Page 26 - link magazine

26 NEWS & VIEWS
New direction for Martha
'I
10 A well regarded community residents, often does not receive
R.T. Farley
If worker is leaving the area this enough recognition.
Landscape Gardener month to become the Women's Soon after Martha arrived she
Policy Officer with Thamesdown pressed for major changes in the
I in West Swindon
Council. physical layout of the suite so that
20 years of experience. Martha Parry has been Commu- the public would receive a better,
Turfing, P ving, nity Activities Officer at the Link more friendly service from staff. It
Centre for the last three years and is now infinitely easier to make a
Fencing, Pe has been responsible for turning it room booking and also to find out
Pergolas,
Planting New Gardens into a lively facility and for helping information.
a range of groups get started. One of the aims behind all the
Rockery Conrtuction The Link Centre is seen mainly changes was to establish a Resource
Crazy Paving etc. as a sports centre and the impor- Centre where local organisations
tance of the Community Suite could produce newsletters and
Tel: 875174 within the building, as a central posters. Unfortunately, due to in-
meeting point for West Swindon adequate staffing in the Suite the
I,,," opening of this facility has been AfareweU to Martha Parry, right,from
delayed. Judith Blake (who painted the board
Martha has been an important behind them)
link between the user groups in the a lunch club started and she gave a
OGGLEBOX Suite and has provided much as- lot of support to the Under Fives
sistance to individual visitors. Most Forum which has organised three
Specialists in video people will not know the amount summer festivals.
& TV repairs of work she has done in the back- Once she has settled into her new
ground to ensure group meetings job we hope Martha will use The Link
Free home estimates and activities run smoothly. to appeal to readers to participate
All work guaranteed She was instrumental in getting in women's issues and events.
Service from 8am - 9pm
Confidence out of voluntary work
NO CALL OUT CHARGE

T

Choose Us First Finding new directions, Sharon Hibberd and Alison Dodd
An article about the Volunteer Bu- ing now that the children are older,
For the Best Quality Take Home reau at Thamesdown Voluntary but at the same time not too de-
Services Centre in the The Link early manding. I find it easy to talk to
Food Available this year has helped two women people so working on the reception
take a new direction. According to desk is fun. I look forward to
Alison Dodd from Grange Parkand coming here."
Fried Freshly For You - Sharon Hibberd from Freshbrook, Alison left full time work six years
most people have no idea about the ago and has found that her outlook
Cod, Plaice, Haddock, Skate, Huss, Scampi, range of voluntary work there is has changed after doing voluntary
Chips, Various Pies, Sausages and Chicken. available. work "I feel a lot more confident
They were two of a number of and more sure of myself," she said.
Why not try one of our delicious readers who contacted volunteer "The staff here are so friendly and
organiser Maria Grime after she the amount of work that goes on
Curries for a change? wrote a story describing the work with voluntary groups is unbeliev-
of the bureau based atTVSC. Now able. Also, the amount of informa-
Have you had one of our big beefburgers? Alison and Sharon are helping out tion kept here on just about every
at the voluntary services centre and subject is amazing. I'm sure that
They're Great. are re-gaining the confidence they most people don't realise how
say they have lost since leaving TVSC can help them. I'm glad I
Open Monday - Saturday paid work contacted Maria after reading the
1'.30ani - 2pm; 4.30pm - 11pm Sharon last worked full-time in article."
an office some twelve years ago
Car Park 'A' West Swindon Centre and is pleased she responded to the • To find out about opportunities
piece in The Link. "It's great to be for voluntary work in Thames-
TELEPHONE ORDERS WELCOME - 870455 back in an office environment. I down, Volunteer Organiser Maria
was looking for something fulfill- Grime can be contacted on 538398.