Page 3 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • December 2011 3
Pen2Paper A great competition for Swindon children

to show off traditional skills supported by

Strictly Come Dancing star Anton precision instruments for the neat- other editing features tend to make
Du Beke, pictured, wants children est, most attractive writing. the very best of us lazy. When the
to keep the art of handwriting alive. Swindon Link publisher Roger time comes to complete job applica-
Earlier this year the super smooth Ogle said: “To write clearly and tion forms or give careful consider-
TV personality became the face present what you want to say in ation to a personalised handwritten
of a magical writing competition an attractive way with a pen or letter, we struggle.
launched by pen company uni-ball to pencil requires thought, discipline “Indeed our world of cyber-space
get children to evoke their imagina- and practice. We hope this old and ‘text-speak’ is not helping
tion and develop their original digital fashioned competition will capture prepare our children of today for
skills using pen and paper. the imagination of children and they tomorrow’s world of business.
“I want kids to ditch their computer will receive encouragement from “So this competition is a super
consoles and television sets,” com- parents and teachers to take part.” chance to concentrate on handwrit-
mented Anton. “The art of handwrit- Christine Pratt from Abbey ing skills.”
ing is so important. It brings many Meads, who suggested the com-
benefi ts to youngsters and when petition after she saw the Anton
linked to reading can reinforce Du Beke story at swindonlink.com, CYCLE REPAIRS
achievement.” said: “Far too many children, who FREE collection
uni-ball marketing manager Stu- may be quick-fi ngered when texting & delivery from
art Baker added: “Writing is a vital tion for Swindon children in three on their phone or using a computer
skill for life and builds character.” categories: under 8s, under 12s keyboard, have limited natural hand- home or work
Now, thanks to support from uni- and under 18. writing and spelling skills. Servicing & repairs
ball, The Link is running a competi- You can win a range of uni-ball “Computers with spell-check and Over 25 yrs New cycles
experience
How to enter Pen2Paper Parts & accessories
Entries should be on a single A4 page. What you write your own artistic design. SAFETY ALERT
is up to you, for example, a piece of copied out writing, The closing date is Monday 9 January so that chil- Bikes bought on the internet
a short original story, or the alphabet written in capitals dren can spend some of the Christmas holidays on or mail order must be serviced
and lower case lettering. their entries which should be sent to Swindon Link, before being ridden. CALL NOW
The judges are defi nitely not looking for quantity. 71 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, Swindon SN5 7EX. FOR FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE
They want to see neatness, clear formation of letters Find full details and the list of prizes sponsored by
and consistency of layout. uni-ball at www.swindonlink.com Phil Mitchell: 874873 day or eve.
The size of each letter is up to you so you can include Call 608840 to have a poster with details sent to you. or 07850 650956 (mobile)

Link idea to be turned into reality MERRY CHRISTMAS
on town centre offi ce block & A HAPPY NEW YEAR

In a kick start to the regeneration of the town centre a road and rounda- TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS
bouts are to be painted on the side of Alexander House facing Fleet
Street and two fi breglass Minis on loan from BMW will be attached
to it, one driving up, the other parked on the top.
The idea for deco-
rating the building
was suggested as a
bit of fun in the July
2010 Swindon Link
magazine when we
promoted it as an ide-
al urban art canvas.
Far from being of-
fended Lenta Busi-
ness Centres saw an
opportunity to bright-
en up the town centre.
They sponsored a
competition for de-
signs on the building
and funded a technical feasibility witty statement, in keeping with the
of turning creative inspiration into amazing murals that Swindon was
reality, with support from town cen- famous for in the 1970s and 80s.”
tre regeneration company, Forward Robert Levey, managing director 20% OFF LOYALTY CARD
Swindon. of Lenta, added: “We were taken by LOYALTY VALID TO
Swindon Council’s planning the idea of creating a talking point CARD APRIL 2013
committee also supported the around Alexander House. We were
proposal to mount the minis which committed from the start to make
should be in position by next Easter. the project a reality and we’d like to CHRISTMAS HOURS: CLOSED 25th to 28th DECEMBER
Link publisher Roger Ogle said thank Forward Swindon and BMW RE-OPEN ON 29th DECEMBER AS NORMAL
he’s delighted that the project is for their backing.”
going ahead. “The minis driving See other designs at www.swin- www.hk97swindon.com
to the top of Alexander House is a donlink.com

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