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See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com The Link Magazine • November 1998
Life saving helicopter needs public cash support
The joint police ambulance helicopter is a familiar sight over Swindon skies. And noisy it is too. J
Although not officially launched until mid-December, in November a brand new machine - the Boeing
Explorer - will appear, painted in standard yellow and blue air support colours.
Specialists in PVCU,
The bulk of the 4,000 missions windows, doors and
£800,000 a year cost to have been flown.
operate the machine The helicopter conservatories,
is met by the police can be scrambled also carpentry, fencing,
service. The Wiltshire in response to an patios, floor tiling.
Air Ambulance has to emergency call to
meet their contribu- reach any part of 22 Ravens Walk
tion of £160,000. Wiltshire within Wootton Bassett
Many people, see- 8 to 12 minutes. Telephone:
ing the air ambulance The new heli-
flying overhead, as- copter, the first of 01793 848177
sume that itis paid for its kind in this 5'- or 01793 770596
by public money. In The Boeing Explorer, soon to he seen over Swindon country, will en- I
fact each year a quar- - painted in yellow and blue able an even
ter of the cost has to more effective re-
be raised by the generosity of Wiltshire people through sponse. As well as being twice as fast as its NO
the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal. predecessor, the Bolkow 105, it is ten times
"Many have helped us, as individuals or through quieter. It also has 80% more cabin space.
their groups," says Volunteer Office Administrator If your group can help with fund-raising or
Frank Swan. "Your future support is essential." would like to spend an evening visiting the air 17, H T
Since the service started in 1990, more than 800 ambulance at its Devizes base, contact Richard
people have been airlifted to hospital and almost Brocklehurst on 01249 443939. BOOK KEEPING
Andrea Plumb
Call to important Mechanics meeting Book-keeping
The New Mechanics Institution Preservation Trust is inviting anyone who lives or works in Swindon to Self-assessment forms
attend its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 19 November, 7pm, in the Main Hall at Swindon College
The future of the near derelict plans and will welcome all sup- A detailed agenda and details of
building in the town centre is now porters to the meeting. the nomination and election of Tel: 01793 706289
at a critical stage. Once the cul- Membership of the Trust costs trustees will be published in the Mobile: 0411 862264
tural and social centre of the rail- just £1 and entitles you to vote at Evening Advertiser on 5 November
way works, the Mechanics' Pres- the meeting. Fill in the application
ervation Trust wants to restore the form below and join today.
building as an arts and commu- At the meeting the Trust will
nity centre for use by Swindonians propose to change its status to that
in the 21st Century. of a Community Development
In October the present owners Trust. It will report on progress to
put the building up for sale. The date and discuss the way forward.
Trust wants to demonstrate it has There will be information on
the support of local people for its display before the meeting.

Mechanics offers historical Christmas gift
Fire & Steel, a 40 minute video showing life as it used to be lived by
Swindon's railway workers, has been re-issued to raise funds for New as Emprror, Jack & Cl,atrrberlair,
Mechanics Institution Preservation Trust.
The film made by Martin The inclusion of 1983
Parry features retired footage of 'King George
railworkers describing life V' steaming through the
'inside,' striking images of Wiltshire countryside
the town and the works. highlights what it was all
The video is an eye-opener about.
for anyone who did not To order by post, send
know Swindon in its rail- Building Locomotive; cheques for £11 (inclu.
At SW,ndon Works -
way heyday. It is more than p&p) payable to 'The New
a bit of a tug at the heartstrings for Mechanics Institution Preservation
those who did. Trust Ltd' to the address below.

Irsle- —I
Use this form to make a donation and to join the
New Mechanics' Institution Preservation Trust Limited
(Registered Charity No 10461)
Name:
':
with
DENNIS
Address: 1111 F%NWOOI) -
l)-\NC1RS
SPENCER
Postcode:
Tel:
I enclose: LII £5 for membership and newsletter subscription 18 DEC -16JAN WYVERNTHEATRE
Li A donation of £
LI £1 for membership Only. Theatre Square, Swindon
WRITTEN & PRODUCED BY CHARLES VANCE
Make cheques payable to 'The New Mechanics Institution Preservation Trust Ltd DIRECTED BY DENNIS SPENCER
and send to: Suite 17, Newburn Centre, Newbum Crescent, Swindon SN1 5E5. LIGHTING BY MARK ALEXANDER BOX OFFICE: (01793) 524481
CHOREOGRAPHY BY POLLYANN TANNER
Tel/fax/ans: (017931 520592 Parties: (01793) 535536
L - MUSICAL SUPERVISOR: PETE BROWN