wordprocessing, spreadsheets, Sage, typing, book keeping, shorthand Word for Windows version 2 and 6 and Wordperfect 5.1

Choose you own study times at: BUSINESS RAtuire • i COLLEGE

27 Bath Road, Old Town, Swindon (0 1793) 488518

Did you miss the boat? New College courses for adults in West Swindon have already set off without you.

Options Education, Training & Employment Exhibition

Courses offered in word processing, keyboard skills, desk top publishing, databases, spreadsheets and maths.

DON'T WORRY! For students and adults of all ages. Come and discuss your future with the experts

New courses will be starting in November at the West Swindon Technology Centre (Greendown School campus) Have you some time to yourself during the day or evenings? Enrol on a Quality Course from New College. You can claim a reduction in fees if you are receiving benefits. Please use the tear-off Freepost slip below or tel: 611470 ext 201 or fax: 436437

New College The Oasis, Swindon Swindon Wednesday 11th October 1995 11 .00am - 8.00pm Supported by

Admission free

EDUCATION FOR YOUR FUTURE -

——

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CO-Up -please senc,coW

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Organised by

Wiltshire Careers Guidance Services

For more information, contact Julian White on(01793)549200

WCGS

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NewCollege, Heiston Road, FREEPOST (SN2025) Swindon SN3 2LA

The Link Magazine • October 1995

Number to forget, new one to remember

ROTTEN WOOD? PEELING PAINT? DRIPPING GUTTERS?

Link Centre will soon be getting a new, more modern phone system and number: 445566.

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without having to go through an operator, or call into a recorded information hotline. It means less waiting time and people who want to make bookings will be dealt with more quickly." Callers using the old number will be automatically redirected for twelve months. Link Centre's similarity to a space age docking centre will soon be enhanced when telephone microwave dishes appear on the roof in October. The new telephone number will be in operation by the end of the month. The Oasis Leisure Centre is also going to have a similar system.

Two or more of a kind? The West Swindon Twins Support Group meets twice a month to provide support to multiple birth parents. Multiple birth mums to be are also welcome. There is information and advice available, and also the chance to swap and sell equipment and clothes. The group meets on: 1st Monday of each month, 930am

- 1130am at West Swindon Health Centre 3rd Thursday of each month, 1.30pm - 330pm in the Playgroup Room at the Link Centre. The cost is £1 to join and 50p per session towards refreshment and rent. For further details contact Kate on 871534, Linda on 876272 or Helen on 870028.

Charity Markets

-RAC Se'ected

IAJ 71

A little known fact is that the old number, 871212, was chosen for its easy to remember digit combination, similar to the old Scotland Yard phone number used in the 1960s TV series 'No Hiding Place.' Now a new high-tech exchange is being installed and Link Centre manager Roger Byrne hopes the problems will be minimal. "It's over ten years since the 'phone system was installed and new facilities are required," he said. "The equipment will mean callers can access different services with greater speed. An electronic answering service will allow callers to be directed to extensions

A harity market will be held on 21 October and also on 18 November at the Link Centre, lOam - 12 noon. To book a stall call into the Community Suite, 930am - 12.30pm and 130pm - 430pm or telephone 871212 ext 234.

Resources for community groups Have you just taken over as secretary of a community group and don't have access to a typewriter or word processor? Do you need to make a poster to promote an event? Do you want to update your CV or write to a prospective employer? If you can answer yes to any of these questions but don't have the materials or equipment you need at home then help is at hand in the Community Suite Office at the Link Centre. Community and voluntary groups, and people who are unemployed and/or seeking work, can take advantage of the equipment available at little or no charge. On offer is a photocopying machine, computer with Displaywrite Four wordprocessing package, guillotine, lettering and badge making machines, graphic books and poster making materials.

The friendly staff in the office are always happy to advise and help customers use the equipment and with the exception of the computer no previous experience is necessary. The Community Suite also has a number rooms for hire by community groups and commercial organisations in need of a place to meet. If you're starting a new group or are meeting in a house and want to expand, the rooms at the Community Suite may be the ideal answer. They cost £2.60 per hour and are available morning, afternoon and evening. To find out more about what's available, telephone 871212 ext '134, or call in during office hours, 930am - 1230pm and 130pm 430pm to see for yourself what's on offer.

The Link: Swindon's most interesting, informative, relevant and readable publication. To advertise, telephone (0 17-93) 872282

A Great Family Night Out at The Dance House Elleridune Community Centre Wtoughton

Saturday 21 octot Token Wói't..n. Tickets: £6, Conc. £4, Under 12 Family ticket £15 Tickets on door or send cheques and SAEto.. The Dance House, 131 Goddard Avenue, Swlndrn

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

American ideals Corinne Glanville looks at the Apollo 13 re-creation and Disney's fantasy history Pocahontas Apollo 13 has double Oscar winner Tom Hanks at the helm. Hanks stars as Jim Lovell, with Bill Paxton as Fred Haise and Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert. Together they enact the gripping story of the 1970 Apollo 13 space mission, based on the popular book by Jim Lovell, recreating the true story of the mission which left three astronauts trapped in space while Mission Control in Houston desperately try to find a way to rescue them. The exploding of an oxygen tank takes place 87 hours from home on the outward journey to the moon and leads to what could be the quintessential understatement ever: "Houston, we've got a problem." Throughout the next four days the astronauts and the team on earth battle to return the crippled craft back to earth. Twenty five years ago this drama gripped the entire globe. The film is set to rekindle dramatic memories for some and for another generation it will perhaps open up and enliven a piece of history.

their friendship blossoms, hatred grows between the avaricious British and the Indians. When Smith is captured, Pocahontas puts her life on the line to save his. Look out for Percy, Governor Ratcliffes pug dog and Wiggins, his offish but obedient servant.

Linda Hunt is the voice of the strongest women ever in a Disney animation and Mel Gibson speaks and sings as Smith. Listen out for Billy Connolly. After the reception Pocahontas received in the USA and the promotion it will get here, it can't fail to be a good family entertainment hit.

I E FORIP for

FORD Grandmother Willow provides some ancient advice to Pocahontas and Smith Just in time for half term, Pocahontas mania is about to strike Britain. It follows The Lion King and Aladdin as the 33rd full length Walt Disney cartoon. It is well crafted and drawn and the computer animation techniques have enabled Disney to create another visual spectacle. Set in 1607, the film may be a little simplistic for some, using just a touch of storyteller's licence to romanticise the story of John Smith, an English explorer and Princess Pocahontas, daughter of Indian Chief Powhatan. Smith, portrayed as a fair-headed Adonis, is a soldier who sails to the New World with the greedy governor of the Virginia Company, John Ratcliffe, seeking gold and other treasures. Meanwhile in the Americas, beautiful Pocahontas, drawn by Disney animators as a sensuous creature with hair tumbling to her waist, ponders her path in life. Should she marry Kocoum, a stern warrior, or does destiny have another plan for her? She turns to her childhood friend Nakoma and in true Disney style her forest buddies - Meeko, a mischievous racoon, a hummingbird called Flit and Grandmother Willow, a 400 year old rnysticai spirit residing in an ancient tree - for friendship and advice. Smith, charged with protecting the gold hungry British settlers, meets Pocahontas. At first they are suspicious of each other, but she helps him discover a who!p new meaning to life. As

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Recreation Seraces THAMESDOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL OD,vo,,otLoe,.S.rcc..

Until 29 October Exhibition Little and Large from the Swindon Collection of 20th Century British Art - pairs of works on the same theme. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road. Free Exhibition World War II: Swindon 1939-1945. Wartime recollections, with photographs and re-constructions. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road. Free Until 30 November Exhibition The Lost Estate: Lydiard Park Camp in the 1950s. A unique record of a housing estate with a difference. Lydiard House Until 31 December Exhibition Chocolate and Cream: Swindon's Carriage Works. A display of the distinctive GWR carriages and rolling stock. Great Western Railway Museum

53 Devizes Road Swindon Tel: (01793) 521515

Sunday 1 October Music Thank You Mr Gershwin. A tribute to the work of the great American composer. Wyvern, 730pm. £9.50, £7.50 Music The Swindon Recital Series: Caroline Leeks (Soprano) Jennifer Stinton (Flute), Paul Turner (Piano). Arts Centre, 8pm. £7

Music The Music Club presents Peter Maundrell (Piano). Music by Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin and Debussy. Arts Centre, 745pm

Thursdays 5, 12, 19 October, 2, 9, & 16 November Life Drawing self-supervised sessions. Arts Centre, 730pm - 930pm. £18

Enjoy some of the best Chinese cuisine in Swindon

Friday 6 October Dance Taking Risks Festival: Choreographers' Showcase, also post show talk. Town Hall Studios, Swindon, 730pm. £5.25/23.25

At home with the Chinese Experience takeaway service

Saturday 7 October Workshop Autumn in Watercolour Suitable for all abilities. Arts Centre, Devizes Road, lOam - 4pm. £8

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1a4ier.

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

Wednesday 11 October Music That'll Be The Day - non stop Rock n' Roll. Wyvern, 730pm. £9, £8 Thursday 12 October Dance Taking Risks Festival: Siobhan Davies Dance Company. Wyvern, 8pm, pre-performance talk at 715pm. £10, £8.75, £6 Thursday 12 October - Saturday 14 October Drama The Old Town Theatre Company presents Last of the Red Hot Lovers by Neil Simon. Arts Centre, Devizes Road

Monday 2 October - Saturday 7 October Drama ... love, Julie. "If you liked Shirley Valentine - you'll love Julie". Wyvern, 730pm & Sat mat 230pm.

Wednesdays 4, 11, 18 & 25 October Fabric course with artist Marie Brett Try different techniques using batik, block printing, assemblage, applique and stencilling. Arts Centre, Devizes Road, lOam - 1pm. £20

Mead Way, Sparcells, West Swindon

Tuesday 10 October Music Sarah Jory (below). A country star with a wide song repertoire and talent as a multi-instrumentalist. Wyvern, 8pm. £8.50, £7.50

Sunday 8 October Music 20 Years of Partnership Salzgitter/Swindon. An evening of music featuring Swindon Symphony Orchestra, Swindon Male Voice Choir, guest pianist from Salzgitter and soloists. Wyvern, 730pm. £6 Monday 9 October Music The Syd Lawrence Orchestra, a Moonlight Serenade. Wyvern, 8pm. £10.50, £9.50 Tuesday 10 October

IT Guided Tour of the State Rooms at Lydiard House. The fascinating history, rescue and restoration. 230pm.

Devizes Road Old Town Swindon

centre

Box Office: (01793) 614837

Friday 6th October, 8pm Scotland's Top Folk Group The Battlefield Band Tickets £12 (Gold Card £11) Saturday 7th October, 8pm Europe's Leading Four Man Vocal Group Cantabile presents Songs Of Love And War Tickets £12 (Gold Card £11) Thursday 19th October 7.3Opm Antidote Theatre presents Waiting For Stoppard A new comedy by Miles Kington Tickets £6 (Gold Card £5), Students £4 Friday 20th October, 8pm Melanie and Susan Kittens Go Grrr! An evening of impeccable character comedy, dubbed as the new French and Saunders Tickets £6 (Gold Card £5) Saturday 21st October 1pm and 4pm Image Theatre Company presents Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll A musical play sponsored by BT Tickets from £4 THAMESDOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

October overview

Friday 13 October Music Bournemouth Sinfonietta Elgar, Mozart, Litolff, Williams, Beethoven. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £13- £9

LINK

CENTRE presents

Saturday 14 October Workshop Origami. Arts Centre, 1Oam-11.30am. £2

1995 Christmas Ice Show

Music The Swindon and District Welsh Society presents The Dunvant Male Choir plus Ten in a Bar. Wyvern, 730pm, £7, £6 Sunday 15 October Comedy & Music Willie Rushton & Barry Cryer as Two Old Fails in the Night. Wyvern,7.30pm. 29.50,E8.50 Comedy Star of Channel 4's The Big Breakfast Mark Little Sucks. Arts Centre, 8pm. £8.50 ...

Thursday 19 October & Friday 20 October Drama Hamlet presented by Head To Toe Theatre Company. Arts Studio, Link Centre, 7.30pm. £3.50

The Battlefield Band: Scotlands top folk band Arts Centre, 6 October -

Saturday 21 October Sunday 29 October Family Activity All That Glitters, trail at Lydiard House. Is it gold? Follow the glittering trail through the House. £1 child adm. Children must be accompanied by an adult -

Thursday 19 October Saturday 28 October Music Anything Goes by Cole Por- Family Activity Ancient Writing, quiz ter presented by Swindon Amateur at Swindon Museum, Bath Road Light Operatic Society. Wyvern, Monday 23 October 730pm, Sat mat 230pm. £9.50 Music The Music Club presents £6.50 Matthew Wall (Piano) and Sarah Friday 20 October Cottel (Cello). Arts Centre, 7.45pm Dance Taking Risks Festival: Tuesday 24 October Scalectrix A new Ground; Falling Family Yogi Bear and the Magic Light. Town Hall Studio, Swindon, Spacemen. Wyvern, 12 noon & 8pm. £5.25/E3.25 230pm. £4.50 -

Saturday 21 October Activity Day in the GWR Museum, quizzes, puzzles and activities with a transport theme. 10am 5pm -

Music 'The Carpenters' featuring Wendy Roberts and Paul Aldridge. SuperMarine Social Club, South Marston, Swindon, tel: (0378)546748

Film in Swindon Wednesday 4 October, 7.45pm Three Colours Red (15) (subtitled). Said to be the last film from Kieslowski and the final part of his colour trilogy. Presented by Swindon Film Society. Arts Centre Tuesday 17 October & Wednesday 18 October 7.45pm Exotica (18) Arts Centre, £3 Sunday 22 October, 7.15pm Hoop Dreams (12) This moving documentary follows the lives of two black teenage boys striving to become professional basketball players. Presented by Swindon Film Society. Arts Centre Monday 30 October & Tuesday 31 October, 7.45pm Imaginary Crimes (PG) The story of conman Ray (Harvey Ketial) struggling to bring up his daughters and maintain his place in society, after the death of his wife. Arts Centre, £3.

(Enter the Yogi Bear competition on page 35 and win free tickets to the show) Wednesday 25 October Workshop for 7 12 year olds, Stonecarving Wiltshire Young Artists. To include carving from soap to stone and woodwork. Arts Centre, 10am-3pm. £10 -

Thursday 26 October Family The Mr Men Alphabet Show. Wyvern, 11am & 2pm. £5 Friday 27 October Workshop for 7- 12 year aids, Wire Sculpture with Marie Brett. Arts Centre, lOam 3pm. £10 -

Dance Taking Risks Festival: Brenda Edwards & Friends Zulu Britain, Inside Out, post show talk. Town Hall Studios, 8pm. £5.25/E3.25 -

Friday 27 October & Saturday 28 October Comedy The Bradford Players presents The Lost Revue. Arts Centre, 8pm. £3 Sunday 29 October Music Sean Wilson. Popular Irish singer back by public demand. Wyvern, 730pm. £9, £8 Monday 30 October Dance Taking Risks Festival:The Aletta Collins Dance Company presents This is the Picture uniting theatre, dance and film to create a rich and vibrant show. Wyvern, 8pm. £8, £6 Tuesday 31 October Music West End Showstoppers music and songs from some the most memorable musicals. Wyvern, 730pm. £9, 28

Sleepirig ~8 cauty December 16th 20th Matinee & Evening Performances Watch local press for details! —

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THAMESDOWN

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FARCV PRE4545 NALLO WF. '4 PARTY for 8-12 year olds Tuesday 31st October 1995, 6.00-9.00pm. Doors open 5.45pm * Disco * Karaoke * Food and Soft Drinks Included * Games * Fancy Dress Competition .

Tickets £6.00 if booked before 20th October £8.00 Thereafter Group price £5.50 each for 10 tickets or more Last tickets sold Sunday 29th October

Oasis Leisure Centre North Star Avenue Swindon Tel: (0 1793) 533405

Recreation Services

THAMESDOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

The Link Magazine • October 1995

We track down mystery infant The girl without a name pictured in the August Link magazine turns out to be Sheila Locke who lives in Toothill, close to her childhood home at 'the camp' in Lydiard Park. Sheila, aged three or four years in the photo lived with her parents in one of the huts in the park used by prisoners of war. Swindon Corporation took them over in 1946 as a solution to the post-war housing shortage. Pictures of Sheila and many other Swindonians are to be found in an exhibition at Lydiard House called The Lost Estate which describes life in 'the camp.' Sheila Maiden as a three year old in "The summers were lovely out the early 1950s at 'the camp' there in the country," remembers

Sheila. "But the winters were really hard and we would have to be dug out by tractors. "The bus service was infrequent and I remember my dad's piggy back rides in the moonlight as we walked from Lydiard to Swindon." Little did Sheila know she would live in a house built right next to the road she walked on. In 1978 Sheila and her husband moved into a brand new house in Kirkstall Close, Toothill, looking onto Stokesay Drive, which used to be the A420 from Swindon to the west. Catch the Lost Estate exhibition at Lydiard House before it too disappears at the end of November. Sheila Locke as she is now outside her Toothill house at Kirkstall Close Open lOam to 4pm.

Lydiard as an educational resource Countryside Ranger Michael Lilley writes: After a summer of droughts, positive meeting which gave us ment. The hosts for the open day banned barbecues, festivals and the the chance to meet teachers from are the Peatmoor Community scaffold covered house, things are local schools who attended. It was Group, supported by the Great getting back to normal. It has great to see so many there. Western Community Forest. For rained a lot, the grass is regrowOur Autumn & Winter 95/96 more information contact Liz and ing, barbecues are on again, and programme is now available from Ross Curd on 876654. the scaffolding is disappearing, Sunday 29 October, 1pm to the visitor centre in the park. The Ranger team recently at- Coming up in October: 330pm, 'Natural Art in the Park.' tended the opening of the West Sunday 1 October: A free open Make masks using natural materiSwindon Local Studies Resource day at Peatmoor Copse off als from the autumnal woods here Centre at Greendown School. One Peatmoor Way, from 10am. Try in the park. Please wear old warm of our roles is to be environmental your hand at coppicing, a tradi- clothes, and bring £1 if you are a educationalists and this was a very tional form of woodland manage- junior, £2 if an adult.

Tuesday 31 October sees the return from the grave of the ever popular 'Halloween Horrors,' from 7pm to 9pm. See the park as you've never seen it before. No-one knows what will happen here in dark. This is very definitely an event for all the family, featuring the best dressed little horror competition. For further details on the above two events please contact us at the park or on 771419.

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: I 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 to suit your budget If this sounds familiar - give us a call.

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The Link Magazine • October 1995

Police perspective: Twelve months on Swindon North sub-division Inspector Andy Tatam, reviews the last year and provides the latest information beat officers in West Swindon

Having now had the responsibility for the policing of West Swindon for almost twelve months I felt that this would be an ideal opportunity to update you on some of the things that are going on. During the last year I have met many residents, at community meetings or on a one to one basis. The feedback that has been received has been most useful in planning the way that the area is policed and in dealing with some of the problems that regularly cause concern. I am conscious that a number of initiatives and actions to improve life in West Swindon are not always visible and this is an excellent chance to inform you of developments. Due to unavoidable moves internally, the area officers have changed during the last few months: WPC Debbie Davey now has responsibility for policing Toothill. PC Tim Gardner is covering Freshbrook and Grange Parkbeats. John Mulloy is working in Middleleaze, Eastleaze, Nine Elms, Sparcells, The Prinnels and Old Shaw. PC Matt Bayliss has moved on leaving Westlea currently unmanned. As soon as an officer can be found for this area it will be covered, but with no extra staff it is a matter of deploying someone from other duties. Sgt Terry Cuss has been on other duties for the last twelve months but has kept in contact with the community. He is now back and co-ordinating the work of the area officers. To improve the situation at Freshbrook Centre we have been liaising with Thamesdown onsetting up a CCTV system. This is now progressing and is expected to be complete within the next couple of months. This will help to prevent crime and, in conjunction with the policing of the area, make the centre safer and reduce the perception of crime and disorder. As previously reported in The Link the West Swindon youth initiative involves various local agencies including the police and is trying to improve the facilities for young people. Initially it is hoped to reestablish the football area in the Link Centre car park and provide a meeting room which will be a better environment than street corners and play areas. It is encouraging that the youth

service is moving a youth worker into a ground floor suite at the Link Centre to prepare the ground for more comprehensive advice and information facilities aimed at young people in the area. A lot of the complaints that we receive from residents of the Freshbrook and Toothill areas are in connection with general nuisance offence, especially the playing of football in the street. PC Mathias, ex-Freshbrook officer, has recently written an article explaining the situation and setting out possible offences committed. This is now being followed up by PC Gardner and WPC Davey with letters being sent to parents of people committing these offences.

EXCLUSIVE Detective work on TV Look out for Westlea historian Sheila Mitchell, below, in her search for Hannah Lightfoot, the 18thCentury Quakeress who some believe married King George III when he was Prince of Wales in 1759.

Community meetings have been held in the last three months covering Grange Park and Sparcells. The response to these meetings was very encouraging and further dates are now being arranged for the coming nine months to cover the other areas in West Swindon. As a result of the feedback one officer has been redeployed from response car duties to area duties. This is a brief round-up of some of the things going on at the moment. Sgt Cuss, the area officers and myself are all keen to have your comments on the area and to discuss any problems that may be concerning you. We can all be contacted at Westlea Police Station, tel: 528111. But please bear in mind that we all work shifts and you may have to leave a message. We will either give you a call back or make an arrangement to see you. I look forward to meeting more of you in the coming months. •Next month: a report on policing in the Haydon Wick area

Sheila appears in ITVs 'Schofield's Quest' starting on Sunday 15 October. She has been researching the Hannah Lightfoot story for nearly 20 years and hopes to get closer to Hannah's fate through the programme. Be prepared for some surprises plus fascinating and intriguing detective work as Phillip Schofield and his team delve into the past with the help of the Hannah mystery's leading researcher.

Security matters Mighty fence There's an old saying about good fences makes for good neighbours. To help, Minety Fencing at Barnfield Road have created a new larger fencing panel. At six and half feet, this unique fence will ensure privacy and satisfy the demand from many people. The 'Minety Max' fence panel costs £14.99 inclusive of VAT. Visit Minety, just down the road from the Bamfield Road dump.

Inspector Andy Tatam

In November,

The Link will be featuring security in the home and in the car. To advertise in this feature, call (01793) 854030.

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The Link Magazine October 1995

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Sub Officer Perry Payne at Westlea Fire Station writes: As you can imagine with the recent hot weather the last few months have been exceptionally busy for the Wiltshire Fire Brigade. Since 1 July Westlea Fire Station has responded to 136 fires, 128 false alarms and 62 emergency special service calls. Thank you for your help in preventing many of the sort of fires we've been dealing with, particularly grass fires. Congratulations are due to my counterpart on Group 2, Sub Officer Martin Lloyd. Martin has received an official commendation from our 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. Martin removed the man from the vehicle and did a first class job in difficult circumstances - a commendation well deserved.

Eight year Nathan Bailey from Wood hail Park was a special visitor to Westleafire station in September. His mum said he is totally mad about firemen and fire engines and the Westlea crew were happy to give him Monday 25 September sees the a two hour tour

start of the National Fire Safety Week which aims to raise aware- assisted a young man whose car ness of fire safety in the home and was involved in a head on collithe workplace. sion with an articulated lorry on At Westlea Fire Station we are very Great Western Way near Blagrove pleased to be involved in an initia- on Friday 15 September. tive called Learn Not to Burn which The young man was trapped and was launched on Wednesday 27 the car ignited but due to the acSeptember. The launch, kindly tions of these people not only was sponsored by the local North Wilt- he assisted from the vehicle but shire Fire Liaison Group is being the fire had been extinguished beheld at the Marriott Hotel who are fore we got there! The man does also very keen to promote the ini- have severe injuries but is recovertiative. ing well. Without the help he reThe scheme, a prototype in this ceived the outcome could have brigade, is specifically designed to been very different. introduce the message of fire safety Have your boiler serviced and into schools and has been incorpo- chimney swept: rated into the National Curricu- Just a reminder: as the summer lum. We are looking forward to draws to a close and we start to working with Westlea and Tregoze think about putting the central schools and hope in the future to heating on or perhaps lighting widen what we feel is sure to be a our coal fires please remember to successful project. get the heating appliances servOn a personal note I'd like to say iced and the chimneys swept 'well done' to all those people who just in case.

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The Link Magazine • October 1995

WI - a place for women to meet June Bradley of the Tootleabrook WI writes:

Thank you to all of those who bought cakes from our stall in the West Swindon Centre. As usual we were kept very busy, and, no doubt due to the WI reputation for good quality food, were sold out before noon. In August most of our our members were globe trotting to exotic locations so for the few remaining at home, instead of a speaker we had a scrabble evening. This was very popular although the scoring was a bit ambiguous as each table seemed tohavea different method. However it was a very enjoyable. The speaker at our September

meeting was Kathy Bradley talking on paper and the environment. The WI has ladies of all ages who enjoy a wide variety of interests. On offer at last month's meeting were: table tennis, scrabble, science, music, whist, theatrical dressing and honey products. If you would like to join us you will find a warm welcome and you wont be pressured to join until you decide its what you want. We meet in the Community Room at Toothill School on the third Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm. For further information telephone 495520.

Christmas for diabetics How can diabetics enjoy tasty dietitician at the October meeting Christmas cooking? This will be of the Swindon & District Branch the subject of a talk by a local of the British Diabetic Association on 3 October, 730pm. The Branch holds meetings on Bridge players the first Tuesday of the month at The Purton Bridge Club season the Carfax Street Health Centre. starts on Tuesday 3 October at They are a source of information, 730pm in the Purton Bowls Pavil- practical help and support for diaion behind the Red House. betics and those who care for them. Sixteen members currently play Newcomers are always welat the friendly club sessions and come. For more information, call Anne new players are always welcomed. For further information, please Moore on 533729 or Becky Nute on contact Julie Pharpo on 877006 488070.

PREMIER CENTRAL HEATING EXHIBITION Thursday 5 October 1995 6pm - 9pm Goddard Arms Hotel High Street, Old Town Swindon Is your boiler past its best? It could be using more fuel than necessary and not pumping out the heat you need. Just think of the benefits a new Gas boiler could bring.

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The Link Magazine

• October

Filton Male Voice Choir In concert at Freshbrook Church in aid of Schools Outreach (Pastoral support care in Swindon schools) Saturday 28 October, 7.30pm Tickets £3 from 771487

1995

Samedi-Récré

C'est Super!

Sur cette photo, on voit Sophie, Oliver, Abigail et Stéphane des enfants de Samedi-Récré, un club éducatif pour les enfants de familles bilingues francais/anglais. -

Le Club a été formé ii y a quatre ans par un groupe de françaises afin d'aider leurs enfants developper leurs connaissances du français. Ce Club est maintenant bien établi, et ses membres se rencontrent au Link Centre Swindon un samedi sur deux. Pour le moment, le Club comprend plus de vingt enfants de 2 a 14 ans. Lesjeux, les chansons, les histoires et le théâtre torment une partie importante des matinees de Samedi-Récré. Les enfants travaillent en deux groupes: pour

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With professional residential care at Windmill Court, Freshbrook For independence, and privacy, yet with caring staff on call 24 hours when you need them. Windmill Court offers affordable, attractive rented accommodation in self-contained apartments, where the resident is assured of maximum independence and privacy; whilst a full range of services and facilities are immediately on hand when needed. Each apartment has its OWfl kitchen and bathroom, and residents are encouraged to furnish to their own taste. Windmill Court is surrounded by attractive well maintained grounds for the private use of the residents, and outings and events are frequently held for those wishing to participate. The lames Butcher Housing Association has over 30 years experience in pIe. ling accommodation and care for the frail and elderly, where the dignity and independence of residents is always ensured.

Mens group

les plus jeunes, c'est la communication orale qui est la plus importante; quant aux plus grands, ils se concentrent sur la lecture et la redaction. Le Club joue un role important chez les families concernées, en apportant aux enfants et aux parents le support nécessaire afin d'être sürs de firer le meilleur parti de l'avantage conféré par cette connaissance linguistique, au cours de l'éducation generale des enfants. Si vous désirez un complement d'informations, rencontrer d'autres francophones et surtout aider a developper les competences de votre enfant bilingue, veuillez contacter Martine, au (01793) 872363. -

David Duke writes:

If you are male, aged between 18 and 40, and are looking for a mix of social and community based activities outside work, then Round Table could be for you. The organisation was founded in 1927 with the aim of creating a forum for younger men, as an alternative to the longer established organisations such as Rotary. Swindon Round Table meets twice a month and meetings typically include indoor and outdoor sports, speaker evenings and fund raising activities. There is also a programme of informal family based events such as barbeques, children's parties and family fun days. Often little is known about Round Table fund raising. The organisation is the largest single contributor to the BBC Children in Need appeal and has been a long term supporter of the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Appeal. You may have noticed Swindon Table's Christmas Sleigh collection in Regent Street on Saturdays in December, the funds from which are distributed to local causes. We meet at Broome Manor on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. If you're interested in finding out more, please contact Mike Mason on 813889.

Early start in French A club which helps children pick up the basics in French is expanding into West Swindon. Le Club Francais will be starting after-school clubs at Shaw's Brook Field School on 3 October where 60 children are interested. Classes, catering for children aged 3 to 11, grouped by age, are being planned for Salt Way and Tregoze Schools. For children who cannot attend an after-school language club, there will also be Saturday morning clubs in Spanish and French at Freshbrook Community Centre from 7 October. The sessions are limited to 12 children, and the first trial lesson is free if booked in advance. Teaching is by songs, games and other fun-filled activities. To find out more, telephone 814354.

Le Club Francais Fun French & Spanish Saturday Clubs for 3 11 years Full details from 01793 814354

MAC USER WANTED

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The Link magazine is interested in meeting somebody who has a Macintosh computer and experience with Adobe Pagemaker to provide support on an occasional basis.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT US AT: The James Butcher Housing Association Ltd., 39 High Street, Theale, Reading RG7 5AH or telephone us on: 01734 317200

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The Link Magazine • October 1995

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It's just a year since Securicor Recruitment Services opened a branch in West Swindon, the first and still the only recruitment agency to recognise the need to have a local service. Conveniently located at the Delta Business Park, Westlea, Securicor is well placed to serve the people who live in the west and north of Swindon, and also the many companies located in the area and needing staff. David Rees and his team set a high standard; all temporary staff are fully interviewed and references are taken up. Securicor are recruiting to fill Christmas packing vacancies with West Swindon companies. If you're after a short term or part time job, or a full time post, Securicor is the place to start looking.

30 The Link Magazine ' October 1995

SORE, TIRED, ACHING FEET? Pick up the phone and book your appointment with Martin Drew MBcHA, MSScI

CHIROPODIST Home visit service or come to our modern town centre surgery Tel: (01703) 511284 anytime

THINKING OF RENTING YOUR PROPERTY? D.B. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT (West Swindon) require ito 4 bed. houses & flats for waiting tenants Professional service with a high standard of care and competitive rates

Contact: (01793) 874067 (Day or Eve)

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Brilliant for bikers The award of £42.5 million from National Lottery funds to pay for the development of a national cycle network by Bristol based civil engineering charity SUSTRANS has delighted Anne Billingham, coordinator of the Swindon Bike Group. "It's brilliant," she said. "Millions of people will benefit by making it easier to cycle to work or for pleasure by the provision of thousands of miles of new cycling and pedestrian routes free of vehicles. "The lottery millions means that

local authorities will be more willing to contribute as well, to create connections into the national network and improve existing routes," said Anne. "SUSTRANS is currently acting as consultants for Thamesdown and North Wilts Councils on the development of a Cirencester to Marlborough cycle route to link the Thames Valley and the Kennet and Avon canal sections of the national network." SUSTRANS aims to provide 6,500 miles of cycle routes by the year 2005.

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CARTER, READ & DOVE SOLICITORS Commerce House, 34/35 Commercial Road, Swindon Tel: (01793) 617617

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• 61% of car journeys are under • Government subsidies to motorists as a result of extra 5 miles and undertaken in motoring costs like accidents urban areas where the car is the least efficient means of and road repairs is £1,000 per car per year. transport • Motor vehicles produce 90% • If cycle use in the UK matched of carbon monoxide pollution the 20% of journeys in and high levels of other air Denmark, savings on congestion, health and pollutants. pollution costs would amount • Cycling 20 miles a week reduces risk of heart disease to £1.8 billion per annum. by half.

Safe route for cyclists West Swindon has the most comprehensive, well sign-posted cycle network in Thamesdown, and a new link into the town centre along the Wootton Bassett road has just been completed with the arrival of a new bridge over the River Ray opposite the Running Horse pub. The route, built by Wiltshire County Council highways was due to open in early September. Celebrating the arrival of the bridge and the completion of a safe route into town: Anne Billinghani of the Swindon Bike Group right, with Bernard Cashman of the Cycle Touring Club, with Mo Randell and daughter Rachel from Grange Park on the left, and Carol Burrows from Ramleaze. In the front are Antonio and Owen Hoskins who live at the Running Horse on Wootton Bassett Road

CHINESE TAKE-AWAY West Swindon Centre

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Nutkins Toddler Group Autumn Table Top Sale and Auction 14 November, 8pm - 10pm Upper Shaw Farm Community Centre, Ridge Green Entry 50p Table tops to include ChocohoJics, Red House Books, Anne Summers, Toy Party.

Tables available for hire. Call Stacy, 875972 or Jane, 491308

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6th September 1995 Dear Link Magazine, ity to say how pleased we are r your Septembe opportun We would like this in these with the response from our advertisement in early days since ustifY Our issue of The Link magazine. Even publication the orders already placed more than j investment with you.

r your kind help and We would also like to thank you fo assistancein the design and the time spent discussing the options available.

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with The Link xciU5i w ill remain exclusively your continued support Our adverti5i d to and we look forwar

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Boost the response to Your business by calling The Link magazine on (01793) 872282

Big Discounts on Kitchen Units Doors & Appliances for Supply only

THE GREAT Al GIVEAWAY IS ON NOW! 51

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The Link Magazine • October 1995

John is the name

Cd HAVE YOU ,MADE I A WILL? / We can help! . Home 'Visits Anytime • Fixed Low Prices • Free Advice • Prompt Service

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(01793) 727091

Our profound apologies to John Haines from Shaw who was pictured in last month's Link magazine. For some reason we called him Daryl in the story and the photo caption, even though he had made it quite clear that his name was John in the interview. He became as a YTS trainee at Swindon Town in July. He keeps goal for the youth team and has already achieved his aim for the season, to play in the reserve team. Excellent under 12s John is pictured on the right of Swindon Town manager Steve McMahon Swindon Towns School of Excellence under us and under 12s will be playing and fellow trainee Tom Wheeldon games against Oxford United on Wednesday 25 October, lOam and 1230pm respectively at Greendown School. :

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Winter Pansies, Bulbs & Heathers Fruit Trees, Roses, Herbaceous Perennials, Trees, Shrubs, Conifers, Alpines HUGE SELECTION OF STONEWARE Not just a Garden Centre - more a gardeners' paradise Stockists of unusual and hard to find varieties Open Daily at Haydon End Lane, Haydon Wick, Swindon

Tel: Swindon 721221 PLANT NOW FOR AUTUMN & WINTER COLOUR

I JV DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND SAVE LLLZ's Fencing Panels from £8.99 Trellis Panels from £3.99 Gates

from £18.99

Paving Slabs

from 99p

GARDEN SHEDS from only £99.00 All prices include VAT • Open 6 days a week We also stock all types of fencing and gate materials and accessories including closeboard, palisade, chainlink, posts, rails and loose treated timber

PWKS Playhouses, Chalets, Bird tables, Dog kennels & Rabbit hutches

minety

Barnfield Road, Swindon (off Great Western Way)

Tel: (01793) 486762

EXCLUSIVE Mega youth arts fest planned A group of young people based on the Inspirations youth drama group, who meet at the West Swindon Young Peoples Centre, Toothill Farm, are planning a big arts festival for early summer 1996. The Music, Arts & Dance (MAD) Youth Arts Festival will also include drama, circus skills, graffiti events and workshops. Ideas are still in the early stages and new ones will always be welcomed. If you can help in any way, call youth worker Jo Marchment on 871212 ext. 229.

Youth workers move Youth workers will be moving into ground floor offices at the Link Centre in October. West Swindon youth work team leader Jane Kirk said that although resources are very tight, it will make youth workers more accessible to where young people gather around the centre. She said books and materials will be bought to start advice and information sessions aimed at supporting teenagers.

Let's play ball! Youth baseball coach wanted The Link magazine is looking for two people willing to go on a baseball coaching course on 28 October, 10am to 4.30pm. We will pay the course fee. Your commitment will be to start youth baseball teams, one in West Swindon, one in the Haydon Wick area. Thamesdown Council's Lifestyle Unit are launching a youth league in Swindon and teams need to come together, learn the rules and receive coaching in the finer arts of America's big game before the season starts next summer. You must be keen, over 18 and willing to undergo a police clearance check. Sports coaching or a background in youth work is desirable. Write to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon, with your details and why you would like to go on the course by 20 October.

'Do the Hoop' The Lifestyle Unit will soon be starting outdoor basketball coaching for 14 to 18 year olds in the Link Centre coach park. A youth basketball league is also being considered once teams come together. Watch this space for details.

Ten years of drugs advice

Druglink, Swindon's drug advisory centre, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The centre, at 47 Victria Road, provides confidential information and advice about drugs, counselling, a needle and syringe exchange scheme and also treatment options for drug users. Druglink also provides support and counselling to the families and friends of drug users, who Youth sessions in the west may be finding it hard to cope Len Hobbs Suite with the problems which can arise Greendown School in such situations. Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, Although most of its work is 730pm to 10pm for 14 plus based in Swindon, Druglink covWednesday 630pm to 930pm ers a large area, including for 11 to 16 year olds Highworth, Wootton Bassett, 20p per session, open to everyone. Marlborough and Pewsey. Friday night one off events. Druglink's two outreach workCall 877983 for details. ers can provide home visits to Freshbrook Cafe people unable to travel to the main in the community centre office, as well as giving talks to Monday & Thursday 7pm to schools and other organisations 10pm for 14 plus and visiting hostels, family and West Swindon Young health centres. People's Centre, Toothill Farm If you would like to speak to Wednesday night Drop-In/Club someone at Druglink, in confistarting soon. dence, call Swindon 610133.

The Link Magazine • October 1995

Impressions of a twin An exhibition of 70 colour photographs of of Salzgitter, Swindon's twin town in Germany arrives at the West Swindon library on 23 October until 11 November. The views through the lens of German photographer Matthias

Witzel will be one aspect of forthcoming celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of the twinning of Thamesdown and Saizitter. The photographs will be on display in Swindon's new market hall until 18 October.

PFS

town showing a 'Firefly' class locomotive in the engine house at the works

,10-14

The

SECURITY SYSTEMS

S Doc

All maintenance undertaken Tree lopped • Shrubs pruned Lawn laying Grass cutting Planting

INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE OF INTRUDER-FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

Historical heritage A definitive work on the architecture of Swindon's railway heritage Swindon: the legacy of a railway town is published by the Swindon based Royal Commission on Historical Monuments of England on 16 October. Richly illustrated and including many newly discovered documents and sketches, the book traces the building of the works and the railway village, and provides a fascinating story of the area, from greenfield site to one of the worlds largest engineering complexes. Below: A 1846 lithograph reproduced in Swindon: the legacy of a railway

S1 1

Fence preserving/repairs

74 Victoria Road, Swindon

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Tel: (01793) 642792

Tel: (01793) 526571

NACOSS Approved Installer Intruder Alarms

ENTERPRISE WORKS

Purton Garden Machinery

(WORKSHOP FOR THE DISABLED)

Tel: 854603 or 770707 (after 6pm) Spares *Repairs *Servicing Overhauls to petrol & electric New & used machinery for sale Part exchange welcome Rotavator for hire with or without operator Lawn mowing and rough grass cutting, one off or on a regular basis Oaklands Enterprise, Braydon Nr Wootton Bassett

DISCOVER THE CHOICE AND QUALITY AT STONE LANE GARDEN CENTRE We pride ourselves in offering all gardeners a wide selection of plants in excellent condition. In stock now is a large variety of bulbs, bedding plants and shrubs to bring your garden to life in the spring. Plant now to ensure a wonderful array of colour. SPECIAL OFFERS: GEM Bonemeal 3kg only £2.99 (was £4.54) Plastic leaf/lawn rake only £4.99

Buy 3 prepared Hyacinth bulbs and receive a FREE terracota bulb boWl. Pu,ton

To help you plan your autumn colour, Stone Lane have arranged for a talk on this subject on the following dates at 2.30pm: 1st October, 7th October and 8th October. They are free so you are welcome to come along - bring a friend who is also a keen gardener!

Oslml :IRnx]TL

Stan. Lane Nurseries a

Lydlard Millicent

Peatmoor & Nine Elms Shaw & Nine Elms

West Swindon

From Haydon WKk

Sparcells

Stone Lane, Lydiard Millicent, Swindon SN5 9LD

Tel: (01793) 771766

• 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, Gipsy Lane, Swindon SN2 6DT

Tel: (01793 616288 Fax: (01793) 542235

Tftz CP41A a4ttto4^v

Pa *e

Three great competitions for kids *44f4dzeA Ia dee 2169 4 1?ea" atd his jiieds al dw Wipie Yogi Bear and his mates are bringing half term entertainment to the Wyvern Theatre on Tuesday 24 October. We have two pairs of tickets for the 2pm panto-style matinee. You can join Yogi, Boo Boo, Ranger, Cindy, Yakky Doodle and Snagglepus for this great live show. And because its called 'Yogi Bear and the Magic Spaceman,' there will be magic, music, comedy, a few new characters and lots of audience participation. Answers these two questions and you could win two tickets to the Wyvern Theatre:

1. What is the name of Yogi Bear's little friend? 2. What name would you give a spaceman in the Yogi Bear show?

Send your answers on a postcard to The Link magazine, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon SN5 8PQ. Don't forget your name, address and 'phone number. The closing date is 15 October.

O(AflONTA5 America's biggest film this year opens at the MGM, Shaw Ridge on 13 October Under 12s - you could win lots of promotional goodies and tickets by helping to unscramble the words below. After all, when Pocahontas meets English soldier John Smith, they do not understand each other. (By the way, Smith and Pocahontas will be visiting Swindon in early October. Look out for them) ro ?

lift

Tickets:

£ADMNTRRGOH IOWLLW

CEYRP

IHECI AOTNPAWH

KMOEE

£6 bought before 20 October £8 bought between 20 - 29 October £5.50 group booking: 10+ tickets No tickets will be sold after 29 October

UOMOK(

H)NO TMHSI

OAANKM

LFFAECRTI

Win a pair of tickets

SCPASMO

TLFI

Return your entries to Helen Chapman, MGM Shaw Ridge, Whitehill Way Swindon by 16 October Name

Telephone No:

Address

On Tuesday 31 October, 6pm 915pm, the Oasis Leisure Centre plays host to its very first fancy dress Halloween party for 8 -12 year olds. There'll be a disco, karaoke, entertainment from Thamesdown dance studio, organised fun and games and the main event, the fancy dress competition. There are prizes to be won throughout the night. Fancy dress will be judged in two age groups, 8 - 10 year olds and 11-12 year olds, for the best dressed: witch ghost Dracula Frankenstein other (pumpkin, broomstick, black cat etc) A meal and a soft drink will be provided from Bones burger bar, and extra refreshments or food can be purchased at additional cost.

SATCANPOHO

WANT TO 60 TO A HALLOWEEN PARTY? You could win a pair of spooky tickets!

Age

TZ ON uo n3:aa. ; pv 'oqv faiuvu aqi jv ;no on luva nocfj ::u!J

(there are 3 pairs). Send answers to these questions on a postcard to: Steve Greenwood Oasis Leisure Centre North Star, Swindon by 20 October. 1. Which friendly ghost has been making appearances at your local cinema recently? 2. In which recent Disney film is Simba the main character? 3. How many Domebust slides are there at the Oasis?

PLANN#\G

tW.DD \G

It's important to get we di.....nisation rgI1t. Here are two businesses whoSan4fe' ' ake..herear4' a memorable one.

Made just for you Laura Humphreys, who runs Brides 'n Us, takes great delight in turning out a bride and her attendants in dresses she has made herself. In fact she covered 150 weddings last year and must have made about 600 dresses for brides and bridesmaids. And that does not count the alterations to already bought outfits, unique matching waist coats for the groom and the other important men at a wedding, and a few ballgowns. As a highly experienced seamstress and qualified tailoress, who used to be a supervisor at Triumph International, Laura can recreate a dress just by looking at a picture. Brides often produce a sketch or a photograph for her to copy; they are rarely disappointed. Most of her work comes by word of mouth which is her best form of advertising. She is booked for six weddings next

WHITE ROLLS ROYCE, JAGUAR & ROVER Fully chauffeur driven, air conditioned cars

Contact: (01793) 762117 Mobile: 0860 683205

Clearance Sale Laura Humphreys with a bride to be

year already. Laura works from a showroom at her home in Eldene where she has a selection of ready made dresses and accessories to buy or hire. Her prices are very keen and at the moment Laura is holding an end of season sale. Give her a call now on 490057 to discuss your wedding needs.

Wedding Fayre Extravaganza

on second-hand and new wedding dresses from £50 each O Call us to arrange to view our collection whilst our stocks last o New wedding dresses for sale from £20l O Nearly new wedding dresses from £75 o Wedding and bridesmaid dresses made to youlL design o Hire available on wedding dresses and accessories from £150 EVEN GREATER PRICE REDUCTIONS NOW

Call now and ask for Laura or Avril

793) 490057/495727

Sunday 8 October Blunsdon House Hotel St Leisure Club The area's premier wedding fayre

All welcome. Free admission. Win a video of your wedding worth over £300

Get to the church on time Arriving late for a wedding is definitely bad news, especially if you're the bride! Time is something Bob Williams who runs Dream Cars of Highworth is very aware of. He's always punctual, but occasionally has to put his foot down to get to the ceremony on time when a bride has taken too long to get ready. Dream Cars has the choice of three white saloons - a Rolls Royce, Jaguar and Rover. After five years in the wedding car hire business, Bob has developed his own personal style of contributing to that big occasion. All the cars are beautifully presented with complimentary flowers to match the bridesmaids dresses. Whilst some chauffeurs do not appreciate the difficulty brides have negotiating their dress in and out of a car, Bob advises and gives a helping hand.

A car to make dreams come true

And if it is wet, the cars carry a white carpet and an umbrella to ensure the bride arrives in pristine condition. It it's a personal service you're looking for, guaranteed to help your wedding day go as smoothly as possible, contact Bob Williams at Dream Cars to discuss your transport arrangments. Tel: 762117 or 0860 683205.

Buying or hiring your bridal wear? Then come and visit us to discuss your needs. Prices to suit all pockets. Situated at the bottom of Victoria Road, above House of Flowers, we offer a wide range of designs from Alfred Angelo, Romantica and Hilary Morgan through to Kelsey Rose and many more Floor, 186- 187 Victoria Road 1 airpat p 1stwindon, above use of Flowers - - b vt br Tel: (01793) 421068 Open: Mon - Fri lOam - 4pm. Closed Wed Sat 9am - 5pm (Evenings by appointments only)

The Link Magazine • October 1995

LOVELL - E - NAILS

EV N'ISFO I UNDER 5S

Nail rt/• Nail Extensions • Nail Jewellery • Manicures

Treasure Hunt in the Lydiard Park play area Monday 9 October, 10.30pm to 12 noon

all Sue Lovell on 0374 496252 (mobile')'_ or01793 700350

Forage in the woodland for the hidden treasures Wear wellington boots and bring a picnic • 40p per family

10% off all treatments with this advert

Hostess required for demonstration parties

Robots, masks and make believe Imaginative and messy arts and crafts for under 5s

Deb' Sunbedsflome kental

Arts Studio, Link Centre • 50p per family Bring a plastic bag to take away painted creations

9 Tube Pine Canopies 8 Tube Slimline Canopies (including facial boosters)

Events organised by the West Swindon Under 5s Workshop

Monday 6 November 10am to 11.30am

Doubles also available • Excellent rates

Irish dancing for youngsters

Tel: Swindon 421665 anytime A D

BIG

Look out for the Christmas Disco

ARE YOU A WORKING PARENT?

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 bra Big Adventure information pack

Catering for disability

S 11 Professional Mobile Hairdresser based in West Swindon 7 years experience Cuts, Colours & Perms It

Tel: 877214 (New number) or 0585- 641377

Eight year old Stacey-May Sloane from Grange Park is showing real style in Irish dance. She recently won her first trophy in a beginners Classfeis competition at the McInerney School of Irish Dancing. Mum Helen also won her first medal in 21 years when dancing with an adult ceileigh team. She says there are very few West Swindon children learning dance the Irish way. Boys as well as girls can take part. She would be more than happy to talk to parents who want to know more about the school run by Michael McInerney in Rodbourne. Call Helen Sloane on 875108.

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

ANTIQUES & ALL PINE

Saturday 21 October 11am - 12.30pm Haydon Centre, Thames Avenue, Haydon Wick Phone 430778 or 872101 for details and sale registration forms Admission 40p Wanted - good quality baby equipment, toys, maternity and baby clothes in good clean condition, to sell on a 25% commission basis to NCT Swindon. No sale, no fee.

The Big Adventure gives you peace of mind

YOU SPEND A THIRD OF YOUR LIFE SLEEPING WHY NOT DO IT IN STYLE?

NCT Children's Clothes and Equipment Sale

FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS ELECTRIC AND MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS, SCOOTERS * * * * *

New and used machines Repairs servicing accessories Batteries supplied and fitted At your convenience 24 hour call out

11 Newport Street Old Town, Swindon

For emergency service telephone:

Tel: 520259

01367 253642 anytime

Established in 1978 Trading in Newport Street since 1982

Office hours telephone: 01793 423484 Or call in at Unit 21 Axis Business Centre Westmead

Hire a machine for your holidays

Steve Law from Grange Park saw a gap in the market last year and in April opened the Swindon Mobility Centre initially to carry out vehicle adaptations for people with disability. Very quickly customer demand encouraged him to move into wheelchair sales teaming up with Kit Arrow-Cumbe who carries out servicing and demonstrations. They have over 20 wheelchairs and scooters on display at their showroom near Westlea, plus lots of other aids for the disabled which they will fit. They sell wheelchairs, hire for short or long periods, and sell on a buy-back arrangement. Just put a problem to Steve, pictured below, and he will do everything he can to find a solution.

The Link Magazine October 1995

A place for talking and listening Swindon's Well Woman Centre is situated in the Health Hydro in Milton Road, Swindon - run by women for women. It provides a relaxed unhurried atmosphere in which matters can be discussed confidentially. The centre is open three times a week to the public, with medical sessions on Monday and Wednesday, and a coffee morning on Friday when information leaflets can be picked up and books can be borrowed from the library. A creche run by Swindon Child Carers is available for the Wednesday and Friday sessions. The two medical sessions are staffed by a doctor, the clinic manager and two nurses. The medical services available include smear tests, breast checks and pregnancy tests. Volunteers are there to welcome clients and offer refreshments at all sessions and a listening service is provided by support workers who can see clients by arrangement for up to six sessions.

OUR RANGE OF SERVICES INCLUDES:

Income protection from illness or disability Inheritance tax planning & Will writing* Fir'jcbt & INSURANCE SERViCES Investment & Savings Tel: (01793) 4331401433979 Keyman & Business protection Mobile: 0378 317710 Life Assurance protection Mortgage & Re-mortgage planning* A Member of the M & E Network Ltd. Greatminster House, Retirement Income Lister Hill, Horsforlh, Leeds 1518 501- Tel: (0113)2591717 Regulated by The Personal Investment Authority & Pension planning Clinic manager Julie Paterson, left, and 'Neither The Personal investment Authority Serious illness protection centre administrator Claire Drinkwater or the M & I Network Ltd. regulate these services. Your home is at risk if you do not keep up the repayments General Insurance including on a loan secured on it. Written quotations on request. Medical Sessions: House & Motor Insurances Loans subject to status. 5.30pm - 730pm Monday Wednesday 12.30pm - 230pm with creche Coffee morning: lOam - 12 noon Friday with creche & For further information tel: 511064. • The Well Woman Centre is look52b High Street, Wootton Bassett ing for a treasurer (who does not have to be a woman). Contact centre administrator Claire DrinkTo West Swindon • Minimum order £8 (95p delivery charge under £8) water if you can help.

THE NEW LETU TIKKA BALTI RESTAURANT

FREE HOMED DELIVERY Last order for delivery Sun . Thurs 1030pm; Fri & Sat 1130pm

SEEKING OUT SOLUTIONS

Dealing with the past Another in the series of articles for The Link from Relate Counsellors. Julia Cole writes about how issues from past relationships can get in the way of new ones succeeding.

OPENING HOURS: Sun — Thurs 5.30pm

— Midnight

Fri & Sat 5.30pm - 1.30am

NEW BALTI DISHES FROM £3.95 INCL. PLAIN RICE OR PLAIN NAN

Tel: (01793) 854600 or 848300

The story below is fictional but based upon Relates experience of working with couples

Kathy had been on her own for 5 years and was successfully bringing up her two daughters. Her first marriage had been disastrous and she had left her husband. Jon's marriage had ended acrimoniously; it still hurt him to think about it. He never talked about what went on but focussed his anger on the way his wife was bringing up their two sons. The problems that Kathy and Jon were experiencing were connected to the past. Because Jon had blocked his past marriage out of his mind, he wanted Kathy to do the same with hers. He made demands that her belongings from her first marriage should be got rid of and that she shouldn't talk to her children about their father. Kathy felt this was unreasonable. The tension would build up until they had huge rows, Jon would threaten to leave and Kathy would end up in tears. This made matters worse and Jon would leave for a few days. During counselling they looked at why this was happening. Both found it very difficult to confront the past although it was clear that

things would continue to get worse unless they did. It turned out that Jon's first wife had used tears to manipulate him, consequently whenever Kathy cried Jon became angry and backed away from her. Kathy on the other hand needed Jon to hold and reassure her. When he backed away from her she felt frightened and unloved. Once they understood their different reactions things improved. Because Kathy was encouraged in counselling to talk about her relationship with her exhusband, Jon understood that she wasn't yearning for the past and that she was attached to her things because she liked them, not because she needed reminding of her first marriage. Counselling helped both Kathy and Jon to see where the past was getting in the way of their relationship. Now when they have arguments they are not fighting the ghosts of their ex-partners. If you feel that you need help with a relationship problem contact Relate Thamesdown on (01793) 527664, Monday to Friday 9am 5pm.

LOOK and LISTEN before you commit yourself to any major home improvement. New windows, doors and especially a new conservatory can transform your home... but it's worth using this simple checklist: O CHOICE

Are they offering a good range of des,ns and various locking Options?

Q REPUT4 T/O,'j. Is it a we/I known LOCAL firm well established with a reputation to protect?

0 QUALITy. Are the products they install supplied by major national manufacturer like Coastal?

0 GUARANTEE/S my investment

104

Properly protect?

ERMIN WINDOWS Call Brian Smith on 824419 A supplier and installer

OIA92V Winouws, doors any cunsernalofles

The Link Magazine • October 1995

REMOVALS

na: \7DIfl L\ W 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

AM! SKIPS

2, 21/2, 3, 4, 5 yards capacity 5 days given to fill skip 2.3 tonne Mini-digger for hire 11/2

Freephone 0800 - 387613 Tel: 731610 8am - 8pm

-Call anytime (24 hrs)

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

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

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

LETTERS TO THE LINK Letters should be sent by the 16th of the month to the address on page 2.

Choosing different secondary schools From Mrs Judith Blake, Lumley Close, Grange Park After reading an article in the Swindon Evening Advertiser, 'Which school would you like to your child to go to?' on 2 September, I felt that I had to write my comments to that paper which were published. It would be helpful if you could print these further thoughts. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could send our children to whichever school we wanted. Unfortunately we're living in the 'real' world where that is not possible and therefore our choice is limited. Most of us parents today understand this and make the best choice for our children. However, after making our choice and believing that we have chosen well for our children, it is very disheartening to constantly read in the Evening Advertiser of Mr Doswell's opinions that Greendown is not a suitable school and that 'open schools' are the reason for rising crime! Both of our sons attended

Westlea School. Greendown was my choice. Its academic results are good, its OFSTED inspection report was excellent, and above all it is a warm and friendly place where I know my son will be happy and study hard. His first few weeks at Greendown have been thoroughly enjoyable, he really loves it. I am happy with my choice as Mr Doswell obviously is with his. So why does he have to keep putting down Greendown? By constantly making thoughtless remarks about Greendown, does he not realize that he's upsetting the children who attend the school? I have no unkind comments to make about Ridgeway School, in fact I'm happy for him that his son won his place there. So please Mr Doswell, be happy for us and respect our choice. And please Evening Advertiser, when asking parents their opinions, don't be biased and treat all schools equally.

For Sale

Wanted

Tandem Silver Cross & raincover, buggy linners £90. Maclaren Super Dreamer & carrycot, raincover, cosy toes, £60. 2 Britax car seats, matching, £40. Tel: 875665 Silver Cross 3 way combo pushchair, aqua/peach grey stripe with boostercushion and raincovers, excellent condition, £60. Tel: 725856 (1-taydon Wick) Concorde pram, burgundy, good condition, with mattress, £20. Tel: 771934 Playpen, wooden, vgc, £30. Mamas & Papas baby bouncer as new, £10. Babybob 0-9 months car seat with snug, £40. Tel: 423330 Mothercare relay combination carrycot with mattress and raincover, pushchair is frontlrearfacing, shopping tray, raincover, cosytoes, mint/cloud design, as new, £100 ono. Tel: 871388 (Grange Park) Albion tandem pushchair complete with raincover and shopping tray, 18 months old, excellent condition, £90. Tel: 872356 Umbrella fold baby buggywith rain cover vgc, £30. New Dreamland electric blanket, single, 4 heat levels, never used, £30. Tel: 874329 (Sparcells) Silver Cross Wayfarer pushchair with carrycot, newborn wedge, rain covers and sunshade, vgc, £85. Tel: 882378 Paddling pool, 6ft round, flip and fill, as new, £12 ono. TV/video cabinet, 2 drawers, £10 ono. Tel: 488420 (Toothill) Girls clothes, 0-2 years, 23 dresses, coats, babygros, trousers, Jumpers, M & S, Boots etc, school clothes (summer). Prices from 5op. Tel: 485989 before 7pm, Farisa organ with stool, dual keyboard, foot pedals, rhythm section, easychord, perfect working orderand condition (space needed), £275 ono. Tel: 872836 Football boots, Puma King, excellent condition, size 4, £15. MB Games mall madness talking shopping game, £12. Casio keyboard, many extras, £30. Tel: 887304 (Sparcells)

Football boots, Puma King, excellent condition, size 5.5, £20. Tel: 872282 Ice skates, white, size 6, plus guards, hardly worn, £25. Tel: 726303 (Haydon Wick) Raleigh Magbuster bike with stabilisers, £15, metal bed guard, £5, cooker guard, £10. Tel: 871590 (Shaw) Gents grey suit, 40' £12. 2 jackets, 42" £10 each. 6 girls dresses, 6-9 years, assorted prices. Tefal toaster, £7. Tel: 871825 (Middleleaze) Rotary drier, good condition, £5. Tel: 878782 Cane 2 seater settee, floral cushions, £40 ono. Ladies River Island dark denim jeans, size 14, £12 ono. Tel: 887970 (Middleleaze) 3 piece suite, floral design with pine bits, 1 chair recliner plus footstall, £250 ono in good condition. Tel: 871469 (Westlea) Wardrobes, double with built in shelves, wood veneer effect, £25 & £20. Tel: 870336 (Grange Park) Green bathroom fittings, Marks & Spencer, includes double towel rail, toothbrush holder, toilet roll holder, mirror, wastebin, all nearly new condition, £25. Tel: 872957 (Peatmoor) 3 seater sofa, 2 chairs, beige 'teddybear' covers. Old, but very comfortable still, space needed, only £25. Tel: 876583 (The Bramptons) 3 piece matching bedroom unit, teak, good condition, £225. Brown Balling Format cooker 600x, ceramic hoo, double oven, grill, excellent condition, £250. Valor gas fire, top of the range including hearth, coal or log effect, immaculate condition, £250. Tel: 877870 (Peatmoor) Folding doors with patterned glass, v. attractive, in pine, brand new, never used, £35 oiio. Tel: 871837 after 6pm Convertible bed settee, 4 seater, beige tweed, teak arms, £65 ono, excellent condition. Tel: 873080 (Freshbrook)

Colour TV, 21" Sony, remote control, teletext, stand and video shelf, very good condition, £110. Tel: 874126 (Freshbrook) Three round cane chairs with cushions, £l5 each, will sell separately. Tel: 881809 Sharps microwave, excellent condition, 850 watts, stainless steel interior, £40 ono. Storage heaters (2) large and small as new condition, £65 both will separate. Tel: 487766 (Toothill) Nathan teak sideboard, very good condition, must be seen, £95- a bargain! Tel: 872541 (Westlea) Sega Mega drive, 16 bit, 2 control pads with 6 games, excellent condition, 20 months old, £120 incl insurance til October 1996. Tel: 530518 (Toothill) Canon FC 530 photo-copier, ideal for small business, unwanted prize, still boxed RRP £599, sell £450 ono. Tel: 872136 (Middleleaze) Fish tank 36' x 18' x 12" and cabinet, some accessories, £80. Carstereo speakers & amp 200w door, shelf mount, £80. Tel: 876714 (Middleleaze)

Exchange - have 2 bedroom large flat in Liden, require 2 bedroom house in West Swindon. Tel: 870875, after 6pm Girl's bike 3-5 years, as new. Baby sling as new, front carrying. Tel: 876474 Fisher Price kitchen centre or Little Tikes kitchen. Must be vgc, will collect and pay reasonable price. Tel: 874712 Round table 40"-42' diameter with pedestal leg. Tel: 876124 Mature responsible adult required to walk lovable golden retriever 2 or 3 lunch times a week, Grange Park area. Tel: 875129 Riding hat, size 1, riding boots size 13/1, riding equipment/clothes for 7 yr old girl. Tel: 882707

House for Sale House with hairdressing salon, large garage etc in Ferndale Road. Ready to start business. Price reduced for quick sale. Nowonly51,950. Tel: 615236

Free Private For Sale & Wanted adsi 1 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)

The

Local Lives

Sally Henderson TUINA Specialist Chinese Therapy now available for the first time here in Swindon

Freshbrook Evangelical Church

Parish of West Swindon & The Lydiards Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, URC All Saints, L. Millicent (10.30am)

Will give YOU a warm welcome Sunday lOam 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

Holy Trinity, Shaw (10.30am) Rev. Andrew Hetherington 770568 St. Mary's, L.Tregoze (10.30am) (for Freshbrook & Grange Park) Rev. Rob Buries 870244 Toothill Church (10.45am) Rev. George Gibson 692620

(for the village) &

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

Offering a new therapy in Swindon: Sally Henderson

headaches. Many other problems and conditions can be dealt with. The ultimate aim of Tuina is to find the source of the problem/ pain with care and understanding. The therapy was profiled in a two page feature in the Daily Mail in July. Sally offers confidential treatments in private clinics, business premises and home visits can be arranged. For an appointment tel: (01793) 728058

Worsley Road

Newly arrived in The Link magazine distribution area is a qualified physical therapist, Sally Henderson Dip T.C.M.M. who can now offer you a completely new treatment which has until recently, only been available in China. Tuina is a specialist massage related to acupuncture, offering drug free pain relief from physical, mental and emotional problems. Sally would like to emphasise that you do not need to be ill to receive a treatment. Instead of needles, pressure is applied to the clothed body in varying degrees using different parts of the palms, fingers and elbows. It also incorporates safe manipulafive treatment, similar to osteopathy and a unique rolling action which harmonises and recharges the body's own internal energy. Tuina is over 3,000 years old and is focused on leaving the client with a complete sense of well being. The therapy treats each persons needs individually. The body is made up of 14 invisible energy lines known as meridians, which, when blocked cause problems in many different ways. There are over 600 pressure points for pain relief in the body, each one unique in helping to maintain the vital balance that the body requires. The most common complaints causing millions of lost working days annually are: stress, back pain, repetitive strain injury (RSI) depression, sports injuries, PMT,

Link Magazine. October 1995

Same Day Local Plumbing Services •

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Home Repairs or Evening Collection

01793) 881007 33 Angus Close Ramleaze

MONDEX RETAILER

TARGET YOUR CUSTOMERS WITH THE POSITIVE NEWSFORCE IN WEST AND NORTH SWINDON

(also free church minister for parish)

Westlea Church (lOam) Rev. Peter Walker 872932 Evening & other services as announced, full range of children's & other groups

GUARANTEED REPAIRS... SAME DAY LOCAL SERVICE WHEREVER POSSIBLE WASHING MACHINES, TUMBLE DRIERS, TWIN TUBS, HOME LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT DOMESTIC APPLICANCES

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24 HOUR BROCHURE SERVICE FREEPHONE 0800 234777 OR WINCHESTER HEAD OFFICE (01962) 705000. "Please ask for full details and conditions. 'Part exchange equivalent to 94% of established value. Move in package includes valuation, legal and reservation fee, stamp duty and removal costs, up to a maximum total of £2,500. 'Carpets and curtains are from our selected range. Existing property must not exceed 70% of purchase price. Only one offer per purchase.