Page 6 - link magazine

6 swindonlink.com • April 2008

Arts & Heritage job cuts. Cost Lanterns light up North Swindon
effective culture to be offered
- continued from page 3 Over 100 children accompanied by adults launched what could become an annual event to bring the com-
munity together on 19 March.
chairman of Friends of Lydiard As the sun set the crowds were very exciting.”
Park, said he is alarmed by the waved off from North Swindon Drama prac-
council’s plan to cut the position Library by the Mayor and Mayor- titioner Rebecca
of keeper of the house and overall ess of Swindon to weave a glowing Lloyd, who or-
park manager. “We have heard of path along footpaths to Isambard ganised the event
this staff restructuring and I am very Community School on the first-ever for Flux arts proj-
concerned that this was not brought parade, carrying lanterns and wav- ect, said, “it was
to the Lydiard Project Board for dis- ing banners. a very simple,
cussion; it devalues the contribution Mum Yvonne Tylee said her beautiful event
of the board to the redevelopment children had been excited about to bring people
of Lydiard Park. the expedition. “It’s a colourful out- together. Mums
“The trustees of Friends of Lyd- ing; the children were given lovely new to the area
iard Park have felt bound to make lanterns to carry. We all hope it will have met others
representation to the Heritage Lot- be first of many parades.” who are estab-
tery Fund as the council’s proposal Cakes and drinks were ready for lished here, and
seems to run contrary to the agree- the walker’s arrival at Isambard and children have also
ment upon which the lottery grant Mr Music Man, Martin Maudsley, formed friendships. It’s been really
was given, to have an experienced provided entertainment. powerful.”
manager on site. Tia Greenridge said, “me and my See more photos of the lantern
“By common consent Lydiard friend Tyra loved taking part; it was
Park is one of the jewels in Swin- festival at: www.swindonlink.com
don’s crown. It can only remain so Above, Amber Taylor with friends Eliza-
with the intensive and passionate beth, Elouise and Victoria Tylee getting
management that takes into account ready for the parade. Left, Tia Greenridge
both the delicate fabric of Lydiard and Tyra Penney helping to distribute
House and the needs of the visiting lanterns. Right, masked walkers on their
public to the park.” way through North Swindon Centre
Mr Cotton’s plan is out for
consultation amongst the staff Big turn-on planned for 2 May
directly involved and also the arts
and heritage teams. Depending on Swindon’s BBC big screen in Havelock Square
the response to the rationalisation will be officially switched on Friday 2 May, 5pm,
proposal, he hopes to make an an- live on local TV and radio.
nouncement on the way forward There will be fun, entertainment and demonstra-
by the end of April. tions all afternoon. Put the event in the diary.

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