September 2003 Swindon Link

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No. 256 • September 2003 • Circulation 23,000

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and the swindon wide what's on guide

Saintly apparition in West Swindon school playground Youngsters help design sculpture of St Francis.

See page 8.

Spectacular aerial photos and exhibition for the proposed landmark sculpture on Thamesdown Drive Civil War scenes return to Lydiard's lawns

There's a warm welcome from Mr Ali and his staff at `Purton 's hidden Indian treasure"

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Our annual directory of essential information for people in our target distribution area: politicians, schools, health services, meeting places, worship, useful numbers.

Information at your fingertips when you need it, on pages 37 to 46 THIS IS THE ONE TO KEEP

Plus an index of all our advertisers on page 41

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The Link Magazine • September 200 3

Finding a way to a fairer world Politicians from around the planet gather for another expensive and much publicised World Trade Organisation conference between 10 and 14 September in Mexico to debate trade issues across the world. South Swindon MP Julia Drown explains that governments in the rich world must do better to help those in poverty.

Trade rules must be improved to benefit the poor. More needs to be done to help all developing countries secure better access to markets in rich countries.

The current levels of protection- CAP is equivalent to payism are scandalous. The OECD ing $2 a day for every cow spends over $350 billion every year in Europe, when 1.2 bilto support its agriculture sector, lion people in the world far more than the $50bn spent on live on half that amount. aid. European Union citizens proIf tariffs in the develvide 45bn euro of taxes to fund the oped and developing Common Agricultural Policy world were halved, devel(CAP) and a further 50bn euro oping countries would buying more expensive products gain £150 billion per year that are on sale as a result. The — three times what they

Animal Portraits

need help in attracting foreign investment which not only provides additional capital, but helps to transfer new technologies and skills as well as generating employment.

The Government is providing financial support to assist poorer countries in their negotiations. By 2004 we'll have spent £45m on these capacity building initiatives which are important to give developing countries a fair say in the

get in aid. And the number of people living in poverty would reduce by over 300 million by 2015.

WTO. I' m proud that so many The British Govern- litlia visiting Windmill Hill School in July to talk about her people in Swindon are Lovingly drawn ment's priorities for this work in Parliament and her concerns for poorer countries standing up for the poorin pastel or World Trade Round are reducing that any new obligations for World est people in the world and I share pencil from agricultural subsidies in Western Trade Organisation members al- their view that we need to have your favourite countries and ensuring that the low them the flexibility to pursue fair trade, because through fair photograph. world's poorest countries have ac- national development objectives, trade we will also be able to tackle cess to affordable medicines.

It is clear from discussions with some of the desperate poverty that For a free The Government also supports developing countries that many blights our world. brochure, call the Latin American countries who 4 Vikki Loeber want to see the agenda include Campaigning in Mexico for better animal welfare 01793 513536 new issues like investment which Marilyn Harrison and her daughter Anish from Toothill, who are 07799 605045 could bring benefits for develop- members of Swindon Animal Concern, will join a team from Com^'.loeber@ virgin.nct ing countries. But we do so on passion in World Farming (CIWF) to press the case for better animal View the gallery at condition that a balanced and flex- welfare at the WTO conference in Mexico. www.vikkiloeber.co.uk ible approach is taken to make sure At present free trade rules do not have to take account of public policy, such as animal welfare, the environment or social justice.

"WTO rules make it very difficult for countries to bring in animal protection laws," said Marilyn. ® Transfer VHS to DVD "WTO members must be allowed and all taped media to ban imports from countries which do not meet welfare standWedding videos ards, for example where wild aniIrreplaceable TV programmes and sports events mals are caught using leghold Children's first steps. Bi rt hday pa rt ies, Christenings traps, or where cosmetics are tested & Confirmations. on animals.

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The Link Magazine • September 2003

3

Local family business crushed by Swindon's expansion As development in North Swindon continues inexorably, residents have now lost from their midst a valuable local service and an oasis of calm: Alan and Valerie Trotman have decided to succumb to the inevitable and close down Grange Farm Garden Centre and Nursery.

With competition from the adjacent North Swindon District Centre and the road layout designed to lead shoppers there, the garden centre in Haydon End Lane has found itself by-passed and the volume of its business has diminished considerably in recent years. Perhaps the final straw has been the closure of Lady Lane.

The Trotmans pride themselves on the service and wealth of local knowledge they have been able to offer very upset by the decision they gardeners from Haydon Wick and have had to take. the surrounding area. They are "We feel that a lifetime's work is

Cross cultural party in the sun Swindon's first ever Asian Mela on 2 August was a huge success with 5,000 people enjoying dance,

music, good food and good company in Old Town Gardens.

The Mayor Derek Benfieldlaunches the event by cutting a giant cake made by Melba Sheffi eld from West/ca

Meet the leader: talk about recreation and culture If you have views on how Swindon stacks up on cultural and recreation issues, make them known to Swindon council leader Mike Bawden at a public meeting in the council offices at Euclid Street on Wednesday 10 September, 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

Recreation includes leisure centres like the Oasis, Link Centre and FOR SPECIALIST Haydon Centre, Delta Tennis Centre, Broome Manor Golf Complex, LEGAL ADVICE as well as the SwindonCard and * Conveyancing provision for skateboarding.

(On-Line Estimate Service) Cultural Services covers libraries and community heritage, Swin* Employment don Dance, the Arts Centre, public * Famil y Law Art including festivals, Cre8 stu* Wills & Probate dios and STEAM. For more information or • Lydiard Park heritage regeneradetailed conveyancing costs visit: tion project under threat. Stor y on www.crd.org.uk page 27.

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Do you know a carer due for recognition?

The Mayor of Swindon is looking for nominations for Swindon's carer in the community, by 11 September.

People who were born, live or work in, orwho have strong links with the Borough of Swindon and have made a contribution to their community can be nominated for a Citizen's Award.

For details contact Carole Deamer on 463599.

coming to an end," said Valerie. "We have put in so much effort over the past 30 years building up the business and now we are going to lose it all. We have simply been swallowed up by urban development."

What is more, as they move away from Swindon, an even longer association with the area comes to an end. Alan's family has farmed at Haydon End Lane since 1916. He was born in the house he has had to sell and his mother came from Greenmeadow Farm, the farmhouse which was demolished to make way for Thames Avenue.

As to the future, Alan said, "after spending our working lives advising and helping customers to create their ideal gardens, we now hope to use that knowledge to design and develop our new plot into a unique garden which maybe, in the future, we will open up so that the public can share it with us."

Alan and Valerie are grateful for the support they have received over the years from their regular

customers. "It has made it all worthwhile," Valerie said. "We regard many customers as friends and this makes our decision to close so much more disappointing."

Closing down sale Grange Farm Nursery will open for a final weekend on Friday 26 September to Sunday 28 September

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The Link Magazine • September 2003

Father Tom moves on after 13 years West Swindon's long serving Roman Catholic priest Father Tom Kelly departs for a parish in Somerset in early September. Parishioner At to Martlew writes an appreciation.

After 13 years in the Parish Fr. where he said he was looking for- ing stories and exNew man for St. Peter's29 Tom, as he likes to be known, is ward to working with the ecu- periences that give estswlndotes new Roman ^tholliicg Mfs rheinductionofW Into leaving us on 4 September to take menical community in Swindon. the congregation was a joyous oaasloe with over 500 people the service conducted by Bishop Mervyn church, Bastlea=e toof witness up an appointment as Parish Priest One of Fr. Tom's first tasks was food for thought.

Clifton.

Bishop at St. Joseph's, Bridgwater.

Under his guid- Alexander, to oversee the fitting of a new roof Father Tom Ke theevent Itwas Fr. Tom arrived from St. Tho- on the church, even though the ance St. Peter's has isstttigettingoverpeople welcoming dc 'J p riesal mas More in Marlborough on 25 building was only five years old. grown to be a vibrant stten amily and friends riest, f w p their May 1990 and was inducted as Since then, he has directed many community support- from his previ other churches in members of Parish Priest by Bishop Mervyn other improvements to the build- ing many social and 1i was so Plea sad that so many Alexander, Bishop of Clifton, on ing including the installation of religious groups. people could atte nd the induction," 29 June, the Feast of St. Peter & St. stained glass windows as part of There have been said Father To m, as he likes to be a lotofparishioners Paul. the Parish's Millennium project, many celebrations at kno"n.'nthink wondering who the new priest he I am. I'm He was featured in The Link and the installation of church bells St. Peter's over the wasgoingtobe, and s to meetinga many a b magazine in August of that year which can be heard chiming every years over the coming ears and highlights looppleas ^ ' as possib to looking forward to include the Interna- months and I'm the hour across West Swindon. other denomworking with 'S • tional Masses, the tentl Since 1990, a whole generation inat{ons in the a rca" hasarrivedafterten ad ftt t FatherTom's Tom in 1990 September at Peatmoor of parishioners has grown up with anniversary of the dedi H ow The Link welcomed Father cation of St. Peter's in Fr. Tom as their Parish Priest.

He Community Facilities The Sewing Group starts again on has baptised babies who later, as 1995, Fr. Tom's Silver Jubilee of Swindon Choral Society concerts Monday 8 September, 10.30am to young children, made their First Ordination in 1999 and the presen- and the only Swindon perform12noon, for those interested in Communion and Confirmation tation of the Bene Merenti Medal, ance of Born for This by Blessed a Papal Award, to two parishion- George Napier School, Banbury. cross-stitch, embroidery and tap- during his time at St. Peter's.

A number of very successful ers in 2002. estry. The meetings are very inforParishioners have the opportuAlpha courses and video series St. Peter's has been a venue for nity to say goodbye to Fr. Tom at mal and cost £1 per morning.

The Over 50's coffee mornings exploring the Catholic Church numerous community activities receptions in the Parish Centre afreturn from Wednesday 10 Sep- have helped parishioners to too: from the first anniversary cele- ter the weekend Masses on 30 and tember, 10am to 11.30am. New- deepen their faith and over the brations of Swindon Churches 31 August. years St. Peter's has welcomed into Together in 1999, to Christmas and Fr. Michael Saunders joins St comers always welcome. the Catholic Church quite a Easter services by local schools, to Pete r's on 4 September.

Ballet classes for 3 and 4 year olds number of new members. commence on Tuesday 16 SeptemFr. Tom is well known for his Youth go for action in the North ber, 2.45pm to 3.15pm. The cost for entertaining sermons, always seekThe Friday Night Thing is an 'action' oriented event for the teens of the 6 week term is £10.50. ing to make the readings at Mass North Swindon writes Sarah Hepppenstall.

For details, call 887473. relevant to everyday life and sharThe group run by North Swindon Baptist Church meets every other Friday at Abbey Meads Community School. Coming up in the next two months: ,1 ,^ 12 September Watermania.

26 September Lazer Quest trip 10 October Youth Quake 'Y ^• 24 October Tramps supper Newcomers are always made =`"* very welcome. Call Jackie and Watermania from last. r)n, from left to tight, Steph Mann, LauriCoates,youth Steve on 341743 for details, ly, pictured right,

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Published by Swindon Publications Ltd.

Papermakers House. Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 e: publisher@swindonlink.com www.swindonlink.com PublisheriEditor:

Roger Ogle

Editorial:

Tel: (01793) 872282

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The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photo-

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

It i s completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994."

graphs require similar authority Office: 130

High Street, Hungerford, Berks. RG17 ODL. Printed by pep. TeI'orc

The Link Magazine • September 2003

Safety hazards shifted to school gates. Head calls for urgent action.

Since a series of humps were installed in May on Freshbrook Way, to slow traffic down and provide greater safety to children crossing on the way to Oliver Tomkins School, drivers have altered their routes and are now using Beaumaris Road outside the school itself. This now endangers children approaching the school from other directions.

Paul Buley, who lives next to the school, said there had been a definite increase in traffic flow and also a change in driver behaviour.

"The school traffic is heavy but parents knew how to negotiate the limited amount of space. Now there's a lot of commuter traffic avoiding the humps and delays on main routes like Whitehill Way. "Some of the drivers play chicken against each other to see who can get to a small space in the road first. It's also amazing that some parents will park on Beaumaris Road half an hour before school opens. They could walk their child to school and return home in that time."

Junior school headteacher Elizabeth Wood expressed grave concern for the safety of children attending her school and the adjacent infant school. "There have been some very worrying incidents with cars riding up the curb to

Oliver Tomkins lio,,l crossing patrol person Ros Holland can just be seen trying to protect pedestrians on Beaumaris Road

avoid collisions. There has been a definite increase in traffic from drivers who want to save a few seconds in their trip to work and are not so concerned about pedestrian safety; Beaumaris Road has been turned into a rat run.

"We were not consulted about the humps on Freshbrook Way. Now the lives of children and parents approaching from other areas are being put at risk."

However, rapid action by Swindon Council is not expected. Bob Sanders from Swindon Council's highway planning department said that the traffic studies undertaken before the holidays showed that traffic speeds on Freshbrook

Safe access to Lydiard Fields No longer do walkers and cyclists have to risk life and limb amongst fast moving cars and heavy trucks to get to work at Lydiard Fields, close to M4 Junction 16.

The completion by Swindon Council of the footpath and cycleway from the Whitehill Way/Blagrove ^' `.^ Roundabout links into the s 6,.^ network of non-vehicular routes through West Swindon and the rest the town.

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Way had been reduced but evidence of significant increased traffic on Beaumaris Road was not conclusive.

Commenting on a 50 name petition calling for measures to reduce traffic volume and speed, he said that it would be considered by councillors, along with traffic study information, when a new committee structure is implemented in the Autumn.

• Long awaited traffic calming work on Langstone Way outside Westlea School started on 18 August. It should be completed by the start of the new school term.

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The Link Magazine • September 2003

Knitters knock out garments for kids Ladies who live at James Wilkes House in Haydon Wick get together every Wednesday to knit garments which are sent to children in poorer regions of the world.

Since they started the charity knitting circle in May one batch of work has been passed on to St John's Church, Haydon Wick and a second was sent off to Uganda and Romania in early August.

Donations of wool are always welcome to keep the ladies well stocked up and busy. This can be dropped off for Eileen Arkley at James Wilkes House, Brookdene, Havdon Wick.

Busy people, from left, Amy Clayton, bra Wastall, Elsie Herbert, Ruth Humphrey, Win Pearce, Eve Hall, Win Wilsham, Ruby Allen, Beryl Hi tchman, Eileen Arkley, Patricia Diddy

Looking for silver surfers in September Lookin Over 60s in Freshbrook and Grange Park have the chance to break through their worries about computers and catch up with other older people who have become silver surfers on the internet.

Two six week courses organised and see what the possibilities are,"

by Age Concern, James Butcher says Age Concern director Jo Housing Association and Swindon Osorio.

College have been run at Wind"Instruction is free and so is the mill Court, Uxbridge Road and the tea. In no time you could be disthird is planned for September. covering things all over the internet "You won't have to do anything and perhaps sending e-mails to complicated and even if you're not relations in far off lands." ready to use a computer, just come For details about the course, call along for a chat and a cup of tea Brian Marshall on 872472 Silver surfers of Freshbrook, sitting from left, Hilda Stockley, Betty Burleigh, Rene Hooper, Nick Stevens. Rear, James Butcher duty manager Barbara Bartle, Tony Forth, Joan Mace, Swindon College tutor Eirlys Walters, Melanie Fletcher, Brian Marshall, Bert Haig

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The National Childbirth Trust Nearly New Sale Saturday 11 October. 11 am to 1 pm. Oasis Leisure Centre A fantastic quality selection of clothes for 0 to 4 year olds. cots. prams, nursery equipment, maternity wear, toys, videos and books. Entry ÂŁ1.

People interested in selling items should send a large (A5 or A4) stamped self-addressed envelope to: NCT Sellers' Packs, 2 Noyes Close, Burghley Park, Swindon, SN25 1 TD, or email theIowies@aoI.com .

30% commission is deducted from all sales, which goes towards providing local NCT services. Sellers packs are limited.

Volunteers are needed to run this sale. To help, register your details by 27 September by calling 702814, before 8pm.

Players wanted Lydiard Youth Football Club is looking for under 14s to join its squad for this season.

Training with former Swindon Town player Tom Jones takes place at Supermarine Sports Club on Mondays. 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

Transport can be arranged.

For details call Russ Tee on 348699.

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The Link Magazine • September 2003

Haydon Church welcomes new minister Rev Andrew Francis was inducted as the new minister at Emmanuel United Reformed Church tucked away off High Street, Haydon Wick in early June in front of a packed congregation, gathered from as far afield as Kent and Yorkshire.

Andrew comes to Swindon after where Christians of all domina- and to grow vegetables," he said.

This has not been the only foran unpaid sabbatical year spent in tions can reflect.

France where he oversaw the con"Not only was the work itself eign adventure in his service to the version of a barn into a self-cater- rewarding, but it was a valuable church however. In his previous ing retreat near the Dordogne, opportunity to study and pray - ministry, in Kent, in addition to his duties as parish minister and trainer of lay persons, he continSt Francis overlooks school playground ued taking groups abroad, and has A sculpture depicting St Francis of Assisi designed by children at visited 14 countries.

Oliver Tomkins Junior School, Toothill and made by local artist "I am now looking forward to Gordon Dickinson from No Added Sugar was unveiled in July. putting my efforts into the role of 'full time' minister, working with Art coordinator Erika Van the community and visiting and Huffel said St Francis is an inspihelping people," said Andrew. ration to everybody. "He was a "I well be as available as I can to poor little man who astounded parishioners, the congregation and and inspired the Church by taktheir families and help them uning the gospel literally - not in a derstand Jesus." narrow fundamentalist sense, but Andrew is married to Patricia by actually following all that Jeand has two grown up sons. He working in Swindon. "We are very sus said and did, joyfully, withenjoys music and has a great inter- appreciative of the welcome given out limit and without a mite of est in church history and, unusu- to us by the local community. Our self-importance. ally, the history of zoos. first impressions are very favour" He loved all creation and it During his 20 years in the minis- able - Swindonians are exceptionwas said that his faith allowed try, he has published an Everyman ally helpful." him to communicate with all Guide to Church History and has He does in fact have family conGod's creatures. The best known been involved with broadcasting nections with the town. His great story of St Francis is when he was as producer, presenter and also a grandfather, a travelling evangeable to make a peace pact belist, helped found the Church of tween a wolf terrorising a town if Gordon with his sculpture being ad- panelist for local radio.

Much as he enjoyed his stay in Christ chapel in Broad Street. mired by Ashton Melhado, Natasha the people agreed to feed it.

France, Andrew looks forward to Andrew can be contacted at the "Gordon has made a wolf at Welsh, front left, Amber Thomas Emmanuel Manse next to the the base of his sculpture whilst church in High Street, or call the hands are formed so that birds 705484. can eat seeds from the palms."

West Swindon's first ever church community worker Olive King has died aged 82.

She was well plans for building Toothill Church. known to residents of Toothill and FreshDavid Hoar, one FAMILY of the first residents brook who arrived o^F,` angel. between 1976 and of Toothill and a CHURCH Worsley Road ?f founder member of 1980, welcoming the church said, "OlSUNDAYS 10.30AM them to their new homes, and dispensive made an imporm m WINNER'S LOUNGE ing cups of tea at the tant contribution to =a toddler group and the development of building with people SWINDON TOWN FC church services and in both the church and Come and join us For details visit our website Sunday at I Oam & 6.30pm the temporary community hut. the West Swindon community. at www.sfc-uk.org , For further information of Olive made many trips to PMH "She always gave people a lot of other meetings ring: 873050, call call Nigel on 526130 with pregnant mums and also used encouragement to see the brighter into the Church office or visit or e-mail: her car as a shop and an office where side of life, particularly in the early www.freshbrook.org she would type letters for people. days when the area was cut off Jesus said: "I have come that YOU might info_west@sfc-uk.org from the rest of the town."

She was involved in the early A Newfrontiers Church have LIFE and have it in its fulness"

Welcoming figure passes on

SWINDON

West Swindon & the Lydiards churches

Sunday Worship 10.30am \

Holy Trinity, Shaw

Sunday School and Creche Meeting at Greenmeadow Primary School

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'For God loved the world

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For details of our weekly services please contact the Partnership Office on 874221

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Credit broker fees of up to 1 % on the advance may be charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. A whoen quotation on loans can be obtained on request.

Only available to persons 18 years of age or over. Subject to status. Subject to our current lending criteria. A life assurance policy may be required.

Example : A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years. both non-smokers, applying for a repayment mortgage of £50.000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 30/1103 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £261.50. Total amount payable £78.844 calculated to include £199 arrangement fee. This calculation is based on the assumption that the fixed rate will apply throughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £150.000. Rate applied is 3.79% (4.4 % APR) fixed until 30/9/05. Rates may vary. The rate applies to loans up to and including 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The fixed rate is applicable until 30/6/05, after which the then current variable base mortgage rate will apply.

When an applicant is borrowing more than 75% the lender may require additional security. This is usually in the form of a Risk Charge. Rates correct at time of going to press.

Incorporated in England and Wales - Company Number: 3217240 - Reg. Office: 311, Ballards Lane, Finchley, London N1 2 SLY

1 0 The Link Magazine • September 2003

Bike to church Ron Brock from Freshbrook, below, has taken over the administration of the annual sponsored bike ride which raises money for the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust.

The trust helps preserve, repair and maintain, and restore, the churches in the county. Locally St Mary's in Lydiard Park has benefitted from a grant of £4,000 to help repair vandalised stained glass windows.

Riders and walkers are needed for this year's church tour on Saturday 13 September. The idea is to visit as many churches as possible. Refreshments will be available at most.

Cyclists and walkers will be setting off from St Mary's at 10am.

Children will be going to the churches in the West Swindon area, older people will set off for a longer trip round North Wilts.

A list of participating churches and sponsor forms are available from Eunice Salmon on 871606.

Prizes are given to those who visit the most churches or raise the most money in the various age categories.

Visit the beach in Wroughton Seaside Garden Fete at Prospect Hospice, Moormead Road, Wroughton.

Saturday 6 September, 12noon to 4pm

Donkey rides, beach buggies, icecreams and fun for all the family.

Information about Prospect and details of future fundraising events can be found at www.prospecthospice.org.uk Left, Prospect fundraiser Gillian Richardson with volunteer collector Andy Syme helping to raise £5,500 for the annual sunflower appeal in June Step out at Coate Water 1 Sunday 7 September, 10.15am Sponsored Ramble in aid of Swindon Well Woman Centre

The world's biggest coffee morning Put the kettle on for Macmillan Cancer Relief on 26 September and join thousands of people for the thirteenth annual brew up.

For a fundraising pack full of hints and tips to make your coffee morning a great success, call 0845 602 1246 or register online at www.macmillan.org.uk/coffee

Coffee for men's cancers Dawn Chappell is holding a coffee morning to raise money for research into cancers that affect men, on Saturday 30 August, 9.30am to 12 noon, at 18 Sleaford Close, Grange Park.

Coffee and cake cost £1.50. There will also be a plant stall and a bring and buy sale. All readers invited.

NEW

Book your breakfast to beat breast cancer Eunice Salmon from Nine Elms is once again returning to her kitchen with friends and neighbours to cook up breakfasts in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

COMPUTING FREE Taster using a Computer No Fear Fridays A Guide to Buying your first Computer Keyboard Skills for Absolute Beginners First steps to using a Computer Computing Skills for Beginners Internet Explorer & Outlook for Beginners Microsoft Office for Beginners - Level 1 Microsoft Office for Improvers - Level 2 European Computer Dr y ing Licence - Level 2

ENGLISH Easy English Ladies Only Basic English Better English English (Level 1) ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

MATHS Everyday reading, writing & numbers Numeracy Counts Application of Number Maths (Levels 1)

Come along to our

Adult Learner's Fair Thursday 11th September 5-8pm tt

New College

Swindon New College Drive.

Swindon 553 1AH

Eunice serving breakfast to former Swindon Mayor Joy Brunt in October 1999

Full English or Continental will be served at 5 and 9 Pilton Close on Friday 10 October in return for generous donations. Book your place now by calling Eunice on 871606.

Deliveries to small businesses in West Swindon, Wootton Bassett and Swindon town centre are also being offered.

Donations of breakfast foods and raffle prizes would also be appreciated. Call 871606 to help.

10k walk led by Patrick Norris of the Great Western Community Forest. For sponsorship forms call 511064.

Step out at Coate Water 2 Sunday 7 September, 3pm in aid of the Great Western Hospital Orthopaedic Unit.

The Mayor of Swindon will start the walk around the mile course and then draw the raffle for a DVD player donated by Debenhams.

Other raffle prizes, family attractions and stalls will also be available.

Call 605635 for a sponsor form.

Step out at Coate Water 3 Sunday 21 September, 10am in aid of Age Concern Swindon

Choice of 1, 2 or 3 laps of the lake Entry fee: £2 per person Under 16/over 60 Free Application forms from Jacquie Sheppard, Age Concern Swindon, 14 Milton Road, Swindon.

Tel: 01793 692166 Leap for Life in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust The trust is seeking brave souls with hearts of gold to do a parachute jump to raise the vital funds it needs to continue with its lifesaving work of tissue typing bone marrow Boners.

The jump is completely free to anyone raising enough sponsorship. For details, mail: parachute@ anthonynolan.com Go to www.anthonynolan.org.uk for information on the trust.

SWINDON Come and see what's new in-store! ASDIA www.asda.com AOL Keyv ord:osda All products subject to availabdnty While stocks last.

WEST SWINDON SHOPPING CENTRE, TEWKESBURY WAY, WESTLEA DOWN

tce

r Monday to Friday Barn- 10pm Saturday Barn -9pm.

Sunday t0am - 4pm.

TEL: 01793 872781

LOW PRICES

12 The Link Magazine • September 2003 Meadowpark Nursery & Pre-Prep School Calcutt Street Cricklade, Swindon

STOP PRESS Our baby nursery has expanded to create a rare opportunity for back-to-work mums to register their babies for an immediate start

Contact Mrs S Hanbury or Mrs R Kular on 01793 752600

< .S KI1,LS FOR Ill I.

ATTENTION ALL PARENTS Jo Jingles now has classes in Abbey Meads * MUSIC * SINGING * MOVEMENT * Autumn Term classes on Tuesdays 9.30 - 10.15 Walking to 2 years 10.30 - 11.00 6 months to walking 11.15-12.00 2 - 3 years 12.15-1.00 3 - 5 years FOR FURTHER DETAILS CALL VIRGINIA MARTIN ON:

Parenting in North Swindon

01453 839464

The North Swindon Family Centre is running an eight week course for parents wanting to understand their children and get along better with them.

Starting on Thursday 25 September, 9.30am to 11.30am, the sessions will take place at the centre in Atworth Close, Penhill.

A limited free creche is available. For details call Shena Price, Family Support Worker or Edd Edgell, Fathers Development Worker on 705810.

The springboard to confidence for your child

Tumble Tots is Britain's leading national active play programme, for children from 6 months to 7 years, designed to build their self confidence. We offer a structured programme of child development that makes learning fun.

As a member of Tumble Tots your child will be able to: 3 Develop Et improve physical skills of agility, balance Et co-ordination 3 Learn and grow in a fun filled and safe environment, under the supervision of fully trained and qualified staff 3 Improve social skills and be more confident and self assured 3 Take advantage of discounts from various attractions across the UK For information about your local centre call Sue Dobson on 01235 868119 or e-mail: suedobson@hotmail.com

Teddies Nurseries It was the best start possible for my child • Excellence in all areas of care and development • Qualified, experienced and caring staff • Fun, exciting and imaginative environment • Nurturing individual development for children aged from three months to five years Open 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, with flexible hours and full-time, part-time and half-day sessions.

With over 30 nurseries, Teddies Nurseries is one of the UK's leading childcare providers.

For more information call

0800 980

www teddiesnurseries. co. t

Parenting in West Swindon 'I've tried everything; I don't know what else to do?' 'I feel I'm banging my head against a brick wall.' 'Why do I have to keep saying the same things over and over again?' 'There's got to be a better way to bring up children.'

"Does this sound familiar?" asks health visitor Catherine Hamersely.

"The different approaches to bringing up children will be examined at a parenting course starting in September. It will be relaxing and enjoyable, you'll find support, have some laughs, make new friends, become a happier parent; and you won't believe the difference it can make to your children."

An introductory evening takes place on Wednesday 10 September, 7pm, West Swindon Health Centre. To book a place call Catherine Hamersely at the West Swindon Health Centre on 877233.

Fit for mums and mums to be Ruth Barrett is starting new fitness classes at Toothill Church for expectant mums and also women who have just had babies.

Postnatal exercise Ruth also runs Aerobic Praise, an From Tuesday 9 September,l0am. aerobic work-out, toning exercises, An 8 week course tailored to the stretch and relaxation with a Chrisneeds of women in the early post- tian meditation, all to modern natal period — babies are welcome Christian music. These sessions are too. The course fee is £48; conces- aimed at the whole person — mind sions are available. and body - and take place on MonAntenatal relax & unwind days 7.30pm and on Wednesday, From Wednesday 10 September, 10am, term time only. The cost is 12.30pm. A half hour session for £3 or £1 concessions. pregnant women covering relaxa- Ruth is a qualified ABI Exercise & tion techniques, breathing exer- Fitness instructor. For more decises, posture and pelvic floor care. tails call 886394 or mail: The cost is £2.50 per session. abirbarrett@aol.com.

(Term-time only) www.abi-exercise.co.uk

Information on education and schools in West Swindon Swindon Council education welfare officers Faye Butler and Barbara Langham will be available to talk to parents at the West Swindon Family Project, 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook on Fridays 12 September and 10 October, 9.30am to 11.30am.

Anybody requiring information and advice on primary and secondary education in the area is welcome to attend.

Playgroup places for September Upper Shaw Farm Playgroup, which is celebrating its fifteenth year, has sessions for pre-school children.

The group has an experienced staff, and superb facilities including a purpose built outdoor play area. For details call Pam Porter on 877936.

Playgroup says thanks for helping Everyone at Jellytots would like to say a big thankyou to the following organisations for their support in connection with its fundraising activities over the last 12 months.

Donations received for raffle HK97, House of Colour, Intel Corprizes for Christmas, Valentine's poration, John Toomer Garden Day and Easter were very much Centre, Lloyds chemist, Longleat, appreciated from Asda, Block- Museum of the Great Western Railbuster Video, Blooms Garden Cen- way, Pear Tree Hotel, Reckitt tre, Body and Soul, Body Beauty Benckiser, Salon Peatmoor, Sia Ltd,

by Bernice, Bowood House, Cellu- Swindon Mega Bowl and Wyvern lar Operations, Chiseldon House Theatre.

Hotel, Cotswold Wildlife Park, To find out about places at Cricklade Hotel & Country Club, Jellytots which meets in its own Delta Tennis Centre, DeVere Ho- building at Brook Field School, tel, Dillons Newsagent, Fitness Shaw, call Sandra Medcraft on First, Happy Ever After Toy Shop, 349862 for details.

The Link Magazine • September 2003

Storysacks get Asda cash Early years literacy at Oliver Tomkins Infant School, Toothill has been given a boost by Asda West Swindon.

A cheque for £350 was presented in July so that a tired collec ti on of Storysacks can be repaired and

Nursery has places for return to work nurses Buffer Bear Nursery at the Great Western Hospital was officially opened at a garden party at the end of July.

Nursery manager Tracy Field said the opening was a chance for parents at the hospital to discover more about Buffer Bear and also an opportunity to promote the child care facilities on offer to mums thinking of • 4, returning to work in the .^ health service, or who might be considering training as a nurse.

Buffer Bear party at the Great Western Hospital

--' ^

renewed.

Each Storysack is based on a book and contains games, puppets and tapes to encourage parent and child to talk about the story.

Asda events coordinator Jan Kilbv said she was a Storysack pioneers in the early 1990s when she joined a group of volunteer mums at Westlea School to help former headteacher Neil Griffiths develop the first ever sacks. The are an invaluable aid to helping children gain a love of books and in encouraging parents and children to read and talk about a story together."

13

PARTNER REQUIRED ENGLISH TUITION A unique opportunity exists to play a leading role in the development of English as a second subject at the Kumon After-School Study Centre in West Swindon.

The Kumon Tuition Method is studied by over 2 million children, in over 40 countries worldwide.

The time commitment is just a few hours weekly at first. growing as the centre develops.

Call Richard Bell on 01285 711170 for full details.

y

Children's Information Service A one-stop shop for FREE information'

Above, left, Jan, with Caroline Pricter, Michaela Smith and Jared

ZSNFORMq Tj0

r

Registered childminder Experienced 7 years Flexible, friendly, negotiable rates Available Monday to Friday for school drop-offs from 6am to 9am, and pick-ups from 3pm to 9pm 4lso all day Monday. Friday and weekends

V

r;

SWINDON

Why not pop in and see us?

1 3 Market St, Swindon Tel: 01793 541786 Email: info@cisswindon.co.uk www.cisswindon.co.uk

Call 07957 166529 or 871466

ii

Pre-Prep Sch of 4-7 yrs

Nursery School 2-4 yrs Baby Nursery

r

0-2 yrs

Prior Park Prep School 7-13 years

i

Holiday School Flexible fees

From £2.50 per hour Nursery Grant

Open 7.50am-6.00pm

Meadowpark School Meadowpark Nursery and

Pre-Prep School Calcutt Street Cricklade Swindon SN6 68B Contact

Mrs S Hanbury or Mrs R Kular Tel: 01 793

752600

A Meadowpark is a well established thriving school with faultless DfEE and OFSTED

reports across the 0-7 years age range A Conveniently located for Swindon and the surrounding area in a pleasant rural environment in the grounds of Prior Park Prep School

A Come and see why past and present parents believe we are unique A Registrations being accepted for 2004.

Certain places available for 2003

14 The Link Magazine • September 2003 Nursery places available The nursery class attached to Seven Fields Primary School runs five sessions a week for children born between September 1999 and August 2000. The cost is 30p per day to cover a snack.

There are places available for September. To find out more. call 723833 after 3 September.

Abbey Meads (ommunity Fodlities

Places available at 'secret' school With murals on a Harry Potter theme at a Stratton St Margaret primary school, there are shades of the magical academy of every well read child's imagination.

However the St Catherine's.hea ' her Br' nda Martin headteacher and with recepti nchil n the ew art roo n ' governor's of St. Catherine's Catholic Primary School at Davenwood, Stratton believe their school is a wellkept secret and want to tell parents all , about it. What's more you don't have to be a Catholic to send your children there.

From being ad-

0

New courses introduce a world of dance and music Swindon College Community Learning gives you the chance to express yourself through the music and dance of four continents.

Tango your way around South America with a touch of salsa and merengue, flounce with some flamenco from Spain, discover the fantastic symbolism of Bollywood movies, or try your hand at African drumming.

You can also learn modern jive, jazz and tap dancing.

Pick up a brochure in a library, enrol at Regent Circus on 2 September from 12noon to 8pm, or call 0800 731 2250 for more information.

j udged as having

Large hall, various rooms and

serious weaknesses three years ago, the staff and

fl oodlit all-weather pitches

available to hire at reasonable

governors have

rates for community use.

worked extremely hard to improve standards and the environment, with

Call Rachel Smith on 01793 705617

Private Tuition 5'— in all subjects & levels

Personal Tutorials

New • Infant & Junior teachers • Key Stages 1-4 • GCSE & A Level wanted anted • Special Needs • 11+ & 13+ preparation Call 01672 539368 01793 542738 or 07785 532085

great success.

The result is a bright, cheerful, successful school, filled with happy, well-behaved children.

To learn more about the school, see its new informative website at www.stcatherinesswindon.ik.org To arrange a visit call the headteacher Brenda Martin on 822699.

wood doo r /roochers Sonal Patel' and Dorothy Clarke, right

NEW `^ SE

A-LEVELS AS & A2 LEVELS GCSEs

ACCESS ACCOUNTING ART &DESIGN

PHOTOGRAPHY MEDIA BUSINESS LAW COMPUTING ENGLISH LITERACY MATHS

SPORT HEALTH CARE PSYCHOLOGY HEALTH & SAFETY HIGHER EDUCATION HISTORY SOCIOLOGY POLITICS

LANGUAGES RELAX & UNWIND SCIENCE

New College 5

don

New Coilege Drive, Swindon SN3 1AH

08

The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ September 2003

Open day for North learning centre

North secondary school delayed an other year Public meeting with education director planned for 19 September

A new training suite run by Swin- Swindon Council recently 'undon College, adjacent to the North veiled,' again, ÂŁ58 million worth Swindon Library at the district of investment in school building centre holds its first open day on in the north of the borough.

Unfortunatel y for North SwinFriday 5 September,l0am to 5pm. don families, the programme reveals some delays in the previously promised educational provision for the area.

Blunsdon and Haydon Wick Parish Councils are concerned that residents should be given the full picture and have arranged for Director of Education, Hilary Pitts, to attend a public meeting to explain the education authority's latest intentions.

The two parish councils have for some time queried the statistics used to project primary school requirements. Having given prir North Swindon t aining centre ority to the building of Bridlewood manager Julia Hoskins School off Lady Lane, in the east of Call in to discover the range of Priory Vale, against the advice of computer courses on offer, many the parish councils, Swindon of which are self-directed and can Council commissioned a new be undertaken at times convenient study which confirmed that 'changing populations trends', i.e. to the student.

The large open plan area where smaller families, have altered the 21 computer terminals are located situation for future schools.

As a consequence, the provision can also be divided for use as a of a primary school at Oakhurst to classroom for other courses.

The full Swindon College course the north west of the area has been brochure is now available in li- put on hold. One concern of the braries or by calling 0800 7312250. parish councillors is that, for many

years to come, some younger children will be faced with long journeys to school.

Parents of older children will be disappointed at the delay in building the new secondary school on the education campus to the north of Thamesdown Drive. An opening in September 2005 had been promised, but the Education Partnership Board, on the basis of the new population figures recommended postponement until 2007.

However, following pressure from local councillors it is likely that years 7 and 8 pupils will be admitted from September 2006.

The scheme for the redevelopment of Hreod Parkway second-

ary school is unaffected by the revised programme which now includes the rebuilding of the Moredon primary schools in Akers Way. Funding for the new schools will come from a private finance initiative and three companies will be submitting tenders by the end of the year for the contract to build and manage the buildings.

Parents seeking full information about Swindon Council's intentions for the education of their children should attend the public meeting on Friday 19 September, 7pm, at Abbey Meads Community Primary School, adjacent to the village centre off Elstree Way.

Head ready to open ne w North primary school Swindon's newest primary school, Bridlewood, off Lady Lane, opens in September in two portakabins until the permanent buildings, to accommodate 210 children, are completed next April.

The school opens with 53 reception and year 1 children who live in the Ash Brake and St Andrew's Ridge areas of North Swindon.

Headteacher Jane Rodbourn, left, is joined by two teachers, two as sistants and an administrator.

s',

't'Ii1 1[k Ml 14 1 1

From a one day Basic Health & Safety Certificate to a one year Personnel Practice Certificate, Fast Forward is a one-stop-shop for all your professional development training needs.

Call Handling * Computing * Health & Safety Hospitality & Customer Care * Management & Professional Studies Teaching, Training & Assessment * Trades Union Studies

Call NOW on 01793 7555 20

FREE TRAINING! for Wiltshire &!

shire Businesses and their Employees

Fast Forward is a key provider for a project that offers FREE training for Wiltshire and Berkshire based businesses and their employees until August 2004. As if this wasn't enough, businesses will also receive wage compensation for employees whilst they are in training.

Call Emma Lacey or Jo Baish on

01793 75552'7

r^r New College Swindon

15

l New College exists solel y to provide Might duality education to the community

Fast Forward ^. training and development

16 The Link Magazine • Se

ber 2003

Ridge Green wl

a

Ramleaze Drive, Shaw Tel: (01793) 874894

Dr D. Nowotzin DrA. Dwivedi Dr M Bhafnbra

Beach scene raises cash for dental charity

N F+^10 ;^

^^^E O^^

o

for work dressed in

Simone Campbell M.LI.R. (Reg'd)

Reflexologist & Reiki Practitioner

Surgery hours Mon, Tues, Wed. Fri: 8.30am-12.30pm; 2pm-6pm Thurs: 8.30am - 12.30pm

Treatments available to aid in relief of back pain, depression, fatigue, stress and many other ailments For an appointment or more information please call

NEW PATI ENTS WELCOME

01793 511416

YAcupuncture ^ at Taw Hill Medical Practice

0 o

Staff at Shaw Dental Practice took dress down Friday to the extreme recently when they turned up hawaiian shirts and swim wear in order to raise money for Dentaid.

Part of the waiting room was turned into a beach scene by practice nurse Alison Williams.

Patients appreciated the efforts and Taking a break from dental work, donated £63 to the charity which renovates back John Wilkinson, front from redundant dental equipment and sets up left, Alison Hall, Brigette surgeries in countries where dental Wilkinson, Alison Williams, Sarah Flay provision is poor.

Win a day at the races or raise a quiz team in aid of the Well Woman Centre

Mark Ackland BSc PhD Lic Ac MBAcC

The Swindon Well Woman Centre is offering a day for two at Newbury Races in its autumn prize draw, as well as a meal for two, or a round of golf and a swim at Blunsdon House Hotel.

On Saturday 11 October a The centre at the Health Hydro, SESSIONS: fundraising quiz night is being held Milton Road runs a weekly nurse Mondays gam to 12noon and Fridays 4pm to 7pm at the Windmill Pub, Freshbrook led session on Fridays, 10am to 12 Village Centre. Teams of four are noon, with a free creche.

Please contact the practice or visit needed at a cost of £5.

The nurse is available to discuss www.tawhilisurgery.nhs.uk for details.

On Sunday 16 November, a medical problems and support TAW HILL MEDICAL PRACTICE, QUEEN ELIZABETH DRIVE, SWINDON SN25 1 WL Christmas shopping trip to workers provide information and TEL: 01793 709500 • FAX: 01793 723875 Merryhill Shopping Centre is advice on non-medical issues.

E-MAIL: ENQUIRIES@TAWHILLSURGERY.NHS.UK planned. The cost is £9 per ticket.

Appointments can be made with For details on the prize draw, a family law solicitor who is entering a quiz team and Christ- present on the first Friday of the mas shopping, call 511064. month.

Appointments call: 07973 - 185158

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

p L

at the PROFESSIONAL LASER CLINIC Ltd (Fitness First, Eldene Drive, Swindon) .• Treatment by Registered Nurses experienced and qualified in laser hair removal Fully air-conditioned clinic

Free and ample parking Confidentiality assured + Fully insured To book an appointment or just to find out more, call us on 01793 618181

C

The only laser clint that Is registered with the /National Care Standards Commission in the Swindon area

NOW OPEN

Eat a Rainbow - beat a stroke The Stroke Association is encouraging everyone to 'eat a rainbow' during Stroke Awareness Week.

This year's campaign, from gest killers and one of the single Monday 29 September to Sunday greatest causes of severe adult 5 October, highlights the fact that disability. A healthy diet which is eating a rainbow of different col- rich in fruit and vegetables but low oured fruits and vegetables will insaturatedfatandsaltisthoughtto provide valuable vitamins, miner- reduce the risk of a number of conals and nutrients which are vital ditions including stroke. for general wellbeing and stroke For a free information pack, call prevention.

01604 623 933/938.

Stroke's are one of the UK's bigwww.stroke.org.uk

John & Brigitte Wilkinson

Abbey Meads Dental Practice

Dental care when you need it NHS and private care • Modern comfortable environment • Cosmetic treatment including veneers, crowns and bridges

and Bob Bridgeman of Shaw Village Dental Practice - bringing a friendly smile into the community New private patients welcome V ILL9

• Tooth Whitening • Denplan

prr Co

Affordable dental

care for everyone cJ

Tel: 01793 726288

Y

^ti^r

Ipt Ramleaze House, Shaw Village Centre Telephone: 877422

17

HEALTH POINT

Free new patient consultation*

/'nr a M1nyhrer nomr.'

Free Chirocheck always available

Andrew Hill

Want to lose weight; stop smoking; change your life; overcome anxiety, depression, panic attacks or fears; improve your confidence, sports, exam or work performance?

B.Sc (Honsl Dip Hvp MAPT

Then get help here

Associates

IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM: O Backache, Leg pain 0 Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain 0 Headache & Migraine 0 Sciatica 0 Sports Injury 0 Arthritis 0 Whiplash YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CONSULTING A CHIROPRACTOR

Shaw Chiropractic Clinic SANDRA E. DAVIES D.C. SIMON BODLEY BSc. D.C. Tel: (01793) 887801 Members of BCA • Registered with GCC Members of the College of Chiropractors

Hilary Norris-Evans BA Hons. DABCH, MCAHyp, NLP Cert, MNCH Call 01793 873451 to talk in confidence with the therapist or visit our website www.ahassociates.org

Tel: 01249-740506 or mail: hnorrise@hotmail.com Now working at Best Of Health, 1 27 High Street . Wootton Bassett

CHIROPODIST

CHERRI ANN MATTHEWS

Advanced Reflexologist

II HHT FICHT

& Kinesiologist

Holistic Therapist & Reiki Master/Teacher

CLINIC AT 113 HIGH STREET WOOTTON BASSETT

For an appointment with Mrs Lesley Taylor

*Presentation of this advert will entitle you to a free new patient consultation which will include othopaedic and neurological testing together wit a confidential report of findings

\IBChA, MSSCh, MIIR, ASK

(Treatment will incur a fee.

Offer excludes insurance claims)

Call Freephone 0808 108 8545 (01793) 849914 anytime

COOPER CHEMIST WEST SWINDON CENTRE sevoe those Aeli?ai m mole s Film processing for 35mm & APS (Free 35mm film for every 35mm roll developed on the premises).

In store duplicates and enlargements

Also at Coopers: fine fragrances, toiletries, ear piercing, allergy testing

Tel: 872033 Open 7 days a week. Mon - Fri 9am - 8pm, Sat 9am - 6pm. Sun 1 Oam - 3pm

MIl Queen

Elizabeth

Advanced Hypnotherapy, Stress Management and Personal Coaching

Drive, Swindon

SN25 1WL

Reception open: Monday to Friday lam to

6.30pm

Tel: 01793 709500 • Fax: 01793 723875 E-mail: enquiries@tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk www.tawhilisurgery.nhs.uk New patients always welcome

Do you have problems with stress, sleeping, weight, addictions, phobias, fears, coping, physical or emotional pain, muscular aches, pains and tension

.et .i *c1joot aub (Clinic SWINDON Professional Healing Courses Learn this ancient healing art Reiki is a safe, completely natural and highly effective complementary therapy.

Reiki is not a religion or belief' system

or just need pampering?

Then call today for a free brochure or informal consultation.

Discounts and gift vouchers available.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) - as seen on TV Reiki Treatments/ Attunements • Reflexology • Aromatherapy Indian Head Massage Holistic (Swedish) Massage • Holistic Facial Massage

Tel: 01793 871410 Mobile: 07720 635761

I

Courses available at all levels, small informal groups, individual attention, comprehensive manual, certificated.

After course guidance and support.

FREE INFORMATION PACK Reiki Master/Teacher. Guild of Complimentary Practitioners F. J. Taylor, (01793) 529360 Mobile: 07740 516238 email: reikifred@aol.com Reiki t reatments arailuble for relief ' of stress, pain, depression, low energy, CO. www.reikischool.org.uk

PHOENIX SURGERY Dunwich Drive,Toothill Village Centre serving West tUt CentrttLSwi#ulow

Dr Peter Swinyard Dr Anke Lehmkuhl

New patients welcome • (01793) 600440

18 The Link Magazine • September 2003

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Call Practical Applications Ltd. ®q for a friendly servic e • Upgrades • Repairs • Networking & the internet • Web hosting and design • Home visits, collection & delivery Or for help getting started, call us days, evenings or weekends on

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Hope for skateboarders The temporary skate park at the Link Centre opened during August, but the equipment has been put away until Swindon councillors consider, again, how they should respond to the long standing demands from young people across the town for a permanent facility.

Cabinet member for education, councillor Gary Perkins said, "there are many hundreds of skaters in Swindon and we are trying hard to find a permanent solution for them. It's a credit to young people and parents who keep up the pressure."

Lead member for culture and recreation coun Justin Tomlinson added that he was awaiting a report on the usage of this year's temporary facility. "If we can find the money we are proposing to provide permanent equipment in the Link Centre coach park because it is away from housing. But there are no guarantees; we still have to convince many other councillors."

The message from skater Michael Merrick is blunt. "Young people have been waiting years for Swindon Council to do something positive; get your act together and make provision for youth."

Michael has set up an online petition calling for an indoor skate park at www.swindonspo.tripod.com Michael Merrick in mid-air with Justin Tomlinson, left, and Gary Perkins

West Swindon Air Cadets hold open evening A real aircraft cockpit and a one-third size Harrier jet are two of the attractions on Friday 5 September, 7.30pm, when the Air Cadets unit which meets in the Sparcells social hall on Sparcells Drive holds an open evening for new cadets and families.

The detached flight of the main ing at a local firing range and some and uniform badges and promoATC Squadron in Swindon we]- cadets have attended public pa- tion to higher cadet rank. comes new recruits at any time. rades at Lyneham and Devizes.

The open evening is an ideal During the past year, cadets have During the summer holidays opportunity to meet other cadets flown in the RAF's new tutor some cadets attended a summer and staff. A section of the squadtrainer at RAF Boscombe Down camp at RAF Northolt, where the ron band will be playing and reand been gliding at Hullavington. Royal Flight aircraft are based. freshments will be provided.

They have received rifle trainClassroom work includes theory For details about the ATC, conof flight and navigation and suc- tact Flying Officer Mike Hall on cess in tests leads to certificates 848075 (evenings).

Scouts offer activities for North children A visit by a TV personality is a rare occurrence, but the Cub Scouts from 7th Swindon (Abbey Meads) Scout Group offer equally exciting activities throughout the year.

The Scouts took part in Channel 4s Big Dig on 29 June to investigate North Swindon's Roman history. Presenter Tony Robinson spent half an hour with the youngsters to see how they were working for their local knowledge badge which requires the youngsters to 'visit and find out about a famous old building, monument, earthworks or other place of historical interest' and presented each of them with their award.

As part of the televised closing ceremony for the weekend's dig, the Cub Scouts took part in a Roman procession, where offerings of bread, wine, messages and incense were brought to the high priest.

The scout group meets on Mondays at Abbey Meads Community Primary School: Beaver Scouts (6 to 8 years) 6.05pm - 7.10pm Cub Scouts (8 to 10.5 years) 7.15pm - 8.30pm Scouts (10.5 to 14 years) 7.30pm to 9pm Boys and girls interested in joining in the above age groups should contact Ian Dallow on 343025. Adults interested in becoming leaders or helpers are always needed, contact Rob Smith on 725508

With Tony Robinson and Big Diggers, Daniel Also p. Adam Frampton, Bradley Garner, Martin Dallow

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20 The Link Magazine • September 2003

A time for new year resolutions Stress... commitments... pressure...

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These are familiar to a lot of people nowadays, and they can lead to dis-ease unless you do something about it, writes Darren Gunter of the Link Centre Active Lifestyle Unit.

The ironic thing is that we can knock ourselves out at work and at home in our efforts to provide the best life we can for ourselves and our families, and give no effort or thought at all to the upkeep of our most valuable asset .... our health.

Study after study proves that exercise and activity reduces stress, improves our physical fitness and

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chances of developing many diseases and improves our confidence and sense of well-being.

So why is it that when there are so many advantages to leading an active lifestyle that less than ten per cent of the UK population exercises regularly? And if you are one of the 90% who don't, what is your excuse?

Is it because you are too exhausted after work and haven't got any energy left? Well, here's the news: exercise gives you more energy

not less. Ask anyone who exercises.

Is it because you think the gym will be full of muscle bound meatheads and lithe, lycra clad ladies? Then you obviously

haven't looked in a gym for a very long time.

You just don't like aerobics? There is no longer any such thing as 'just an aerobics class'.

Fitness classes have developed and proliferated massively over recent years. With step, circuits, studio resistance (such as Body Pump), studio cycling, martial arts fitness and yoga/pilates based classes to

21

The Link Magazine • September 2003 The holiday season is over and September often feels like the beginning of a new year. Have you returned convinced you were going to approach life differently? Don't leave it until 31 December.

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mental and physical exhaustion... name but a few there should be Last and by no means least, if huge rise in popularity of mind/ something to please everyone. you look at exercise as being one body exercise classes. These are Is it because you don't have the hard slog .. don't: it shouldn't be. classes teaching techniques from time? If so, here's another ques- Yes, you sometimes have to work disciplines such as yoga, pilates tion: is it really true that you spend hard to achieve good results but and tai chi which focus on supple24 hours of every day performing your approach should be rounded ness, flexibility and posture as well as strength. essential activities such as eating, and balanced.

There is no need to spend cou n tPeople who are adding these sleeping and working and have no less hours lifting weights if you classes to their routine are finding ti me for anything else? are not a bodybuilder and you out what has been known in the Perhaps the gym or the aerobics don't need to spend half your life East for hundreds of years: that studio just aren't for you? There on the treadmill if you are not a this balanced, holistic approach are many other different activities marathon runner. leaves you not just with a strong, and sports you can do, find someIn fact the biggest development agile body but also with a feeling thing that you like and enjoy it. in the fitness industry has been the of energised calm and a clear, focused mind.

And by being more holistic in Watching weight strips six stones our lifestyle generally we can all Sonya Herbert admits she was disgusted when she looked at herself benefit from looking after our wellin a mirror after returning from holiday 18 months ago and decided being as much as we look after our jobs, homes and cars. that she was going to do something about her vast weight.

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Sonya joined the Weight Watchers class at Westlea School not convinced she had the willpower, but soon discovered that new coordinator Angie Johns had the gift of inspiration alongside practical advice and diets.

"Angie is brilliant," said Sonya.

"She doesn't make you feel guilty

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Since April last year Sonya has shed over 841bs, from a hefty 17 stones to under 11. In that time she has had to replace her wardrobe three times, but has kept some garments to remind herself of her overweight days.

To get serious about shedding weight, visit Angie's class at Westlea School on Thursdays at 5.30pm. Or call 08457 123000 for a class near you.

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22 The Link Magazine • September 2003

PETS AT HOME

DOG & CAT

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

Pets At Home could be your answer

t''L GROOMING

Pets At Home is a service which cares for all your pets (except dogs) in their own home anywhere in the West Swindon area only.

Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on 873062 sheila@hannahlightfoot.freeserve.co.uk

0~ All breeds catered for ¶j General health check Saturday and evening appointments available 05 Collection & delivery service available Kind, qualified staff For more details and offers call Jo on 01793 731829 or 0798 4647744

THE DROVE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Abbeymeads Veterinary Surgery For all your pets needs when healthy or ill Unit 5 Abbeymeads Village Centre Elstree Way Abbeymeads Swindon Tel: (01793) 728728

Opening hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 6.30pm 12noon - 3pm Saturday Consulting hours: By appointment Mon - Fri: 9am - 10.30am; 3.30pm - 5pm; 5.30pm - 6.30pm Saturday 12noon - 3pm

2411k EMERGENCY SER\ICE - All Sunda and Fmergenc consults b^ appointment at The Drove Veterinary Hospital - Telep hone (0 1793) 522483

Emporium for pet owners A new pet store to rival any in town has opened at Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park, off Hay Lane.

Pet Shed offers pet food at I very competitive prices, some 'I a lot less than supermarkets. It t can be bought pre-packed or ' the pick and mix self-selection barrels are a very popular option. They also have a special i " w4' s order service.

Owner Phil Wells says that Pet Shed aims to be a one-stop shop for owners, offering a , . wide range of items to keep f their pets healthy and happy.

Right, Phil Wells with a display of pet treat and toys ^

Blue bids for RSPCA title Blue, the giant Bouvier des Flandres who lives in Haydon Wick, was selected to represent Swindon in September in the RSPCA dog of the year final, for rescue dogs.

Blue, who attends the K9 Paws for Fun class at Toothill Community Centre, will be going for gold with his proud owner Jan et G arett .

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You can be sure of a total peace of

mind service for cats and small animals within your own home (sorry. no dogs).

Contact Helen Murphy Tel: 01793 635498 Mobile: 07798 568462 E-mail:_helen.murphy2@ntlworld.com

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Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 5PY

A friendly, caring service Jr o you and your pet David Warnes BVSc MRCVS Consultations by appointment:

Pamper your pet with a visit to Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park

Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.30pm

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q Small animals for sale from September: full advice given

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Saturday 9am - 11 am Open: Mon to Sat 9am to 6pm Sunday 10am to 4.30pm

46

Consultations by appointment. Ample free parking

23

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Do you need a hat but don't want to BUY one?

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Then call

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Located in Haydon Wick (01793) 704005 or 07710 298790 to see the large selection of Hats to HIRE!

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

Civil War returns to Lydiard Three hundred and fifty years after Lord St John's son Edward returned to the ancestral home from the second battle of Newbury in 1645, mortally wounded fighting for the King, Cavaliers and Roundheads will again be in evidence on Heritage Open Days, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September for a Cavalier Cavalcade, funded by Arts in Business.

Members of the Sealed Knot will set up a small 17th Century Royalist garrison on the lawns of Lydiard House between 11 am and 4.30pm.

There will be ample opportunity to talk to soldiers and camp followers about what it was like to live through the days when war tore apart English families and wrecked communities across the land. Activities will include: • canon and musket fire demonstrations on the hour and shows of sword play: • costumed soldiers, their famili es and a cavalier on horseback: • atentedencampmentwithcooking. music and craft activities; • a costumed cavalier inside St Mary's Church telling Civil War stori es and about the involvement of the St John family.

Also at Lydiard over the weekend: Uncovering history. Discover Lydiard Park's latest secrets as archaeologists from English Herit-

Enjoy free entryto the state rooms of Lydiard House and the church.

House open Saturday 1 Oam - 5pm; Sunday 1 1 am - 5pm.

St Mary's Church open Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 2pm - 5pm

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A&B Arts & Busiiic,ti NEW PARTNERS Swindon Borough Council has received an investment from Arts & Business New Partners to further develop their creative partnership. Arts & Business New Partners is funded by Arts Council England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

See weapons demonstrations, including live musket fire in front of Lydiard House age continue to explore the grounds as part of the Lydiard Park Project. Heritage Open Weekend events include archaeological demonstrations and hands-on activities.

Elsewhere in Swindon Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road, Old Town On display, special items which are not usually on show: finds from local metal detector enthusiasts; the flip side of art, a selection of works from the Swindon Collection of Modern British Art, showing pictures on the reverse side of some of the paintings.

Children's activity- draw your favourite hidden treasure and add to the museum's treasure chest.

Saturday 13 September. 11 am. Battle of Britain historic walk.

On the commemorative weekend for the Battle of Britain. join Heritage Manager Robert Dickinson on a one hour guided walk to discover lost World War II buildings and traces of war just visible in Swindon's streets.

Starts from the Museum in Bath Road. Old Town. Numbers are li mited. Call 466556 to book a place.

Sunday 14 September. 2.30pm - 4.30pm. What's that object? Your chance to bring in any local 'finds' and have a chat with the Archaeological Finds Liaison Officer who may be able to identify them.

Sunday 14 September. 2.30pm - 4.30pm Beautiful Banners. Learn more about Victorian textiles and help to make a large banner, in a fun event for all the family. Drop in activity.

Richard Jefferies Museum, Coate Water Sunday 14 September. 2pm - 5pm The birthplace of Swindon's Victorian writer Richard Jefferies will be open for an extra summer Sunday to view mementoes from his life.

For details of museum activities, call 466556. www.swindon.gov.uk

Make a personal appointment to find just the right hat for you

www.civictrust.org.uk

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from BLAYLOCKS Bath Road Corner D Old Town, Swindon 7, Tel: 534271 `o

24

The Link • Swindon Wide Aerial photographs and plans for landmark sculpture -

A large panorama of North Swindon taken from a balloon at the end of May with other aerial pictures of the area will be on display at the Haydon Centre and the North Swindon Library.

Alongside will be an exhibition for a proposed sculpture to create a northern gateway to the town, exclusively revealed in the August Link.

This will stand some forty feet high at Junction 1 on Thamesdown Drive, on the corner with Cricklade Road.

Funded entirely by the developers building the 5,500 houses at Priory Vale and commissioned by Swindon Borough Council within its Percentage for Art Policy, the internally lit steel and aluminium structure will be a visually striking landmark as drivers arrive in or leave the town.

Chris Bagot from London based architects Softroom said the inspiration for the design comes directly from the shape of Junction 1. "The designers shortlisted for the commission were given an open brief to create a gateway to the town and its newest area of housing.

"We set out to generate a positive spirit through the sculpture which will become a talking point and something which the community can unite around and give people a sense of place.

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Above, an illustration showing how the shape of Junction 1 has been extruded upwards. Below, the location at Thamesdown Drive (left) and

opening October 22nd RESTAURANT • CONFERENCES. WEDDINGS • ACCOMMODATION TAWNY OWL

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NEW FREE NORTH S WId The latest up to date and absolutely essential edition of Tt to tie in with the exhibition. Free copies will be avail

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25

display in North Swindon: 27 August - 19 September

"Junction 1 provides entry and exit points to the newest part of the town and to older areas of Swindon. Drivers experience the sweeping curves from one direction and a single dimension. From above, the junction is a thing of beauty."

The Swindon intersection is one of only two or three in the world where traffic passes on the 'wrong side.'

Chris added that the design also uses references to Orchis Morio, the rare green winged orchid to be found at the Haydon Site of Scientific Interest on the western edge of Priory Vale. which has been adopted as the logo for marketing the housing development. "The shape reaching into the sky has taken on a floral form whilst the lighting from within draws on the colours of the orchid. It will be a different experience every time you pass because each side has its own form which will reflect light and shadow at different times of the day."

Asked if the Junction 1 sculpture could become Swindon's Angel of the North. he said he hoped the design would be as well received as Anthony Gormley's huge winged metal figure close to Newcastle. "I hope our work will stimulate a celebration of Swindon."

Swindon Council's public art officer Celia Yeoman said the proposed sculpture would generate a lot of interest in the town. "Swindon Borough Council is delighted that the Priory Vale Consortium is supporting the Council's Public Art Policy and funding this major project. The sculpture is quite breathtaking and could generate renewed national interest in Swindon's commitment to public art." www.softroom.com www.prioryvale.com www.swindonartscape.com

The Junction 1 sculpture will be put before Swindon Council's planning committee on 22 September. The designs, alongside The Link aerial photographs of North Swindon, can be seen at: Haydon Centre Wednesday 27 August to Sunday 31 August inclusive, 1 Oam - 10pm.

Wednesday 27 August 6pm to 8pm. Meet Swindon Borough Council's Public Art Officer Celia Yeoman to discuss the proposed sculpture.

North Swindon Library, North Swindon District Centre 2 September to 19 September inclusive Mondays closed Tuesdays & Thursdays 1 Oam - 6pm Wednesdays & Fridays 12 noon - 8pm

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Saturdays 1 Oam - 4pm

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Sundays 12 noon - 4pm

The aerial pictures can be seen via www.swindonlink.com Copies are for sale. Details on the site.

Swindon & Cricklade Railway

25th Anniversary Celebrations Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st September First locomotive across the River Ray on our new extension towards Mouldon Hill. Ceremonial crossing at 2pm on Saturday First public steaming of newly restored - ex-GWR Hall Class 790:3 Foremarket Hall Guest locomotive - ex Port Talbot Railway/GWR 0-6-0 Saddle Tank 813 TO 1w rnoPO e aNe

Trains every 20 minutes from 11 am to 5pm

Admission - adult £3.50; child/senior £2; family £10 (includes Day Rover for unlimited rides) ^

SWINDON

Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane. Swindon (01 7 93) 771615 www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org Tel:

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Orbital Shopping Park North Swindon District Centre Thamesdown Drive Tel: 726753

Wednesday 3 September, 2pm - 7pm Meet Caroline Rabourdin from Softroom to discuss the North Swindon gateway sculpture 13 September, 12noon - 4pm Meet Swindon Borough Council's Public Art Officer Celia Yeoman.

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Link magazine's map of North Swindon will be published Ol e from 2 September at the North Swindon Library.

EAT IN, TAKEAWAY oR1IOME' DELIVERY

„AYOO^ WICK

26

Swindon Wide Butterfly's are magic for Charlie

Celebrating greenness

Well known Swindon child Charlie Jarvis from Haydon Wick discovered

Swindon's fifth annual 'green' family festival' takes place on The Lawn in Old Town on Saturday 30 August.

Sponsored by Nationwide and willow seat sculpture and a clay organised by the Great Western green man mask.

Musicians and performers will Community Forest team, the event is a celebration of trees and their delight and surprise throughout the products and promotes a greener day from 1 Oam to 5pm.

Visitors are being encouraged lifestyle.

Woodturners, basket, brushes. to walk, cycle or catch a bus. Alterbroomes, clog and rustic furniture natively there is a free park and makers will be demonstrating their ride bus shuttle service from the skills. Children will be able to build Nationwide HO at Pipers Way. www.forestweb.org.uk bird boxes and help create a giant

a great new attraction during the school holidays, the new Butterfly World centre at Studley Grange Craft and Garden Centre, off Hay Lane. a

She and her older sister Robyn . ' ^^ _. r were enthralled by the giant butterfliesflutteringbyanddelighted to be able to encourage them to ,,; rest lightly on their fingers.

Charlie was featured in last September's Link when the whole of Swindon was backing her parents in a desperate effort to raise money for pioneering

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cancer treatment only available from the USA. Scans this year showed Charlie is clear of cancer cells and she is currently in remission.

However ultra scan tests showed non-active lumps in her body and

she will have an operation in

Launching this year's festival, Michelle Leighton of Nationwide, centre, with Celtic international folk band Wrde from High worth

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September to remove them.

Mum, Sam Jarvis, said she and her children enjoy visiting the centre. "It's a very relaxing place.

They love coming here; it's exciting but at the same time the butter-

Link d9S$ribufor8 -^ in Freshbrook, A Rushey Platt, Greenmeadow, y Woodhall Park. ,A Call 723745 for details

flies have a calming effect. The girls have to learn to be so gentle in coaxing them onto their hands."

Taking a break from looking at the butterflies flitting across the ponds to feeding tables, Charlie said, "I think the butterflies are beautiful."

Studley Grange owner Tony Miller was so moved by Charlie's battle against cancer that he has provided her family with a year's free entry to Butterfly World.

Charlie and Robyn in a magical world

Bursting with blooms 7i

J3uller//y Z&OA/ at Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park on Hay Lane, south of M4, junction 16 Visit the tropics in Wiltshire, rain or shine, summer or winter.

Walk amongst some of the most beautiful butterflies in the world. flying freely against a backdrop of tropical plants and skimming over fish filled pools - a truly magical experience.

I

BI u nsd on St eona rd'' d' Ch urch Flower Festival on 6 and 7 September will be decorated with floral arrangements depicting scenes from the Bible.

Ladies from the W.I. will be serving refreshments in the village hall in Blunsdon High Street, close to the church.

Autumn Fayre Saturday 13 September. 1 pm - 5pm Organised by 1st Swindon Sea Scouts at St John's Church Hall, Haydon Wick.

Observe the full life cycle of the butterfly from the tiny egg to the ever hungry caterpillar. through to the pupa stage before emerging as a beautiful butterfly.

To book a table top or car boot space, call Sue Hunt on 340698.

Donations welcome for the tom-

bola or garden stall, or any old crockery for a 'smash -a -thon.'

WI meeting on Lydiard

Spiders, scorpions, mantis and many more fascinating insects are on display in our mini beast house.

Tootleabrook WI meets on Wednesday 17 September, 7.30pm atToothill Community Centre, when Keeper of Lydiard House

Other attractions at Studley Grange include: • Craft Village, • Blooms Garden Centre • World of Water • Pet Shed • Bonkers children's soft play area

the house and give an update on the regeneration proposals.

Sarah Finch-Crisp will talk about

Studley Grange Garden and Leisure Park Hay Lane, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9QT Tel: 01793 852400 info: studleygrange.co.uk

Craft & re-union weekend Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September, 10am to 4pm St Augustine's Church Summers Street, Rodbourne Also Sunday, 3pm, Songs of Praise Service of Celebration Come and renew old friendships

Drink up in aid of Prospect and St John Arkell's Brewery are asking all real ale fans to make a date with them on 12 and 13 September when, for thefirsttime in its history, the brewerywill be running a beerfestival at its Kingsdown headquarters.

Celebrating 160 years of brewing ale which makes it the oldest business in Swindon, the event will feature guest beers from all 33 members of the Independent Famil y Brewers of Britain (IFBB). " We're very proud of our herit-

age and especially our beers," said Sales Director Nick Arkell who is spearheading the event with head brewer. Don Bracher.

"This is an excuse for a big party

to say thank you to our staff and loyal customers and by inviting fellow members of the IFBB to join us we can also celebrate with our peers."

The festival on Friday 12th, 4pm to 7.30pm and Saturday 13th, 11 am to 7pm will also be raising money for the Prospect Hospice and nationally for The St John's Ambulance. www.arkells.com

Rooms for hire The Even Swindon Community Centre in Jennings Street has a hall with a 150 capacity, conference room and kitchen available for private hire functions.

For details call 420495.

27

Swindon Wide Lydiard regeneration project threatened by council pull out

Up to date party

Proposals to restore Lydiard Park as a place for even more Swindon people to enjoy could be scrapped if Swindon Council's cabinet decide to pull out of the project in September.

The first Children's Fete for sixtyfour years took place in fantastic hot weather on 9 August, reviving a Swindon tradition maintained by the Mechanic's Institution.

Joyce Line, who attended the last fete in 1939. holds a certificate marking the span of ages. presented by the New Mechanics' Preservation Trust

The plans have drawn national recognition to the town, but the cash strapped council, facing major costs to develop social services and repair schools, would be expected to contribute an initial £500,000 and at least £25,000 a year for five years. Concerns that Lydiard could become a drain on council finances like the Steam Museum are a major worry.

At stake is a possible £3.8 milli on Heritage Lottery grant and £100.000 already paid out by West Swindon based energy company Innogy, as well as a vast amount of goodwill developed in relations with English Heritage and the Countryside Agency.

Councillors stepped back from pulling the plug in early August after urgent and heated negotiations with the stakeholder organisations, pending a report to the September cabinet meeting.

Mike Bowden, Company Director of Innogy. said. "Lydiard Park can been described as a 'jewel in the heart of Wiltshire.'

"It is a wonderful place for Swindon's population. With the breadth of people involved from across the community we believe it is a flag-

Backing Lydiard - before the threat to back out, cabinet members councillors Fionuala Foley and Justin Tomlinson, with North Swindon MP Michael Wills, centre. Linda Worley of Innogy. Keeper of Lydiard House Sarah Finch-Crisp ship restoration project that could easily set the standard for similar ventures at national level. " We are pleased that Swindon Council decided to defer its decision until September. rather than pulling out of the project altogether."

Also at stake is a major educational component. As a partner in the project, Greendown School. next to the park, has been developing vocational courses in archaeology, leisure and tourism and horticulture as well making plans to

enhance traditional subjects like geography. history, science and maths. A computer programme on Lydiard's history was donated to the school earlier in the year.

Head of Vocational Pathways, Bob Linnegar, has written to council leader coun Mike Bawden imploring the council to consider the educational opportunities presented by the enhancement of Lydiard. "This is a historic opportunity for the borough to do something really worthwhile and longstanding," he said.

Free family disco F k.araoke Saturday 6 September, 7pm - 11 pm Toothill Community Centre Curry buffet: £4.95 Call into the centre for a free ticket.

Under 18s must be accompanied.

Tuesday 23 September, 7pm Toothill Community Centre Annual General Meeting Details from 614492

Win a DVD player and new films Swindon Libraries Service is running a competition through its larger outlets to promote the arrival on DVD and video of The Lord of the Rings, the Two Towers.

There are three competitions for smaller prizes. members of a Swindon library: Entry forms and the colouring 1 Colouring for ages 6 to 11 years: competition can be collected from 2 A quiz based on the two films, for selected libraries: West Swindon, North Swindon, Moredon, Central, ages 12 to16s: 3 A taxing quiz for the Tolkein Park, Highworth and Wroughton. devotees based on the books To join all you need is proof of your name and address. Parents and films.

Prizes include a DVD player and or guardians can act as guarantor a selection of DVDs, plus some for under 1 6s.

Moredon Library turns attention to older readers As the successful children's reading game comes to a close with the end of the summer holidays, Moredon Library is responding to user suggestions to establish a reading group.

Members of such a group would meet to share their views on books they have all read. Anyone interested in joining the scheme should drop into the library in Church Walk North orcall Sarah Checkfield on 464490.

Haydon association postpones September meeting Until the end of June this year, the principle role of the Hayden Wick Community Association was the management of the Hayden Community and Leisure Centre.

The lease of that building has now been surrendered and Swindon Council has assumed full responsibility for its operation. The associati on, a registered charity, has been in discussion with the Charity Commission about its future. When these discussions have been concluded, trustees hope to present to its membership - all adult residents of Haydon Wick - a list of options.

However the proposals will not be ready by 15 September, the date of the already advertised AGM. The trustees would like Haydon Wick parishioners to note that the meeting will be postponed to a date, within the next three months, to be announced.

Get lost in Swindon! ii

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roundabouts are not the only places where you can loose direction.

Carved from 7 acres of a living maize crop close t M4 junction 16, th. amazing Great Western Maze will also send you round in circles - and you'll have great fun finding your way out.

Discover the mystery of a maze and solve our huge puzzle in September

Opening times: 10am - 6pm • Daily until 7 September • Weekends from 7 to 30 September Admission • Adults £4.50: children/concs. £4 • Family of 4 £15.

• All `Maises' free (with ID)

Call 01793 731170

Conditions

or navigate round our web site

• Under 14s to be accompanied by a responsible adult • Regret no dogs please

GkfGi p!Si[FN MAIf

www.greatwesternmaze.com

Maize Maze designed by Adrian Fisher Mazes Ltd. www.mazemaker.com

Swirdol Wide What's

28

Talks & tours

Exhibitions

Saturday 6th, from 11.30am 'The Swindon & Cricklade Railway.'

Author John Stretton will be signing copies of his new book which describes the route of the Midland & South Western Junction Railway, known as 'Swindon's Other Railway.' Normal admission charge. STEAM. • (See the advert on page 25 for line restoration celebrations)

West Swindon Library 2nd to 30th Roadside Landscapes.

Swindon photographer Neil Holden captures scenes within 20 miles of the town which you might see as you flash by in a vehicle.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery From Saturday 27th Abstracts An exhibition exploring a challenging selection of works from the Swindon Collection of Modern British Art, looking at the construction and deconstruction of pictures. colour, shape and inspiration behind the works.

Friday 12th. 8pm George Baker: The Way to Wexford.

George Baker tries to explain how he survived his 72 years, including birth in a fire, an exotic, if eccentric Irish mother, life threatening illnesses, and becoming the housekeeper for his Arts Centre siblings all before the age of 14. A to Thursday 18th wealth of memories include names Changing Colours by Diana Eddy li ke Tommy Cooper, Noel Coward and Pottery inspired by Islamic art and its Lord Attenborough. £7.50. Arts Centre influence on the paintings of Matisse.

Thursday 18th, 7.30pm Arts Centre An Evening with W.G. Dick Mattick, from Saturday 20th retired teacher and well known Alphabet by Peter Blake raconteur, recreates the Grand Old 26 screen prints illustrating the letters Man of English Cricket in this special of the alphabet in the National Touring show in aid of the Macmillan Nurses Exhibition organised by the Hayward Swindon Cancer Appeal. £5. Arts Gallery for the Arts Council of England Centre, to book call 495206 Saturday 20th, 2.15pm Tour of the National Monuments Record Centre. An introduction to the work of the NMRC. Free. To book a place call 414797

Tradecraft Fashion Show 13 September, 7pm Toothill Church Tickets include refreshment & raffle £2 adults; £1 child from 874221.

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

NINE ELMS PUBLIC HOUSE Old Shaw Lane, Shaw What's on in September?

What else can we offer?

13 th September Mexican Night

Free Pool - Tuesday

20 th September Abba Night

Quiz - Thursdays (with jackpot)

27 th September Karaoke

Extensive lounge menu - changed monthly Bar menu

For more information or to book a table please call 01793 770442

View from the verge. The Round Tower at Semington by Neil Holden See exhibitions at the West Swindon Library or www.neilholden.net

Music Thursday 4th, 7.30pm Mama Mia! the concert. New 2003 tour with all the hits. £16.50. Wyvern Friday 5th, 7.30pm An Evening with Sheila Harrod and Friends. £7. Arts Centre Saturday 6th, 8pm Tanks for the Memory. A musical revue tells the story of Tyneham, the Dorset village, where, in 1943, the army gave villagers just one month's notice to leave. £5. Arts Centre Sunday 7th. 7.30pm Buddy Holly & The Cricketers with their greatest hits. £12. Wyvern Friday 12th. 7.30pm The Meatloaf Story starring Steve Steinman. £13.50. Wyvern Saturday 13th, 8pm Dead Men Walking. Mike Peters, Kirk Brandon, Billy Duffy, Glen Matlock Slim Jim Phanton come together to play a selection of their individual hits, interspersed with anecdotes and recollections. £15.

Arts Centre

Venues The Arts Centre. Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Cineworld. Greenbridge Tel: 420710 Lydiard House. Tel: 770401 National Monuments Record Centre. Kemble Drive. Tel: 414600 STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 Swindon & Cricklade Railway Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon.

Tel: 771615 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 The Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square. Tel: 524481 West Swindon Library Link Centre. Tel: 465555 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

Saturday 13th, 7.30pm Cheek .. the six singing builders from hell. Their electrifying show is one whacky day at work with slapstick comedy, crazy dances, ingenious tool percussion and music. £12. Wyvern Wednesday 17th, 7.30pm The Shadow of Cliff. The Imposters perform the favourites from the likes of Cliff & the Shadows, The Rolling Stones, The Monkees. £14. Wyvern Friday 19th, 7.30pm Los Pacaminos. Somewhere between the Spanish/Latin American music of Mexico and the country blues sounds of south-west America, expect anything from Ry Cooder to `La Bamba'. £16. Arts Centre Saturday 20th, 7.30pm From Basin Street to Broadway presented by jazz trumpeter Keith Smith and his six strong Hefty Jazz all Stars. £13.50. Arts Centre Sunday 28th, 7.30pm Richard Digance returns with comedy, original songs and classy guitar techniques. £12.50. Wyvern Sunday 28th, 7pm Les Bruce Big Band Charity Concert in aid of Green Hut (Gorse Hill) which provides care and help for the homeless and needy. £7. Arts Centre. to book call 692903 or 766129 rrr

Tuesday 30th, 8pm Walter Trout and the Radicals. This great American blues guitarist. above, is known for frenetic guitar breaks, arresting technique and show-manship. £15. Arts Centre

Or it September Film Monday 1st, 1pm The Full Monty (15) Six unemployed steel workers form a male striptease act. The women cheer them on to go for the 'full monty.' £2.50. Cineworld Wednesday 3rd, 7.45pm Gangs of New York (18) New York. 1865. Lower Manhattan is a place of lawlessness, rampant political corruption and great unrest. £4. Wyvern Monday 8th, 1pm Elizabeth (15) The early years of the reign of Elizabeth I and her difficult task of learning what is necessary to be a monarch. £2.50. Cineworld Wednesday 10th & Thursday 11th 7.45pm The Hours (12A) A compelling story interweaving the li ves of Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman), post-war housewife, (Julianne Moore) and a modern day socialite ( Meryl Streep). £4. Arts Centre Monday 15th, fpm Titanic (12A) Fictional romantic tale of a rich girl and poor boy who meet on the illfated voyage of the unsinkable ship. £2.50. Cineworld Tuesday 16th & Wednesday 17th 7.45pm

Frida (15) Biography of the Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo. £4. Arts Centre Monday 22nd, 1pm Chicago (12A) Murderesses Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart strive for fame at any costs including scandal and lies in 1920s Chicago. £2.50. Cineworld Wednesday 24th, 7.45pm The Pianist (15) Roman Polanski's penetrating holocaust story of a brilliant jewish pianist. forced to live in the heart of the Warsaw ghetto. £4. Wyvern Monday 29th, 1pm Metropolis (PG) One of the most influential sci-fi movies ever made. Fritz Lang's 1926 futuristic epic where the workers revolt against oppression. £2.50.

Cineworld

29

Family events & childrens activities Saturday 13 and Sunday 14th Heritage Open Weekend. Walks, talks at museums and heritage sites around Swindon. See page 23.

Saturdays 20th & 27th 1.30pm - 4pm Ceramica! for ages 5 - 11. A two session course to learn ceramic hand-building techniques to make your pieces for an exhibition. £5.

Booking required. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th Swindon & Cricklade Railway 25th anniversary celebration. See advert on page 27 Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th Great Western Steam Convention, Live steam, model railways, nameplates, guided walks and Normal special interest talks. admission prices. STEAM

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Comedy Friday 19th, 7.30pm The Funny Guys with the Mayhem and Mirth tour. Comedy for all the family starring Bernie Clifton, Don McLean and Jimmy Cricket. £14.50.

Wyvern

Theatre Friday 12th, 7.30pm Deadly Dealings. Will the Rothman family resolve their differences? A murder mystery presented by The Daggers Drawn Theatre Company. £28, includes dinner. Blunsdon House Hotel. to book call 721701 Thursday 18th, 7.30pm Girls Night. Five friends re-live the past on a wild night out at a karaoke club. A comic, yet poignant award winning play. £12. Wyvern Wednesday 24th to Saturday 27th 7.30pm 12 Angry Men. This classic drama is brought vividly to life by the Phoenix players. £5. Arts Centre Thursday 25th & Friday 26th 7.30pm Hamlet performed by Chapterhouse Theatre Company. £15. Wyvern Saturday 27th, 7.30pm A Midsummer Night's Dream performed by Chapterhouse Theatre Company. £15. Wyvern Lower Shaw Farm Children's Activities Wednesday 10 September, 10am to 12.30pm or 1pm to 3.30pm Fun on the farm for young children and their parents or carers. Follow the nature trail, feed the hens, ^ collect eggs, seasonal art and craft work. A snack is provided and you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch.

Free but places must be booked on 771080

-

Adventure Play Amusements

*`

Open seven days a week 9.30am to 6pm GREENBRIDGE ROAD, SWINDON Tel: 01 793 522044 • www.jollyrogerplsay.coni

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Open Wednesday to Saturday 10.30arn - Spin Signed off the A361 Swindon to Highworth Road * Meet and feed the animals * Tractor and trailer rides around the farm * Electric tractors * Animal racing for charity * Huge big bale straw stack & bouncy castle * Adventure play area and giant sandpit * The largest living willow maze in the world.' * Indoor heated toddlers soft play & sandpit * Crafty half hour * Granary tea rooms Barn dances & wedding receptio Children's birthday parties

30 The Link Magazine • September 2003

Link story generates immediate action against germinator plant

LAWN & HEDGE CUTTING PATIO & TURF LAYING GENERAL GARDEN TIDY FENCE ERECTION, STAINING & MAINTENANCE Give your garden a makeover

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We discover who was responsible for spreading the seeds in the first place A story in the August Link highlighting the rapid spread of Himalayan Balsam along the River Mead in Westlea brought an immediate response from the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

Swindon waterways officer Jo However local ties and ryegrass.

Sayer organised a group of volun- wildflower and "The weather this teers who donned boots and gloves butterfly expert year has been exto pull out hundreds of plants be- John Ball from ceptional but the fore they seed.

Grange Park has Wiltshire climate is Called the germinator or termi- come forward to usually too dry for nator, the 2 metre high plant is so admit that he balsam to survive beprolific that it smothers home spread the seeds in yondthemudbanks; grown varieties and drains the Westlea over ten the bare soil they crenutrients from streams. Jo said, years ago to imate may make it "one of my project areas is the River prove wildlife. easier for wetland Ray at Barnfield Road and it is "The balsam plants to establish, so essential to stop the balsam gain- feeds bumble bees there is hope. ing a hold there from Westlea." which are threat"I feel bad about ened with extincspreading an alien, tion and is a fabut the balsam has vourite host of also given a lot of Volunteers pulling balsam in blackfly and their people pleasure Westlea in late July attendant ants, and has helped susLANDSCAPE SERVICES food for hoverflies and dragonflies. tain bee populations in Swindon. www.horticare.co.uk "My concern was that very little "The long-term solution is to add existed to feed insects, because the true wetland plants, because they * Patios Ponds river bank was choked with net- can defeat it most years."

** Turfing * Fencing Garden maintenance Garden design Decking * Pergolas

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Older folk get behind recycling idea Residents at 27 out of 33 of Swindon's sheltered housing schemes are enthusiastically participating in a newspaper recycling service.

Collection by the charity Leaves is saving a predicted 40 tonnes of paper from going into landfill.

THE TIMBER DECKING COMPANY

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The Link Magazine • September 2003 Ilt

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31

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32

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G.Y. Building Specialist Extensions and loft conversion specialists Also painting, decorating and paperhanging Maintenance work undertaken Est 15 years For a free quotation call 07767 417079 (day) or 01793 435876 (eve) DECORATOR

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PLUMBING General plumbing services • Radiators • Pumps • Tanks t • • Cylinders ylinders • Burst pipe , r • Taps • Washing machine installed A local service by oa Tel: 01793 828882

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01793 854 777 Unit

10. Oaklands Ind Est. Braydon. Swindon

34

SERVICE

ACCOUNTANCY

AERIAL SERVICES

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ABBEY MOVE

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"Were bigger AS,., we revolt

Tel: 01793 772888

Storage Specialists

Packing Service Late Bookings

Email: cliff .ohitewavCabtinternet.com

COMPUTER SUPPO

IComputer SIGMA Solutions NEW PCs/Spares/Repairs Upgrades/Service/Support Internet & Network Solutions For friendly EXPERT advice & PROMPT on-site service

Tel: 01793 633924 Mobile: 0781 6014363 sales@sigmacomputersolutions.co.uk

GARDEN SERVICES Grass cutting Hedge trimming • Regular, occasional or one-off • Long grass no problem • Clean, tidy work • Sensible prices • Odd jobs, fencing repairs, etc.

Friendly, 7 day service

Chris Reed Swindon 538839 Mobile: 07702 285865

^,^ ^•

Single Items / Full House Long / Short Distance

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

SPARES • REPAIRS • SERVICE

Mobile: 07831 575758

5

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

&adaeee E^eceucae .Sewce4

HO Bath. PO Box 2079 Manvers Street. Bath BAt 3TJ

WEDDINGS

• Sky Digital & Freeview • No call out charge • New home specialists

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT From a 13 amp fuse or cleaner bag' to fridges or vacuum cleaners we offer an efficient & personal service.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE It The Arcade, High Street Wootton Bassett

BIRTHDAYS

Confederation i l s ri of Aer a Industries ndu st ries Ltd

The Carpet& Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

for a free no obligation consultation

®DISC SERVICES DVD PICTURES

488688

f Whitewa

Complete Book-keeping Services

call 01793 616170

DVD TRANSFER

Member of

CARPET CL EANING

J Savage

Same day, local service wherever possible

• TV & FM Aerials • Extra TV points • Same day service

_

01793

REMOVALS / PACKING / STORAGE DENNIS'S REMOVALS THORNHILL IND ESTATE SOUTH MARSTON, SWINDON SN3 4TA

TEL: (01793) 828224 FAX : (01793) 828248

THE MAN WITH A VAN • • • •

(Est 1993) 24hrs - 7 days a week Single items to a full house 8 different size vehicles Disposal of unwanted items

Tel (01793) 727307 Mob 0781 1 188564

Tel: 01793 772888 Fax: 01793 772444

WWW.ABBEYMOVE.CO.UK

EMail: ashobbs@theashgroup.freeserve,co.uk

Established over 30 years • UK & European domestic moves Container storage in our own on-site secure warehouse Professionally trained staff • Packing materials supplied Packing service available • Commercial removals & storage Archive storage & document retrieval Confidential shredding and disposal • Free Estimates

SECTOR

35

AERIAL SERVICES

AIRPORT TRAVEL

CHRIS PAYNE

AIRPORTS direct

AERIALS

d''

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

Reliable travel for holiday makers Competitive prices

SKY

Tel: 01793 700078

Mobile: 0117 6236415

COMPUTER WORK

OWN A COMPUTER?

Why not put it to work?

Home based opportunity Contact:

www.learnasyouearn.uk.net or call 01793 706289

GAS SERVICES LPG & Natural Gas Services • Fires & fire Dennis Brown Gas Engineer Still servicing West & North Swindon

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

places

Tel: 01666 860119 Mobile: 07768 027860

Repairs to most makes of: 3 Washing Machines 3 Dryers 3 Dishwashers 3 Microwaves 3 Vacuum Cleaners

• Most leading brands

John Phillips Servicing

• Same day service

• Guaranteed

DOMESTIC HELP

Let us do the dirty work for you

Jusr TIE Jos

The Helping Hands team of staff can offer a comprehensive service for your home, either for a one-off spring clean or cleaning on a regular basis Call now for a free, no obligation estimate in your home on 01793 873847 Helping HandsWe,to here to help

IRONING

Creaseless Ironing Services b Kas

One-off, weekly, fortnightly or simply whenever!

Pick up and delivery back to your front door the next day.

Good Prices

Call Karen

Quali ty cleaning with pride and care

Commercial & Domestic Services Agency ARE YOU TOO BUSY TO CLEAN.

We offer: oo • Regular house cleaning • Ironing rift • Gardening • Carpet cleanin ' - e • Also office cleaning service For full details, call us on 01793 861112 (teVfax)

IRONING

3^

1

repairs No call out charge • No VAT

32 years experience.

No VAT. All work guaranteed

DOMESTIC HELP

• Cookers • Boiler changes

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

A SUDS

Tel: 725 000

• Boilers and Hobs

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

I

DRAINS

• oo

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BLOCKED DRAINS CLEARED FAST • CCTV surveys • High pressure jetting • Pipe relining • Locally based - competitive rates • 24 hour call out • No call out charge

Tel: 01793 828882 OVEN CLEANING

IRONING A CHORE?

/Not any J io

ENCLEAN The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

i e!

Ironing done in a smoke free enviroment at sensible rates

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

Mobile: 07752 020722

Call Jackie on 721878 or Donna on 721719

RUBBISH REMOVALS

SUNBED HIRE

TV & VIDEO REPAIRS

WINDOW CLEANING

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC RUBBISH DISPOSAL & HOUSE

Deb's Sunbeds

IGOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE

All windows (domestic & commercial)

BRITISH GAS f/ ^® CONTRACTOR oNrROCror,

CLEARANCE You name it, we move it Quick and clean service Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

Tel: 01793 772268

01793 341644

Home Rental

Conservatories

Fast tanning canopies and doubles also available Free installation & local delivery

Tel: 01793 619758/726906 anytime ( Mobile: 07778 - 641052)

also undertaken

Free home estimates * No call out charge All repairs guaranteed

Tel: 01793-812738

Fascias and cladding Also gutter clearing service

Local, reliable and competitive Call Andy or Neil on 01793 875732 or 613489

36 The Link Magazine • September 2003 Digital Cameras PCs, Laptops

PIANO TEACHER Classic, Jazz exams, blues, Modern, Pop - in your own home

1

& Accessories Specialising in supplying and sourcing pre-owned, refurbished & end of line

o.

Call Ian Winston ^3 on 01793 750702

-

Also PC Services Setup, spares, upgrades, tuition etc.

DECOTEXI

Please telephone, fax or email with your requirements Amos Computer Technology Solutions T: 01793 531201 M: 07747 747000

Painter & Decorator

Fax: 01793 430774

Specialist Artexing

Email: sales@amos-uk.com website: www.amos-uk.com

Tel: (01793) 791388

For Sale Girls red Shogun mountain bike, 21 grip shift gears, age 9 - 13 yrs, vgc. £40. Tel: 876056 Bike, 8 - 12 yrs, 24" wheel, full suspension, disc brake front, 21 speed, as new, offers over £60. Tel: 07881

For Sale Ladies shoes and smart clothes, size 8/10 worn once or unworn, list. Books, videos, gardening, crafts, WWII. autobiographies, list. Cut glass, never used, 2 bowls and 1 plate, £25. Tel:

970913

Collectors 70 miniatures from around the world, including British, no reasonable offer refused. Tel: 870087 (after 3pm) Leigh Childs white Tae Kwon Do suit size 5, royal/red suit size 5, £5 each item. Tel: 870695 Cub Scout uniform, vgc, trousers. sweater etc, worn 6 times. £15 ono.

Tel: 874686 Brownies clothes, aged 8 - 10, good condition, T-shirt, pair joggers, sweatshirt, 3 pairs culottes, £4 each or £20 for all, free accessories. Tel:

322700

Racing bike 531 Q/R c/c helmet, shoes, excellent condition, £50. Tel: 01367 240659

Boys bronze Saracen mountain bike, 18 grip shift gears, age 9 - 13 yrs, vgc, £40 ono. Tel: 873251 Pram/pushchair from birth, Rapido.. blue/yellow, cosy toes, changing mat, raincover, spares. £65. Tel: 874768 Mamas & Papas pushchair, hood, apron, raincover and basket, suit from birth, lies flat, vgc, £50 ono. Tel: 347622 Mothercare pushchair, £30. Avent microwave sterilser, £15. Avent bottle warmer. £10, all with accessories. Tel: 831702

Britax first stage car seat, with head support, vgc, £15 ono. Britax Club Class Extra car seat, up to 4 yrs vgc, £35. Tel: 347622

Tomy folding soft bed rail with storage pocket, as new. £9. Tel: 481004 Pine cot bed with mattress, excellent condition, £55. Changing unit £30, drawers £10. Tel: 873276 Bag full toys, £5. Skirts size 10, worn once, £3 ea. Curtains £3/pair, assorted items - home move. Tel: 882714 Mother bride/groom, 3 piece, bamboo beige. size 22, was £535, accept £300 ono. Tel: 878034 Ladies watch, Cosmopolitan, boxed, unwanted gift, Index price £30, sell for £15. Tel: 881353

875218

Pair of grey Reef trainers, brand new, boxed, size 11. Tel: 640447 Weider dual action exercise cycle with computer display, good condition, £15.

Tel: 882374 4 bowling woods, size 4 with bag and shower coat. £50. 4 bowling woods size 0 with bag and shower coat, £50.

Tel: 731700 Foldaway tables, two matching. rubber-wood folding side tables, hardly used, vgc. £20. Tel: 635173 Pine bookcase. 6ft x 2.5ft, fluted front, 5 shelves, excellent condition, £25.

Tel: 704169 Black leather-look executive chair ideal for computer work, new condition, £35. Tel: 532342 Disabled chair with hand operated riser seat, good cond, £150. Tel: 812081

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Free private for Sale & Wanted ads Send to: The Link, Papermakers House, Rivenhall Road, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7BD, by 12th of the month

Tel: Name & Address (not for publication)

L

CRYSTAL & ^ REIKI HEALING

Also available for functions, weddings, cocktail pianist

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AMETHYST \^•

Julie Hopkins Crystal Healer & Reiki Master

Tel: 01793 870109

Pure Essence Aromatherapy • R ,ei/ i Indian Head Massage Ear CanffIing St Andrews Ridge Area To Book an appointment cal[

^^^ The natural removal of unwanted hair from any part of the face or body

say ,

•

Also available: Facials and eyelash tinting FED UP OF OVER-PRICED CARDS IN THE HIGH STREET? Phoenix Trading offer a stunning range of over 400 original design cards, giftwrap and social stationery at around 50°6 of high street prices.

Take the hassle out of card shopping. Call for a free brochure today.

Nicola Wilding - 01793 728629 Email: niki@wildthing32.freeserve.co.uk

Barbara on 07986 042 366

An Independent Phoenix Trader

For Sale Fo 2 seater settee. vgc, £25. Tel: 432320 2 seater sofa, 4ft x 5ft wide, beige, 3 yrs old, £15. Single divan bed, good condition £10. Tel: 778292 Jade green material three leather sofa, 5yrs old. Slight sinking of seats but otherwise in perfect condition, £50 ono.

Tel: 421206 Single storage divan, £50. Single mattress as new, £40. Alpine stepping machine. £45. Tel: 882531 Dark wood wall unit and TV unit, £70 for both. Tel: 874767 Antique pine wardrobe, dressing table, chest of drawers and cot, £200 ono. Tel: 616170 Pine dressing table, £20. Oak drawers, £10. 3 seater cream sofa, vgc, £60. Tel: 702468 Bedroom unit, white with light, £50, must collect. Tel: 874767 Free Formica brown gate leg table.

Also oblong coffee table with shelf, good condition. Tel: 530538 Kitchen worktops. white, wrapped. 5 pieces, longest 6ft, £10. Tel: 01367

For Sale Brand new CD player, in packaging, £16.49 in Asda, sell for £12. Tel: 07941

240659

Three matching ceramic saucepans with lids, and frying pan, white with flowers, new, offers. Tel: 644408 Suitcase, large, Antler, pull-along, green, used once, £30 ono. Tel: 347622 Portable gas heater, 3 settings, 12 months old, good working order, cost £90, sell for£40 with bottle. Tel: 872180 Triton thermostatic power shower, cost £200 new, never installed, accept £80. Tel: 07900 096176 Two floor cleaning machines, good order. £5 each. Tel: 872180 Wine making book, demijohns, hydrometer, bottles, corks, syphon, all for £20 ono. Tel: 642045 Window UPVC, 30" x 32", as new, £50. Hairdryer, new, 1200 watts, £5.

Stereo midi-system, vgc, £40. Glass dressing table set of 10 pieces in pink, £25. Backpack, Ellesse, still wrapped, £12. Tel: 322700 Hohner Erica button accordion, good condition, £225. Tel: 729120 Piano, Studio Yamaha P2E. excellent condition, polished walnut, practice pedal, £2,700. Tel: 700099 Mobile phone. Motorola 191, silver, with SIM. boxed, £40. Tel: 349623

670399

21" Grundig TV with stand plus video VHS, vgc, £125. Akita camera set, new, £125. Tel: 882714

Computer monitor, colour, plus keyboard and mouse, £15 the lot. Tel: 488021

Hewlett Packard CD Rom computer with speakers. Windows 2000, HP Jet 5552 printer & flat bed scanner, internet ready. £300. Tel: 532342 Moulded plastic dog basket base, 84cm, suit medium size dog, good condition, £10. Tel: 633349 Single portable gas stove with carry case & spare gas can. 12v/240v Carling mini cooler, £25. Fridgebox Fun 12v cooler box, £20. Tel: 873834 (pm/eve) Metal rod style camping washing up stand, inc plastic bowl, £10. Metal green unit for camping stove with wind shields, £10. Tel: 873834 (pm/eve) Bradcot awning, brand new, beige & green, size 850, 16' caravan carbon poles, cost £550, sell for £375. Tel: 539674

Bike carrier for saloon or hatchback, £20. Tel: 873834 (pm/eve) Yamaha golf buggy, new battery, ideal fun machine, good condition, £120 ono.

Tel: 486809 Cotswold brick walling, free. Tel: 872282 (days) Caterham 7 1700 Super Sprint, 5 speed box. heater, twin 40 DCOE webbers, full weather gear, superlite 13 x 6, MOT June 04, cycle wings, low mileage, Thatcham immobiliser, quick release steering wheel, £9,500. Tel: 726166

Wanted Desperately seeking carer to assist in the care of an elderly couple for shopping, prescription collection and general help. For details call Mrs Poulin on 872687

Garden maintenance required in Haydon Wick, hours negotiable and to suit. Tel: 07788 980582

To let Large fully furnished ensuite double room in family home, TV, close to all amenities & M4, short term preferred, £80/wk. Tel: 872531

37

C C G

Kelly's Salon

--WeightWatchers

Middleleaze,West Swindon v NAIL ART AIRBRUSHING

FRESHBROOK CHURCH Wednesday 7pm

•:• NAIL EXTENSIONS v ST TROPEZ AIRBRUSH TANNING

The Link magazine's annual directory of useful information for our target distribution area of West Swindon, Haydon Wick, Woodhall Park, Abbey Meads, Priory Vale & Taw Hill Local information for local people On pages: 38 - 39 Political representation. Your MPs, MEPs and local councillors 40

Health services: GPs, dentists and ancillary services

42 - 43 Education: primary & secondary schools and colleges x.r..M:

44

Worship

45

Meeting places in West and North Swindon

46

Useful 'phone numbers `;

47

Keep this one for information at your At your service: ' an index of advertisers ', fingertips serving Link readers

WESTLEA SCHOOL Thursday 5.30pm

ST JOHN'S CHURCH, HAYDON WICK Saturday 10am

v MANICURES & PEDICURES v MASSAGE v WAXING

HAYDON CENTRE Monday 9.30am, Wednesday 6pm & 7.15pm

e

: VIRGIN VIE FACIALS Open 6 days a week

Discover the new Time To Eat' programme

For a friendly & professional service call 01793 886863 or 07720 051013

Call 08457 123 000 for other meetings in the area or visit Meeting Finder at www.weightwatchers.co.uk

CYCLECARE - Purton

Sewcraft

sales • spares • repairs

Haberdashery Also Knitting yams Dress fabrics Quilting material/accessories Beads and sequins Craft products Card making materials Cross stitch & tapestry kits DMC Main Agents 33 Havelock Street Swindon Tel: 01793 536778 -4

ADAMS trailer bike with smart hitch forage4-8 PUKY German made kids bike BROMPTON folders GIANT family bikes

89 High Street, PLirton

Tel: 778123

Dynamic Conseruatories Ltd

i)ll'J Ull CI.L 11 V111 yUU1 1V1:d1

WE SUPPLY, INSTALL AND MAINTAIN SUPERIOR BESPOKE CONSERVATORIES, WINDOWS AND DOORS FOR THE DISCERNING CUSTOMER

manufacturer and save money At Faringdon Upholstery we manufacture top quality upholstery supplied direct to the public. We make your furniture the way you want it, with thousands of fabrics to choose from

* Craftsman built All suites fully guaranteed * All suites covered in your own choice of fabric Solid wood frames

Don'tsett le for mass produced when you can have made-tomeasure for the same price!

* Made to measure * Re-upholstery service * Curtains

r01367

Come and see our wide selection of suites today

Once we were just another conservatory company...

...now we truly live up to our name of Dynamic

01793 72729J

7

38

i

POLITICAL

=*- NORTH

MP for Swindon South Julia Drown MP (Lab) 13 Bath Road, Swindon Tel: 615444

Car 13:IlDL

Servicing & Repairs

i2: J;iDiTiJ:11I;

SERVICE & REPAIR

•

Brakes

Clutches • • •

Cars - People Carriers - Vans Lorries - Agricultural Vehicles

•

"On-Site Mobile Service"

•

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Exhausts

Welding We offer free Timing belts collection & delivery Shock absorbers of your vehicle or a MoTs arranged courtesy car Major engine work

YOUR SPECL4LI ST VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONING REPAIRER

Established 1996

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I PS Autoservices Ltd

^ 7r;Wp :i

F 17F,

1 Dares Road. Upper Stratton. Swindon.

Tel: 01793 700220

BRITANNIA TOWING CENTRE The BEST, BAR NONE, for quality, price and service

NEW CAR, NEW TOWBAR Are you EC24/90 compliant? We are! "

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Swindon Borough Council Toothill Ward (includes Toothill and Westlea)

Euro Members of Parliament There are seven Euro MPs representing the Swindon area.

Dr Caroline Jackson MEP (Con) 14 Bath Road, Swindon Tel: 422663 Giles Chichester (Con) Tel: 01392 491815 Neil Parish (Con) Tel: 01278 423110 Alexander Stockton (Con) Tel: 0117 963 9672 Graham Watson (Lib Dem).

Tel: 01458 259176 Glyn Ford (Lab) Tel: 0117 924 6399 Michael Holmes (UKIP) Tel: 01425 654117

Steve Wakefield (Con) Mary Martin (Con) 14 Middleleaze Drive 12 Gartons Road Shaw Middleleaze Tel: 881962 Tel: 870705

Dr Caroline Jackson MEP

4"

to

Unit 16, Station Industrial Estate, Sheppard Street, Swindon

Tel: 01793 613147

VOLVO for life

Freshbrook & Grange Park Ward (includes The Prinnells) Geraldine Robertson Chris Sheppard Judith Peppitt (Lib Dem) (Lib Dem) (Lib Dem) 4 Sheen Close 22 Tyburn Close 38 Bloomsbury Cl. Grange Park Grange Park Freshbrook Tel: 877356 Tel: 631033 Tel: 887613

• Business Sales Department w and Used Car Sales rvice (FREE collection & delivery) EE courtesy cars its and accessories

FAWCETT'S GARAGE (SWINDON) LIMITED Unix 1. Cailenders, Paddington Drive

Churchward Park, Swindon SN5 7YW. Tel: 01793 881110

Shaw and Nine Elms Ward (includes Ramleaze. Middleleaze, Peatmoor & Sparcells) Gary Perkins (Con) Nick Martin Douglas Stewart 57 Oakbourne Park (Con) (Con) Liden 12 Gartons Road 1 Newmeadow Tel: 527806 Middleleaze Copse, Peatmoor Tel: 870705 Tel: 882550

REPRESENTATION MP for Swindon North Michael Wills MP (Lab) Pinehurst Peoples Centre Olive Grove. Swindon Tel: 481016

WQ

The North Swindon area is covered by two parish councils: Blunsdon Parish Council (St Andrew's Ridge, Ash Brake, north part of Abbey Meads) 18 Malthouse Close Blunsdon Clerk: Mrs R Smith. Tel: 705617 Haydon Wick Parish Council (Haydon Wick, Greenmeadow, part of Woodhall Park, most of Abbey Meads, Taw Hill) Home Ground, Haydon Wick Clerk: Mrs S Martin. Tel: 722446

Swindon Borough Council Abbey Meads Ward (includes St Andrew's Ridge, Ash Brake and Priory Vale) Dr Charles Lister Peter Stoddart Justin Tomlinson (Con) (Con) (Con) 165 Whitworth Road 16 Portmore Close 68 Ravenglass Road, Rodbourne Cheney Sparcells Westlea Tel: 490 182 Tel: 87 9127 Tel: 87388

COMPLETE PROPERTY SERVICES (Formerly Merlin Property Services)

+ Bathrooms Kitchens + RenoN ations + Alterations + Industrial maintenance

Q

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39

V NCAN SELF DRIVE HIRE Zlacvc.G^aca2 Rc_c G^—oa-t

Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates Cars • Vans • Luton Tail-Lifts

+ Plumbing + Electrical + UPVC Doors & Windows + Carpentry + Floor & wall tiling Painting & decorating

272 Ermin Street Stratton St. Margaret. Swindon

Tel: 822193 Radio de-coding while you wait FREE PARKING Open daily 8.30am - 5.30pm Sundays 8.30am - 9,30am

Mobile: 07785 522377 Tel: 01793 616170

VISA

M.O.T.

Cars • Motorcycles

01793 428430 More than just your local bus company

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Corporation Street, Swindon SN1 1 DS Haydon Wick Ward Brenda Craven (Con) 71 Avonmead Green meadow Tel: 723493

Ian Dobie (Con) 21 Darius Way Abbey Meads Tel: 706463

David Rennard (Con) 5 Borage Close Haydon Wick Tel: 638552

'1

±1 Moredon Ward (includes Woodhall Park, Pembroke Park.

Taw Hill) Jim D'Avila (Lab) Maureen Caton Derique Montaut (Lab) 5 Southernwood (Lab) 61 Olive Grove Drive 32 Carraway Drive Swindon Woodhall Park Meadow Park Tel: 705044 Tel: 7240 29 Tel: 343507

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Providing friendly & efficient * servicing * engine & gearbox rebuilds * electrical repairs * brake and clutch repairs '* cam belt replacement CONDITIONING * * MOT repairs serviced & repair p

* salles

on all makes of car

OPTIMA Tel: (01793) 840667 email: optima-wb@freenet.co.uk www.optima-wb.co.uk

39b Station Road, Wootton Bassett (Opposite St Ivel) ALL MAKES OF CAR SERVICED AND REPAIRED

40

i

i

HEALTH

'0, NORTH

Superglide SOLUTION Maintenance free UPVC fascia boards cladding & guttering Expertly fitted at DIY prices

F Isla? SURVIY NO DEPOSIT Work it out for yourself 20' fascia board fitted £ 60 20' fascia & gutter fitted £135 20' fascia, soffit & gutter £205 £130 20' fascia & soffit (prices correct at time of publication)

First choice for: •: Fitted bathrooms v Kitchens :• Sliding door wardrobes •: Bedside chests Dressing tables • Bookcases Everything made to measure Wide range of styles & furniture For a free estimate, call

Superglide 01793 861584

J.F.K BUILDING

SERVICES Extensions, Alterations, Renovations All aspects of garden

For a free quote

construction including fencing All general building work

e-mail: rapers@tinyworld.co.uk

Tel: Mr J.F. Keenan (01793) 727824

I DOCTORS PRACTISING IN WEST SWINDON Ashington House Surgery, Ashington Way. Westlea. Tel: 614840 Freshbrook Surgery. Freshbrook Village Centre. Tel: 870494 Phoenix Surgery, Toothill Village Centre, Dunwich Drive, Toothill.

Tel: 600440 Ridge Green Medical Centre. Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive.

Tel: 874894 Sparcells Surgery, Midwinter Close, Peatmoor Village Centre.

Tel: 881928 DOCTORS PRACTISING IN HAYDON WICK & MOREDON Moredon Surgery, Moredon Road. Tel: 342222 North Swindon Practice, Home Ground Surgery, Thames Avenue, Haydon Wick. Tel: 705777 DOCTORS PRACTISING IN NORTH SWINDON Abbey Meads Medical Practice, Elstree Way, Abbey Meads.

Tel: 709100, general 709111 Taw Hill Medical Practice, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Taw Hill. www.tawhillsurgery,nhs.uk Tel: 709500 WEST SWINDON HEALTH CENTRE, Link Avenue, West Swindon Centre. Tel: 877233 DENTISTS Abbey Meads Dental Practice, Village Centre. Tel: 726288 Brendon Ball & Associates, Freshbrook. Tel: 873044 Thomas, Huws and Associates, West Swindon Centre. Tel: 872340 Shaw Village Dental Practice, Shaw Village Centre. Tel: 877422 Dental Access Centres Urgent care service for non-NHS registered patients.

Appointments at West Swindon Health Centre. Tel: 889428 Swindon Health Centre. Tel: 428580 GENERAL HOSPITAL The Great Western Hospital, Commonhead. Tel: 604020

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,

SWINDON NHS WALK IN CENTRE Swindon Health Centre, Carfax Street. Swindon. Open daily, 7am to 1 0pm, no appointment necessary. Advice and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses.

NHS DIRECT 24 hour confidential helpline providing advice and information.

Tel: 0845 4647

YOUR LOCAL PVC-U MANUFACTURER • Buy direct from our factory • We make it and we fit it • High security

COMPLIMENTARY HEALTH TREATMENTS Health Hydro, Milton Road, Swindon. Tel: 465629 SWINDON WELL WOMAN CENTRE Health Hydro, Milton Road. Tel: 511064 SWINDON CARERS CENTRE 25 Morley Street, Swindon. Tel: 531133 Information, practical and emotional support for those who care for others. Open for enquiries 9am to 5pm.

• 10 year guarantee • Lowest prices

Why not let us handle everything from start to finish?

Call today 01793 790944 or 07973 232435 (evenings and weekends) The Marsh, Lower Wanborough. SN4 OAS

Who sets the Hire Standard?

• Small Plant & Equipment Hire • Specialist to Trade & DIY • Power Tool Repairs and Sales

^ U

178 Rodbourne Road p j

(Near Designer Outlet Village)

Tel: 01793 522306

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EDUCATION Education is the responsibility of Swindon Borough Council, Sanford House. Sanford Street. Swindon. Tel: 463902 PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN WEST SWINDON Brook Field School, Cartwright Drive, Shaw. Tel: 874582 Freshbrook School. Worsley Road, Freshbrook. Tel: 872800 Oliver Tomkins Church of England Aided School Infants School. Beaumaris Road, Toothill. Tel: 870471 Junior School. Beaumaris Road. Toothill. Tel: 872100 Peatmoor Community Primary School, Pepperbox Hill, Peatmoor.

Tel: 887473

THE

Shaw Ridge School. Ridge Green, Shaw. Tel: 871601

L___/ BIG'___\®

The Big Adventure Club

Salt Way School. Pearl Road, Middleleaze. Shaw. Tel: 881065 Toothill School, Stokesay Drive, Toothill. Tel: 497250 Tregoze School. Sleaford Close, Grange Park. Tel: 876800

The Big Adventure After School Clubs

provide quality affordable childcare throughout Swindon.

Westlea School. Langstone Way, Westlea. Tel: 870469 Windmill Hill School, Uxbridge Road, Freshbrook. Tel: 870224 PRIMARY SCHOOLS SERVING HAYDON WICK, WOODHALL PARK, ABBEY MEADS AND TAW HILL Abbey Meads Community School, Hugo Drive, Abbey Meads.

Tel: 723239 Bridlewood School, Chartwell Road, Red House. Telephone not connected at time of going to press. Call Swindon Council on 463902 Catherine Wayte School, Elstree Way, Abbey Meads. Tel: 727405 Greenmeadow School, Penn Close. Haydon Wick. Tel: 521141

For more information on your nearest club, telephone Peter or Tracey on 01793 875992

Haydonleigh School, Hayden Court Drive, Haydon Wick. Tel: 700443 Haydon Wick School. The Brow, Haydon Wick. Tel: 706606 Moredon Infants School, Akers Way, Moredon. Tel: 535992 Moredon Junior School. Akers Way, Moredon. Tel: 535792 ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS

SCHOOLWEAR

AVAILABLE ALL-YEAR-ROUND!

Blazers • Sweatshirts • Knitwear • Trousers • Skirts • Blouses • Shirts • Shoes • T-shirts • Polo shirts • Football shorts Cycle shorts • Sports socks • Judo & karate suits & belts • Dancewear OFFICIAL STOCKISTS OF Guide Association Uniform • Scout Association Uniform • Linzi Jay Communion Wear & Christening Gowns •

Hush Puppies Shoes

Serving West Swindon Holy Rood Infants School. Groundwell Road. Swindon Tel: 523802 Holy Rood Junior School, Upham Road, Swindon. Tel: 527679 Serving Haydon Wick and Woodhall Park St Mary's Primary School, Bessemer Road East, Pinehurst Tel: 523850 St Catherine's Primary School, Davenwood, Upper Stratton Tel: 822699 SECONDARY SCHOOLS SERVING WEST SWINDON Bradon Forest School (11 - 16 years) Reid's Piece. Purton. Tel: 770570 Greendown Community School (11 - 16 years) Grange Park Way. Grange Park. West Swindon. Tel: 874224 The Ridgeway School (11 - 18 years) Inverary Road, Wroughton. Tel: 812824 SERVING HAYDON WICK, WOODHALL PARK, ABBEY MEADS, ST. ANDREW'S RIDGE, ASH BRAKE, PRIORY VALE, TAW HILL Hreod Parkway School (11 -16) Akers Way. Moredon. Swindon. Tel: 527999 Headlands School (11 - 16) Cricklade Road. Swindon. Tel: 723625 ROMAN CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL St Joseph's School (11 - 18 years) Upper School, Nythe Road, Swindon. Tel: 825999 Lower School, Queens Drive, Swindon. Tel: 536393 EDUCATION FOR 16 - 18 YEAR OLDS New College, Helston Road. Park North. Swindon. Tel: 611470 Swindon College. Regent Circus, Swindon. Tel: 491591 ADULT EDUCATION New College. Tel: 611470 Swindon College. Freephone 0800 731 2250

W J `^

EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY University of Bath in Swindon, Oakfield Campus, Marlowe Avenue, Park South. Swindon. Tel: 690909

CHILDREN 0 to 14 years Free information from Swindon Children's Information Service, 13 Market Street, Swindon. Tel: 541786. 9.30am - 4.30pm weekdays.

MORTGAGES/

REMORTGAGES, OVERBORROWED

THE WORKERS' EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION WEA Swindon Women's Branch.Tel: 618233 (24 hour answerphone).

CCJ'S. BANKRUPTCY, CREDIT CARDS

DANCE, ARTS & MEDIA The Arts Centre. Devizes Road, Swindon. Tel: 614837

I COULD HELP

Cre8 Studios, Town Hall, Regent Circus, Swindon. Tel: 463224 Workshops or one to one sessions in video/film making. script writing.

Stop seeing 1

Swindon Dance, Town Hall, Regent Circus, Swindon. Tel: 463210

Da Nurse School r HeadstartsDay-Nursery

"^ .

i

Established 1990

Delta Business Park, Westlea. West Swindon Headstart s is a friendly, `family' nursery offering a warm, happy and relaxed environment where ever y child benefits from individual attention.

Conveniently located within afew minutes drive from M4 Junction 16, Town Centre, Westlea and Abbey Meads. t

I

q Real value for money. From £108 per week full time

I

1

q Funded child-care credits available."' q Government Funded Nurse ry Sessions' Claim up to £37 wo rt h of Nursery Credits per child per week.

For fu rt her information or to arrange a visit, please call Alison on 877779.

G

43

WORRIED ABOUT DEBT?

OLDER PEOPLE The University of the Third Age (U3A) advances the education of retired people. Tel: 431679

q Monday — Friday 8am till 6pm all year q Sessions for 0 - 5 year olds . am, pm, school day, all day.

NORTH

i

Start seeing a future.

D & L Blinds

For a sympathetic ear and a fully confidential chat, call Swindon based

Rollers • Verticals • Venetians Pleated Blinds • VELUX® Conservatory Blinds QUALITY BLINDS AT

RON WEBB, Independent Financial Adviser

AFFORDABLE PRICES

Office: 01635 43515 Mobile: 077110 412849

Fast and reliable service Evenings & weekends no problem All blinds fitted free

THE HOPWOOD ASH FINANCIAL PLANNING CONSULTANCY 6 Oxford Road. Newbury. Berkshire

Choose from a hide range of fabrics front the comfort

Your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loans secured on it. Loans subject to lenders terms and conditions, written details on request

of your ow,i home

Contact Paul on 01793 619428 'Conditions apply "Rates may va ry

FREE QUOTES NO OBLIGATION

wdcowe-

• quality awnings motorised or

James Butcher Housing

manual

Association provides a

stylish canopies free quotation full 'at home'

wide choice of quality,

affordable housing for

service

those in retirement in the

Swindon area.

Tel: 01672 515622 www.jbha.co.uk

measured, made and

fitted phone us now

James Butcher Housing Association Providing accommodation throughout the central and south of England.

A charity, incorporated as an Industrial and Provident Society No. 16602 R.

0800 587 6434 9am-9pm 7 days a week evening and weekend appointments always available

visit us at www.hillarys.co.uk

Hillarys are proud to support

WORSHIP

44 /J Y '0, NORTH

"GRA41

ACCOUNTANC Specialists in PVCU, windows, doors and conservatories.

• Business Start Up • Book-Keeping • Annual Accounts • Self Assessment Tax Short & long term assistance and projects Free initial meeting

.

-3}

Tel: 01793 848177 or 770596 ?2 Ravens Walk, Wootton Bassett,

Tel: 01793 871790 Free phone: 0800 5422 778 www.graaccountancy.co.uk

LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUALITY?

¶eter ^albraith Handbuilt fitted bedrooms

Toothill Church, Toothill Village Centre Rev Mark Roper (Methodist), 77 Tattershall. Toothill. Tel: 692620 Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre Rev Steven Skinner, The Vicarage. Old Shaw Lane. Tel: 770568 All Saints' Church, Lydiard Millicent Rev Peter Knight (Anglican), The Vicarage, The Butts, Lydiard Millicent. Tel: 772417 Westlea Church, Westlea School Rev Dick Gray (URC). Tel: 01666 860643 CHURCHES IN HAYDON WICK AND WOODHALL PARK St John's Church. Thames Avenue. Haydon Wick Rev Raymond Adams. 54 Furlong Close, Haydon Wick. Tel: 634258

THE CHURCH IN NORTH SWINDON Abbey Meads Local Ecumenical Partnership. Enquiries about services and church organisations should be made to a member of the Local Ecumenical Partnership team.

+ Manufactured individually to customer requirements

Tel: 01793 526335

St Mary's Church. Lydiard Park. (Freshbrook & Grange Park) Rev Ann Mackenzie (Anglican), 1 Brandon Close, Grange Park.

Tel: 870244

Emmanuel United Reformed Church, High Street, Haydon Wick Rev Andrew Francis, 81 High Street. Haydon Wick. Tel: 705484

♦ Individual handbuilt finish on all bedrooms

Choose from over 40 different finishes - hardwood, pine sprayed and vinyl wrapped

UNITED CHURCHES IN WEST SWINDON Enquiries about services and church organisations should be made to a member of the Local Ecumenical Partnership team, or to the Partnership Administrator, Rachel Williams, at the Church Office, Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre. Tel: 874221

Church of Christ the Servant, Abbey Meads Village Centre.

Rev Brian Sweetman. Tel: 706558 Woodworking since 1969: an e.vicellent finish and

Taw Hill Worship Centre and Blunsdon St Andrew's Church.

Rev Ruth Cram (Anglican). Tel: 701353. Enquiries concerning baptisms and weddings should be made to 523168

personal service guaranteed,

all at an affordable price

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES St Peter's Church. Carronbridge Road, Westlea.

Father Michael Saunders. Tel: 874400 St Mary's Church, Tovey Road, Pinehurst.

Father Liam Slattery. Tel: 535089

C^

01

.

Community Dividend Scheme A minimum of 1% of the Society's profits are

INDEPENDENT CHURCHES Freshbrook Evangelical Church. Worsley Road, Freshbrook.

Rev David Earnshaw. Tel: 873050 North Swindon Baptist Church. Worship at Greenmeadow School.

Pastor Steve Mann. Tel: 320172 Swindon Family Church. Tel: 849731 SWINDON BAHA'I COMMUNITY Health Hydro, Milton Road. Tel: 465715 MUSLIM EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL GROUP Jamia Mohammadia runs Arabic language classes at Greendown School. Details from 874224

returned to projects to benefit the local community through the b

CO-OPERATIVE FUNERAL SERVICE yr, ^`° n

Dyslexic pupils attending Hreod Parkway School will have access to portable word processors to help them in their studies thanks to an £800 grant from

the community dividend scheme. Pictured are Andrew Fleet, headteacher, John Hambidge and Jan Jones from Coop Funerals, Temple Street Community Mrs Blandford. learning support teacher and front, pupils Gary Roach Dividend Scheme, and Josh Molton

Oxford, Swindon & Gloucester

SWINDON

439 Cricklade Road (01793) 534759 & Temple House, 4/5 Temple Street b

(The closest funeral director to the Registrar)

(01793) 491091

If you think a project

you know of could qualify for a grant of up to £ I ,000, call 01865 256235 for details.

oFFL^

♦♦1

24 hour service Private Chapels of Rest • Monumental masonry Funeral pre-payment plans

www.mywishes.coop

7^^7

MEETING PLACES

NORTH 45

Venues 1 to 8 are managed by Community Education Services,

Swindon Borough Council. Tel: 466486 to make a booking.

• • r

o

• 1'

1. Community Room at Freshbrook School (capacity 50) 2. Community Room at Westlea School (capacity 50) 3. Sunshine Room at Westlea School (capacity 60) 4. Toothill Farm House, Bodiam Drive. Toothill 5. Upper Shaw Farm Centre, Ridge Green. Shaw 6. Sparcells Social Hall. Sparcells Drive, Sparcells 7. Roughmoor Social Hall. Swinley Drive, Peatmoor.

8. Penhill Community Centre.

9. Peatmoor Community Primary School, Pepperbox Hill, Peatmoor. Tel: 887473. Rooms for community use, main school hall, floodlit all-weather sports surface.

10. Abbey Meads Community Primary School, Hugo Drive, Abbey Meads. Tel: 705617. Rooms for community use,

At Olga's Hair Studio our talented team of stylists offer you a superior hairdressing service within a friendly and relaxed atmosphere at our modern Shaw village salon.

If you are after a new style, cut or colour call in for a free informal consultation or phone 874825 to book an appointment Open: Tuesday & Wednesday:9am-6prim; Thursday & Friday: 9am-7pm Saturday: 8.30am - 3.30pm Special discounts fdj , senior citizens Tuesdays & Wednesdays Unit 3 Ramleaze Huse Shaw Village Centre. Tel: 874825

main school hall, all-weather sports surface. * Halls and rooms at other primary schools are available

for hire. Telephone numbers on page 42.

11. Greendown Community School, Grange Park Way, Grange Park (open all year). Tel: 874224 Drama studio, gym and sports hall, all-weather sports surface.

12. Hreod Parkway School, Akers Way. Moredon. Tel: 527999 Sports hall. school hall, gym, classrooms.

13. Link Centre, Link Avenue, Westlea. Tel: 445566 Community Suite with large hall and smaller meeting rooms.

14. Haydon Centre, Thames Avenue, Haydon Wick. Tel: 706666 Multi-purpose sports hall, two meeting rooms and four function rooms.

15. North Swindon Library, North Swindon District Centre. Tel: 707120 16. Toothill Community Centre, The Village Centre, Dunwich Drive. Toothill. Tel: 614492

ADVANCED AERIAL & SATELLITE SERVICES Sky I)igital authorised installer FreeView installation • On call until l Opm 7 days a week • FM aerials • European & motorised satellite systems • All work guaranteed • Free estimates • Security and CCTV systems

Tel/Fax: 01793 705945 Mobile: 07939 425067

For ce & friendly advice on our •t' ^ full range of Gutter/Fascia systems professionally installed and guaranteed. CALL US ON

Tel: 855700 / 855800 • Fax: 840139 Unit 23&24 Oaklands Ind , Est. Braydon, Swindon

17. Freshbrook Community Centre, The Village Centre, Worsley Road. Tel: 871017 18. Moredon Community Centre, The Street. Moredon.

Hall (capacity 150) & meeting room (capacity 25).

Contact: Mrs S White. Tel: 527671 19. Freshbrook Church. Tel: 873050 20. Toothill Church, Dunwich Drive.

Contact: John Trebble. Tel: 527688

S

CONSERVATORIES WINDOWS & DOORS UPVC FASCIA &

INSTALLATIONS

GUTTERING

21. Emmanuel Church. High Street. Hayden Wick.

Contact: Mrs S Martin. Tel: 721552 or 722446 22. St John's Church, Thames Avenue, Haydon Wick.

Rev Raymond Adams. Tel: 634258 23. Church of Christ the Servant, Abbey Meads Village Centre.

Contact: Malcolm and Elaine Trevena. Tel: 725312

TIP

d_^" I

CHARISMA BLINDS

ainbow of colours for r home this Autumn! he rainbow at Charisma Blinds The factory - the place for quality and value rr Manufacturers and suppliers of all types of blinds Full fitting service or cash and carry Factory showroom open Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm Friday 9.30am - 5pm. Saturday 1 Oam - 4pm BSS House, Cheney Manor Ind. Est., Swindon. Tel: 01793 434584

Make your dream a reality FENSA eresoTesuucoWAII

• Free 3D dimension drawing • References available on request

10 YEAR GUARANTEE

• Free survey and quotations

Tel/Fax 01793 331551 Mobile 07775 621764 Mobile 07799 284998

46

W7 3 `?

NORTH USEFUL 'PHONE NUMBERS

Advice, support & counselling Alcohol Advisory Centre. Tel: 695405

Age Concern Swindon 14 Milton Road, Swindon. Tel: 692166.

Citizens Advice Bureau, Faringdon Road, Swindon. Also at Pinehurst Peoples Centre. Tel: 08450 505155

Childcare Children's Information Service. 13 Market Street, Swindon.Tel: 541786

Community Mediation Swindon, 54 Victoria Road. Swindon. Tel: 484383 Service to help neighbours resolve disputes.

Community Transport Dial-A-Ride. Tel: 616050

Cruse. Tel: 619933 Counselling for the bereaved.

Druglink. Tel 610133

Disability Disability Information Centre. Tel: 537588

Swindon Counselling Service. Tel: 514550

Swindon Coalition of Disabled People. Tel: 430045

Rape Support Helpline. Freephone 080 8800 1 144

Family advice, information and support North Swindon Family Centre. Atworth Close, Penhill. Tel: 705810 West Swindon Family and Community Project, 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook. Tel: 871303

Relationships Family Mediation Service, 34 Milton Road, Swindon. Tel: 527285 Help for divorcing and separating parents and their children.

Marriage Care (Catholic advice service). Tel: 821818 Relate. Tel 527664. Advice and help with relationship problems.

Samaritans. Tel: 537373 Victim Support Wiltshire. Tel: 01380 729476

Information Safer Swindon Shop, 38 Havelock Street. Swindon. Tel: 525114 Swindon Information Centre, 37 Regent Street, Swindon. Tel: 530328 Leisure centres Broome Manor Golf Complex, Pipers Way. Swindon.Tel: 495761 Delta Tennis Centre, Delta Business Park, Westlea. Tel: 465491 County Ground, County Road, Swindon. Active Lifestyle Centre, outdoor facilities include athletics track.Tel: 511033/617782 Haydon Centre, Thames Avenue, Haydon Wick.Tel: 706666 Health Hydro, Milton Road. Swindon. Tel: 465629/465630 Link Centre, Westlea. Tel: 465443 Oasis Leisure Centre, North Star Avenue. Swindon. Tel: 445401 Outdoor recreation: to book football pitches. Tel: 464788 Libraries Central Library, Regent Circus. Swindon.

Lending, tel: 463238. Reference. tel: 463240 West Swindon Library, Link Centre, Westlea. Tel: 465555 Moredon Library, Church Walk North, off Moredon Road. Tel: 464490 North Swindon Library, North Swindon Centre. Tel: 707120 Race relations Swindon Racial Equality Council, 1 Faringdon Road, Swindon. Tel: 528545 Advice on immigration, nationality and support in cases of discrimination.

Recycling Swindon Borough Council Recycling and Waste policy officer. Tel: 464536 Swindon Scapstore makes available quality paper, card, plastic containers, anything clean and usable, to community groups like playgroups and after school clubs. Tel: 513982 Refuse Refuse collection is undertaken by Swindon Services. Tel: 463463 Call for free disposal of large items i.e. furniture, electrical equipment.

Max three items. Does not include garden or building refuse, paint, oils.

Take these items to Barnfield Road Waste Disposal & Recycling site.

Social Security Spring Gardens House, Princes Street, Swindon. Tel: 489600 Swindon Borough Council Civic Offices, Euclid Street. Swindon. Tel: Swindon 463000 Education and youth services, social services, town planning, industrial development, housing. council tax, public cleansing, open spaces, leisure, recreation, community development, roads and footpaths.

1 Trading Standards Premier House. Station Road, Swindon. Tel: 466154 Voluntary organisations and volunteering Voluntary Action Swindon, 1 John Street, Swindon. Tel: 402090 Information on voluntary work is available through Swindon Volunteers.

Tel: 420557 Women's Refuge from Violence Swindon Women's Refuge. Tel: 536447 Welfare Benefits Advice Points Wiltshire Law Centre, 115 - 118 Commercial Road, Swindon.

Tel: 486926/7 West Swindon Advice Centre. 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook.

Tel: 871303.

www.swind nlink.com

â&#x20AC;˘ NORTH

47

AT YOUR SERVICE THE ADVERTISERS PROVIDING SERVICES TO READERS OF THE LINK MAGAZINE Accountancy, Tax & Legal Services Carter Read & Dove GRAAccountancy J Savage Book-keeping Tax Assist Direct

p3 p44 p34 p34

Airport Transport Services Airports Direct

p35

Art & Craft Supplies Framework Art & Craft Sew Craft

p29 p37

Beauty & Weight Loss The Beauty Room De Vere Hotel Kelly's Salon Professional Laser Clinic Slimming World Slim on Down Sugaring Weight Watchers

p3 p21 p37 p16 p21 p29 p36 p37

Bicycles & Scooters Bike Doctor Express Cycles Swindon Cycles Superstore CycleCare Purton

p3 p2 p21 p37

Builders & Property Maintenance AL Services p32 AMI Skips p31 D & G House Maintenance p33 GMS p32 GP Building p32 JFK Building Services p40 J & R Carpentry p33 LS Property Services p39 Maintain Property p6 Palm Joinery p33 Paul Rhind p33 Rubbish Clearance p35 Builders - uPVC Guttering, Cladding Swindon Fascia The Fitting Crew

p45 p40

Car & Van Hire Duncan Van Hire

p39

Car Maintenance Britannia Towing Centre Cool 18 IPS Autoservices Optima Thamesdown Transport

p38 p38 p38 p39 p39

Car Sales Fawcett's Garage

p38

Charity Donations Co-operative Society Children Big Adventure Children's Information Service Jolly Roger Chiropractic Clinic Sandra Davies Chiropody Lesley Taylor

p44 p42 p13 p29 p17 p17

Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure that details contained in WEST & NORTH and The Link are accurate, the publishers cannot take responsibility for errors in information or changes made after publication.

The contents of WEST & NORTH and The Link are protected by copyright. Reproduction is forbidden without prior consent of the publishers.

Churches Freshbrook Evangelical Church p8 North Swindon Baptist Church p8 Swindon Family Church p8 West Swindon Churches p8

Drain Clearance Accurod

Cleaning Services Helping Hands Just the Job Oven Clean Ramsay Window Cleaning Cliff Whiteway

Education & Pre -School Childminder p13 Fast Forward p15 Headstarts Day Nursery School p43 Kumon Maths p13 p12 & p13 Meadowpark School New College p10 & p14 Personal Tutorials p14 Swindon College p19 p12 Teddies Nurseries p12 Tumble Tots

p35 p35 p35 p35 p34

Clothes, Jewellery, Hats & Shoes Blaylocks p23 Deacons p20 Juvals p24 p23 Mad Hatter National Schoolwear Centres p42 Community Facilities Abbey Meads School

p14

Complimentary Therapy Amethyst Crystal Healing A H Associates Cherri Ann Matthews Simone Campbell Hilary Norris-Evans Pure Essence Taw Hill Medical Practice FJ Taylor, Reiki Master

p36 p17 p17 p16 p17 p36 p16 p17

Computer & Internet Services PC Services Practical Applications Sigma Computer Solutions www.uklinks4.com

p36 p18 p34 p18

Conservatories & Double Glazing p44 Changes p40 Chelworth Windows Dynamic Conservatories p37 Ermin Windows p1 Kingfisher p46 Nathan Perkins p33 S&G Installations p33 & p45 Curtains & Blinds Albany Blinds Charisma Blinds Complete Curtain Service D & L Blinds DR Textiles Hillary's Blinds Hillary's Awnings

p4 p45 p3 p43 p43 p18 p43

Decorators A&M Decorators Brushrite Decotex GK Decorators James O'Sullivan

p32 p32 p36 p32 p32

Decorating Materials Brewers

p6

Disability Mobility Products Olivia Reeves

p41

Doctors & Dentists Abbey Meads Dental Practice Phoenix Surgery Ridge Green Medical Centre Shaw Dental Practice Taw Hill Medical Practice

p16 p17 p16 p16 p17

Domestic Appliance Servicing A Suds p35 John Phillips Servicing p35 p34 Washcare

DVD Transfer DVD Pictures VHS to DVD

p35 p34 p2

Electrical Services p34 Bassett Electrical NewTech p33 Dave Ody p33 SP Selley p32 Shaw Electrical & Plumbing Ltd p32 Wadsworth Electrical p33

Hairdressers Olga's Hair Studio

p45

Heating, Gas and Plumbing Services Accurod GasCare MJ Plumbing MPS Plumbing Rob Hall Heating & Plumbing Shire Bathrooms Quality Plumbing & Heating

p32 p35 p33 p43 p33 p32 p33

House Sales Redrow Homes

p7

Housing Association James Butcher Housing

p43

Ironing Jackie & Donna Creaseless Ironing Service

p35 p35

Kitchens Craftsman Kitchens Steve George

p5 p33

Mortgages Hopwood Ash Financial Mansfield Begbie Associates

p43 p9

Entertainment & Leisure Great Western Maze Link Centre Roves Farm Studley Grange Leisure Park Swindon & Cricklade Railway Wyvern Theatre

p27 p48 p29 p26 p25 p23

Music Classes, Drama & Dance p12 Jo Jingles Piano Lessons p36 Stagecoach Theatre School p5

Fitness, Health & Sports Achieve Success DeVere Hotel Greenmeadow Badminton Link Centre Prime Bodies Fitness Centre Sarah Nash Tae Kwon Do

p20 p28 p21 p48 p1 p20

Flooring PJJ Flooring Services

Pet Care Abbey Meads Vet Animal Portraits Creature Comforts Paws Dog Grooming Pets at Home PetShed Shaw Vet Thameswood Vet

p22 p2 p22 p22 p22 p22 p22 p22

p33

French Polishing Adrian Henry

p34

Pharmacies Cooper Chemist Freshbrook Pharmacy

p17 p17

Gifts & Cards Animal Portraits Deacons Pheonix Trader

p2 p20 p36

Funeral Services Co-Op Funeral Service Furnishing & Fabrics Faringdon Upholstery Superglide Wardrobes

p44 p37 p40

Garage Doors Swindon Door Services

p32

Garden Services, Supplies AMI Skips AWBS Blackfords Chris Reed CL Timber D & G Garden Maintenance Eden Landscapes Garden Doctor Garden Groomers Gazebo Landscaping Horticare Kudos Fencing Landserve Lawn Hoppers Mr Rotavator M Smith Landscapes Timber Decking Company

p31 p31 p31 p34 p31 p33 p31 p31 p30 p31 p30 p30 p31 p30 p31 p31 p30

Plastering 1st Call Plastering p32 Brian Jones Plastering Services p32 Removals & Storage Abbey Move Dennis' s Removal The Man With a Van

p34 p34 p34

Restaurants, Pubs & Takeaways Abbey Meads Rendezvous p14 & p46 Maharajah p1 Nine Elms Pub p28 p25 Pizza Hut North Swindon p24 Taw-ny Owl Pub Situations Vacant Computer work Kumon Maths Link Distributors

p35 p13 p26

Sunbed hire Debs Sunbeds

p35

Superstore Asda

p11

Tool Hire Brewster Hire Centre

p40

TV Repairs & Aerial Services Aerial & Television Services Advanced Aerial Services Chris Payne Aerials Gogglebox Swindon Satellite & Aerials

p34 p45 p35 p35 p34

SAVE MONEY - ASK ABOUT t OUR X-TRAINING PASSPORT

QIllI

Broome Manor

495761

County Ground

514401

Croft Sports Centre

526622

Dorcan Sports Complex

533763

Haydon Centre

706666

Health Hydro

465630

Link Centre

445566

Oasis Leisure Centre

445401

The Rec, Highworth

762602

Swindo n Ser â&#x201A;¬^

www.swindon.gov.uk/sporting

vices

Swmnon OOP.%GH court .