Page 16 - link magazine

16 The Link Magazine • February 1996
Tawny, the night time hunter
IMPORTANT DECISIONS REQUIRE Lydiard Park ranger Michael Paul-Williams writes

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE The night air breathes a silence As we return home, Tawny is
across the fields, my eyes try to left to find a suitable branch and
• Conveyancing • Family Law pierce the darkness to catch a wait for an unwitting meal to pass
• Wills • Probate glimpse. "Ke-wick" breaks the si- by. Tawny owls are our most nu-
• Personal Injury Claims lence, "ke-wick" again. The sound merous and widespread owl.
moves so quickly. Tawny has been Lydiard Country Park is an ideal
• Employment Matters
aware of my presence for some location for owls to roost as there
time. Merlin and Gypsy, my two are many large old tress with hol-
CARTER, READ & DOVE dogs are unnerving to Tawny. She lows in which they can make their
is young and finds hunting diffi- nest. There are also plenty of
SOLICITORS cult enough as it is without two nestboxes and one or two old rab-
playful hounds to start her prey. bit holes should the owls fancy a
Commerce House, 34/35 Commercial Road, Swindon ground floor apartment.
The Lydiard Rangers turned out to Bordering Lydiard's woodlands
Tel: (01793) 617617 form an arch of saws for Michael are many large pasture fields
Williams' marriage to Clare Paul at
which provide home to the owls'
St Mary's Lydiard on 3 December
prey of voles, mice, shrews, small
birds and rabbits. Fish and frogs
YOUR LOCAL GARAGE DOOR legs are also on the menu occa-
sionally. Tawny has been driven
SPECIALIST away from the roost of her parents
and must now fend for herself.
Up and Over Garage Doors Hear more of Tawny's tale at
supplied, fitted, repaired 'Owls That' on Saturday 3 Febru-
(spare parts available) ary, 2pm - 3pm, adult £1, junior
50p.
Remote Control Also in February: Origami Ani-
mals, Tuesday 20 February, 1pm -
Free Survey with
3pm, adults and juniors £1
no obligation quotation To book in advance or for more
details on the park, please contact
the Thamesdon Countryside
MAXWELL HOUSE, MAXWELL STREET, SWINDON Ranger Service on 771419.
TELEPHONE: (01793) 513796
Kids time in the house
Children take over Lydiard House once a month when the man-
sion becomes an education centre.
HK 974 sessions are a pilot project for a
Run by education officer Kim
Hazzard, the Saturday morning
new service to be launched by
Thamesdown Council's museums
department on 1 March.
Kim, who is covering the post
CHINESE * until Mary Keagan returns from
maternity leave, said the aim is to
TAKE-AWAY bring Lydiard House alive for chil-
iA?
dren. "There is so much to learn
from the history of Lydiard. By
taking part in fun activities, chil-
West Swindon Centre dren are stimulated by the infor-
mation and the clues to be found in
the pictures, furniture and features
Tel: 886871 of the house."
She added that school groups
will be taking part in activities Rosa Hirsch, front, shows Kim
Telephone orders welcome during the week as part of national Hazzard what she made at a
curriculum studies. silhouette workshop on 13 January
Opening Hours: Coming up in February Workshops for 8 - 14 year olds.
(Open Bank Holidays) Papier Mache decoration is the lOam - 12 noon, 1pm - 3pm. Tick-
theme of the activity morning on ets £4.50.
Monday - Saturday Saturday 10 February, 10am to Friday 23 February: Keepsake
12noon - 2pm 1pm, for 8-11 year olds and 11 to Books for 8- 14 year olds. lOam -
(Sunday lunch closed) 14 year olds. Tickets £4.50. 3pm. Tickets £10.
Half term activities at Lydiard For adults at Lydiard:
Monday - Sunday from 17 to 25 February include:
5pm- 11pm Tuesday 20 February: Tour of the
Jewels and Gems: follow of trail State Rooms, 230pm. Normal ad-
around the house and discover mission charge.
Unit 1133, Town Square some unusual aspects of Lydiard. Tickets are available at Lydiard
West Swindon Centre Tickets £1 includes admission. House or at the Civic Offices, Eu-
Thursday 22 February: Jewellery clid Street, Swindon.