Page 36 - link magazine

36 The Link Magazine • October 2001
Gathering info on the west Coffee and chat
University geography student Rachel Wood from Grange Park is researching whether there is a Every Tuesday,10am to 11.30am
community in West Swindon. She has appealed for readers to get in touch in the last two editions of The Toothill Community Centoe
Link and outlines some of her early findings. A chance to meet other people,
chat about the area and talk to com-
Having spoken to groups cover- or different shifts to neighbours,
ing a wide range of interests and making it difficult to interact. munity development worker Pam
ages, several issues reoccur: Rachel has now returned to Cam- Pixton about issues of concern.
1.The definition of 'community' bridge, but if you have any views
varies. Some people link this to the on the West Swindon community, Toothill lunch club
local area, to others it is having contact The Link, address on page looks for help
anything in common, not neces- 4. Toothill Luncheon Club meets on
sarily physical location. Wednesdays, 12noon at Toothill
People still seem to feel they have Community Centre where a hot
some kind of community spirit, Police meet people meal is prepared and served by
but this may be linked to a place of The West Swindon community volunteers to around 45 pension-
work or a club or social group. In beat officers have started a
other words, community spirit monthly surgery at the West ers. Both the present cook and or-
exists but in different locations. Rachel interviewing Mark Thornett Swindon District Centre on the ganiser are giving up their posts
The scale has also changed as and Lindsey Shaw first Friday of the month, 6pm- in March 2002 and replacements
technology and communications in breaking down community - 8pm. are urgently required.
now allow new communities to cars, TVs, texting, e-mail - mean PCs Phil Connor and Rob Anyone interested in these roles
span the globe. we either do not need contact with Mortimer and WPC Pat Jones are should call the club secretary, Kit
2.A feeling of vulnerability linked real people, or our paths simply available, subject to their duty ro- Pooley on 611216 or Maggie
to lack of community and vice don't cross. tas, in a mobile police station to Stedman on 853318 for further
versa. This spans all age groups. 4. The importance of changes in discuss any issue of community details.
3. The role of 'modern' inventions work patterns, with longer shifts safety and concerns about crimi-
nal activity. Homes needed for Christmas
Turn up with any queries and Host UK, a well established charity
A 2 Z Home Improvements needs for assistance. The next ses- backed by the British Council,
sions is on 5 October.
needs friendly, hospitble people to
All your needs in one number open up their homes to students
New support
Kitchen/Bathroom fitting, Tiling, Plumbing, Electrics, from overseas studying in the UK.
Painting, Decorating, Carpentry and much more worker at Focus For details, call Isobel Manook
111 Pinehurst Road Tel: (01793) 339671 Sally Priddy has taken over as self on 872373 or
Swindon Mobile: (07778) 207977 help support worker at Focus On [email protected]
Carers and Self Help and is avail-
able to give advice and support on
PARKING setting up and developing new THE
groups. She can help with fund-
ing, publicity, training or what- IREPLAC
CENTRAL SWINDON DUNCAN ever a group needs.
CENTRE
Annual long stay I SELF DRIVE HIRE
OFFICE & SHOWROOMS
parking only 1/°`^Z°`4e R ^^ Specialists in fireplaces, gas
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Contact Alison Kearney stoves, baskets & accessories
Stratton St. Margaret, Swindon
Tel: 01793 - 616333
Tel: 822193 Dare to
Radio de-coding while you wait
be
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Self help groups are set up and
run by and for its members to pro- or stick
vide a point of contact for people with
who have experienced the same
Extensions problems, life situations or illness. tradition -
Loft Conversions By meeting others with similar
needs members can provide mu-
Garage Conversions tual support to one another in a 0
PERCY ST CO HAWKINS ST
safe and confidential environment.
Free quotations
A self-help group can also give THE
Z FIREPLACE
Best possible prices members the opportunity to de- R1 CENTRE
velop new skills and find out about DOLPHIN O OUTLETVILLAGE
Many local references new treatments or services. PUB D CUE PARK
PAR
Q
The groups can be included in
Phone now for helpful friendly advice the local self help directory and VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS AT
I RODBOURNE ROAD,
Tel: 01793 635000 receive a newsletter which pro- SWINDON SN2 2AG
vides links to other groups. To con-
tact Sue call 531133 TEL/FAX: (01793) 612288
Tots. You