Page 20 - link magazine

20 The Link Magazine. December 1997

The annual season of fundraising in aid of the
BBC Children in Need peaked on 21 November
when a record breaking sum was donated.
Swindon's BT headquarters at North Star was
turned into Earth Station Pudsey and became the
hub for BBC TV output in the South West.
Cheques and cash were handed over and visitors
took part in wacky activities, surfed in the Internet
cafe and bought Pudsey products.
The Haydon Wick Youth Club, pictured right, handed
over £354.07, raised at a roller disco in November
and a collection on CiN night.
On the left, pictured with the Mayor of Swindon
Maurice Fanning and animal loving veteran
broadcaster Johnny Morris is Laura Ryan, 5, from
Ravenglass Road, Westlea who won a Pudsey
Bear in last month's Link competition. The other
winner, Gemma Howes from Grange Park was
unable to be present.

Child witnesses get Children in Need helping hand

Did you see us on the TV on 21 November, asks Lynne Walton, Witness Service coordinator, Swindon Crown Court
It is a sad fact that every year a number of some of our more experienced team members ganisation providing practical and emotional
children have to come to court as witnesses, to specialise in supporting these children and help to victims, witnesses, whether adult or
whether because they have been victims of their families. child, and their families when they have to
crime, or because they have seen something We could also buy special court activity packs come to court. It is manned by teams of spe-
important in a case. Some of these children and some equipment, such as a TV/ video and cially trained volunteers.
have suffered terrible trauma already, so it is electonic games, for the children's use whilst If you would like more information about
important for us to try to minimise the ordeal waiting at court. As a result of this, the Swin- becoming a Witness Service volunteer and
of court as much as possible. don service was featured on the TV programme could spare two days per month, I should like
The Children in Need grant from last year's on 21 November. to hear from you.
appeal has enabled us to set up a course for The Witness Service is an independent or- Please ring me on 01793 484040.

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