Ref. 30750-09HALF-term is traditionally a time for parental stress, but families across Swindon have been finding alternatives to bad moods and endless television.

Children have been flocking to the Oasis Leisure Centre in North Star, where there is plenty to stave off the boredom.

The bouncy castle, complete with tunnels, hidey-holes and windows is a particular hit.

But, as Swindon Council spokeswoman Caroline Pike explained, it is not the only attraction on offer.

She said: "We want to offer something for every child.

"It is important that children and young people stay active and healthy."

Also on offer at the centre are various sports facilities, including the football pitches, along with use of the swimming pool, depending on age.

There was also a disco yesterday, along with a mask-making art and craft session.

Yesterday also saw dozens of families come to the walled garden of Lydiard House to learn about and try their hands at archaeology.

The garden was originally laid out in the 1740s as an ornamental flower and fruit garden.

However, there have been a lot of changes over 260 years and archaeologists have been on site since Easter trying to find traces of the old garden buildings and pathways. They have also been inviting members of the public to help them.

Sarah Finch-Crisp, keeper of the house for the council, said: "So many families have been coming along that it has almost been a case of allotting each person a set time!

"The experts from Wessex Archaeology have been teaching people about the site, the tools they use to excavate and the things they might expect to find.

"We have already found traces of old pathways and garden buildings, a well and a stone water trough."

Other places across the borough which have been providing relief from half-term boredom include the Link Centre in West Swindon, which has offered its climbing wall, and the Dorcan Recreation complex, where young people have been trying sports ranging from badminton to swimming.

Details of the council's full range of leisure activities for people of all ages, interests and levels of fitness, can be found in various leaflets available in public buildings throughout the borough.

Barrie Hudson