Page 3 - link magazine

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com The Link ne • June 1999 3
Are we ready to become a city?

'WE COME TO YOU'
ome people think Swindon should be awarded city status at the We have two large
S turn of the century. But there has been little debate aboutwhether barns full of top * Free collection
this would be a good thing from the point of view of the people who quality furnishing & delive ry
live in the town. fabrics (often more LOOSE * Servicing &
We want to hear your views? The town has never lacked vi- than 50 metres) which repairs
The argument in favour seems sion. The Mechanics Institution are the ends of ranges. BIKE * No call out charge
DOCTOR
to be based on acquiring prestige was promoting social inclusion Also wallpapers. All are from WE ALSO SELL
and kudos, and enhancing the over a century ago. The worker leading manufacturers at
standing of business. The timing run Medical Fund Society paved greatly reduced prices. * New & used cycles
would be good. Swindon cel- the way for the National Health Why not come and see us? * New clearance models
ebrates its centenary as a borough Service. There is a long tradition (up to 50% off)
next year. of voluntary groups catering for Sue Cutcliffe. Giles Green, • Parts & accessories
Yet, there are niggling questions need. The Link Centre combined Brinkworth, Nr Chippenham.
as to whether people feel comfort- arts, community and leisure facili- Tel: 01666 510685
Open Monday - Saturday 9am - t pm
able with the idea of becoming a ties in a a deliberate and innova-
city - just yet. Do we honestly tive way 15 years ago.
believe in it and will we feel better The Mechanics is now a derelict
about the place in which we live? shell, voluntary bodies struggle for
Swindon Council has made a survival and local groups are be-
virtue of having the lowest com- ing priced out of the Link Centre.
munity charge for any unitary au- Link Arts is being turned into a
thority in the country. But for a keep fit centre. •.. Jill
• NEW MEMORIALS II
prosperous town aspiring to city Some of the elements of being a • EXISTING MEMORIALS CLEANED AND RENOVATED
status, is this really something to city are in place. But has the vision • LARGE STOCKS OF MEMORIALS ON DISPLAY
be proud of? gone out of focus? • HAND CARVED LETTERING
Both nationally and locally, fine The town's rapid growth has cre-
words are pronounced about so- ated discontinuity and a sense of
cial inclusion, partnership and sus- unease about getting larger. Per-
tainable development that im- haps it is time to take stock about Free design
proves the quality of life for all. what it means to be a successful, catalogue on request
The Link has recently reported big town, rather than uncertainty
on a number of issues which throw about being a small city. Highworth Memorials
up questions as whether we are What is your perspective? Write HIGHWORTH The Green • Highworth • Wiltshire
ready to become a city. or email us at the address below, MEMORIALS Telephone: 01793 762698
Family centres received grant and look at our internet site
cuts in 1998. This year they were www.swindonlink.com
given barely two weeks notice of a
meeting to decide which one
would have to close, with no prior
consultation.
E17 invited to Party in the Park
Groups hiring rooms in the Link
Centre's Community Suite have The Wiltshire Festival pop party
in Lydiard Park is going to be
had rates more than doubled with- even better than expected.
out notice. Kingsdown
Vital voluntary sector organisa- Top London band E17 has been
tions such as the Well Woman Cen- booked at the last moment and Crematorium
will replace ABC.
tre, Relate, Age Concern and Vol- Turn to page 21
untary Action Swindon have seen . . OPEN DAY
funding cut or withdrawn. for booking information.
Sunday June 27th 1999
IN[inkMdgaime Tour of Facilities

from 10.30am until 2.30pm
Published by Copy date for July
West Swindon Publications edition: 12 June Open Air Service of Th anksgiving and
Papermakers House, Westlea Remembrance at 3.00pm
Published: 26 June
Swindon SN5 7BD
Copy for August: 12 July
Tel: (01793) 872282 For further details please contact
Fax: (01793) 878189 Martin Day Tel. (01793) 822259
"The Link was first published for the West
e mail: linkmagazine@compuse rve.com
Swindon community in December 1978. Service prepared on behalf of
Internet: www.swindonlink.com
It is completely independent of Link Centre
Swindon Borough Council Community and
Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle and, in fact, won a competition to name the
leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Leisure Services Department.
General enquiries: Tel: (01793) 872282
Swindon commenced in Janua ry 1994."
Advertising: Jenni Fowler
Tel: (01793) 872531 Kingsdown Crematorium
Editorial: General Gina Dennis The contents of The Link are protected S^wmoon Upper Stratton Swindon
Tel: (01793) 849518 by copyright. Use of adve rtisements in
printed or electronic form is forbidden
North Swindon Tanya Parkinson unless an adve rtiser or publisher has
Tel: (01793) 705105
sought permission. Articles and
Printed by Wiltshire, Bristol photographs require similar authority.