Page 10 - link magazine

10 FOR WOMEN
Violence in Grange Park Education for

New Link magazine women's writer Elizabeth Women
Wood starts her assignments with a jolt The Women's Branch of the
My first column for the Link was By the time we reached her Jenny W.E.A. are holding an open eve-
going to be a low-key affair, 'our was kneeling on the pavement, ning in the Link Centre
first six months in West Swindon hiding her face with her long Clubroom, on Wednesday 9th
and what do I think of it so far' - hair, clutching a carton of milk - November from 8.00p.m. until
you know the sort of thing I the rest of her shopping strewn in 9.45p.m. They are looking for
mean. Last night changed my the road. While we waited for the ideas as to what topics women
mind in an unpleasantly sudden police I tried to comfort her, tried would like to see the branch or-
way. to stifle my own fear that the car ganise sessions on. The evening
Last night a woman called would come back. will be quite informal and re-
Jenny was thrown out of a car on A van pulled up and five large freshments will be provided. If
the pavement of our quiet street. policemen surrounded us as we anyone is interested in coming
The men in the car hurled knelt on the pavement - another and needs a lift please contact
punches threats and obscenities moment of fear. The policemen Lucie Hartley 26161 ext. 3192, or
Hair Salon, Beauty at her with a violence that was questioned Jenny gently and Stephanie or Linda on 618233.
tangible inside our living room helped her to her feet. One of For information regarding the
Centre & Solarium them explained apologetically branch please read on.
that they couldn't bring a WPC. WHAT IS THE W.E.A. -
Woodshaw Centre WHEN OTHER They were all tied up in another WOMEN'S BRANCH?
Wootton Bassett DIETS FAIL, part of town where a fifteen year W.E.A. stands for Workers Edu-
Tel: 854653 TRY FAST, SAFE old girl had gone missing. "It's cation Association, and in Swin-
like this every night". Jenny was
driven away still clutching her don there is a Women's Branch
designed to promote women's
CAMBRIDGE carton of milk.
Hair Salon This morning there are skid interests. Courses range from the
Call your Counsellor today: purely practical such as carpen-
Blunsdon House marks on the road and a small try and bicycle maintenance to
ROY & JAN knot of panic in my stomach. I the more academic topics such as
Hotel Tel: 872693 think of my mother-in-law con- Women, Power and Politics'.
Blunsdon fined to her house after dark, my There are also courses to help
Sandie small daughter being taught to prepare women who wish to re-
Swindon scream "NO", the dread of foot-
Tel: 870295 turn to work, like 'Introduction
Tel: 721701 steps in the underpass to Computers' and 'Information
So what on earth is going on? Technology'.
THE C1bridQe DIET Over the last few days I have It is not like going back to
listened to a psychiatrist describe school. Classes are led by female
some women as "natural vic- tutors, are quite informal, and
THE SPINNING TOP tims". I have heard it suggested put a lot of emphasis on the
For good quality, secondhand baby equipment: Prams, Buggies, that today's violence against importance of life experience.
Cots, High Chairs, Car Seats, etc. women is a direct consequence of The aim of the Branch is to en-
Hire service available. Equipment always needed. Women's Lib. I have seen a Mum courage women to be more confi-
Also on sale - factory seconds, i.e. Cots, High Chairs, etc. smile at her son's vandalism and dent about themselves.
Now selling nearly-new maternity wear and baby clothes murmur "He's a real boy". Course fees are usually cheap,
95a Manchester Road! Salisbury Street, Swindon. I think being a victim is an and can be reduced to a mini-
Swindon 619562 acquired habit; I don't believe mum of £1 for people who are
that men treat us with violence unwaged or on a low income.
because we no longer want to be Many courses also provide free
1T1Ture Beauty treated as fragile china; and I creche facilities, and there are
professional home-based beauty salon. don't think putting the boot in Saturday Workshops for those
Wa.*jttg,facialc, electrolysis, etc. has anything to do with being a who are not free during the week.
real boy - or real man. What do
Superfast tanning sun bed you think?
For specialisedT personal treatments, Programme
give Debbie a call on 48645'2. "Cut the Girls' talk! for local W.I.
This is War"
West Swindon's Womens Insti-
Fitness Workouts, Aerobics Transfer Theatre Company, tute - the 'Tootleabrook W.V
& Body Conditioning to Link Arts 19th November, meets on the third Wednesday of
Music 8p.m. Tickets £3/2 the month in the Community
........... All abilities Welcome This Is a story based on the lives of Room at Toothill School, from
women whose sons and hus- 7.30p.m. The programme for
bands fought in the Falklands
Tuesday, Toothiil Community Centre, 7pm - 8pm forthcoming meetings:
War, it portrays service wives and
Wednesday, Upper Shaw Community Centre, mothers, showing the difference 16th November - Christmas De-
7.30pm - 8.30pm between the women's experience cor
Saturday, Low Impact & Weights session at the Wills of the war and the 'official' version, 21st December -Christmas Party
Club, Colbourne Street, 11am - 12noon between the private anxiety and 20th January - Branch Birthday
the public excitement. Party and Faith Supper
17th February - Annual Meeting
Qualified Teacher: A.F.T.A., P.E.A., Y.M.C.A.Tralned. With compassion and humour the
fast-paced, impressionistic per- New members and visitors are
Please bring a towel, mat & trainers, formances show how the War set always welcome. For more infor-
the women apart from the rest of
Come along or for more information call Fiona on the nation and left them coping mation ring Dorothy Ponting on
874202 after 8pm. with bereavement and injury alone 873156.