Page 34 - link magazine

34 The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

SOKS starts in the West Pat reaches her century
Would your child benefit from a boost in their studies?
The new Support Our Kids Club at West Swindon Library on Thurs- Life hasn’t been easy for Pat Mills, but with a resilient spirit and a
day 4.30pm to 7pm is just the place where youngsters can research firm belief that there’s no such word as can’t, she has reached her
course work and do homework in a relaxed but purposeful environ- milestone 100th birthday.
ment with help from tutor Andy Hobson and library resources. It wasn’t until moving to Swin-
Children have to be over 7 years and be accompanied by a parent or don in her eighties that Pat had the
carer, but it’s a great way to take time out for your child or pursue your luxury of hot water and central
own interests. SOKS is entirely free. heating. Her previous home in
Richmond on Thames had only an
Swindon Library used World Book Day on 1 March to showcase the huge variety
of services it offers - from books, naturally, to internet training, community outside toilet and a cold tap which
information and researching your family tree. The Mayor and Mayoress Mike meant bathing in a tin bath in front
and Joyce Bawden met library staff and users including Tom and Jo Jewell-Bailey of the fire.
with Tommy and April Osborne with Harvey Slipper at West Swindon Library She came to Swindon in 1983 to
be close to daughter, Hilary Millett
who believes that Pat’s enjoyment
of the new found luxury at
Gainsborough Court in Freshbrook
has been a factor in her longevity.
Until recently Pat liked to gar-
den outside her flat. Now, with Cheers m’am. Pat with the Queen’s let-
ter of congratulations
her sight and hearing not what it
was, she regrets not being able to Hilary. The marriage was unhappy
read any more. However, she en- and Pat eventually fled with the
joys TV and the company of her girls.
pet budgie. During the war, they were
Pat is philosophical about her evacuated to Suffolk where they
hard life. Her mother died when lived in a farm cottage without
she was only three and she re- running water or electricity and
members her brother, Charles, tak- worked picking potatoes for 1d a
ing care of her. As he needed to go bucket.
DAN’S CYCLES
DAN’S CYCLES to school, Pat would go along with state support was demanding but
Bringing up a family with no
him and sit by the teacher during
his lessons. Pat always told them that nothing
116 Manchester Road
She was the only girl in a family is impossible. “Mother is very re-
Tel: 01793 423380 of 6 brothers and 6 step-brothers. silient and old school; she worked
At the beginning of World War I hard all her life to make sure we
Bikes from £39 upwards the family was broken up when could all get by,” said Hilary.
several of her older brothers joined She obviously passed on her
• Stockists of many top brands up. Some were killed and others work ethic as Hilary was awarded
returned severely injured or an MBE last year for services to the
• Two floors • In-house workshop
gassed. NHS at the Great Western Hospital.
• Wheel building • Fast turnaround on repairs At 14, Pat went into service, Pat said, “I’ve never known any-
• Mountain bikes • Kids bikes • BMX • Hybrids • Comfort working as a mother’s help. She thing but hard work and I really
• Road bikes • Jump bikes • Tagalongs • Trailers later worked in a laundry and then don’t feel 100. It’s been a hard life
a factory. She married and had but God’s been good to me and I’m
Open: Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm three daughters, Jackie, Valerie and grateful for his kindness.”

Ride and park at Taw Hill
SWINDON CYCLES Over half of the pupils at St Francis Primary School get there without
SWINDON CYCLES
Superstore been installed in the playground.
a car and because so many come by bike and scooter, more racks have
The school had to prepare a travel
plan to qualify for a government
grant which involved surveying chil-
With 250 bikes dren’s views on travelling to school.
Cycle safety was reinforced with
on show cycling proficiency training and
THE price is right walking was also encouraged with
a special walk to school week.
THE parking is free Headteacher Clive Westall is
The choice pleased that so many pupils get to
school under their own steam. He
is yours said they arrive energised and
ready to learn. “The area lends
Parts, itself to children walking and that
repairs, accessories, encourages a community feel as
back up stock people meet along the way. We’ll
get full use out of the bike racks Testing out the new racks, Mana Skin-
Open: Mon to Sat now that the weather is milder.” ner and Brendon Harris
9am to 5.30pm Cycling charity Sustrans wants Bike It schemes aim to give chil-
Closed Sundays
to create an environment where dren their independence and give
60a Beechcroft Road people can cut out short car jour- parents peace of mind. Details can
Tel: (01793) 700105 neys and walk or cycle instead. be found at:
Between Stratton Crossroads & Kingsdown
Their Safe Routes to Schools and www.saferoutestoschools.org.uk

21 April 07 34 15/3/07, 12:01 pm