Page 11 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • June 2011 11
Hop Skip and Jump to open Swindon centre in former community hall

Although the recession has had a major dampening effect on raising the £1 million needed to open a purpose built support centre for families
who have children with special needs and their siblings in Lydiard Park, Hop Skip and Jump have taken over the unused Upper Shaw Farm
social hall, opposite Shaw Ridge Primary School, and aim to be open on 15 July.
The charity has been working months. Robert Buckland MP held Parents who would like to sign Swindon’s Famous Duck Race
closely with Swindon Council a House of Commons reception for up for short break sessions should organised by Rotary Club
which has made the land available potential donors, Swindon Town FC contact HSJ head offi ce on 01453 of Swindon Old Town
at Lydiard Park, but the prospect of made us their charity of the year last 836390 or mail: offi ce@hopskipand- Bank Holiday Monday 30 May,
opening in the foreseeable future season and lots of individuals and jump.org.uk 12noon to 4pm
was diminishing until West Swin- groups are supporting the charity Contact the above to become a Westcott Rec, Wootton Bassett Rd
don councillors Nick Martin and with smaller amounts.” volunteer and to offer to fundraise Lots of attractions from midday
Gary Perkins suggested the farm She said that the main hall and for Hop Skip and Jump. Fundraising split 50-50
which has been empty since 2010. garden at Upper Shaw Farm will be www.hopskipandjumpswindon.org.uk between Hop Skip and Jump
• Fire damaged the empty and and Rotary charities
derelict Windmill Hill school on 18 Ducks cost £1. First prize £1,000 and
May. See the story and pictures six prizes of £100 each. Duck race
at www.swindonlink.com starts at 3.30pm, followed by drake
race for local companies

Manor Garden Centre
Cheney Manor, Swindon
01793 526691
Open 7 days a week

New 2011
Collection
Bringing Upper Shaw Farm back into use, Hop Skip and Jump founding trustee Huge range
Rev Celia Carter holding the lease with fellow founding trustee Clarissa Mitchell,
Swindon president Carolyn Arkell, centre, and councillor Nick Martin Over 250 fabrics
Cane, Rattan
The farmhouse, which was con- used for group activities, the kitchen
verted and enlarged with modern will be useful for cookery courses Hardwood combinations
hall in 1984, closed after the new and there will also be a ground fl oor Free local delivery
Shaw Ridge Primary School opened art room. On the fi rst fl oor, thanks www.conservatorycentres.co.ukww.conservatorycentres.co.uk
w
with community rooms. Recession to Intel, the large meeting room will
had delayed development plans. become an internet cafe where par-
Hop Skip and Jump founding ents can work whilst their children
trustee Clarissa Mitchell said, are looked after by HSJ staff.
“fundraising for our Lydiard Park Carolyn Arkell, joint president of
centre has proved a tough challenge Hop Skip and Jump Swindon, said,
but it’s fantastic that the borough “it’s very exciting that we will soon
council has offered the farm so that be able to show what a valuable
families will be able to receive short service it provides to families.”
breaks as soon as possible, and we Offenders on community pay-
can show the benefi ts of the kind back supervised by Wiltshire Pro-
of specialist respite care we offer. bation Trust are currently clearing Rendezvous Special For Two
“We’ve had tremendous sup- vegetation, undertaking internal
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Lemon Chicken
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Shredded Chilli Beef
Satay Roast Pork
TEMPLATES
★★★
Egg Fried Rice, Prawn Crackers & Fortune Cookies
Mike Santoro and James Downie putting children through their paces
Westlea Primary School hosted three days of wheelchair skills training £18.88 (Menu Price £26.15)
with volunteers from Whizzkidz in March with 13 participants from across
Swindon from reception to Year 6. Tel: 01793 703388
Apart from going outside to try out different surfaces and learn about Unit 2 Elstree Way, Abbey Meads SN25 4YX DELIVERY OR TAKE AWAY
road safety from a wheelchair point of view, the youngsters worked in OPEN: Sun - Thur 4.45pm - 11.15pm; Fri & Sat 4.45pm - 11.45pm
teams to produce their own dance moves incorporating hand and body Last orders for delivery 15 minutes before closing time. Open Every Bank Holiday
and weaving patterns with their wheelchairs in the school hall.
Marla Carroll, head of Special Resources Provision at Westlea, said, Licenced to sell and deliver wine and beer
“Mike and James, the trainers, were fantastic with the children and really See our full menu at: www.rendezvous.uk.net
made the course a lot of fun. They’ll be talking about it for a long time.”

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