Page 23 - link magazine

MY PAST
23
Some Recollections Writers Cramp Up and

Debbie Tilley takes a nostalgic Running
look at the days of her childhood West Swindon writers circle looks for
new members.
Mentally stepping back a quarter my father decided that we As the result of a notice, placed by Tom Wilson, in the May edition
of a century, I find myself recol- needed a lawn, he carefully of The Link, West Swindon now has its very own writers circle. We
lecting the halcyon days of early seeded and nurtured this lawn to call ourselves 'Writers Cramp' and have already met three times.
childhood. Days of endless sun- verdent perfection, only to have
shine, buttercups and childhood it ruined by a healthy crop of We anticipate future meetings will be on a monthly basis.
There are only six of us at present but what we lack in numbers
friendships. The memories, as potatoes growing through it! we more than make up in literary talent [we hope].
clear as crystal, are easier to recall At the bottom of the garden If you've ever wanted to be in print or indeed are already pub-
than things that happened last was a brick built coal shed and lished we would love to meet you. So, no matter what your age or
week. earthcloset. This ancient conven- gender, why not come along?
I remember the cottage we ience had a wooden two hole seat
Our next meeting will be on Friday, July 22nd in the playgroup
lived in, my parents, myself and which was smooth and shiney room, Community Suite, Link Centre, 7.30p.m-9.30p.m.
my elder sister. It belonged to the from use and was always warm We are also very keen to find a tutor who would be willing to
local squire and was built of red to sit on. I hated the place, it was come along to some of our meetings and give us a few pointers.
brick in typical Victorian style. It dark and spidery and the holes
Interested? For more information ring Chris on 873259 or Debbie
was a two up two down with a seemed enormous. My sister had on 873595 or Tom Wilson on 614879.
flagged kitchen floor and a stone a vile habit of locking me in,
sink. In the kitchen there was a thinking it a huge joke to listen to
fire place and on the righthand my screams and sobs through the Soft Water Centre
side of the fire place, a brick built little diamond shaped hole in the Largest display of water softeners on view in this area!
copper with a wooden lid. The door. We didn't have the luxury
wood had been scrubbed white of soft, pastel coloured, toilet tis- Including PERMUTIT - DOMEXTRA -
SEREIN - PERMO - SOFTSTREAM
over the years and the handle sue in those days, but had to
Sales and Service
was worn smooth by countless make do with hard shiney
generations of overworked 'Bronco' or, if times were hard, For Free Site Survey Telephone or Write to
mother on busy, steamy wash- and they often were, squares of MALCOLM TOOGOOD - SWINDON
days. We kept a bowl of 'Mop the local newspaper or even, on 853156 (anytime)
day' goldfish on the top of the occasions the Radio Times! UNIT, 4 OAKLANDS ENTERPRISES, BRAYDON,
copper and these poor dazed All this, and a thousand tiny Nr. WOOTTON BASSETT, SWINDON. SN5 OAN.
creatures would leap out of their random details, I can remember,
ShQwrooms Open Saturda 9.30 am. - 4.00 p.m. Onl
spherical home with monoto- like the white rope bannister
nous regularity and gasp their with its elaborate tassle, and
last in the dark dusty depths of bedrooms so cold in the winter
our unused copper. that you could see your breath Elegant
Off the kitchen, was a walk in rising in steamy clouds. The
larder, dark and cool, a tiny mesh flower pattern on top of the par- uPVC Sun Lounges
window ventilated it and rows of affin stove which was really
wooden shelves lined it. On the pretty when illuminated by the
floor was a marble slab on which soft glow from inside and the all
the red brick coloured earthen- pervading smell of pink paraffin.
ware milk coolers stood. These, Doesn't everyone remember Sat-
filled with cold water and the urday bathnight in front of the
milk bottle placed inside worked open fire, in galvanised bathtub,
as efficiently as any 'fridge. On with camphor oil rubbed on their
the shelves, gleaming like rich chests in winter and wincyette
jewels in the dim coolness, stood nighties warmed on the hearth?
jars of bottled fruit, plums, rhu- The memories crowd in, what
barb, and greengages all from good conversation they would
our garden and bottled in dumpy make with convivial friends on a • Elegant uPVC Sunlounges
kilner jars by my mother. The jolly evening, memories need • Available in modern and traditional
mesh meat-safe which kept any exchange and prompting and styles
wayward flies off the Sunday exclamations of and many, "Oh • Double Glazed for added comfort
joint made a splendid 'coolie' hat yes, I remember those!" I'll leave • Free Quotations - absolutely no
when not in use on Fridays! these random jottings here and obligation
The windows of the cottage wait until I next have a glass or
were latticed and the green two of wine and a friendly listen- • For quality, for confidence, for price
• 10 year guarantee
painted front door, which was ing ear before I embark on an- • Finance available, written details on
never used, was faded by the sun other journey in time.
and I can remember drawing request
7' • Come up and see us sometime
patterns on it with wetted finger The inclusion of this
and watching the pictures fade as page has been inspired
they were dried by the sun. The by Writers Cramp. C & C Windows Ltd.
front garden was small but was a In such a young Unit 13, Axis
riot of 'Snow on the mountain',
roses and a large blood-red pae- community there must be Westmead
ony, whose fat round buds fitted many others with a story Industrial Estate
my small hand like a tennis ball. to tell about their past.
The back garden, however, was Further articles will be Swindon
large and provided most of our welcomed. Tel: 643866
fruit and vegetables. One year