Page 25 - link magazine

25
Swindon Wide
Lydiard celebrations dampened by lottery set back
As Swindon Council celebrates the sixtieth anniversary since the father of modern Swindon, the former chief executive David Murray John. bought
Lydiard House and its park from the near bankrupt St John family, an ambitious £4.25 million plan to return the park to its former glory is having
to be scaled back because the Heritage Lottery Fund does not have enough money to meet all the demands on it.
On 1 December the chairman of An ambitious plan was achieved. "The Heritage Lottery
English Heritage, Sir Hugh launched in September - Board have asked us to look at the
Cossons, and the Mayor of Swin- 2002 to bid for over £4 - bid again so that they can fund
don will host a VIP reception at million to restore the park, more projects around the country.
Lydiard House to mark the late particularly the lakes built We hope to submit a scaled down
David Murray John's farsighted de- in the 1740s. The dam bid by the end of November.
cision that the council had to ac- holding the water back .. "Rebuilding the dam and restor-
quire the near derelict house and burst in 1922 and they ing the lake, as well as bringing the
park. Even in 1943 he had a vision have become almost com — i walled garden back into use, are
that the estate should become a pletely overgrown. still central features of the scheme,
jewel in Swindon's crown. West Swindon council but a cafe/visitor centre next to the
In the ensuing sixty years Swin- for Nick Martin, who chairs Studen is from Lackham College preparing house will have to be reconsid-
don has built itself right to the edge the Lydiard Park Project Lydiard house for a Victorian Christmas ered."
of the park which now provides an Board made up of Swin-
important green lung for the town. don Council officers and council-
The house has gradually been re- lors and representatives from Eng-
stored, with many St John family li sh Heritage and local businesses, Celebrate New Year With The De Vere
heirlooms being returned and other said he was cautiously optimistic
period pieces purchased to en- that the long cherished dreams of Join our New Year celebrations at the De Vere Swindon, we have
hance the visitor experience. restoring the park could be something to suit everyone. Celebrate in the Park Brasse rie at our
relaxed and informal event which includes one nights
accommodation and full English breakfast. Or if you are looking
Tea party to recall memories of the park in the town centre
The New Mechanics' Institute is holding a Festive Tea for anybody with for something a little more glamorous, then our formal black tie
memories and photographs of Faringdon Road park. They will be event in the Wilton Suite, which includes 2 or 3 nights
making a video diary to create a historical document. accommodation and full English breakfast will be the one for you!
Turn up at the Old Railway Museum in Faringdon Road on Saturday
6 December, 2pm to 5pm or call 520592 for details.

Christmas fundraising 4*4*# De Vere Hotel, Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon, SN 5 7DW
Thur 4 December TeL • 01793878785 Fax 01793877822
Moredon Infant School Christmas Fayre, Akers Way. 3.15pm - 4.30pm. [email protected] www.devereswindon.co.uk
Admission: adult 20p and children free. Meet santa in his grotto: £1.50.
Riendeer food, jar tombola, cake stall, lucky dip. refreshments.
The Nine Elms Public House
Saturday 6 December
Toothill Church Christmas Fair. 2pm -4pm. Stalls include: homemade Old Shaw Lane, Nine Elms, Swindon
cards. glass painting, decorative candles, quilted decorative wreaths,
Christmas Menu What's on ?
homemade sweets, stocking filers, refreshments, crafts. Pea and Mint Soup Karaoke - November 29th
Prawn Cocktail Charity Race Night - December 6th
Prospect Hospice Christmas Bazaar. Moormead Road, Chilled fan of Melon Virgin Make Up Party - December 8th
Wroughton. 12noon - 3pm.Crafts, gifts, Christmas decorations, a post box Christmas Quiz Night - December 18th
Roast Turkey with traditional trimmings Christmas Karaoke - December20th
to post a letter to Santa. Followed at 5.30pm by the traditional Light A Life Roast Beef with traditional trimmings
Celebration service around the Prospect Christmas tree - see page 27 . Sage and Chestnut Risotto Christmas Opening Hours
Strips of Chicken, Mushroom & Masala Sauce Xmas Eve 12 noon - 12 midnight
Thursday 11 December Rack of Lamb with a Mint and Red Currantjus Christmas Day 12 noon - 2pm
,F,F# Boxing Day 12 noon - llpm
St Andrew's Methodist Church Bargain Bazaar, Moredon Road. 2pm Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce New Years Eve 12 noon - lam
- 3.30pm.Christmas stall. Proceeds to national and local charities and the Apple Pie with Cream or Custard New Years Day 1 2 noon - 11pm
Winter Fruits Crumble
church funds. (Bargain Bazaar is held fortnightly and the first ones in 2004 Cheese and Biscuits What else?
are on Thursdays 8 and 22 January). Dinner £15.95 Free Pool - Tuesdays
Christmas Menu available from 1st December Quiz- Thursdays
Saturday 13 December New Bar Menu also available
Why not book for Christmas dinner ? - one
Freshbrook Playgroup Christmas Fete, Freshbrook Community Centre. service 12 noon - 12pm: 4 courses £38.95 Check out our new website:
fpm - 3pm.Father Christmas, tombola, gifts, refreshments. Tel: 770442 to book www.thenineelms.com
THE VILLAGE Toothill Village
Centre, Swindon
TAVERN
[%e co#r^,ruirf(, 6,ax f : (0l793)421l24
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Sunday Carvery: buy one get one free in December,
January and February
Live music every Friday
Karaoke - Disco every Sunday

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