Page 3 - link magazine

End of an era, MEADOWPARK

but the future looks great School and
Nursery
Roger and Ruth Ogle are delighted that James Phipps has bought The Link magazine and swindonlink. Visitors warmly welcomed
com and there are impressive plans to make an even greater impact on the Swindon media landscape.
From humble beginnings at the end care for young people from the town. munication, helping people improve OPEN DAYS
of 1978, when the first 500 copies of He has a passion for sport and the areas they live in by connecting Friday 10 October
The Link were published, nowadays Excalibur’s name features on shirts them with each other around issues, 9am-3pm
25,000 magazines are distributed worn by Swindon Town FC and causes and campaigns - as well as cel- Saturday 11 October
monthly to homes in North and West Supermarine FC. He also sponsors ebrating their commitment. It’s been 9.30am-1pm
Swindon, with 2,000 left in public Swindon Wildcats ice hockey and wonderful to receive great feedback
places around the town. Swindon Robins speedway. over so many years, and I’m glad to be Inspirational
The Link continues to be entirely Explaining why he is investing in involved for a while longer.” Education
funded from advertising so that every the business, he said: “As someone liv- Childcare
house in the target distribution area ing locally who has received Swindon with Love
can receive it free of charge. Link and used the website, I know CYCLE REPAIRS Nursery 0-4 years
Roger said: “I came to Swindon what an important part it has played for Boys and Girls 0-11 yrs
nearly 35 years ago and have been in the Swindon community for the FREE “Pupils make
involved in community communica- last few decades. outstanding
tion ever since. Whilst the internet is “On paper and online the Swindon collection & progress
delivery from ... owing to
home or work outstanding
teaching.”
The BIKE DOCTOR Outstanding

Over 35 years experience in EVERY
Servicing and repairs category!
We also sell parts & accessories
www.bikedoctorswindon.co.uk 01793 752600
For fast, friendly service, call
Phil Mitchell: 874873 day or evening meadowparkschool.co.uk
or 07850 650956 (mobile)

HK’97
Phipps, Ruth Ogle, Anita Jaynes, Roger Ogle. Photo: Richard Wintle Calyxpix.com HK’97

Celebrating with cupcakes, from left, Sue Roberts, sales administrator, James
now a major force, there’s no doubt Link brand is highly regarded and an
reading about what’s going on via a excellent media platform to grow. The Quality Chinese
trusted paper publication has con- Roger and Ruth were looking for an
siderable impact. exit strategy and I’m glad they will
“But you can’t go on forever and be staying to ensure continuity and Takeaway in Swindon
we were looking for the right person to contribute to the expansion of
who saw the potential of the magazine the business.”
as well as the website which we’ve Anita Jaynes has joined the team
developed since 1997. as group editor and business develop- Eat Fresh
“James certainly does and we’re ment manager to oversee the evolu-
really pleased he is taking both sides tion of the publication.
of the business forward in ways which But keep visiting swindonlink.com Pay Less
will be good for Swindon.” which is being relaunched later in
James, who is chief executive of September with a major sports com-
Excalibur Communications and IT ponent. Very quickly it will become
for Business , has also become involved the go-to place for everything to do Everyday
in The Business Exchange Swindon with sport in the town.
& Wiltshire and totalswindon.com Roger added: “What James is
over the last three years. bringing to Swindon is incredibly
As a Swindon born and bred lad, he exciting. I’m surprised The Link has www.hk97.co.uk
is very much committed to the com- survived so long as a free publication.
munity. Excalibur is a lead sponsor of It’s down to the support of our adver-
the BIOS mobile youth club initiative tisers over the years and of course you
and is currently raising £50,000 for the readers for using their services. 886871
the cancer ward for teenagers at RUH “It’s been huge fun building a
Bath which will provide specialist business based on community com-
swindonlink.com • September 2014 3

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