Page 14 - link magazine

14 swindonlink.com • July 2010
Sculpture to be centre of memorial garden
Link advertiser Jill Blackwood has responded to an appeal by Uplands Special Needs School in North Swindon for help to create a memorial
garden to remember the lives of four pupils who have died since January.
The school caters for 11 to 19 ebration assemblies attended by imaginewhatitcan
year olds with severe learning dif- parents and carers for each of the be turned into."
ficulties, profound and multiple pupils to remember their lives and Artist Gordon
learning difficulties and Autistic we've released balloons with mes- Dickinson of No
Spectrum Disorder. Many also have sages of love." Added Sugar, who
complex medical conditions. Staff wanted to do more to ran a recent com-
Headteacher Jackie Smith said, remember the pupils and have munity engage-
"staff and carers build very close decided to change an unused piece ment art project at
bonds with the pupils and the of land on our site into a sensory Uplands, will cre-
loss of four ranging from 12 to 17 memorial garden where students, ate a sculpture rep-
years of age has been absolutely staff and families can go to reflect resenting young
devastating. and think about lost friends. Staff people supporting
"Our thoughts have been with and pupils have already done some and caring for each
the families and we have had cel- clearing of the area so they could other.
Jackie said, "this
is a massive proj-
LLAD RUSH HA[]R ect; we estimate
£10,000 is needed
for hard landscap-
Latest styles, realistic prices, great service ing, paths to allow Looking forward to a makeover to create a memorial, from
wheelchair access, left, Steph Ray, Jackie Smith, Gordon Dickinson and Toni
Unisex • Cutting • Colouring - tints - foils • Perms
planting and ex- Robinson of No Added Sugar, Terry Anderson, Hamish
• Extensions • Bridal hair • Children's haircuts
tensive fencing Jhugroo, Summer Fitzgerald
Within a couple of hours of The
Tel: 602552 around the garden to create seclu- Link learning of the Uplands proj-
sion and security.
"We would welcome any offers of ect, award winning garden designer
• • 73 Basepoint, Rivermead,
a help from local business, individu- Jill Blackwood said she would be
° Westlea, West Swindon als and larger organisations. Dona- willing to work with Uplands to
Behind Spectrum Renault' building
windon Rivet^eaa tions will be gratefully received, as create a design that reflects the need
ill Way
Free parking • Open Tuesday to well as offers of labour or supplies. for a garden of contemplation and
Saturday Late night Wed & Thurs In particular we desperately need has started detailed discussions
• • • • " • Cash or cheque payments only a garden designer to help us bring with Mrs Smith and her team.
this dream to reality." • Jill Blackwood advert-seepage37
- • •
Local bank off to a flying start
CREDIT UNIONS IN NORTH & WEST SWINDON A new community banking scheme in West Swindon is being given
the thumbs up after just a few weeks of operation.
iii iii : 1
The Clivey Credit Union set up a teer foreightyears, added, "it's been
branch in Toothill Church in May, a dream in terms of recruiting new
operating at the same time as the volunteers. They're doing fantasti-
^pfN Monday morning community cafe, cally well. We have five,with only
r03 o ^°oom and has recruited its first thirteen two on the collections at a time.

a
members, including the Rev Anne We're still looking for more.
Carter, minister for Toothill Church. "Becoming a credit union saver
"It's a good scheme that supports means it's nice and easy to borrow
folk in difficult circumstances. But a small sum of money for a holiday
it also seems to offer a good return or the new school year. And if you
in the current economic situation," think you may struggle to repay
said Anne. you can talk to someone, a friendly
Anyone living north of the rail- face. There's nothing hidden, it's
way line can be a member and can just win, win."
take out low interest loans after Volunteer and member Kathy
saving for a minimum of 13 weeks. Clark said, "the reaction to the
Money deposited is secured by credit union has been very posi-
y
government regulations and sa - tive and we're signing up at least
three members a week. I volunteer
ers receive a dividend at the end
Ii i Loraine Clark, of West Swindon ment - and with the cafe at the same
- Lfijrt• of each year. because of the community involve-
Children's Centre, explained how
The Clivey came to be set up in the time, there's a great supportive
atmosphere. It's really good, people
area. "As an advice worker I knew always laughing and relaxed."
there was a need for a credit union Carmel Dennehy, also a volun-
1 1 ^^
because of people getting into debt. teer and member, said, "the credit
A credit union offers banking for union is accessible and I'm volun-
the community via the community. teering because I'm so pleased it's
People are beginning to save, and here. I was in accounts before my
people with debt are budgeting. The children arrived so this is giving me
more who bank here the more the return to work experience."
community benefit because more For more information on joining
www.swindoncreditunions.co.uk people can access loans." or becoming a volunteer, see the
Kate Rowe, credit union volun- advertisement on the left.