Page 21 - link magazine

21

By Sue

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The grass isn’t always greener elsewhere HOME VISITS AVAILABLE
says returning ex-pat

Thousands of Britons head off to live overseas each year, and New Zealand has some of the greenest pastures
on the planet, beautiful landscapes, an easy going way of life, bungy jumping and intriguing history.
But, after 20 years in to Swindon with them and Lydiard
New Zealand, Glenys Hales Park has become a favourite place SANTA SPECIALS
couldn’t be more delighted to for walks.
settle in Swindon. Surprisingly, she says that it is Saturday 24 November
When she fi rst set eyes easier to access the countryside in Sunday 25 November
on Toothill - a place she had England than it is in New Zealand, Saturday 1 December
Sunday 2 December
only ever seen on a computer where most of the land is privately Blunsdon
screen - Glenys was thrilled owned. Station
to see how pretty and fi lled Having moved to Priory Vale, Tadpole Lane
with trees the area is. She had Glenys has a soft spot for Toothill Tel: 771615
used the internet to search for and is thinking of moving back Trains: 11am-4pm
a home within reach of Lon- because the shops, amenities and Cafe, shop and
don, where she grew up, and transport links to the town centre are free parking
found that houses in Swindon so good. “I know it has a reputation Licenced to carry out weddings
were the most affordable but it shouldn’t have. Toothill has a and naming ceremonies
Friends helped her and lot going for it.” www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org
daughter Tami, 20, rent a
house in Toothill when they
first arrived before they
bought a home in Haydon
End in North Swindon. Glenys and Tami with their immigrant pets,
The Link has played an im- fox terrier Jess and New Zealand Hunter-
portant role in helping Glenys way Kip
and Tami fi nd their feet. “The Wick’s Bluebell Wood and will be
magazine is just fantastic; I’ve never visiting the Peatmoor Community
seen anything like it. It really helped Woodland Group.
open us up to what was going on. I The listings pages are also re-
don’t know anybody here, so I have quired reading for Glenys, who is
to get out and do things.” enthusiastic about the live music
Articles in the magazine have scene here, and full of praise for the
prompted her to volunteer to work varied programme at the Wyvern
with the Youth Service, start knit- theatre.
ting tiny hats for the Age Concern/ “I cannot understand anyone
Innocent fundraising campaign and moaning about Swindon. When you
take part in a charity car rally. In live in a place that has everything,
November she is going to join the perhaps you don’t appreciate it.”
new conservation group at Haydon The family’s two dogs also moved

Movie buffs will have to wait to ‘08
for next fi lm fest
November’s Swindon Film Festival has been cancelled but two events
planned for the opening weekend will go ahead as part of the Swindon
Imaging Festival.
Revel in the re-mastered version of The Wizard of Oz on 18
November,10.30am at the Wyvern Theatre. The original technicolour
print has been restored so that the colour bursts from the screen.
Matthey Older, of award-winning electronic music pioneers I Am The
Mighty Jungulator, will present a brand new piece of work, created by
people of Swindon and a Jungulator. His unique audio visual experi-
ence is a sensory treat, blending electronic textures and a tapestry of
visuals. This can be seen on 17 November, 8pm at the Wyvern.
Call the Wyvern on 524481 for tickets. Festival organiser Peter Snow-
man hopes that it will be possible to put it on in 2008.

21-52 Nov 07.indd 21 19/10/07 10:48:55