Page 34 - link magazine

Nutmeg provides new eyes for Alan Fletcher Sewage concerns back up in Taw Hill
The chairman of Swindon Guide missed by other people too.” Residents of Taw Hill believe that Thames Water’s sub-contractors Opti-
Dogs for the Blind Alan Fletcher has Alan has been working hard to pro- mise are overstepping the mark when it comes to plans for two new sewage
got his left arm back thanks to his mote his 4Joy Appeal launched in June storage tanks costing £5 million, that are proposed for the area.
new guide dog Nutmeg who arrived to raise £20,000 to train 4Pups4Joy.
at the end of October. Half the amount has been raised which
His much loved guide dog Joy died will enable training for two pups - Joy
very suddenly in May. Alan said: “It was and Fletcher.
devasting. I lost a good friend who Alan said: “I would like to thank
provided me with mobility, freedom, everyone who has supported the
independence and confidence. appeal and organised fundraisers
“It’s all come back with Nutmeg, it’s such as SponsoredSwim4Joy, and a
been like getting my life back. I would FunQuizNight4Joy, and to the many
like to thank everyone who sent mes- who have made donations.” David Parkinson, Andy Hargreaves, Brian McLean, John Bellamy, Nick Gratton,
sages after Joy was put to sleep. It was See www.4Joy.co.uk for details Linda Hayes on the Thames Water southern site in June. Photo: Richard Wintle
a great boost knowing that she was of how to help and donate or mail: The two underground tanks at Thamesdown Down, would be a
[email protected] either end of Queen Elizabeth Drive better place to put them.
Janet’s Facebook: Guide Dogs Swindon are intended to provide overflow Refuting Optimise’s claims that the
Puppy capacity and protect homes from power lines at Mouldon Hill prevent
sewage backing up during times of construction Brian said: “The power
Skool heavy rainfall. lines are the standard legal height
However, Taw Hill residents David for construction, and the industrial
Have fun teaching your dog
good manners and behaviour Parkinson and Brian McClean believe nature of the tanks and peripheral
at one of our friendly classes that not enough has been done to installations would not look strange
3 Playskool class for puppies identify alternative sites for the tanks, next to the new heritage railway line.”
3 Adult beginners/improvers and are dissatisfied with the ‘fait ac- Unfortunately Brian and David
3 Senior Skool/advanced classes
3 One to one advice & training compli’ attitude that is apparent in also perceive that there is a breakdown
3 Fun agility workshops the later proposals from Optimise. in communication regarding the fate
www.janetspuppyskool.co.uk Brian said: “It looks like Thames of the power lines crossing Mouldon
APDT Member (01066) Water’s sub-contractors Optimise are Hill park. Explaining their position
Janet Garrett DipCABT (QCF-Level 4) trying to avoid planning permission David said: “We are under the im-
Tel: 01793 727158 requirements by removing all above pression that Justin Tomlinson MP
[email protected] ground infrastructure from their expects the power lines to be buried to
plan. It means the originally proposed make the open space usable as a sport
Thameswood Vets lay-by and lighting tower have been field. Scottish and Southern Energy
eliminated, while the vent pipe is now deny all knowledge of this.
Making Life Better planned to be at ground level instead.” “It all feels like a lot of smoke and
The residents are concerned that mirrors. There is a perfectly adequate
the siting of the tanks within a few alternative, but the residents of Taw
yards of homes is totally unsuitable, Hill could be the victims because
and advocate that Mouldon Hill Thames Water don’t require permis-
Country Park, on the west side of sion.”
More Monopoly games to win
Wishing all There was a huge response to

our clients the competition to win a copy
of Monopoly: Swindon Edition
a very Merry Christmas in the November Link.
The winners are: Dawn Hutch-
ins, Toothill; Stephen Cove, Fresh-
brook; Sam Wright, Westlea,
We look forward to Anna-Marie Adams, Woodhall
an exciting new year Park; Angela Loso, Station Road;
Dominic Jimenez, West Swindon,
welcoming you at our Wayne Jones, Park North; Sue
NEW clinic in Jones, Nine Elms.
We have 10 more games worth
Royal Wootton Bassett £24.99 each to give away - thanks
to Winning Moves. All those who
have already sent entries qualify
Open: 62-64 Purton Road for the second draw.
Monday to Friday Swindon SN2 2LZ
9am-6.30pm If you missed the competition
Saturday (end of Akers Way) and want to be included, just Technical problems last month made
9am-12noon Tel: 01793 526780 mail your name, address and tel. entering via mobiles difficult. Please
to: [email protected] use the Linkz App and scan again
www.thameswoodvets.co.uk The closing date by email or via the Linkz App is 10 December

34 swindonlink.com • December 2013

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