Page 46 - link magazine

46 The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com
A year in the life of a Link reporter
We don't do many by-lines, but behind most of the stories nowadays is Barbara Prothero who joined us as a freelance writer last November.
Here she looks back over the range of assignments we've asked her to cover.
Arriving in Swindon a month before the birth of my first baby in December 1995, The Link was a lifeline. I used it to find out about West Swindon
and the town in general, saw my children and friends in its pages and always kept back issues for reference. I imagine many people do this.
So, when I spotted an advert ; , — Once I start researching, I'm
last year for a journalist to join & s. always completely absorbed
the team, I thought it would be --'` r - and have far more to write than
the perfect job - and it is. After t space will allow. A real eye-
twelvemonthsatthemagazine, _# f opener this year has been get-
it still feels like I'm being paid r ting to know about local chari-
to do something that is also my / ties, most of which are run with
hobby. 1 tiny budgets and huge amounts
Whereelsecould you doyour ' of dedication. Writing about
research and have your legs ri . ^ their campaignshasbeenagreat
fake tanned, as I did when writ- privilege and I've become posi-
ing about a new salon? Who tively evangelical about groups
else goes to work and finds i like Swindon Carers, Tea Bag
themselves surrounded by `^ ` Crafts, Swindon Ocotal Link,
Egyptians in need of a scribe? "" " Asthma Relief and Lights for
How many kids get to go on an ;' '; " Learning.
assignment and learn African The greatthing about The Link
drumming while their mum is that people are glad to tell
interviews the teacher? you their story and, as a result,
In fact, my three childre , fascinating information
Barhern, right, getting the angle one the visit fu Abbey Meads Prirnnry Schoo!
couldn't be h ppier that I'm a emerges. No two days are the
in May by the Ancient Egyptian High Priest Nefa
the Link reporter. They've test- same and I can't think of an-
driven the Kids Aloud indoor play My first few years here centred However, some assignments other job where I'd get to meet a 90
park for me and been guinea pigs on mother and baby groups so I have taken me into unchartered year old guitarist, interview a Man-
at the Groundwell play area. As I have felt at ease covering anything territory. Over the past year, I've darin teacher, research a ghost-
prepare the listings pages, we've to do with breast-feeding or ba- had to learn about motorcycle rac- busting group and finish off by
been to the theatre more this year bies. Visits to local schools have ing and leathers, colonic cleans- learningabouteyelashextensions.
than in the past five and seen some also been in my comfort zone and ing, recycling and planning proce- Every day at work fills me with
excellent shows. This year's Sum- I find the children a joy to talk to. dures. I've got to grips with geo- enthusiasm for the place I live in.
mer Youth Production of Annie It's just a bit of a shock to realise caching, windmills and bed bugs There are so many good news sto-
was an inspiration, with everyone that I'm interviewing youngsters andstartedtohaveanunderstand- ries in Swindon and I'm proud to
now desperate for singing lessons. that I knew as toddlers. ing of how the council works. be part of telling them.

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