Page 42 - link magazine

42 swindonlink.com • February 2008
New lease of life for Toothill Farmhouse

In late 2005 the volunteer run Toothill Junior Youth Club were told by offi cers from Swindon Council that they could only use Toothill Farm
social hall for another four months. Now, after a lively campaign, the club has not only saved the social hall, but they have taken over the
adjacent farmhouse as a club base.
At an unveiling of the new facili- After a vigorous campaign by
ties in January, club treasurer Mavis Mavis and her volunteer committee,
Reed thanked local councillors for publicised by The Link, the council
their hard work to ensure commu- transferred the farmhouse from the
nity use of the farm, as it has been housing department to the youth
since development started in West service and after structural repairs,
Swindon. offenders worked 2,700 unpaid
The site is designated for housing hours to redecorate the building
in the Swindon local plan - if there and tidy up the garden.
is no longer a social need. “We’re so pleased the council
has invested in the young people
The Highlander competition in the of Toothill,” said Mavis. “We’ve
January Link was won by Pauline had harsh words for our councillors
Gane from Haydon Wick and fallen out from time to time, but
they have delivered a facility where
SELL YOUR HOME FAST young people can use their time Deputy Mayor Steve Wakefi eld with Toothill Junior Club members, and at the back,
positively and productively.”
OR SIMPLY SELL & RENT BACK ! Youngsters have a meeting space, Mavis Reed with councillors Nick and Mary Martin
Mavis Reed with councillors Nick and Mary Martin
pool table, table tennis and craft
1 No costly estate agent fees to pay! Lantern procession to light up the North
2 ALL Your legal fees paid by us room available to them.
3 Sell your Home & Rent it back Toothill councillor Steve Wake- Every tradition has to start somewhere and North Swindon arts
4 Completion date to suit you! fi eld said, “I was up in arms when I involvement project Flux is inviting young people to join in their
5 No timewasting viewings heard the farm was threatened; I’m
6 No chain collapse - we always very pleased to see it being put to plans for a lantern lit parade through the area in March.
complete! good use. The volunteers are really The hope is that the procession will become an annual event.
7 Rescue a broken chain or debt / Young people will process with lanterns they have made on a route
repossession committed, but it’s heartbreaking they will devise themselves.
We are local Property Traders there are teenagers in the area in- Youngsters are invited to drop-in sessions at the Underground
tent on destroying things in their
FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION community.” Youth Centre on Tuesdays from 4pm to 6pm where they will be able
VALUATION, PLEASE CALL to create lanterns or become involved in planning the parade.
CCTV at the farm in early January
PROPERTY SOLUTIONS recorded clear pictures of a youth in Saturday drop-in workshops to make willow lanterns are also
ON 07745 91 91 98 damaging the farmhouse. The po- planned. Details can be found at www.fl uxswindon.co.uk or call Ella
www.propertysolutions.moonfruit.com lice and council are investigating. Bissett-Johnson on 07824 550466.

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