Page 12 - link magazine

12 swindonlink.com • May 2010

It’s the time to review council tax benefi ts Free advice service for town’s charities
Council tax bills have arrived in the post - and the Citizen’s Advice A new Swindon project has been launched to help the town’s charities
Bureau is offering some timely advice for those who are eligible to and community groups raise cash and recruit volunteers.
receive reductions in their payments. The lottery-funded Gateway community groups, such as good
The CAB is reminding those who get help paying their council tax to
check how much that benefi t will be during the next year - and keep the project offers a new team of spe- practice advice when dealing with
cialist advisers ready to help with volunteers, and funding advice.
council informed of any change in circumstances. matters ranging from fi nance and Also, voluntary groups needed help
Failure to inform Swindon Council means paying too much or too little
and perhaps having to repay money back in the future. fundraising to volunteer manage- in how to write volunteer roles,
ment.
and provide volunteer handbooks,
Key changes include: A collaboration between or- so this lottery-funded project now
• an increase in income - wages or pension, including changes in the ganisations including Voluntary addresses those needs.”
income of other people in the household;
Action Swindon, Volunteer Centre Contacts for Gateway are:
• a change in the benefi ts - if you’ve started or stopped receiving a benefi t; Swindon and Community First has
• a change in savings - up or down; led to the new service. Funding advice - Jane Butler: jane@
• a change in how many people live at home; It’s designed to offer free advice cibwilts.org.uk
If you are over 55 and have a query about benefi ts call the CAB over Running a group - John Phipps:
55s advice line on 491889, Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm. Anyone can and support to established and new [email protected]
charities or community groups.
ask about council tax by calling the council on 08458 500 962.
Louise Hallett, Gateway Project Youth activities - Simon Hughes:
volunteering advisor, explained, [email protected]
“there was a lack of support and Volunteering - Louise Hallett: lou@
Does your existing agent have a information for voluntary and swindonvolunteers.org.uk
Landlords!! laid back attitude? Why not try us?
We are an independent family owned and run
estate agency offering over 40 years of combined Musical event to fund new medical equipment
property experience in Wootton Bassett, Purton,
Lyneham, Swindon and surrounding villages. Staff at the North Swindon medical practice have organised a musical
evening to raise funds to update specialist medical equipment.
• Only 10% pcm for our Full Property Management
service. Highlights of the event will include performances by The Kentwood
• Competitive one off fee for our Introduction Only Show Choir with musical director Sheila Harrod, featuring lyric tenor
service. Dr Mario Sofroniou. Both have donated their talents to help with the
• Further discounts on multiple properties & fundraising effort. There will also be a raffl e with prizes donated by
recommendations. local businesses.
• Advertising through the web & local publications The event takes place at the Haydon Centre, Thames Avenue on
• No costs until a tenant has been housed Saturday 15 May, 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Home Ground
• 7 days a week viewings Surgery reception.
01793 855222
www.alanhawkins.co.uk
Moonwalk transport offer
Swindon Twin Peaks Walking Group is organising coach transport
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST PRICES IN 2010 from Swindon to Hyde Park, for the Playtex London Moonwalk, on
Saturday 15 May, returning the next day.
Anyone participating as a walker, marshal or supporter is offered a
place. For details of cost mail: [email protected] as soon
as possible.
Walking the Ridgeway

Rotary Club of Swindon Thamesdown provides the opportunity for
organisations to raise money on The Walkley Midnight Walk, a 20 mile
night hike along the Ridgeway, without any kind of entry fee.
See the carpet or fl oor The event starts at 11pm on 12 June at the Red Lion Pub in Avebury
covering of your choice, after a courtesy coach transfer from the fi nish point at Bishopstone vil-
where it will be enjoyed, next lage hall at 9.30pm, where cars can be parked free of charge overnight.
Early on Sunday morning The Royal Oak in Bishopstone will serve
to your other furnishings. a hearty breakfast to tired walkers at only £5.
Home Choose Carpets - the Since Walkley Midnight Walks started over twenty years ago,
family run business with over £180,000 has been raised for local, national and international charities.
30 year’s experience of serving Route marshalls, fi rst aiders and free snacks with hot and cold
customers in the Swindon area. drinks are provided. Register your group at www.rotaryclubofswin-
Free estimates. Luxury underlay, donthamesdown.org.uk or contact Bob Barrett: [email protected]
or 07833 972281.
all accessories and installation
included in the price! Women’s walk for Prospect
No hidden extras; no
obligation - just great service Prospect Hospice is looking for women to sign up
for its fl agship fundraising event, the third Starlight
Appointments to suit you: Walk around Swindon, on 26 June.
day, evening or weekend Last year over 600 Starlight Walkers raised
£65,000 for Prospect, many women taking part in
Call Trevor Salter on memory of loved ones.
01793 812995 This year - Prospect’s thirtieth - organisers are hoping over 1,000
or 07860 882588 walkers will take part in either 10k or 15k distances.
or email: It’s been described as a mixture of a girls’ night out, a physical chal-
[email protected] lenge and, for some, a time for refl ection. But Prospect is also keen
for men to support the event as volunteer marshals along the route.
www.carpetsswindon.co.uk Register at www.prospect-hospice.net/starlight or call 815142.

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