Page 23 - link magazine

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SWIndkr Wide
Launch into the summer at Swindon Libraries
The Space Hop is this year's Summer Reading Challenge TM and it is simple to do —just read six books during the summer through your local library.
Children are given a fold-out There will be a range of free comparisons show that children in
poster and a set of incentives events in the libraries across the England enjoy reading less than
to collect as they read, with a town including a chance to see their international peers and also
certificate and medal for those real moon rocks at West Swindon spend less time reading for fun.
that successfully complete the Library on 29th, 10.30am and The good news is that the Sum-
challenge. North Swindon Library at 2pm. mer Reading Challenge TM will help
Local children's author Neil In August children can puttheir improve their reading range, confi-
Griffiths will be launching the arty side to the test with some dence and enjoyment. Give your
event with a week of workshops lunar craft sessions - ask at your child a head start when they return
for schools plus an open day for local library for details. to school. The challenge runs until
everyone on Saturday 24 July at Librarians and volunteers Saturday 11 September.
North Swindon Library. will be on hand to act as astral
guides, and an interactive Space
Hop website at www.summerread- Mechanics t^(^
Escape to Neverland in
ingchallenge.org.uk links children Children's Fete 1
Swindon from 11 December with top authors and illustrators
to 9 January 2011 with Paul Saturday 17 July
whilst giving them room to talk about
Nicholas for a swashbuckling 12noon -10 m
their favourite books and share MECHANICS
spectacular at the Wyvern GWR Park, INSTITUTION
reading ideas.
Theatre. Enrolment starts from Saturday Faringdon Road `k . UST
Paul has had an equally 17 July and the Space Hop counts
spectacular career since down to lift off on Saturday 24 July. Grand opening & crowd photo: 1 pm
starring in the original cast of Research shows how central Children's Wonderland costumes
Hair in 1969. Rides and entertainments, sports
reading for pleasure is for children's
More recently he is best children's crafts, story reading
life chances.Yet recent international
known for his role as Vince
in the BAFTA award win-
ning BBC series, Just Good Win tickets to open-air theatre
Friends and more recently
as surgeon Mr Woods in Pack up a picnic for a great treat in a beautiful setting; there are two
ITV's The Royal Today and outdoor theatre shows on the lawn of Lydiard House in August.
for LWT's major drama Bust. And thanks to Lydiard Park we have family tickets for a new adaptation
Bookings are being taken of the classic children's `The Secret Garden' and also Shakespeare's best
now at www.wyvertheatre. loved comedy 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.
org.uk or call 524481. See the advert on page 2 and enter at www.swindonlink.com
Grass art offers free amazing time
Thanks to David Oborn youngsters, and adults, can pit their wits working
out how to escape from his maze in Old Shaw Lane.

Marshall Thompson discovers his way out of the Old Shaw Lane maze,
watched by mum Karen, right, and Pat Oborn
For the last five years he has "You often hear parents in the
mown letters and shapes into the morning telling children they can try
wide grass verge outside his bun- the maze in the afternoon because
galow. Last year David designed a they're late for school."
fiendish labyrinth based on a 4,000 David's wife Pat said she loves
old pattern. hearing comments over the garden
This summer he has created hedge."You hearthe children laugh-
a mind bending maze which has ing and having fun, the maze is a
become a local attraction. talking point and provides a lot of
"It intrigues people walking up fun for the community."
and down the lane," said David. David is a keen dowser and says
"Kids love it and there can be six the maze is mown on several lay
or seven trying to work out how to li nes and is influenced by energy
get out of the maze. They tell each fields which is probably why it has
off if there's any cheating going on. been received so positively.