Page 11 - link magazine

11
LOCAL LIVES
Voices from the darkness
The Guff crises was just one recent event which brought in calls to the Swindon and District Branch of The Samaritans.
Volunteer Ann 121 describes the work of the organisation.
In the darkness a telephone rings, it lems. To every Samaritan, names, "Samaritans, can Ihelp you?" This Talking about and sharing those
is answered with the words "Samari- colour or creed are not important time there is no response. The caller feelings can be the first step to re-
tans, can I help you?" - "I'm having but the opportunity to share anxi- has replaced the receiver. Moments solving them. The Samaritans un-
difficulty sleeping, my husband is ety, pain and despair is. later it happens again. For some it derstand what it's like to feel emo-
in The Gulf. I just keep thinking 10a.m. and the Samaritan charity can be very difficult knowing what tionally isolated and are always there
about it; I'm so weighed down with shop opens. This is next door and to say. for those for whom life may be get-
anxiety. I feel so isolated..." opens Monday to Saturday 10a.m.- There are moments in all our lives ting too much to bear. We will listen
The time is just after midnight at 4p.m. It sells a variety of good sec- when we feel that there is nobody to you in complete confidence.
The Samaritan Centre, 6 Curtis ond hand clothing and bric a brac. we can turn to when we need it Our telephone number is Swin-
Street. Volunteers are available to The shop is also run by volunteers - most. These feelings of deep de- don 537373 or call at 6 Curtis Street,
provide round the clock support some ex Samaritans, some friends spair and loneliness can affect any- Swindon 8a.m. - 10p.m. Or if you
when life is getting too much. The and their family. They help to raise one at any time, wherever you live feel you could help please ring for
Samaritans are always available 24 approximately 50% of the funds or whatever your lifestyle. further details of training courses.
hours a day, 365 days a year includ- needed to ensure a continuing Sa-
ing Christmas day and there are maritan service. The remainder of
more than 180 branches throughout money needed to pay for refurbish- The Organisers 01
the UK and Ireland. ments, heating, lighting, telephone / \
SWINDONS LARGEST
Volunteers continue to answer the bills etc. comes from industry, com- / \
telephone during the night snatch- merce and individuals, as well as CAR BOOT
ing a few hours sleep when possi- local fund raising events.
ble. Early morning there is a change During the rest of the day there HAVE MOVED IT!!
TO
of volunteers. Cups of tea or coffee are several changes of volunteers
are made and out comes the duster and many cups of tea and coffee \NEAR COATE WATER/
and vacuum cleaner. At 8a.m. the made.
front door is opened which allows Telephones continue to ring
people to call inas wellas telephone. ..."Samaritans, can I help you?" Arl Mg
During the morning there is a "I'm retiring soon and will have
300ydo rant J15& M4
ring of the bell. It is a young man more free time, I've always been Sigtposie& torn Coat, &J15
who finds it difficult to make rela- interested in your work and would BIGGER SITE - BETTER ACCESS
tionships, he's out of work and feels like something worthwhile to give START SUN MARCH 17
that there are little prospects of find- my time to. I've seen your adver- Swindon 536552 THEN EVERY SUN 9-1
ing any. It helps to talk and he calls tisementand know you run training Enq 641267 No need to Book
in most weeks just to express his courses. Can you tell me what I
feelings of loneliness and his frus- need todo .....
trations of his dependency on his Every day at the Samaritans is
parents and the state. different. During the time that vol-
Anyone who calls at the centre is unteers are on duty, some will re-
able to talk in complete confidence ceive calls, others maybe none at all,
in one of the small sitting moms. but last year on average at least two OUR MANY SATISFIED
Saniaritans do not offer advice but people contacted Swindon Samari-
listen supportively and without tans every hour during every day CUSTOMERS ARE
judgement to other people's prob- and every night.
YOUR PEACE OF MIND
A local with a difference
Relatively few people know that em kitchen. At the bar there is an • From a single window to
there is another pub situated in the excellent range of Morland tradi- total replacement
middle of West Swindon. tionalales, lagers, wines and spirits,
The third Morland Brewery out- as well as soft drinks and coffee. • We offer a full design &
let in the area opened quietly last Forentertainment, Monday night
December and has been building a has become a quiz night and Tues- installation service by fully
reputation ever since. day is for Kareoke fans. The tavern qualified carpenters for uPVC,
For many the Shaw Ridge Tav- is presently holding heats for a na-
ern, at the top of the Shaw Ridge tionalKareoke competition with the hardwood and aluminium
Leisure Park, will be a pleasant sur- local finals being held at Cairo's double glazing
prise. The designers have tried to nightclub on 12 April.
build in a subtle difference between Situated high on the hill, the • Residential and patio doors
the feeling you get walking into a Tavern compliments its location
pub and when you enter the tavern. with large floor to ceiling windows • lO year guarante
At Shaw Ridge the three sided bar giving it a light airy atmosphere,
serves a single lounge with a variety very different to what you will find • Free quotes withoii obligation
of cleverly designed areas at differ- in other pubs. For many it will
ent levels. Like so many hostelries become a favourite place to meet
nowadays, you can't pin a theme on friends and entertain business cli- Ermin Windows
the decoration - draped fabrics, ents.
prints on the wall and interesting 87a Ermin Street
bric-a-brac entertain the eye.
Hot food or a selection from the Swindon
salad bar is served between
12noonand3pmdailyandall // Tel: 824419
of it is prepared in the tav- /