Page 9 - link magazine

NORTH SWINDON (including Abbey Meads, St Andrew's Ridge, Ash Brake, Taw Hill)
Swings & roundabouts on the ridge Drop in for
coffee and info.
The Mayor of Swindon coun
Brian Ford joined in the fun on 26 The Monday drop-in sessions run
May when he officially opened by Swindon Council's Community
three StAndrewsRidgeplayparks. Information Worker Ros Deakin
About 40 children with mums at Abbey Meads Community Cen-
and dads watched the Mayor cut a tre are proving a real success and
ribbon before trying out the climb- will continue through the summer.
ing frames, swings, slides and tun- "If you have
nels. Drinks and biscuits were pro- any concerns or
vided by members of Abbey Meads need informa-
Church, to boost energy levels. tion about your
Unfortunately the Octobus play community I
bus did not turn up to run craft may be able to
activities and games. Despite the help," said Ros.
let down, event organiser Paula "If you have
Johnstone from St Andrew's Ridge, moved into North Swindon, please
said she was pleased by the sup- call me for an information pack."
port. "I wanted to give people a Ros is available between 7.30pm
chance to meet each other and be and 9pm in the community centre
more aware that children have on Elstree Way. At other times she
somewhere safe to play." can be contacted on 466511.
There are three new play-
grounds on the Ridge; the largest
has a ball park suitable for football St Andrew's Church
and roller hockey. Little Blunsdon
The event was sponsored by the Fete in the grounds
Haydon Development Company. The Mayor joins St Andrew's Ridge behind Blunsdon Abbey
On site engineer David Trees said, children for a slide with organiser caravan park
"there are already a number of Paula Johnstone and Charles Mant of Rubbish sorted Saturday 11 July, 2pm
smaller parks on Abbey Meads and Record Playground Equipment on the Recent problems with the late col- To be opened by Gill Impey,
we are planning at least four more." left lection of rubbish on Abbey Meads HTV weather reporter
look set to be resolved. St An- Cricklade Brass Band, Judith
Adventure down Mexico way drews Ridge collection will now Hockaday dancers, vintage cars,
take place on a Tuesday. Monday
fancy dress for under 9s, craft
Amy Phillippo from Garson Road, Abbey Meads recently spent two will continue to be collection day stalls, games, bric-a-brac, pony
and a half weeks in Mexico, where she saw some well known tourist for the rest of the deveopment. rides and much more
attractions, and also witnessed firsthand poverty and deprivation.
Painting schools and playing
games with young children does
not sound that exciting for a 16 .0.T6M8E'4.D
year old, unless of course it is in a
primitive, isolated, Mexican vil-
lage.
Amy was one of three Ranger
Guides from Swindon selected to
travel in a group representing the
South Western Guide Association.
"I was really excited when I heard cJ IOU c)W
I could go, although it did not re-
ally sink in until the night before I
went," she said. Although a per- iWE1tRE
centage of the visit was funded by
the Ranger division, Amy had to CURRANT '
find the majority by organising l
fundraising events such as a table
top and car boot sale. She received bad. But they were extremely ap- A l l SPIRRIE
contributions from Highworth Li- preciative of our work.
ons and the Swindon Borough "One day they dressed up and POERRI :
Council's W Little Fund. danced at a fiesta they'd arranged
The main aim of the trip in April for us. It was quite a humbling
was to help at a primary school experience."
built from money raised by the The trip cost less than expected, ,Pet the tows eing milked aai
worldwide guide organisation. but Amy and the rest of the group
"We spent our time painting decided to put the excess money 3.31pm -Q.30*i
equipment and also played games towards improving the senior
like pin the tail on the donkey," school in the village. Tvlepq6nemAl
said Amy. "The children enjoyed During her stay Amy also vis-
it so much they kept coming back ited the Sun and Moon Pyramids - - - - - Just outside

to our group for more." and attended a traditional folklore Swindon on the
When asked about a memorable ballet. The whole experience has Covingham to
moment Amy replied, "the villag- opened her eyes to future possi- Wanbo rough Road
ers lead a very impoverished life- bilities. "If I get the chance I would
style. Homes are built of corru- love to go again. My ambition is to FSHOP, FROZEN FöOcTRL FOR 1U
gated iron and mud. Sanitation is travel the world."