Page 23 - link magazine

Swindon Wide 23

Fifteen years and counting...
Martha Parry of the New Mechanics’ Trust says FANTASTIC
the battle to save the derelict Grade 3* listed building CHINESE
in the town centre continues, and there is progress
The Swindon Advertiser recently reported 54 per cent of respondents to CUISINE AT
a survey believed nothing will happen about the Mechanics’ Institution
building in 2010 - but they may be surprised. TWO GREAT
VENUES

A LA CARTE

and our famous
ALL YOU CAN
EAT MENU

Choose from over 100 dishes
From Sunday to Thursday:
£16 per person
Fridays & Saturdays:
£19 per person
25% off menu prices on all
Patch up work on the Mechanics’ being carried out
by Forefront Estates in early 2009 takeaways STILL AVAILABLE
People generally expect the future to commence the repairs, the coun-
to be pretty much the same as the cil warned it could step in and have
past, but then they can get a shock. the work done by contractors and BRAND NEW MENU
Change can come quickly and forward the bill. The £250,000 or so FOR 2010
without warning as earthquakes and involved should put the cat among
market-quakes remind us regularly. the pigeons, which have had the run EARLY BIRD OFFER
With the Mechanics’ issue, there of the place for too long.
is slow progressive movement every The importance to the national ONLY £12.50 PER PERSON
six months or a year or so. Near the and international heritage of Swin-
end of 2009, a turning point was don’s GWR Mechanics’ Institution at both restaurants Sunday to Friday
achieved that could and should have has been increasingly recognised ONLY AVAILABLE IF ORDERED BEFORE 7pm
happened 15 years ago when New due to the trust’s efforts since 1995.
Mechanics’ Trust was established A recent international conference in ALL YOU CAN EAT MENU
to return the building to its original Bath discussed our institution and
community use. proposals for its future. OVER 100 DISHES - MANY NEW ONES
Or it could have happened 7 years But it is the potential for Swin-
ago, just before Forefront Estates don’s future that really energises
bought the premises for £500,000. us now. The trust hopes eventually
At least it has happened now. to acquire the building, and use
An Urgent Works Notice was it to bring the people of Swindon
served by Swindon Council upon the together again, as a community ac-
owner requiring immediate repairs tive in creating their own future and
to prevent further deterioration. This sharing their knowledge, skills and AVAILABLE AT BOTH RESTAURANTS
was driven forward by a planning enthusiasm for the common good. (Also available at Lunchtime)
inspector who agreed with the New www.new-mechanics.com All offers shown above are subject to change without notice
Mechanics’ Trust that the council’s
policy did not suffi ciently refl ect
long-standing national guidance Radio spot offered to SUNDAY LUNCH LADIES’
about such historically important young songwriters NIGHTS OFFER
buildings. £12.50 SWINDON RENDEZVOUS
ON MONDAYS ONLY
The report by consultants out- Swindon Council’s Music Service, LADIES EAT FOR
lining the required repairs noted is looking for budding songwriters. ALL YOU CAN EAT ONLY £12.50
‘extensive signs of continuing and A competition gives 13 to 19 ONLY AT LE RENDEZVOUS
potentially accelerating decay’ since year olds the chance to submit ON TUESDAYS
their earlier inspection in 2002.’ a song with their own lyrics, and LE RENDEZVOUS ONLY
Thank goodness for solid Victo- written in their style. Group entries
rian engineering, for happily they can also be submitted. RESERVE A TABLE FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY
also found ‘the fabric of the building Under 12s can enter by putting AND EAT FOR FREE
is robust and in good condition with their own lyrics to either Blondie’s If a table is booked for 6 or more the birthday boy or girl eats for free
no obvious structural problems with The Tide is High or Mark Mor- (For example 5 pay and 1 eats for free. Birthday must be on actual day booked.
the masonry...The timber is in poor rison’s Return of the Mack. (Only valid on all you can eat or any set dinner. I.D. WILL BE REQUIRED)
condition where water ingress has The closing date is 13 Febru-
occurred, but otherwise appears ary and winning entries will be SWINDON RENDEZVOUS 11-12a Theatre Square, Swindon
Telephone: 01793 523570 www.swindonrendezvous.co.uk
to be sound...Steel appears to be recorded for Swindon 105.5 radio. ___________________________________________________________________
robustly designed and where visible Download an entry form from LE RENDEZVOUS 36-39 Haydon St, Swindon. Telephone: 01793 526111
appears to be in good condition.’ www.swindonmusicservice.org www.lerendezvousswindon.co.uk CLOSED ON MONDAY
Private free parking after 5pm (George Whites yard opposite)
When the owner proved reluctant or call 487802

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