September 2005 Swindon Link

ion 25.000

and the Swindon wide what's on guide

A sharply dressed guy Swindon town crier Fred Ferris has been

Singing out for Brunel The Swindon themed opera Little Man in the Tall Hat has its world premiere in September featuring 100 young singers.

See page 21 for details

winning for Swindo

Edward LeCoyte

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His shouts have proclaimed the town and his snappy uniform has been winning competitions.

Now, at last, he's getting home town recognition. Find out why on page 3

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The Lin k M agazine • Sep temb er 2006

Swindon offers lifeline to Belarus children When Sasha Yezhenkova and Nastya Krent entered Brendon Ball's dental surgery in Freshbrook their lips were tight shut, both were pale with worry, no way were they going to let anybody examine their teeth.

But gentle words of reassurance Chernobyl Childrens' Lifeline Nastya the chance in Russian from dental nurse Elena which organises respite visits for to visit, and also set Sinclair persuaded the children to children living in the shadow of up a Swindon open up a little. By the end of the the Chernobyl nuclear power sta- branch of Chernosession the youngsters had relaxed tion which blew up in 1986 spew- byl Childrens' Life- in so far that any child who has ing radiation over a wide area. line. In just two never been to the dentist can. UnDoctors in Belarus say the four months 12 families fortunately Brendon said he would weeks away from the radiation have come forward , have to do some major work to zone can boost a child's immune to host children stem decay. , system by up to two years. Sadly next February.

Sasha is the 13 year old sister of Kristina was diagnosed with a maAfter reading Kristrina Yezhenkova who came lignant mole and returned to Virginia's article in to stay with Haydon Wick's Belarus for an operation. The last the July Link, McGiffin family in May. She came report is that she also has prob- Brendon, who has with the West Wilts branch of lems in her lymph nodes. close links with Not only are the dental services in r1 McGiffins helping the Cherkassy reKristina's family, gion of Ukraine, A hug fire Brcudon and Elena from Nastya at Freshbrook they decided to give close to Chernobyl, dental practice. Front, Sasha and Virginia McGiffin older sister Sasha offered to check the children's teeth "We are very grateful to Brendon and her friend without charge. He said, "the chil- and Specsavers, and all the people dren were petrified when they ar- who are helping to build Fine children from rived;Iimaginetheyhaveahorror Chernobyl Childrens' Lifeline in Belarus were guests of of dentists, because, unless you Swindon." tire Swindon Robins on can pay, procedures are routinely If you can sponsor a child, con17August toruecttheir carried out without pain killers." tact Gin McGiffin on 07753 662891 Russian star Ream The girls were also checked over or mail: ginmcgiffin@aol.com Ga f u rov. Wa Watching http://swindon.ccll.org.uk

by Specsavers who supplied Resat prepare his bikr Primary School Nastya • Bridlewood with glassesfreeofcharge. from left, Natalia Virginia said the girls live in a raised £165 for CCL from a nonStaneler'ich, Nastrtn Krent, Sasha Yczhcn- remote village and come from poor uniform day at the end of term and koza, Kahla arid families who live in wooden huts a sponsored bike ride in the rain on without running water or heating. 13 August raised over £1 ,200.

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The Link Magazine • September 2006 3

Many happy returns to a senior Swindonian At 98, Ted McKenzie from Freshbrook must be one of the most active senior citizens in the town.

His neighbours in Chatis very kind; he always sends grove Field knew his birtha me a birthday card." day was in August and After replying to e-mail a t ^ y greetings from across the turned to The Link to find out `' the exact date. When Ken r world, Ted spent his birthday r Viveash and his daughter .d with his sister and brother in Freyja turned up on his doorlaw and was planning a party step with a birthday card and • p with friends a few days later. i !! a bottle of fine wine Ted was Now that the neighbours greatly taken aback. know his birthday Ted can be ,w "It's an incredible surprise, assured of cards for his cenhow did you find out my P 1 tury and beyond. birthday?," asked Ted. "It re- .

• A long interview with Ted from Birthday greetings for Ted front Ken ally is wonderful to have such the February 06 Link can be and Freyja Viveash and other neighbours friendly neighbours.Itmakes found atwww.swindonlink.com all the difference to the place you two years sailing the Atlantic and live in." when Ken moved in next door in Ted decided to settle in Fresh- 1984, Ted was just setting off on brook in 1978 after a life travelling moped tour of the Scottish islands.

I the world, teaching pilots to fly "He's a f an tastic bloke who has during the war, working as a cob o- seen and done so much, but he's nial officer in Nigeria and working incredibly modest," said Ken. on newspapers in Africa and Fleet "Ted's still very active and he Street. always has a friendly greeting A born adventurer he once drove when you meet him in the street. e did it by simply Switching to Age Concern across the Sahara desert andsspent Fre]ya,14, agreed.

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Town crier has plenty to shout about - in Swindon With help from The Link Fred Ferris

has at last been recognised as an asset to the town For years town crier Fred Ferris has been promoting Swindon while winning competitions across Great Britain. This year alone he has added another four trophies to his collection.

Fred, from Penhill, Proud to be positive takes great pride in his about Swindon. distinctive livery, based Fred Ferris with on a GWR Senior Stahis awards from tion Master's uniform town crier and his attention to decompetitions tail has netted him three all over the UK trophies for Best Dressed Crier. His most recent award was for Best All Round Crier over 60 at Blackpool in

1 OIi

July.

Awellknownandrespected figure among ?l ^ I_ r other town criers, Fred a has been disappointed that his talents have been underused in his home town. "It was r Swindon Council's idea in the first place to have a crier, the Mayor Mike Bawden has inand they specified how I should be vited me to meet him to discuss the dressed. But they've left me on my crier's role."

At75,Fredwasconsideringtakown more or less since I became town crier at the Old Town Festi- ing things a bit easier but feels that if he steps down now, there may vat in 1998," said Fred.

However, after the MayLink not be another Swindon town crier. featured Fred's frustration at not "I have to press on until things are being used by the council - espe- sorted out so that the office of town cially in the run up to the Brunel crier is used correctly. Otherwise 200 celebrations - council officers therewon'tbemuchchanceoffindcontacted him with two appoint- ingsomeoneelsetoacceptthepost ments. "I've been told that they when I retire.

"It would be nice to have recogniwill give me the opportunity to , shout' at events in the future and tion and a specific set of duties."

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The Link Magazine • September 2006

Proposing a vision for Swindon's future A plan to reinvent Swindon as a leading regional centre with an international reputation for science and technology has been unveiled and Swindon Council is seeking viewpoints. have been built so the locals alike, Swindon is becoming Freshbrook and The town has been targetted to population is already environmentallydisagreeable,and accommodate another 35,0000 Grange Park councilquality of life is suffering.Biggeris nearly 200,000. homes by 2026, with the popula- lorPeterGreenhalgh, "Little is said about not proving better.

Swindon Council tion rising to 250,000.

"I also have concerns about infrastructure but if p; The document is intended to cabinet member for the roads, water sup- whether levels of deprivation, inpromote discussion about the best Highways, Transport plies, sewage, elec- equality, wealth, health,crimeand ways for Swindon to respond to and Strategic Plantricity, hospitals, doc- sustainable travel will be improved --the challenges of global change, ning, said, "our vi tors, dentists, police by adding 100,000 more people. such as climate change, an ageing Sion for Swindon is and council facilities " Equally I'm not sure if a unipopulation and the growth of deliberately ambiare not planned for versity campus three miles away tious. We already economies in India and China. and in place, the and the Science Museum in It sees Swindon as a focal point have a successful loThin kin g of o S windon's whole idea becomes Wroughton is going to benefit the for emerging growth industries in cal economy with future, Peter Greenhalgh town centre, other than causing suspect. science, technology and the envi- low unemployment "The document says an agree- more traffic congestion." ronment. On the arts side it de- and major companies like Honda, scribes the town as a 21st Century Nationwide and Intel. The chal- able environment and excellent • The Economic Development Vicultural city, home to heritage, lenge is to take this forward by quality of life are key factors but sion for Swindon involves you. museums, galleries, and a range of ensuring we develop and change with green space around the town Download the report from festivals and events, to make the most of what is hap- being swallowed up by develop- www.makethe connection.co.uk The document believes the po- pening in the rest of the world. In ment, and traffic problems already and send your comments to the tential of Swindon's people will be doing so create links which will causing concern to businesses and council by 30 September. vital in contributing to and ben- benefit the economy and local peoefiting from this economic growth plc, not just now but way into the People's with opportunities to improve future." their skills and better-paid jobs.

However Terry King, the leader The Science Museum at Wroughton is one of six visionary projects to Major projects mentioned are: of the Front Garden Action Group, progress to the next stage of the Big Lottery Fund's Living Landmarks: • The regeneration of Swindon is sceptical about what is proposed. The People's Millions programme. town centre and the attraction of "On first sight I'm concerned about The short listed projects what the document gets wrong or major commercial investment; • The development of the Univer- doesn't say. On population it aimed at transforming and .,. regenerating their comm u r° r^ g claims there are 182,200 in the sity of Bath campus at Coate; • The development of the Science town, but the 2001 census states pities will compete for a sin6, gle lottery grant of between r Museum at Wroughton as a major Swindon's populationwas 180,000. £25 million and £50 million, E, q y °^ Since then over 6,000 dwellings attraction. run m conjure t'ran wi th TT V r u with the winner to be de- An "rmpression of the proposed cided by a televised public Science Museum development at Wroughton vote in late 2007.

To prepare for the big CURTAINS TO SATISFY EVERY REQUIREMENT vote each will receive £500,000 to national museums, from hoovers be used to develop the proposal to hovercrafts, radios to rockets a Free estimating, design and advice through to submission of a lottery and telescopes to trams.

The state-of-the-art building will application by May 2007.

I • Home visits by appointment The Science Museum plans to i mprove object conservation, al• Make-up and fitting service build a National Collections Cen- low previously unavailable public tre on the 545-acre site to bring access, increase formal and infortogether a quarter of a million ob- mal learning, and generate leisure eee)r a ,, jects from the stored collections of activities.

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the link Magazine

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(01793)602540 publisher@swindonlink.com October bookings by 4 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 leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994."

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

@ www.swhu1onlinkcom

The Link Magazine • September 2006

5

West Forum to look at Link Centre's future and also council performance Swindon Council is carrying out a major review of leisure and recreation facilities across the town and grand ideas are forming in the minds of officers and councillors.

The Oasis Leisure Centre is due future of Link Centre environmentally for demolition. Some people at with the eight Swindon sound.

Swindon Council also seem keen councillors representing ^ All parts of the cento pull down Link Centre and see the area at the West Swintre reopened in early 4 i! it replaced with a y et-to-be defined don Forum on Mond Monday __ except August xcept the super centre of pleasure and rec- 11 September, 7.30pm in ° rink which will be ? reation - somewhere. the centre's community back in action in early What they dori t comprehend, is suite.

September after the that in the 21 years since Link The agenda has been heat exchange equipopened,thecentrehasbecomeboth held over from the July ment has been coma town wide and regional sports meeting which was missioned. and recreation centre, and it is also washed out by the Council leader Rod the centre for the West Swindon monsoon-like rainfall which rearms the swimming pool. Euro- Bluh will also be attending the community. Closing or relocating knocked out the centre's plant pean pollution regulations re- meetingtodiscussSwindonCounit would seriously damage corn- room. That flood and a second two quires the harmful freon gas to be cil's performance over the last year munity health and as the publica- weeks later forced Swindon coun- replaced by a climate friendly al- and also plans for town centre regeneration. tion responsible for lending its cillors into a decision they have ternative. name to the building, we don't been debating for some time: when Councillors had the stark choice The forum on 11 September is want that to happen. to renew the heat exchange system of closing the centre forever or in- open to all West Swindon resiThere's a chance to discuss the which freezes the ice pad and vesting to make the building more dents.

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Environment Agency explains Westlea flood reduction plan After Whitehill Brook burst its banks and flooded houses in Westlea in early June - the second time in two years - nearly 50 residents from Moresby Close and Benwell Close packed a meeting on 14 August to find out how the responsible agencies are going to prevent a recurrence.

In a lively discussion with rep- Agency explained they had taken term remedial action will be pro- Mitchell said, "the meeting was resentatives from Swindon Coun- over responsibility for the brook duced in about six months. useful to allow everyone to vent cil, Thames Water, the Environ- in April 2006 and declared that However some work to clear their feelings and find out what is ment Agency and local councillor work was needed to bring it up to debris and vegetation has already to be done about the brook. We Mary Martin, residents heard that EA standards and those required been carried out and further in- will be monitoring progress of the maintenance of the brook is to be by DEFRA. terim work will take place as nec- clearance work and we will look improved.

A study is to be undertaken in essary before the report is pub- closely at the survey report and Jeff Bell and Marcus Van partnership with the council and lished. thelongtermproposalsandimpliSomeren from the Environment Thames Water and a report on long Moresby Close resident Sheila cations."

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The Link Magazine • September 2006

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How the unfairness of world trade is like Swindon Supermarine v the superstars of Chelsea The collapse of world trade talks in Geneva in July has been largely ignored in the media dominated by the tragedy of Lebanon and the Middle East. Although the hope of giving poor people a better deal appears to be dead, development campaigners say this is a good thing. David Nash, a member of the World Development Movement (WDM), from Taw Hill, explains.

At the G8 summit in 2005 (the let alone compete. The result of focus of the Make Poverty His- liberalisation means that the untory campaign), despite some der-developed industry is therepromises on reducing debt and fore bound to fail.

Worse still, the proposals also increasing aid, nothing was done included provision to allow profabout global trade.

This was arguably because of its to be removed from the poorer the World Trade Organisation's country. In other words - if you (WTO) talks taking place at the can't compete, the deal will keep ti me - the so-called Doha Develop- you poor.

It's like telling Swindon ment Round.

The talks offered access by de- Supermarine that they are allowed veloping countries to low value to play with Chelsea at Stamford agricultural markets in the Euro- Bridge, but that Chelsea gettofield pean Union and United States. But their star players and keep all of in return the developing countries the gate receipts - how fair is that? had to agree to complete liberali- And how likely is it that Supersation of their high value markets, marine would benefit from the experience? i.e. manufacturing and services.

In the WDM, we believe that The argument goes: more market freedom (liberalisation) means whilst the deal on the table would more trade, which means more provide some benefits for poorer money and jobs for the poor. How- nations particularly in agriculture, ever one very important point is the complete liberalisation of their markets would effectively destroy ignored.

Industries in well-developed their ability to trade their way out nations can enter new markets and of poverty. It would result in more compete easily because they have poverty, not less. It is a had deal the finance and infrastructure to and therefore it is better that we do so. If you are not well-devel- rip up the negotiations now and oped, your industries can barely go back to the drawing board. cope in a'protected' home market, The international community

Kate Nash at the Christian Aid dram for a better deal event in Swindon as reported in the August Link

can eliminate poverty by establishing a fair rules-based trading system where:, • local industries are encouraged by giving them the time and space to become fit for competition; • local governments have the space to decide how best to run

their own economies; • workers are entitled to a living wage and the national income is sufficient to develop health, education, housing and water.

In a world where a child dies of poverty-related causes every 3 seconds, those of us in the privileged, developed world, owe it to our neighbours to ensure that the rules are not stacked against them.

Making poverty history is more than slogans and concerts. It's a long hard slog to change a fundamentally unfair system which protects the pickings of the rich.

To help unlock the doors for the poor, contact Kate Nash, Secretary of Swindon WDM on 704154, or mail: nashfamily_uk@yahoo.co.uk • Rebuilding after the Tsunami see page 28.

• Climbing for Sierra Leone School - page 30.

Tea bags give school another link to South Africa At Peatmoor Primary, teachers had been putting their staff room tea bags in the school's compost bin until they read about Bob Newman's drive to send dried tea bags to South Africa in The Link.

In June young^•y t-^ !l sters collected about 1,200 bags • from home, empy V '^ tied the contents ,^ a into the school compost bin and dried the paper so that they could be transformed into miniature

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works of art. from Bob, Westlea,hasbeen Bob Newman an d Melanie Brough holding T-Bag design sending them to craft items with Peatmoor children holding tea bags Original T-Bag ready for postin I Designs, located The response to the first request in a township near Cape Town.

Once painted by local artisans, the for help in December's Link has bags are used to decorate a range been phenomenal and Bob has so of goods including cards, station- far sent over 10,000 bags. He said, ery, wooden boxes, coasters, can- "even though the organisers of the project have taken on more artists, dle holders and even jewellery.

Peatmoor's acting head, Melanie which has boosted the township Brough said, "Bob came into school economy, they are overwhelmed by the supply. So I'm concentratand told the children about the project and showed a DVD. We ing on building up the market for were all fascinated by the craft the decorated tea bag items."

The hand crafted goods will items that they become."

In July two teachers visiting from make excellent Christmas presents.

Peatmoor's partner school in South Bob will have them on display at African were intrigued to see tea the Peatmoor School autumn fair bags drying on the window sill. So on Friday 15 September, 4pm. much so that Margaret Grant, head • Bob is keen to give illustrated of Dihlabeng school, decided that talks to groups about the T-bag on her return journey she would project. For details call him on call into the workshop to see the 872389 or mail: bobandlyn25 @aol.com project first hand.

The Link Magazine • September 2006 7

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The new zebra crossing outsideToothill's Oliver Tomkins Infant and Junior Schools, below, has produced a seemingly miraculous change of driver behaviour on Beaumaris Road.

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Roughmoor Way, Shaw to be safer With more parents and children now walking from Middleleaze to Shaw Ridge Primary, as a result of the closure of Salt Way, Swindon Council is going to install toucan crossing lights between the two halves of Old Shaw Lane on Roughmoor Way by November.

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Former lollipop lady Ros which is causing people to think twice about parking right outside Hollands agreed. She said, "I'm the school and blocking sight lines delighted that parents and children will not be in so much danger for pedestrians.

Elizabeth Wood, head of Oliver from drivers."

The crossing was built by SwinTomkins Juniors, said she was pleased that after four years of cam- don Council using money from paigning there is a safe crossing the Safer Routes to School fund.

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Hope for speedway as developers reconsider St Andrew's Ridge scheme In the face of stiff opposition from Swindon Robins speedway fans and clear signals from Swindon councillors that the facilities provided by Abbey Stadium would not be acceptable, the two companies proposing to develop employment land on St Andrew's Ridge and the adjacent stadium have gone back to the drawing board to see if a speedway track can be incorporated in their plan.

Gaming International and YA. Thistle Land proposed 350 homes to be built on the existing stadium site, building a smaller stadium suitable only Swindon 1 Wood Street for greyhound racing in a new Carers Swindon Centre location, and warehouses and offices.

Telephone 01793 542285 Gaming International Chief for an application pack Executive Clarke Osborne declared that, with declining attendances, falling revenues and ,soh H oG Purton House rising maintenance costs, speed. Church End way was no longer an economic Purton, Swindon proposition for Abbey.

However a campaign by RobTel: 01793 772287 ins's supporters has forced a uby the developers.

Hest t44 mA tivith turn At a display of the proposals on 25 July Eric Petrie of Thistle ncm4e r 4(Ces Land said the aim was to hear everybody's point of view. "ImCall for details about our proving the present stadium is Organic Box Scheme The St Andrew's Ridyc _ , 1,,1mwnt shoa'ii ii! tli plat, on 25 July, not an option. The needs of the Vegetables • Fruit • Meat • Eggs speedway is an issue for the with added aru>.otations for clarification Deliveries & drop off points in Swindon. council and therefore we have to to existing residents Cirencester, Wootton Bassett, Broad consider how best to approach the and buyers of the Hinton. Marlborough. Wroughton new homes to be site before we can move ahead." www.purton-house.co.uk The developers argued that the built between the noise from speedway is intrusive new stadium and the new Blunsdon by-pass. However people living at St Andrew's Ridge are more concerned about access.

"Speedway is not a problem for us because we moved here knowing the stadium was there Swindon Ro Ro legend Mike Broadhank told Eric already," said Liam Petrie, above, "I'll give up my testimonial to keep the Noone,wholiveson Robins at Ab bey Stadium." the ridge.

After 16 ye ars success with the Robins, Mike never worry is the got a testimoi iial. Thirty four years later this will be scale of the devel- rectified on 28 September when the Robins ride against opment. They want an Australia select team including recently crowned to build industrial world champi on Jason Crump Tour of the facilities from units and 350 10.30am until 2.30pm houses with access off Salzgitter Abbey Meads councillor Justin Drive. The roads are inadequate, Tomlinson said he was delighted to include Kingsdown new cemetery. and there is no open space nor with the change of heart. "We have amenities shown on the plan. We had constructive discussions about Dedication of new cemetery at 3pm think they can do better." keeping speedway in Swindon and A major query for many people I' m pleased that the developers is why the houses are to be built are looking at their plans again. next to the forthcoming Blunsdon "The Robins' fans have done a by-pass and not adjacent to exist- tremendous job in making us all ing houses on St Andrew's Ridge. aware of the importance of speedMr Petrie explained that Thistle way to Swindon."

Land already has planning conRobins campaign leader Darcia sent for 34 acres designated for Gingell said, "we welcome the employment which has legal cov- news and are cautiously optimisenants on it. tic that speedway will stay in SwinIn other words the original own- don. ers of the land would have to be "But our campaign continues. compensated if higher value hous- We're not dropping our guard until BOROUGH COUnCIL ing were to be built on it. we know for sure."

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The Link Magazine • September 2006

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Volunteers needed to trial asthma beating air purifiers New technology could help the thousands of people who suffer from asthma and breathing difficulties and a Swindon charity is seeking volunteers to test new equipment for them.

Asthma Relief, whichisbased at cation unitfrom the USA. Having music speaker and would be in- taking part in this trial and parthe Shaftesbury Centre, has sup- seen amazing results for a chronic stalled in the home for three ticipants can only benefit," said Dave. plied around 1,000 nebulisers to sufferer in Swindon, Dave is keen months.

To volunteer for the trial or for Retired West Swindon GP, Dr asthma sufferers and other people to test the equipment with a wider with breathing difficulties with cross section of people suffering Ian Matheson will monitor the per- details of Asthma Relief, call Dave formance of the equipment. If they Penman or Nicola Davies on from breathing difficulties. out charge, since it was set up.

Founder, Dave Penman decided They are looking for four volun- help, Asthma Relief will consider 724004. to start the charity while recover- teers to have a machine in their how best to help ing in hospital from a heart attack. home: a child with asthma aged people obtain the *° He was spurred into action when between 7 and 13, a young person air purifiers. he noticed that all the people on around 25, a 40 to 45 year old who They use a ._. his ward with breathing difficul- has suffered since childhood and range of techties had to share just one machine. somebody over 60 with critical nologies to keep ^!

Recently, the charity has come pulmonery disfunctions. asthma under r.y,^, across a revolutionary air purifiThe units are about the size of a control. An ioniser suppresses dust and small particles in the air, and UV light is used to kill bacteria and very 1 small organisms. ^ A safe process r '9 using ozone in° -^ side the machine kills off bacteria Cha ity fowtder Date Pin man, holding the air purification and viruses.

"There is no unit to be tested, and administrator Nicola Davies, holding cost to anyone a nebuliser distributed by Asthma Relief

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Waking up with a sore throat and itchy skin or red eyes could be down to the millions of dust mites sharing your bed, but thankfully a new treatment can get rid of them in minutes.

It is now well known Dust buste , that dust mites can trigger Darren, allergic reactions such as ready to tackle eczema and asthma; yet it _ the unseen can be difficult to eradimites in your cate them in a modern ^^'t mattress house.

Darren Gribben from Moredon is the owner of Silent Mites Swindon which offers a professional hypo allergenic cleaning service for mattresses and soft furnishings.

"An ordinary hand-held vacuum won't make a difference because if only gets half an inch down,” said Darren. "Our machines are eight times more powerful and have a UV light to kill nally the mattress is sprayed with a sanitiser containing grapefruit anything in the mattress."

He offers a free demonstration which the little critters hate.

The process is ideal for removto show customers what is hiding in their beds. "The dust mites are ing bad odours from cots and chilout of sight and out of mindbut we dren's beds and, as no chemicals spend a third of our lives in bed are used, it is completely safe.

With colder Autumn and Winwith only a sheet between us and the mattress." ter weather coming, windows will The cleaning process only takes be closed and central heating thirty minutes for a standard dou- turned up - ideal conditions for ble mattress. While the powerful mites to prosper. Now's the time vacuum cleaner removes all the to book a free demonstration or to dust and residue from the little make a booking. Call Darren on beasties, a UV light kills them. Fi- 07980 016829.

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The Link Magazine • September 2006 11

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Ina short time Swindon Foodbank has become an established and essential service, with over 30 agencies around the town ready to give out vouchers to people who are in need of short term help.

Most of the food is donated by From a standing start last Sep- food which will see them through tember, the charity now assists a crisis until they can claim benefit the public at supermarket collections and also from businesses. over 40 people a week by provid- or get their affairs in order.

This could be a family whose tax Foodbank could also do with fiing bass of nutritionally balanced credithasbeen clawed nancial assistance and more volback by Social Secu- unteers to collect and sort food rity, a family hit when donations.

To help call Richard Belsham on a business goes under or perhaps a young 07932 108732. unemployed person Collections coming up: foo`dbank moving to hostel ac- 9 September Sainsburys commodation. More Bridgemead often than not there are 7 October Sainsburys eedingSwindon Pep ple in Crisis children who will go Stratton hungry.

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Britt's interest in the society followed the death of her mother from the illness in 2005. The Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms of dementia and their carers. It provides information, education and support for carers. It funds medical research, campaigns for improved health and social services and promotes a greater public understanding of dementia.

The Alzheimer's Society provides local and national helplines.

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Place - it

The Link Magazine • September 2006

classifiieds

Get your views in early if you are being `consulted' In November 2004 Swindon Council launched a 'public consultation' on improving education in West Swindon.' The council said it was pursuing the

and governors at two primary schools, Salt Way closed its doors for the final ti me and the School's Organisation Committee agreed that Windmill Hill

Government's 'every child matters' agenda to create extended schools. At the same time the council declared it had to shed over 600 primary school places which it said was surplus to requirements because of falling birth rates in a mature community. In July after 18 months of argument by parents

should combine with Freshbrook in September 2007.

If Swindon Council ever conducts centres, maybe libraries in other another study about 'improving areas of the town. What we do something' then after what hap- know for certain is how people pened in West Swindon, people react to the original announcement across the town need to know is crucial to the outcome.

This early stage of the consultawhat this could mean to them.

It doesn't have to be education. tion process is the only realistic The council has ideas about opportunity the public has to stop changes to recreation and leisure proposals from becoming reality.

A study paper by the council centres, it could mean community will offer a series of scenarios for change. In reality - despite claims to the contrary - council officers will already have preferred options they would like to pursue.

Everyone who has any stake in ^^RS anything under threat MUST reS spond early.

Do you need a • Fill out the reply slip to any surprofessional babysitter? vey forms — get other people to do Local nannies. childminders and this too; teachers available for evening • Make a fuss in the media - it will babysitting in your own home. wake up the rest of the community Call Emma Fursman to what's going on; for a free information pack • Work with other interested peoor to book an ELF sitter ple or groups — but remember Tel: 01666 861 152 group responses may count as only elfsitters@tiscali.co.uk one objection; www.elfsitters.co.uk • Attend as many meetings as posAOELFs,iteis are local authority checked

Salt Way chair of governors Stephen Spence looks back at the bruising experience and suggests there are lessons for communities across Swindon.

schools became a target by not having enough written responses to the survey and not having enough parents turn up to their consultation meeting. This made them an obvious candidate for the innocent sounding 'pre-statutory' consultation. Once the council starts any kind of 'pre-statutory' consultation, it's likely the officers have made their minds up about what they can and cannot do.

Front the Afa1/ 2005 Link, S0' 'r Sp' ne and Salt Way parents sib le

- demand details, object

loudly to waffle; • Go to the council's cabinet 'open forum' - ask your unprepared councillors awkward questions; • submit a written question and go along and put it to all 59 councillors in the 15 minute question time at the beginning of a full council meeting.

When it came to closing primary schools in West Swindon some

The purpose of a pre-statutory consultation is to bring out all the public's objections to a proposal so they can address them in the statutory consultation - in other words they use your objections to improve their case against you.

So, for example, if the council comes up with a 'consultation' to shut the Link Centre - and you're not happy with the idea - then object early, object loudly and do so at every opportunity.

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The Link Magazine • September 2006 13

Primary school's policy is a picture Moredon Primary pupils will be wearing the school's learnin policy on their uniforms when they start at their brand new school.

Staff, parents and governors developed the policy in May and have come up with a unique way to ensure that it is literally part of the fabric of the school.

The school logo features a hot air bal-

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It resembles the globe and reminds them they are citizens of the world. Beneath it, a basket represents the school which is a safe place for pupils to explore new ideas and experiences.

The balloon is tied Modelling for Moredon, from left, Jake Peart, Samantha Red gate and Charlotte McCall to the word Moredon to show the school's place in the community. loon represent self esteem, willFlames heating it are the support ingness to learn and knowledge that the school gives its pupils. skills and understanding. The five Headteacher Lauren Connor aims of the Every Child Matters explained the symbolism. "Some- Agenda are marked by five stars. times you will need a great deal of Accompanied by The Link on the heat to make a journey, to go last day of term three youngsters higher, sometimes you don't need toured the school to show each any heat at all and you cruise along class their new uniform for the at a speed suitable to your journey. first time. Jake Peart said, "it's reSometimes you need a short burst ally smart and it's great having a to get you somewhere." balloon for the whole world; its Sacks on three sides of the bal- very clever."

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£510 SANTANY 150cm table with Lazy Susan 6 Porto Banus arm chairs Visitors to Trego<e Primary are now met 10/0 new archway proclaiming the school's name and values. The project was undertaken by teacher Cheryl Merrick who left at the end of the summer term to take up a position in Qatar. Above, youngsters hold the pieces of the arch before it was put up

Could you be a super hero?

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14

The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ September 2006

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Parents come up with history at Brook Field A history project for Year 5 at Brook Field School had families rummaging through their lofts and reminiscing as the pupils studied life in Britain since 1948.

The children were asked to bring me about the '70s and I took in a in artefacts from home and re- Wombles book and a Nookie Bear. searched the changes in music, I liked finding out about Elvis befashion, transport and technology. cause my Dad likes him."

The Beatles provided the inspi- Jack's mum, Angela Tyler, didn't ration for the term's artwork which mind that her life was providing was co-ordinated by teaching as- material for a history project. "It did make you realise how quickly sistant, Mrs Stanton.

Pupil Jack Tyler explained how the time has gone since I was into the whole family had been in- the Bay City Rollers and the volved. "My granddad helped be- Osmonds," she remarked.

She thought that the children cause he could remember all the decades. If we were stuck on some- had been so enthusiastic because it thing in class, I could 'phone him was about something that felt real up and ask about it. My mum told to them. "Jack liked it because it was about me, and because we could look at photos of me and his ^+ PANI' C KI'NG granddad."

Mrs Stanton said that the topic ABOUT had been a great success. "The parents were tremendously sup- A tour w i, recent history for Brook Field youngsters, from left, Andrew 'N S 'sl portive with objects and photos. Edwards, Matthew Joncs, Laurent Grant, Maegarr Bryon, Emily Tidball, Jack Study in your own home The project really came alive."

Tyler with a fully qualified secondary maths teacher Maths and accounts taught Six year ago Fleur Perry from Freshbrook was told she would find life at Greendown Community School at GCSE, AS and A2 too difficult but she just kept on going and in July received an award from Swindon Council for good Coursework guidance attendance under exceptional circumstances.

Limited places available Sixteen year-old Fleur and her cause of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Competitive prices mum, Liz Elliott, fought for her Fleur was determined to go to Call West Swindon right to go to the same school as Greendown.

Home Tutors ` Liz explained that children in her friends from Westlea Primary. on 870 495 Despite being in a wheelchair be- wheelchairs are encouraged to go to Commonwealed which has a speo c cial unit "The u ati nal 1,-s y chologist who came to see Fleur six years ago said that there was a different ethos at Greendown and she may find it a little difficult." ^t Fleur is sure that she made the right decision. "I've met lots of really nice people at Greendown. I didn't want to go to a special unit Team work wins through. Fleur Perry because I wanted to be with my with teaching assistants Janet Clarke, friends from Westlea." she said. left, and Wendy Dukes Speaking after her award at a For the latest cut, special ceremony for school leavers aged to give her scribe Janet Clarke colour or re-style 1 at the civic offices, Fleur was a blister. call now for an Fleur is now looking forward to unfazed. "It just meant that I've been there more than they thought starting her A level studies in appointment Maths, Chemistry, Physics and I would," she said. or free consultation Not only was Fleur's attendance Geology at New College. She has with a member of our excellent, predictions are that she said goodbye to support workers highly skilled team! will pick up a clutch of GCSEs Janet Clarke and Wendy Dukes graded A and A*. To complete the who have been with her for the last exams, she had to dictate her an- five years. "I'm going to keep in swers and had so much to say in touch and let them know how I've tel 874825 her history exam that she man- getting on," she said.

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Another Swindon Council award winner from Greendown was Naomi Henry from Freshbrook, left.

Diming her GCSE preparations her mother Sharon's world collapsed around her when she diagnosed with breast cancer and started a course of chemotherapy.

Naomi was nominated for the support she was able to give her mother whilst continuing her revision work.

In September she will start A levels at New College.

The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ September 2006 15

@ www.swindonHnkcom

Talk to Connexions for the best next steps

Advice and directions for over 20s

Don't panic! If you're still fretting about what to do after GCSEs or A levels, Connexions Personal Advisers are experts in the field of careers and learning and are available to help young people make the right choices for the future.

They will discuss options for courses, retakes and vocational training opportunities and suggest who to approach.

For details call Mike Miles on 549200. Connexions Direct Advisers can also be contacted on 080 800 13219, by text on 07766 413219, or at: www.connexions-direct.com

At the end of full-time education, most students will come into contact with a careers' advisor but later in life they may not know where to seek advice.

The answer is Next Step for over not necessarily unemployed. They 20s, a partnership of learning or- may not have been in the job marganisations from Wiltshire and ket for a while or could have been Swindon. They offer advice on ca- made redundant. Some may not reer changes, finding the right be sure about their job or feel course, preparing a CV and im- they're lacking skills. They can proving interview technique be- speak to someone about how they fore returning to work. can develop themselves.

"We give free, impartial and conSpokesperson, Jaquie Rawlings, explained that, although the sere- fidential advice which is tailored ice also provides advice via the Job to an individual's needs."

Centre, it is not limited to job seekContact Next Step on 01985 ers. "People who come to us are 217567.

The art of waste not want not Instead of having expensive materials available for their annual art week, pupils at Oliver Tomkins Junior School had to use their imagination to recycle rubbish into creative works.

The'Waste Not Want Not' theme was chosen to tie in with an EcoSchools project which aims to raise awareness of environmental issues. Children were asked to bring in waste materials from home and the teachers found valuable resources at Swindon Scrapstore.

Art co-ordinator Michelle Wilson said that the children had to try out new techniques and work with materials the y wouldn't normally use. They created newspaper collages, designed funny faces from magazines and made daleks from yoghurt pots.

Year 5 children made a huge dragon sculpture by weaving plastic and rubbish through wire. The waste was taken from lunch boxes during one lunch time and prompted children to wonder how much rubbish they throw away in a term.

Pupils also took part in a design challenge to make 'rubbish' clothes in just one hour. Their amazing creations were paraded in front of the whole school and varied from Dr Who futuristic fashion to crisp packet chic.

The hard work culminated in an exhibition for parents in the school

Agency helps find tutors that make the grade From personal experience Mark John knew that finding a private tutor is easier said than done, and he decided to setup his own agency to put teachers and students in touch with each other.

The idea came to Mark after "Evervoneis different," said Mark. reading an article about private "Some people are struggling with education and one-to-one tuition, the basics of maths, some want a At the same time, his girlfriend refresher course leading up to exwas having problems finding a ams. One student, who is about to tutor for her 10-year old and this start GCSE courses hopes to be a confirmed that there was a need pilot and wants to excel at maths." for an introduction service and he Registered tutors can concenset up Amarc. trate on teaching while Amarc hanAmarc Tutors carefully exam- dles the business side of things ine the qualifications and refer- such as advertising and collecting ences of all teachers on the books payments. The agency is keen to and all are police checked. Clients hear from qualified teachers, parfill in a form which gives details of ticularly in shortage subjects such the student's needs and allows as maths. "Tutors can have a more Ms Wilson with rubbish creatives them to be matched with the most flexible job and avoid all the paGem inn and Georgina Forde appropriate teacher. perwork," Mark said.

Students signed up to the agency New registrations from students hall. Miss Wilson said that the include those preparing for GCSEs and tutors are welcome. For deshow highlighted the children's creativity. "The week was a tre- and KS3 tests and some in primary tails call 0845 241 1805. www.amarctutors.com mendous success from an artistic school looking for some extra help. point of view and it also raised pupil awareness of the impact their waste has on the world."

First graduates move on The first children who started at Peatmoor Community Primary School six years ago gathered for a graduates party in late July organised by parent Nicky Borman.

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16

The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ September 2006

your fr _{ cis_ - â&#x20AC;&#x201D;ifieds

College enters a new era Swindon College has moved out of its Regent Circus site in the centre of town and all its activities are now focussed on its new purpose built campus at North Star.

The site has seen substantial de- try and joinery centre alongside department. "But now, if you look with its Brunel associations, to the velopment alongside the college's areas for training in plumbing and around the campus, you can see development of Swindon as well real evidence of the excellent fa- as recognising the potential its sees existing buildings over the last two brickwork, in all its students.

The move has also allowed the cilities that we now provide." years. Central to this is a four stoNew principal Jonquil Brooks The move marks a significant reymainblockwhichprovidesstu- college to improve provision for dents with a new refectory, a learn- curriculum areas already based in historical change for the college commented, "the North Star caming resource centre and library and the old North Star buildings. For which has associations, via its art pus is a really important developspecialist facilities for computing. example, hairdressing courses are and design school to the town cen- ment for the future of Swindon There will also be enhanced facili- moving to a new salon on the cam- tre and Victoria Road, going back and its people. We now provide exactly what should be expected to the nineteenth century. ties for music, art and design with pus.

The new location has been the in the 21st century."

"It sometimes seems that we've a suite of studios, including one www.swindon-college.ac.uk for the new HND/HNC in pho- been talking about this move for spur to a new branding initiative, so long that it's hard to believe that with a star-shaped logo recognis- - The college site at Regent Circus tography There are new workshops for it's all happened," said Jenny ing the significance of North Star, has been sold for development. construction trades with a carpen- Brygan of the college's marketing Ned' and old Swindon College buildings at North Star

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Learning for Life lives on In April it looked as though Learning for Life would close when Swindon Council refused to consider a grant application. But, with new funding from other sources, they have risen from the ashes.

The charity provides training, education and personal development opportunities for disabled adults and carers. It was managed by Scope until March when members voted to become independent.

For a few weeks earlier in the year, it was touch and go whether the centre could survive but the Garfield and Weston Foundation came to the rescue with financial support and this was boosted by a grant from insurance giant Learning for Life user Simon Wright Zurich. Funding also comes gets a makeover from Dee Desa and from Swindon Learning Partfellow user Annette Ti,tworth nership, the Learning Curve Network and Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation. ownership of the project and have Centre manager Nalni Sorr is put forward their own fundraising preparing to apply for lottery fund- strategies."

Courses this Autumn at the ing for longer term security. She is upbeat about the move to inde- Shaftesbury Centre include IT pendence. "It means that we're able skills, Tai Chi and remedial masto have more control over what we sage, self improvement courses, offer," she said. "We're able to take arts and crafts, relaxation and stress more immediate decisions and re- management. Counselling and work spond to the learners' needs in a placements are also arranged.

For course details call Nalni on more efficient manner.

"The learners have taken greater 514055 ext 4808.

The Link Magazine • September 2006 17

Make family life easier and more fun Wiltshire's Parent & Child Expo, 10 September. Oasis Leisure Centre

Children's Information Service

The show is a chance for parents to see what opportunities are available across Wiltshire for their children: activities, music, art, the latest books, educational games, resources for parents, games, and opportunities for parents to combine child care and working from home.

Suzanne Daykin of Event Enter- parents it is difficult and time con- the NCH, which tackles poverty, prises promises lots of fun for chil- suming to find what is available, abuse and neglect and is the largdren including drumming circles The Parent & Child Expo will save est children's charity in the UK with Kaya Drums, kid's yoga ses- time and enables parents to talk supporting over 160,000 young sions, Jo Jingles music sessions, directly to the experts - and we'll people and their families every Esprit gymnastics, face painting, have a lot of fun at the same time." year. The local team is looking for games and the chance to meet For show details call Suzanne volunteer helpers to raise funds Cedric the Dragon as well as to Daykin on 07901 568572 or and greater awareness of its work win prizes. She said, "the early mail: Suzanne.daykin@event- and is looking forward to potenyears of a child's life are crucial in enterprises.co.uk tial volunteers visiting them on their development and with so The event will also be helping their stand. much information bombarding to raise funds and awareness for For information about NCH call Shelagh Hillier on 07930 341503.

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Knock-out day planned for Lydiard Swindon Children's Cancer & Leukaemia Movement (CALM) is holding a fundraising It's A Knockout competition and family fun day on 2 September, 12.30pm, at Lydiard Park.

A fun filled show full of laughter and enjoyment is planned, not just for the participating teams but also the spectators. The games arena will be full of brightly coloured specially made inflatables of various sizes and props.

Families and businesses are entering teams in fancy dress to battle with the tasks and each other. For spectators there will be a bouncy castle, face painting and refreshments including a beer tent. For details call Jackie Lambeth on 335981 or mail: calmpost@hotmail.com • CALM supports families exclusively in the Swindon health area. For the last 22 years it has been run entirely on a voluntarily basis by parents who understand the needs of families afflicted by the demands made on them when a child is diagnosed with cancer. No funds are paid out in salaries or office accommodation - everything goes to help the children and their

families. At any given time over 20 children are receiving treatment for cancer or leukaemia. CALM provides support both during treatment and in the stressful period after treatment ends or after bereavement.

Brook Field buddies make breaks better Making friends is easier than ever at Brook Field Primary School since two buddy bus stops have been put up in the playground.

Any child who finds themselves out with a friend or didn't want to on their own can standby the signs play what the others were playing. to wait for a playmate. Year 3 Liam Elliott in Year 3 said, "when teacher and school grounds co- I saw a boy waiting at the bus stop, ordinator, Jacquie Adams, ex- I offered to play with him and it plained that the idea came from made me feel good because I had the children after they carried out more friends to play with and I a surve y to see what could be im- had also made someone else feel proved at playtime. "If they see happy." somebody at the buddy bus stop Kirstin Ball, also in Year 3 said, "one time I'd had an argument they go and offer to play."

Mrs Adams was pleased with with a friend and I stood at the the success of the scheme in the buddy bus stop because I felt upsummer term. She said most of the set. A girl in my class came and children in her class had used the told me jokes to cheer me up and bus stop, because they had fallen then we played tig together."

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The Link Magazine • September 2006

Bigger adventure at new clubs

THE LITTLE PARTY HOUSE Godwin Court, Old Town, Swindon Tel: 522100 'A beautiful venue for children's parties' Invitations: sole use of the little pa rt y house.

Pa rt y food, games with prizes, fancy dress. an & craft activities + a balloon and yummy treat for every child. Refreshments for Mums and Dads.

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When it moves into the new Red Oaks and Moredon Primary schools, the Big Adventure Club will be offering out of school childcare to 30 Swindon schools.

Owners of the Big A Peter and Tracey Bailey are delighted they will be the first to offer true'wraparound care' at Red Oaks Primary and Moredon.

Wraparound care means that under 5s can be dropped off at a breakfast club, attend pre-school and then spend the rest of the day in the purpose built Big A room in the same building where there are plenty of toys and a television."

The after school clubs for older children will use the school halls and offer a range of activities including snooker, play stations, art, and access to the internet suites.

At Red Oaks Primary in Redhouse, the club will run from 7.45am to 5.45pm and will also cater for children at Bridlewood.

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Films at the Wyvern are a scream It's fine to shout and scream at the Wyvern, as long as you're under 18 months, because September sees the start of special film screenings where toddlers and babies are welcome.

The new Screaming Screenings are Coming up: the brainchild of theatre director 11 September: The Do Vinci Code Andy Hill, to give people with 25/26 October: Ice Age 2 child care responsibilities their 6 November: The Squid and the own baby friendly entertainment Whale. with no need to hire a babysitter. The films will also be screened at Now they can enjoy a film at the 7.30pm, except Ice Age which will 10.30am showing and perhaps be shown at 2pm.

The cost is £5 for adults, with no round it off with lunch at the theatre's cafe. They won't have to worry charge for babies underl8 months.

There are special prices for playabout their baby crying or their toddlerhavingatantrumandthere groups, toddler groups and will be baby changing and bottle childmindernetworks.Askfordetails when booking on 509041. warming facilities available,

Pre-schoolers help youth centre open for longer Mini Musicians , the well known children's music workshop business, has expanded into providing creche services in North Swindon.

Moredon already has a break-

fast club so Big A will be open from 8.30am to 5.45pm. The club will collect from Greenmeadow, Rodbourne Cheney, Hayden Wick and Haydonleigh primary schools.

For details call Peter or Tracey Bailey on 875992.

music, ugs

nn g.d 6 Mini-Musicians and Justin Tonilinson, centre,

i

with Cath Neate, left, and Sarah Bannon

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The creche, based at the Underground Youth Project, next to the library at the North Swindon District Centre, offers parents the chance to go to the gym, do their shopping on their own, meet up with friends for a coffee or just have some time out.

It can be booked for an hour or two by calling the creche booking number on 07796 384465.

Workshops, classes and coffee.

Alongside the creche, are various workshops and classes for parents and carers, including a 3 week play course in September run by nursery nurses. It is aimed at people wishing to improve their play skills and learn some new ideas.

Also on offer are coffee mornings for post-natal mums to meet new friends, find out about local services and activities, and to take part in baby massage and postnatal/beginners Pilates sessions.

For details of remaining places and a full list of courses call Cath Neate on 727286.

Music for babes. Mini Musicians also run music sessions for parents and carers of children aged 6 weeks to pre-school. These run every day of the week all over Swindon.

For details of classes, call Cath on 727286 or mail: Sarah@ minimusicians.co.uk The creche was launched at a fun day on 28 July by Abbey Meads councillor Justin Tomlinson who was instrumental in bringing the needs of pre-school children and parents together with the youth service. "When I discovered the youth service did not have the money to open more sessions at the Underground, and I knew Mini Musicians were interested in rent space to provide creches for parents who wanted to go to the gym or go shopping, it seemed obvious to bring them together.

"I'm really pleased that we now have provision for parents and children and the youth centre can open more evenings and at weekends for local young people."

The Link Magazine • September 2006 19

w w.swin oni; k.c.

Massage in aid of hospital

INFANT MASSAGE

Baby massage expert Geraldine O'Driscoll, below, is organising a sponsored massage session in aid of the GWH maternity unit mother and baby courtyard appeal on Saturday 16 September.

Mums who have attended Geraldine's courses in the past and mums and dads who would like to learn infant massage techniques can turn up at Emmanual Church, High Street, Haydon Wick and join in between 1pm and 3pm.

All donations will go to the courtyard project which aims to landscape an outside area next to the hospital maternity unit.

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Sessions available at toddler groups Busy Fingers baby and toddler group at the Haydon Centre is starting a new Thursday afternoon session, from 1pm to 2.30pm, for parents with 18 months to school age children. For details call Debbie MusaEiggie on 496900.

Well equipped facilities and a superb environment f

Wrigglers at Abbey Meads Community Primary School has places for parents and toddlers on Mondays, 9.30am to 11.30am. For details call Lisa Hume on 700141.

nursery and pre-prep school

n^

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MEADOWPARK /

Taw Hill Tots meet in the community room at St Francis Primary School on Monday and Friday, 10am to 11.30am, and has places open to newcomers. Last year, there were visits from Bookstart and the Swindon Learning Alliance and there was also a Virgin Vie demonstration which was very popular with mums and carers who could shop while the children played.

The Monday sessions attract more toddlers so the songs are active while more mums and babies attend on Fridays and parents are more involved in the actions. The first session is free of charge.

To find out more, call Amanda Pope on 346783.

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20 The Link Magazine • September 2006

Get a head start at Robert le Kyng A new Headstarts day care nursery at Robert le Kyng Primary School on Westcott Place opens its doors on 4 September.

Alison Barrett who has been of the highest quality yet affordmanager of the Headstarts nurs- able in a child-centred homely atcry at the Delta Business Park in mosphere. This new setting at Westlea for six years will manage Robert le Kyng will enable us to both sites. She said she was de- build on past achievements leadlighted that all the hard work was ing to further benefits to children coming to fruition. "We're really at both sites."

The nursery will work closely with looking forward to working closely with the school and the Children's the adjacent Barnado's Children's Centre and also the children and Centre and the primary school to provide integrated care and supparents coming to us."

Owner of Headstarts, Sara Vare, port to parents and children.

For further details of places at said, "the aim of Headstarts Nurseries since opening in 1990 has al- the Delta or Robert le Kyng Nursways been to offer childcare that is eries, call Alison on 877779.

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Food, glorious food Swindon's muslim women are organising another fantastic festival of international cuisine at the Oasis Leisure Centre on Saturday 16 September, 12noon to 4pm.

Entry is free and open to all. which supports children in PalesTour the stalls and take your pick tine and also Koalas, Swindon from the rich variety of home- Opportunity Group for children made dishes and fantastic des- with special needs.

There will also be a bouncy casserts. Main courses will cost £3.50.

All the ingredients are paid for tle and children's entertainment, and prepared by volunteers. Last as well as stalls selling clothes, year over £3,000 was raised for accessories and crafts.

Stalls are still available at £10. charities, including £500 from the cake stall alone. The money will To book call Jannah Khan on 07870 be donated to Interpal, a charity 595831.

Banburys are back Banburys, the conservatory, garden shed and furniture supplier at Cheney Manor Garden Centre, r -opens in early September with a completely rebuilt show centre.

The office and showroom were technology which meets the highdestroyed in an arson attack on est European insulating specificaMay Bank Holiday. Essential corn- tions. All roofs will have self-cleanputer and paper recoreds went up ing glass and frames will be made in flames, causing delays to nearly from a new five chamber system.

The furniture will be worth a 20 building projects.

Owner Roy Fenby said, "I'd like look, even if you don't own a conto thank all our customers for the servatory said Roy. "We'll have patience whilst we sorted our- the new 2006 range of conservaselves out; people have been very tory furniture on show. We import supportive. Every cloud has a sil- our own directly, rather than use a ver lining and we will reopen with wholesaler, so we can sell a very high quality suite at a competitive a state of the art showroom."

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Swindon & Cricklade Railway WARTIME WEEKEND

If

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

Singing Brunel's praise Some familiar local faces will join one hundred young singers in the first full staging of a brand new opera Brunel: The Little Man in the Ta//Haton 1 6 and 17 September.

Former students will join singers from the Janice Thomp-son Performance Trust to perform the specially commissioned opera.

Claire Amor. now a teacher in Haydon Wick and Amy Cole. a teaching assistant at Penhill Primary will take main character parts in the production. They will be joined by Sarah Covey, this year's Supreme Champion at the Swindon Music Festival and several former students who are in the National Youth Choir and Training Choirs. Greendown Community School's deputy head Jonathon Young, will be spotted in a cameo role.

Inspired by local historian Rosa Matheson and written by Betty Roe and Marian Lines, the opera tells

perfecting their notes for the Brune/ opera premiere the story of Brunel, the GWR, Swindon and its people.

The tale is told through the reminiscences of the fictitious Beddows family and their friends. As they set off on the annual Swindon Trip to the seaside at St Ives, they bring to life the story of Brunel.

Historical characters such as

Pop guru makes tracks to STEAM Record producer and railway buff Pete Waterman will be taking a star role at STEAM, Museum of the Great Western Railway, in one of the most important events in the museum's calendar.

He will be making his fourth visit to the annual Swindon Railway Festival on 16 and 17 September, to 5pm. He explained, "it's a great event for anyone interested in steam railways with plenty to see and do. And it's also a wonderful day out for anyone who wants to come along to a marvellous location."

Pete, right is best known as the music man behind some of the 1 980s' biggest hits but he is also an expert in all things steam. "I've alwaysbeenfascinatedwithsteam railways." he said. The skills. the effort and sheer hard work that went into building these magnificent pieces of machinery is something that is an important part of our industrial and social heritage."

The event this year, as part of the Brunel 200 celebration has even greater significance. STEAM is in the heart of Brunel's works and this year's festival pays tribute to the legacy of the great man.

There will be five Brunel-themed

^- ► """"

exhibitions at STEAM including a Brunel Speeding the Mail - British Postal Museum and Archive touring display and an exhibition by railway photographer Roy Nash.

There will be a visiting locomotive. Hornby and Bachmann road shows, trade stands and some of the UK's best model railway layouts. including Thomas The Tank Engine.

Traditional railway crafts will be brought to life, including a blacksmith and a copper boilermaker.

For details call STEAM on 466646. www.swindon.gov.uk/steam

Daniel Gooch. George and Robert Stephenson leap from their stiff portraits or rise from the ranks of the workers to enact the outstanding events of their life and times.

There will be a gala performance at St Mark's Church on Saturday 16 September at 8pm, attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Swindon and their counterparts from St Ives. Cornwall.

The show can also be seen on Sunday 17th at 4pm and 7pm.

Tickets cost £6 and are available from Swindon Arts Centre on

Saturday 9th September Sunday 10th September

10.30am - 5pm

bruiei A WEEKEND OF REAL STEAM Saturday 16th September Sunday 17th September Blunsdon rooURTDn Station Tadpole Lane Tel: 771615 Trains: 11 am - 4pm Cafe, shop and Es SWINDON free parking

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22

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A new scheme for Swindon's derelict Mechanics Institute put forward by owner Matthew Singh has shaved two levels off the top from a proposed hotel and substituted bricks where the first, unsuccessful plan in 2004 was blue glass.

But, after a blaze of publicity in late July, it was sent back to Mr Singh by Swindon Council planners because required drawings had not been submitted.

The tower block in the midst of the historic railway village would replace the theatre fly-tower built in the 1 930s, though the new pro- The Mechanics: brooding over July's posal retains a performance space Brunel 200 ce/ebration parade and meeting rooms.

Martha Parry of the trust said, However Mr Singh's business model is questioned by the New "we were interested in Mr Singh's Mechanics' Trust which has cam- new ideas but. after all the media paigned for over ten years for the hype. we discovered they had been building to be refurbished as a com- returned by the planners because munity, arts and cultural centre. so many drawings were missing.

"At 8 storeys of brick and glass The Trust has always been hampered because the building is in towering over the railway village, private hands, the result of Swin- and the absence of car parking, don Council's predecessor nottak- the hotel proposal is intrusive to ing up the offer to buy it for £1 in the residents and inappropriate to the building which is at the centre of a early 1980s.

This lack of public ownership proposed world heritage site. " Our plan revolves around a lothas meant that the trust has not been able to seek lottery support tery funded renovation which reor be featured in restoration pro- quires use of the building to cover grammes on TV. However they its operating costs." were responsible for highlighting Mechanics' Trust the social importance of the MeAnnual General Meeting chanics' which resulted in a Grade 28 September, 7pm II* listing by English Heritage.

Earlier this year the trust was Community Crossroads, Fleet Street granted listed building consent to Open from 6pm to see exhibition develop a community and arts cen- showcasing the Brunel 200 celebrations tre in the building.

Trip down memory lane

to availability)

•

Wide Mechanics' plan found invalid

Valid until 31 December 2006

0

those who did not It all began in put some money 1 848. when more aside, often went than 500 members hungry in the weeks of the Mechanics' Infollowing their unstitution were invited paid holiday. to Oxford and travTri,ofeatures phoelled on a free GWR tographs of families train. Such was the en route and enjoysuccess of the exing the seaside in cursion that Trip truly British fashion: Week was born and sitting or strolling on from 1849 to the midthe beach fully 1970s, thousands of 1951. Sunday best on the clothed. By the late rail workers and their beach for Ron and Dot Glass 1 950s, when people families would holiday together. travelling the length had grown more daring, knitted swimsuits were all the rage. of the GWR network.

The book provides an evocative In its heyday, there was an exodus of up to 26,000 people in a record using archive postcards and matter of hours. leaving Swindon a photographs together with the ghost town. Rosa Matheson's book words of trippers themselves.

For anyone who remembers Trip, tells the story of this most anticipated event, which was on a par it will bring a smile to their face. For with Christmas in the lives of the those new to Swindon. the book gives a great insight into a town workers.

Traditions grew up in the town that holidayed like one enormous and included getting new clothes family.

Copies can be ordered from and an obligatory pair of daps.

Saving began after Christmas and 01453 883300.

23

Swindon Wide Last chance to audition The Wyvern Theatre is looking for children and young people to perform in the juvenile chorus in this year's pantomime Cinderella.

Auditions for girls and boys aged 10 to 19 years take place at the Wyvern Theatre on Saturday 9 September, 9.30am to 2pm.

Participants must have excellent stage presence and strong dance/ singing ability. Drama experience is useful but not essential. Successful candidates must be available for all rehearsals and performances.

Rehearsals take place from 18 November to 8 December and performances from 8 December to 7 January.

Details and audition forms are available from www.wyverntheatre .org.uk/cinderella or call Nikki Western at the theatre on 535534.

Guides for Brides X^

WEDDING FAIR Sunday 3rd September

Alexandra House Wroughton, Wilts

Diamond geezer John Hylton is determined that people will enjoy his Neil Diamond tribute show. "If we don't get a standing ovation then I'd feel we'd failed." he says.

The singer began working on his to getting into your Back to the Real Diamond tribute when audi- Future DeLorean and going back ences commented on his cover to the '80s to see Neil, he deversions. He spent over 18 months clares. "I never get bored of doing perfecting his performance by the show because I love the songs watching old recordings. "There and appreciate that somebody's are so many tribute shows around, favourite is the one I'm singing and I didn't want to be a mediocre now. I like to try and sing every one. Neil Diamond fans are very song as if it's my favourite."

"I' m intending to capture all of fussy. They don't want to go to a tribute show that doesn't do justice their hearts by the end of the second song and afterwards I'll in the to the music that they love."

John performs Neil Diamond foyer when the band is still playing material from the '70s and '80s so that I can say goodbye to every which is appropriate for his own member of the audience. I hope age and voice. He will, however, they come expecting the very best."

John Hylton is at the Wyvern on be including some songs from the new album. "It's the closest thing Saturday 16 September, 7.30pm.

Janice Thompson Performance Trust www.jtptrust.org

llam - 4pm . Free admission - Free information pack w'

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Wedding Fayre Bes[Wes:ern Prem;er

Blunsdon House Hotel Blunsdon, Swindon (off A419) Over 40 wedding exhibitors Free entry • Bridal competition Organise most of your wedding in one day!

Sunday 24th September 11 am - 4pm For further information visit

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www.wedding-fayre.co.uk or call event organisers ADP Ltd or 01793 840000

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about us The JTP Trust is an Educational Charity which runs weekly vocal training classes in the Swindon area.

Classes include solo, choral and ensemble singing, and students work towards performances in concerts, graded examinations and competitive festivals.

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music by Betty Roe ibretto by Marian Lines

We teach classical, folk and musical theatre s ty les and include basic stagecraft and musicianship.

We are proud to have singers in the National Youth Choirs and past and current students who have appeared in British Youth Opera and West End productions.

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classes

Girls aged 9 - 14 Boys aged 8 - 16 Girls and boys aged 4 - 9 Girls aged 13 - 18

conta ct us Telephone: (01793) 535185 Email: jtptrust@aol.com

Tuesday evenings Thursday evenings Friday after school Friday evenings

AYouth Opera about Brunel and the Swindon people

Saturday 16th September 8.00pm Sunday 17th September 4.o0pm & 7.00pm St Marks Church, Railway Village, Swindon

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Tickets £6.00 Available Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Swindon. t:01793 614837 The Janice Thompson PerionranceTUt brt .neJ '+'r, ,, # ^" mq>mredcnunrn^mneni ot 52 3

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No time for DIY? HANDYMAN at Home'° Qualit service for all y our DIY lobs y

• Assemble flat-packs • Put up shelves, blinds, curtains • Install appliances • Decorating, tiling, flooring • Small plumbing jobs • Replace electrical fittings • Install and set up your tv, hi-fl, home cinema, new phone ext.

• In fact any normal DIY job

For a Quality Installation

Children & Family Events Saturday 2nd, 1 pm & 3.30pm Mr Men and Little Miss: The Surprise Birthday Party. A show to celebrate 35 years of Mr Men with fun, laughter and plenty of participation. £8.50. Wyvern Saturday 2nd, 10am to 5pm

All types of job in one visit Call (local rate)

For free & friendly advice on our full ra ng e of Gutter/Fascia systems professionally installed and guaranteed. call

0845 200 7821 see our website for more details www.handymanathome.co.uk

Swindon 855700 / 855800

Exhibitions To 4th September The Railway Comes to Town. The transformation of Swindon from sleepy market town to dynamic industrial setting told through photographs, prints and postcards.

Free. Wyvern 5th September to 7th October Vieve Forward. The lives of people at the Salvation Army's Davis House are portrayed through drawings. paintings, photographs and stories created by resident Vieve. Free.

Wyvern Saturday 16th to Friday 29th

Let us quote for your larger jobs too

Unit 23 & 24 Oakland, Ind, Est. Dmydon. Swindon

OwLstth&Senatit Lone y , i: rrfUcelj, I._ni c;lJre of'..,,'or purpose or e;ister,re ' : In E:arth?

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Forest Festival. Workshops, woodcraft demonstrations, displays and local organic food. Free. The Lawn O/d Town. No parking. free park and ride from Nationwide Bui/ding Sunday 6th & 20th, 10am to Every Time I See the Sea. Almost 12.30pm Museum Tours. The Aviation Tour two years after the tsunami in the on the 6th will take in objects from Indian Ocean, Christian Aid presents the rare Gugnunc to the giant Comet this exhibition looking through the aircraft. On 20th. a Behind the eyes of three artists at how peple are Scenes tour will give visitors the emerging from the catastrophe.We chance to see objects that have see how they are rebuilding their changed the world. Free. The Science communities to make them stronger for the future. Free. Swindon Museum at Wroughton Designer Outlet Centre, Church ward Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th Swindon Railway Festival pays To 20th September tribute to Brunel and features visiting Brunel Speeding the Mail. The locomotives, trade stands, displays. British Postal Museum and archive exhibitions and talks by railway touring exhibition highlights four experts. Pete Waterman will be major areas of Brunel's work. Each paying a visit. £6.60, family £16. theme is illustrated with stamp artwork from 1969 to date. Norma/ Steam admission charges apply. Steam.

Thursday 21st, 1.15pm & 7.30pm

Venues Arts Centre Devizes Road Tel: 614837

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Lydiard House Tel: 770401 Science Museum, Wroughton Tel: 846200 STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 Swindon & Cricklade Railway Tadpole Lane. Tel: 771615 Swindon Dance Regent Circus Tel: 601700

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Tel rr.ix 01793 851 377

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anadesrgn(your own.9Kt1dI oet&&Yaio^ Butterfly world _----_.__ AN ALL WEATHER VENUE - Season Tickets Available and C ra ft Villep.

Large Gift Shop . Tailored Educational Group Visits Organised _: --' -- --Open Daily: Summer 10am - 6pm Winter: Sam -- dusk ••e^•^ y,e„' Tel 01793 852400 into 00s studleygrange.co. uk '°"p a"' Groups and Coach Part ies Welcome. Free Parking for Cars and Coaches •G„ E'"""`" car Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park w e 'se Hay Lane, Wroughton, Swindon, Wilts SN4 90T t)

The Engineer's Corset. Brunel's wife Mary recounts how she gave up her corset to save his life after he accidentally swallowed a coin. Full of drama, history and amusing revelations about the Brunels. Fifty shillings - £2.50. Arts Centre

Swindon Information Centre Regent Street. Tel: 466454 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Town Gardens Bowl Quarry Road, Old Town Wyvern Theatre Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and,orice with the venue

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Cr in Septenvber Music Saturday 2nd, 8pm The Storys. The acoustic rock band who supported Elton John on his latest UK tour. £10. Arts Centre Saturday 9th, 1pm to 10pm Youth Festival. Live music from local bands including Belarus. activities including juggling and circus skills.

Free. Old Town Gardens Sunday 10th, 7.30pm Swindon Recital Series: Joy Farrall (clarinet) and Paul Turner (piano).

Joys recording of the Mozart concerto topped the classical charts. £10. Accompanied under 14s free.

Arts Centre Tuesday 12th, 7.30pm Nashville Nights and Dixie Days.

A celebration of country music. featuring hits from Patsy Cline.

Shania, Johnny Cash and more. £12.50. Wyvern Tuesday 12th. 8pm The Blockheads. Ian Dury's Sex and Drugs and Rock'n Roll backing band, formed in 1977, are still going strong and will play old favourites and new material. £1650. ArtsCentre Thursday 14th, 7.30pm Sweet Home Chicago. The very best blues and soul music from The Blues Brothers movies. £14. Wyvern Friday 15th to Sat 16th, 7.30pm Those Kentwood Kids! A captivating show featuring tots. junior and youth choirs. £8. Arts Centre Saturday 16th, 7.30pm Real Diamond. John Hylton peforms his tribute to Neil Diamond. See story on page 23. £15. Wyvern Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th, 4pm & 7.30pm Brunel: The Little Man in the Tall Hat. Over 100 young people set off on the annual Swindon Trip. On their journey to St Ives they bring to life the story and achievements of Brunel.

See advert on page 23. Tickets £6 from Arts Centre. St Mark's Church.

Railway Village Sunday 17th, 7pm, rehearsal 3pm Come and Sing Pirates of Penzance. Everyone is welcome to join the chorus. Those too shy to sing can enjoy the performance with principals from Swindon Gilbert & Sullivan Society and the massed local chorus. £5. Wyvern Monday 18th, 7.30pm The Cotton Club. Recreating 1930s Harlem. featuring the music of Duke Ellington. Louis Armstrong and Count Basie. £14. Wyvern Wednesday 20th, 7.30pm The Motown Show. A slick, high energy recreation of the 60s and 70s Motown era. £1 5 50. Wyvern Thursday 21st, 7.30pm C'Mon Everybody. Two hours of non stop rock 'n' roll with tributes to Eddie Cochran, Bill Haley, Buddy Holly and more. £15 Wyvern

SUGARHILL BLUES FESTIVAL

The all new Swindon Rendezvous

Sat 9th & Sun 10th September Warren Farm, Liddington, Swindon Headlining: Dr Feelgood, The Hamsters

www.sugarhillfestivaI.co.uk Tickets from the Wyvern box office Friday 22nd, 8pm Christina Jackson. A unique blend of French love songs as well as her own compositions. £10. Arts Centre Friday 22nd, 7.30pm The Barber of Seville. Pimlico Opera present the tale of Count Almaviva and his pursuit of commoner Rosina, assisted by his barber. Figaro. £16.50. Wyvern Saturday 23rd, 7.30pm Showaddywaddy joined by Blondie tribute, Atomic. £1850. Wyvern Saturday 23rd, 7.30pm Brunel's Kingdom: a new work commissioned by Swindon Choral Society. Features Ruskin School Choir, and local soloists. £10 from Arts Centre. Steam Saturday 23rd September, 8pm Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers. The first non-Liverpool act to sign to Brian Epstein's management company. £14.50. Arts Centre

Theatre Thursday 7th to Saturday 9th, 8pm Art. Old Town Theatre Company present this award-winning black comedy that exposes many a home truth in our attitudes to culture. £6.

Arts Centre Wednesday 13th, 7.30pm Howard Marks. A show based on

his book Senior Nice, the follow up li to Mr Nice. He deals with being a + , celebrity after his ti me in prison for drug smuggling and reflects on his murky past. £14.50. Wyvern Tuesday 19th, 7.30pm Tony Stockwell. TVs psychic detective will demonstrate his gift of mediumship and bring messages from the spiritworld. £18.50. Wyvern Monday 25th to Saturday 30th, 7pm Wednesday 10.30am & Sat 2.30pm The Railway Children. Journey with Roberta. Peterand Phyllis when they leave their comfortable London home for a new and poorer life in the country.£14. Wyvern Wednesday 27th to Saturday 30th, 7.30pm The Government Inspector. A dazzling blend of preposterous characters in all too real situations. performed by the Phoenix Players. £6 from 525616. Arts Centre

Situated in the heart of Theatre Square, Swindon Rendezvous is pleased to bring a taste of the Orient to Swindon We take pride that all our food is selected from the very best ingredients and wherever possible healthy and organic produce, which all form the foundation of our foods. All our food is freshly cooked to order.

__ The ALL YOU CAN EAT MENU has now been extended to 7 days

a week Sunday - Thursday £15.00 per person Fridays & Saturdays £18.00 per person

You can choose from over 100 dishes

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TABLE FOR I YOUR BIRTH DATE

If a table is booked for 6 or more the birthday boy or girl eats for free (For example 5 pay and 1 eats for free Birthday must be on actual

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day booked) Only valid on all you can eat or any set dinner I

I.D. WILL BE REQUIRED

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and receive a FREE BOTTLE OF WINE for every 4 guests (Offer only available on all you can I eat and set menu, please present this voucher when ordering.)

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20% OFF ALL TAKF ,WAYS 11-12a Theatre Square Swindon Telephone 01793 523570

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Dance

SueLynn Partners

Friday 29th & Saturday 30th, 7.45pm

For tailor made Curtains • Pelmets Roman blinds Swags & tails Cushion covers Measuring and fitting advice No job too small For further information call Sue: 01793 870451 or Lynn: on 01793 330595

lights!!

, *r experience of a lifetime! '`

... Something different or someone special! r

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Old Bell Pottery & Crafts High Street, Lechlade • Tel: 01367 252608 E-mail: victoria.h@virgin.net

For great gift idea & Haberdashery Sewing needs: X-stitch — Tapestry — Rowan Jaeger — Patons — Yarns and Patterns Well also gladly order anything else you need.

Dolls houses E- miniatures Traditional games & toys; local craft items In the Stable ;`

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A great selection of local pottery.

F Also: China seconds from Stoke on Trent

Tavaziva. The Zimbabwean born dancer's most exhilarating programme to date includes five works and specially composed music. £8.50. Swindon Dance

Comedy

Film

Thursday 7th, 7.30pm One-Man Star Wars Trilogy.

Charles Ross plays all the characters, recreates the effects, sings. flies the ship and fights both sides of the battles in a blast through the first three Star Wars films. £14. Wyvern Friday 8th, 7.30pm Puppetry of the Penis. Two Australians manipulate their manhood into various shapes. objects and landmarks. £14. Wyvern Saturday 9th, 8pm Hellfire Comedy Club with Rob Deering and Lloyd Llangford. Rob has an easy charm, cheesy singing voice, razor sharp wit and clownish physicality. Lloyd's act is an everevolving mixture of real life stories, surreal flights of fancy and topical material. £10. Wyvern

Monday 11th, 10.30am & 7.30pm Da Vinci Code (12A) A murder inside the Louvre and clues in Da Vinci paintings lead to the discovery of a religious mystery protected by a secret society for two thousand years.

Morning show for adults with children under 18 months. £5 Wyvern

Thursday 14th, 8pm Jeff Green. Razor sharp observations combined with natural charm. £13. Arts Centre Friday 15th, 7.30pm The Vagina Monologues. Based on interviews with women. this witty and moving collection of tales gives voice to a chorus of lusty, outrageous. poignant, brave and thoroughly human stories. £15 Wyvern Tuesday 19th and 3rd October, 8pm Mark Thomas: As Used on the Famous Nelson Mandela This show is the deeply funny, deeply disturbing journey of Mark's rampage through the arms trade. He managed to set himself up as an arms dealer and a PR adviser on the most sensitive of human rights issues. Hard hitting and shocking entertainment. £13. Arts Centre Sunday 24th, 7.30pm Joe Avati. A stand up show about growing up as an Italian in English speaking countries. £18 Wyvern

Tea Dance

In the Garden i

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Pots, planters & ornaments from around the world

Mon to Sat 10 to 5 • Sun 11 toy

Wednesday 13th, 7.45pm Shooting Dogs (15) John Hurt stars as am exhausted Catholic priest who, together with a young idealistic English teacher, is caught in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Based on a true story. £4. Arts Centre Wednesday 20th, 7.45pm The Squid and the Whale (15) A darkly funny drama set in New York about an intellectual family whose li ves are thrown into turmoil after an unexpected divorce. (SFS) Arts Centre Swindon Film Society (SFS) films are for members on/y. It is possible to join on any film evening.

Cliff Richard Tribute

by Jimmy Jemain 22nd September Swallow Hotel. South Marston Dinner & Disco Book on 01235 768324

Thursdays 14th & 28th 2pm to 4.30pm Memorial Hall, Wootton Basset.

All styles and rhythms: sequence, modern ballroom, old-tyme, line dance. All welcome.

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Septerrmber

Heritage Open Days Talks Wednesday 20th, 7.30pm Talk on the Associated Country Women of the World by Maureen Flynn at Tootleabrook WI. Details from Jean Brock: 539456. Toothi// on Saturday only.

Community Centre St Mary's Church and the St John Sunday 24th, 1lam Triptych will be open. Free. Lydiard Swindon's Secrets Brunel 200 Park Guided Tours. A 90 minute walk Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th,11 am around some of the hidden gems of to 3pm Swindon's industrial past. Free. but Railway Cottage. Visit the unique bookingessentia/ Ca//414797 Meet cottage in the railway village to gain at National Monuments Record a real idea of what living conditions Centre reception. were like for railway workers in the early 1900s. £1. 34FaringdonRoad Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th Lydiard House. Free admission on both days, with costumed interpreters, including an 18th Century apothecary bringing the past to life

Fundraising

Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th, 10am to 4pm Science Museum Wroughton.

Discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy events which will bring life to local history and culture. The museum has a vast range of scientific and technical items. Free. Tours £2. Science Museum at Wroughton Moloney & McInerney Schools of Irish Dancing Saturday 23 September, 8pm Seamus Moore & JCB Band plus Riky Denham Irish dancing exhibitions Crossways Suite, Moonrakers £10 call 642368

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

Then call '"

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The Mad Hatter In Haydon Wick

(01793) 704005 or 07710 298790

www.hirehats.co.uk to see the large selection of Hats to HIRE! Make a personal appointment to find just the right hat for you

Table Top Sale Saturdays 9th & 23rd 10am to 12noon Friends of Moredon and Rodbourne Cheney Library.

Bric-a-brac, books, CDs, DVDs videos, knitting wool Library car park, The Broadway

Lose yourself in the luxury of any of our fabulous treatments, which include: Hot Stone Therapy, Indian Head Massage, Facials, Body Wraps and much more...

Products and treatments from E spa. Jessica, St.Tropez, Stay Young and Vincent Longo

Autumn Fayre

Pamper Days & Gift Vouchers also available

Peatmoor School Friday 15th September 4pm to 6pm Quad bikes. bouncy castle,

Whatever your pleasure, the relaxing confines of the De Vere Shaw Ridge Swindon Health & Beauty Suite will leave you feeling both rested and relaxed.

assault course. Smartiepants the clown, Swindon Judo club display, cake stall, BBQ & refreshments.

Original T-Bag Design craft items from South Africa

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For further information & to book treatments call the Health & Beauty Suite direct on 01793 889362 and quoteHBL

WRAG BARN Wrag Barn Golf Club, Shrivenham Road Highworth, Swindon SN6 7QQ

Tel: 01 793 86132 7 Fax: 01793 861325 Email: info@wragbarn.com www.wragbarn.com

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Wrag Barn are pleased to announce that we now have the licence to perform Civil Weddings, L1 Naming Ceremonies, Renewal of Marriage Vows and Commitment Ceremonies Log on and register to our new interactive website.

View the latest news and receive updates on al/ future events

2

Forthcoming Events Sunday Carvery Lunch Come and enjoy our superb Sunday Carvery Lunch Service commences at 12 noon. Booking in advance is advisable Christmas Party Lunches - £17.95 per head to include: y 3 Cotnse Traditional alc nr. Coffee &Mince Pies, Novelties Christmas Party Nights - £28 per head to include: 3 Course Choice Menu, Coffee & Mince Pies, Novelties & Disco Christmas Conference Days £27.50 per head to include: Room Hire, Arrival Tea/Coffee & Pastries, 3 Course Traditional Menu Afternoon Tea/Coffee & Homemade Cake. Flipchart, Delegate Pad & Pen, Water & Mints All Christmas events are during the month of December only and subject to availability. Forfurther information, available dates and bookings contact 01 793 861327

Phil Fryer & Alan Becks pay tribute to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, 'crooning'to the duos repertoire of songs!

Together with a four course candle lit dinner.

1'el: 017T3 721701 Best Western Premier

Blunsdon House Hotel generations of exceptional service

www.blunsdonhouse.co.uk

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Place your free cls ffieds

The Link Magazine • September 2006

Get bronzed at Basepoint It's easy to keep your tan topped up as the summer fades by visitin€ Palmer-Cutler W, est at the Basepoint Centre, near Westlea. t The PalmerTheir range of easy to use prod- with a massage and exfoliation ucts make self-tanning at home a using a gentle product containing Cutler range has jbreeze but why not take time out tiny piecesofloofah.Next,thebody been developed to relax and get some expert ad- is moisturised and finally the self by East Enders vice from salon owner Liz Wright? tan is applied. The whole process actress Patsy and Palmer The four step process begins takes about 45 minutes.

4/ Charlotte Cutler.

Red headed Patsy knows how CELEBRITY ENDORSED AWARD WINNING PRODUCTS important it is to avoid sun dam•

PALMER-CUTLER WEST

SELF TANNING ACADEMY 78 Basepoint Business Centre, Rivermead Drive, Swindon (behind old Renault building) Tel: 01793 602456 • Mobile: 07971 411820 email: elizabeth.wrightl@virgin.net .• Fastest growing safe tanning range of dye free products in the UK e New innovation in natural sunless self-tanning in our luxurious salon A clear liquid that just works with your body chemistry. Its quick drying. non-greasy and does not streak or turn you orange. On your first visit, chat to a qualified consultant about our special introductory offers.

We are distributors of salon version self-tanning bath and beauty products to the trade and direct to the public

Anything Stone UK Ltd. Suppliers of finely finished granite, marble, li mestone, slate, sandstone and gypsum Granite WorktopsTM Table tops, bar tops, shop counters, reception desks.

Granite worktops from £137 per metre supplier, stockists & installers

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brands, the two friends decided to develop their own formula which was voted Best Newcomer in the 2004 Sunday Times Style Awards.

Like all other self-tanners, the products contain DHA hut, what makes Palmer-Cutler different is that they use as many natural ingredients as possible with most of their DHA coming from sugar cane. Liz explained, "there are different formulas for different skin types, from the fairest like Patsy's, to darker skin that would tan eas-

ily. There is a natural reaction to the DHA; it's not a dye. And there's no smell."

To demonstrate that the lotion will not stain, Liz confidently sprayed it onto her pristine white uniform, leaving no trace. So customers can be sure that their clothes won't be stained and they can be dressed minutes after the application.

To book an appointment see the Palmer-Cutler West advert on the left.

Sponsored cycle to send supplies to Sierra Leone school Landscape gardener Lyndon Read will be carrying on a family project when he faces a cycling challenge in the Lake District to raise funds to help a school in Sierra Leone.

Back in the l960s, his father Laurie helped to ` build a school in the lam -, small town of Waterloowherehewasprin cipal for two years. He returned to the UK to train in medicine and became an orthopaedic consultant. Now ` ^^ in his retirement, Dr z Read returned to the country to work as a ^ surgeon and visited to ^' '" the school. , c of rlduersity. Lyndon's picture of After 20 years of dic- Smiling in I/, children in uniform at Waterloo school in Sierra Leone tatorship and civil war Dr Read was shocked to see the day and have no desks. Furniture poor state of the buildings while and stationery have been donated desks, chairs, blackboards and to the charity and are ready to be books had all been burned. He used shipped out.

Lyndon and five friends from his own money to build three classSwindon have set themselves a rooms and refurbish others.

Last November, Lyndon went sponsored challenge on 9 Septemout and spent a month supervis- ber to raise the £6,000 required to np and helping local builders. He send the equipment to Waterloo. paid, "the children, teachers and The group will cycle 25 miles local people were a joy to be with; from Penrith to Helvellyn, hike to something that was all the more the top of the 950 metre mountain amazing when I could see for my- before cycling back to Penrith.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the self the unbelievably hard lives challenge team should call Lyndon they have to endure."

At the moment, the children still on 01386 793222 or mail: lyndon carry their own chair to school each read@btinternet.com

k'

@ www.swhuIonflnkcom

The Link Magazine • September 2 006

31

Delta Tennis Centre nets a grant to give kids with special needs a smashing time Thanks to a £500 grant from Swindon Agenda 21, children from Westlea Primary School were able to enjoy tennis classes at the Delta Centre last term.

Delta Manager, Gail unit at Westlea took part all levels of ability and several speLight, said she was always in the 10 week course dur- cial tennis wheelchairs are availkeen to include children ing the summer term and able. with special needs. "I'm enjoyed it so much that Agenda 21 is an action plan for a very interested in disabled they've asked for more. better quality of life in the 21st people playing tennis, so I They will be joined by chil- Century which 150 countries are was always looking for dren from Robert le Kyng committed to. As part of a pledge funding. I read something school in September. to protect the environment, imabout Agenda 21 and when The youngsters might prove society and have a stable I looked at the criteria, it follow the example of 15- economy, the Agenda 21 team in fitted." year old Louise Hunt who Swindon can award small grants The Delta programme trains at the centre. The of up to £500 to community projects aims to give the children junior player is currently and voluntary groups. equal opportunities, imranked 5 internationally Contact the Agenda 21 team by prove agility and co-ordiand is preparing for the calling Gillian Chandler on 463197. nation and increase self con- Gillian Chandler from Agenda 21 hands over the grant to next Paralympics. The fidence.

Westlea youngsters and coach Rob Negus, Delta manager coaching staff at the cenPupils from the special Gail Light and Westlea teacher Marla Carol tre can tailor lessons to suit

Line Dance

with

Paralympic dream for young athlete

Midnight Cowboys

Tennis lessons at the Delta Centre so inspired 11 year old Ben Fox from Westlea that he's set his sights Tuesday: Even Swindon. 7.00 on the 2012 Paralympics.

Community Centre Jennings Ben, below, who was born with aiming to swim in 2012 but he could the children, whatever their disStreet (off Rodbourne Road) y onl one leg, could find that his go for tennis now. Sport is such a abilities, are included in school Wednesday: Highworth, 7.00 biggest difficulty is deciding which big part of his life. He'd always activities."

Thursday: Coleview 7.00 event to enter. He also swims with prefer to be outdoors and his mates Ben is looking forward to movCommunity Centre, Nythe Road Tiger Sharks at Milton Road and is are great. " ing up to Commonweal Secondlooking forward to getting back to Carol praised his school. ary School in September which has Step by step instruction for training after recovering from an "Westlea are fantastic. They've a special unit for physically imabsolute beginners. Weekend operation. encouraged Ben to do so much. All paired students. Carol said, socihls in Highworth and Swindon His favourite stroke is "Commonweal is terrific. The y do For more details front cravvl and has recently all the Stoke Mandeville sports and Ring Lewis Watson on 764732 mastered backstroke which they already have a girl training Ten years of teaching.! presented a particular chalfor the Paralympics." lenge for Ben. With more power on one side it is difscar:,,, ficult to maintain a straight line but Ben persevered until he worked out the right technique.

His mum, Carol Hern, PILATES CLASSES said that Ben just won't be ShawVillage Hall Mon:6 - 7pm; Wed: 7.30 - 8.30pm beaten. "He loves tennis be24 Hour Gym Tues: 10 - I I am; Wed: 2.05 - 3.05pm (Beginners) cause it's something he can Cricklade Tues: 6.30 - 7.30pm do with his friends. He is Haydon Wick Tues: 8pm - 9pm

Aoqkve Success

Taw Hill

Thurs: 6 - 7pm (Beginners)

Haydon Wick Cricklade Greendown 24 Hour Gym

Mon: 6.30 - 7.30pm (Beginners) Mon: 7.30 - 8.30pm Tues: 7.50 - 9.20pm; Fri: 7.15 - 8.45pm Wed: 12.50 - 2.05pm (Beginners welcome)

The big ride for historic churches Riders are invited to come forward on 9 September to raise money for the repair. maintenance and conservation of churches of historical value and interest in the county.

Over the last 22 years £772.000 has been raised by cyclists and walkers. almost half of which has been used directly on the participating churches.

There are routes for adults to visit churches in the district and also a shorter trip suitable for children confined to footpaths.

For details and sponsor forms call Ron Brock on 539456 or mail: ronbrock@swindonsn58nq.freeserve .co.uk Right, advancing years is no deterrent to Joan Rummings, a stalwart of St Mary s Church in Lydiard Park.

She has taken part In every cycle ride since it began and this year. three months after her 80th birthday will be no exception. If / can do the ride, everybody can. come and join us. "she said

YOGA CLASSES

Yoga 4 Children Helping to improve their confidence, concentration and co-ordination Tuesday 4pm-4.30pm & Friday 4pm-4.30pm Bobbies Dance Studio - 24hr Gym 5 week courses starting Tuesday I2th & Friday 15th September Tuesday 7th & Friday IOth November For four year to ten year olds

The Link Magazine • September 2006

32

Pt

yr_- free ct

ifieds

Half marathon signing up

Small school wins big competition

This years Nationwide Swindon half marathon and fun runs on16 October will benefit the Prospect Hospice.

Entry forms can be picked up at Swindon leisure centres and also downloaded from: www.swindonhalfmarathon.co.uk Volunteers are needed to help the event run smoothly. To help call Paul Bentley on 816151 or mail: pbentley@prospect-hospice.net

Bridlewood Primary School in Ash Brake won the Swindon schools 7-a-side tag rugby competition at the end of last term.

Coach Dave Barnett said he was very pleased that his eager squad had outplayed some very sporty primary schools to reach the finals and take top prize. "I was really delighted, as a small, recently established school that we did so well. The youngsters who come along to the after school sports club are very enthusiastic, especially the girls who really took to tag rugby."

Dave Barnett with the Bridlewood teatu

rli rrnY

rrr

By Sue

•

Discount prices for all the family

•

25% discount for Seniors

Call now for an appointment on 01793 871120 or 07967 363322 ALSO HOME VISITS AVAILABLE

ifnbow of colours to bright up our home this Autumn! y

cTiarisma Blinds - 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 House, Cheney Manor Ind. Est., Swindon. Tel: 01793 434584

Kids back to school? Now it's time for you!

Only one place gives you a support group of over 4 million women

Hockey clubs recruiting across town North Wilts Hockey, based at the Dorcan Leisure Centre on Covingham Drive are looking for men, women and children to boost its thriving membership.

The club trains on Tuesday evenings, from 6pm for juniors aged six upwards. Adult training begins at 8pm for over 16s.

North Wilts Hockey club run three men's side in the South West Gerrard League and the ladies play in the Wessex League. The club also has an active social programme and welcomes players of all standards.

They particularly would like to hear from goalkeepers.

For details call Steve Pratt on 07775 897200 or mail: steve@itsy .freeserve.co.uk

Hockey for all ages in the west Swindon Hockey Club holds an open day for all ages at Greendown Community School in Grange Park on Saturday 2 September.

Primary school children: 9am to 10.30am; secondary school children: 10.30am to noon. Adults are invited to practice games at midday.

Junior kit will be provided for newcomers. New players of all abilities, or people who have not tried hockey before, are welcome to just turn up and have a go.

One night stand for men at Curves Women only gym Curves is open to men - but on only one evening in the year on Friday 29 September, 7pm to 9pm.

Curves has helped over 4 million women reach their goals. And with each one, we've learned a little bit more that will help you reach yours. There's only one Curves, but we have over 10,000 locations worldwide. curves.com

The Curves fitness programme is based around a complete aerobic and strength training workout which lasts just 30 minutes using easyto-learn hydraulic resistance machines designed specially for women.

^/^'i'( !^G ihe power to zn,:r z.e your.selL:

01793 698400

30 Crombey Street Swindon, Wiltshire SN 15QL Free week mar• be redeemed on first visit or exchanged for special membership disconn, Not valid .vide any other offer. Valid only at participating locatiom.

Kathryn Steele. owner of Curves in Swindon said. "many of our members say that their time at Curves is the fastest 30 minutes of their week. The laughter. conversation and sense of support they receive is different from any other health club they have visited."

Curves is not just the fastest growing fitness franchise, but the fastest growing franchise of any kind in history, with 10.000 outlets worldwide and over four million members.

The best way to find out how well the Curves approach to fitness and weight loss works is to visit us. says Kathryn. "If you're a bit nervous. come with a friend or on this once in the year evening you can bring your sweetie along. It's a chance for the guys to see the club, try out the machines. and see for themselves why we're the number one fitness franchise in the world."

See the advert on the left for details.

@ www.swiin onlink. om

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The Link Magazine • September 2006

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Then get help here

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Treatments in Reflexology and Reiki, EFT, Ear Candling and Massage Banish fears, phobias, addictions and mental/emotional blocks

holding you back with EFT See web site for details of Reiki courses, EFT workshops & special offers Reiki Master/Teacher, Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner & Holistic Therapy Lecturer t: 01793 871410 m: 07720 635761 www.cherriannmatthews.co.uk

For all your foot care needs: Pedicure. corns, calluses verrucas, thickened nails Nail Infections.

Foot Health Checks and Foot Massage Home visit service ^^ Evening appointments .`^1 -'

Call 01793 695302 Mob 07753 143621 0

Les Slinn Personal Trainer Instruction for all ages, abilities & fitness levels • Qualified & Certified Personal Trainer

• Nut r ition & Weight Management Consultant • Circuits Instructor y

• Core Stabilit & Torso Instructor • Kids Fit In rtuctor Learn how to get & stay motivated in a fun relaxed atmosphere, helping you to achieve that body you have always wanted."

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NEW CONSULTANT ON Wednesday: 6.30pm.

St. Francis Primary School, Taw Hill. Lucinda 725270 Monday: 6.30pm & 8pm St John's Church. Haydon Wick. Sharon, 527332 Tuesday: 6.30pm Abbey Meads School. Paula. 701442 Tuesday: loam, 5pm & 6.30pm Toothill Community Centre. Sharon, 527332 Wednesday: 9.30am Gorse Hill Community Centre. Samantha. 723416 Wednesday: 5.30pm Liden Community Centre. Jill 694320 Thursday: 6pm & 7.30pm.

St John's Church, Haydon Wick. Sian, 726418 a warm and friendly welcome awaits you

"

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34

your f"

The Link Magazine • September 2006

Internet offer

Old club keen for new players

Toothill Community Centre has installed three computers with a broadband connection available for use from Monday to Friday.

9am to 1 pm. at £1 per hour.

Drop in to use a computer or to book a specific time.

Ferndale Netball Club is celebrating 85 years since formation and is looking for new players to strengthen its squad.

The team won the Swindon & play in the league or just District Netball League division 3 for exercise."

The club trains at title in May and is aiming to maintain its position in the next season. Greendown School on The club runs two teams in the Monday evenings. For league and could enter a third if details contact Joy on enough new players come forward. 872237.

Coach Joy Blake said the club welcomes players who want competitive match play and also ladies who just want to come along for fitness.

Joy, who has been involved for 35 years, and has been running the club for 25, said, "we're a very friendly club who welcome players of all standards. We'd also like to attract youngsters at school and school leavers who would like to keep up with the game, either to

Q

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Approved Driving Instructo r `PAN'-PL Uf REGIITERED (I

* Theor) Test Tuition * Training Pack Available * Block Booking Discounts * Refresher Courses

Call Liz on 01793 486112 Ask about free lessons

1fie s

Ferndale netballers, in the early days

League winners, front from left, Cartel Regan, Joy Blake, Sharon Fry. Back, Lauren McGinn, Jenny Allen, Julie Harris, Kelly Alan. Not pictured, Debbie Malony

MOBILE CAR SERVICING IN REPAIRS ,t Electronic tuning * Welding * Electrical work * MoTs arranged (no re-test fee) For a reliable local service with over 25 years experience (No VAT to pay) '?I CALL GRAHAM ON (01793) 873045 or 07867 556350

Tregoze skips to the beat Tregoze Primary School approached The Link to ask if a group of Gifted and Talented pupils could write an article about a fundraising event.

Don't let a scratch on your car p a dent in your pocket!

Stone chips, scratches and bumper scuffs can now be repaired same day, at your convenience and at a fraction of 'Body Shop' costs.

3 Bumper scuffs 3 Scratches 3 Alloy wheels repaired 3 Mobile service

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ChipsAway We paint the chips - not the car The iloung reporters from Tregoze making notes at the skip off

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On Thursday 13 July children from Tregoze Primary school took part in a 'Skip Off' to help raise some money for the British Heart Foundation.

The British Heart foundation notebooks went round talking to (BHF) was set up in 1961 with its pupils and teachers finding out main aim to fund research into how they felt about the day's event.

"Bethany and Rebecca two year diseases of the heart and to help provide life saving equipment and 5 skippers found the challenge tiring but fun, whereas Courtney specialist nurses.

The BHF has shown that exer- aged 8 wanted to carry on skipcise can help protect the heart from ping after the whistle blew to stop," disease and skipping is a great form reported Marcus.

Joanna and Elliot spoke to Emily, of exercise, hence the 'skip off.'

The challenge of the day was to "I really enjoyed skipping and it divide the children into small feels good to raise money doing groups then when the teacher blew something we all enjoyed" the whistle children took turns to All the children involved are skip working round the group collecting sponsorship money with without stopping. The younger 25 per cent of the money raised children skipped for 10 minutes going to the school towards buyleading up to a maximum of 45 ing new sports equipment and the minutes for the oldest children in other 75 per cent going direct to the BHF to help them continue the school.

A group of children armed with with their valuable research.

Atlantic rower puts energy into promoting Active Swindon October marks the fifth anniversary of an epic journey across the Atlantic in a rowing boat called the Spirit of Swindon by Norman Butler from Westlea, below.

Over the previous els and seeing how !► ' three y ears he had they can make a dreamt of rowing an change in their lifeocean, raised £65,000 to styles.

In the 1990s I was a fund the adventure, not very fit bloke who and had built his own boat from a kit. couldn't run to the botHe set off on 8 Octotom of the garden, let ber, just five weeks afalone set off on an ter his baby daughter ocean crossing.

Melissa was born, from "My dream only La Gomera in the Castarted in 1997 after naries where he had reading about rowing teamed up with Phil Active Swindon across the Atlantic and volunteer Scantlebury.

I rsued pu a oal g with support from Linda, The journey took 82 gruelling days and at 23 feet long even though she was expecting a and six feet wide, the Spirit was a baby.

"Through Active Swindon I tiny spot on the ocean, completely unsupported, with just a satellite want to help others pursue perphone and a radio beacon for emer- sonal goals. You don't have to row gencies. The first part of the trip the Atlantic; it's the small changes was calm but by December the sea you make which make all the difwas very rough, the two rowers ference to your life." were running short of food, under great menThe spirit lives on tal and physical strain, and were nearly smashed to pieces by a tanker.

Over the last five years Norman s wife Linda has returned to nursing, Melissa has started school and Normart now works for BP. He has given dozens of illustrated talks about the motivation it takes to pursue a dream to schools, blue chip companies, charities and youth training organisations.

Norman has also helped friends and colleagues plan their own adventures and joined the Territorial Army The Spirit of Swindon - the kit boat built by where he is seen as a Norman - is a testament to his motivation and father figure in his commitment. After his Atlantic journey he sold it to pay off some of his costs. The boat made a squad. second crossing in 2003 and he recently had a Recently he has joined report that it had carried a third crew across the the Active Swindon ocean. He said, °I was really proud to hear the project. He said,"I'mre- crew say that it is a great boat and she had ally committed to get- performed brilliantly when others were capsizting more people in the ing or falling apart." town involved in lookNorman is pictured on the high seas holding ing at their activity lev- the flag of Swindon's twin town Salzgitter.

Active Swindon 2006 Wednesday 6 September, 6pm: Free to enter fun-runs at Roves Farm. near Sevenhamption. Choose 1 .6km, 2.3km or 4km.

Wednesday 13 September: Swindon Council's annual Get Active Day - do something energetic by yourself, in a group, at work or at a council leisure centre.

Details can be found at: www.swindon.gov.uk/active Or call Martin Dunscombe on 708776. Mail: martin.dunscombe@ swindon-pot.nhs.uk

35

The Link Magazine • September 2006

@ WWW.SWfldOflhflk.COr

* All cars welcome * cam belt replacement * engine & gearbox repairs & rebuilds

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YELLOW PAGES

36

The Link Magazine • September 2006

ssifiieds

More offices planned by the lagoon

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The aggravation in nearby residential areas from mini-motos using the car park at the empty Cellular Operations building on the Hillmead estate next to Peatmoor Lagoon could soon be at an end.

Now known as Arclight, Baylight Properties have acquired the building from Vodafone who bought and shut down CellOps in 2002.

Baylight plans to refurbish the empty iconic landmark, split it into three conventional office units during the Autumn and offer it to the market early in the new year.

Ben O'Connor of property agents GVA Grimley said the present car park is much larger than is required. "The original planning designation allows for more office development on the three acre site and Baylight will consider this once the main building has been refurbished and let."

DVE kY HOSPITAL

West is the weakest link for night bus

Big enough to cope small enough to care

Abbey Meads Village Centre, Elstree Way, Swindon

Telephone: (01793) 728728

26 Aiken Road, Taw Hill, Swindon Telephone: (01793) 725514

or. --

S

A new night bus service provides a cheap and quick way to get home after a night on the town, but West Swindon revellers have been slow to get on board.

Wiltshire Police and Swindon life for residents in the estates surBorough Council are trying out the rounding the town centre."

Other towns have had success scheme for three months to the end of September in the hope that it will with similar schemes which help encourage people to get home safely to disperse crowds at the end of a night out and avoid fights over without causing a nuisance.

Community beat officer, PC taxis. Dropping people near their Andy Alexander said, "the aim is homes should reduce the temptato reduce violence and criminal tion to damage property on the damage in the town centre and on way.

There are three routes leaving the major routes out of town. I am sure we have all heard about the Fleming Way every 45 minutes from bent aerials and ripped off wing 00.30am to 3.30am. The Ni route mirrors as the drunks pass on their serves Freshbrook, Grange Park, Roughmoor and Westlea while the way home.

"Whilst this will help make the N3 goesviaAsdaWalmart,Haydon town centre a nicer place to visit at Wick and Cheney Manor.

There is a flat fare of £2.50 and night by helping topreventdrunks hanging around, it is also hoped the longest journey time is 20 minthat it will improve the quality of utes.

s

SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE "Cen^P^

Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 SPY

A friendly, caring service for you and your pet •

David Warnes BVSc MRCVS Consultations by appointment:

Both surgeries are supported by a central hospital for specialist

Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.30pm

emergency care and extensive medical & surgical procedures.

Drove Veterinary Hospital, 252 Croft Road, Swindon.

Saturday 9.00am - 4.00pm 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 hours)

@ www.swindonHnkcom

The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ September 2006

Does becoming a scrapaholic appeal?

Correct web address

CafoLc

Bianca Jones from Haydon End

Scrapbooking is the fastest growing craft in the UK and a new club is starting in September at Abbey Meads Community Primary School. reported an excellent response to the feature on her clothes design If you would like to learn how to tographs. and creation business in the Aushowcase your favourite photoClasses will be held twice a Link Unfortunatel y we printed gust graphs using archival techniques month, on a Wednesday evening and papers that are acid and lignin- and a Saturday morning, and are the incorrect web address which is www.bea-vintage.co.uk free, this is the place to find out, open to all ages and people of any Leave the computer behind and experience. use your fingers and imagination For details call contact Alli to create beautiful designs, which Robert on 07786 013280 or mail: will bring out the best in your pho- swindon@ scrapaholic.co.uk

SERVICE 14 Waterdown Close Taw Hill, Swindon

01793 702098 Mob: 07904 734 758 www.carolespersitting.co.uk Taking the worry out of leaving your pets whilst you're away

Youth club in despair at attacks The volunteers who run Toothill Junior Club have become very despondent that vandals continue to damage their equipment at the Toothill Farm Centre on Bodiam Drive.

On 12 August the newly erected children's play house was broken into and the door to a storage shed forced and a mower stolen.

Club organiser Mavis Read said she was wondering if it's worth carrying on. "Our holiday club has been catering for fifty children a day. We only charge youngsters 50p on a regular club evening which doesn't cover repair costs, let alone insurance premiums.

"There are some people in this community intent on destroying what we're trying to build up.

We're all volunteers putting in a unpaid time and we don't want to Mavis Read, reviewing broken spend it clearing up the mess." windows in the play house

FRIENDLY PROFESSVs SERZ"`

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Give your pet something to smile about

Paul Pals W. } Pet sitting & dog walking

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Going away & need someone special to care for your pets?

Looking for an alternative to the kennels and catte ry ?

Dog walking - am/pm, lunchtimes Home visits for feeding, cleaning & cuddles Overnight stays for scaredy cats! 'jai All animals cared for - large and small Insured, police-checked, references available Member of Petsitters International Call 01793 770759 or email into@paw-pals.co.uk ^" 3 ^^ 1l^ Visit www.paw-pals.co.uk

Paul Fells Petvn rgbd^^^wrg i

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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

01793 873062 or 07710 543197 email: sm4hannahlightfoot@talktalk.net

Thameswood Small Animal Hospital in Moredon is supporting the nationwide Pet Smile Month in September to help promote responsible pet ownership.

Receptionist Linzi Matthews such as the heart, liver or kidneys." said, "caring for your pet's teeth is Prevention is the best cure and just as important as ensuring he Thameswood Small Animal Hosgets his regular vaccinations which pital is offering free dental health protect him from infectious dis- checks and discounts on any deneases. Research has shown that tal treatment recommended and over 80 per cent of cats and dogs dental care products. have some form of dental disease It is also running a drawing comwhich can lead to gingivitis, pain- petition for under 14s which can ful inflamed gums, tooth loss and be obtained from the Purton Road infection. In severe cases, bacteria surgery or from theKidzClubpage can enter the blood stream and at: spread to your pet's vital organs www.thameswoodvets.co.uk

37

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Grooming salons are not just for poodles!

Whatever shape, size or hair length, a ll dogs deserve

P; t

a visit to

Hair of the Dog Collection/delivery available, or drop your dog off in the morning and pick up in the evening 74 Basepoint. Rivermead Drive, Swindon

Call Denise on 01793 608747 or 07866 507633

go'

The Link Magazine • September 2006

38

G"ARI)EN Sl:RVIC1:S

j%

T

Every client & every garden is different To fulfil the potential of your garden we offer a planning & design service that is individually tailored to suit your taste & home Ne can offer a complete or phased project to suit your budget and circumstances from renovating a tired garden to designing a new one We also offer planting plans, beds and border designs General garden maintenance & landscaping also undertaken Fully insured in respect of public liability Call to arrange for a free estimate or guide to costs

Tel/Fax: 01793 850595 Mobile: 07919 543733

EDEN LANDSCAPES 0 Paving, Walling O Fencing, Patios

O Gravel drives "No job too small'!

Professional design & landscaping service Hand drawn imaginative and individual designs.

Plant plans for colour and interes FOR A FREE CONSULTATION CALL JILL BLACKWOOD ON: 01793 322880 MOBILE: 07951014119. e-mail gillian.blackwood@ntlworld.com

www.jillblackwoodgardendesign.co.uk

Chelworth Landscapes Fencing & Gar y/err Maintenance

• Fencing and gates C/oseboard. tre//is, pane/s, picket chain/ink, security etc

• Landscaping Shingle. paving, water features, turfing andp/anting

• Garden maintenance

For reliable service and quality work

Grasscutting tree and shrub pruning. c/earance etc

Tel: 01367 710772

For free quotation phone (01793) 702029 n n.clreler'orthlarrdsca pes.Co.nt

Mob: 0775 4245160

The big free green event on 2 September

Jll ackwood GARDEN MAGIC RHS Exhibitor 2005 RHS Silver Medal 2006

ci° ifieds

If you're concerned for the planet, worried about global warming, keen on recycling, interested in more sustainable ways of living - and want to have fun at the same time - Swindon's annual Forest Festival on Saturday 2 September in The Lawn, Old Town is the place to be.

Swindon people Climate change have given it great is the theme for support over the , thisyearwithnew years and have sponsors on trvu helped the event board, Thames grow into the bigWater and Swingest'greeri event don Cultural Partin the area, so we nership. are very grateful to Thames Waboth Thames Water's community ter and Swindon liaison officer Cultural Partners Huw Thomas ship." said, "we are deThe Forest Feslighted to be able tival takes place to sponsor this "' betweenIDamand year's environment-themed Forest Festival. It's a 5pm and entry is free.

On offer will be the chance to great opportunity to get talking about climate change and the im- sign the Climate Change Pledge, portance of working together to enjoy traditional and contempocreate a more sustainable future. rary woodland crafts, children and We'll be there to answer any ques- family arts workshops and activitions about how we are dealing ties, live music, interactive theatre with the drought and how our cus- and displays. Forest cafe will be serving refreshments. tomers can help save water."

For details call the Great WestAll Bruce from the Great Western Community Forest team said ern Community Forest team on "This financial support comes at a 466324. www.forestweb.org.uk crucial time for Forest Festival.

Garden fete at the hospice

J.WEBB & SON V OUR LOCALTIMBER MERCHANT

Prospect welcomes everyone to the hospice gardens in Wroughton on Saturday 2 September, 12noon to 4pm to enjoy an afternoon of fun and entertainment with traditional Punch & Judy, Wroughton Silver Band among many other attractions.

Parking is difficult in Wroughton but there is a free park and ride at the Nationwide building in Pipers Way.

• DECKING • Railway sleepers • Vast range of timber from battens to purlins kiln dried and graded, treated or untreated • Unique larchlap and trellis panels - pressure treated for longer life

D.A. DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS LTD I Block Paving 17 Landscaping 0 Fencing 71 Decorative Stone 71 General Maintenance For a professional and affordable service. free consultation and written quotation

• Materials for rose arches, pergolas etc

Tel : 01793 878062 or 07866 523898

• Wide selection of timber gates • Closeboard fencing • Round, half round and square post & rail fencing

LYDIARD LANDSCAPES & PROPERTY SERVICES

• All grades and thickness of plywood, MDF etc • Shiplap and featheredge cladding • The list is endless.

H.J. WEBB & SON, Plywood,Timber & Fencing Pear Tree Farm, Great Coxwell

01367 240173 or 07778 832335

T

..,

Est. 1987

Patios, Block Paving, Turfing, Walling, Fencing, Decking.

07790 922081

email: jezl@freenet.co.uk www.webbswood.co.uk OPENING HOURS: Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm; Sat: 8am- 12noon

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www.swindonHnkcom

The Link Magazine • September 2006

LANDSERVE

rr\ Lc !

Garden Maintenance

LANDSCAPE SERVICES

www.horticare.co.uk * Patios * Ponds Turfing * Fencing * Garden maintenance * Garden design * Decking * Pergolas ALL WORK GUARANTEED

& Landscaping

IIPs .

Professional care

^h, ,^^%

for your garden

Grass Cutting -regular maintenance Landscaping - Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning Hedge Cutting & Pruning No Job Too Small. All works insured.

Call Martin Emery MI Hort. for free quotation

DAVID HAWKINS

LAID API1IG GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION

• Fencing - closeboard. panels etc.

• Drives and patios - slabs. concrete, shingle • Patio cleaning, grass cutting, gardens tidied up • Turfing and grass seeding • Ponds & pergolas Contact: 01793 692687 i , Mobile:07711 253508

TREE SURGEON All t y pes of tree services and landscaping Hedge cutting Turfing • Fencing Fruit tree pruning Fully insured Free estimates 14 years experience

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on 01793 703306

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or Mobile 07771 956294

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HOW TO

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PURTON

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Mob: 07802 752576

www.acerpaving.co.uk T E TIMBER DECKING COMPANY

LTD

0

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ALL FENCING & ROOFING PRODUCTS ully n the

The experts in garden and driveway construction Covering all aspects of paving and hard landscaping

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39

Your complete TIMBER DECKING Specialist

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O Timber Decking O E as y Assemble Customised Decking Kits O Tanalised Timber O Pergol as . Arbours & Gazebos O Decorative Aggregates O Ornamental Fencing

at

FREE DELIVERY COMPETITIVE PRICES 6 Brindley Close Cheney Manor Ind Est Swindon SN2 2YW

01793 488899 Suppliers of easy to assemble Jungle Gym playhouses in a great range of sizes and modules

Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 5pm VISA

'OPEN 7 DAYS

BULDING MATERIALS JIpck paving • Driveways ^,^a h

Side of Manor Garden Centre, Chene y Manor Ind Est, Swindon. Tel: 484455

Pt y ,

The Link Magazine • September 2006

40

ea..en

I

. , ,

4 ^l rNti

A new volunteer run cafe opens on Mondays from 11 September, between 9am and 2pm, in Toothill Community Centre for hot and cold drinks and snacks.

The volunteers are keen that all Toothill residents come along to

make the facility a success.

Lunch club help wanted Toothill Community Centre lunch desperat nee cclub is in desperate need of helpers to wait on tableson Fridays rs t on to 1 pm.

Annette Too offer call A nnett Kennedy at the centre on 614492.

73 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, AVestlea Boole a deluxe facial and receive a free eyebrow shape

I.

Free blow dry with all cut & colour

appointments Valid September and October

The.>>nethvst: 'um

nb

Call 602446 to make a booking

ur

ree classifieds

When Hazel Brown was naming her new hair and beauty salon at the Basepoint Centre, near Westlea, the obvious choice was Amethyst, her birth stone, which represents calm and healing.

Hazel has twenty years of hairdressing experience and has been ^ a beauty therapist for the past five years.

While bringing up her family in Grange Park and more recently in i Wroughton, she worked as a freelance and knows that many clients prefer to have one to one attention In setting up the salon, Hazel wanted to keep an intimate atmosPherewhere clientsfeelspecial and comfortable. "It's relaxed here and you can be yourself," she said.

Hazel is joined by stylist Maria ivlaXrlelU anU UcoULy Ll leiapIsL

AMETHYST HAIR & BEAUTY

f

A gem of a salon

Cafe of community spirit opens in Tooth ill

yo ,

Mandy Kent. She is enjoying the friendly salon atmosphere after her years of freelancing and would now like to bring in another stylist to rent a chair on a self-employed basis.

Hazel and her team have recently been busy with wedding hair and makeup, plus pre-wedding pampering. On wedding days, the team will travel to a bride's home to help her get ready for the big day. "We can manage to do a lot in a short space of time and that makes it less stressful on the day," she said.

Hazel's speciality is putting long

s '

Amethyst, a haven of calm at Basepoint

hair up which is popular with girls wanting a glamorous style for their summer proms.

See the advert on the left for offers to appeal to anybody whc needs a post-holiday pamper.

Amethyst also cut men's hair and have been very busy keeping men working on or close to the Rivermead Industrial Estate looking good.

Chair to rent To join Amethyst on a self-employed basis, call Hazel on 602446.

s

BANBURYS HOME & GARDEN (SWINDON) Ltd

BUY DIRECT FROM IMPORTERS

(if • New exclusive range of natural rattan weave and cane suites, sofas, chairs, dining and breakfast sets NOW ON DISPLAY • Choice of 80 fabrics

FREE FITTINt on all orders over £275 (excluding wood)

Many more offers in store Call for a free estimate

Tel: 0 1 793 542345 82 BSS House, Cheney Manor, Swindon

@ www.swinonlnk.c rte

The Link Magazine • September 2006

Rock `n' roll for breast cancer All the best suggestions are conceived in the ladies according to Julie Hennessey from Grange Park and indeed the idea that she, Judith Carter from Old Town and Irene Prior came up with at Blunsdon House Hotel last January hit the target.

Itching to sing?

Little Treasures Childminding has vacancies

Singers of all abilities are welcome at the Swindon Scratch Choir - no age li mit, auditions or need to read music.

Repertoire from The Beatles to Motown, mysterious Russian songs to African chants and 40s swing.

Warmup workshop at Lower Shaw Farm. Saturday 23 September 1.30pm For details call Linda Lee on 875184

Call Lisa on 700141 Ofsted & NCMA registered www.littletreasureschildminding.co.uk

LET US STEAM THROUGH YOUR IRONING

JOY'S PIANO FORTE

Lydiard Ironing

Tuition in piano and keyboard All ages, pre-school to adult Classical, grade exams, jazz, church music Conce rt pianis t/ organist Accompanist for exams. concerts

S^rvtce s Free collection & delivery, reliable & friendly Regular or ad-hoc service • 24 hour turnaround

Hangers available

41

Call Joy Walker on 01793 722296

Tel: 01793 725061

9.D. 'Upholstery

ITALIAN LESSONS r)

Repairs & Recovering Antique and Modern Large range of fabrics Hands on the cash for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, from left, Judith Carter, Shirley Garman, Julie Hennessey and Peter Neil

The three women were wondering what they could do to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer as their application to do the Moonwalk in May had been turned down. It had been an inspirational night as they were celebrating the fact that Wiltshire women had raised £500,000 for Breakthrough in the last ten years and county branch chairwoman Shirle y Garman said is now aiming for £1 million by 2010.

Julie put forward her husband's classic rock band Risky Business and Judith said she would talk to Peter Neil, manager of Marsh Farm, about a venue and a buffet.

They didn't stand a chance of saying no and within a month over 100 tickets were sold to Breakthrough supporters. On the night they reached deep into their pockets to snap up the raffle prizes and auction items to raise £3,300.

Shirley said she was amazed by the total. "It's fantastic that Julie and Judith organised such a great event. Yet we're saddened that

Irene lost her fight against breast cancer at the end of June."

Julie said the fundraising event had been dedicated to Irene's memory. "All of us have been touched by cancer through friends and family which is what drives us to raise money for Breakthrough."

Judith paid tribute to Peter Neil and his staff. "Marsh Farm were fantastic to give us the venue free of charge and provide the buffet at half price. We want to do another fundraiser if he's up for it."

Walk through winter Swindon Twin Peaks, the team that does the Moonwalk, has a number of training groups around the town.

Julie is keen for walkers to join her group on Wednesday evenings from Link Centre.

If you want to prepare for next year's Moonwalk, join the walkers on Swindon half marathon in October, or meet women inspired to raise cash for Breakthrough, mail: julie.hennessey@warm-space .co.uk

Beginners to improvers North Swindon

Call 871808

Tel: 01793 701279

for competitive prices

PS SERVICES PAINTING & DECORATING GENERAL MAINTENANCE No job too small Free estimates Call Phil on 827557 Mobile: 07790 102280

' C SC SERVICES® Specialist in Cine Film Transfer, Camcorder Tapes, VHS Tapes, Camcorder Discs

We collect and delis er over a wide area

T: 01793705333! M: 07831 575758 PO Box 2079. Manvers St. Bath BA1 3TJ

CO-OPERA COMMUNITY DIVIDEND — REAL BENEFITS TO REAL LIVES

LETS to start trading at Forest Festival A new system of trading services and goods will be launched at the Forest Festival on The Lawn, Old Town on 2 September.

The idea is that people can offer their skills and talents, trade produce or unwanted gifts without any money changing hands. Members of the local exchange trading system or LETS, earn or spend notional units of alternative currency instead of cash. Each LETS unit is considered to be worth about £1.

Upon joining, everyone completes a form specifying what they have to offer and making requests for things they need. To date services vary from head massage and gardening advice, to IT skills and sewing alterations and there have been requests for help with housework, ironing and haircuts.

Discover how it works and meet the founder members at the Forest Festival (see page 38). They are running a competition to find a name for Swindon LETS units. If you can't make it to the festival, go to: www.fiohnetwork.org/swindonlets

me Midcoumies eo-operative

42

The Link Magazine • September 2006

D & L Blinds

°tr f

QUALITY BLINDS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

Contact Paul on 01793 619428 FREE QUOTES NO OBLIGATION

]Loa

f amity,

fieds

Adventure space opens at Lydiard Park

1;1

Rollers • Verticals • Venetians Pleated Blinds • VELUX® Conservatory Blinds

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cF

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Free estimates on 01793 855800 Unit 23 & 24 Oaklands Ind. Est. Braydon. Swindon

Fantastic new play facilities were launched at Lydiard Park on 19 August, providing great fun for children of all ages.

Located next to the visitor cen- toddlers where parents can both tre, the area is packed with colour- provide supervision and keep an ful, state-of-the-art play and climb- eye on older children discovering ing equipment. New features in- the exciting equipment closeby.

The playground comes with the elude the Triaction Special - a huge climbing frame with masses of backing of the children who use slides and poles to go down and a Lydiard Park. During the summer variety of equipment to climb and of 2005 over two hundred of all swing from, and the Giant Octonet ages stated their preference for the with its intricate maze of rope lad- type of equipment they wanted to ders to climb up and a variety of see provided as part of the £5 million Lydiard Park Project, traditional and new swings.

There is also a dedicated area for funded by the Heritage Lottery.

Ryan and Amy Banks and Natalie Marsden try the play equipment before the official opening

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Hitting the litter and tidying up Toothill There was an impressive turn-out of sixty Swindon Council staff, police and fire fighters at a community clean-up day on 27 July.

During a morning of intensive tidying up across Toothill, the graffiti squad cleaned off over 100 tags and casual scribbles and litter picking teams collected over 60 sixty black bags of rubbish. Three stray dogs were rounded up and seven abandoned vehicles were identified for removal later.

Cheri Wright, Swindon's Crime Council Workers and residents, ready to zap the crap and Disorder coortogether and look after your own dinator, said the aim of tackling area." enviro-crime was to show that Ruth and Norris Kiddle were agencies care about communithe only residents to take part. "We ties but at the same time resiput leaflets through doors asking dents need to take responsibilpeople to join us; the poor response ity for their neighbourhoods. was disappointing. We just hope "After we've gone it would be residents will notice a difference good to think people will look the day made." at their streets and cul-de-sacs To report graffiti or litter ring and take action themselves to the'It's Your Call' hotline on 0845 remove litter and graffiti. It 6052222. doesn't take much effort to band

@ www.swind

The Link Magazine • September 2006

mr

Connect with seniors Age Concern Swindon is calling on young people to design cards in time for Grandparents Day on Saturday 23 September.

Entries will be submitted to regional and national competitions.

Details can be found at www.ageconcern.org.uk

Go wild at Abbey Meads The whole community is being invited to get involved with the upkeep of Abbey Mead's award winning wildlife garden.

Over the last two years ..,: "£a :'r" children and parents from. y Abbey Meads Communit v Primary School have worked with Neil Pullen of Wiltshire Wildlife to transform what was a piece of waste ground. Now it's a haven for wildlife and _ `^, boasts three ponds each attracting a different selection of creatures.

The next working day . .takes place on Saturday 23 September, 10am to midAbbey Meads eco-kids at the site day. Community Worker, won a £300 Agenda 21 award in May which Roxanna Cox, said there are opportunities for all to get in- eco-management."

Families are especially welcome volved. "We are opening the group up to the wider community and and there will be children's craft welcome anyone with an interest activities. For safety reasons, all in wildlife and nature. Most of the children must be accompanied by structural work is complete and an adult. For details call Roxanna now we need to look at long-term on 07966 023636

Celebrating youth culture As the festival season winds down, there's still one not to miss, the first ever Swindon Youth Festival in Town Gardens, Old Town, on 9 September, fpm to 10pm.

The free festival for 13 to 19 year Throughout the day there will juggling and circus skills, access to olds has been organised by young a mobile DJ rig and a banner mak- people, supported by the Swindon ing art zone. Dancers from Parks Youth Service, who have met Youth Centre will show off their weekly at the Underground to plan talents and poet Tony Hillier will the event.

Fifteen-year old Emma Burkitt be roving, helping young people is looking forward to the event. make words work for them, There will also be information "I've been helping out and organstands on youth matters, food and ising. It's taken most of my spare ti me over the last few months. We drink stalls.

Music will feature big with Afri- auditioned the bands and we had can drummers and other world to choose 6 out of twenty."

Louis Robinson has been inacts first up, followed by groups who auditioned at North Swin- volved in publicity and finding the bands. He said, "I'd like to tell don's Underground project.

The evening will showcase per- people to get involved; come down formers from Swindon Rock and see how it goes. It's going to be School and the day will be rounded a great day and I'd like loads of off by chart bandBelarus,perform- people to come and join in.

For details call Lindsay Poole on ingsongsfrom their newly released 463429. album, Communicate.

Get with the beat to banish bullies Young songwriters from 11 to 17 years could win £250 by getting the message about bullying across.

The competition organised by Swindon Music Service in the run up to Anti- Bullying Week in November is looking for songs that get people talking about the problems of bullying and thinking of ways to tackle it.

The Swindon entry will be judged with others from across Britain and the overall winner will play live at the National Anti-Bullying Conference in November, have their song recorded on a CD and receive £250.

All entries should be received by the end of October. Call the Swindon Music Service for an information pack on 487802.

Mansfield Begbie MB

Associates Ltd

Mortgage Brokers Providing mortgage services for the community since 1987

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Think about how much you might save by looking at your mortgage

We may be able to find you a lower interest rate. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.

Whether you're planning to move to a new house or to remortgage your property, with over 17 years experience providing mortgages in Swindon, Mansfield Begbie Associates aim to provide an excellent and personal service.

There may be a fee payable at completion for placing your mortgage. The precise amount will depend on your circumstances but we estimate it will be £300.

However, no completion no fee.

Mansfield Begbie Associates arranges mortgages with the majority of building societies and banks in the UK For a free mortgage consultation and further information, call us now.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

Swindon

772779 e: info@mansfieldbegbie.co.uk www.mansfieldbegbie.co.uk Mansfield Begbie Associates Limited is an appointed representative of Legal & General Partnership Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority for advising on and arranging mortgages and insurance

43

t

44

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Loft conversions

• Extensions • Home alterations • Kitchen installations • •

Carpentry Wooden/PVCu windows & doors fitted

07974 711962

Quality workmanship Competitive prices

PREMIER BUILDERS

Outside Ground works, patios. paving, brickwork. fencing. decking,

01793 700 820

quotes • No deposit needed • Best prices ♦ No salesmen ♦ 10 minute survey

,RSTRlLH 1-'u

MILESTONE GENERAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

24 YEARS EXPERIENCE installation & Servicing NG & LPG Boiler & System Upgrades 3 Breakdown & Maintenance 3 Bathrooms, Showers & Wet Rooms 3' Power Flushing / Descaling 3 DIY Assisted Projects 3 For ALL your plumbing, heating & gas requirements call Assured on

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For details call Steve on 07793 932481 or 01793 848405

Building Services

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DOMISTK

Tel/Fax: 01793 729269 Mobile: 07764 936419

or 07880 735405

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Specialising in smaller works

• Specialists in full heating systems and heating conversions

A local reliable

• Free quotes • No call out charge www.brunel-electrical.co.uk Telephone: 01793 422880 07785 988557 07725 804738

www. detailfacsias.co.uk

L J WILSON BRICKWORK

PLUMBING & HEATING Professional & Reliable

& friendly service

From an extra socket to a re-wire we can provide a complete high quality cost effective service to our small business and domestic customers • Test, inspection and certification • Showers • Fault finding • Heating • Garden, garage. workshop, lo ft

01793 812252 (temporary) Amalia Electrical Services Ltd TRUST

MARK !!.

•

Windows, Doors

(SWINDON LTD) est. 1989

Brickwork & Roofing Specialists

& Conservatories

Your caring family business

Walling • Extensions • Alterations Houses • Replacement Windows Plans drawn • Full design & build service • Insurance & Grant work

"..ate

Professional workmanship at competitive rates Please call us for a prompt free quotation. 'No job too small'

No obligation, pressure or gimmicks!

For details call 07738 004722 O ff ice: 01793 877883 www.inspireconservatories.co.uk

Tel: 01793 704653 Mobile: 0795 0017584

Customer recommendations available

Unit 14a. Turnpike. Blunsdon

4 rl

FENSA

FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING REQUIREMENTS * Renovations/Refurbishments • Extensions * Loft/Garage Conversions * Conservatories We have 20 years experience & specialise in extensions References can be provided & viewings arranged Fast, friendly & reliable service from planning to completion ;

For a free no obligation quotation, call: 01793 700454

e-mail: jmrbuildingservices@hotmail.co.uk

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* All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, machines installed

Interior & Exterior Painting and Decorating Wallpapering, Coving, Artexing & Plastering

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For a professional finish telephone 07971347345 (snob) or 616933

01793 334823 07788 572043

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Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted

Small or large jobs welcome

UPVC windows Ft doors

Plastering • Carpentry Tiling • Kitchens Bathrooms Interior & exterior work 12 years experience

Call 01249 661572 ,.) or 07734 08818 5

• Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen • Bathroom

internal alterations No job too .smolt • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

RJ PEARCE PLUMBING & HEATING LTD

ROB HALL

Quality Plumbing & Heating

SERVICES

& showers

•

Central heat111 heating installations, installations installations,

rates • All work guaranteed • No job too small

p boiler servicing repairs, airs, g and re

For further details call Richard on

01793 879156 or 07747 723606

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• Replacement boilers Outs ide taps • Power showers

installations

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125966

All plumbing work undertaken

All aspects of plumbing

01793 815254

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187 605

Steve George for Kitchens & Bathrooms Tel: 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364

ALL KIT'HENS FITTED

(Howdens, Jewsons etc.)

• Free survey • Building work • Plastering Electrics & plumbing • Tiling & worktops Wooden flooring • All types of worktops fitted incl granit( COM E -TE BATHROOMS FITTED Building work, plastering, tiling, electrics, plumbing, furniture ^I^E'^ APPROVED

Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling Telephone/fax: 01 793 874807

DOUBLE GLAZING WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES

R VV

S I NSTALLED OR REPAIRED

YOUR LOCAL CHOICE

Plumbing & Heating Services 30 y ears plumbing & heating experience British Gas trained

♦ Central heating installations All Plumbing work undertaken

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Reliable service, realistic prices

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SERVICES

30 years experienced tradesman

• Central heating installation Boiler servicin g & repairs

•

bathroom and power showers

Tel:

maintenance

HEATING & PLUMBING

HEATING & PLUMBING

• Central heating • Bathrooms

and guttering Roofing Ef building

01793 611398 07968 757860

HEATING & PLUMBING

HEATING, GAS & PLUMBING

Conservatories, fascias

Call Andy: 01793 729354 or 07900 835116

HEATING & PLUMBING

20 years experience in plumbing work

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DECORATOR & CARPENTRY

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Paul )Zhind

& Floors

DECORATOR

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Walls

Call Sean on 703550 Mobile: 07749 862361

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BUILDING SERVICES

Tiling

01793 876600 -_ '34433

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BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

Free estimates

JAMES O'SULLIVAN

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BUI LDING S ERVI C ES

Bathroom and kitchen installations

DECORATOR

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* Quality bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring all taken care of

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Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

MAINTENANCE ,• GENERAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES All interior and exterior nrnintenance problems solved

•Servicing & repairs • • Bathroom Installations All at com p etitive rare s

Alec McKay Tel: 01793 878353 Mobile: 07963 953439

215153

E-mail: towerplumbhcatC2aol.com

I MAINTENANCE

GP

• Bathrooms • Carpentry & kitchens • Fascia/ • Plumbing cladding • Electrical • Painting Fully insured Special rates for senior citizens Tel: 01793 434184 • 07719 272393 www.generalmaintenanceservices.co.uk Our reputation is built o n your satisfaction

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

• Reliable • Trustworthy

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CARPENTRY

O Household repairs and general maintenance

O Decking - supplied and fitted

specialist

Home & Garden Improvem ents

Free no obligation quotes

sTER

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Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

For details call Paul on 07932 013360 or 01793 812849

ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICIAN

Kevin Cook

Dave Odd 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

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294

`tr

Arc Electrical Services Ltd

01793 872054 0770 480 1956 arcelectrics@aol.com Installations and modifications, interior or exterior Full compliance to all regulations All work fully guaranteed Free quotations

General carpentry

Fitted kitchens / bedrooms Laminate and solid flooring

Replacement doors Skirtings / architraves Decking and patios

Doors, windows, fascias, soffits £t rendering.

Also interior decorating QUALITY WORKMANSHIP 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE For free quote call

General building maintenance

Office: 01793 704309 Mobile: 07775 948833

ELECTRICIAN

Paul Comer on 321981 or 07775 840236

FLOORING

24hr call out Fast, top quality service

H EATING & PLUMBI NG

J.J.

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet

3 EXTRA SOCKETS / LIGHTS 3 SECURITY LIGHTING/FIRE ALARMS 3 GARDEN LIGHTING & OUTDOOR SOCKETS 3 SHOWERS/COOKERS INSTALLED 3 FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT 3 COMPLETE RE-WIRING FREE QUOTATIONS, NO OBLIGATION

MOBILE: 07769

47

EXTERIOR PAINTING

SAFE & SHAW

•

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DECORATOR

S Property Services

Fitted kitchens & bedrooms *: Wood and laminate flooring Loft conversions *: Doors & windows *: All carpentry work *: Stairs oc Z Shop fitting e

O Laminate floors

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CARPENTRY

P

O Fitted bedrooms and kitchens O Replacement doors & staircases

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•afe MASTERFITTER

© E@ Wood & ceramics • Supply or fit only Commercial/domestic • Safety flooring All work guaranteed • 14 years experience Call now for a free, at home consultation

PartP

883717 TEL: 01793 876029

07970 865883 25 Kennet Avenue. Greenmeadow

HOME MAINTENANCE

HOUSE/G ARDEN D & G HOUSE & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

ALL EXTERNAL & INTERNAL WORK

Painting and decorating J All gas appliances serviced, repaired & installed J Warm air unit service, repair & installation 3 Landlord/moving house safety inspections

Garden maintenance

Turfing, fencing, patios Upvc double glazing Fascias & guttering Roof repairs

D Bathroom suites installed and all other

plumbing work undertaken O Central heating systems flushed (powerflush)

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Carpentry services

J Hot water systems descaled

Friendly, reliable & competitive

J Quote on request J 24 hour call out O Natural gas & LPG qualified

7 British Gas trained

Tel/Fax: 01793 723495 Mobile: 07771 617992

Floor & wall tiling

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879

Reg: 202015

Tel: 722449 • Mob: 07956 410982

PLASTERING

Brian Jones lastering Services * External rendering Plastering two coat * Re-skimming 7 Dry lining Coving New or repairs

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

'

All garden work Concreting paths Patio repairs Patio jet wash Repair or replace small walls Hedges & trees cut Grass cutting

Building Guttering anc fascia All carpentry External painting Internal painting & decorating Drives jet washed Tiling

Plumbing repairs Toilets, wash basins, bath taps, overflows repaired or replaced ALL WORK GUARANTEED. FULLY INSURED

PLUMBING

ROOFING

TILING

NEED A PLUMBER?

HOU MARTINI

Gt —ES BROS

• FELT ROOFING • ASPHALT ROOFING SHEET ROOFING TILING • SLATING • SINGLE PLY • FASCIA • GUTTERING

CERAMIC TILING FLOOR & WALL SPECIALISTS

CALL NEIL ON

Call Mike on 0778 8444 08+

GB Plumbing Services for all your domestic plumbing needs: leaks, burst pipes, radiators, immersions,'. hot water cylinders, taps, toilets, tanks, ball valves and bathroom installations.

Call 01793 524200

01793 700436 07725 028776

Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921

or 01793 520526

48

ACCOUNTANCY Specialising in: • Small Businesses • Tax advice, planning and payroll

• All aspects of accountancy

CHARTERED CERTIFIED

ACCOUNTANTS

01793 610008

and business development • We offer a personal service with very competitive rates

or visit www.dykebrading.co.uk to see how we can help your business Located o ff the A419, ample parkin Dorcan Business Village, Murdock Road, Swindon SN3 5HY

CARPET CLEANING

of f Whiteway

AERIAL SER VICES

CHRIS PAYNE

Aerial & Television Services

AERIALS

•

& SATELLITE SYSTEMS * Satellite TV Sky & digital terrestial

CLEANING one 'vi' Dusted Domestic Cleaning Services

Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

Weekly Fortnightly Monthly

4

Tel: 01793 814782

You'll be amazed how affordable it is

Mob: 07909 500724

....call for your free estimate from your local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 [mail: clift.whileway@btinternet.com

Project manager Mandy 17 Elcombe Avenue, Wroughton

www.donendusted.co.uk

TV/FM/DAB aerials • Extra satellite points • TV repairs • Freeview installation • Noticed Signal amplifiers interference

* Extra TV, telephone & electrical points

Storm damage Tel: 01193 100018 Mobile: 0117 6236415

The Carpet& • Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured NC a • Quickly usable '

AERIAL SERVICES

No call out

lately? Tetra

charge

filters fitted

All work guaranteed Call Neil Provis on

SKY

01225 706379

or 07774 943 783

COMPUTER

CLEANING

Is Your Bed Making You

Home Computer Help

SICK?

If your mattress is more than 1-year old, the answer is probably yes!

YOU COULD BE SLEEPING WITH MILLIONS OF DUST MITES!

07947-831378 01793-887883

Call us today for a FREE, No-Obligation Ma tt ress Contamination test.

Sile nt Mites ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,A,>,.,,•o,,,, &,^,x

,

Tel: 01793 639423 or 07980 016829 www.silentmites.co.uk

GARDEN CLEARANCE I

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MINI BUS HIRE

0 CLEAR AWAY GARDEN & HOUSEHOLD CLEARANCE

?Jo

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YOUR LOCAL PVC-U MANUFACTURER • Buy direct from our factory • We make it and we fit it • High security • 10 year guarantee • Lowest prices

NO JOB TOO SMALL Also odd jobs & lawn mowing

J(5'HN*S From Swindon to...

Gatwick - Heathrow Bristol - Birmingham Stansted For family holidays, business trips and all occasions, we cater

Free estimates

for 1 to 8 passengers

Call Danny on 01793 702407

Call for a competitive quote now!

or 07957 820064

Tel: 01793 703899

SECURITY SYSTEMS

SECURITY SYSTEMS ° 171 G 970

Why not let us handle everything from start to finish?

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

^SE

security systems ltd

Expert Design & Installation of Electronic Security for Commercial, Industrial and Residential Customers • CCTV • Access Control & Intercom, • Intruder Alarms • Gates & Barriers • 24 Hour Monitorine^

Electronic Securit y Solutions INTRUDER ALARMS O CCTV SYSTEMS 0 FIRE ALARMS O EAS DETECTION SYSTEMS O ACCESS CONTROL O ENTRY SYSTEMS 0 GATE AUTOMATION For a free, no obligation

• ssaib

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quotation

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tel: 01793 705216

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49

AIRPORT TRAVEL

APPLIANCE REPAIR S

AIRPORTS Connect Ltd

UREMIER

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

Guaranteed

Reliable travel for holiday makers

lectrics

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Es i i'c"i 30 y ars

Same day, local service wherever possible Washing Machines Twin Tubs, etc.

Tumble Driers I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Se rvice Spares Repairs

repairs to all makes

of domestic appliances

Competitive prices

Tel: 431111 COMPUTER SUPPORT Corn Master's PC Repairs c

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Wh go anywhere else?

When well come to you.....

-

-i= Free home & business visits i Jargon free advice & support

=i; Upgrades/repairs = All parts & labour guaranteed :i Flexible hours, inc. eve/weekends

Tel: 01793 422534 or

Mobile: 0792 005 6077

Tel: 01 793 469300

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

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

Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 15 years' experience.

GARAGE DOORS O D

MG a7001T

Seij The Automatic Choice

fl*

BLOCKED DRAINS CLEARED FAST • CCTV surveys • High pressure jetting, • Pipe lining • Locally based - competitive rates

REMOVALS

WHITE VAN MAN Single items moved anywhere in

JUST PULL UP, PRESS A BUTTON AND DRIVE IN A wide range of garage doors to suit your requirements See our displays at THE GARAGE DOOR CENTRE Maxwell House, Maxwell Street. Swindon or for information on installation and repairs

01793 513796 email: swindondoorservice@btinternet.co.uk

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

Tel: 01793 435392

O VENCLEAN

Can't face ^K,^ doing the books after a hard day's work?

www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

• No call out charge

OVEN CLEANING

BOOK-KEEPING

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748

Same day/next day service

DRAINS

I

10% discount with this advert

-

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%

11 .

BANBURYS HOME & GARDEN haw INDON) Ltd

3 x 6 DALBY APEX

ulswindonforE20 Disposal of unwanted items House clearance

ONLY

Long/short distance

£325

Call for a free quote Tel: 01793 828700 Mobile: 07796 236.136

DELIVERED ERECTED

TV & VIDEO REPAIRS GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE

TREATED • Largest selection of sheds in the West

• Best value in town • Fast delivery

• Base laying service available • 50 styles from chalets, summer houses,

Free home estimates

children's playhouses and garden offices

No call out charge All repairs guaranteed

Tel: 01793-812738

MANOR GARDEN CENTRE, CHENEY MANOR

TELEPHONE: 01793 526691

50

your free ci' 'fieds @ www.swiindov' 1,,,com

The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ July 2006

o^Evange/.

I

Worstey Road

FOR HIRE

Concert to fund Nepal trip

RAMLEAZE SOCIAL HALL

Phillippa Wright, the girl on a mission from Common Platt, is organising a concert to raise cash for a gap year working with the Missionary Society in Nepal.

Next to Ridge Green Medical Centre in Shaw, the hall is available for daytime, weekend and evening bookings on a one-off, regular or long-term basis.

The hall has the capacity of building with people

Sunday services are at l 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 Li/e (Ronunee h 1 23

40 people (standing or seated) and 8 large tables.

It is an ideal venue for meetings. training/group sessions. workshops, children's activities or birthday parties and private functions.

For details of availability and hire charges,call Claire Foulds on 877700 ( Tuesdays or Wednesdays)

Sunday Worship 10.30am Sunday School and Creche

NSBC

Meeting at Abbey Meads Community School

At her fund-

raising tea party featured in the August Link, she also painted for 12 hours. On Friday I September, 7pm, she's turning her talent to music in Lydiard Millicent village hall.

Phillippa will be playing the cello with friends and will be joined by the New College Phillippa working on another piece to sell at the tea party choir. Friends and family will read prose and poetry. the town of Pokhara for six months The star turn will de fi nitely be Rev and then will spend several months Peter Knight dressed as Worzel on missionary work at churches around Britain.

Gummidge.

Tickets will be available on the Phi ll ippa sets off in October to work in a hospital and schools in door on 1 September or call 770986.

HAMESDOVJN DRIV ` ao Co u a r ity

5

P' School

.

i Meads _ een e

On Thames Avenue next door to Morrisons Contact: Revd Raymond Adams Tel: 634258

St. John's Haydon Wick Sunday Services gam Traditional communion service 11am Eventful, contemporary worship with children's groups meeting www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

What is life all about?

It's the question that will be asked on the Alpha Course taking place in September at the Church of Christ the Servant in Abbey Meads.

In these times of tension and strife this is a good opportunity to address the key questions that face us all in our day to day lives, at a personal level and in our view of the world. The Alpha course looks at the clues to be found in Christian teachings. For details see the advert on page 26 or call Trudy Goodwin on 344171.

Fishing for people Up to 100 youngsters went to the seaside at the Freshbrook Evangelical Church holiday club in August.

The children followed the life of Simon the fisherman. Jesus called him to be a follower and changed his name to Peter meaning the 'rock,' to the meeting on the shore after Jesus' resurrection where he forgave Peter for denying knowing him on the night he was betrayed.

Club organiser Chris Davison said, "This was the eighth year the church has run the club; they are always keenly anticipated by children and parents and are Seaside scene, Jordan Barrow, Isabelle Cole, Caitlin Hewlett always fu ll y booked."

West Swindon & the Lydiards churches

newfrontiers

swindonfamitychhurch'

All Saints', Lydiard Millicent The Alpha Course - Explore Christianity Babies & Toddlers - Wednesday Mornings Kid's Church & Youth Work

Holy Trinity, Shaw St Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze

Toothill Church; Westlea Church

R

Sundays 10.30am Family friendly worship and Bible teaching Alpha The Trinity Centre, Stonehill Green, Westlea

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 874221 partnershipoffice@btopenworld.con

En Enjoy p ole osition at Priory Vale Priory Vale, Swindon St.Peter's Place from £19,995 from £244,995

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Bring in this ad to rece

Close to all amenities... ¢

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on t edge of or }paces and the

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On the south-west edge of Priory Vale lies

this dpi!!

Broad, spacious, well-planned streets and

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10 MINUTES

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acs

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AWAY

VOYAGER o

St. Peter's Place, bordered to the south by

a village green provide a peaceful, relaxed

open countryside and the east by Haydon

li ving environment and an oasis of calm

Meadow, a conservation zone and home to

for those who appreciate a quieter way

many protected species.

of life.

LONGWONTH DFNE \

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Ideally located close to the new primary

Priory Vale

Visitor Centre

school (opening Sept 07) and local education campus (opening Sept 06).

riliJ

Ivakeabeelinefor George Wimpey

WEST SWINDON 116 M4

Voted * *

1_o

4 Stars

n

by our customers

I

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Bespoke removals package included

George Wimpey *All offers available on selected plots only and are subject to George Wimpeys normal terms and conditions. Contact Sales Executives for further information. Legal Fees paid up to £650 maximum. Illustration depicts typical George Wimpey properties. Prices correct at print date. tlndependent survey carried out by the Home Builders Federation and the National House Building Council. George Wimpey were awarded 4 stars by customers in both key questions - overall quality of the home and whether customers would recommend the builder to a friend.

I-,r, r,AI

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nday 17 September 2006

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway, Kemble Drive, Swindon

This year's Swindon Railway Festival at STEAM pays tribute to the amazing legacy of Brunel.

Featuring an historic guest locomotive, the UK's best model railway layouts, trade stands - with some

tremendous bargains - music and food as well as the fantastic displays in STEAM itself, it's a great day out for the whole family.

Plus - Brunel, Daniel Gooch and Pete Waterman will be there as well.

STEAM

MUSEUM OF THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY '. 4'

i

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2TA Telephone 01793 466646 Internet: www.swindon.gov.uk/steam

Special admission prices apply Heritage Lottery Fund

Adults - £5.95; Concession - £3.95; Family Tickets - £ 15.20 (2 Adults, 2 Children) and £ 18.30 (2 Adults, 3 Children) Under 5s go free!

€^3 SwinDon _A-

BOROUGH COUNCIL