Page 18 - link magazine

18 The Link Magazine • April 2006
Swindon has attractions for graduates

Lucy Proctor wrote in the February Linkabout the lack of attractions in Swindon for graduates. especially in the arts,
and how many young people cannot wait to get away. Susan White from Toothill responds.
Firstly, I must admit that I never I also expected a glamour job ous at times... yes, in Swindon. stay in touch; it plays such an im-
expected to defend Swindon! As a which my long education would I am convinced now that I have portant part in providing a voice
French graduate in 1984 I too had guarantee. My first lesson was that discovered something here that is and focus for our community.
high ideals about the sort of place I the world didn't owe me a job just much more worthwhile than the A new university would bring
wanted to live. Swindon was not because I had a degree. pursuit of my previous ideals. The an added dimension to the town,
on my list. ephemeral attractions of but let's recognise the value of what
student life tended often we already have - community - and
towards self-centredness, build on it as we give as well as
but now I am in a commu- receive.
^ o Er1-91-1
nity where at last I belong -
a wide circle of real friends Easter Fair
and family (since I married & Easter Egg Hunt
a Swindon-ian) - where I Saturday 1 April, 1 pm to 4pm
not only receive but I can Greendown Playgroup
give something back. Grange Park
I feel that Swindon has a Meet the Easter Bunny, face
heart - a history of commu- painting, a bouncy castle,
TRAMPOLINE CLUB nity where people, on the tombola, raffle and refreshments
offers 45 minute lessons whole, are hardworking, An event for the whole community
down-to-earth and con-
on Thursday 3.30pm - 6.30pm
cerned about others Playmates Toddler Group
at the Link Centre around them as well as the Easter Fair
Swindon, a community for residents, Saturday 8 April, 10am to 2pm
Any ability welcome newcomers and strangers town itself.
I'm not sure that is al- Fresh brook Community Centre
Maximum 5 children per lesson
Having registered with an ways so true of larger, more 'at- Face painting, tombola,
Ages: 5 to 18 years agency in Bath - plenty of culture', tractive' towns or cities with the lots of stalls, refreshments
nightlife etc. I thought- the only outward trappings of 'success'.
Instruction from qualified B.A.G.A Easter Egg Hunt
suitable jobs were in ... Swindon. Community became even more
Amateur Gymnastics The first of a series of events to
I joined an American company valuable than career to me when I
Association) club coach celebrate National Childbirth Trust
with a French subsidiary and that had to give up work through ill
To find out more call: was the start of an unexpected ca- health. 50th Anniversary.
reer path, which later diverged into I also came to appreciate the at- Hunt down the eggs on
Nikki on 01793 702885 Wednesday 12 April, 10am,
PR. It turned out to be both fulfill- tractions that Swindon does have -
01 07970 493077 in Town Gardens, Old Town.
ing and enjoyable, even glamor- the lovely parks, surrounding
countryside, lively church and Cost: £2 per family (includes egg).
community scene, and arts events. Details from 07005 801635
The Link magazine has helped me www.swindonnct.co.uk
l
Is there such a thing as a
stress free kids' party?
Children's parties are meant to be fun but they aren't always that way
for the parents. Organising food, games, party bags and cleaning up
ADVEtdTUP.E PLAY & PARTY CEpJ1P E
the debris can mean tears before bedtime and not just for the kids.
Candy Canes of
Children 0-12 years n/ill have full full fVn a+ Kidz AlCu -. Abbe Meads can
y
i2000 sa -Feet of soft play equiprner+ rising an amazing es save the day with
e't-ea high, including a 'i lane astraslide, a dropalide, and the their complete party
a erb +vui6fing Spiral 61ide There is a seperafe toddler area for organising service.
.
They'll do every-
the "wee ° OYle6 60 thaf They can play aafely f00.
thing - book the
Moo 10:30am- 1!:30a re and 1:3opm - 2:3opm venue, entertainer
' 774 Coiourmng Time' and bouncy castle,
Toes 10:301m t:301m and 1:30pm - 2:30pm
^ B3kir q Time prepare the food, fill
WEdS 10:30am- r p h TY1d I:30pm - 2:30pm
T a Surprise Time the party bags, set up
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Only £3.l perer Wt: Price includes squash and biscuit for the toddler. Term time only! games and, best of all,
clear it all up after-
wards.
Opening Times
9.3oam-6:00pm Sun-Thurs Mother of four
9:30am-6:30pm Fri-Sat Alison Carr and Sara
Cafe closes 30 mins be!ore main closing time ' Vanes, who has two Can do organisers, Sara Vanes and Alison Carr
children, provide an
Westlea individual service and work with that the whole family can enjoy the
Grange
tli+ C, Clear&ater EuSIne55 p-
any theme. "We'll deal with all the special day."
70015!i t 81Iy AOC.'i101" Butter) eIa ove Lid Eat hassle so that parents can enjoy The service doesn't stop at chil-
S
4mnhbrk Fraokiu!'id Mad Si odCr1 MS S'tz
being with their child," said Alison. dren's parties. Alison and Sara are
e m TUSfCffSVC+IbontheMy
"At the end of a party, parents happy to arrange any celebrations
KIbZ
9lagruve Estate ALOUD 01193 52 49 yb have the stress of cleaning up just from wedding anniversaries to hen
when the children just want to open nights.
By bus - catch the 54, 55 or 55A - operated by Stagecoach-
call 01793 521 415 and ask for customer services. their presents. We'll come in and To discuss how Alison and Sara
take care of the mundane bits so can help call 07946 727692