Page 3 - link magazine

See us on the net @ www.i-way.co.uk/-swindonlink The Link Magazine • February 1998 3
Mechanics could be 21 st Century centre of Swindon

Call to companies to make a millennium gift to the town

Swindon's Mechanics Institute Mechanics trustee Martha Parry tor needs to participate in setting businesses in Swindon to make a
could become the centre for says now is the time to buy the Swindon's directions. The Me- millennium investment in the fu-
the town's arts, cultural and building. Once acquired, it will be chanics should be part of what the ture of the entire community.
community life, if the dreams easier to raise additional funding town can be proud of - both past "Help us, by making a donation,
of a band of committed for each part of the project. and future. and also by taking the idea into the
volunteers come true. "Our aim is not to preserve a "The 'Get the Mechanics' appeal work place and asking your com-
But they need £848,000 from relic of the past. The Mechanics welcomes new members and con- pany to back the project."
the people and businesses of was very forward looking for its tributors. We particularly need For more information, call the
Swindon. day. In the 1850s the GWR work- company support because of the Mechanics Institute Preservation
A decision on a national lottery ers organised themselves to create total needed. We are appealing to Trust on Swindon 520592.
grant for £2.5 million is due in June educational and cultural facilities.
and local fundraising is essential "It was a people's initiative then,
to secure it. it can be again for the next century. No right place - • -
for hospital WE COME TO YOU'
it Free collection
The siting of Swindon's proposed a & delivery
hospital at Commonhead, east of * No call out
Swindon, dominated a public 4 charge
meeting organised by Freshbrook BIKE y r No job too
councillor Phil Rashid at the Link DOCTOR small
Centre on 6 January
Hospital planners accepted that .ii cycle ':
the site is not ideal but said delay * r
in the project could risk govern- Slightly ma ked cycles:
ment funding for years to come. up to 50% off
Opponents fear the loss of green * Used cycles (with warranty)
belt land and want the hospital to
be sited at Churchward, near the
Great Western Outlet Village, • 'Y. r • i '
The Mechanics Institute from a watercolour by Frank Quinton
closer to the town centre. They
to be found in the Swindon Collection
may be calling for a public inquiry
The local appeal by the New We've spent the last three years to block the project.
Mechanics Institute Preservation listening to people and develop- The plans go before Swindon
Trust was launched on 22 January ingplans reflecting the ideas which Council's planning committee in We have two large
under the slogan: 'Get theMechan- they put forward. It's a project in March. barns full of top
ics.' which all Swindon residents can Mark Smith of the Swindon and quality furnishing LOOS .•
Largely ignored by Swindon take part. Marlborough NHS Trust at the pub-
BoroughCouncil, theTrustis made "Last years 'Proud to be Swin- lic meeting on 6 January fabrics (often more END
up of volunteers who believe the don'and'Cityforthe2lstCentury' than 50 metres) which
Mechanics is an essential histori- campaigns promoted civic pride Mtl are the ends of ranges.
cal asset to the town. They believe and projected the economic op- Also wallpapers. All are from
it can be refurbished to provide a portunities in the town. At the leading manufacturers at
central base for voluntary organi- same time £100,000 was cut from I , greatly reduced prices.
sations, space for performance, arts voluntary organisations; another Why not come and see us?
workshops and exhibitions, and a £33,000 is being cut away from Sue Cutcliffe. Giles Green,
cinema. Conference facilities, a them this year. Brinkworth, Nr Chippenham.
social history archive and a hi-tech "These were local government Tel: 01666 510685
multi-media centre are also pro- and business campaigns. We think Open Monday - Saturday gam - Ipm
posed. the community and voluntary sec-
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Use this form to make a "
and to join the
donation and `I
New Mechanics Institution
Preservation Trust Limited
(Registered Charily No 1048961) -.... - - A m
Name: ........................................................................................ ..............................I
Address:....................................................................................... ............................... Blind for blind n-n boots our ricas
.................................. Postcode:........................................ Tel:..................................I FREE FITTING
FAST LOCAL SERVICE I
Ii enclose: q £5 for membership and newsletter subscription I SELECT AT HOME SWINDON
q £1 for membership only. q A donation of £ .....................I n ^ I 874655
OFF CURRENT PRICES
q I would be willing to work as a volunta ry fundraiser ® ON SELECTED RANGES C IF NO REPLY OSOO 7 *1 951
J
Make cheques payable to 'The New Mechanics Institution Preservation Trust Ltd' VERTICALS ROLLERS VENETIANS ROMANS PLEATEDS
and send to: Suite 17, Newburn Centre, Newburn Crescent, Swindon SN1 5ES.
Tel/fax/ans: (01793) 520592 ^ t
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