September 1990 Swindon Link

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Magazine

for TV & Video Rentals Short or Long Term II848497 486872

THE

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LINK No. 102 September 1990

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Circulation 10,500

Matthew organises fete and raffle to help couple remember baby Stuart A family which has worked so hard for others is being helped by their friends in their time of sadness. Now an eleven year old from Grange Park wants all Link readers to help by attending the fete he is organising on Saturday 8 September.

Matthew Fiddes invites all readers to a

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—

IF E V E Saturday 8 September

couldn't understand why all Deborah Jennings from Freshbrook the money raised hadn't Hampton Drive, Grange helped him live."

Park gave birth to three Community Centre Matthew wrote to several months premature baby 1.30pm to 5.30pm.

Swindon companies who Stuart on5 March. in between Attractions: seperate childrens and adults spending a great deal of time were impressed by his contombola, raffle (over 35 groat prizes with Stuart in the Special cern. Because of the tremendonated by local companies), cakes, dous response from business, Care Baby Unit at PMH and home produce, jumble sale, games, and offers of help from looking after their three year balloons, refreshments. friends, what started as a low old Mark, Deborah and husTea Leaf reading by Gipsy Rose T-Leaf key street fete has had to be band David set about raising moved to Freshbrook Commoney for the Unit to say munity Centre. thank you for all the help To donate jumble or to buy Raffle Matthew needs £300 for the they were receiving.

Tickets telephone the Fiddles family on headstone. Any extra raised Organising a number of 870689. Closes and of September. by his fundraising activities events including a coffee Proceeds towards purchasing a headstone for morning and a toy party in Young help for Deborah Jennings will be donated to the PMH Baby Stuart Jennings. Surplus to the PMH Special Care Baby Unit. their home, and a sponsored from Matthew Fiddes Special Care Baby Unit. swim and a golf match, Deborah and David raised an amazing 1:1,400 Exclusive to The Link Magazine for much needed equipment.

Stuart was transferred to a London hospital but sadly did not respond to specialist treatment and returned to PMH where he died on First photocail torWest Swindon firemen. Eight out of the 18 covering the area, from left, Dave 28 July.

Gray, Martin Baldwin, Roger Rowling, Simon Hancock, Andy Cress well, Pete Newman, The funeral service took place at St. Leading Fireman Perry Payne and Sub-Officer Bob Hark. Story on page 2.

Augustin's, Rodbourne and Stuart was interned at Whitworth Road cemetry. Instead of sending flowers the Jenning's asked well wishers to make donations to the Baby Unit and another £300 was raised.

Family friend 11 year old Matthew Fiddes was so upset that Stuart had died that he decided that he was going to help Deborah and Dave by organising a raffle and fete to buy a headstone.

"1 thought it wasn't fair that Deborah and Dave had raised so much money, but couldn't buy a headstone," said Matthew of Grindal Drive, Grange Park, "1 want them to be able to remember Stuart."

Matthew's mum Majella said the fete and a raffle were his idea entirely. "He was very upset. He never met Stuart but after raising £85 in the sponsored swim in April, Matthew

Firemen move into new home

Get on your bike and come to a community picnic turn to page 21 -

New station and new appliances give better fire coverage for the-West

Roll up, roll-up There are a few places still areilaliie on sonie Adult Education courses. Harsiw KJiairafivm Freshbrook w&c one ofmany toreceizinft,inaiurafrc,n cours organiser Stern William at the V'iesf Swindon market. Sterec.anlncontactedon871413.

West Swindon's new fire station will be officially opened on 19 Sept9mI%r. But in advance of the pomp and ceremony The Link was invited to visit the team of firemen covering the area to find out how they are settling in and to talk to the Station Commander Assistant Divisional Officer Simon Routh-Jones.

Although the fire fighters only moved into the station on 23 August, they have actually been covering the area for over eighteen months. The team of 18 firemen were recruited or took up voluntary transfer at the beginning of 1989, working out of Swindon Fire Station. From 1 January this year the fire engine was housed overnight and at weekends in the library garage at the Link Centre.

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Last year the firemen responded to 996 incidents and during 1990, to the end of August, they had been called out to 637.

Apart from having a new base, the firemen have a brand new fire engine and new emergency tender to cover the West Swindon area, north Swindon and the northern sector when it is built.

Many new and unique facilities have been designed into the station says ADO Routh-Jones. 'For the forseable future we will be using three appliance bays but in fact we have room for six vehicles, should expansion require it. A condition of working at this station is that a fireman live within two minutes travelling time. I expect the engine to be mobile in four.

'The station is equipped to service the long duration oxygen sets for the whole brigade, so we have a workshop where we carry out repairs and maintenance. We also have a small but comprehensive gym so that the men can maintain their own fitness levels.

Most people passing the new fire station will have noticed the training tower which is somewhat unusual - part house, part tower block and has a big sewer pipe running along the side. ADO Routh-Jones explained that it has been designed to allow training in a variety of emergencies.

fill/fit malwil\% Published by West Swindon Publications 13 Castle Dore Freshbrook, Swindon Editorial: Roger Ogle, Publisher/Editor Tel: (0793) 872282 Advertising Sales: Elizabeth Wood Tel: 871793 Apple Macintosh design, layout and lasersetting by Keystrokes Electronic Design Printed by Western Webb, Bristol Published monthly.

Copy date for the October edition: 17th of September.

The October edition will be published on 29th September.

SWINDON

CABLE

"We have built a two floor house with timbered roof space, as we might find in this area. All windows can be sealed so that it can be filled with heat, smoke and water. Some internal walls can be moved so that the men don't get used to the layout, and a prototype sprinkler system has been installed in one room. Wiltshire is pioneering the introduction of domestic fire protection systems and we are carrying out an evaluation.

'The external sewer pipe actually starts on the second floor with a man-hole. It means we can simulate a rescue which involves sending firemen deep underground to retrieve a casualty.

"With our move here we are now better able to meet our fire cover conunitments. And with the men living inthe area and having specific local knowledge, I believe we can offeran even more efficient service."

It's good to know that there's a team ready and close at hand to respond. So next time you hear the siren of our local fire engine in the early hours, just think that the men inside were in their beds about five minutes before and are now racing to an emergency.

Once the official opening is out of the way and the firemen have settled into their new base, an open day will be held for West Swindon residents. Watch this space.

"The Unk was first published in December 1978 exclusively for the West Swindon community.

It is completely independent of Unk Centre and, in fact, won the competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. The magazine Is entirely self-supporting from advertising."

Contents 4 Toothill Freshbrook & Grange Park 6 7 Westlea 8 Shaw 10/11 Recreation 12 Arts Scene 13 At Your Library 14 Day in The Life 15-27 News & Views 28/29 Home & Garden 30 Letters & Small Ads. 31 The Reference Page

The contents of The Link are protected by copywright. Copying of advertisements for business use, including publication is forbidden unless advertisers or publishers have sought permission. Artides and photographs require similar authority

Making Maps - Everybody can do it

3

by Lorraine Cox, Public Arts Officer with Thamesdown Council

LOSE YOUR EXCESS POUNDS WITH CAMBRIDGE DIET EXTRA Contact Your Counsellor Rebecca Clifforde (Westlea) on Swindon 873201

THE

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LEARN TO DRIVE WIM

Behind one of the maps at Lydiard Park, Lorraine Cox with Neil Hillier, left,and Anthony Holloway

Everybody uses maps! The next time you're in a pub or corner shop ask for local directions and you will probably receive a carefully drawn map on a beer mat or paper bag.

Maps don't have to be Ordnance pie who care about their local place.

Survey standard, measured to scale, These maps have been produced to be understood and used. A map by various groups of local people on a beer mat or paper bag is likely e.g. Parish Councils, Women's Into include a church, pub, or village stitutes, Schools and societies of all green drawn according to their sorts. importance to the individual and Taking the lead in mapping used as landmarks or pointers.

Lydiard is artist Antony Holloway There's an exhibition at Lydiard who is working in the Park throughPark until the end of September out September and October to procalled the Local Maps Exhibition, duce a massive map. which follows the idea of 'local' Antony is carving into wood from mapping. fallen trees to depict a personal map It's part of national initiative to of Lydiard Park These detailed encourage local people to look at carvings will give visitors a permatheir surroundings and make maps nent reminder of the secret life of of what matters to them - in any the parkas Antony sees it; perhaps way, shape or form. a favourite tree, the almost silent The display includes a stunning movement of animals and other selection of local maps from creatures, and the interlaced sysWroughton, Lydiard and further tem of pathways and streams. afield. The maps of all shapes and If you would like to meet Antony sizes, from painted canvas to col- and see him at work ask at the lage, sculpture and textiles, show information desk in the Visitor the inspirational work of local peo- Centre, Lydiard Park Local Maps Exhibition, Visitor Centre until end of September If you need advice on how to start mapping, ring Neil Hillier, Interpretive Ranger, Lydiard Park, tel: 771419, or pick up a leaflet at the Visitor Centre.

Local schools will be invited to work with the Artist at the Park on 25, 26, 27 September.

Public Workshop - Join In Saturday 29 September 10.00a.m. - 4.00p.m.

Meet the Artist - 1 O.00a.m.

Visitor Centre, Lydiard Park.

Everyone welcome! Further information, Tel 493196/493486.

What about mapping parts of West Swindon - or all of It!!

A chance to meet the Artist and the Interpretive Ranger to talk about mapping your local place.

The Craft Workshop, Link Arts, The Link Centre Tuesday 9 October 11.00a.m.-1.00p.m., 2.00p.m.4.00p.m., 6.30p.m.-8.30p.m.

Everyone welcome - individuals, community groups - just pop in!

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TOOTHILL

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RALPH PALMER PHARMACY 3 Deerhurst Way, Toothill Hours of Opening: Mon - Fri 9a.m. - 1p.m.

2.30p.m. - 6p.m.

Sat. 9a.m. -12 noon Telephone: 512063

Toothill Chinese Kitchen English Food and Fish & Chips Special Chinese Food Take-Away Menu Tel: 487055 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Hours of Business 6- 11.3Opm Closed all day 5- 11.3Opm 5-11.30pm 12-1.45pm 12-1.45pm 5-11.30pm 5- 12.00am 12 1.45pm 5- 12.00am 12 2.00pm

Railway fan with the wild west on his mind A Toothill resident with a background In Swindon's railway works has become fanatical about American railroads of the last cenWry. Geoff Bishop, ex-caretaker at Toothill School, was brought up in Wootton Bassett overlooking the railway. His father was employed In the railway works and his mother was children's nurse in the household of Sir William Stanier, Chief Mechanical Engineer at the GWR. Nowadays Geoff follows his interest through building and exhibiting a model of railways in the 'wild' west. His interest was sparked 10 years ago when visiting a friend in the United States. "My friend gave me two locomotives and I started with a flat board," said Geoff. "Then I visited Nevada in 1986 and was really impressed by the scenery. The mountains and lakes in the Sierra Nevada are incredible and the way railroads were built across them is amazing.

"When I came back I added a

lake and a canyon to the rail layout and a lot of the detail you see travelling through the mountains.

There are over 400 trees on it. I did It the wrong way round by making the scenery then laying down the track. The model is very popular wherever it goes."

Geoff's model is thirty feet long and eight wide and has been displayed at 30 exhibitions around the country over the last four years.

The layout is based on the Virginia &Truckee Railroad which was built 100 years ago during the gold rush.

Nowadays it has been restored and runs as a tourist attraction. According to Geoff most of the rolling stock was bought and renovated by the major Hollywood studios so that they are available for westerns.

Geoff is a member of the National Model Railway Association which brings together people interested in American railways.

New members are always welcome and he can supply more information. Telephone him on 872202.

Geoff with his railway layout admired by many

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Arts & Recreation OROUGH OF

arks Services

BTHAMESDOWN

THE SWINDON FLOWER . SHOWS 1990 Friday 7th & Saturday 8th September 1990 At the Oasis Leisure Centre To be opened at 2 00 pm on Friday 7th by BBC Weather Reporter - Bernard Davey

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A day out for all the family Opening times Friday

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Tootleabrook W.I. celebrates 75 years Tootleabrook W.I. meets on the third Wednesday of the month, 7.30p.m. in the Community Room, Toothill School.

On 11 September we are holding a barn dance to celebrate 75 years of National Federation of Women's Institutes.

A fashion show is being organised by Tootleabrook W.I. at Hardings nightclub on 4 October

tickets £3.00, in aid of Bentham House, Purton. The next three monthly meetings are: 19 September-'How the other half lives' by Mrs Jean Aust 170ctober-CraftandProduceShow 21 November-'Yesterdays Christmas' by Mrs P.E. Clement.

For further details of any of these events, contact Karen Ryman on 695499.

Tea Dance

Toothill Community Centre Late Summer Fete Sat. 8 September 2pm - 4pm

The next Toothill Community Centre Tea Dance takes place on Sunday 16 September, from 3p.m. to 6p.m. with Bernard on the organ. Tickets are £1 and there will be refreshments.

Bouncy castle, stalls, donkey rides, lucky dip, refreshments

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FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK Stateside Sharing the grief It is almost impossible to find the words to describe the grief and exchange

anguish that three Freshbrook families must feel following the deaths of their sons in a car crash on 16 August.

Michael Iles, 18, of Turnham Green, Paul Newman, 17, of Worsley Road and Andrew Johnson, 17, of Langdale Drive were killed in an accident on the Swindon to Avebury road. Michelle Bick of Cricklade also died, whilst the fifth person in the car, Damian Hart, 17, of Edgehill, Freshbrook was taken to PMH with multiple injuries along with Richard Anderson of Wootton Bassett, the driver of the other vehicle.

In a young community like Freshbrook, where the families might not be well known, their intense sorrow needs to be shared by all.

Two Freshbrook School teachers have just started a year's exchange teaching in Stillwater, Minnesota, USA. Ann Fisher and Alice Warnes are taking part in the Fuibright teacher exchange scheme and their places have been taken by Peggy Doekson and Muriel Hackney from Minnesota.

Toddler group re-starts

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Freshbrook Village Centre © 873217

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thurday Friday Saturday

9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 9pm 9am - 7pm 8.30am 1 .3Opm

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FRESHBROOK Thursday 7.45pm at Freshbrook Community Centre Swindon 617123

Freshbrook Community Centre is looking for community groups to make use of its facilities. A large hall and two small halls are available for hire by existing groups or by people who want to start a new activity.

To discuss what times are available, give the Centre manager Maureen Barker a call on 871017.

She can also help anybody who is thinking of starting a new group.

Copying done cheap

we invite families to register at last year's rate of f2.50 per family. Due to a rent increase we will be raising this to £3.00 from October.

A jumble sale will be held at Freshbrook Community Centre on Saturday 22 September, at 200p.m., admission lOp. Please bring your jumble to a Toddler Session or on the day.

The Freshbrook Parent and Toddler Group re-opens on Tuesday 5 September. Sessions are held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 10.00a.m. and 12 noon and are open to all. There is no waiting system. There is an entrance charge for children over 6 months of 25p per registered child and 40p per visiting child. During September

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Bring this Advert with you for £2 OFF your first visit. One Advert per person.

FACECHOICE CHEMIST Freshbrook Village Centre. Tel: 870226

Photographic Developing & Printing 1 - 27 exp: £3.99 28 - 40 exp: £4.99 Stockist of a wide range of toileterles, baby products, French perfumes and household goods

Freshbrook Community Centre also has a photocopier which residents can use. Call in during office hours with items to be copied.

Sting almost fatal

Alice Warnes and Ann Fisher

The youngsters atFreshbrookare just getting to know their new teachers but knew about them at the end of last term. They were eager to help them in their new surroundings and no doubt the newcomers will bring that certain vitality associated with the American way of life.

We hope to publish views on the American way fromMrsFisherand Mrs Warnes later in the school year and will be inviting Peggy and Muriel to tell us what they think of teaching in England.

The quick action of a local doctor made sure a Grange Park resident is still alive after being stung by a bee.

Kingsley Matthews of The Holbeins collapsed at home in August and was found by his wife Eileen. She thought it was the heat at first but Kingsley was able to say he had been stung. Freshbrook based DoctorReddy arrived within minutes and was able to administeran antidote before Kingsley was taken to PMH by ambulance.

His heart stopped on the way and a second time in casualty.

Hospital staff stabilised his condition and he's now well again. 'The hospital told me that if Dr Reddy hadn't known what to do, and did not have the right drugs handy, I wouldn't be around to tell the tale," said Kingsley. "Apparently he had dealt with a similar case, but that was fourteen years ago. I'm thankful that he remembered."

A smile for the beginning of term The children have returned to school and the winter months are ahead; but looking back just a few weeks the staff at Freshbrook School donned fancy dress on a boiling last day in July and played the school 6 a side team which won a West Swindon inter-school tournament recently.

It was all very serious with the youngsters winning by 4 goals to 1.

WESTLEA Public meeting to call for better road crossing

Bobbie French shows off her injured foot close to where she was knocked down on the blind bend

Midland Bank arrives in west Another of the major high street banks will open a branch in West Swindon next month, bringing a greaterrange of services and choice to local consumers.

Located next to the Delta Tennis Centre, the bank will serve both residents and the staff employed in the businesses opening up at the Delta Business Park opposite.

The Midland will be opening one of the most modern banks in the town with several automated systems. This will make visits quick and easy if that's what they customer needs, but at the same time they will retain a friendly atmosphere where staff can provide advice on the services the bank offers.

Next door a one-stop shop will open later this year and will undoubtedly become a convenient facility for Westlea residents who have never had a village shop.

Car Boot Sale Sat 15 September lOam - 12noon Westlea School Boots: £4I5 Call Westlea School on 870469 (weekdays)

Winners Last month a cheque for £800 was presented to the special needs unit at Westlea School as a result of a grand draw organised by local insurance consultants Mansfield Begbie Associates. The winners of vouchers to be spent at the Early Learning Centre were: 1st -£150: Mrs J. Wright, Henrietta Street, Bath 2nd - £50: Mr P. McCloud, Finchdale, Covingham 3rd - £10: Mr M. Hazzard, Brinkworth; Mr J. Richards, PHI-I Ltd; MrW. Stubbs, Woodhall Park, Swindon; Mrs R. Yoko, Stafford St., Swindon; Mr R. Drayton, Highworth.

Giving thanks at Westlea church Helen Lawrence describes recent celebrations

What have car keys, a 40th birthday card and a wooden cross in common? They were all objects representing God's goodness to us in Westlea Church which we put on a 'thank you' table. We had a special thanksgiving day recently. Several people who have had a tough time wanted to thank God for bringing them through. The rest of us found many more ordinary reasons to thank God. It all made for a noisy service full of joy and delight in our powerful, loving God. The car keys stood for a long awaited new job that eased the strain of redundancies and rising mortgage payments. A 40th birthday isn't often a cause of rejoicing, but this forty year old thanks God that she has come to terms with some hard things In those years and is now simply glad to be herself. The

whole church gave thanks for tremendous healing after another member's drastic surgery. When we've prayed together it's great to see how specifically God answers and sometimes does more than we ask! The cross simply stands for the basis of our trust in God - God became man and he knows what it is like. He was killed on the cross, dying the death we deserve, but God made him live again. And he promises to do the same for us.

That's worth celebrating.

Some of our objects represented very different situations, but God never leaves us to get on with it alone (though it sometimes feels like that). Some of us are still going through it but saying 'thank you' reminded us of all that God has done - and encourages us to keep trusting him for more.

7

Last months article on an accident involving Bobbie French of Langstone Way drew a tremendous response according to local councillor Ricky Midwinter.

It appears that many people want the crossing point between the West Swindon Centre and Westlea, on Corton Crescent, greatly improved.

Therefore The Link and Coun.

Midwinter are calling a public meeting for anybody who has views to express on this danger spot. It takes place on: Wednesday 19 September, 7.30pm at Westlea School.

Officers of Thamesdown have been invited.

THAMESWOOD VETERINARY CLINIC Nicholas Hartley MA., Vet. M.B. M.R.C.V.S. 62 - 64 Purton Road. Tel: Swindon 526780 Mon. - Fri. 9am-6.30pm Saturday 9am- 1 lam

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8

SHAW Nick to leap up a go-kart class

Shaw W.I. Debbie Griffiths Looks backand forward

Mansfield Begbie Associates.

After four years In the National Class he hopes to move up to the International Class next yearwhere he will race against factory teams and heavily sponsored drivers. He will need to attract a minimum of ÂŁ10,000 toy for the more expensive equipment to stay in touch with the competition.

If he does well Nick hopes to eventually move intoFormula Ford car racing.

Go kart driver Nick Clarke from Mears Drive, Shaw Is hoping to be driving against some of the best In the country next season if he keeps winning races.

The Link has followed Nick's progress for some time and he keeps getting better. At present he is the leader In two dub championships despite a twisted chassis on his kart, the result of an accident earlier in the season.

Nick Is presently sponsored by local Insurance consultants Right: Nick and his racing machine

Post Office dialogue with M.P. A retired businessman from Shaw has been in touch with local M.P. Simon Coombs to see If he can get the Post Office to open a branch at Shaw Village Centre. But nothing is going to happen.

Lea Harris from Clarke Drive is so incensed by the lack of service from the Post Office that he asked the M.P. to contact them. However a copy of the letter from the Post Office sent to him by Simon Coombs has not satisfied him.

"I don't think the Post Office area manager in Bristol knows the situation out here. He comments that

they look at the population needs, the terrain, the availability of post offices locally and the cost of opening the branch. They don't seem to be aware that the numberof houses in Shaw has increased by2,000 since the village centre opened including an elderly persons dwelling, there's a hill between us and the West Swindon Centre and the queue when you get there is always long.

"Basically you can ignore the points they make and concentrate on the cost of setting up a branch.

They just don't want to spend the money required. The Post Office is

is A

not providing a good service to its customers and I will be writing to Mr Coombs again."

Editor's note: It was interesting to read the letter from the Post Office to Simon Coombs M.P. dated May 1990 explaining why a branch is not going to be opened in Shaw. It is almost exactly the same as a letter sent to The Link in November 1987 before the village shop opened!

However we've heard a strong rumour that the Post Office may be opening a branch soon. Roughmoor may not get one though.

.1 ,_-

-,

What a great summer. I sit here watching my rapidly fading tan from Costa del Tenby, disappear into non-existence, making summer feel a life time away and winter as if it was here only yesterday. I'm a prime candidate for skin disorders since my mother innocently fried me in Nivea as a child. But most of us at least look better with an unhealthy glow, even at the sacrifice of youthfulness.

As we settle down into the routine of Autumn, why not take up a gentle past time and join the W.I.? One does not need wrinkles of early tanning or old age to join. Any age is welcome.

We have a visit to Cloverleaf on 14 September. Our National Federation of Women's Institutes (N.F.W.I.) 75th and Shaw W.I. 1st Birthday Party is on Tuesday 11 September at Saltway School at 7.30p.m. We're having a Square Dance and Buffet. Tickets ÂŁ3.50.

Happy Birthday to us!

Monday 17 September is our monthly meeting at 730p.m. at Shaw Community Centre, with a talk from the Well Women Clinic.

For details contact me on 875725.

Now, where did I put that prolonging cream?

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If so, you are not alone! Thousands of people are paying out 50-60% more than they were 2 years ago, and there does not seem to be a reduction in rates on the horizon!

We cannot promise to help everybody, BUT we may be able to help you with free advice and quotations regarding our major link-up with one of the four largest Building Societies in the U.K who operate a low-start scheme for mortgages and remortgages.

THIS IS NOT A DEFERRED INTEREST 'ROLL-UP' SCHEME WHERE YOU END UP OWING MORE MONEY THAN YOU STARTED WITH! With this Building Society loan you could use your equity to subsidise your payments in the early years. Using £5,000 of your equity you would be able to save £229 per month in the first year, e.g. on a mortgage of £45,000 at 14.5% (variable rate), you could reduce your monthly payment to £284.37 (interest only), subject to status, saving of £169 per month.

This could take away any financial worries enabling you to look forward to a more stable way of life. There are no hidden clauses and you may like to find out how much you could save. If so, please ring either of the numbers below.

WE CHARGE NO ARRANGEMENT FEES Swindon 873369 (2 lines) or 827725 We also cater for all other types of insurance including Pensions, Savings, Motor, Commercial and Household policies.

Appointed Representative of Cornhill Insurance Group, member of Liutir and LM.R.O. REMEMBER: YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. This information has been inserted to comply with the new Advertisement Regulations 1989 made under the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

RECREATION Price and convenience to win west side sports people

10

BY DESIGN LTD With Lee Hogan M.P.E.A, R.S.A.

Exercise to Music Classes Tuesdays & Sundays 7.30pm - 8.30pm £2.50 per session Fun, Friendly & Safe Suitable for Beginnes & Regular Exercisers Alike

Mens Fitness Training starting Sunday 30 September 6pm - 7.30pm NO DANCING, NO MUSIC and at this time of day, between the Big Match and Opening Time, NO EXCUSES Circuit Training, Stamina Training, Team Games £2.50 per session

Tel: 870691 for more details All sessions at Greendown School, Grange Park

It is surprising In an area as big as West Swindon that there is no sports and leisure clothing shop.

All that has now changed with the opening of Westside Sports by partners Tom Taylor and Carl Wozniak from Freshbrook Until they find a unit in the area to open a sports shop they are running a trading outlet next to the ice rink/ library entrance at the Link Centre on Thursday and Friday evenings, and all day Saturday. They will open more sessions as demand Tom Taylor helps Edward Glennie of rises.

Their range includes trainers, Westlea choose a squash racquet sports clothes for a wide range of sports, track suits, T shirts and leisure wear, tennis and squash raquets and footballs. Allarebrand named and cheaperthanyou'll find DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER in sports shops. In general every• SHEDS thing on display at Westside Sports . WORKSHOPS sells at 65% of the recommended - • STABLES • AVIARIES price compared to 90% in shops.

• DOG KENNELS TomTaylorbelievesa local sports goods outlet has many advantages.

"People in this area value convenience. Going to town nowadays is a big hassle.

"Having access to good quality ALL TYPES OF FENCING & GATES named sports goods closeby is imSUPPLIED AND FITTED portant and I hope the price we're FREE ESTIMATES • FREE DELIVERY selling them at will make a visit to Tel: (0793) 854967 Westside sports attractive."

Players wanted Under 13 Footballers: West Swindon F.C.s under 13$ team needs more players to join them.

They train at Greendown on Wednesday and play matches at Lydiard Park. Boys should be under 13 years by the end of September.

Call Alex James on 870052 if interested.

Judo: Philip Stone from Shaw runs a Judo Club at Pinehurst People's Centre on Monday 6p.m. to 7.30p. m.

More players are invited to join at any time. There's a beginners course starting at the end of September. Call Philip on 87051 5.

Below:RossMatthamsfromSparcells about to dirow Phill4o Stone.

QUALITY SHEDS AND FENCING

Take to the water Local keep fit expert Lee Hogan says that swimming is the best exercise for all round fitness

I'

r

No need to remind you that it has been one of the warmest summers for a long time, and with temperatures soaring into the30's it's hardly surprising that many people have abandoned their weekly, or even twice weekly exercise sessions for the mid-week barbecue or perhaps just the sun-lounger, a good book and a tall glass of Pimms and lemonade.

There is one way to take some exercise in the warm weather without de-hydrating in the first 10 minutes and that is to 'take to the water'.

Swimming is a great way toexercise and is ideal for people of all ages and physical abilities. The human body Is virtually weightless in water and that means you don't need to be strong or athletically inclined to take to the pool.

You can make the exercise as gentle or as vigorous as you like. Swimming exercises the whole body unlike many other activities such as cycling or jogging which concentrates on the lower body, in fact if you vary your strokes, you can exercise the arms, legs, trunk and neck and virtually all major muscles in the body.

Swimming Is an aerobic exercise which Is ideal for Improving the efficiency of the heart and lungs. It is perfect for those people who are overweight since, because of the water's weight bearing properties, you can complete a great range of movement with your limbs and burn up some calories as well.

So there It is, one of the best all round forms of exercise.

• Lee runs a number of keep-fit classes in West Swindon. Ring 870691 for details or seethe advert. on this page.

Be Prepared to Save Lives

Swindon Stralfors Wildcats 1990-91

[ Link Centre Promotions officer Anya Kent introduces a new course Recreation and leisure is a major growth industry and consequently there are more career opportunities available.

Persons interested in a career which involves water-based activities Follow the fortunes of Swindon's Ice Hockey team will find that potential employers now require a life-saving qualification. with this cut out and keep guide to all the Wildcat's For this reason and the strong demand from schools, swimming clubs games with the compliments of the Link Centre. and the general public, Link Centre is adding a new Life Saving course to its list of varied activities. The course will lead to an examination and Date Opponents Face Off Venue Scoreline successful candidates will receive the Bronze Medallion, which is recCats August - Challenge ognised by the Royal Life Saving Society.

Solihull 5pm Sat 25 Home 7 3 Anyone interested in this new Tracy Davey from Skew praciion a rae on Sun 26 Solihull 7pm Away 6 8 Iiik Activity Atani Andy Buse course must be able to swim 200 September - Norwich Union Cup metres confidently. Held on Lee Valley 5pm Sat I Home 19 6 Wednesdays between 8.15p.m. and Sun 2 Whitley Bay 6.30pm Away 6 13 I0.I5p.m., the first hour will be Sat 8 Cardiff 630pm Away spent in the classroom followed by an hour in the swimming pool Sun 9 Peterborough 630pm Away For further details, contact Link Sat 15 Whitley Bay 5pm Home Reception on 871212.

Sat 22 Peterborough 5pm Home

Team thanks The Greendown Strikers 6 to 8 year olds football team would like to express their thanks to Allied Dunbar and Readers Digest for helping them purchase a new football strip. The club meets at Greendown School on Wednesdays at 4.30p.m.

Let's go Wildcats!

The prospects of Swindon Wildcats Ice Hockey team achieving great things this season must be better than ever before.

With coach/ice hockey development officer Daryl Lipsey starting his third season in charge, the five year old club appears to have its most organised, consistent and strongest line-up.

Last season's Canadian import players Scott Koberinski and Louis Haman are joined by Luc Beausoleil who has played the last two seasons in Britain. Scott provides a solid presence in the defence line, whilst Louis gave the team strong forward thrust and goal scoring capability when he joined the Wildcats late last season. Luc played with Louis a couple of seasons ago at Murrayfield where they racked up a pile of goals.

Ian Woodward in goal will make it difficult for other teams to score, whilst high scoring British players Steve Nell, Ian Richards and reclassified import Kel Land will provide added aggression in the forward line.

Last season started with a great deal of optimism and belief that the team was going places. However loosing to Cardiff in their first game dented confidence and defeats by Division II teams Basingstoke and Bracknell threw the team into confusion. Unsettled imports and sudden departures compounded the problems.

However Daryl Upsey's assessment of the season is very positive.

"Last year was disappointing. It all

Canadian Wild cat s,fromleft,Luc Beausoleil, Louis Herman and Scoff Koberinski

started so hopefully but we became unsettled. The last part of the season was a great improvement and we still have the bulk of that team to build on. I'm hoping for a top three placing."

He added that several local players were now able to command regular places in the team and with so many good younger players in the junior teams the numberwould increase.

The arrangement of early games in the season are very exciting. Premier League teams Peterborough, Whitley Bay and last season's champions Cardiff will be contesting for play-off positions in the Norwich Union Cup. In October Swindon starts its Heineken League campaign. With the popularity of ice hockey growing all the time, it will be worth booking tickets early in order to make sure of a seat.

Sun 23 Lee Valley 530pm Away Sat 29 Cardiff 5pm Home Heineken League October Basingstoke 8pm Tue 2 Away Trafford 530pm Away Sat 6 Mon 8 Telford 8pm Home Humberside 5pm Home Sat 13 Bracknell 5pm Home Sat 20 Romford 5pm Home Sat 27 5.45pm Away Sun 28 Slough November Sat 3 Lee Valley 5pm Home Sun 11 Romford 5pm Away Glasgow 5pm Home Sat 17 Mon 19 Slough 8pm Home Sat 24 Glasgow 4450m Away Sun 25 Humberside 515pm Away December.

Trafford 5pm Home Sat 1 Lee Valley 530pm Away Sun 2 Sat Medway 5pm Home Telford 5pm Sun 9 Away Basingstoke 5pm Home Sat 15 Bracknell Tue 18 8.30pm Away Sun 23 Medway 515pm Away Bracknell 5pm Home Sat 29 Sun 30 Romford 5pm Away January Humberside 5pm Home Sat 5 Sat 12 Slough 5pm Home Sun 13 Medway 515pm Away Lee Valley 5pm Home Sat 19 Bracknell 5.1 5pm Away Sun 20 Romford 5pm Home Sat 26 February Basingstoke 6pm Sat 2 Away Telford Sun 3 5pm Away Glasgow 4.45pm Away Sat 9 Sun 10 Trafford 530pm Away Sat 16 Trafford 5pm Home Wed 20 Slough 8.1 5pm Away Medway Home Sat 23 5pm March Telford 5pm Home Sat 2 Sat Lee Valley 530pm Away Mon 11 Basingstoke 8pm Home Sat 16 Glasgow 5pm Home Sun 17 Humberside 5.15pm Away

LINK

CENTRE

ra]fors

Recreation Services BOROUGH OF IIINV ) THAMESDOWN AF

K]

12

ARTS SCENE Link Arts in September Music students excel

Two local music teachers, Paul and Frances Issitt are very pleased with the results achieved recently by thirteen of their pupils.

They moved to Westlea in 1986 where they have been teaching privately and In local schools. Paul teaches piano and music theory to grade standard and In contrast instructs pupils in the art of busking.

Frances taught clarinet at Marlborough College for ten years and then expanded her teaching repetoire to flute and saxophone.

The students who passed are Flute: Elizabeth Pleasant, grade 7

CORNER POCKET Friday 7 September 8pm

MARTIN SPEKE QUARTET Friday 5 October 8pm

HUMAN CHAIN Friday 2 November 8pm

JAZZ GARDEN Friday 7 December 8pm

LINK CENTRE

merit, Delia Aspell and Paula Millin, both grade 3 merit, Rachel Wood, grade 2 distinction.

Clarinet: Sarah Hall and Sarah Purdue, both grade 5 merit, Judith Gill, grade 5, Rebecca Fensome, grade 4, Suzanne Wright, grade I merit.

Piano: Karen Trevascus, grade 2 merit, Yvonne Trevascus, grade I with merit, Delyth Morton, grade I Saxophone: Guy Panting, grade 3 merit.

Movies The film season kicks off in fine style with three splendid movies.

On Thursday 6th we are again screening Rain Man, which features Dustin Hoffman's remarkable portrayal of an autistic savant who finds himself journeying across America in the company of his brother (Tom Cruise).

Pictured with Frances Issitt, from left, Shirley Valentine will be Rachel Wood, Suzanne Wright, Guy screened on Thursday 13th and Panting Saturday 15th: If you haven't seen this touching and funny film about a bored housewife who jets off to Greece to escape her humdrum life, don't miss this opportunity.

Dolly Parton and Shirley Maclame head an excellent cast in Steel Magnolias, a bittersweet comedy concerning the friendships and loyalty of six very special women.

This film, which also features Daryl Hannah ('Splash', 'Roxanne') and Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman'), will be shown on Thursday 27th.

All films start at 7.45p.m. Membership - join in advance or on the night - costs £1.00 and admission is £2.0O/L50.

7 Link Arts Co-ordinator Mel Jones

Childrens Courses Dance Classes are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursday and re-commence on Monday 17th.

A new Drama Club for over 7's starts the same day (4-5p.m.), and on Tuesday 18th a new Arts Club begins for over 8's (4-6p.m.).

Workshops

PROFESSIONAL GUITAR TUTOR has vacancies for both young and mature people interested in learning the Classical Guitar.

Individual half hour lessons on a weekly basis. Music examinations from beginners to diploma level coached and encouraged Contact BERNARD TANNER

on Swindon 521743 or 514055 (24 hrs)

PIANOS • WOODWIND e BRASS e STRINGS • MUSIC

MUSICAL

PETER MUNRO— INSIMMENIS Boosey & Hawkes Approved Rental Dealer Instrument Repair Specialists Apsley Arcade High Street Wootton Rac.cett Wiltshire SN4 7AQ

LinkArts Co-ordinator Mel Jones invites you to lift your spirits and occupy your mind while the days get shorter and the leaves start to fall by taking part in the new season of events and activities at Link Arts!

Telephone: Swindon (0793) 850587

Music Jazz fans are promised an evening of diverse styles encompassing Samba, Salsa, Folk and Latin music when six-piece band Corner Pocket take the stageon Friday 7th.

Tickets cost £4.00, £3.00 toJazz Front members and £2.00 to unwaged persons,and doors open at 8.00p.m.

Rock fans can come along and groove to 'Becky And The Bombshells' supported by local heroes 'Band of Gypsies' on Friday 21st, (tickets £4.00/3.50 in advance, £5.00 on the night) followed by a double bill of local rock bands on Saturday 22nd (line up and prices to be confirmed). Doors open at 8.00p.m., and admission is restricted to 16 years and over.

Mirth New Comedy returns to Link Arts on Tuesday 25th with a line-up comprising sharp stand-up comic Jeff Green, very funny absurdist Michael Redmond, and the hardhitting Michelle Read. Compered

by Paul Ramone, the evening starts at 8.30p.m. and tickets cost £4.00! £3.00 concessions.

Childrens Events Martin Bridle presents a magical, musical puppet show for 4-9 year olds on Saturday 29th at 2.30p.m.

Set in a circus, the show looks behind the scenes where all is not well as the wicked ringmaster trains the animals .... Tickets: £2.25.

Our popular 'drop-in' Pottery sessions re-commence on Wednesday 19th (7-9p.nt) and there is a special one off Sculpture Workshop for Visually Handicapped persons on Friday 14th during the day.

For further information, contact Link Arts on 871212 ext. 245.

Exhibition This month's exhibition, entitled 'Big Clearing .... _.. Blurred', consists of greenscape photographs taken by two local photographers.

So, why not join us at any or all of the above events at your local arts centre this month. You'll be in good company and you'll enjoy yourself!

The Art of Sugaring The British Sugarcraft Guild (Swindon Branch) presents a

Demonstration of Pulled & Boiled Sugar

by Ildo Nicolelo Saturday 15 September 2pm - 5.30pm Arts Studio, Link Centre Tickets: £3 members; £4 nonmembers, obtainable from Maria Carroll on 873246 or on the door if available.

AT YOUR LIBRARY

13

Building a solid foundation by reading Start reading early says West Swindon Librarian Carolyn Kennedy

On Wednesday 5 September the library will be starting regular weekly stotytimes sessions for the underfives. They will be held in the junior area of the library between lo.30a.m. and 11a.m.

Listening to stories is one of the first stages in the learning to read process, but while it is situation for learning it should also be a fun and enjoyable experience. This will be the aim of the library storytimes.

During their first four years children learn quickly and language is one of the most important skills to be acquired before going to school.

Books and stories are natural way to further this and an early introduction to reading is of benefit in later life. A child who has regular story sessions before going to school will have a much broader experience of things he may have never experienced - consider the child who has already met crocodiles, elephants and tigers before their first visit to the zoo.

By using books with your child they will become familiar with the actual convention of the book - the fact that you always start at one end and follow the story through words and pictures to the end. The 'idea' of the story is important too - the concept that it involves a sequence of events happeningoneaftertheother.

By reading to your child and moving your finger along the printed text you'll help your child begin to understand that the words you are speaking are actually the little black squiggles on the page. This won't happen overnight and probably not until the child is well established at school but you will be laying the foundation on which your child's

teacher will build.

Parents can help their children learn to read simply by getting them interested in books and making it fun, exciting and a natural part of family life.

There are otherreasons whybooks are so important to your child. They are an opportunity during a busy day for mother and toddler to have a few quiet moments together.

Sharing a book on mum's lap is both a physicaland emotionalexperience.

Children's bedtime of course is an ideal time to spend unwinding and relaxing over a book.

The essential ingredient is that books must be fun. All too often children are given the impression that books are primarily for learning and therefore serious - if a child isn't enjoying what he is doing the learning process becomes a chore.

Pun' therefore is the theme behind our story sessions on Wednesday mornings. The session will last for half an hour but each child depending on their age will have differentlevels of concentration so don't feel obliged to stay the full time.

Active participation by the children will be encouraged and there will be a range of stories to include traditional fairy tales, bright and attractive picture books, nursery rhymes, poetry and finger plays.

Remember the library is one of the main sources of books for your children. They can be a member frombirth and you can borrow up to 8 books free for your baby.

If you are interested in knowing more about the importance of books with young children then the following may be worth reading.

'Will you read me a story' by Tony

Ian looks for help Since The Link gave Toothill

youngsterlan Moorehouse,pictured right, his first publicity a year ago he has become very popular with parents organising parties for their children.

Ian, 14, started by presenting selfwritten puppet shows but has gradually moved into organising all the games and entertainment fora party, ending with a show. He now regularly performs three or four times a week.

In the immediate future Ian would like to do more shows for playgroups or as part of charitable fundraising events. He's also looking for an assistant who can work with him and can take on some of the bookings. An adult with a little drama or even puppeteering experience would be suitable, so long as the person can work alongside him and not try to take over.

Bradman 'Babies Need Books' by Dorothy Butler We have copies of these in the library. Of course the librarians at West Swindon Library are always willing to give advice.

Stephanie's Secretarial Services An Efficient Service Is offered for those of you with that Important letter or CV, report or thesis.

Full secretarial support for the small business.

Tel: 881413

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COOKS T.V& VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE FREE Home Estimates Repairs by Qualified Engineers.

Sales & Rentals All Work Guaranteed

Tel: Swindon

825795 NO CALL OUT CHARGE different

Old Style Telephones Beatrix Potter Pictures Dolls Houses & Furniture Birdtables, Dovecotes, Garden Statuary, Planters, Birdbaths & Ornaments Pottery including Leedsware, Moorcroft, Wade Brass & Copper Vitreous Enamel Signs Miniatures & Collectors Cabinets Opening Times

In the long termlan's career could go in either of two directions. He's keen on drama and entertainment, but as a helper at Southleaze Sheep Farm he would also like to go into farming.

To contact Ian, telephone 610079 or 523134.

Sat. lOam - 5pm Sun. 2pm - 5pm Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri. 9am - 5pm Wed. 9am - 1pm

97 Ermin Street Stratton St Margaret Telephone: 826821

DAY IN THE LIFE Trying to make up for lost time

14

Philip Stone

Painter &

Decorator For a high standard of work with references available.

Telephone now fora FREE estimate

Tel: 870515

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

Tel: 822193 Open Daily 9am - 6 pm Sundays 9am - 1pm

Just under three years ago a young man from Toothill was arrested for a football related offence. We asked him to write a day in his life in prison but the authorities would not permit it. Nine months after leaving prison and maintaining his anonymity, he relates his time inside and looks to his future.

I was on remand for four months control over what you can do and very fit and painting a lot of Portbefore! started to serve my sentence any misbehaviour or simple things land prison, Idon't haveanythingto of three and half years. After the like not getting up quickly enough show for it, no trade or training or any preparation for what life is like arrestlwas the youngest prisoner ln got you into the punishment cell, Everything had to be spotless and when you're released.

Horfield Prison in Bristol. It was a I used to get paranoid when I first hell of a shock. There were people tidy. Governors inspections on there for murder, terrorism and all Saturday meant he had to able to see came out and found it difficult to sorts. I wondered what I was mixed his face in the cell floor. You have to talk to people. They would talk wash and eat in the cells and are let about what they had been doing in up in.

They don't leave you alone when out for parades, work and associa- the last two weeks, all I had was two you're on remand. In between re- tion sessions. You're allowed a visit years of nothing. I've been to the job turning for Court appearances in twice a month and my mum or a centre, to the dole office, to interSwindon I was moved from Bristol friend always came down. Those views and they all want to know where you've been. They're not to Cardiff to Winchester, back to visits were important to me.

My last three months inside was interested in an ex-prisoner. I tried Bristol and to Swansea. It was very confusing and made it difficult for at an open prison nearer Swindon. to get on a college course to do Cafamily and friends to visit you. It On my second day! was told to take tering but couldn't get a grant.

Fending for yourself is hard after was expensive for them and they a letter to the main gate. It was very only had 15 minutes on each visit. strange seeing the outside world and being locked up. You don't need On remand you're locked up for not wanting to leave. There were money, there were three meals a 23 hours a day apart from getting only twelve of us in this new wing day and you get ordered around a meals and washing. There's a 45 and compared to Portland it was lot. Now! spend time looking for a minute a day session for exercise like a holiday camp. I worked in the job, watching TV or taking the dog and we got to watch videos three kitchens, there was a telephone and fora walk. There ha ye been so many I used to help serve food at an old changes in three years. Iwasl7and times a week The attitude of officers in prison people's home. I had a weeks home had a lot of mates. Now they've got was reasonable, but after my sen- leave last November. It was alright steady jobs, they've married and, tence I was sent to Portland which is for the first few days, but! couldn't there's a new generation of teenagera around. for under twenty-ones. They treat wait to get back at the end.

I'd like to settle down with a steady I came out in January this year you like children there. There's a lot of shouting, orders given and it's and have until next March on II- job and put everything behind me. I like an army camp. You have no cence. I can honestly say that prison know a bit about electricalwork and was an utter waste of time. I learnt catering,butldon't have high hopes. my lesson' in the first three months So much time has been lost.

If anybody can a make job offer to the and behaved myself all the time I was inside, but apart from getting writer please contact The Link.

STORM MANAGEMENT SERVICES Storm Technical & Industrial Division

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The Right Choice Office Hours: Mon - Fri 7.30am - 5.30pm Sat. 9am - 12 noon 32 Morley Street, Swindon, Wilts.

Tel: (0793) 480693

Football club kicked out of league West Swindon Football Club has been ejected from Division II of the Wilts. County League, only a few weeks after gaining promotion to senior league status, because its home pitch at Greendown School is unplayable.

Although the school fields were laid six years ago, Wiltshire County Council started a second attempt to solvedrainageproblemsin 1989 and promised the pitches wouldbe ready for use at the end of August this year. However the deep drainage slits which have been cut and filled with gravel and sand have not settied after the treatment. It is unlikely that there will be enough grass coverage to make the fields safe to play on until November at the latest, or possibly next Spring.

Two very dry summers and a wet spring have been blamed for making working and grass growing conditions difficult.

A Greendown spokesman said that alternative arrangements had been made for the youth teams and the Sunday League teams and another pitch was being looked for the first team.

Team in a rut: Andy Binks and Alan Gray up to their ankles Phil Bathe, West Swindon F.C. secretary, said the club had a disaster on their hands. "All the work over the last three years to build an excellent first team is falling apart.

The players have worked hard to reach senior league status, but we're not going to be able to play at that level. I'm afraid that they might start looking for other clubs as a result."

NEWS & VIEWS Baby clothes sale set for 6 October Now's the time for parents to decide what baby clothes, equipment and toys can be resold in the next sale organised by the West Swindon branch of the National Childbirth Trust.

It takes place on Saturday 6 October in the Community Hall at the Link Centre. Sellers keep 75% of the sale price and the rest goes to NCT funds.

Past sales have been attended by large numbers of people and have proved an excellent way of passing on unwanted items and earning money from their re-sale.

To take part In the sale, sellers and their items need to be registered with the NCT. Contact Helen Snook on 870028 or Beverley Cejer on 876696 for a registration form.

15

Friday 14 September 5.30 - 7.30 Includes Car Boot Sale and Barbecue -

A much used local guide booklet is soon to be reprinted with financial backing from a locally based company.

'Toddler Out West' lists everything there is to know about services and facilities for pre-school children In West Swindon and is published by the West Swindon Under Fives Forum. The booklet is being updated and will be produced with the help of a cheque for £500 from Blagrove based company Motorola.

Jane Hillier, chair. of the Forum, said she was delighted with the donation. "We are all volunteers who are involved in various under fives groups and with organising the summer festival. Such a big donation removes the financial problemofre-printingToddlerOut West. We're very grateful to Motorola for their help."

The Under 5's Forum hope to

Bookings: 872100

COUNTV'FINANCE

Tel:

(0793) 870603

Your house is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loan secured on it. Written quotations available.

LICENSED CREDIT BROKER

Moves Fitness for the Autumn Mondays 730pm Oliver Tomkins Junior School Tuesdays 830pm FreshbrookCommunrty Centre Thursdays 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church Hall, Shaw Village Centre Personnel Manager Steve Ravenhill presents James Boswell with a cheque with help from Jane Hillier, rear left, Sheila Boswell and in front, Sian Fuller publish the new edition In the Autumn. Look in The Link for news.

Help needed for crazy C5 cancer fundraisers Remember the Sinclair CS, the silly little electric/pedal driven open topped tricycle - the transport of the future?

The C5 didn't last very long but a group of Swindon women are putting one to good use. They intend to raise money for cancer research by driving/pedaling it from London to Paris on 4 October.

The crazy project is being undertaken by the Swindon Business Women's Breakfast Club and they're going to try and do the run in under 27.5 hours. One of the ten drivers is Sushma Patel, proprietor of Freshbrook Chemists, who is appealing to Link readers to call in and sign her sponsorship form.

All the money raised will be donated to the Tenovus Institute in Cardiff which specialises in breast cancer research Sealink Ferries have donated free channel crossings, and they are looking for help with food, fuel, a motor caravan and CB radios. (Gas masks to filter out carbon monoxide fumes wouldn't go amiss either).

Because of Mortgage Arrears, County Court Judgement. Income Too Low, No Accounts. We may be able to help you with our confidential and friendly debt counselling service.

Plus a wide range of leading sources available. We are able to arrange finance in most cases at competitive rates.

-

Pitches £4.00I5.00

Company sponsors toddler book

MORTGAGE OR LOAN REFUSED

Oliver Tomkins Junior School Fun Evening

For more information, please 'phone Liz on 870902

CAROLINE OCKWELL TAXATION CONSULTANCY • Are you paying too much tax?

• Are you taking advantage of the new rules for taxation of husband and wife?

1 Professional Advice on Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax and National Insurance Caroline Ockwell Member of the Institute of Taxation 180 Thames Avenue, Greenmeadow, Swindon

Tel: 725919

Whether it's for a boat caravan, or trailer.

BRITANNIA TOWING CENTRE Unit 16, Station Tndustnal Estate, Swindon

Sushma Patel, taking the hard way to Paris Readers who would like to sponsor Sushma should drop into Freshbrook Chemists and sign her sponsor form. Hopefully the batteries will lastand Sushma and team won't end up pedalling and pushing.

Can Ho4o! * Towbars for Cars, Vans & light Vehicles * Seat Belts (Kangol & Britax Approved) * Child Safety Seats Tel: 0793 613147, 0793 488622

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16

Brave Katie says thank you to well-wishers

Four and a half year old Katie Until recently the Orme family from Sparcnlls were living a fairly nor- attended the Link 3-5 playgroup mal life. But everything changed and was looking forward to startrecently and they would like to say lngatShaw's Brookfield School this a big thank-you to everybody In month. Butafter complaining about West Swindon and further afield occasional chest pains and being who have sent their best wishes very tired during the family holiday, she was diagnosed as having a during their time of difficulty.

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rare kind of children's cancer in Katie's character changes dramatically and she is filled with rage and late-June.

Since then life has been turned angerwhich shehas nocontrolover. upside down says single parent She was given a giant panda bear mum Julie Orme, who worked as a by the staff at Ashington Way Surreceptionist at the Ashington Way gery and it's being put to good use.

Surgery. "1 stopped work Imme- "When I get angry I give the panda diately and my mother comes over a good thumping," said Katie.

The help and support the family from Freshbrook every day. Katie has so far spent three week long has received is amazing says Julie sessions at the John Radcliffe Hos- Orme. "The staff at both Oxford pital, Oxford for chemotherapy and PMI-I in Swindon have been treatment which is likely to continue outstanding and the CALM (Chilfor another 3 months. In between dren's Cancer & Leukemia Movetreatments she is allowed home, ment) Support Group have been but we have to monitor her condi- wonderful.

"We've received a beautiful tion very closely and she has to return to hospital if she picks up scrapbook of photographs, drawany infections or doesn't feel well. ings, tapes and cards from the Link At the moment she spends every Centre Creche and 3-5 playgroup.

We've been getting letters, cards other week in hospital.

Katie cannot have contact with and gifts from friends and other other children and won't be going people we've never met, locally and to school until she's given the all- even from other countries. The clear after her treatment. "It's very kindness is incredible and we are stressful for her and for us," said very grateful to everybody."

Link 3-5 playgroup supervisor Julie. "Katie is such a very brave girl. She doesn't like the treatment Hilary Hunterpa id tribute toJulie's but knows it's necessary. Herilness efforts to help Katie. "She's shown and the treatment causes her to be great strength. You can't underesvery sick and to generally feel un- timate the strain and pressure on well a lot of the time. But she is so her. But her positive attitude to the resilient and bounces back after the illness and the treatment has kept bad times."

Katie bright and able to cope with After her chemotherapy sessions things."

Katie was recently given a box of surprises by the children of Birdcombe Road, Westlea. It contains jokes and little presents which she can dip into when she's bored during her stays in hospital. She's pictured with Stephanie Ahmed from West lea and her mum Julie (rear right) and grandmother Marie Green.

(If any readers would like to make a small gift or a joke to keep Katie's lucky dip topped up, please contact The Link and we'll make sure they are passed on).

A STORE FOR TILE 2 1 st CENTURY Work is about to start on the transformation of the West Swindon superstore and the ASDA management team have devised a schedule that will cause the minimum of disruption. Les Lloyd, Superstore Manager, said, "We want to do this with the least possible inconvenience for our customers.

The whole project will be completed over three weekends in September."

The new work will result in a transformation of the entire store. An In-Store Bakery will be installed, producing a mouthwatering selection of fresh bread, cakes and patisserie.

The fresh produce department is being replaced with a new market-style selection, with fruit and vegetables displayed in refrigerated cabinets, and a new salad bar.

And for the customers' convenience all produce will be weighed at the check-outs.

In the butchery department a new refrigeration cabinet will be installed exclusively for poultry, allowing space for an increased range of fresh meats.

The new layout of the store will allow for an increased ranged of groceries, wines and spirits and toiletries. On the non-food side there will also be an increase in the range including a completely re-vamped record department.

The separate electrical shop in the complex will close and although white goods will no longer be sold all other electrical items, like microwaves and hairdryers will move into the main store.

Mr Lloyd estimates that the changes will create forty to fifty new jobs. "The store is being brought up to the standard of other ASDA Superstores and better. This will be the ultimate store for customers and staff.

We aim to make it a pleasure to come and shop here."

In order for the work to take place the revised opening hours during September will be as follows:Saturday 15 September: Store will close at 7.00p.m.

Mayor drops in on Fun Day The Mayor and Mayoress of Thamesdown made a surprise visit to the Fun Day at the West Swindon Centre on Bank Holiday Monday.

Hundreds of people enjoyed the sunny weather and exciting attractions. Apart from the usual bouncy castle and swing boats, there was a Punch & Judy show and a magic act every hour.

The Mayor and Mayoress made an unannounced visit to support the Candyfloss stall and the Wheel of Fortune which gave a prize to all who entered. C248 was raised for the Mayors Helping Hand Fund.

Bekiitr Cssn.Montauthasagoaspmningcandyflo

Monday 17 September: Store Closed.

Saturday 22 September: Store will close at 7.00p.m.

Monday 24 September: Store Closed.

Saturday 29 September: Store will close at 7.00p.m.

Monday 1 October: Store re-opens at 9.00a.m.

cdn t11U4&&n TO THE C E C R C E CLOTHING FASHION SHOW COME ALONG AND SEE THE AUTUMN/WINTER RANGES OF G E G R G E CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR FOR ALL THE FAMILY.

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY TO ASDA, G E (il' R G E OFFERS STYLISHLY DESIGNED MENS, LADIES AND CHILDRENS FASHIONS AT UNBEATABLE QUALITY AND VALUE. AT OUR FASHION SHOW ON WEDNESDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER, BETWEEN 7PM AND 9PM WE WILL BE CELEBRATING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW AUTUMN/WINTER G E G R G E RANGE. SO WHY NOT COME ALONG TO THE STORE AND SEE THE EXCITING NEW RANGE FOR YOURSELF. ENTRY IS FREE! YOU COULD ALSO FIND YOURSELF THE WINNER OF £200 WORTH OF CLOTHING VOUCHERS IN OUR FREE DRAW WHICH WILL BE MADE INSTORE AT THE END OF THE EVENING.

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18 Health Matters Health Centre delay

NEWS & VIEWS Your Local Family Project

New GP by October

patient list can be established whilst a permanent facility is built within three years. Dr Houseman hopes to have his temporary building in place by the end of September and to open for business In October.

The new doctor's practice will join the four already established in the area. The Wiltshire Family Practioner Committee, which oversees family doctor services, declared West Swindon an open area earlier this year.

Wheras new practices were restricted from setting up, now any application to set up new practice in the area will be supported by the FPC.

West Swinrl ,t i Is to get another a doctor's st. 6 y following agreement in August by Thamesdown Council to m.ke land available.

The site opposite the Lank Centre and the new Health Centre Is being taken by Dr Houseman, who has a practice in Brinkworth.

In the first Instance a temporary building will be erected so that a

A third dental practice has opened in the area, on the first floor of the main shopping unit at Skew Village Centre. Mr Christopher Parkinson, who also practices In Pewsey, opened a surgery on 3 September providing dental care under the Denpian Scheme or private work

Progress on building West Swindon's Health Centre, next to the Link Centre, has been held up because the electrical contractors has gone out of business.

The centre which will become the main base for the local Health Visitor team, presently located in cramped conditions at two houses in Toothill and other ancillary health services, was supposed to open in January 1991.

Now that the contract to finish e the electrical work has to be retendered for, It Is unlikely that the centre will be ready until April.

The West Swindon Family Project (WSFP) has been helping families living in West Swindon since late 1981. The Project was set up by Thamesdown Borough Council, Wiltshire CountySocialServicesandthe National Childrens' Home. Project Leader John Jenkins describes the work done and asks readers to join in the groups on offer, or to help out as a volunteer.

Ladies invite The West Swindon Ladies Club organises meetings twice a month on a wide range of topics and they would like women right across the area to know about them.

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Olivier Ford of Freshbrook meets Freckles on a visit to the Ladies Club on 25 June.

Coming up: 17 Sept. Returning to work 1 Oct. Glass engraving 15 Oct. Skittles evening 29 Oct. AIDS 12 Nov. Cake icing for christmas 26 Nov. Embroidery & Lace The group meets in the Community Room at Toothifi School and new members are invited to join.

Formore information telephone the secretary Rachel Leighfield on 872828.

Toddlers raise cash Eileen Sawyer writes Rompers Mother and Toddler Group, which meets at the Link Centre, needed to raise money for toys and decided on a sponsored toddler obstacle course as the best way of going about it.

The Link Centre were very helpful and we hired their minigym which allowed us to have a wonderfully successful event. We raised ÂŁ330!

We found It an easy, quick and fun way of raising money. The success is owed to all the Mums and Dads who collected sponsor money, and the toddlers who climbed their way around the course. Well done to all of you.

Wehavedonated ÂŁ25 to the GWR Walkathon Appeal.

Did you know that NCH is a major child care charity with projects all over the country and abroad? NCH manage the project. and pay the two full time and one part time workers.

This means all its work can be confidential as it is independent of the Borough and Local Authority.

The WSFP is based in a house at 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook. It has been there since 1985.

The WSFP aims to help families lead a more healthy and a more fulfilling life. It sets out to do this by running drop-in groups, educational groups and training programs.

We of fer counselling and support to those In difficulty There is a welfare benefits advice point that helps claimants and those in debt.

Mainly the project Is there to give people a chance to meet others and make friends over a cup of tea or coffee.

To help in this the project recruits and trains all its own volunteers.

Would you like to help us?

This autumn the project will be running the following groups and sessions: Monday.

10a.m.-12 noon.

A support group for parents with children at junior school. Creche.

10a.m.-12 noon. Advice point.

Tuesday' 10a.m.-12 noon. A coffee morning atToothillChurch. Drop in. Creche.

10a.m.-12.30p.m. 'Better Halves'!

A group for single parents. Creche.

Wednesday 10a.m.-12 noon. Coffee morning, open to anyone. Please drop in.

Creche.

10a.m.-12 noon. Advice point.

1.30p.rn.-2.45p.m. Volunteer training; creche provided.

Thursday 10a.m.-12 noon. 'Breakaways', a group that plans its own program of talks, demonstrations and visits.

Creche provided.

Fnday 10a.m.-12 noon. Advice point.

We are thinking of starting a support group for parents of teenagers and a group for first time young mothers in the autumn. If you are interested in any of these ideas or in joining in please contact the project on 871303.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK IING ELIZABETH WOOD ON 871 79

GREEN TENDENCIES Re-cycle your furniture If you're throwing out furniture with some life in it, the Swindon Furniture Project will take it off your hands.

The project, which has been operating for over eighteen months, has proved to be a much needed service to people on lower incomes in the town. It collects unwanted furniture and effects and makes them available from a central store to those in need. Social Services, Age Concern, the Probation Service and various advice centres refer clients who need household goods to them.

Any household items or piece of furniture which are in reasonable condition are welcomed by project.

Always needed are single beds, mattresses which much be clean and unsoiled, children's size furniture. Pots and pans and curtains.

Project manager Maria Dziubenska with some of the furniture on offer To arrange a collection of furniture, telephone Maria Dziubinska on 644774

Toothill & Freshbrook Village Centres, and Car Park A at the West Swindon Centre

Money from your cans of dropping them in the dustbin or heaving it into the nearest shrub bed, save them for Jellytots Playgroup, contact Jane Cowdry on 881514 or deliver them to Dunwich Drive Playgroup, Toothill Community Centre

RSPB New Indoor Season Veronica Garside describes the attractions for the autumn

The North Wilts Group of The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds begins its 1990/91 season with its first indoor meeting on Wednesday 5 September with a talk by Ken Barnett from Slimbridge, on the workof the Wildfowland Wetlands Trust, including Species Conservation. We are to be joined by the Young Ornithologists Club at this meeting.

The monthly meetings continue on the first Wednesday of every month at the Centre for the Curriculum, Drove Road, Swindon at 7.30p.m. Speakers we have to look forward to are Mike Mockler on 'African Mammals, Birds and Conservation', Martin King and Mike Read on 'Arctic Riviera -Wildlife of N.E. Greenland' and Paul Darby and David Wall on 'Local Trust Reserves'.

They are all excellent speakers and deserve a large audience. As well as these indoor meetings we have coach trips arranged for visits to Pagham Harbour, Kenfig NNR, South Wales and Exmouth for a

The Plight of the Rainforests There's a sponsored walk to help save them on 7 October.

Jill Skerry asks readers to join In.

Have a smashing time at your local bottle bank

The large number of aluminium cans littering West Swindon means that a fortune is being lost.

Community groups can make money by collecting and delivering them for recycling.

Two playgroups in the area are raising money in this way. Instead

19

cruise along the Exe Estuary to see the flocks of wintering Avocets.

Wednesday 17 October sees the annual RSPB film show at the Wyvern Theatre with theusual high quality films that we have come to expect. RSPB Sales Goods are available at all our indoor meetings, The Wyvern and, this year, we have a stall in the Brunel Centre on 23 and 24 November as well as the usual one in the Brunel Plaza at a later date than usual - 15 December.

The Group is a friendly lot so why not give yourselves a break from 'the box' and get out and enjoy yourselves with RSPB. Just come along to any of the indoor meetings or contact our leader, Ingrid Powell on 523273 who will be pleased to give you information on any aspect of our activities.

If you would like to chat to a RSPB member or support our fundraising efforts, drop by our stall at the Charity Market in the Mall of Link Centre on the third Saturday of the month.

Time is running out to rescue the remaining great rainforests of the world - areas which are millions of years old, which once extended across much of our planet. Tragically, tropical rainforests nowcover only about seven per cent of the earth's land surface and the remaining forests are disappearing more and more rapidly.

The World WideFund forNature (formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund) continues to strive to turn the tide of this destruction.

Currently, WWF has 279 tropical forest projects around the around the globe, in Africa, Madagascar, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Saving the forests is a top priority on the conservation agenda - forests are vital for continuation of life on this planet in a multitude of ways. They provide us with a huge variety of goods and services which we take for granted, supplying us with wood, medicine, cosmetics, food etc. Their place in the environmental scheme of things is immeasurably important, acting as they do like vast sponges, soaking up the heavy rainfall and pre-

venting it from running straight off the land into the rivers and seas.

Everyone has a part to play in saving these unique, magnificent forests, which still hold so many secrets of possible great significance to the future of us all. We must continue to take every action necessary in the fight to save the rainforests of the world.

Here's your chance to help Join the Walk For The Rainforests on Sunday 7 October in Lydiard Country Park. The Mayor of Thamesdown will open the event at 10.30a.m. and Mr Bernard Davey (BBC weatherman) will be our special guest. The walk will finish at 4.30p.m. and last walkers are requested to 'clock in' at noon.

Sponsor forms can be obtained from: Keith Knighton on 813404, Peggy Dayton on 854267 or Jill Skerry on 782947. Address for correspondence: Walk for the Rainforests, 29 Kellsboro Avenue, Wroughton SN4 9HU. This event is beingorganisedbySwindonArea Supporters' Group, WWF.

Don't forget the Community Picnic on Saturday 15 September. Details - page 21.

4-

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NEWS & VIEWS

20 Dispute over fence A local councillor is calling on the County Council to repair a fence which it denies responsibility for.

The fence which seperates houses in Castle Dore, Freshbrôok and Rowton Heath Way has been badly damaged over the last few months.

In response to residents complaints,Coun. Bob Pixton has asked Wilts. County Council to repair It. But theysay it's not their fence, Bob says it is and he can prove it.

'Threeyearsagolpressed forthe footpath next to RowtonHeathWay to be built," said Bob. "Bradleys

Harvest Home?

redesigned and changed the house type on the Castle Dore site in 1981.

I believe that the County highway planners didn't ensure that the footpath was on the revised plans, or the builders just didn't put it in.

"Anyway the County took out the original hedge, built a fence and the footpath. What is amusing is that the same official lexchanged letters with in 1987 about putting it in is now saying it's not the County's responsibility to maintain it."

It seems Bob's record keeping is somewhat better than the Council's.

An invitation from the United Churches Are you thankful for the rain which Harvest Services being held by the has brought life back to your gar- churches of West Swindon in September. These are the dates and den after the hot weather?

Have you enjoyed the soft fruit times: and vegetables which you've Sunday 16 September picked from your garden this year? 10.30a.m. Lydiard Millicent Are you concerned about the bad 10.30a.m. Holy Trinity, Shaw things we're doing to our world, 10.45a.m. Toothifi Church and about those who suffer from Sunday 23 September 10.45a.m. Westlea Church drought and famine?

Would you like to join in giving (meeting in Westlea School) thanks to God for the Harvest and Sunday 30 September remembering the needs of others in 10.30a.m. Lydiard Tregoze the hungrier places of the world? Children are especially welcome at If so, why not come to one of the all these services.

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Our front page story last month featured a tie-up between Greendown School and local pizza takeaway and home delivery firm Pizzarama.

The company has printed 20,000 vouchers which are worth 25p each to the school if handed in when a pizza is purchased. The first are now being distributed to Greendown pupils to set the fund rolling. If all the vouchers are handed in the school will receive £5,000.

As an added incentive each voucher has a space for the name of the student who distributed It. All vouchers collected by Pizzarama during a week will beplaced ina prize draw.

Greendown wants to raise £10,000 to established a Community Learning Resource Centre which will be available to its students, pupils from local primary schools and adults in the area engaged in study. The Centre will be a book, video, slide and tape library, and will have computer and satellite links to information sources here and abroad.

Hoping the thermometer will shoot up rapidly. Ian West, General Manager of Coach Caterers (left) delivers 20,000 vouchers to Tim Noble, Director of External Relations at Greendown

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Worth a celebration?

by Roger Ogle, Publisher of The Link In 1991 it will be the fifteen years since the first residents of West Swindon started to arrive. Now there are around 30,000 of us living in a pleasant environment.

The question to be asked now is,

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should we have a celebration?

Events which bring people together are always good fun, but require effort. Our resources at The Link Magazine to sponsorbig events are fairly slender. Anyway it's all a bit artificial unless ideas, interest and commitment emerge from the community.

So is it worth it? I would like to hear of the kinds of events that could be organised, and who might get them on the road.

In 1986, in conjunction with the Planning Department at Thamesdown Council, I organised a large exhibition of photographs and information about the development of West Swindon at the library, which was enjoyed by thousands of people.

Some ideas are already buzzing

Tharnesdown's Deputy Mayor and Mayoress Percy and Olwe Jefferies cut the cake presented by Carrefour tolaunch 10th Anniversary E.xhbit ion in 1986 around. What about an exhibition of maps of the area made from different materials? See the story on page 3 of this edition. A recipe book of dishes submitted by local people? Another photographic display of life in West Swindon?

If you have an idea, please get in touch. Roger Ogle, l3 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon. Tel: 872282

For a ree estimate on all types of large and small Accident or Paint Repairs, contact: Terry Davis, Ridgeway West Paint & Body Centre, 2 Lynton Road, Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, Swindon Tel: 0793-491149 • Fax: 0793-521564

Summer of Fun for Youngsters It's been a great summer for West Swindon youngsters. Apart from wonderful weather, the best ever range of activities was on offer.

Under 5's could visit the purpose built play area at Upper Shaw Farm.

Lincoln's summer camp did great business in the Link Centre whilst, with sponsorship from ASDA stores and assistance from Thamesdown Council, the WASPS free playscheme as the most popular yet.

flCOfl'

Spending a week in five different venues, hundreds of5to l4 year olds played games, tried arts and crafts, cooked, performed plays and had great fun together with the help of a band of WASPS workers.

And on 30/31 August, 43 children attended a residential event at Lower Shaw Farm. Activities included making video and tree houses, cooking, games, learning how to work together and a midnight feast!. at Lower Shaw Farm, Turning potS ite from orange Shaw RidgeWASPS Adam Wh Park and Victoria Williams from

summer camp The Adults stood around whilst the youngsters did all the work on the Junior Fools residential event at Lower Shaw Farm

All our own work, T-shirt printers at Toothill Farm, Lindsay Cracknell from Freshbrook and Darren Skefflngton from Westlea

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NEWS & VIEWS Looking for Make colour a part of your life Most of us have wardrobes full of Colour Analysis involves the use new directions clothes that don't quite co-ordinate, of drapes and light to discover the and make-up bags stuffed with lipsticks that make our teeth look ye!low and eye shadows that seemed like a good idea at the time. Now that the shops are full of their new autumn ranges how many expensive mistakes will we make - those outfits that looked so wonderful in the store mirror but at home are just not right?

Colour Analysis can help you avoid making those mistakes, not just this season but every season.

Local Colour Analyst, Elizabeth Wood says "Nature gives us all underlying skin tones - as individual as our fingerprints. Once those tones are Identified choosing clothes and make-up is no longer a problem. You can achieve a wardrobe of clothes that works and be confident that what you buy will really suit you."

skin tones that are unique to you.

The session includes a full makeake up and each client Is given a wallet up of colour swatches to keep. "Some people think they will be limited to a few colours but colour coding is very liberating. You will be amazed at the range of colours you can wear."

Elizabeth provides a special service for weddings - including not just the bride but also the bride's mother and bridesmaids too.

If you are stuck for Christmas present ideas she can supply vouchers for you to give to your wife, your mother, sister, daughter or anyone else. "Colour Analysis costs no more than a good perm, but the effects, unlike a perm, last a lifetime."

You can contact Elizabeth on Swindon 871793

Home from home at The Trees Until recently Swindon did not have any full time nursery places at all.

With the opening of The Trees Nursery in Old Town, there is a chance for pre-school children to be cared forin a group environment from the age of 3 months.

The Trees has been opened ina largeconverted house in OldTown

by Creche UK, a company at the forefront of developing high quality nurseries for parents who are returning to work, or need time to do other things.

Quality, care and flexibility are the hallmarks at The Trees according to Creche UK General Manager Cohn Rivers. "The nursery has been set up by businessmen who see the need for them. We recognise the location must be first class and we have worked with experts includingSocial Services to achieve this. Our role is providing the facility and the administrative backup, we employ a team of qualified Alexander Coward couldn't wait for and experienced chlldcarers to the photo to be taken! concentrate on the children."

Care is provided for children ers consider returning to work, and between three months and 5 years parents see the chance for a break in three groups. They each have from the children. 'l'he flexibility their different areas in the nursery we of fer is growing in appeal," says but the children intermix for some Cohn Rivers. "The long sessions activities, just like in an ordinary mean a parent can go to work, do a household. In fact followinga home mornings shopping and a keep fit routine Is important says deputy class for example, or spend more leader Sandra Gaffney. "The chil- time with a younger child." dren receive a lot of individual atA session lasts from 8a.m. to tention. We talk to parents before 1p.m. and 1p.m. to 6p.m. and the and after sessions to make sure we cost on an hourly basis works out at are following the child's routine. .30for3 to 18 months, E2.10for18 We try to respond to their needs months to 3 years and £1.90 for 3 to rather than do what is convenient 5 year olds. Disposables, napps to us." and food are all included in the The Trees takes children for a price. single session orup to a whole week.

To arrange a visit to The Trees Places are filling up as more moth- Nursery, telephone 480780.

23

Do you need help on finding or changing a career, or need to know what training courses are available?

A guidance worker from the Adult Guidance Unit is available every Tuesday morning 10a.m. until 12 noon in the Mail at the Link Centre to chat to people who need information and advice on what their next steps could be.

Pause

awhile

and take a break from nappy talk Pause will be recommencing after the summer break on Friday 7 September. So if you're a parent whohas out-grown toddergroups or you Just feel like a change from 'nappy talk' come and Join us at Toothill Community Centre every Friday at 10.00a.m.

Special events for September are: 7th Talk on homeopathy 21st Make-up and facial demonstration A creche is provided by Swindon Chlldcarers.

LOSE WEIGHT QUICKLY AND SAFELY FOR SPRING Call your Counsellor Glenis at

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NEWS & VIEWS Swimmers share trophy

24

In only the third time of entry Freshbrook School' swimming team took joint first place with the favourites In the Thamesdown Junior School's Swimming Gala in July.

Certificates, badges and trophies were handed out on the last day of the summer term to not only the team members, but also all the other children who had achieved a certain swimming standard.

At the gala, all members of the team reached a final with Emma Watts, David Kerby, Elizabeth Watts and Ewan Morrison winning their events. The girls team of Emma Smith, ElizabethWatts and

CherylEvans took the medley relay final.

The team's achievement was put down to the coaching of teacher Alice Warnes and parent Steve Smith who helps coach the Thamesdown Tigersharks club.

Next year the Freshbrook School swim team aim to be outright winners.

Right: the successfill swimmers, back row from l4t, Emma Smith, Elizabeth Watts, Cheryl Evans, Katie Endicott; Middle: Gemma Wallace, Michelle Clark, Ewen Morrison, David Armstrong, Matthew Coxford; Front: Matthew Grove, David Kirby, Sam Giles, Andrew Davies

Under 5's Quiz League to start

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A Qui7 League aimed at people in West Swindon involved with preschool children is soon to become a reality when a quiz night Is held.

The idea was floated at the beginning of the year by Oliver Tomkins playgroup supervisor Jenny Woodman but organising the quiz league took a little longer than expected and then it was decided to wait until after the holidays.

In response to an article in The Link last January, Jenny said, "I was amazed by how many people were interested. Around 60 people telephoned or approached me in ASDA saying they want to take part. All the groups who declared an Interest will be contacted soon to tell them when we're going to hold the quiz night, and we would welcome a few more entrants."

The competition will involve& teams entered by the ten playgroups and the 25 or so parent and toddlergroups in the area who have shown interest.

Jenny has written some amusing specialist questions into her quiz.

"Theteams taking part will be asked the usual general knowledge questions but they'll also have to join in with the pre-school spirit of the league. We'll be slipping in questions like Who was Noddy's best friend?' and 'Can you do the actions to incy wincy spider?' I'd advise parents to take a few lessons from their under fives!"

The entrance fee from teams will be donated to a national campaign to raise ÂŁ4m for playgroups supported by the Pre-School Playgroups Association.

Parents interested in forming a team to represent the under-fives group they're involved with should talk to the group organisers and then contact Jenny Woodman on 870256 to register their entry. The closing date Is 25 September.

*

NEWS &VIEWS

D of E Scheme launched this month Chris Lothian describes the benefits of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme to young people

West Swindon will have its very own Open Award Centre at Greendown Community School from Septemberwhen an exhibition and anoppoxtunity to meet local organisers takes place. The Centre is being organised at Greendown because of its good location and because the many facilities required for the wide range of activities under the D of ÂŁ The scheme Is open to all young The four sections and their aims are: people froml4 to 25 years (23 latest Service - to encourage service to application), of all abilities. Briefly it others.

Is designed for young people to de- Expeditions - to encourage a spirit velop or learn new skills of their of adventure and discovery. choice. I quote from the forward of Skills - to encourage the discovery the D of E handbook by Prince and development of personal interests and social and practical skills.

Philip:'This scheme Is intended to help Physical Recreation - to encourage both the young as wellas those who participation and improvement of are concerned for their welfare. The performance.

The DofE in itself is nota club but object is to provide an Introduction to worthwhile leisure activities and at Greendown we hope we can cmvoluntary services; as a challenge to ate a successful atmosphere for the the individual to discover the satis- youth of our community to meet, faction of achievement, and to the work and play together.

No longer can it be said with any adults who would like to encourage the development of their younger justification that them is nothing for our young people to do in West fellow citizens.'

By taking part in the D of E, they Swindon. will, (if they successfully complete Open Day the course in their chosen subject) be On Saturday 8 September at rewarded with the appropriate Greendown School there'sa chance Bronze, Silver or Gold award. Dur- for young people and their parents ing their time it Is hoped they can to see for themselves what the D of develop their self confidence, skills E is all about. There will be disand inmanyactivities learn the value plays and representatives from of teamwork. clubs and organisations to demonIn gaining awards, young people strate the vast range of activities learn by experience the importance available. of self discipline, enterprise and ofIf you would like to know more, fort. They discover a great deal please phone John Prowse, D of E about themselves and come to know secretary for Swindon, on 612207 or the enjoyment of working with and Chris Lowthian, local co-ordinator, for other people. on 693731.

Another Bite of the French Apple!

25

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French Holiday Club makes for Paris In October

Those readers who enjoyed the PompidouCentre,ChampsElysees, highly successful, fully escorted Eiffel Tower, Trocadero, Opera trips to Paris last Autumn and to House, the fashion shops of BoulAvranches this Spring with the evard Haussman, a boat trip on the French Holiday Club will be Seine and many more! pleased to learn that the red, white Particularly attractive is the tour and green luxury coach of Barnes of Paris by night to see the magnifiof Aldbourne is setting out again! cent buildings and bridges under All are welcome to join. floodlights. As an optional you This Autumn the capital of Fra rice may spend an evening at the forbeckons with four nights in Paris at midable Moulin Rouge cabaret! our base hotel in Montmartre near Dates: Saturday 27 October Sacre Coeur.

Thursday 1 November The first night in France will give Cost 32.50 per head based on the opportunity to explore the fine two sharing. old town of Rouen and the follow- Price includes: coach and ferry ing day the party will be able to travel, bed and breakfast in two visit the superb palace and gardens star hotels (all rooms with private at Versailles, before entering Paris. facilities), dinneron five nights, boat From then on the coach will be trip on River Seine, daytime coach acting as a gigantic taxi, offering a tours, tour of Paris by night, full wide range of sights and experi- courier and guide service. ences - Notre Dame, Place de la Enquiries to Diane or Barry Concorde, Arc de Triomphe, Greenaway on 771079

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To find our more, contact

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NEWSFLA SH NEWSFLA SH

26

NEWS & VIEWS New direction for Martha

'I 10 If

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R.T. Farley Landscape Gardener in West Swindon 20 years of experience.

Turfing, P ving, Pergolas, Fencing, Pe Planting New Gardens Rockery Conrtuction Crazy Paving etc.

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A well regarded community worker is leaving the area this month to become the Women's Policy Officer with Thamesdown Council.

Martha Parry has been Community Activities Officer at the Link Centre for the last three years and has been responsible for turning it into a lively facility and for helping a range of groups get started.

The Link Centre is seen mainly as a sports centre and the importance of the Community Suite within the building, as a central meeting point for West Swindon

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residents, often does not receive enough recognition.

Soon after Martha arrived she pressed for major changes in the physical layout of the suite so that the public would receive a better, more friendly service from staff. It is now infinitely easier to make a room booking and also to find out information.

One of the aims behind all the changes was to establish a Resource Centre where local organisations could produce newsletters and posters. Unfortunately, due to inadequate staffing in the Suite the opening of this facility has been delayed.

Martha has been an important link between the user groups in the Suite and has provided much assistance to individual visitors. Most people will not know the amount of work she has done in the background to ensure group meetings and activities run smoothly.

She was instrumental in getting

AfareweU to Martha Parry, right,from Judith Blake (who painted the board behind them) a lunch club started and she gave a lot of support to the Under Fives Forum which has organised three summer festivals.

Once she has settled into her new job we hope Martha will use The Link to appeal to readers to participate in women's issues and events.

Confidence out of voluntary work

T Choose Us First For the Best Quality Take Home Food Available Fried Freshly For You Cod, Plaice, Haddock, Skate, Huss, Scampi, Chips, Various Pies, Sausages and Chicken.

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Open Monday - Saturday 1'.30ani - 2pm; 4.30pm - 11pm Car Park 'A' West Swindon Centre TELEPHONE ORDERS WELCOME - 870455

Finding new directions, Sharon Hibberd and Alison Dodd An article about the Volunteer Bureau at Thamesdown Voluntary Services Centre in the The Link early this year has helped two women take a new direction. According to Alison Dodd from Grange Parkand Sharon Hibberd from Freshbrook, most people have no idea about the range of voluntary work there is available.

They were two of a number of readers who contacted volunteer organiser Maria Grime after she wrote a story describing the work of the bureau based atTVSC. Now Alison and Sharon are helping out at the voluntary services centre and are re-gaining the confidence they say they have lost since leaving paid work Sharon last worked full-time in an office some twelve years ago and is pleased she responded to the piece in The Link. "It's great to be back in an office environment. I was looking for something fulfill-

ing now that the children are older, but at the same time not too demanding. I find it easy to talk to people so working on the reception desk is fun. I look forward to coming here."

Alison left full time work six years ago and has found that her outlook has changed after doing voluntary work "I feel a lot more confident and more sure of myself," she said.

"The staff here are so friendly and the amount of work that goes on with voluntary groups is unbelievable. Also, the amount of information kept here on just about every subject is amazing. I'm sure that most people don't realise how TVSC can help them. I'm glad I contacted Maria after reading the article." • To find out about opportunities for voluntary work in Thamesdown, Volunteer Organiser Maria Grime can be contacted on 538398.

,â&#x20AC;&#x201D;<----.

GREENDOWN

Community Activities

Greendown School now organises a large number of community activities. Improvements in our staffing means that we can open at weekends and during school holidays on a far more regular basis than before.

Individuals or groups wishing to use the school for activites other than those shown below should contact the school on Swindon 874224.

If you are interested in joining any of the activites organised at present, either phone the contact person shown or preferably visitthe school when the activity is being held.

Adult education:

Youngsters learn new skills A group of youngsters fromGreendown School spent a number of sessions last term working with staff at Swindon Insurance Company NEM learning marketingand communication skills.

They were required to find out how NEM operated and the kind of insurance it dealt with so that they could design a poster which would be used to attract young people to work for the company. They decided on how to explain the employment opportunities and chose

Classes operate both during the day (creche available) and during all evenings and weekends. The full programme is available from the Below: With their finished work, clockschool, or contact Steve Williams on Swindon 871413. wise, Karen Cook and Mark Holmes

Activities for youth and young people:

from NEM, Karen Spiers, Matthew Hedges, Paula Titchner and Bev Riley.

Greendown playgroup: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. Contact the playgroup supervisor in the Community Suite at school.

Greendown Playmates Parent & Toddlers: Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning. Contact Mrs A Plumb on 870616 (Tuesday session) or Mrs A Pratt, Swindon 874007 (Wednesday session).

AirTraining Corps: Friday evenings. Contact Fl. Lt. S Bancroft-Howson on 0666 837488.

Concorde Gymnastics: Friday evening and Saturday morning for beginners. Contact Anne Brewster on 852390.

Table Tennis: Monday evenings. Contact D Warner via the school.

West Swindon Youth Soccer: Training Wednesday evening, matches Saturday. Under 12's - contact Ty Meare on 872401.

Under 13's - contact Alex James on 870052.

Jujitsu: Monday and Thursday evenings. Contact S Cole on 872445.

Woodcraft Folk: Wednesday evening. Contact Phil Lewis on 487706.

Youth clubs: Tuesday for over 16$ and over.

Friday for 11 years and over (this new club is limited to Greendown students although it is hoped that this will be expanded later in the year).

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme: Friday evenings. Further information from the school or Chris Lothian 693731.

the photographs to illustrate their selling points. These were put together by the company's graphic artists and the framed poster was presented to the students at the end of term.

Free film Freshbrook chemists have done film processing for some time. Now, to make the service more attractive, they are giving a free 24 exposure film away with every roll brought in to be developed and printed.

With so many people returning from summer holidays with their memories iewrded, it's worth knowingthatyoucan replace the filmyou've exposed for nothing.

P B PLUMBING SERVICES

Boilers Serviced Pump Fitting Service Water Sot tners Fitted Washing Machines & Dishwashers Installed

Telephone: (0793) 642995

Activities for adults: The weight training facility is open most evenings and operates on a drop in' basis.

Adult basketball: Monday evenings - contact Steve O'Sullivan at the school.

Bodies by Design: Sunday and Tuesday evenings. Exercise to Music and Men's Fitness sessions. Contact Lee Hogan on 870691.

Badminton: Concorde Club: Thursday evenings with matches on Saturday. Contact John Hare on 874008.

Jamia Mohammadia Muslim Prayer Group: Meets at lunch time on Friday. Contact Mr Khan on 881262.

Jujitsu: Monday and Thursday. Contact S Cole on 872445.

Soccer teams: West Swindon Football Club (Tel: 490543); Toot & Whistle club, Pipers soccerclub (Tel: 873411) - Training Wednesday eve Popmobility: Thursday evenings. Contact via the school.

New for September:

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University of the Third Age: Computer course and the use of the school craft workshops. Contact Norman Richards on 542532.

Future activities To be started during the course of the year. Contact the school for further information.

Flood lit All Weather Pitch. Available from November.

Junior Badminton: Thursday evenings from April / May 91.

After School Club and more holiday activities for young people.

Costs of all activities: Members of the community joining the above activities pay an annual membership fee of ÂŁ6.00 together with a session fee. This depends on the nature of the activity although normally this will not exceed 50p per hour. Concessions are available for Gold Card users.

Hire of the facilities varies according to the activity and type of use - a full list of all prices is available from the school.

Finally, we are anxious to provide a good service for all members of the community. If you would like an activity to be organised, or if you are interested in running one, please contact Tim Noble, Director of External Relations at Greendown on 874224.

Have A Great Party!

Hire our Mini-Clown Bouncer. 10'xlO' inflatable with rain cover. Ideal for children's parties, pre-school groups, fetes etc. Indoors & Outdoors.

To book, ring West Swindon's ACE F'JN CASTLES on 873552

HOME & GARDEN Swim in an Oasis of colour

28

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The Swindon Flower Show on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 September at the Oasis Leisure Centre is sure to be enjoyable for all, especially families. When visitors buy both a show and a swim ticket, they will receive another swim ticket free.

Organised by the Thamesdown Parks Service the flower show is the culmination of many months work which will turn the Centre into an spectacular oasis of colour and activity. There will be displays of flower arranging, vegetable growing, wine and cake making, arts and crafts, a W.I. market and professional trade stalls.

Then, once the visit to the show is completed, relax in the pool and reflect on how to improve your garden for next year.

Thamesd own Council's Parks DepartmentManagerPat 'Mat isse'Bown sets the tone with BBC Weatherman Bernard Davey

Gardening Club might close unless more members join West Swindon's Gardening Club may be holding its last meeting this month unless more people join.

Over the last two years the club has organised speakers, trips and the annual garden competition for all residents. There are beginners and experienced gardeners in its membership,a fruitful combina tion which has helped both those new

to gardening and others who want to widen their knowledge.

The Annual General Meeting takes place on Monday 10 September, 800p.m. at the Link Centre.

The meeting will discuss whether the club should continue. After A.C.M. business there will bea quiz on gardening given to the club by P.B.I. Chemicals.

Giving the customer confidence

uiTUMJR

--NATllRrS TIME FOR PLANTING GARDEN CENTRE

Largest selection of nursery stock in the area.

Winter flowering pansies, wallflowers and spring flowering bulbs.

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Mobile: 0836 229887 We also offer a professional landscaping service.

After two years operation the Toothifi based business RK Garden Services has established a solid reputation for quality work at reasonable prices. Now their name is spreading and work is beingoffered all over the west country and towards London.

RK take on a wide range of work from maintenance for people who don't have the time to look after the garden to a complete landscaping service. Small scale construction of patios, walls and driveways all fall within their capabilities, whilst their biggest project was a one hundred foot tiered garden on Kingshffl not for the feint hearted!

Proprietor Ray Bunce believes that reputation and trust are essential. "I'm afraid there are a few people knocking on doors offering a service and doing a poor job. It's important that the customer knows you and has confidence in the work you can offer. I'm really proud of the good rapport we have with elderly peoi5le. Building ramps and rails are becoming a bit of a speciality for us.

"If it's proof you need, we don't ask for a deposit on a contract or payment until after the work is done. Not many people will do that."

RK must offer the cheapest turf

Ray Bunce, second from right, with two of his staff Simon Knowles and Kevin Lovegrove and an elderly customer laying service around. They will rotovate, supply, lay, roll and give it a first cut for £1.95 a square yard.

They recently opened a supplies yard to store garden materials in bulk. Peat, compost, mulch, fence posts and other items can be supplied in bulk at much lower prices compared with garden centres.

To contact Ray, telephone 512287 in the evenings or 0836 229887. To order bulk materials, call the yard on 772516.

HOME & GARDEN Garden winners receive prizes

29

RON AHRENS BUILDER DECORATOR

The whiners of the second WestSwindon Garden Competition announced in last month's Link were presented with their prizes by the Mayor of Thamesdown on 25 August.

The winners in the under and over 4 year categories were presented with the West Swindon Centre challenge cups and replicas to keep, plus a voucher worth £50. Runners up received vouchers for £25 and £15.

Afterwards the Mayor, accompanied by the Mayoress, viewed photographs of the gardens on display in the Centre, and then made a visit to the magnificent garden belonging to Des and Jackie Jackson at Mifier Close, Middleleaze.

Below: "If only we could do as well as this." In a prize winning garden, Coun. and Mrs Montaut with Jackie and Des Jackson, and , right, Fred Fowler, chairman of the West Swindon Gardening Club

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Short-listed for next summer As we approach the end of our second thy, dry summer, it is interesting to make a list of the best half dozen plants that can survive hot sunshine with their roots in cracked clay: 1) Iceberg. Cool as arctic wastes, this white rose flowered non-stop through June and July and seems ready to start again in September.

2) Impatiens. The bedding Bizzy Lizzies are improving every year.

They make a neat rug in pastel pinks and white wherever such a cosy feature is wanted.

3) Nicotiana. Although the leaves of the tobacco plants will droop in the hottest days, the flowers continue to open in the evenings with a scent that fills the garden.

4) Clematis. The sun ripens the stems and flowering buds so well that, provided the clematis has had a few years to dig its roots down into the moistclay, itwill flowerweekafter weekwith blooms ofintensecoloured velvet.

5) Crocosmia. Just when everything else has browned off in the sun, this wiry-stemmed corm will open its zig-zag of brick-red trumpets. A fitting accompaniment to flaming August.

6) Lavender. A classic companion to the front door. The sun intensifies the silvery foliage to dazzling silver and the purple blue flowers are the darker for the contrast.

It is always worth keeping lists of what does well during the different years. It adds to the dialogue of, 'What could I grow in this space; what will it look like?' that prompts every gardener to plant and re-plant their garden as the years pass. After a hot summer, many plants start flowering in the autumn and some interesting lists will grow after visiting some gardens in September.

"

COURTYARD POTTERY

a

Call Steve Wright on Claire Beaton considers some of the plants that have survived and which might be worth a look for next year

r

2NO"W =

11

Telephone: 692134 West Swindon)

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Gardens to visit Catch the last of the summer with a visit to the villages of Broadwell and Kencot where there will be 6 gardens open on 9 September, 2p.m.-6p.m.

Admission is £1.50, children are free. These two villages can be found 5 miles north east of Lechlade, east of the A361 to Burford.

To Advertise in The Link ring Elizabeth Wood on 871793

Unit 9 Marlborough Road Industrial Estate Wootton Bassett. Tel: 854821. Now also at Caine.

EASY PARKING• COLLECTION/DELIVERY SERVICE Mon - Fri 730am - 5.30pm Sat. 730am- 1 2.3Opm U

• Letters to the Link

•

Letters with full name and address should be sent to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon by the 20th of the month

Responsibility for litter

Poll Tax on people

From J. Fry, Rowton Heath Way, Freshbrook We walked to the West Swindon centre car park was striking.

As a regular user of this footpath Centre on Bank Holiday Monday.

The sight at the top of the foot- I know that very little effort is made path off Beaumaris Road was aw- to keep it tidy. The users of the ful. Cans, chip papers, pizza boxes footpath should not drop litter, but and other garbage was everywhere. as usual in these situations, if the Next to the outdoor market site the Council doesn't keep the litter level filth on the path and in the adjacent down, human standards seem to shrub beds was disgusting. The deteriorate and filth becomes accontrast with the clean shopping ceptable.

From Bob Pixton, Labour Council/or, Freshbrook In your letters column July, David Temple comments on his desire to stand on his own two feet and not to subsidise families. I personally would like to see the Poll Tax called by its proper title 'Community Charge' i.e. a charge on all the community for all the services.

It would be reasonable for anyone to suggest thatyou only should pay for the services that they use at that time in our complex society. If this was true then only parents would pay for education, only new

The Link Classifieds Lineage ads cost £3.50 per single column centimetre inclusive of VAT. Lost and found are free. Cash with advert to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon

The Company Company Swindon's brightest Introduction Agency for singles. divorced, seperated and widowed people.

Please phone

Swindon 487761 Clothing Alterations & Repairs Tel: 872096

Mrs White, Freshbrook

employees would pay for job creation schemes and only people borrowing library books would pay for them (between 65p and 85p per book!). Surely the answer is that we all cross subsidise each other throughout our lives. This allows other children to enjoy play areas when I told none, now others subsidise mine who in their turn will subsidise them for other children.

In this way all the community support each other.

I too was puzzled by roads being resurfaced. The technical reasons are that this 'top coat' prolongs the life of a road and so saves money.

Barnardos collection

-Childcare Experienced Nanny (S.E.N.) has vacancy for two small children 18 months to 4 years as from 3 September, 8.30a.m.-5.30p.m.

Please telephone 619874

From Mrs Sarah Gibson, Saddleback Road, Shaw I would like to thank all the people in Saddleback Road who so kindly gave to the Barnados collection recently, and also for the friendliness we were shown whilst doing the collection.

We collected £38.50 including a tin we were given which contained £4.

.Vacancy Full time Playgroup Supervisor required at Unk3-5 Playgroup, Link Centre to start in October. Please apply in writing to Mrs B. Ford, 5 Buie Close, Sparcells by 21 September.

Keeping the grass trim and tidy

Crossing Patrol Person Required as soon as possible at Toothill County Primary School, a crossing patrol person to work the following hours: 8.30 - gam 12.10- 12.20pm 1 - 1.lOpm 3 - 3.3Opm on Mondays to Fridays for 39 weeks per year.

The annual salary offered is £946.58 including and retainer pay.

Suitable protective clothing is provided.

Further information and application forms can be obtained from the Head Teacher at Toothill County Primary School, Stokesay Drive, Toothill, Swindon. Tel: 497250.

Closing date for applications: 14th September 1990

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On their trusty steeds, James Forrest, left, and Nigel Kimber From March to November James Forrest of Freshbrook and Nigel Kimber of Toothill spend their working days zooming around West Swindon keeping the grass in public areas neat and trim.

James has done the job for 10 years and Nigel for five, working for Thamesdown Contractors from their local base next to Kiln Park, Toothifi. Weather conditions obviously determine how long it takes to cut the grass but on average they can cover all the public areas twice

a month.

Getting the balance between short grass and speed of growth is important. Cut it too short and people ring up Thamesdown Council and complain about brown patches. Cut it too long and they have to return sooner to keep the grass down.

During the winter months James and Nigel join other Thamesdown Contractor staff cleaning out shrub beds, cutting back shrubs and tree planting.

THE REFERENCE PAGE LOCAL COUNCILLORS TOOTHILL, WESTLEA, SHAW & RO(JGHMOOR/SPARCELLS Thamesdown Borough Council Tony Free, 9 Featherwood, Westlea. Tel: 874531 Ricky Midwinter, 4Anglesey Close, Westlea. Tel: 873537 Peter Stoddart, 9 Fairlawn, Liden. TeL 692812 Surgeries for Free & Midwinter: Friday 6pm-7pm, Community Room, Toothill School.

Wiltshire County Council Alan Winmill, I The Holbeins, Grange Park Tel: 875129

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK Thamesdown Borough Council Simon Cordon, 53 Matley Moor, SwindonTel: 617723 Sue Bates, 8 Selby Crescent, Freshbrook Tel: 872247 Bob Pixton, 12 Lambert Close, Freshbrook Tel: 695317 Surgeries for Bates & Pixton: Wednesday 7pm-730pm, Community Room, Freshbrook School.

Wiltshire County Council Simon Cordon - as above.

INFORMATION FOR NEW ARRIVALS TO WEST SWINDON Arrivals Officer: Pam Pixton. She will visit you and provide advice and an information booklet about community facilities. Tel: 695317.

Newcomers Coffee Morning: Tuesday 10.30am-12noon in the Community Suite, Link Centre.

LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES Doctors •DoctorsKetkar, Matheson, Nixon, Holden, Chippendale, Means &Swinyard, Ashington House, Ashington Way, Westlea. Tel: 614840.

'Doctor C. Reddy, Freshbrook Village Centre. Tel: 870494.

'Doctor Godbole, Ramleaze Drive, Shaw. Tel: 874894. *Doctor Kandiah, I Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Tel: 511253. & Sparcells Drive, Sparcells. Tel: 881928 Health Visitor Team, 4 Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Tel: 642133/610459.

Baby Clinics: Mon I .30-4pm 5 Deerhurst Way, Toothill.

Wed 10.30am-12.30pm Shaw Church (entrance rear door).

Wed 2pm-4pm Greendown School, Grange Park Thurs 2pm-4pm Freshbrook Community Centre.

Thurs (2nd &4th of the month) 2pm-3.30pm Sparcells Comm. Centre Fri 2pm-4pm Upper Shaw Farm, Shaw Ridge.

Family Planning: Free clinics every Wednesday 6-8pm 5 Deerhurst Way. No appointment necPs'ary. Cervical Smear Tests.

Pharmacies •Ashington Way Pharmacy: Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm; Sat 8.30am-12noon.

Sun 11.30am-12.30pm Tel: 616840.

'Coopers, West Swindon Centre: Mon-Thurs 9ain-8pm; Fri 9am-9pm; Sat 9am-6pm Tel: 872033.

'Kingswood Chemists, Shaw Village Centre: Mon, Tues, Wed Fri 9am6.30pm; Thurs 9am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Cased 1-2pm. Tel: 886076.

'Ralph Palmer Pharmacy, 3 Deerhurst Way, Toothill: Mon-Fri 9am-lpm &2.30pm-6pm; Sat 9am-12noon. Closed 1pm - 2.30pm. Tel: 512063.

'The Village Pharmacy, Freshbrook Village Centre: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 9am-Ipm & 2.15-6.30pm; Tues 9am-Ipm & 2.15pm-5pm; Closed lpm-2.15pm.Sat 9am-12 noon. Tel: 870226.

Dentists 'Brendan Ball & Associates, Freshbrook Village Centre. Tel: 873044.

'Mrs. Beagley, Town Square, West Swindon Centre. Tel: 872340.

'Mr Parkinson, Shaw Village Centre. Tel: 882122 Optician 'RJ Holmes, Town Square, West Swindon Centre. Tel: 870011.

PET CARE Vet 'Shaw Village Centre. Tel: 881919.

Mon-Fri 8.30ani-6pm, 8pm-10pm; Sat 9am-12.30pm.

31

Ecumenical Parish of West Swindon & The Lydiards

Freshbrook evangelical

Anglican, Methodist, U.R.C., Baptist.

Worsley Road gives YOU a warm welcome

Church

Toothill Rev. Ian Handscomb 693384 Rev. Anne Thomas 496421

Sunday lOam Family Praise with Children's Covenanter Movement & creche 6.30prn Evening Worship and Communion For details of mid-week meetings, house groups and other activities, telephone Rev. Peter Grainger on 490498.

Church Office, Tel: 873050

St. Mary's LTregoze for Freshbrook & Grange Park Rev. Tony Price 870244 Westlea Rev. John Flory 770217 t Shaw and Sparcells Rev. Keith BoxaIl 770568 Rev. Helen Drummond 874372 t also All Saints, L Millicent

MOBILE-' MECHANIC

GOOD NEWS WORKSHOP • Carpentry & Joinery • Home Improvement Work • Windows & Doors Fitted • Bricklaying • Plumbing • Painting & Decorating • Plastering

E COME TO YOU Non -Starts 'Servicing 'Tuning

'M.O.T. Work 'Breakdowns 'Electrical Faults 'Clutches fitted

All Work Completed With Care and A Smile Swindon 487643 (24 hrs)

No Garage Prices or Waiting

Please Telephone 876211 ANYTIME

DESPERATE? LONELY? SUICIDAL?

The Samaritans You don't have to be suicidal to share your problems with us. Phone anytime day or night, or call into 6 Curtis Street, Swindon between 8am and 10pm

the Samaritans Swindon 537373

Morrison & Masters TOWN SQUARE, WEST SWINDON CENTRE. TELEPHONE 870055 for

WELFARE BENEFITS ADVICE POINTS Welfare BenEfits, Housing, Debt Counselling Advice West Swindon Advice Centre, 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook TeL 871303. Mon, Wed & Fri 10axn-12noon.

Toothill Advice Point, Toothill Community Centre. Tues 10arn-12noon.

THE CHURCH Anglican-Methodist-U.R.C.-Baptist. Church Office Tel: 874221.

Freshbrook Evangelical Church. Church Office. Tel: 873050.

St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. Tel: 874400.

Jamal Mohammadia, Muslim Friday Prayer Group. Mr Khan Tel: 881262

House Sales and Purchases & all Property Work (written estimates given) Divorce, Criminal and all Court work Wills and Probates WEST SWINDON'S ONLY SOLICITORS! Also at 20 Comr ercial Road, Swindon. Telephone: 526601 and 69a Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill. Telephone: 481602

TITCOMBE GARAGE LIMITED

WESTMEAD DRIVE,T WESTLEA, SWIN DON TEL (0793) 641643 .

In 111111 H'...

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W ~~ E ST SWI N LIO N'S : LOCAL GARAGE

0 24 BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY (ANY DISTANCE) SERVICING & REPAIRS MOT's WHILE YOU WAIT c.. PARTS & ACCESSORIES SHOP ACCIDENT REPAIRS 0 CAR BODY SPRAYING OALL ESTIMATES SPARCELLS GIVEN FREE COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE INSURANCE CRASH GRANGE PARK REPAIRS Q.. AUTHORISED REPAIRERS FOR LEADING INSURANCE COMPANIES ..••

NATIONAL

BREAKDOWN

WE ARE HERE

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Westmead mployment Area

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