September 2004 Swindon Link

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No. 268 • September 2004 • Circulation 24,000 llr on ju-so/iably prowl of the qualilt of our firodurtc and ow re/ ulahion for reliable service and alteration Ia detail

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Rain water drainage issues will be discussed at the newly formed West Swindon Area Forum which will hold its first meeting on Monday 13 September, 7.30pm, in the Link Centre. See page 4 for details.

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The Link Magazine • September 2004

Dancing the years away

THE SULLIVAN SCHOOL OF DANCE

Well known dance teacher Jenny Sullivan celebrates twenty-five years since she opened her first class at Freshbrook Community Centre.

"There were only a handful of Thousands have enjoyed her dance school, including children houses in Freshbrook and the cenof her first pupils. tre was in the middle of a field. r^^ She now employs Gemma where the shops would be built.

Pixton, who was in one of those We had to walk about three hun very first classes aged two. It was dred yards from Cottington Close at Gemma's wedding to former togettothebuildingbecausethere _ .

Greendown School friend Jamie was no car park. y, Thompson in July when Jenny re "The classes moved into the per . alised that an important anniver- manent centre when it opened in sary was about to take place.

1984, and we're still there."

Jenny, just out of college, first Jenny launched the Sullivan ti started teaching for the Thames- School of Dance in 1981 and develdown Dance outreach programme oped classes all over Swindon. She / 5irflicaii ai.i Cornier pupil in social halls around the town in was helped by her mother who and now teacher in her dance school 1979 and recalls the wooden hut will be remembered for collecting Gemma Pixton that served as Freshbrook Com- the money from parents whilst a Sharlene Lester joined the busimunity Centre before the perma- scrum of children got changed ness as a partner in 2002 and now nent building arrived, ready to start their class. teaches the majorityof classes with A Sullivan School of Dance show at the Wyvern in 1984.

Gemma, whilst Jenny looks after Genmia Pixton is on the right of the picture the ever increasing administration from her home in Shaw.

"When I started the choice of activities was limited and school friends would join as a group," said Jenny. "Now the range of things children can do after school is huge. But dance is just as popular as it ever was because of exposure on TV and parents are still keen to introduce their children to it, often because they attended classes and enjoyed taking part."

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The Link Magazine • September 2004 3

Alternative town plan puts education and culture at the centre

`o VA1 Charles Lucas & Marshall

P R I VAT E

A university should be the mainstay of any proposals to renew and develop Swindon town centre says the Swindon Civic Trust - not more offices, business parks and housing.

Reacting to outline ideas put for- herent proposals put forward by ing studies or assessments of the ward by the New Swindon Com- the New Swindon Company in economic viability of our plans. At pany, the town's urban regenera- July, and its failure to make provi- this stage the broad principles of where the town is going is most tion body, publicised in the Au- sion for the university.

"The company's own economic important. gust Link, the Trust is arguing that the renewal of Swindon would be planning consultants Roger Tym "I should point out that the New better achieved by having a uni- and Partners have stated that at- Swindon Company's plans in2003 versity at its heart rather than on tracting a significant presence to are different to those put forward the edge. the town centre from either or both in 2004, but they expect us to acThe University of Bath has de- the University of Bath and Oxford cept them." clared that there is no alternative Brooks University would have trePeter Andrews, Chief Executive, to building an out of town campus mendous benefits. This would The New Swindon Company, refor 10,000 students, next to the come directly from employment, futed the criticisms from the Civic Great Western Hospital, on land spending by students and employ- Trust by saying the University of offered free by property develop- ees and good quality buildings, as Bath were planning to include an ers - providing 1,800 houses can be well as the demand for central area arts department in the town cenbuilt there as well. housing for employees and stu- tre. "The project areas announced However a fierce argument to dents.

by The New Swindon Company preserve the green space around "There would also be huge indi- are the result of detailed economic Coate Water is raging. In a compe- rect benefits to business of all kinds analysis and public consultation, tition organised by the Civic Trust and sizes plus a massive boost to which included the Civic Trust. last year, the country park was the image and marketing value of "We agree with the importance voted by Swindon people as their Swindon as a whole and Central the Civic Trust has placed on a favourite place.

Swindon in particular. new university. However, a new university will not prove the panacea to Swindon's regeneration; it must be considered in a broader economic context and as part of an integrated regeneration framework which also considers other commercial, retail, cultural and education provision."

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Alternative view for the town from the Civic Trust members, from left, John Monniott, Martha Parry, Alan Hayward

The New Swindon Company's "The Trust starts from the viewbrief is to create a framework plan point that the long term future sucfor future land use and assemble cess of Swindon will be built sites for development. Much of the around the university at its heart land is owned by Swindon Coun- with the rest of the town centre cil, one of the partners in the com- developed around it.

"The land at North Star close to pany.

After two years' market research the Research Councils and the new into what Swindon needs to have Swindon College would be ideal to give a leading commercial and for an urban university - built upretail presence in the region, in- wards - rather than sprawling cluding a public consultation ex- across an out of town location. ercise in 2003, the company has "With so many sites now or soon identified areas of the town centre to become available for redevelopto be used for offices, shopping ment - much of it owned by the and 1,300 dwellings at North Star. council - Swindon has a historic It has accepted the University of opportunity to create an inteBath's view that land in the town grated, coherent vision of the long centre is now too expensive and term." that it would be inefficient to have Mr Monniott added that the New departments in buildings dotted Swindon Company had two years around the middle. to come up with their ideas, but However Civic Trust chairman the Trust had come up with its John Monniott said, "we were dis- alternatives in two weeks. "We appointed at the shallow and inco- make no apology for not produc-

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The Link Magazine • September 2004

West Area Forum creates opportunity to get real community discussion going Shaw Forest, safe routes to school and Westlea floods on the agenda for first meeting in September An experiment by Swindon Council to bring the work of the council closer to its citizens through Area Panels has been dumped. But councillors now have the chance to work with their communities to set up consultation arrangements suitable to local circumstances.

Area panels were set up in 2000 when the cabinet system was introduced to streamline the work of local government. Originally there were six covering groups of wards, meeting every other month, where officers and councillors woulddiscuss council wide and local issues at a convenient venue.

In 2002 they were cut down to four, meeting every three months.

The West panel, covering a discreet part of the town and meeting in West Swindon, was combined with Penhill, Gorse Hill, Western Ward and Moredon.

Having no natural centre, the panel had to meet at the civic offices and became a neutered talking shop for councillors with few citizens paying attention.

The North Swindon panel had

li mited effect because much of the area is covered by parish councils with greater powers to examine and question the work of the borough council.

To restart discussion between the council and citizens at a local level the eight councillors representing the three wards in West Swindon have agreed to organise an Area Forum on Monday- 13 Sep-

Mayor seeks to limit scope of thanks award An award set up two years ago to recognise the hard work and contribution of people to the good of the community is to be turned into a branded commodity in a deal between the newly appointed Mayor of Swindon coun Peter Stoddart and the local evening paper. promotional vehiSet up by Councillor Stan Pajak enough attention cle for one of the at the beginning of his Mayoral and has decided town's media outyear in 2002, the Swindon Citi- to do a deal with lets. This limits its ; zen's Award aimed to mark the the Evening Adscope and intro effort of individuals to improve vertiser to pro ducesunneccessary different aspects of life in Swin- mote them. controversy.

This will exdon, such as voluntary and charity ... — Former Mayor work, neighbourliness, the environ- elude the many Stan Pajak said, "the , Swindon housement and sporting achievement. award was deThe winners were chosen by the holds who do not `' mayor, his/her predecessor and buythepaperand The Lint November2002,MayorStan signed to celebrate Pojak presents the good neighbour our town's greatest the deputy mayor, and were pre- will know little azoard to Kathy Kirby from George assets, , its people.. sented with a certificate of appre- about the award.

Gardens, Shnzv The publicity for the The Link has exciation and a crystal plate.

However coun Stoddart does not pressed concern to the mayor that award was led by the council and believe the awards have received the award is to be turned into a the presentation itself encouraged press interest.

"It should not be exclusive but rather inclusive of the local media, with the focus of attention being _• on the winners. There have been _ some really fantastic people who richly deserved their moment of —

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the Link Magazine ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: Call Jenni Fowler on (01793) 872531 advertising@swindonlink.com Booking deadline: 6 September

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

It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the Roger Ogle leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Tel 101793) 872282 Swindon commenced in January 1994."

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Justturn up, no appointments necessary to meet Swindon councillors on the second Saturday of the month: • West Swindon Conservative councillors are available between 10am and 12 noon, in The Mall at the Link Centre. glory.

"I believe the award was one of • Haydon Wick ward Conservamy best achievements as mayor tive councillor Wayne Lawley, is and I would be very unhappy if it available from 9am to 10am, in the becomes devalued by this diffi- Haydon Wick Parish Council offices, Thames Avenue. culty."

Published by Swindon Publications Ltd. Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282

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tember, 7.30pm, in the community suite at the Link Centre. On the agenda will be: • Shaw Forest Country Park; • Safer routes to school in Peatmoor and Shaw; • Re-designing theShellfinchPark play area in Toothill; • Drug use in Toothill; • August floods in Westlea - who is responsible for Westlea brook?

There will also be the chance for the public to raise points of concern and ask questions of council officers that may need a later response.

Councillor Nick Martin said, "the area forums are an attempt to create a better dialogue between the community and elected representatives through discussion on local issues. Hopefully by returning meetings to the Link Centre people will attend to express their views and put forward items for future meetings."

The Link Centre has also been booked for area forums on 8 November and 10 lanuarv.

Publisher,'Editor: Ferndale Road

Editorial:

Editorial copy date for es`P way

Ooas:

233 Ferndale Road, Swindon • Tel: (01793) 53665

October: 8 September Published: 25 September Copy for November: 13 October

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 photographs require similar authority

3egistered in England & Wales. No 4513027. Registered Gfiice: 130 High Street. Hungerford. Berks. RG17 ODL. Printed by pcp. Telford

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The Link Magazine • September 2004

Restoration. Been there, done that - not getting very far Heritage is at the heart of Swindon and the town is always keen to play on its history and its contribution to the industrial revolution, but seems equally keen to rid itself of responsibility for its most important buildings, says Swindon's Mechanics' Trust, reflecting on the results of the BBC2 Restoration competition in August. not helped the Trust acquire the In the national vote to save his building through compulsory purtoric buildings on 8 August, viewchase. ers placed in third place the efforts "On TV the chief executive of of volunteers who are trying to i ^ ' English Heritage advised people t save the South Wales Workers' In totalktotheirlocalauthorityConstitution.

Officer if they wanted to save The volunteers who support the #,. a9 ^ •• Q _ save a local building. Well, we restoration of Swindon's much s Jt t^ ►^^ flrj1 ^ tl t g nth started by doing that 9 years ago _ 11!? r ' larger Mechanics' Institution, say ^! and we're still trying to convince '— the TV programme illustrated the i' v i1s^ f the council that the Mechanics' has public support for such buildings, flIF I w ,I e no viable commercial use which hich they have been arguing fo I I q ( would not result in destroYm $ t e nearly ten y ears %.;li'l ,ie^u tdV t ll^{ , qua ' building's character. ilLtUfwu7uw Th eGradeII^listedbuildingwas — 'Ill 9!I ^f t^ill' ul^li "The really important issue, excluded from the competition mid-September whether to allow chanics' has been woeful. "The because it is no longer in public the planning application to go council asked the trust to say what however, is that the original culownership. Swindon Council re- ahead or set up a planning inquiry the building could be used for and tural and educational uses are still fused to buy it from British Rail for when all the arguments on the fu- we presented ideas and drawings essential aspects of society. Swin£1 in the mid-1980s and now pri- ture of the building will be aired. in 1998. Despite the Heritage Lot- don needs the Mechanics' back in vate developer Matthew Singh is Trust coordinator Martha Parry tery and other sources of financial use as a community resource - at trying to get permission to convert said Swindon Council's reluctance support for buildings in public its centre - if it is ever to regain a part of it into appartments and to do something about the Me- ownership, Swindon Council has heart and soul." offices.

The decision on his earlier planW ning application to demolish part of the building and build a nine Jean Saunders reported in the August Link on the recent public enquiry into the Swindon and Wiltshire storey glass hotel was taken away Structure Plan which looked at the expansion of the town to 2016.

Of the many submissions to the could be reached if the town confrom Swindon Council by the GovA process called 'biological nuernment Office of the South West planning inspectors, the contribu- tinued to grow in the long term. trient removal' is being installed However, in reaction to the arti- to substantially reduce the amount earlier in the year after English tion by Thames Water engineers Heritage lodged an objection. Gov- was particularly striking when cle, Thames Water want to make it of phosphates, commonly found ernment ministers for the environ- they stated that the limit of water clear that recent major investments in detergents, being released into ment are expected to decide by supply and treatment of sewage mean that the quality of service the river. will improve in the medium term.

The work is due to be completed In December a £32 million in time for the site to meet new project to lay a second pipeline to treatment standards which will be supply water from Farmoor Res- introduced by the Environment ervoir in Oxford will be completed. Agency in April 2005.

This will also provide an alternaThe capacity of the works, which tive source of water before the com- treats sewage for 190,000 people in pany's ground extraction licence Swindon and Wroughton, will be Holder of the Seafish runs out at the end of March. increased by 25 per cent.

Award Winning Friers Quality Award The Barnfield Road sewage However Thames Water are apworks is also getting a £17 million pealing to households not to disupgrade to improve the quality of pose of rag and plastic into the THREE GOOD REASONS TO USE water discharged into the River sewage system which cause blockOUR GREAT MONEY OFF VOUCHER Ray and the sludge recycled from ages. Currently a skip full of this the works as soil conditioner for material is removed every day in If you've not used us for a while local farms. the sewage treatment process.

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Government keen for town to grow very big Also in response to Jean's article the Leader of Swindon Council coun Mike Bawden phoned to point out that Swindon could become an even faster growth point in the South West as part of the Sustainable Communities Plan published by the Deputy Prime Minister in 2002.

At this early stage the regions Some 26,000 houses will be built in Swindon between 1996 and 2016 are outlining their proposals for as specified in the current Struc- long term growth which could atture Plan, but the government tract government funding for inwants feedback from regional de- frastructure development. The case velopment agencies and local for the South West is being precouncils about accelerated expan- pared and a consultation document is expected at the end of August. sion.

Three regional consultation The town has been identified because of its track record of em- events are being proposed, the ployment and productivity growth nearest being in Weston-Superand its large labour market, and Mare, in advance of a national conalso its strategic position close to ference to review the Sustainable the booming South East region and Communities Plan organised by growth areas around Bristol and theOfficeoftheDeputyPrimeMinister in early 2005.

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The Link Magazine • September 2004 7

Long service in the community

Peatmoor School Autumn Fayre Saturday 18 September 12 noon to 2.30pm

Four members of the Freshbrook Community Centre management committee have been presented with with engraved tankards and gift Admission 20p: accompanied children free. vouchers in recognition of over twenty years of commitment.

Tombola. face painting, raffle, inflatable, stalls, refreshments "The centre, which replaced the Terry Iles joined the committee Pre-school ballet. A new series of classes for 3 to 4 year olds starts at hutwhichwasourcommunityhall Peatmoor School on Tuesday 14 September, from 2.45pm to 3.15pm. in 1984 as the representative for Junction 16 drama group and be- for several years, opened in SepTo book a place, call 881613. came chairman and is currently tember 1984 and has served secretary. He is also now chair- Freshbrook well," said Terry. "It's man of the Swindon Federation of hosted a huge range of group acCo-op help school with security and safety A £1,000 community dividend grant from the Oxford, Swindon & Community Organisations, a fo- tivities and also provided an imGloucester Co-op towards the installation of CCTV cameras will rum for groups running commu- portant place for meetings and private functions. It still is an imnity centres across the town, make Peatmoor School community facilities more secure.

Tom and Christine Emmanuel portant huh in our community."

Community Facilities coordinator Caroline Bowles said that it is too costly to supervise the building during the evening when in use by and Arno Morsink were also com- • To book a room the centre office community groups. "We've had malicious damage and break-ins which mittee members and are now Ii- is open on weekday mornings (not Wednesday). Tel: 871303. are very disruptive and expensive. By installing CCTV we'll know that censees for the centre bar. the local community can use the facility with more confidence."

Caroline Bowles, coordinator of Peatmoor Community Facilities, Gavin and Zach Bell, who attend the Jo Jingles music and movement group, Julie Whittaker, supervisor, Peatmoor Co-op Swift Shop, and Andrea and Mitchell Smith, who also attend Jo Jingles

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The Link Magazine • September 2004

FAQs of GWH (Frequently Asked Questions about the Great Western Hospital) Swindon's new hospital is dogged by constant questions about its size, the care provided, and staff issues. Now Chief Executive Lyn HillTout has prepared answers to the questions that keep being put to her staff at the Swindon & Marlborough NHS Trust. year when you have done so well ing a poorer service with your pri- Bath Campus on the Coate site These are: vate sector partners creaming off when this is not supported by some 1. How come the hospital is still in the past? of the local population? too small? You have opened two 5. How much is spent on recruit- profits from the taxpayer/NHS. new wards and there are still pa- ment every year and why do you 9. Are Social Services to blame 14. You have a number of voluntients being cared for on trolleys? have such trouble attracting staff? for all your delayed discharges teers - how do you ensure you use their skills appropriately?

2. Every time you get busy you 6. Why as a brand new hospital problems?

The answers can be found at have to cancel operations — why did you only get two stars and not 10. How come complaints have don't you plan for busy times so three and what do you have to do gone up when you have moved to www.swindonlink.com Alternatively, and if you have you don't have to cancel opera- to get your three stars next time? a brand new hospital—are services further questions not posed above, 7. Are you working towards getting worse? tions?

3. Why, when you have so much Foundation status and what do 11. Do you have MRSA in hospi- call Communications Officer Chris Birdsall on 604431, mail: space, is car parking such a night- you think of Foundation hospi- tal?

12. Why do you recruit overseas chris.birdsall@smnhst.swest.nhs.uk mare. Why don't you just make tals? or write to him at Great Western 8. Is the Private Finance Initia- nurses? the car park bigger?

4. Why are you overspending this tive an expensive option provid- 13. Why are you supporting the Officer, Great Western Hospital, development of the University of Commonhead, Swindon.

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Youngsters from Hreod Parkway School were pictured in the April Link working with children who attend the school room at the Great Western Hospital to make clay fish for a mobile.

The eight Year 8 pupils returned to the hospital before the end of term to mount the fired and glazed items and see them hung from the ceiling in the children's ward bathroom.

Art teacher Amy Rattenbury said the completed work looked fantastic and the pupils were really proud of their achievement.

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Farm to attend Prospect fete Roves Farm visitor centre will be relocating itself for an afternoon on Saturday 4 September, 12noon to 4pm, when staff will herd animals to attend the Prospect Hospice garden fete in Wroughton.

They'll be bringing a highland cow and several baby animals to bottle feed and will be taking bets in a series of sheep and goat races.

There will also be a Punch &Judy show, family games as well as fundraising stalls and prizes to be won.

The hospice is located in Moormead Road, Wroughton but parking will be easier if you leave the car at the Nationwide Building in Pipers Way and take the Thamesdown Transport 'Farmers Special' shuttle.

Brewers bonus for Prospect Family-run decorators' merchant Brewers, who have a branch in Swindon at Hawksworth, is celebrating its centenary year by making large donations to good causes across the South of England.

The company has given £10,000 to the Prospect Hospice which will support investment in new up to date IT and telephone systems which will help the organisation deliver better support to patients and their families.

Chris Eveleigh, Brezoers branch manager, Graham Turner, area manager, Nick Brewer, director, Keith Wallace, Chairman of the Prospect Board of Trustees, Jane McCntchan, Prospect Trust fundraiser, David Line, General Manager, Prospect Hospice

The Link Magazine • September 2004 9

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10 The Link Magazine • September 2004

Rat runners could be trapped when Westlea road saga is completed A road safety scheme on Langstone Way outside Westlea School, stopped in its tracks a year ago, might by completed this Autumn.

The long awaited project funded of the design. Curb build-outs were by government Safer Routes to promised to make crossing easier School cash - first promised for for pedestrians, but people living completion by Easter 2002 - was on Langstone Way told council ofsuspended last September when ficers that they had not agreed to residents objected to some aspects proposed road humps on either side of the school at a public exhibition consultation in January 2003.

Although Swindon Services should have started early in the 2003 summer holidays, work only started in late August and parents and children were confronted with Wit.! the hazzard of crossing behind SOLICITORS heavy lorries and barriers on the first day of term.

First day of school, September 2003. Residents Wanda Allen and Dawn D The build-outs were completed Dolphin appalled at the danger to parents and children on Langstone Way but there has been stalemate on Ca rter Read & Dove the humps and residents have as originally intended, Department Westmead roundabout on Mead Contact: Commerce House fumed because right of way on of Transport rules require physi- Way, next to the police station.

34/35 Commercial Road Langstone Way is now with driv- cal changes to a road, such as Coun Martin said she had resisted Swindon SNI 5NS replacing the roundabout with trafers travelling through Westlea, humps.

To get the project moving again, fic lights on the grounds that resifrom Whitehill Way to the Great * Property Matters Toothill and Westlea councillor dents would be inconvenienced by Western Way. Commercial & Residential Road safety campaigner Dawn Mary Martin called a round table a problem that exists at rush hour Conveyancing Dolphin said pedestrians had been meeting of parents, residents and during the week. Now council of* Employment at greater danger over the last year. governors with council officers in ficers have suggested lights set For both the Employer "At times there has been chaos as late July. She said, "we explored back from the roundabout which and Employee vehicles have weaved in and out many ideas, such as the location of only operate at peak times. * Wills & Probate "I was interested in the views of of the build-outs. The drivers tak- humps and build-outs, and makEfficient administration of ing short cuts through Westlea ing the road one-way. Most sug- the Westlea residents to keep peak a loved one's estate were given the right of way and gestions had strong opponents and time traffic flowing on Mead Way. supporters, but we all came out They all liked the proposal if trafhave been driving even faster Tel: (01793) 617617 understanding a bit more of the fic on Mead Way has priority bedown Langstone Way." E-mail: info@crd.org.uk However to create a 20mph road, problems of traffic management. cause this would delay the Website: www.crd.org.uk "The clear message was that Langstone Way 'rat-runners' and humps are still not acceptable so make that route less attractive."

Apparently this innovative apofficers will get on with putting up 'school' signs and are looking at proach has not been tried anyCONSERVATORIES whether it is feasible to introduce where else. A resident said, "Swinpriority to the traffic exiting the don hasn't been afraid to try new WINDOWS & DOORS scheme, up Langstone Way, rather traffic management ideas - the magic roundabout was very innothan the 'rat runners."

UPVC FASCIA & The meeting also discussed what vative and that has been successGUTTERING INSTALLATIONS to do about chronic congestion at ful. Lets try it."

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Some of the houses in Beverley stand opposite houses in White Castle and between them runs Idovers Drive. Ted Spalding said visitors to the area found it impossible to find the houses since the street signs went missing over two years ago.

Coun Mary Martin said that new street names should be installed by mid-October. "I entirely agree with the residents. It's very frustrating not be able to find houses and there is a serious health and safety issue if emergency services cannot find them."

Coun Martin, front, with from left, Denis Ryan, Tina Cleaves, Ted and Brenda Spalding

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No. 6740

12 The Link Magazine • September 2004

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Shaw association to broaden scope Flushed with success in two recent battles, Shaw Residents' Association is looking to improve the quality of life of people living in the northern part of West Swindon.

The meeting will also discuss Members of the association to attend its next meeting which worked with elderly residents of takes place in the new Shaw Vil- the development of the unused site George Tweed Gardens to per- lage Hall, next to the Ridge Green at Shaw Village Centre following suade Tesco not to close the post surgery off Ramleaze Drive, on talks between residents of George Tweed Gardens, councillors and office at its Shaw Village store, and Monday 6 September, 8.30pm. also had a leading role in saving Other issues to be discussed in- council officers.

Anybody living in Shaw, Shaw Forest Country Park from elude Swindon Council's decision commercial development, not to tarmac the footpath through Ramleaze, Middleleaze, Nine Elms Now the group want to help Peatmoor Woods, from Peatmoor as well as Peatmoor and Sparcells residents of Peatmoor and Way to Roughmoor Village Cen- is invited to attend the meeting.

Sparcells re-establish its defunct tre, which was agreed in 2002 as For details, mail the chairman community association and is in- part of the Safer Routes to Schools Keith Williams: keith.williams @aceous.com viting people living in those areas programme.

Anti-social aggro around village

www.spain-holiday-apartment.co.uk

Businesses, as well as residents, are getting sick and tired of the antics of young people hanging around Shaw Village Centre.

CIE s- in OV3PNW1 Disturbance, pe tt y damage and ing and whether they are willSouthern Spain - where the sun goes a general air of menace are just a ing to take them in hand." in the Winter. Over 300 days nib/ac skies, few of the irritations they believe Olga Hladusz, who owns where only 8 toll) inches of rain falls a year is bringing the area into disrepute. the hair salon, agrees that the Sandra Davies of the Shaw Chi- behaviour of young people ropractic Clinic said her practice had deteriorated. "My staff OFFER had suffered several attacks includ- sometimes have to leave work OFTHE/'/ ' ing eggs broken in the foyer and a late and what is going on is MONTH! young person spraying the wait- becoming a worry. There is an ing area with Tango before throw- unfriendly atmosphere in the Two bed semi-detached bungalows ing the bottle at the receptionist. evening around here." in a country club setting, 15 minutes "The young people who hang Most of the commercial from beach resorts, from under 73K around the vi ll age centre are well property is covered by CCTV Call our Swindon office tel/fax: dressed, but some of them are re- and the police inspect the 01793 704 089 or 00 3466 1140 481 sponsible for the damage and poor video recordings after every Angered by anti-social behaviour. .as i lspalnOOaoi.curn su q sirlp utierbuok.ne behaviour. I wonder if parents incident.

Olga Hladusz and Sandra Davies www.villas-in-spain.biz know what their children are doHoly Trinity Church is regularly damaged, with roof tiles bro- are committed to reducing the fear ken by footballs and stones whilst of crime and anti-social behaviour George Tweed Gardens' residents is a priority on our agenda."

The police and other agencies are often disturbed by noise and bricks being thrown at windows. will meet Shaw residents on 1 SepIn early August a couple of teen- tember to discuss the situation. agers were disturbed having open Swindon air sex in the late afternoon next to Toothill & Freshbrook the sheltered housing and the poCentres off limits lice were called on 10 August after Following disruptive and threatyoung people ran amok, shouting ening behaviour by gangs of abuse from the nearby play area, young people gathering at using a wheely bin as a chariot and Toothill and Freshbrook Village pulling down a trellis.

Centres, dispersal orders under Keith Williams, chair of the Shaw the Anti-Social Behaviour Act Residents' Associa ti on, said, "the 2003 came into force on 21 Auf rise in anti-social behaviour gust, to be active for six months.

St around Shaw Village Centre is Police officers can demand that L cause for concern for the whole a group of more than two people communi ty . I would urge people disperse from the centres if conto report acts of vandalism to the sidered a threat to others. police, and not be intimidated by a Additionally unsupervised unthoughtless minority." der 16s found in the areas after Acting Inspector Robin Col- 9pm can be taken home. bourne said the police were aware of the situation. "The village cen- • Hopefully a spate of burglatre and surrounding area has been ries in Freshbrook, Toothill, Shaw identified as a 'hot-spot' for van- and Westlea during the summer and anti-social behaviour. months have been stopped followt^ dalism "We are committed to policing ing the arrest of five young men the problems which are totally un- and women on 16 August.

Since June thefts have taken acceptable and detrimental to the harmony of law-abiding citizens. place at 36 houses whilst the occu"Community Beat Officer, WPC pants slept, the burglars entering Pat Salter regularly patrols the area through windows left open beand is aware of the concerns of cause of warm weather.

A large quantity of stolen goods residents. I'd like to reassure the New College Drive, Swindon SN3 1 09 Tel: 01793 611470 Fax: 01793 436437 New College exists solely to provide high quality education & training community that Swindon Police has been recovered. ,

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The Link Magazine • September 2004 13

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14 The Link Magazine • September 2004 OF GORSE

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North primary to be enlarged North Swindon parents who argued for more places at Catherine Wayte Primary School have won their battle, but they will not benefit from the decision by the independent school's adjudicator who has told the school to offer another 8 places from September 2005.

The parents were told that their ter extensive consultation, came as children will have to go to a differ- a shock to parents seeking places ent school because the catchment now. "Unfortunately the council's areas were changed earlier in the PFI bid to the government for new year and siblings were made fourth schools in North Swindon in 1999 in admissions' criteria, was turned down which has creLast month's Link pictured ated this problem. The PFI was Alison Carr and Lisa Hume from agreed in 2002 but the schools Groundwell, who have children at won't open until 2006.

Abbey Meads Primary, have been "In the meantime the governoffered places for younger siblings ment expects the council to fill the at Penh ill Primary in the other di- spare places at schools across the rection from their homes. borough. The council is able to Swindon Council cabinet lead offer parents their first choice of member for education Gary school in 97 per cent of cases which Perkins said he accepted that pre- is much higher than the national vious decisions on catchments, af- average.

Inspectors approve improvements Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools (HMI) made another visit to Freshbrook School in July and pronounced that it is making good progress towards coming out of special measures in 2005.

The Link exclusively revealed last November that the school had failed an Ofsted inspection in May 2003. During 2002, when Swindon Council's education department was in a poor state of management and trying to sort out its own Ofsted Stephen Luke, with Freshbrook School children, in front failure, nobody in of a football wall decorated by volunteers from Motorola. a supervisory or Staff have helped enhance the playgrounds by installing monitoring posi- new playground equipment and planting shrubs. The tion picked up de- company donated £1,500 and the Friends of Freshborok clining standards School raised another£1,000. The work was unveiled at and poor manage- the school fete in July. ment and leadership at the school.

"We are working hard at further When headteacher Stephen raising standards through enhancLuke took over in January 2003 he ing and developing the quality of was immediately faced with the teaching, and we're introducing problem of advising his governing more ways for parents to become body and Ofsted of the situation. involved in their children's learnThe basis for an action plan to im- ing. Our Key Stage 2 SAT results prove the quality of teaching and will show a significant improvelearning, and raise pupil expecta- ment on previous years." tions, was developed before the HMI will make another visit in inspection took place. HMI have November and Mr Luke hopes now made three visits to review they will give a clear indication progress. that the school will be ready to "I'm glad to say HMI are pleased come out of special measures next with our work," said Mr Luke. year.

"Their comments about pupil beMobiles no more haviour and attitudes were positive and they identified several The last temporary buildings areas of good and very good teach- were expected to be removed from ing. In particular they were im- Freshbrook School during the pressed by the inclusive environ- summer holidays. ment we have been fostering and In the mid-1980s the school was identified the support to the school probably the UKs largest primary given by the LEA which we appre- school with over 900 children ciate, and were also complimen- housed in two permanent buildtary about the leadership and man- ings and about 20 mobile classagement of the school. rooms.

The Link Magazine • September 2004 15

School seeking cash to repay loan

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free Parents Handbook 2004 Elizabeth Wood and Oliver Tonrkins juniors - u'aitirrif for the need building

But as a church aided school the governors have responsibility for meeting 10 per cent of the building costs and have to find £58,000 to repay a loan from the Bristol diocese.

Headteacher Elizabeth Wood said the big fundraising campaign was kicked off with a £1,000 donation by the Friends of Oliver Tomkins School. "We have a major challenge to raise the money over £10,000 a year so look out for lots of events coming up.

"It will be wonderful to be able to move into the new building which will include a shared teaching area and toilets. Parents will also be pleased to know their chil-

dren will be taught in bright purpose built rooms with proper heating and running water."

She added that teacher Peter Shuring had been promised first choice of rooms. He joined the school from college five years ago and has spent his entire career teaching in a temporary classroom.

There have been mobiles on the Oliver Tomkins site for over twenty years as the school has remained popular and has attracted children from all over West Swindon because of its church status.

The new block will be officially opened in the Spring when the school celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary.

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16 The Link Magazine • September 2004

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Pre-school awarded top marks by inspectors

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Staff at Westlea Pre-school have been praised by Ofsted for providing very good care of children and for making significant progress since the last inspection.

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The inspectors report that staff are vigilant about keeping children safe, and are calm and consistent when dealing with behaviour problems.

Of particular note was the very good support for children with special educational needs as well as very good provision in areas of personal, social and emotional development; communication, language and literacy; mathematical development; physical and creative development. It was judged to be generally good in fostering knowledge and understanding of the world.

Areas where improvement was suggested were: more access to computer technology; giving parents planned opportunities to share what they know about their children and clear planning setting out learning goals and how these can be extended for older and more

able children.

Pre-school chairwoman Fiona Scott, said, "the report is a tribute to the dedication of the staff and the out-going committee members.

We will do our best to continue to i mprove opportunities for the children in the pre-school and build upon the sound foundations already in place."

Call Tracey Weaver on 881785 for details of places at the preschool.

Celebrity auction Celebrity antiques dealer David Rolfe, star of ITV West's The Bargain Hunters and Beat The Dealer, will be the auctioneer at Westlea pre-school's fund raising auction in October.

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The Link Magazine • September 2004 17

Recycle those useful children's things The Swindon branch of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) holds its annual October Nearly New Sale on Saturday 16 October at Oasis Leisure Centre from 11am to fpm.

This is a great opportunity for Everyone is welcome at the sale; parents thinking of clearing out you don't have to be a member of the nursery or planning to set one NCT. Entry costs £1. up. A high quality selection of For a sellers' pack and if you can clothes, toys, videos, books, prams, give up three hours to help run the buggies, high chairs and other stalls, call 0870 421 4376 or go to nursery equipments is guaranteed. www.swindonnct.co.uk

Nursery receives quality award The popular Asquith Nursery in Wroughton has received the Quality Counts Kitemark, which is judged by the National Day Nurseries Association.

The work of the nursery was tation and it was visited by assesassessed from a portfolio presen- sors to verify performance.

Nursery manTheresa Birch with from left, Lauren Clark, Thomas Birch, Theresa Murtaza Javaid, David Murray, Charlotte Hunter, April ager Birch, said, "I'm Jones i = very proud of all I^ E^ the staff; they've worked so hard to meet the criteria of

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wn Communit Centre Friday am North Swindon Library Tuesday am & pm, Thursday am & Friday pm Coll Coth on 01793 727286 or email sarahC^minimusicians.co.uk for more information and to book your place!

U

SWINDON

Why not pop in and see us?

6 - 7 Theatre Square. Swindon Tel: 01 793 541 786 Email: info@cisswindon.co.uk www.cisswindon.co.uk

Headstarts Day-Nurse

1

Established 1990

Delta Business Park. Westlea. West Swindon Headstarts 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.

providing the

highest quality care and education q Monday - Friday Sam till 6pm all year for children as well q Sessions for 0 - 5 year olds - am. pm, school day, all day. SPECIAL OFFER as meeting parq Real value for money. From £122 per week full time ents' needs. ' FREE child care q Funded child-care credits available."

She added that worth £50 q Government Funded Nursery Sessions" her staff were Claim up to £37 worth of Nursery Credits per child with this looking forward to per week - now available for all 3 year olds advert* meeting parents at For further information or to arrange a visit, an open day on 11 Ratesmayva ry — conditionsapply•• ple ase call Alison on 877779.

September.

L--------- — ------J

Noted tvia Ntr et'r Pivi9ioh...

For the

B31 in Nursery f ducatioird

We offer' the B31 Service to our pareht5 and the Bl'ST care and education to O-5 year' old

Our Nurseries have fantastic facilities, including

\

• Safe, secure environments • Flexible opening hours, Monday to Friday Full and part time places available for 0-5 year olds • Fully equipped play areas e OFSTED Registered Contact your hecre,3t

Nursery or more ihfohmation)

Leapfrog Day Nurse ry Highdown Way, St Andrew's Ridge, Swindor iT 01793 726919 Jigsaw Day Nursery Pipers Way, Broome. Swindon 01793 422202 Jigsaw Day Nurse ry Abbeymeads, Swindon iT 01793 702233 Princess Christian Nursery Peatmoor Village Centre, Shearwood Road, Peatmoor, Swindon f 01793 887602

^' ys#i1e f5095

leapfrogdaynurseries.co.uk

..

18 The Link Magazine • September 2004

Jo Jingles New classes from leading UK children's music group for children aged 6m-walking, walking-2y, 2-3y & 3-5 years Abbey Meads Tuesday am & Friday pm West Swindon (Peatmoor) Wednesday am & Friday am FOR DETAILS CALL VIRGINIA ON 01453 839464,

1.

rr as

tinkle tonk

toe-tapping music sessions for children

Musical fun for children aged 6 months to 4 years Come and join us (and the five little ducks!) for singing, musical instruments, role play and musical games.

Wednesday and Friday mornings in Abbey Meads.

Free trial sessions available (subject to spaces) Tinkle Tonk (01793) 722072

In support, in Toothill The West Swindon Family and Community Project have launched a new group in conjunction with Toothill Primary School to provide help to parents.

Called Family Point, the drop-in sessions will run at the school on Tuesdays starting 7 September, from 8.30am to 12.30pm and will provide parents with support and information on children, health issues, relationships, welfare benefits, eduction, as well arepresentation and advocacy.

Niki Hillier, above, who started with the project as an outreach worker in July, said the school was keen to provide a wider range of information, plus practical help and advice.

For details call Niki on 871303 or mail: familyprojectl5@tiscali.co.uk Musical success The winners of a course of Tinkle Tonk music sessions promoted in the July Link are Zoe and Paige Lawtoo and Louise and Megan Rickards.

Ramble for women and men's health The Swindon Well Woman Centre is holding a sponsored 10k ramble along the Wroughton Timberland Trail on Sunday 5 September in aid of the centre and Man@WWC, with a lunch stop at the Check Inn, Wroughton Meet in the Ellendune Centre at 10.45 am to sign in. Call the Well Woman Centre on 511064 for sponsorship forms.

Now booking: pre-Christmas shopping trip to the Oracle, Reading on Sunday 14 November. Call the centre to book a seat at ÂŁ8.

Practical help for families with under 5s Jan Aylward of Home-Start Swindon writes:

Home-Start Swindon was established in 1982 and now gives support, practical help and friendship to over one hundred families each year. stant demand. All our Home-Start works by families have different introducing volunteers to '" needs,justasallourvolfamilies with children unteers have different under 5 years of age, skills. Volunteers are whom they visit on a people who have chilweekly basis. The famidren and know how hard <` lies we help include those it can be to bring up new to Swindon, who feel youngsters, people who lonely or isolated, mums may not have their own suffering post natal de pression, those with financial or children, but have worked with relationship difficulties, families children, or grand-parents who with several children all under five still enjoy being with young chiland many other family situations dren.

All the volunteers receive trainwhere a reliable, friendly voluning, support and expenses. If you teer can help in a positive way.

We also run a Thursday morn- enjoy being with children and their ing Family Group, where volun- parents and want to find our more teers are needed to chat with par- about how you could help, please ents, play with the children or even contact us at the address below.

We shall be holding our next provide an activity for the adults.

We are always looking for new preparation course for new volunvolunteers, as our service is in con- teers at the end of September.

Be a Star Volunteer with HOME-START You can be special to our families by: sharing your parenting experience, talking, listening, encouraging, having fun!

For details of how you can make a difference, contact Home-Start Swindon 7 Milton Road, Swindon SN1 5JE

HomeQStart supp1porti ng families Image drawn for Home-Start

by Quentin Blake PPOr!_a by

Tel: 01793 613886 Charity Registration No 288884

Penh ill & Pinehurst

19 C

_ .ii1jllk

j

_

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

Then call

The

KA d Hatter a

In Haydon Wick

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

Service to Swindon celebrates a century Thamesdown Transport is pulling out all the stops to mark its one hundreth year at a free big bus rally at the Science Museum, Wroughton.

John Owen,Thamesdown Taking place on Sunday ' Transport general manager, 1 2 September, 1 0am to said, "we hope lots of pea5pm, the event coincides ple will come along and celwith the Science Museum's ebrate with us. Its been an Heritage Weekend, when all eventful century forthe comthe displays in the big hangpany and with the start on ers will be available to view, building our new depot at including a bus which / 44" 1 Barnfield Road this Autumn, served in the town during the 1940s and early tj we're looking forward to our next 100 years."

Outside, over 100 buses To get there, use the enare expected from compatrance on the A4361. nies all over the country, Wroughton to Devizes Road. some of which will be transThere will be a free bus servporting visitors around the ice from Fleming Way. Car airfield. During the afterparking at the Science Munoon vintage coaches will seum will cost £5. be taking visitors on Downs excursion trips, taking in John Owen of Thamesdown Transport A vebury an dM arIborough A large number of stands will ing a brochure, model buses, pens attract transport enthusiasts and and badges.

There will also be a fair ground Thamesdown Transport will be selling centenary souvenirs,includ- for children. r• ;

(01793) 704005 or 07710 298790 to see the large selection of Hats to HIRE! Make a personal appointment to find just the right hat for you

Swindon & Cricklade Railway Saturday 11th September & Sunday 12th September

Milita ry Weekend TO PURTO

Blunsdon Statio n Tadpole Lane Swindon.

(01793) 771615

TADPOLE LANE

T

NORTH

°° SWINDON '^

A'° A ° °

WEST SWINDON

° AYDON HA-

When special events are not scheduled a train service operates on Sundays and Bank Holidays 11am to 4pm

I.

Is Swindon doing anything about Brunel's birthday?

Shane Conner

M ar tino

Lou eri

,i Ann Marie Davis

k

Ross Davidson

The April Link revealed that ideas are being brought together on a regional level to celebrate Isambard Kingdom Brunel's two hundreth anniversary in 2006. Time is moving on and Swindon people have yet to be told what might be taking place.

However, whilst it is important to mark Brunel's contribution to the region, it is equally or perhaps more important not to allow his legacy to overshadow the contribution and heroism of so many people who came to Swindon in the 19th and 20th Centuries to build the railway.

Brunel laid down the infrastructure for the GWR, by surveying the li ne and designing memorable structures, but he quickly moved on to projects elsewhere.

The railway rolling stock and the social organisation to ensure railways ran on time were the product of other's effort. Many great peaple stood on Brunel's shoulders, the mechanical engineers Gooch, Stanier, Dean and Churchward. and just as important the men of the works who built the rolling stock and then, in their own time, built the Mechanics' Institute with the

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associated library, the college and theatre, and the medical fund which became the template for the NHS. They came to the town, stayed and created a place which was worth li ving in.

If Brunel's anniversary is to have any real meaning in Swindon, the history of the town's unsung heroes should be brought to the fore.

Derek Benfield Tickets: £15.50/£14.50 • Opening night offer: 2 tickets for the price of 1 £8 concessions on matinee performances

WYVERN THEATRE THEA"1'RE SQUARE, SWINDON Box OFFICE: (01793) 524481

^r

20

Swindc r Wide Purton House, Church End, Purton, Wiltshire SN5 4EB • Tel: 01793 772287

On Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September historic properties all over Britain celebrate the nation's heritage with free open days. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit Lydiard House and Park, the beautiful St Mary's Church and discover through talks, walks and atreasure hunt the

www.purton-house.co.uk gvrWf, on, ^ovv^oovst^^

Or^yaru^

Free heritage treats at Lydiard rich history of the park which dates back to Medieval times. writes Sarah Finch-Crisp, keeper of the house.

The collections at Lydiard are continually being added to as we continue to trace more of the original family furnishings and belongings. Members of the St John famil y have recently donated a Victo-

Call us for details about joining our Organic Box Scheme Vegetables • Fruit • Meat • Eggs Local deliveries & drop off points in Swindon. Cirencester, Wootton Bassett. Broad Hinton, Marlborough. Wroughton

rian child's seat, an elaborate silver baby's rattle and cutlery which was used to instruct a young child how to hold their knife and fork correctly.

It's also a particularly good time to come because of archaeological projects carried out over the summer.

• There will free entry on Saturday 11th. 10am to 5pm. Sunday 12th,

11 am to 5pm. A grand family treas-

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ure hunt takes place on Sunday between 11 am and 4pm

Connecting Lydiard

In the church

with Swindon schools

If you have not set eyes on the magnificent St John family life size painted triptych in St. Mary's, Heritage Weekend is your chance. This rare monument will be unlocked alongside the Golden Cavalier, right, and the huge alabaster monument which Sir John St John erected for himself and his two wives in the 17th Century.

• The church will be open on Saturday 11th, 10am to 5pm (with closure at midday for a wedding).

Swindon teacher. Kim Hazzard, has joined the Lydiard Park Project team to expand education opportunities on the site and develop exciting new school programmes which link in with the major restoration scheme for Lydiard's his-

Restoring the lake and garden One of the major aspects of the Lydiard Park restoration is the reinstatement of the lake, now much overgrown at the bottom of the

lawn.

Over Heritage Weekend you can learn from Jonathan Hinks from Swindon-based engineering company Halcrow, and the project's

lead consultant, historic landscape architect Simon Bonvoisin how the lake can be restored.

Archaeological investigations, test pits in the old lake bottom. topographical surveys and struc-

tural analysis of the dam wall have all contributed to Halcrow's engineering solutions.

Zgth September

Detailed plans have also been drawn up to replant Lydiard's 18th

Enjoy tribute songs from Stan Terry as Rod Stewa rt together with a 4 course candle lit dinner.

Tel: 01793 721701 Bern Western

Blunsdon House Hotel www. blunsdonhouse. co . uk

Century walled garden and later in the month Simon Bonvoisin and John Sales, former director of gardens at the National Trust, will be opening the garden to the pubic

and talking about these restoration proposals • Lost Lake Tours: Saturday 11 September, 11 am and 2pm • Plotting the Walled Garden: 30 September. 12.15pm

toric parkland.

Enabling local schools to benefit and become involved in the resto-

ration as it takes place is an important part of the the Heritage Lottery funded scheme.

Kim's post, which is supported by an award from The Ernest Cook Trust, covers all areas of the 260 acre park and its historic features and buildings. It has enormous scope for exciting school sessions for pupils of all ages.

Kim would like to hear from teachers about involving their

school. She can be reached at Lydiard House, tel: 770401 or mail: hazzard@ swindon.gov.uk Kim. in front of the stab/es. to be used as the Lydiards education rooms

21

Swindon Wide What did the Romans do for us?

A lot more than leaving a few artifacts in the ground, according to Dr Pete Wilson. Senior Archaeologist for English Heritage Centre for Archaeology, who led this year's big dig on Groundwell Ridge in North Swindon.

We excavated the The 2004 excavation season of the cold plunge bath, which was shown to Beacon Project in be re-floored while in partnership with Swinuse, and parts of two don Borough Council other rooms in the was a great success. cold range, including with wonderful arone where, late in its chaeology. extensive community involvehistory, a start was made on inserting a ment, large numbers hypocaust, although it of visitors and lots of was never completed media interest. We were again working —we could find no eviwith the Wyvern Hisdence of an associtorical and Detector ated furnace, or any Found at Groundwef/. evidence of soot or Society and again had /sis or another Roman charcoal carried into to get a special licence goddess? the under-floor area to allow metal detecting on this important legally pro- by the hot air that would have tected site. heated it. The area of the hot range Two trenches were excavated - was so complicated that we did not Trench 6 over part of a Roman get down to its original plan. but building discovered by builders in demonstrated a complex series of 1996 and limited trial excavations changes, including the creation of undertaken with minimal resources a major apsidal room.

Outside the bath-suite we excaby local archaeologists Bryn Walters and Bernard Phillips in vated part of a cellar with walls 1997. The second - Trench 7 across over 1.5m high. This room also a possible Roman road recognised had a complex structural history

by Dr Mark Corney in an earthwork with blocked niches, or possibly windows in its walls, up to three survey.

Much of Trench 6 was occupied layers of plaster and, most surprisby a bath suite that formed part of ingly, water-logged oak floor joists a larger building — one of two do- surviving at the limit of excavation.

In Trench 7 we confirmed that mestic ranges of a Roman villa.

Given that the site is not threat- the feature recognised by Mark ened we knew that we were un- Corney was a minor Roman road li kely to 'get to the bottom' of the with an aggeror mound constructed of local clay mixed with the local archaeology and we didn't.

What we thought, on the basis of coral ragstone. Cut into the south the evaluations done in 1997, was ditch of the Roman road we also going to be a fairly straight-forward found the 16th Century or later conbuilding - perhaps of two phases - duit that we encountered last year. turned-out to be much more comA wide range of finds were replex. It appears that we may have covered including pottery. both five or six structural phases includ- types produced in the Swindon area ing a massive timber building con- and some imported from as far structed over the demolished bath- away as the Mediterranean. Large suite. As yet we are not certain of quantities of building material were the date of the timber building. it found including ceramic tiles, bricks, stone roofing tiles, window could be late Roman, or later.

The bath suite appears to have glass and painted wall plaster. been in use from the 2nd to the 4th which will help us to understand Century — we have hints of 1st Century occupation, including one possible 1 st Century pit.

Archaeologist Nick Corcos plotting the co/dp/unge bath, lined with opus signinum (waterproof Roman concrete. In the foreground a large posthole from our /ate tirnberbui/ding cut into its south-eastern corner in the bottom of the post-hole was found an earlier floor of the cold plunge.

much about the appearance of the building.

We also recovered over 50 coins and other bronze objects including fragments of bracelets and part of a possibly pre-Roman brooch. Our most spectacular find was a lead votive plaque in the form of a Roman goddess, possibly Isis, an Egyptian deity who was worshipped in the west of the Empire and equated with many Roman female gods.

Unfortunately, despite specula-

ti on in the local press. the presence of one votive object does not turn the site into a religious sanctuary. Religion was so intermingled with everyday life in the Roman period that not finding some religious objects on the site would be more surprising than finding the odd one!

We are now starting the long haul of trying to understand what it all means in detail.

• Heritage Weekend events in other parts of Swindon on page 22.

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Thamesdown Transport, formerly Swindon Corporation, is celebrating it's Centenary this year and you can be part of the celebrations!

• Look out for our gold Centenary Bus • Exhibition • Competitions • Souvenirs, including model buses & centenary brochure.

• Special services using our 1967 Daimler CVG6/30 on Saturdays until 11th September.

a-.

• Large display of visiting vehicles.

• Enthusiasts Stalls.

• Museum Exhibits (buses too!) open to visitors.

• Special display of Swindon buses.

• Five minute bus service around the site.

• Downland Excursions by vintage coach.

• Free bus service from Fleming Way Stop V.

't 01793 428428 for more details

22

SVVmdoh Wide Heritage Open Weekend - free activities

Take a seat in our new showroom Swindon's dining centre Also stockists of office/study furniture and lounge furniture

Saturday 11 September. Get a flavour of medieval times in the town with the opening of two special displays, storytelling for children and strolling Elizabethan musi-

CLASSIC FINISHERS Shaw & No rt h

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wee°ea

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Professional estimating & fitting service Visit our showroom or give Mike Edwards a call on

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Old Bell Pottery & Crafts

cians.

Holy Rood Church and The Lawn Saturday 11 September, 10am 4pm. Geophysics company Stratascan Ltd will be demonstrating how state-of-the art techniques to help see below ground at the site of Swindon's original 12th Century parish church.

Members of the North Wiltshire Branch of the Young Archaeologists' Club will be plotting the original plan of the church and 18th Century manor house, using old photographs and records.

The remains of Holy Rood Church will also be open on both days between 10am and 4pm. providing a unique opportunity to visit this little known historical site.

Groundwell Ridge Roman site, North Swindon Saturday 11 September and Sunday 12 September. Guided tours for adults. children and people with li mited mobility. An opportunity to learn more about the site and get an update on the findings of this summer's excavations by English Heritage.

Booking is required by calling 414844. Meeting atthe North Swindon Library, North Swindon District Centre.

Richard Jefferies Museum

Coate Water Sunday 12 September, 2pm - 5pm.

The birthplace of Victorian writer Richard Jefferies features some of the mementoes of his life.

Holy food early in 20th Century

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A relaxing interestingand educational da out for all the

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Knitting & Haberdashery Sewing needs: X-stitch — Tapestry M Rowan Jaeger — Patons — Yarns and Patterns

ry

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Dolls houses E- miniatures

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In the Garden Pots, planters & ornaments from around the world

Mon to Sat 10to5 Sun hl to5

+ . Get up close to Some of the largest and most spectacular insects on the

t7

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In the Stable A great selection of local pottery.

Also: China seconds from Stoke-on-Trent

; _;j ;,

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Traditional games & toys; local craft items

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Free parking for cars &coaches Papillon Cafe

Hot & cold snacks Views of tropical bu tt e rf ly garden Kids Bi rt hday pa rt ies catered for Free admission

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to Craft Village

Kids activity areas Including model

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Other attractions at Studley Grange Garden lidude

£

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painting, ceramics & stamping Fully supe rv ised softla P yarea

23

Swirdor Wide Sculpture to guard Swindon's red line Just half a mile from North and West Swindon stands a series of concrete anti-tank obstacles, hastily installed as part of the GHQ Red Line in the dark days of 1940 as Britain stood alone and ready to repel invaders.

In September, the World War II artifacts alongside the River Ray will be joined by a life-size figure of a Home Guardsman, crafted in steel and concrete by sculptor Andrew Selwood, from Pinehurst.

His work Waiting will be publicly unveiled at a ceremony near the main entrance to the Swindon & Cricklade Railway's Blunsdon Station. on Saturday 11 September at 11 am.

The event will launch the Railway Society's Military

Geive

ichael..

Over 2,500 sq. ft. of products for the A rt ist, Crafter and Student D.M.C. Main Agency Daylight Lamps Stockist Picture Framing DIY Framing Supplies Well worth a visit. Try us!

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Line Dance with

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Weekend on 11 and 12

September and will be atL! tended by several ex-Home Andrew ho/ding the mode/ of Waiting in front Guards and a historian conof the wrapped work ready to be unveiled, nected with the preserva- overlooking the concrete anti-tank barriers ti on of World War II defence li nes. as his late father, George Selwood, Andrew, 47, who is studying for served in the Home Guard during a degree in Fine Art Sculpture at World War II. Bath Spa University. was commisEddie said. "as the 60th anniversioned to produce Waiting. by sary of the end of World War II Eddie Thomas of the railway soci- approaches. Waitingwill be a stunety. It proved to be a particularly ning and timely addition to Swinfitting, if poignant, task for Andrew don's landmark public sculpture."

Tuesday: Even Swindon, 7.00 Community Centre Jennings Street (off Rodbourne Road)

The fantastic Robert Lambe rti as George Michael, winner of Granada's 'Stars in Their Eyes' together with a 4 course

Thursday: Coleview 7.00 Community Centre. Nythe Road

candle-lit (little'!.

-te1: 01^ ^^

Wednesday: Rodbourne Cheney, 7.30 Rodbourne Cheney Club, Moredon Road (near Rodbourne Arms)

7V ^7 01

Blunsdon House Hotel - -..---.-.

* * * *

rVv, ,, blansdonhouse.co.uk

Step by step instruction for absolute beginners Weekend socials in Highwonh and Swindon For more details Ring Lewis Watson on 764732 Ten years of teaching!

24

Swind5 r

Ignominy staved off

PARTY TENT SMALL MARQUEE

The near unanimous vote by Swindon councillors of all parties at the full council meeting on 22 July to re-affirm the policy made in 1994 to set up the Great Western Community Forest, and to protect all the phases of Shaw Forest Country Park from commercial development regained integrity for the council, avoided a major split in the town, and prevented the issue hitting the national headlines and drawing unwanted attention to Swindon.

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As the only media outlet to oppose the stadium on the forest proposal, we are relieved that common sense has prevailed across all political parties and Swindon Town Football Club and their developer partners St Modwen Properties plc have thought better of pursuing their plan.

Football supporters will still be asking why their hope for a better future for their club were raised only to be dashed - again.

Incredibly the Shaw Forest Country Park was mentioned in passing as a possible development site to club officials in June 2002 at a meet-

lifetime!

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22 July ce/ebrating a vote for common sense in the council chamber. /n the centre, Shaw council/or Nick Martin who proposed the motion and coup Maurice Fanning, chairman of the Great Western Community Forest Having reported the formation of the forest ten years ago and the

three community tree planting days since 1995, which contributed some of the 50,000 trees at Shaw Forest, we make no apology for working closely with the Swindon Forest Protection Group which took root so quickly to block the proposal.

In only four months of research and tactical lobbying, a small group of activists with few resources were able to see off a multi-million pound development company. This war exceptional as most campaigns gc on for years and are very harc

1 00 YEARS OF DECORATION

BREWERS

•

work to prevail against wel resourced developers.

To say the least the stadium on the forest proposal was bizarre in its conception, marked by secret background dealings. Apart from the fact that a campaign is a great way of stirring up apathy and getting a community to concentrate on what it believes important, the process by which the stadium idea ever came to the table in the first place and why people had to go through four months of stress to win their case has not been adequately explained.

Chinese New Vearcornrnunitytree February 1995

plant -

ing to introduce new Chief Executive Mark Devlin and discuss the financial state of the club. In the chair was councillor Sue Bates, then Labour leader of Swindon Council, plus former Liberal Democrats group leader coun Mike Evemy. and councillor Mike Bawden, present leader of the Conservative administration of the council.

Why a major feature of the Great Western Forest ever came to be dis-

25

Wide

as council votes for forest growth cussed is still unclear, but council officers conducted a tour of Shaw Forest shortly afterwards.

The die was cast and the club working with St Modwen Properties formulated a development proposal.

How much they revealed to senior councillors and officers is unclear, but apparently they were ready to announce their ideas in November 2003. but were asked to wait until March this year. They were told the proposal should be put to the community at an early stage to gauge viewpoints.

Not only was the reaction swift and bluntly negative, it was revealed that the three Shaw ward councillors were unaware that such a momentous proposal was being suggested for their area. Two of them.

Nick Martin and Gary Perkins, are 22 April 2004 Announcing the stadium development From left. Willie CarsonSTFCChairman, 8,1/Oliver MD St Mowden Properties. Mike Bawden.

Leader Swindon Council and STFC Chief Executive Mark Dev/in

members of the Conservative administration cabinet.

Other parts of Swindon Council had also been excluded and were equally surprised. The planning department did not seem to know anything, nor did the traffic planners.

The Great Western Community

Forest partnership had no idea that their unique site so close to the town centre was under imminent threat.

It is amazing that the club and St Modwen both claim to be unaware

that what they thought was an old tip was a jewel in Swindon's environmental crown.

The Swindon Forest Protection Group, working with councillors mindful of Swindon Council's future standing and corporate competence, lobbied for a resolution to be put to the first council meeting following

westSwtodiscuss here redevelopme ti g to discuss the redevelopment Refuse Tp off Mead Way into an u

Tuesday 20 April, 7.30pm the election. and effec1t o^ ,a saw ^s Brook Field School THE ti vely ambushed the fIM1M ITY Cartwright Drive, Shaw THAMESDOWN 7 stadium plan by securPublic notice from The Link. Apr/ 1993 ing an endorsement of an existing policy.

The Swindon Forest Protection Group called on Swindon Council's cabinet in late May to investigate why the country park was discussed An autumn celebration of in such secrecy.

Shaw Forest Count ry Park However because no planning application has been submitted. the Saturday 4 September, 4pm - 7pm Services to the Community OverBring a picnic, chairs, rugs, warm view & Scrutiny Commission will not clothing & musical instruments be reviewing the issue.

Music in the trees

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26

Swindon

Music Saturday 4th, 7pm A Gala Charity Evening in aid of the Prospect Hospice and the Community Foundation (Wilts and Swindon), sponsored by Nationwide. £10. to book call 692903. Arts Centre

Wednesday 29th, 7.30pm Kentwood Choir sings for Age Concern Swindon. £5 tickets from 692166 Bath 17oadMethodist Church

Friday 10th, 7.30pm Geno Washington Duo. Following a successful joint appearance at the Albert Hall, Geno jright)and guitarist Mark Sams are out touring with this acoustic `chat'n'blues show, £10.

Arts Centre

Thursday 30th, 8pm Bob Bowles. Popular local musician with his four piece band will play rock and blues favourites plus his own songs. £7 Arts Centre Saturday 2 October, 7.30pm Sunday 19th, 7.30pm Kentwood Choir in Concert in aid The Drifters Go Gold 2004 tour. A Alzheimer Care. £5, tickets from The spectacular show to celebrate their Music Shop. to/- 840445 or on the 50th anniversary and the BPI Gold door. St Bartholomew's Church, Disc award for new album The Wootton Bassett Definitive Drifters. £15 Wyvern Monday 20th, 7.30pm The Temperance Seven. An evening of hot jazz music of the 1920s Thursday 30th, 8pm Al Murray The Pub Landlord, and 1930s. £10. Wyvern 'Giving It Both Barrels'. Representing Wednesday 22nd, 7.30pm decent honest hard working normal Buddy Holly & The Cricketers with an exciting, fast- tax paying law abiding ordinary moving showfor all the people who don't want to pay their speeding fines; a heady brew of family. £13. Wyvern British Thinking and Common Sense Thursday 23rd, 8pm Reasoning. £16.50. Wyvern Richard Digance.

One man show on his 2004 tour. £14.50.

Wyvern Arts Centre. Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Saturday 25th, 7.30pm Lydiard House. Tel: 770401 Lynn Hawkins and the Band of the Army Air Purton House. Church End, Purton Corps with special Tel: 772287 guests Kathy Hobson STEAM - Museum of the and Graham DavisonGreat Western Railway Smith. £12 Wyvern Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 Sunday 26th, 7pm Swindon & Cricklade Railway The Les Bruce Big Band Charity Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon.

Concert. In aid of the Green Hut Tel: 771615 (Gorse Hill) which provides care and Swindon Museum & Art Gallery support for the homeless, Bath Road. Tel: 466556 unemployed and those in need.

Wyvern Theatre. Tel: 524481 Sponsored by HSBC. £7 tobookca// Confirm date, time and price 692903. Arts Centre with the venue

Saturday 11th., 7.30pm UK Beach Boys. Keeping the Summer Alive with all the classic hits. £12 Wyvern Saturday 11th, 8pm James Taylor Quartet. A must for jazz fans. £1750. Arts Centre Friday 17th, Saturday 18th, 8pm The Blockheads (below) return to celebrate their work with Ian Dury as well as new music. £1750. Arts Centre Monday 6th, 8pm Kathryn Tickell Band. Melodeon player Julian Sutton, guitarist Joss Clapp and fiddle player Peter Tickell, join Kathryn (above) with her own music as well as the lively fiddle and haunting pipe melodies of Northumberland's traditional music. £14. Arts Centre Monday 6th, 7.30pm Bachelor Boy. A magical trip to the heyday of pure classic Cliff and The Shadows featuring over 30 of their greatest hits, starring Kytsun Wolfe as Cliff Richard. £1250. Wyvern

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On in September Film

Children and Family Events

Tuesday 7th, 7.30pm The Day After Tomorrow (12A) Dramatic and sudden climatic change hits the planet and extreme ice age settles on New York £4. Wyvern

Family Learning Trail. A new trail to help you get more out of your visit to STEAM. Available all year round.

Normal admission prices. STEAM

Wednesday 8th & Thursday 9th, 7.45pm Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (15) A mix of romantic comedy and science fiction, with Jim Carry as Joel who decides to have his memories of ex-girlfriend, Clementine (Kate Winslet) erased, then changes his mind. £4. Arts Centre Wednesday 15th, 7.45pm Spring Summer Autumn Winter ...

And Spring (15) Set on a floating monastery in an idyllic setting, the film traces the cycles of life and nature as a young monk learns about life, anger and regret, with his master. Subtitled South Korea. Swindon Film Society

Until Saturday 4th The Ration Race. During the Second World War there were many everyday items that were rationed. Find these items around the museum and fill up your ration card. £1(inc/udesprize).

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Saturdays 4th and 18th Meet the Railway Workers. Join former engine drivers, firemen and railway workers as they bring stories of the steam age to life with practical demonstrations and accounts of their experiences. Norma/ admission prices. STEAM Sunday 5th, fpm & 3.30pm Engie Benjy. It's Jollop's birthday and Engie and all the team are planning a surprise party for him. £8.

Wyvern

Thursday 16th, 7.45pm Blind Flight (15) An inspirational and compassionate portrayal of human endurance, blind Flight has memorable central performances from Ian Hart and Linus Roache as John McCarthy and Brian Keenan. £4. Arts Centre

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Friday 24th, 7.30pm Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (PG) Its Harry's third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and he learns that a convicted murderer, Sirius Black has escaped Azkaban prison, and could be coming after him next. £4. Wyvern Tuesday 28th, 7.45pm Monster (18)

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Theatre

Monday 13th to Saturday 18th, 7.30, Wed and Sat 2.30pm Anyone For Breakfast presented

by Stage Further Productions. A comedy of marital mishaps. a smattering of mistaken identities and misunderstandings as the characters try desperately to keep up their respectability, despite Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th adulterous secrets. £1550. Wyvern Swindon Railway Convention.

Celebrating Swindon's contribution Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25th, to the railways and railway 7.30pm & Sat 2.30pm engineering, special features include Home and Beauty presented by the the GWR locomotive City of Truro Phoenix Players. For the first Adults £6.60, children £4.20, Senior production of their 50th anniversary citizens £4. 30, family tickets season, the Players present Somerset Maugham's witty 'farce of available. STEAM words'. £6 Arts Centre Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th, Tootlebrook WI Wednesday 15 September, 7.30pm 7.30pm Hard Times presented by Love and Life as a Milliner - Hats & Madness Productions. A newly Trimmings with Mrs Jill Grubb commissioned stageplay of the novel Toothill Community Centre

by Charles Dickens. £9. Wyvern All welcome Sunday 5th, 11am to 4pm Organic Farm Open Day. Attractions. farm walk, tractor rides, farmers' market, barbecue. Purton House Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th Military Weekend. Steam trains will run 11am to 4pm. Swindon & Crickiade Railway

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Tibbett & Britten continue to go from strength to strength in Swindon, providing a wide range of top quality products to Iceland stores throughout the South West. We now have opportunities for motivated women and men to join our successful team and be involved in achieving our continued success.

Drivers (Class C+E licence) & Warehouse Operatives

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WPart-time & Full-time Vacancies Charlize Theron won an Oscar for her performance as Aileen Warnos, a prostitute who became America's most notorious female serial killer, and ended up on death row. £4. Arts Centre Wednesday 29th, 7.45pm Goodbye Lenin A party activist is in a coma during the fall of East Germany, so her son reconstructs the old DDRin hersmall flat to lesson the shock when she comes round. This sensitive comedy provides insight into the lingering DDR nostalgia for the former Communist East and how people cope with radical change. Subtitled.

Germany. Swindon Film Society Swindon Film Society A/ffifms are shown attheArts Centre; tickets are not sold in advance; society leaflets are available at the Arts Centre; join when purchasing tickets.

Due to expansion, we are looking to recruit administration support staff to work at our offices in South Marston, Swindon (near to the Honda factory).

I

We have a range of vacancies which will accommodate weekday, mid-week and weekend working. These roles have flexible in work patterns as the company operates 7 days a week.

Positions available: Full and Part-time > Managers (Project & Administration) > Team Leaders (Both office and field based) > Administration Support Staff > Human Resources Staff > Data Entry Clerks Salary: Variable - £ dependent on experience and role (get in contact to find out more) Interested? then get in contact and start a career with a company with a really exciting future! What are you waiting for?

Telephone: Colin Stone on 01793 829196 email: colinstone@infinite-group.uk.com company web-sites: www.infinitefms.com & www.the-front-of-mind.co.uk

Swindon Wide Wt's

28

Exhibitions STEAM until 1 October Speed To The West 100 years ago the celebrated Cornish Riviera Express ran for the first time.

A special display tells the story of this famous GWR service. Normal admission charges Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Swindon at War An exhibition to mark the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings, by looking at the role of Swindon and its people during the Second World War. Were you in Swindon then?

What do you remember?Ca11466556 to arrange an interview.

LIGHTING BUG FACTORY WAREHOUSE IN WEST SWINDON Units 16/17 Westmead Industrial Estate. Westlea, Swindon

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NationalTrust FoxTalbot Museum,

Re:Evolution From Saturday 11th An exhibition created by the young people of Swindon Foyer. comparing their lives in modern Swindon to lives in Medieval Swindon.

Arts Centre Wednesday 1 September to 2 October Artsite Sell Out Artsite salute the 40th anniversary of the Pop Art movement by aiming to sell out in the glorious tradition of Andy Warhol.

Lacock Until 31 October, 11am - 5.30pm Photographs by Sir Wilfred Thesiger Thesiger took thousands of photographs focusing on the lives of everyday people and their surroundings on his journeys throughout the Middle East, Asia and Africa. This exhibition focuses on those he took in Iraq between 1949 and 1958. Admission: adults £4.40, children £2.20. For moreinformation call 01249 730459

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Images from a lost age anda culture destroyed by Saddam Hussein. Spear Fishing. a photograph of the Marsh Arabs of Southern Iraq taken by Sir Wilfred Thesiger in 1958 exhibited at Fox Talbot Museum

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Talks Wednesday 8th, 7.30pm An Audience with John Sergeant, who until recently was the political editor of ITN and before that worked for 30 years for the BBC as a reporter covering conflicts in many parts of the world and then as a political correspondent. £10. Wyvern Friday 10th, 7.30pm Son of Barnum: A Stunt Too Far. Mark Borkowski, Britain's leading PR expert shares his passion for the extraordinary history of the publicity stunt. £10. Wyvern Monday 20th, 7.30pm BR Steam Since 1964 with Simon Foote - presented by Friends of Swindon Railway Museum Nonmembers £250. STEAM

29

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Family activity sessions Wednesday 8 September,1 Oam to 12.30pm or 1 pm - 3.30pm Fun on the farm for young children and their parents or carers. Follow the nature trail, feed the hens and collect the eggs, seasonal art and craft work. A snack is provided and you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. In case of bad weather activities will be inside. Free, but p/aces most be booked on 771080

Workshops

Free Bottle of Wine between four diners ordering main courses from the A La Carte Menu Valid from Tuesday to Saturday until 30th September 2004 Please bring this advert with you.

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Space

Saturday 25th, 10am to 4pm Rubber Stamp Printing. Make rubber stamps for printing multiple copies or complex images in several colours with Paul Ricketts. All materials provided. £12 Arts Centre

• 3 tier playframe & feature slides • Separate toddlers area

Dance

• Games zone featuring laser tags, Sumo wrestling and Bag Bash (height restrictions apply)

Wednesday 29th, 8pm Jaleo return to Britain with their flamboyant and magical flamenco world of Andalusian dance, song and guitar. £13. Wyvern

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30 The Link Magazine • September 2004

Auction in aid of the Abby Smith Fund

Only Fools and Horses stars sign up for Del Boy car less boot sale

Friday 24 September, 8pm.

Saturday 4 September. 10am to 4pm, Canal Walk Boyse, Marlene and Trigger, original cast members from the hit comedy show Only Fools and Horses, will be signing autographs and memorabilia while a Del Boy lookalike gets the punters interested in the carless boot sale, alongside the Trotter three wheeler car and Trigger's double decker bus and a fun fair for children.

Charities and community or- whilst Chas and Dave type music ganisations can sign up for this will add to the fun atmosphere.

Age Concern fundraising event at Age Concern Swindon organiser £10 per pitch. Cover is provided Jacquie Sheppard said, "this is an but groups have to bring tables excellent way to raise money and and items to sell, from which they also to raise the profile of your organisation." keep the proceeds.

To reserve a pitch, pick up the Pearly Kings and Queens will wander the streets encouraging dog and bone and call Jacquie on s oppers to support local groups, 692166.

e ere HtIW DV + Swln O e , eS , dOn Lots of items go under the hammer of auctioneer Howard Taylor from GWRfm to raise money for CALM and the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Tickets £15, includes buffet and live music, from 526571

Tombola in aid of Lights for Learning Cricklade Town Hall Saturday 25 September, 10am - 2pm Every ticket wins a prize h

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Mental Capacity Bill gets first Swindon public debate at Age Concern annual meeting

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Age Concern Swindon's Annual General Meeting takes place on Friday 24 September, 2pm, in the Pilgrim Centre, Regent Circus, Swindon.

The guest speaker is Lorna should go about it. It enables peoEasterbrook, an expert on aspects pie to plan ahead for a time when of the new Mental Capacity Bill they may lose capacity.

"The need for absolute clarity in which is expected to be on the statthe public mind about its contents ute book next spring, Age Concern Swindon director has never been greater. Age ConJo Osorio says the issues covered cern is pleased the government has by the bill are very important for published the bill but as a member everyone, not just older people. of the Making Decisions Alliance, "The proposed legislation pro- also wants to see some changes to vides a statutory framework to it."

All readers are invited to the empower and protect vulnerable adults who may not be able to AGM, or for more details about make their own decisions. It makes the Mental Capacity Bill, contact it clear who can take decisions in Jo Osorio on 692166 or mail: which situations and how they jo.osorio@ageconcern.org.uk

Hospital to home volunteers wanted The Red Cross Home From Hospi- tions, help with a meal, and sometal Service are looking for people times just to make a social visit to to assist patients leaving hospital build up confidence. to regain independence. Volun- To find out more call the Service teers make a weekly visit for up to Co-OrdinatorJanet Cass on 605155, six weeks to help with shopping, Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm, or collecting pensions and prescrip- please leave a message.

Running target Brian Hall from Rodbourne is planning to run 50 miles on Sunday 5 September to raise £2,000 to pay for medical equipment for the children's unit in the Great Western Hospital.

His route takes him from Coate Water into the countryside and back along Queens Drive and through Old Town. Call him on 07799 507975 with offers of sponsorship.

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The holiday season is nearly over and the Wiltshire Air Ambulance is appealing for all those foreign coins which have been brought home and cannot be cashed in.

With the help of American Express in Swindon, the coinage can be converted into much needed funds to keep the Air Ambulance helicopter flying. The service has to raise over £320,000 annually and does not receive any government or lottery funding.

Take any spare coins into American Express, 55 Regent Street, or call Mary Laing on 01380 739453 to arrange collection.

• To become a community fundraiser or to help the appeal in any other way, contact Tracey Edwards or Mary Laing at the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeals Office, Police Headquarters, London Road, Devizes SN10 2DN, tel: 01380 739453 or 07970 920414, or mail: wiltshire. airambulance@virgin.net to arrange collection

The Link Magazine • September 2004 31

Get ready to get active In the last year obesity and the Atkins diet have hit the headlines, but every year Swindon Council organises its Get Active Day - a chance to reinforce the point that to lose weight, you need to burn more energy than you take in, that is: do more exercise and alter what you eat.

On 15 September people who in the community, such as conga tion and raising awareness of the live or work in Swindon are asked dancing in sheltered accommoda- benefits of taking regular physical active which will: to take part in a minimum of 15 tion. minutes of physical activity of Lots of sports clubs provide free • control blood pressure; some kind. In the past businesses taster sessions and SwindonCoun- • control body weight; have run fun events for staff, cil leisure centres will be offering • strengthen bone and muscles; schools have organised sports ses- free activities. Get Active organis- • improve mobility; sions, and events have taken place ers will also be providing informa- • reduce stress; • improve self-esteem; • give more energy. , miniplay e Open7 da` M„laers 7 rs For details of how to take part in Supermarine Rugby Club's mini and midi sections are organising an GAD, an d to register your planned open day on Sunday 5 September for new players aged 6 to 16 who activity, call Fran Pound on 511033 want to have a go, meet the coaches and size up the club.

Turn up for a 10am start, or on any Sunday morning at the ground off Highworth Road in South Marston.

For details about teams and facilities, call Karen Williams on 727902 or Steve Bartlett on 764794 .

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Indian Head Massage, Reiki & Reflexology are now available at the De Vere Swindon Health & Beauty Suite. We now also offer Hot Stone Therapy, as an introductory offer we would like to give you a 15% discount on Hot Stone Therapy treatments taken during September on production of this advert.

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Club to show some steel West Swindon Football Club will be playing with greater strength in the Wiltshire League Divison 1, now that they are sponsored by Purton based steel fabricating company EW Booth & Son. The club was formed in Rodbourne during the 1950s when that part of town was considered West Swindon. In the 1980s matches were played at Greendown until the club was promoted and had to move to a ground with better facilities. Currently matches are played at Ballards Ash in Wootton Bassett. For results go to www.wsfc.co.uk

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Darren keeps British cycle team in trim Swindon sports therapist Darren Beers who runs Diamond Health and Fitness, which offers specialist sports massage and remedial therapy has been appointed as masseur to the British cycling team.

Darren recently opened a new clinic at Blunsdon, in addition to the existing town centre clinic, to give clients greater flexibility, allowing people to fit in their treatment at a time and place that suits them best.

Massage is proven to help many everyday aches and pains such as lower back problems, pulled muscles, tension headaches and knee problems. For details call Darren at Diamond on 07733 120485.

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32 The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ September 2004

Women wanted to play ball

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A group of women in Abbey Meads have formed a netball club and are looking for others to create a competitive squad.

4 Ten players get together every Thursday morning at Abbey Meads Community Primary School to be coached by Lorraine

Bulpitt. She puts the women through warm up exercises, followed by running, jump ing, stretching, ball and games skills.

Dawn Thompson said she had last played netball thirty years ago and had joined in for . some exercise. "We're a very friendly group and we'd welcome more ladies so that we can organise competitive games."

Just turn up at 10.30am on Thursday morning or call Roxanna Cox on 723239.

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Join us say Abbey Meads players, from left, Kell it Gray, Dawn Thompson, Michelle Nelson, Alison Carr, Alison Eagles, Charlotte Pai, Wendy Govier, Becky Spalding. Front, coach Lorraine

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Achieve Success expands its Pilates and yoga classes Due to the increasing popularity of Pilates and yoga classes, Dawn Cole who runs Achieve Success Fitness Consultancy has been joined by teachers Cherylyn McCabe and Alison Bright.

In October, Dawn, already qualified by Yogawise, will start a six month course in Astanga Yoga travelling monthly to Edinburgh to work with internationally recognised teacher Brian Cooper.

In due course Cherylyn will be adding yoga classes to her schedule when she completes a two year qualification with the British Wheel of Yoga.

Like Dawn, Cherylyn has a degree in sports and exercise science and is a qualified Pilates teacher.

She will be taking over the Tuesday and Wednesday evening

classes at St Johns Church, Haydon Wick and Ramleaze community hall, enabling Dawn to setup three new classes in Fairford.

Alison will be teaching Pilates courses in Cricklade town hall.

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AND LEAVE WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE!

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J chieve Success

fitness Consultancy NEW VENUES FOR PILATES CLASSES Ramleaze Community Hall (next to Ridge Green Medical Centre, off Ramleaze Drive) Monday: 6.30pm - 7.30pm; Wednesday: 7.30pm - 8.30pm St Johns Church, Haydon Wick Tuesday:8pm - 9pm

Ramleaze Community Hall (next to Ridge Green Medical Centre, off Ramleaze Drive)

Tuesday: I Oam - I I am

SUNDAY 19th SEPTEMBER The Haydon Centre at 6pm

The question is will you be there or will you miss out I

` t

i

r You're guaranteed a fun evening and will be shown how rewarding Tae Kwon bo is.

YOGA CLASSES NEW Emmanuel Church, Haydon Wick Monday: 7.30pm - 8.30pm

Greendown School, Grange Park Tuesday: 8pm - 9pm; Friday: 7.30pm - 8.30pm CrickladeTown Hall Thursday: I pm - 2pm

All classes start week beginning 6th September

The Link Magazine • September 2004 33

Makeover for meeting room Staff at Asda West Swindon helped make a difference in the community during August when they completely refurbished a room at the West Swindon Family Project in Freshbrook.

The project was chosen for the Asda 'Get Involved' campaign after staff voted on customer nominations. In company time the volunteers painted the walls, fitted a wood floor and hung new curtains.

Project manager Allyson Cardis said the room which is used for meetings, adult education courses and after school club activities was looking very tired after years of intense use. "We wanted the room to be bright, cheerful and uplifting and the Asda staff have done a lovely job."

Store general manager Jeremy Kinsey said staff were always keen to take part in Get Involved. "It gives us a real opportunity to give something back to the community where we live. The staff have done an excellent job; a great team effort."

Jeremy Kinsey presents a celebration cake to family project chairwoman Tina Mackie and event organiser Jan Kilby, with Asda and project staff

Aromatherapy, Waxing, Facial: Manicures, Tanning, Eyelash Tintin, Indian Head Massage, Reiki, Stress Relief

Reiki School & Clinic Angel Healing & Reiki Professional Reiki Courses, Reiki 1, 2, 2Adv & Masters

Back massage (30 mins) £10 Foot massage (30 mins) £10 Collagen facial, exfoliation, mask, cleanse, tone, moisturise £10 • Full body massage & facial (1 hour) £20 • Full body St Tropez tan, exfoliation, moisturise £20 • Eyelash tint £6 • Indian head massage £9 • •

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

Tel: 01793 870109 HERRI ANN MATTHEWS II HHT FICHTATLM

Holistic Tirerapist & Reiki Master/Teacher • NEW Hopi Ear Candling • Reiki I st, 2nd and Master Degree Courses.

• Meditation/Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Workshops.

• Banish fears, phobias, addictions and mental/emotional blocks holding you back with EFT. Reflexology and Aromatherapy.

Reiki/EFT/Indian Head Massage. t: 01793 871410 m: 07720 635761 www.cherriannmatthews.co.uk

Acupuncture at Taw Hill Medical Practice" Mark Ackland BSc PhD Lic Ac MBAcC

Laser (needle-free) acupuncture now available

Appointments call: 07973 - 185158 SESSIONS: FRIDAYS 2pm to 7pm

Hilary Norris - Evans 3A Hons. DABCH, MCAHyp, NLP Cert, MNCH Tel: 01249-740506 or mail: info@getmindfit.co.uk

CRYSTAL

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34 The Link Magazine • September 2004

Older opposition swept aside by 8 year old

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Don't let annoying cosmetic damage ruin the look and value of your car

PARKING CENTRAL SWINDON Annual long stay parking from only £63.00 per month Contact Christine Jenkins Tel: 01793 - 690600

• Paintwork scu ff s and scratches Interior trim repairs • Bumper repairs • Alloy wheel repairs Call 07050 266325 for a free, no obligation quote

Young tennis player Alex Ho from Grange Park is eight and a half but is taking on 12 year olds and beating them. °^ *` ti" • k.: Alex is a member of the Wootton ,+1 Bassett Tennis Club and has been r's in the Wiltshire Lawn Tennis Association Futures Programme since he was 7. This summer he started playing tournaments where he has been winning against much older opposition.

Alex, who is in Year 4 at Tregoze Primary, is also keen on football, badminton, inline skating and beating his dad, Tak, at pool.

"He's a real battler for points which is how he will develop his game," said Tak. Alex said his favourite player is Leyton Hewitt. "He's small and fast around the court, but I also f like Andy Roddick because he wins."

However achieving success will from the LTA, his parents are mectbe an expensive business. Al- ingthecostoftheindividualcoachthough Alex gets some funding ing he needs every week.

Summer sports develops skills Over 70 youngsters took part in Greendown School's summer holiday Great Escape sport weeks during July and August.

A wide range of

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Providing friendly & efficient * servicing

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MG owners fun day Swindon MG Owners Club holds its annual open day on Saturday 11 September at the Black Horse Inn, Wanborough with driving tests, a Pride of Ownership competition, side stalls, treasure hunt, refreshments and all day barbecue.

Non-MG owners are welcome to take part. For details call Paul Franklin on 07971 691649 or mail paul.franklin@agimedia.com http: / /members.lycos.co.uk/swindon_mgoc/

THE GARAGE DOOR CENTRE Est. 1981

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The Link Magazine • September 2004 35

Kelvin puts ideas into words A young writer, whose handwriting was unreadable a couple of years ago, has had the confidence to write to The Link asking for help to get one of his short stories published.

Kelvin Snell, 14, from the ability to create a Toothill, said he started good story, with an origiat Greendown three years nal turn of phrase and ago needing help to make touches of humour. his writing legible. "My We've worked hard on mum contacted a tutor to grammar and punctuahelp me and I was tion, drafting and editshocked to see Mr Avery, ing. I think he has a talmy teacher from Oliver ent to express."

Tomkins School on my Kelvin has sent his doorstep."

Kelvin holding his short horror story If she Martin Avery, now a story with his tutor bends she breaks to sevsupply teacher, said he Martin Avery eral publishers without had worked with Kelvin success. The Link is unto improve his handwriting then able to provide the space for the moved onto broader literacy skills. story but it can be read at "Before long I noticed Kelvin had www.swindonlink.com

Ivre WHO GIVES YOU SPEEDY MOT TESTING 7 DAYS A WEEK WITH NO APPOINTMENT .. AND MORE?

Air cadets recruiting Flt Lt Phil Shepherd writes The Air Cadets unit at West Swindon has been going from strengthto-strength thanks in part to publicity in The Link, and now includes cadets from West and North Swindon, as well as Purton.

The detached flight of the SwinThis year cadets have flown in don unit is holding a recruiting the RAF's basic trainer and helped evening in the Westlea School corn- to organise the Royal International munity hall on Friday 17 Septem- Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford. Cadets ber, 7.30pm. from the unit also attended the Boys and girls over 13 years and annual camp at RAF Cranwell and parents are welcome to meet ca- participated in many activities. dets and staff and learn about ATC All cadets at the unit have comactivities through videos, displays pleted their weapons handling and one-to-one discussions. qualification that enables them to Several cadets are currently tak- undertake rifle shooting training ing part in glider training at each month.

Hullavington including Dean GilCome along on 17 September, bert, 16, who, flew his first solo call me on 772305, or mail: flight this summer. phil.shepherd@totalise.co.uk Newly qualified Viking glider pilot Dean Gilbert with fellow pupils Torn Paris, and Jamie White

M.O.T. Cars • Motorcycles

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Avoid being stuck in the future, call Clive Lamdon to arrange a convenient time.

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More than just your local bus company

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36 The Link Magazine • September 20 04

Walk in the woods total

Animal Portraits drawn from your favourite

A sponsored walk at Shaw Forest Country Park in aid of the Brandon Humphries Best Foot Forward Appeal on 10 July has been boosted by a £200 donation from Woolworths.

Although cerebral palsy sufferer Brandon is due to have an operation to straighten his feet at the Great Western Hospital in the next few months, his mother Tracey will have to take him to the Peto Institute in Hungary for specialist intensive after-care and physiotherapy to help him learn to walk without sticks.

Forty people braved a wet and windy Saturday morning to take part in the walk organised by the Swindon Forest Protection Group. The total raised by mid-August was £427 towards the £5,000 Brandon needs for at least two month long visits to Hungary in the next year.

photograph For a free brochure, call Vikki on 513536

or 0779

r ^'

lk

9605045

Woolworths assistant manager James Tanner and colleagues present a cheque to Brandon, with his sister Abby, mum Tracey Humphries and rear right, Sheri Fisher of the Swindon Forest Protection Group

e: v.loeber@virgin.net www.vikkiloeber.co.uk

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

Pets At Home could be your answer 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

Would you like your pets looked after in the comfort of their home?

I provide a friendly caring and professional pet sitting service for dogs, cats and caged animals.

,ver^^^sl SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE

C

en t r

Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 5PY

t

A ,fi-iendly, caring service Jr o you and your pet David Warnes BVSc MRCVS

Whether you're away on holiday or just out at work all day, I can feed, walk and care for your pets.

Service tailored to suit your needs.

-

Consultations by appointment: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.30pm 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 hours)

Abbeymeads

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DkO V E Veterinary O

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jts' needs

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Saturday

For more details phone Carole on 01793 702098

Surgery Opening hours:

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Mon - Fri 9am - 6.30pm Saturday 12noon - 3pm Consultina hours b y appointment Mon - Fri: 9am - 10.30am; 3.30pm - 5pm; 5.30pm - 6.30pm Saturday 12noon - 3pm

Tel: (01793) 728728

24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE - All Sunday and Emergency consults by appointment at The Drove Veterinary Hospital. Tel: (01793) 522483

Local care for local people and their pets

For otters, prices, advicea

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The Link Magazine • September 2004 37

New Hreod Parkway will destroy wildlife habitat The August Link carried a three page feature on the development of new schools to serve North Swindon.

GARDEN J

In reaction John Ball from Grange Park, who voluntarily set up and runs wildFlowers-And-Butterflies(FAB) at The Haven in Cheney Manor, which is dedicated to developing butterfly friendly habitats in Swindon, says that rebuilding Hreod Parkway School will consume another important area of green space.

DOCTORS

There are still a few meadows in Wiltshire where, in mid-summer, you disturb clouds of butterflies as you walk along. Swindon still has some of these increasingly rare areas, in amongst the housing estates and factories. In a good butterfly year, they provide an awe-inspiring experience.

Several fields off Akers Way have been classified 'County Wildlife Sites,' but Swindon Council is about to build a school on half of one of them. What hope is there for an important wildlife area and amenity experience for people, when pitted against the forces of development?

The adjacent old school site is going to be redeveloped for housing. Part of it could be a car park for the new school, rather than destroy more meadow land.

Being born and bred in Swindon, I have seen our greatest asset, the enormous areas of wildlifefilled green space, being frittered away, bit by bit, as the money value of building tempts councillors and developers to replace it with more bricks and concrete.

The short-term financial gain seems larger (at the time) than the gradual loss of what makes Swindon so attractive and prosperous, the green lungs.

All new towns have this problem, but if you look at Milton Keynes, they did something about it. They put all their parks and amenity land into a trust that looks after it, for the people of the city are forbidden to sell it.

This permanence ensures public trust and support and avoids politicians and people fighting over green spaces that footballers or developers want to build on.

Their green spaces will stay green

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forever. It's an obvious solution and associated insect life. for Swindon.

Wouldn't you too ?

As founder of the FAB • To find out how you can turn (wildFlowersAndButterflies)con- your garden or any area around cept, with the aim of turning Swin- your home into a butterfly friendly don into the butterfly capital of habitat, meet John at The Haven Europe, I would dearly love to (found to the rear of Manor Garknow which spaces will stay green den Centre in Cheney Manor) on for posterity, so that I can make Sunday 12 September,10.30am, or those abundant with wildflowers mail: jball2@ntlworld.com Not just a fi eld of grass. John Ball at the wildflower meadow off Akers Way where building work on the new Hreod Parkway will start this Autumn

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Forest school is keen to learn Even with the loss of a wildlife meadow, Hreod Parkway will still be developing its interest in the environment, one of the first two in Swindon to be designated as a 'Forest School' by the Great Western Community Forest.

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Garden Design and Maintenance Forest people, Sam Read and Rebecca Starsineare

The April Link featured the efforts of Year 7 pupils who have been tidying up and maintaining a copse in front of the existing school as part of their weekly enrichment activities. They also created different habitats to encourage birds, bees, bugs and small mammals and have been studying the effect of their work.

Why not get some help from a plant specialist and RHS Chelsea medal winning designer • Professional designs drawn to suit your needs/budget • Imaginative planting plans for whole/part of your garden • Plant supply and planting Garden maintenance - lawn care, shrub pruning, hedge • cu tt ing, border renovation Call John or Anita Barratt ND Hort A / Hort on Swindon (01793) 751403 for further information

Anita Barratt Garden Design

38 The Link Magazine • September 2004

Sevenfields group seeks support at critical September meeting

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The conservation group that oversees the management of the important Sevenfields nature reserve in North Swindon has called a reconvened Annual General Meeting for Tuesday 14 September, 7.30pm at the Parish Council offices in Thames Avenue.

The annual meeting in early June as being an important reserve of over management issues. That was so poorly attended that dis- biodiversity. The group's efforts meeting was well attended and cussions were adjourned to this resulted in local nature reserve sta- the committee were given full new date when the group are hop- tus being awarded in 1995. backing in their disputes. Howing for both a larger attendance The area is managed in conjunc- ever the support seems to have and also indications of support for tion with Swindon Council but last evaporated, a great disappointtheir work. year a special meeting of support- ment to the long serving commitThe conservation group was ers had to be called because of tee members, which they hope to formed some sixteen years ago to disagreements with the council reverse on 14 September. help protect the status of the open Counting wildlife across the town space between Greenmeadow, Abbey Meads and Penhill, which On 31 July, Sevenfields hosted the launch of 'Wildlife Counts,' an provides a valuable recreational event organised by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, which attracted fifty facility for local residents as well people, some of whom were visiting the nature reserve for the first time and were suitably impressed.

The aim is to involve people in observing wildlife on their own local green spaces. Those signing up for the three year project will be recording the numbers of some thirty species of birds, insects, animals and plants seen on one of fifteen sites, including Hreod Parkway, Shaw Ridge, Peatmoor Community Woodland and Rivermead.

O Paving, Walling The count will be taken three or four times each year so that changes can be assessed. Project Officer Carolynn Jureidini would welcome 0 Fencing, Patios further volunteers. Contact her on 01380 725670.

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Most successful open gardens yet West Swindon gardeners who showed off their hard work in midJune raised £2,261 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the highest total in the three years the event has been going.

Nineteen households, mainly in the Nine Elms area, took part. This year, for the first time, the weekend was enhanced with ploughman's lunches and entertainment over cream teas by the White Horse Folk Club and the Opus One singers.

Right, some of the gardeners present the cash to Swindon Breakthrough Breast Cancer representative Shirley Garman

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Trade Justice piles on the pressure .;

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

Swindon members of the Trade Justice Movement coalition will be joining thousands on 26 September outside the Labour Party conference in Brighton calling on the Government to do more to end global poverty and protect the planet.

Christian Aid willbeorganisinga Kate Nash, Secretary of Swindon 'ballot on the beach' where people World Development Movement. can vote for trade justice and there "There are too many warm words will be international speakers and about making trade fair, but our government still operates policies celebrities, and also a carnival, "The UK government has made which harm both the poorest peogreat strides towards debt relief ple and also the planet."

For details and to book a place for the world's poorest people, but there is so much more to do in on the coach from Swindon, call terms of world trade rules," said Kate Nash on 704154.

Coffee morning at Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Thursday, 9 September, 10am to 12noon, serving tea and coffee,

selling Traidcraft fairly traded goods and collecting Harvest Festival donations in aid of Swindon's 'Filling Station' project.

The Link Magazine • September 2004 39

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DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL WORKS UNDERTAKEN • Grass cutting • Weed control • Hedge trimming

Also Lawnmower serv icing Plugs - oils - filters blade sharpening collection & delivery service available Call Mike for a free quotation tel: 01793 722264 fax: 01793 724339 mob: 07919 556119

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If you need more living space for a bedroom, office, playroom or a place to relax, converted lofts make ve ry attractive li ght extra rooms.

Personal one-to-one service Clean, reliable, quality work - no job too small

Plastering

I ,m 'RUE expen advice. FREE no obligat on quotati on.GUARANTEED insattatinn and derails of our tutu,t promononl o ffer please telephone Swindon 729247 or ma t sx mdonCmail.mrelectric com

Acenti Designs Ltd specialises in conve rt ing all types of loft into quality living space.

Whether you need more space or wish to expand your house rather than moving, loft conversions are a cost effective way of increasing your living space without losing valuable garden area. We convert all types of lofts including modern 'W' truss lofts.

Professional interior/exterior painter ft decorator

call Paul on

Mobile: 07785 522377 Tel: 01793 616170

THE RIGHTPRESCRIPTION FORAHEALTHIERHOME

519fl5 9

• •

For free quote

Floor & wall tiling • Painting & decorating

• INSURANCE WORK

Tel: 01793 770088 Mobile: 07710 150 644 •

COMPLETE PROPERTY SERVICES (Formerly Merlin Property Services) :- Kitchens

• Replacement taps • Exchange suites • En-suites • Tiling • Towel rails • Shower Trays And Cubicles • Complete Bathroom Makeovers • Insurance Work Undertaken

• Property Maintenance • Kitchens and Bathrooms fitted • Electrical - extra sockets, rewires. fuse boards, security lighting, showers Plumbing - bathroom suites, showers garden taps. appliance installation Floors and Walls - ceramic tiling and laminates Call Mark Ashdown for a free quote Qualified electr ician and plumber

Paul Comer

House Medic L

07979 267757

From complete house renovation to replacing tap washers, no job too small

Interior and Exterior Painting Specialist in Wallpapering General Maintenance and odd jobs

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01793 349468

The decorating service you can trust, est. 1986

Specialists in PVCU, windows, doors and conservatories.

• All work guaranteed

Mobile: 07771 862220 Tel: 01793 725161

& Plumbing Services

Decorating Services

20 years experience in heating services

• Central heating installations • Boiler servicing and repairs • Combi specialist (repair and installations) • Landlords gas safety certificate • Boiler replacements • Bathrooms and showers

Ashdown Electrical

Philip Stone

A. R. Beveridge & Sons

f

• • • •

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Central heating installation and efficiency upgrades Repairs to all appliances and central heating systems Full preventative Servicing to central heating boilers maintenance, annual service, Gas appliance fitting parts and labour cover Warm air heating to entire system Gas appliance sales www.gastechwilts.co.uk Combination boilers

41

Loft Conversions All aspects of works carried out from concept to completion Very prompt, friendly service _ dvtce`&freely given

01793 635000

RUBBISH REMOVALS COMMERCIAL/DOMESTIC RUBBISH DISPOSAL DEMOLITION HOUSE CLEARANCE METALS & CARS DISPOSED OF You name it, we move it

Quick & clean service Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

Tel: 01793 772268

H14

Rollers • Verticals • Venetians Pleated Blinds • VELUX® Conservatory Blinds QUALITY BLINDS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES Fast and reliable service Evenings & weekends no problem All blinds fitted free Choose from a wide range of fabrics from the corn fort of your own home

GROUNDWORK Building services Drives! patios Foundations Plastering/dry lining Floor screening

Contact Paul on 01793 619428 FREE QUOTES NO OBLIGATION

For details call Rob on 01793 345888 or 0793 0694008

UflSIL

KITCHEN FITTING

DECORATORS

laminate floor laying general gardening painting fencing & tu rf ing house clearance/tidy decking & patios cleaning windows, patios etc. hedge & tree cutting

01793 634523

Full professional service including plumbing and electrical Prompt, friendly service

or 07734 779736

Tel: 01793 635000

01793 870350 or 0776 465752

High quality painting & decorating Interior Et exterior For free quotations call

DIY PVC-U from

TROVE DIRECT WINDOWS LTD Windows Doors Conservatories n Fascia

and

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• Bathroom installation

tin

• Ceramic floor & wall tiling

Gutterin

Call us now for a free no obligation quote on

MH KITCHENS & BATHROOMS • Kitchen installation

• • • •

D&LBlinds

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• Plumbing

•• Fixings Fixings • Sealants 10/I 1 Westmead Ind. Est, Swindon

Tel: 01793 528686 Fax: 01793 432221

Tel: 01793 723407 Mob: 07990 847623

CHARISMA

Free estimates

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BLINDS

ainbow of colours to brig ht up your home this Summer!

Catch the rainbow at Charisma Blinds The factory - the place for quality and value 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 Hous e, Cheney Manor Ind. Est., Swindon. Tel: 01793 434584

verticals rollers venetians romans pleateds awnings blinds

for fast local service call us now - freephone

0800 916 6512 9 am-9pm

7 days a week - evening and weekend appointments always available

to browse or buy just click www.hillarys.co.uk

off current prices on selected ranges

Hiltarys

42

BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS

ire

Plumbin

bathrooms

* Quality bathroom suites

&

fitted - tiling, electrics,

general plumbing

flooring all taken care of

Complete Bathroom Installation • PLUMBING • TILING • l?LECTRICS • h:N SUITES

All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps,

pumps, tanks, burst pipes,

FREE QUOTATIONS

machines installed

Free estimates 01793 725232 07748 9164433

01793 431211 or 07771 998924 email: shirehathrooms@aol.com

DECORATOR

DECORATOR

BUILDING SERVICES

G.P. Building Specialist Ltd Extensions and loft conversion specialists All i )tlllding and

maintenance work undertaken Est 15 years

For a free quotation call 07767 7 767 417079 01793 435876

DECORATOR

JAMES

O'SULLIVAN

• I nterior/exterior painting & decorating

For a professional finish

Painting 'I and decorating Domestic & Commercial FREE ESTIMATES Quality & Service

telephone 07971347345 (snob) or 616933

Tel: 01793 882093 Mobile: 07957 934536

Interior & Exterior Painting and Decorating

• Wallpaper hanging •Tiling • Replacement skirtingboards, coving, picture rails • Laminate fl ooring fitted • And other carpentry & building services

Wallpapering, Coving, Artexing Established 22 years

No job too smell • Rooms left tidy daily

Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

Contact Andy or Mitch: 01793729354/07977 562288 01793 537324/07900 835116

HEATING & PLUMBINGI

GARAGE CONVE RSIONS

L! #I

_r __ ¢^ ;INEMA ROOM • GAMES ROOM GYMNASIUM • OFFICE PLAYROOM • KITCHEN/DINER TEL: 01793 770088 MOB: 07710 150644

ROB HALL HEATING, GAS & PLUMBING SERVICES Central heating installations, boiler servicing and repairs, bathroom and power showers All aspects of plumbing

MAINTENANCE j I MAINTENANCE

Western

Building Services Fitted kitchens Home improvements Extensions Garages Call for a free quotation

Tel: 01793 872343

For a free quote call Mike Nut tall

Tel: 01793 886032 Mob: 07729 722829

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For quality windows and doors Tel: 01793 331551 07775 621764 / 07799 284998 FENSA See our advert on page 10

HEATING & PLUMBINGI ) All gas appliances serviced, repaired & installed J Warm air unit service, repair & installation J Landlord/moving house safety inspections J Bathroom suites installed and all other plumbing work undertaken Central heating systems flushed (powertlush) Hot water systems descaled

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Quote on request J 24 hour call out Reg 202015

Tel: 722449 • Mob: 07956 410982

MAINTENANCE r j^Q^ GENERAL MAINTENANCE 1 SERVICES

Property Maintenance • Painting & Decorating • Laminate & Tiled Floors • Plumbing and Electrical • Fi tt ed Furniture Installation & Repair • Odd Jobs

SG

I NSTALLATIONS

J British Gas trained

01793 815254 Reg: 1e7505

I

DOUBLE GLAZING

J Natural gas & LPG qualified Tel:

KITCHENS

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Retired and semi-retired tradesmen available for all household tasks Electrical • Plumbing Carpentry • Decorating Handymen Call Andrew on 01793 820991 or 08456 444170 (calls charged at local rate)

• Reliable • Trustworthy • Affordable

All interior and exterior maintenance problems solved

• Bathrooms & • Carpentry kitchens • Fascia/ cladding • Plumbing • Electrical • Painting Quality service guaranteed Fully insured Special rates for senior citizens Free no obligation quotation Tel: 01793 434184 or 07719 272393 www.generalmaintenanceservices.co.uk Our rcputatiou is built orn your satisfaction

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For all your domestic & commercial requirements New installations • Showers Extensions • Extra sockets Re-wires • Security lighting New fuse boards Free quotes 24hr call out facility

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O Fitted bedrooms and kitchens O Replacement doors & staircases

Carpentry Work

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Kevin Cook

ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING

ELECTRICAL SERVICES SOCKETS AND 1I6W77N6 TO SHOWERS AND RE- WIRES. FOR FREE ESTIMATES AND ADVICE,

SHAW Electrical & Plumbing Ltd Domestic, commercial & industrial

PLASTERING

20 years experience in plumbing work

• Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates • All work guaranteed • No job too small For further details call Richard on

lastering Services

N, Peg. 203-55

PLASTERING

L.P.A

Brian Jones

PLA5TERING

+z External rendering

* Plastering two coat Re-skimming Dry lining * Coving

*y New or repairs

From a

patch

All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet

lighting rewiring

^r M AST ERF ITT ER

security lighting O

garden electrics power & electric showers

Wood & ceramics • Supply or fit only Commercial/domestic • Safety flooring All work guaranteed • 14 years experience

Tel: (01793) 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364

Call now for a free, at home consultation

wFl ii National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting

07970 865883

Quality Plumbing & Heating

PLUMBING & HEATING LTD

or 07747 723606

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installations. Maintenance & repairs

RJ PEARCE

Reg - 67416

FLOORING

heating * bathrooms

TEL

01793 879156

For details call Paul on 07932 013360 or 01793 812849

All work fulls insured Free quotations

Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

HE ATING & PLUMBING

MOBILE: 07816 906437 matt@mpsheating.co.uk www.mpsheating.co.uk

Specialising in shop fitting All carpentry work undertaken

HEATING & PLUMBINGI

CALL 01793 522579

Stairs

Free no obligation quotes

HEATING & PLUMBING''

For gas central heating. bathrooms, showers and all other plumbing & heating work

Loft conversions Doors & windows

O Decking - supplied and fitted

M.D.

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toawhop house Free estimates Mobile: 07909 983462

Mobile: 07976 572905

Tel: 01793 703936

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HOUSE/GARDEN D & G HOUSE & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

ALL EXTERNAL & INTERNAL WORK

Tel/Fax: 01793 723495 Mobile: 07771 617992 All garden work Building Concreting paths Gu tt ering and Patio repairs Fascia Patio jet wash All carpent ry Repair or replace External painting small walls Internal painting & Grass cutting decorating Hedges & trees cut Plumbing repairs Electrical Toilets, wash Replace sockets basins, bath taps, Extra sockets ove rf lows repaired Outside lights or replaced ALL WORK GUARANTEED. FULLY INSURED

Kevin Rolfe 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367 Tel:

PLUMBING

I

General plumbing services • Radiators • Pumps (2 • Tanks • Boilers • Cylinders • Burst pipe =— • Taps • Washing machine installed by

o 0

Tel: 01793 435392

1t

25 Kennet Avenue. Greenmeadow

• Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Outside taps • Power showers • Bathroom installations Reg: 128966 All plumbing work unde rt aken Reliable service, realistic prices

A local service

Tel: 01793 849010

Fitted kitchens & bedrooms

Wood and laminate flooring

Fitted bedrooms & Kitchens Laminate & Wood Flooring Supplied & Fitted Ski rt ing & Archiframe • Door Hanging General Maintenance

O Laminate floors O Household repairs and

I

Jim Offering Domestic & Commercial

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294

Heating & Plumbing

- sir

ICARPENTRY

01793 495365 MOBILE 077438 74621

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general maintenance

maintenance

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TILING

GILES BRIO CERAMIC TILING FLOOR & WALL SPECIALISTS Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921 Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526

44

SERVICE

ACCOUNTANCY

Day & Co. Chartered Management Accountants

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses and taxpayers Self assessment • Tax returns Annual accounts • Book-keeping PAYE • VAT etc • Employed Self employed • In business For a free initial discussion call Lyndon Day Tel/Fax: 01793 766000 e-mail: info@dayand.co.uk

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Most leading brands • Guaranteed

repairs • Same day servic e No call out charge

A SUDS

AERIAL SERVICES

AERIAL SERVICES

H.S.A.

Aerial & Television

Accounting Services

CHRIS PAYNE

Services

ACCOUNTANCY

for all your accounting needs Our friendly and experienced staff are ready to help you with: VAT Returns • Tax Returns Payrolls • Construction Industry Partnerships • Sole-traders We offer a tailored service to suit all your needs Call us now for a free no obligation quote Tel: 01793 632249 info@hsaaccounting.co.uk www.hsaaccounting.co.uk

Tel: 01793 854378

saov

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Extra TV, telephone & electrical points

No call out charge

All work guaranteed Tel: 01225 706379 Mobile: 07774 943 783

Tel: 01193 100018 Mobile: 0177 6236415

SKY

ARCHITECTURAL Complete design, plans, and planning service for New build Extensions Conversions Refurbishments

• Carpets. rues. curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured N^(!=

For prompt service,

IRONING

One-off, weekly, fortnightly or simply whenever!

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

Good Prices

Call Karen 01793 822659

Mobile: 07752 020722

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• Quickly usable

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

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IRONING A CHORE??

NOT ANY MORE!!

WE COLLECT WE IRON WE DELIVER ALL IN 24 HOURS Fully insured For a friendly, reliable service telephone 321665

SECURITY SYSTEMS

4362

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PARTY TENT MARQUEE FOR HIRE 10m x 4m Fully erected and dissembled Plan your garden party with confidence Competitive weekend / daily rates

Call 07884 454108 or 01793 703313

SECURITY SYSTEMS

ssaib

Cr%w

rova.a ^.x.,wms

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

CCTV • Fire alarms

EMail: ashobbs@theashgroup.freeserve.co.uk

©0845 128

LH IRONING SERVICES

Burglar alarms

WWW.ABBEYMOVE.CO.UK

Friendly professional service based in .S' i t indon

MARQUEE HIRE

Access controls

Tel: 01793 772888 Fax: 01793 772444

.- IT Support and Maintenance Contracts

IRONING

THE MAN WITH A VAN

Tel (01793) 727307 Mob 07811 188564

.- Networking/Servers

www.printer-sales.co.uk

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^- PC Repairs & Upgrades

Email: cliff.whitewaY@btinternet .com

RLMOVAI s (. f< " , _E

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Tel:

Single Items / Full House Long / Short Distance Storage Specialists Packing Service Late Bookings

Storm damage

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

REMOVALS/STORAGE I I REMOVALS & STORAGE

ABBEY MOVE

Sky & digital terrestial

Puretechsolutions.co.uk

by Karen

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE 11 The Arcade, High Street Wootton Bassett

Satellite TV

^ f Wh1teway

SPARES • REPAIRS • SERVICE

oiler an efficient & personal service.

& SATELLITE SYSTEMS

1 8 i1

5&aV- 4e Sewl:Ce4 YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT From a 13 amp fuse or cleaner bag to fridges or vacuum cleaners we

• Extra satellite points • Video & TV repairs • Freeview installation nrNOticed .Signal amplifiers

AERIALS

COMPUTER SUPPORT

Creaseless Ironing Services

Sa¢^ae^

TV & FM aerials

CARPET CLEANING

I ARCHITECTURAL

tel: 321943

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

•

Installed, repaired, maintained

0SE security

• CCTV

•

Access Control & Intercoms • Intruder Alarms • Gates & Barriers • 24 Hour Monitoring

24 hour monitoring for police response

For details call Doug Marshall on 433999

systems ltd

Expe rt Design & Installation of Electrons Security for Commercial. Industrial and Residential Customers

.ssaib

email:

45

SECTOR

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

AIRPORT TRAVEL

AIRPORTS Connect Ltd

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I

Same day, local service wherever possible

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

Washing Machines Twin Tubs. etc.

Member of Tumble Driers I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Service Spares Repairs

Reliable travel for holiday makers Competitive prices

Tel: 702000 COMPUTER SUPPORT I

COMPUTER SUPPORT

COMPUTER SUPPORT

IComputer SIGMA Solutions

I_T 2-CJ.COm

3 20 Years PC experience

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

OVEN CLEAN I NG

PC Support straight to your door • Computer running slow?

• Need some advice?

• Looking to upgrade?

• Equipment required?

• Virus and Internet attack questions?

• Wishing to backup?

3 Digital Audio and Anti Virus specialist 3 ALL VERSIONS OF WINDOWS SUPPORTED 3 English spoken always!

FOR YOUR SOLUTION CALL THE NETMAN 01793 - 870708 07900 - 605129

01793 887883 / 07947 831378

contact@it-2-u.com

ProR

www.it-2-u.com

PLANS DRAWN

or

nettman@thecrookedroad.com

PLUMBIN G SU PPLI ES

DRAINS Mo ©o L t O

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 435392 REFRIGERATION

wise plan d

EANI

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service I

{ 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

also undertaken

SUE

sandra wise►nan plans drawn for extensions and change of use for a

Suppliers of Plumbing • Heating and Bathroom products All at competitive prices & free delivery Call into our showroom or ring Swindon 877444

professional

& friendly service call

01793 539274 for a free no obligation consultation

TV & VIDEO REPAIRS

Unit 8 Caen View, Rushy Platt off Wootton Bassett Road behind Lovett BMW

VHS TO DVD Yfl

GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE Free home estimates No call out charge All repairs guaranteed

Tel: 01793-812738

DON'T LOSE THOSE MEMORIES

Wedding videos Irreplaceable TV programmes and sports events -i, Children's first steps. Birthday parties.

Christenings & Confirmations.

Cine films. Super 8, Regular 8: repaired. recorded & digital editing Obsolete formats, i.e. Betamax, Video2000: camcorder tapes rel: 01793 495733 Mobile: 07940 810733 e-mail: vhstodvd@btinternet.com www.vhstodvd.co.uk D, Lovell Close, Covingham. Swindon SN3 5BT

REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING ENGINEER J.I.B. REGISTERED ELECTRICIAN • FRIDGES • FREEZER • CHILLERS • COLD ROOMS • AIR CONDITIONING UNITS

All domestic, commercial and industrial repairs, maintenance and installation work undertaken

Tel 01793 435722 Fax 01793 435722 Over 20 years experience

WINDOW CLEANING Phil Beasant Window Cleaning • Private homes ' • Shops l • Businesses • Weekly, fortnightly '^/ \\v or monthly contracts Power washing

• Conservatories • Patios • Driveways For free estimate contact 01793 887572 or 07766 026942

46 The Link Magazine • September 2004

Magic snap

NCT postnatal courses for new mums

Friends of Moredon Library to meet on 8 September. The small branch library in Church Walk North is starting a group to help develop and promote the library within the local community and to arrange and support activities.

Many users live in the Greenmeadow and Hayden Wick area and appreciate the service provided by the library. Manager Sarah Checksfield points out that this will be the first friends group to be set up in Swindon. "Similar groups have been successfully started in other parts of the country; it's a unique opportunity to become involved with a branch library and a chance to meet new friends with mutual interests."

Residents and existing users are invited to attend the first Friends meeting in the library on Wednesday 8 September, 6pm. Light refreshments will be provided.

Book addicts. The North Swindon Library readers group meets monthly on Wednesday evenings to discuss and dissect stories over a cup of tea of coffee.

The next get together is on 1 September when the work in question will be Margaret Murphy's Darkness Falls.

New members are always very welcome. For details call Shirley Colbeck on 707124 or mail: shirleycolbeck@swindon.gov.uk The West Swindon Library readers group meets on Tuesday 7 September, 7pm, to look at travel writers. Talk about your favourite, or the authory who has inspired your summer holiday. Call the group contact, Trace Dowling on 465554.

Try before you buy. Swindon libraries collection provides a low cost way of trying new console games including PlayStation 1 & 2 and XBox. All you need is a library card which is free. They are available at the larger branches but you can request games to be sent to your local library free of charge.

Art in the Link Centre. Alex CoppockBunce will be exhibiting paintings at the West Swindon Library throughout September. She will visit on Tuesdays, 10am to 4 pin, to talk about her paintings and techniques to visitors.

Her work is inspired by her Cornish heritage and influenced by St Ives school of painters. She tries to capture the spirit and energy of the places that she visits using dowsing techniques to convey the elemental aspects of the natural environment.

Right, one of Alex's works

Bowls club offer

MATHS TUITION

Let me help you to: Recognise where you are now Where you want to be in the future Tackle your life and make it work Up to 6 hours free consultation by telephone Tel: Peter on 01205 870734 St r ictly Co nfidential

Young enthusiastic qualified teacher able to teach from 11 year olds up to A2 level Lessons tailored to individual needs

Beautiful hanifma e wedding stationery Individually designed stationery created with exquisite materials Contact Anna on 07717 775577 or annaelisabethdesigns@yahoo.co.uk www.annaelisabeth.co.uk

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Relaxed and friendly atmosphere Beginners welcome. All ages Graded exams - not compulsory End of term musical evenings

The Cleaning & Ironing Service

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London trained mobile hair stylist

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Swindon 873012

Cleaning from £14 per house Ironing from £13 per basket Spring clean, oven clean. housekeeping Tel: 01793 875665

Call Sue on 0779 6432700 ROB KING MHFST

07796-104113

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Remedial Massage Therapist

www.neways.co .uklrainbowholistic

17 ,#

Contact Mrs G Bush CT ABRSM

Rainbow Holistic

Janet MICHT IIHHT.Reiki Master/Teacher

PIANO & THEORY LESSONS

Call Tracey on 07919 151144 for details

Reiki & Aromatherapy. Indian Head Massage & Metamorphic Technique Gift Vouchers and CDs Take time to take care of yourself!

Speak up, speak out The Swindon Speakers Club will start meeting twice a month at the Haydon Centre from 15 September, 8pm to 10pm.

Club president Louise Hill said, "we help people to acquire the skills of speaking with confidence and making effective presentations, in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. New members are very welcome to the group which provides a way of meeting new friends and socialising with members of other clubs." For details call Louise on 722852.

Westlecot Bowls Club in Old Town is holding an open weekend on 25 and 26 September for anybody who would like to have a go.

Free trial sessions will run at loam and 2pm on each day; bowls will be provided, just wear smooth bottomed shoes.

All ages are catered for and families are welcome to join in. The club is offering two months free play before paying a membership fee.

For details call Phil Reade on 531453.

Life Coaching

ANNA ELIsABETII

This photo of Lewis Walker from Abbey Meads was chosen byAsda West Swindon customers as the winner of a Magical Moments competition.

His mum Claire won a camera and a teddy bear for Lewis and the picture was entered into a national competition.

If you've just had a baby and would like to get out and meet other mums, the Swindon branch of the National Childbirth Trust is running a weekly postnatal course over six weeks covering stress management, relationships, returning to work, diet and physical health, and adjusting to motherhood.

An optional 90 minute postnatal exercise course, provided by ABI Exercise & Fitness, will run immediately prior to the discussion. The exercise session is suitable for any age and ability, regardless of type of delivery. This course is not available on its own.

The courses run at Toothill Church; refreshments are included and babies are welcome. For details, call Swindon NCT on 07005 801635, and ask for 'postnatal course.'

Back and neck disorders Muscular and joint problems Sports injuries Fully trained, qualified and insured Appointments and advice Tel: 01793 345888 or 0793 0694008

or 01793 541708

DECOTEX Painter & Decorator Specialist Artexing Tel: (01793) 791388

Y.D.Upholstery Upholstery repairs & recovering from 118 Large range of materials or in your own For , further details call 0 1793 871808

Coe Plumbing 0

DISC SERVICES-

We transfer anything onto DVD Disc - Cine Film, Video tape, Wedding Photos Phone for a leaflet or advice Tel: 01793 705333 Mobile: 07831 575758 H. 0. Bath PO Box 2079 Manvers Street. Bath BA1 3TJ

Domestic & Commercial For all your plumbing needs No call out charge 2 Boldrewood, Swindon

Tel: 01793 529192 Mob: 07747 752190

The Link Magazine • September 2004 47

Marathon efforts help Down's group

Riding for historic

A Swindon marathon runner has helped the Swindon Down's Syndrome Group with £1,000 after noticing a story about the group's fashion show in the April Link.

Matt Light, from Rushey Platt, did not meet amongst the tens of raised £1,500 to enter the London thousands of runners. But both marathon as part of the national admitted to struggling with the Down's Syndrome Association damp conditions to complete the team, but decided to donate any course. excess to the local branch. He was Jenny said the group was very pictured in the June Link sporting pleased with Matt and Gail Light's a bald head, stencilled with one of generosity. "We have to raise his sponsors, the Cricklade Road £36,000 annually to keep the charBarber Shop ity going. We spend £16,000 on What Matt did not notice in the speech therapy for the children and April edition was that group coor- the number of families needing dinator Jenny Brett from our support is rising."

Freshbrook was also running the The Swindon Down' s Syndrome marathon and raised £1,000 which Group is in its twenty-first year was split between the Down's and would welcome any help with group and Dihlabeng School in fundraising. For details contact South Africa.

Jenny on 344615 or mail: Not knowing one another, they jenny@rockuk.net

churches

Callum Brett and Lane Stow and Jenny Brett, left, receive the donation from Gail and Matt Light

Eunice Salmon writes: If you appreciate the beauty of the old church in Lydiard Park, take a cycle ride with us and see many more.

Within a leisurely cycle on safe routes, there are twenty churches in the central Swindon area alone.

Here's your chance to see them by joining a group from St Mary's Church, Lydiard Tregoz, for the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust Great Cycle Ride on Saturday 11 September.

Last year three St Mary's cyclists received prizes, including Joan Rumming, 77, who was rewarded for raising £414. the most money in the 65+ category.

Eric White, 88 years, won the prize for being the oldest cyclist.

He raised £156.

But our cyclists span the years and we have lots of places for 8 to 11 year olds and also adults who want to get out and discover routes around Swindon and the district.

Refreshments are provided along the way and the aim is to reach the Pilgrim Centre in Regent Street for well earned cheese toasties at lunch time.

Call me on 871606 for a sponsor form.

The

Guitar School www.thcguitarschool.co.uk LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS AND ADVANCED STUDENTS LEARNING IN A RELAXED AND FUN ENVIRONMENT "ROCK SCHOOL " EXAM PLACES AVAILABLE TEL: 01793 539372 (24HR ANSWER PHONE) e mail: theguitarschool @vichillswindon.freeserve.co.uk

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Sunday services are at I Oam & 6.30pm

For further information you can either ring (01793) 873050;

e-mail: office@freshbrook.org or visit: www.freshbook.org the gift

of God is Eternal Life (Romans 6 r23)

Widows with an eye on the future 'Life is for living' says Carol Timpson who wants to contact widows aged 45 to 65 interested in being sociable together, to be supportive and to focus on the future. " Women in this age group don't similar situation in the Swindon fit into any category," said Carol. area, to put them in touch so that "They don't have children at home they can organise social activities and often feel out of place with for themselves. couples. Nobody can really un"Not all women want to do the derstand what widows have been samething,buttheremaybegroup through. get-togethers if that's what people "We're not setting up a bereave- would like." ment club, but women will share Depending on the reaction to their common experiences. We do this article, Carol hopes to bring want to help them move on and to women together towards the end start to enjoy the good things in of September. life again. We have in mind to creTo find out more call Carol on ate a loose network of people in a 873857 or Patricia on 771331.

West Swindon & the Lydiards churches All Saints', Lydiard Millicent Holy Trinity, Shaw

Young voices wanted St Mark's Church in Church Place, opposite Faringdon Road park, has a long tradition of offering music of a very high standard. Now there is an opportunity for children aged seven and over to take part in establishing a new choir.

Weekly rehearsals begin on Thursday 2 September St Mark's Junior Boys Choir: 4pm. St Mark's Junior Girls Choir: 5pm For more information contact the Parish Office, St Aldelm's Centre, Edgeware Road, Swindon. Tel: 538220. Or call the director of music, Samuel Bayliss on 07960 619480.

St Mary's, Ly cl iard Tregoze Toothill Church; Westlea Church

For God loved the world

so much that He gave His only Son.' John 3:16

For details of our weekly services please contact the Partnership Office on 770568 partnershipoffice@btopenworld. coot

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