Page 46 - link magazine

The photograph from the Link ar-
chives taken in April 1985 features 30 years since bulb inspiration bloomed
the imaginative display of daffodils
planned and planted in the early
1980s by Thamesdown Council’s
parks department on the embank-
ment between Toothill and Great
Western Way.
It was designed to surprise and
entertain passengers on trains The display facing the sun in front of the houses on Bodiam Drive and Toothill Farmhouse, now hidden
passing along the London to Bristol from view by the trees that have grown over the last three decades. The daffodils are still there,
railway line. flowering sparsely because of the lack of light and warmth
Sadly Spring is Sprung can no
longer be seen as hedges mask the Celebrate Spring at TWIGS
display from railway line and trees
have been allowed to grow on the TWIGS Community Gardens holds its Spring open day items to enhance it.
embankment which obscures the on Sunday 12 April, 11am to 4pm. During the week the garden next to Manor Garden
view from the road. Visit the colourful community gardens in their Centre, SN2 2QJ, is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and
springtime glory, buy beautiful plants, willow supports, Fridays (except Bank Holidays), 10.30am to 3.30pm.
planters and bird boxes, and enjoy soup and homemade Entry is £2 for adults, £1.50 for concessions, and free
cake whilst being entertained by Music Alive. for children.
TWIGS are managed as a resource to give people Refreshments are available in the Olive Tree Cafe,
who experience mental health problems the chance to within the garden centre, run in partnership with
regain confidence, self-esteem and to learn new skills. TWIGS.
The nursery provides plenty of different ideas to take www.twigscommunitygardens.org.uk
home to your own garden, along with plants and craft www.theolivetreecafe.org.uk

• All Traditonal Fencing Help make Shaw Gardeners wanted
• Decking •Gates •Sheds a better place Gardens are waking up from have to be of show standard.
• Pergolas & Planters the winter and it’s time to Visitors comment the
• Timber supplies A recent Parliamentary committee consider entering the variety of gardens and
• Insurance Repairs report says that litter is turning annual West Swindon Is there interest the enthusiasm of the
England into a rubbish tip with a for a flower arranging
Call today for a free quote huge increase in fly-tipping. Open Gardens on Sat- group in Toothill? gardeners are what
01793 850457 or 07809075792 However Shaw Residents’ As- urday 20 and Sunday Call Audrey Donaldson really matters.
www.lindenfencing.co.uk sociation are trying to hold back the 21 June. to discuss the idea on Macmillan Cancer
flood in their part of West Swindon Most of the gardens 07964 886160 Support and Smash
by holding litter clearance days. which have opened in Swindon Youth Mentoring
Association chair Kevin Fisher past years are in the Shaw will benefit from ticket entry
said: “Shaw is a pleasant area and and Nine Elms area, but organis- fees and donations, so if you’re will-
we’re trying to keep it that way. But ers are keen to attract interest ing to show off your talents, mail
we need more volunteers to help from further afield. Gardens don’t Kevin Fisher: [email protected]
with garden maintenance and litter
clearance efforts in and around the Keeley has her hair chopped for cancer charity
Shaw Village centre.”
The next tidy up days are set for Six year old Keeley Corcoran from
25 April, 23 May, 4 July, Redhouse has raised £900 for the
19 September and 7 November. Little Princess Trust by having her
Gather in front of the Village Inn blonde tresses cut off.
Pub at 10.30am. Litter pickers are The Bridlewood Primary School
provided, but bring appropriate pupil donated eight and a half
tools to help with gardening. inches to the charity which provides
See details at free real hair wigs for children
www.shawresidents.org.uk across the UK and Ireland who
have lost their hair due to illness or
cancer treatment.
“I’m so very proud of her for
raising so much money whilst doing
something so selfless,” said mum have cancer.’”
Katrina Corcoran. “Admittedly I did On her JustGiving page Keeley
try to put Keeley off the idea and wrote: ‘I really want to help make a
suggested we did some fundraising poorly little girl or boy have a wig
instead. I know it sounds rather of their own.’
selfish, but I didn’t want her to Her fundraising started with a £2
regret having her hair cut off. coin left for her by the tooth fairy.
“But she put me straight by Over 50 people have donated online
reminding me that she’s lucky and her JustGiving page is still open
enough that her hair will grow back. for donations at www.justgiving.
Keeley told me ‘I’ve always wanted com/KeeleyC
to let my hair grow so I can be like It costs £350 to make a wig and
a Disney Princess, but it made me Keeley hopes to increase her total to
very sad when I found out so many help more children. Find out more
children lose their hair when they at www.littleprincesses.org.uk
46 swindonlink.com n April 2015