Page 23 - link magazine

Swindon Wide 23

Documenting the Northern Development
A college course has prompted Leanne Sidney from Taw Hill to consider
the changes in housing built during the past ten years in North Swindon
and she has already amassed 1,400 images.
Throughout the Autumn
Leanne, right, was taking
pictures for an end of term
project for her foundation de-
gree in photography at New
College. She has had to distil
her research down to just 15
pictures.
Her project records the
change in house design from '
the more traditional look of
Abbey Meads to the variety
to be found at Priory Vale.
Leanne moved to Swindon
from Australia ten years ago
when North Swindon was
still green fields. She was
familiar with the area but looking people in the newer homes feel
at house types though her camera about living in such close proxim-
lens has been an eye opener. "We ity to one another. She suspects
drive past it but we don't really see they become more introverted.
it. When you get out and walk the Although she had plans to focus
streets, you might come upon an on portraiture when she began the
apartment building out of the blue. course in September, this topic
It can be difficult to see things from has captured her imagination. She
a car; the styles and density of de- thinks it may become an ongoing
velopment is hidden." project and is considering mount-
Leanne is interested to see how ing an exhibition in the spring.

Release your writing talent in 2008
For over a year writers from in and around Swindon have been gathering
at Lower Shaw Farm, once a month, at The Writers'Caf6 says co-organiser
and local writer Hilda Sheehan.
The group started with 5 writers The evening finishes with an
and now numbers over 20. The open reading session, a chance
best thing about this gathering is to listen to others and gain confi-
its diversity; many walks of life and dence in reading aloud and shar-
ages are represented, from writers ing writing.
in their 20s, 30s, 40s, right up to Lower Shaw Farm offers a
budding authors in their 80s. unique environment, large sofas,
It includes people completely a warm wood fire, plenty of nature
new to writing as well as more and the chance for a swing in the
established novelists, poets and hammock if seeking inspiration.
non-fiction writers. An e-mag, The Writer's Expres-
It is a fantastic night out, not so, a collection of work by local
just for writing: it includes food and people, is mailed out monthly. To
drink brought by the writers and receive a copy. or for details of the
shared by all. This creates a re- group, mail: swindonwriterscafe@
laxed and communal atmosphere; yahoo.co.uk
everyone feels at home and able The next get-together takes
to share their works, achieve- place on 31 January and newcom-
ments, and news. ers are very welcome.
Overcome fears of speaking up

For anyone who is ever called upon to say a few words or to make
longer speeches Swindon Speaker's club is the ideal place to gain
confidence.
Now in its 25th year, the club say what you mean can help in job
meets at Blunsdon House Hotel interviews, in the workplace or at
on the first and third Thursdays of social events.
the month at 7.30pm. Beginners The club's publicity officer, Ni-
are made very welcome and no- gel Besant, said Blunsdon House
body is called upon to speak until Hotel has the right ambience for
they feel ready. structured and formal speeches.
Members learn skills which will "It's a superb venue and is ideally
allow them to speak with confi- located for people from all over the
dence in any situation. This does town."
not always mean making speech- For details call Nigel on 729403
es or presentations; being able to www.swindonspeakers.co.uk