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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR’S Welcome to our November issue of Anything Swindon With Halloween and Bonfire night over it only mean one thing is on everyone’s mind. This month we try and put you in the Christmas mood a little early. We list the top ten children’s toys available this Christmas from Snow Glow Elsa to Transformers; what will your family put on their wish list. We have a 3 page feature working with Swindon’s Adoption and Fostering Centre as we head into National Adoption Week. Gavin Ellis is back with another piece taken from his collection of poems with a festive bit of magic entitled “By The Fireplace.” Robert Buckland talks about his position as Secretary General and the work he is doing in his new role. Our regular updates from our local councillors highlight the problems with Fly Tipping of green waste. This month Ian and I visit the new Giraffe Restaurant at Tesco Swindon to sample the menu and give you our feedback on what was a fantastic dining experience. On the opposite page, you will see this year “Letters to Santa offer” with £1 from each letter ordered going to local charities, this great offer sends a personalised letter direct from the north pole to Your Children or Grandchildren. Including a special gift Naughty or Nice certificate, your child’s name, age and preferred gift are added to a letter from Santa himself and delivered midDecember direct to your address. Enjoy our November issue of Anything Swindon we look forward to hearing from you with your local news and events in the build up to our December issue.
Graham & Ian
Follow us on Social Media: facebook.com/anythingSwindon
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 04
MAIN FEATURE
We check the support available if your looking to foster or adopt in Swindon.
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Andrew Thompson from the Prospect Hospice updates us on their plans.
COUNCILLOR UPDATES The latest in what’s happening from your local councillor’s.
COMPETITIONS This months free to enter competitions.
WYVERN THEATRE A Brief history of Pantomime at the Wyvern Theatre.
MP FEATURE MP Robert Buckland QC and his role as HM Solicitor General.
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CHRISTMAS TOY FEATURE
We check out the top ten toys available this Christmas along with the collectables top 10 list.
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FOOD REVIEW
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Advertising: Telephone 01793 340065
Design: Screaming Media Ltd Artwork: Screaming Media Ltd Readership: 50,000 Circulation: 21,000
PROSPECT UPDATE
Ed: Graham E: graham@screamingmedia.co.uk
Ed: Ian E: ian@screamingmedia.co.uk
Drove vets provide a valuable resource on how to avoid the dangers this winter.
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@anythingswindon
PETS
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This month we visit Giraffe’s new restaurant at Tesco Extra.
GUEST INTERVIEW We catch up with Sally Morgan
CINEMA RELEASES Stuck for something to do? Check out the flicks for some entertainment.
WHAT’S ON? Stuck for something to do? Check out the what’s on section for ideas.
SPORTS Our monthly check in with SCOB.
SWINDON LIONS We check in with Maurice from the Swindon Lions Club.
EDUCATION FEATURE Churchfields School celebrates 50 great years
Main Feature
“Being a Foster Carer is one of the most responsible jobs you can do”
Fostering is a way of providing children and young people with a family life when they are unable to be looked after by their own family. This could be just for a few days, or many months. There are many different kinds of fostering, but all of them involve caring for someone else’s child for a period of time – so being a Foster Carer is one of the most responsible jobs you can do. Swindon Children Services strongly believe in the value of family life. Most children thrive best in the care of their own birth families, and where a family has problems we will do all we can to support parents in the continuing care of their children within their own family network. Sometimes this just isn’t possible, and it’s at such times that we turn to our Foster Carers to provide the children with a safe and secure alternative
until arrangements for their future long-term care can be made. Foster Carers provide a vital service to the community by offering support and stability to children in need of care – through what is inevitably a traumatic and often painful period in their lives.
“The ages of the children can range from birth to 18 years.” We recognise that every prospective Foster Carer brings unique skills and experiences that will determine the kind of fostering that best suits them. Some people will feel more confident about looking after young children whilst others might prefer older children or teenagers. The early part of the assessment will include a discussion about your particular skills, circumstances and preferences. It is worth noting that fostering children from Swindon does not require you to live within the borough boundaries.
It is worth noting that fostering children from Swindon does not require you to live within the borough boundaries. Whilst it is important in most cases to try to place children within easy reach of their own families and networks, there are circumstances when it can be helpful for the child to be placed away from their home area and any possible adverse influences. What is Foster Care? Some children cannot live with their own families due to illness, a family crisis or because they are at risk of abuse or neglect. It may then be necessary for them to be cared for by Foster Carers. Why foster? Foster care is more rewarding then you can imagine. You can make a huge difference in a young life just by giving your time and opening your home and your heart to them. Who can apply to become a carer? There is no such thing as a typical foster carer. Our carers come from all sorts of different backgrounds. Our foster carers can be single,
Types of Care Available: Temporary - Providing care for children with the goal of returning them to their family. Permanent - Where the plan is for children to remain in care until moving to independence. Crisis/Emergency - Very short-term care provided for families in crisis. This includes “crash pads” in a range of circumstances. Therapeutic - Specialised care for children with acute behavioural issues. Parent/Child Assessment - Time limited foster care to model appropriate parenting and assess parent’s ability to safely care for their young children. Home & Away - Overnight short breaks for children with disabilities. Supported Lodgings - Providing support within a family setting to young people aged 16 – 21 transitioning from foster care to independent living.
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Main Feature married or in lone-term relationships. Some have children of their own living at home, some don’t. But they all have one thing in common – they care about children and want to help them through a difficult time in their lives. We are looking for people who will provide a child or teenager with a safe a loving home and who will stick with them.
Foster carers…. •
Enjoy being with children and young people.
•
Have patience and lots of energy.
•
Understand and empathise with a child who has experienced difficulties in their life.
•
Do not expect anything in return from the child. (but often are pleasantly surprised).
•
•
Are able to work with professionals and family members. Treat every individual with respect, regardless of their lifestyle or circumstances.
•
Are willing to learn new skills and undergo training.
•
Have a spare bedroom
National
There is no upper age limit to adopt
Adoption Week! Amazing people like you open your homes and hearts to create a new family where children can grow in a loving secure home. In England alone there is over 6,000 children awaiting a forever family. Adoption is a way of providing a new family for children who cannot be brought up by their own parents. Adoption is caring for someone else’s child. It always has to be borne in mind that however a loving, stable and close a relationship develops between adopters and their child, there will always be the fact that they have birth parents.
Adopters need to legally be at least 21 years old and have the potential to provide and care and support for the child through to adulthood. Most agencies will not consider more than a 45 year gap between a child and an adopter, but these guidelines are flexible. Single ? No problem Children have been adopted into stable, loving homes by single parents and couples, whatever their gender or sexual orientation, for many years No ethnic matching There are children from many different backgrounds waiting to be adopted. As long as you meet the child’s needs you can adopt children of any ethnicity It’s quicker than you think In fact, you can now become approved as an adopter within six months and can have a child placed with you within three months after that.
Adoption is a legal procedure in which all the parental responsibility is transferred to the adopters. Once an adoption order has been granted it can’t be reversed except in extremely rare circumstance.
Disabilities or not, you can still adopt
An adopted child loses all legal ties with their first mother and father (the ‘birth parents’) and becomes a full member of the new family, usually taking the families name.
Many disabled people have been approved to adopt. Health problems and disabilities are not barriers to adoption, provided you can care for the child you adopt, remember everything depends on their needs
Feature continues over the page.
Main Feature Pets are allowed Provided your pet does not pose a threat to the child’s health or safety, then it can be an excellent addition to the family Renting, or worried about space issues? To become an adopter in England you don’t need to be a home-owner. Property only becomes a factor if it could negatively impact upon the children: for example, your lease is about to end, or you rent a two-bedroom flat but want to adopt a sibling group of five. Wage is no barrier Being on low income or benefits should not stop you from becoming an adopter. Like any parent, you will be expected to meet the general costs of caring for a child. But many local authorities pay a settlingin grant, especially with older
children and siblings groups, and regular means-tested financial support may be available too. You can adopt it you already have children …and you can adopt more than one child at once – some children will have siblings also wanted to be adopted British resident? You need to have been living in the British Isles for at least a year to apply for and adoption order. Have a police record? A lot depends on the offence and how long ago it was committed. Be honest about your situation from the beginning, before the police checks. People with a criminal conviction or caution for specified criminal offences against children, or some sexual offences against adults, cannot adopt.
From the enquiry all the way to the matching of a child to their new family we help and support you throughout. Services that we provide to support adopters include: • Excellent training services • Support for keeping in touch with the child’s birth family • Support groups • Activities for adopted families • Therapeutic services • Financial Support • Services to ensure the success of the adoption and counselling advice and information We are in the Brunel Shopping Centre for National adoption week 3rd – 9th November Come along for more information for fostering, adoption, supported lodgings or home & away care. Get in contact with our team Telephone or Email
01793 465700 Familyplacement@swindon.gov.uk Look forward to hearing from you
Michelle Hobbs
Tesco Extra Community Champion
d Coate Water A 3 mile fun run aroun tern Hospital finishing at Great Wes start 2014 - 10.00am Sunday 7th December that carrot! Run, walk or jog to get at the finish. rs and refreshments
CS38924 Designed by NHS Creative 2014
antle de a pair of Reindeer g funds for the £5.00 entry fee to inclu t Western Hospital raisin Coate Water to Grea Chase the carrot from al. Appe ment Treat er new Breast Canc
To download an application form visit: www.gwh.nhs.uk/support-us/fundraising-events Find us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/brighterfuturesgwh Or e-mail fundraising@gwh.nhs.uk or call 01793 605631
Charity number: 1050892
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Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Tesco Extra Swindon are proud to support Brighter Futures and the Reindeer Run. Here at Tesco Extra Swindon we have undergone a fresh new look and during the refurbishment of our new look Store we have created a fresh new Community Room. Our community room is available free of
charge for relevant community activities that focus on areas such as health, education, housing and employment, crime and disorder.
Please contact me on: swindon@communityattesco.co.uk for more information.
By The Fireplace By Gav Ellis @GavEllis.IOW Droplets forming on the inside of the glass The year that had just begun is now fading fast It was how it always is, more planned less achieved Next year will be better, that’s what we make believe But then those lights come on, and we sing those Christmas songs And anything is possible when you’re with the ones you love Then those lights come on and nights are drawing in It’s here and there’s a smile on my face, Hanging by the fireplace. Decorations in the same place they hung last time You should write your cards out but you never really find the time Everyone’s a little nicer, everyone has a cheer to share We put you first, to show you that we care Then those lights come on and we gather once again I love you and I always will my friend Then those lights come on and we sing the same old songs Best wishes and good luck and good grace Hanging by the fireplace Take this joy and keep it in you heart Taking this feeling back to the start Take your dreaming and hold out for what you need Take my love and take care, when you proceed Days passing quicker than they did before You’ve seen the family, you’re drinking with your friends once more This is living, what the hell you working for? Here’s to life, and the friends that you’ll never forget You start planning, next year will be the best one yet And then those lights come on and we sing the words we know It still counts as Christmas even if there’s no snow And the lights come on and we love the sights and sound Hold on to this feeling all year round Theres that glow and that style you cant replace Hanging by the fireplace Keep your love, keep your smile and keep your faith Hanging by the fireplace ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 340065
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Pets Sadly, there have been reports of deliberate antifreeze poisoning is cats across the country. The RSPCA* have issued a reminder that ‘antifreeze poisoning can cause animals pain, suffering and distress’ and that the ‘poisoning of a cat can constitute a criminal offence…with the maximum penalty for anyone found guilty of this offence of up to 6 months imprisonment and / or a fine of £20,000’. If you witness your pet ingesting antifreeze, or suspect that they might have, of if they show any of the following signs, contact you vet immediately:
Vet Column by Drove Veterinary Hospital
•lethargy / unexpected tiredness; •vomiting; •drunk / uncoordinated appearance; •seizures / fits; •difficulty breathing / increased breathing rate / panting; •increased thirst; •increased urination (or, conversely, no urination).
As we’re nearing winter, we’ll soon have the pleasure of defrosting ours cars (if we haven’t already done so by the time this goes to press). So, many of us will also be reaching for the antifreeze. Unfortunately, antifreeze often contains a liquid product called ‘ethylene glycol’, which is very toxic to domestic animals, and particularly cats. Ethylene glycol can be sweet-tasting, so cats will often readily lap it up. And, only a small amount can be fatal. It’s actually one of the products that the body breaks ethylene glycol down into that is toxic, and it’s this breakdown product that can cause kidney damage, as well as low blood calcium levels.
24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE TELEPHONE: (01793) 522483 www.drovevets.co.uk
Ethylene glycol poisoning occurs in 3 stages: Stage 1: This can occur between 30 minutes and 12 hours after ingestion, and signs that you may notice include wobbliness, weakness, convulsions, increased thirst and increased breathing rate. Stage 2: This can occur between 12 and 24 hours after ingestion, and will most often feature an increased breathing rate. There may be a period of recovery, followed by reduced appetite, extreme dullness, coma or convulsions. Stage 3: This can occur 24 to 72 hours after ingestion, and will often feature vomiting, reduced appetite, extreme dullness and no urine output. The sooner your pet receives veterinary treatment after exposure, the better their chance of survival. Your vet can administer a product called ‘ethanol’ that, when given early enough, may prevent the breakdown of ethylene glycol to the toxic product. Also, your vet can screen your pet’s blood and urine to assess their status, and administer other supportive treatments such as a drip. Unfortunately, once kidney damage has occurred, treatment is of limited benefit.
To minimise the risk of antifreeze exposure: •Always keep antifreeze in clearly labelled and sealed containers; •Keep these containers away from pets and their environment; •Clean up any spills immediately; •Always dispose of antifreeze safely and responsibly. ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 340065
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Prospect Update
Prospect Hospice is asking people from across the community to show their support this Christmas & into the new year. Throughout December the Wroughton-based charity has organised a range of fun fundraising activities for the whole community, all with a festive theme, and planned to appeal the widest possible number of people wanting to raise funds for their local hospice. With the popular Santa Collection Day on 12 December, Christmas Jumper Days and Mince Pie Munch-Offs throughout the month, and a brand-new Christmas Shopping Dash between the charity’s Swindon shops, the idea is to encourage supporters to select from a variety of fundraising activities the one that suits them best. In addition, the charity is also offering its Easy Christmas Card idea for businesses and places of education, through which people can offer a festive wish to their colleagues and friends while raising much needed funds for the hospice’s care. “Christmas is always a very busy time for us,” says Prospect Hospice’s head of fundraising Sheryl Crouch. “For many people it is the time of year when they look to support a local charity, particularly one that touches the lives of so many people each year. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to be able to show what Prospect Hospice means to them.” Details of all of Prospect Hospice’s Christmas fundraising programme can be found by visiting www.prospect-hospice.net/festive .
Looking further ahead, Prospect Hospice has also announced details of its first major fundraising event of 2015 when it stages its own annual running event, the Prospect 10k in Swindon on Sunday 22 February. Runners for this all-terrain event can register for just £15 at www.prospect-hospice.net/10k . The hospice is also looking to recruit neighbourhood box collectors and box holders to support its coin collection scheme in the coming months. People who can spare just a few hours, twice a year, should contact Sara Thompson on 01793 816161 or email sarathompson@prospecthospice.net if they can help.
A Christmas Bazaar in aid of Prospect Hospice will be held at the United Church Hall in Cricklade from 10am on Saturday 29 November.
Join your local hospice lottery
Every week some ne £1
per
play
£1,000
www.prospect-hospice.net/lottery
or call 01793 816190 to join
Pr spect Hospice
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A chance to win, a way to care Registered with the Gambling Commission
Registered Charity Number: 280093
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Councillor Updates Penhill and Upper Stratton Councillors update. Park and Ride...The clean up has begun following the stay by the travellers who left an awful mess. I have asked for a temporary block put across the entrance to prevent further illegal use by travellers, such as concrete blocks. The first thing many visitors see when coming to Swindon is a derelict Park and ride site that says closed, not a good reflection on our town I feel. I still feel the town would be better served by it being returned to a Park and Ride site, reducing the volume of traffic on our inadequate roads, but I am told it is not financially viable and is in the wrong place? Yet all the towns around the South West seem to provide a Park and ride for people visiting their town centres. The Council have just signed a lease for the site to Abbey Stadium to use for car parking whilst their new stadium is under construction. I am informed that the community can use the site when not required for parking. Green bag Fly tipping...I have had several phone calls and enquiries over fly tipped green waste and in particular the lay-by opposite Kingsdown school and outside St Catherines, Ermin Street. The Conservative controlled administration state that if it is collected then that is playing into the hand’s of the fly tippers. This I struggle with as the tipping is always done outside some other innocent persons property, who have to put up with the tipped rubbish and not the person who left it there. Kind regards Cllr Joe Tray. Monthly update from Robert Buckland MP (South Swindon) and Justin Tomlinson MP (North Swindon)
November One of our most important duties of the year as local Members of Parliament is the laying of poppy wreaths on behalf of all our constituents at Swindon Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, which this year falls on 9th November. Both of us have noticed with some satisfaction that the number of people attending has grown year on year. With the 100th Anniversary of the First World War being marked in 2014, the Act of Remembrance is particularly poignant this year. We are both honoured to play our part in commemorating the role that people from Swindon played in previous wars, together with the significant contribution that Swindonians make to today’s armed services, be they full timers or reservists. In October, Robert was pleased to take part in another Old Town Clean Up session, organised by Pipers Area Residents Association. Litter was cleared, weeds and overgrowth were removed and bulbs planted in a number of Old Town locations. Robert said, “I was part of a team that worked on clearing and creating a new flower bed next to our Museum and Art Gallery, in order to improve the appearance of one of our most important civic buildings. It was great to make some new friends and to see many old ones too, and is an excellent example of just how much our community can achieve by coming together in this way.” Elsewhere Justin joined the Mayor of Swindon to celebrate with Outset Swindon who have helped set up their 100th new business. The Outset Swindon programme supports individuals who wish to set up their own business, yet struggle with the barriers that people often face when starting up on their own. The not-for-profit organisation offers a programme which includes workshops, enterprise coaching and personal mentoring. Justin said, “Swindon is a growing town with a growing economy. Outset Swindon does amazing work supporting so many people who want to contribute to that growth. It is thanks to the wonderful staff, volunteers and entrepreneurs that they have reached this fantastic milestone of 100 business start-ups.” This month we also received the latest unemployment figures for Swindon. We were both delighted to see that unemployment across Swindon has dropped dramatically by 48.8% since 2010, whilst youth unemployment has fallen by 42.7%. Nationally, we have seen the biggest annual fall in unemployment since records began. This is fantastic news and we are proud that this Government is backing small businesses and enterprise with lower jobs taxes and better infrastructure, while reforming welfare so that work always pays. Our long-term economic plan is working as increasingly more people in Swindon are taking home a pay packet and supporting their families. Please contact us if we can be of any assistance on any local or national issues: Write/Phone: MPs Office, 1 Milton Road, Swindon SN1 5JE - 01793 533393 Email: robert.buckland.mp@parliament.uk / justin.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk Websites: www.robertbuckland.co.uk / www.justintomlinson.com
This month we have only received the comments shown and over the last few months have received comments that we support only one party! Anything Swindon is completely unbiased and welcome comments from all political parties. All parties, please send your views to us at info@anythingswindon.co.uk To reach us no later than the 15th of the month, We will only be able to print updates that we receive by this date.
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Competition Page The biggest political issue in recent times on the Council has to be the closure of Children centres which was debated at the cabinet meeting in October. Alas the money saved is a fundamental for the Tory administration’s budget. The debate however failed to show how the funding to stop the closures could be created. The only way and the one I made at the meeting was to raise the council tax which has been frozen for five years. A price apparently too high for the other political parties to consider. A recent story in the press has been a call by businesses for a 20 mph limit in Commercial road. I totally support such a demand as not only would it improve road safety but help reduce the speed of traffic as it approaches Regent Circus which is critical to the controversial shared surface there. Indeed I support a 20 mph limit for all the residential roads of the town centre. I may not be the best looking, most intelligent councillor but in this year’s Swindon half marathon I ensured I am still the fastest beating councillor Keith Williams by 34 seconds! Stan Pajak : Eastcott councillor Park South Community Centre: Thank you to all who came to the evening drop in & those got in touch to say they couldn’t make it. One idea that came from the evening was setting up a local residents community group or coffee morning. This would be run by the community for the community. Do you have ideas? Is it something you’d like to see? Please get in touch. The community centre has plenty going on during the week from martial arts to lunch clubs. There is also still space for further hire with different size rooms & times available, check out the website http://www.parksouthcommunitycentre.co.uk/ or Tel 0754720202638 for more information. The neighbourhood warden team covering our area are also based within the Park South community centre. Green Waste bags to be removed: At the locality meeting we were informed by the council that all unsightly bags of dumped green waste will now be removed by the end of November. If you see any dumped bags the number to report them on is Streetsmart Tel 445501 / 466453 out of office hours. Cllr Fay Howard 07952350656. Cllr Derique Montaut 07711556261 Cllr Neil Heavens 07900561502
For the Chance to win family tickets to see the rehearsal performance of
For the Chance to win tickets to see:
“Dick Whittington”
“The Swindon Wildcats”
at the Wyvern Theatre on the 5th December @ 7pm. Please answer the following question.
Name the actor/actress who is playing the role of King Rat.
A: David Ashley B: Nigel Havers C: Lucy Kane
at the Link centre please answer the following question.
What team are The Wildcats playing on the 16th November?
Closing date for competition is the 20th November. A winning entry will be drawn at random, we will contact you if your a winner by email. Please see anythingswindon.co.uk for more information. Family tickets can be either 1 adult + 3 Children or 2 Adults + 2 Children.
ANYTHING SWINDON
Prize: Tickets to see the show “The Sooty Show”.
Winner: Debbie Fry Prize:
A: Telford Tigers B: Milton Keynes Lightning C: Sheffield Steel Dogs
Tickets to see “The Swindon Wildcats”.
Please email your answer to:
Congratulations and well done Debbie and Tony.
Please email your answer to: win@anythingswindon.co.uk
Congratulations to the following for winning our October Competitons.
win@anythingswindon.co.uk Closing date for competition is the 20th November. A winning entry will be drawn at random, we will contact you if your a winner by email. Please see anythingswindon.co.uk for more information.
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
Winner: Tony White
We will email you both the details on how to claim your prizes. Terms and Cond apply.
TEL:01793 340065
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Feature
A History of Pantomime at the WYVERN THEATRE appeared in 3 consecutive Panto shows with Cinderella, Aladdin and last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk becoming a huge favourite with Visitors to the Wyvern Theatre. The Wyvern Theatre in Swindon, Wiltshire, is named after the mythical wyvern which was once the emblem of the kings of Wessex. It was opened on 7 September 1971 by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The first Wyvern Theatre
pantomime started in December 1971 with sell-out performances of Dick Whittington, 43 years Later Dick Whittington returns starring Nigel Havers (King Rat), David Ashley (Sarah the Cook), Lucy Kane (Alice Fitzwarren). Over the past 43 years The Wyvern Theatre has seen celebrities such as Bernie Winters, Johnny Ball, Adam Woodyatt and Timmy Mallett. More recently Dancing on Ice Star Keith Chegwin
Check the Wyvern Theatre website for more information, swindontheatres.co.uk
A history of the pantomimes from 1971 - 2014/15 • 1971/72 – Dick Whittington • 1972/73 – Cinderella • 1973/74 – Dick Whittington • 1974/75 – Aladdin • 1975/76 – Mother Goose • 1976/77 – Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs • 1977/78 – Babes in the Wood • 1978/79 – Cinderella • 1979/80 – Jack and the Beanstalk • 1981/82 – Aladdin starring Bernie Winters • 1983/84 – Babes in the Wood • 1984/85 – Cinderella • 1986/87 – Jack and the Beanstalk • 1987/88 – Babes in the Wood • 1988/89 – Jack and the Beanstalk • 1989/90 – Mother Goose • 1990/91 – Aladdin • 1991/92 – Cinderella • 1992/93 – Jack and the Beanstalk • 1993/94 – Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs • 1994/95 – Dick Whittington • 1995/96 – Aladdin • 1996/97 – Cinderella • 1997/98 – Babes in the Wood • 1998/99 – Jack and the Beanstalk • 1999/2000 – Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs • 2000/1 – Aladdin • 2001/2 – Cinderella • 2002/3 – Dick Whittington • 2003/4 – Goldilocks and the Three Bears • 2004/5 – Jack and the Beanstalk • 2005/6 – Peter Pan • 2007/8 – Cinderella • 2008/9 – Aladdin • 2009/10 – Sleeping Beauty • 2010/11 – Peter Pan • 2011/12 – Cinderella • 2012/13 – Aladdin •2013/14 – Jack and the Beanstalk •2014/15 - Dick Whittington Source of Info: en.wikipedia.org
Please check out page 16 competition section to win family tickets to see the rehearsal performance of
“Dick Whittington” at the Wyvern Theatre on the 5th December @ 7pm.
GOOD LUCK! PAGE 14
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 340065
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MP Feature
Robert Buckland QC - HM Solicitor General a crown court sentence being far too low – and we are on board examining. Cases are referred to us by the Crown Prosecution Service, members of the public and MPs. Sentences can be overturned by the Court and new sentences imposed. We can also provide consent to prosecute certain categories of criminal offences such as those relating to the Official Secrets Act, explosives and certain terrorism offences. Additionally we superintend the Crown Prosecution Service, Serious Fraud Office, HMCPSI and the Treasury Solicitors department.
On 15th July this year, South Swindon MP Robert Buckland QC was appointed HM Solicitor General by the Prime Minister in his Government reshuffle. Robert spoke to Anything Swindon about his new role.
The rise of social media on the internet has created new communication opportunities but it has also unfortunately led to some problems with contempt of court. I firmly believe steps can and should be taken to ensure the internet and social media do not interfere with the much cherished principle of a fair trial.
“It’s an exciting time to work in Government as a Law Officer. The days of Rumpole of the Bailey are disappearing; we are in an era of technological change and the Criminal Justice System is beginning to move away from great bundles of paper towards stored digital data. Lots of people have been asking me about what I do. Some think that I am the “solicitor in general” to be magically utilised on busy court days in the absence of a specialist lawyer! Er no! I My main task is as deputy to the Attorney General. My work as a barrister in full time practice prior to my election as local MP has stood me in good stead for this, plus my work as a Recorder, or part-time Crown Court Judge. Things have changed since 1461 when the term “King’s Solicitor” started to be used. The term “Solicitor General” appears during the early years of Henry VIII’s reign, but today’s Solicitor General cannot send anyone for execution to the Tower or subject anyone to the rack! The Attorney General and Solicitor General are the Government’s Law Officers. As chief legal advisers to the Government we have to provide unbiased legal advice. Government departments will often come to us for advice on how policy can be achieved in a lawful and proper way. We advise on a huge range of subjects from military law to zoology, from environmental to criminal matters and from international llaw to tax. “We have the power to refer some criminal sentences to the Court of Appeal as potentially unduly lenient – all it needs is someone to complain about PAGE 16
I am a member of the inter-ministerial group VAWG, Violence Against Women and Girls, which has played a key role in: • • •
Helping introduce stalking legislation, which I championed as a backbencher Obtaining funding to expand the number of rape crisis centres nationwide Helped tighten the law on registered sex offenders.
VAWG will also play a major role next year when the UK is set to host an EU wide summit on FMG, female genital mutilation. I am enjoying the work, but am also able to spend as much time at home or working in Swindon as I always have done, which is good news for my family and local residents (I hope!)” Write: MPs Office, 1 Milton Road, Swindon, SN1 5JE Phone: 01793 533393 Email: robert.buckland.mp@parliament.uk Websites: www.robertbuckland.co.uk
Top Toys Christmas! Top Ten Ten Children Favourites thisthis Christmas!
1) Snow Glow Elsa - Proving that the Frozen buzz is still very hot. 2) My Friend Cayla - Digital doll My Friend Cayla is all about technology meets the doll world. 3) VTech Kiddizoom Watch - With a touch screen, camera and games suitable from 5-12 years. 4) Teksta T-Rex Dinosaur -Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a robotic animal. 5) DohVinci Style & Store Vanity - Design in 3D with the DohVinci Style & Store Vanity kit! 6) Leapfrog LeapTV - Get minds and bodies moving with LeapTV. 7) Transformers Stomp N Chomp - Hasbro Transformers adventures just got a whole lot bigger. 8) Barbie Color Change Bag - Comes with lots of fab clip on accessories to decorate your bag. 9) Frozen: Ice Skating Doll - Re-create the magical movie moment with Elsa. 10) Xeno – The Cheeky Interactive Baby Monster - a loveable, yet cheeky, baby monster.
Top Ten Collectables this Christmas!
1) Pop Vinyl Figures - the biggest craze of the year, collect all your Comic, Film & TV characters 2) Walking Dead - hugely popular TV series and comic, with lots of Figures and merchandise 3) Breaking Bad - With the figures being banned from Toys R Us these are selling like hot cakes. 4) Minecraft - the hit online game is still a winner at Christmas, grab the figures & merchandise. 5) Adventure Time - with everything from figures to pencil cases, a must this Christmas 6) Star Wars Black Series - this new set is hugely popular 7) Game of Thrones - so much merchandise to make your Christmas a Game of Thrones one! 8) Big Bang Theory - the new series launched and loads of merchandise available 9) Reaction Figures - classic film figures, just like we all had as kids 10) Marvel Select Figures - all your favourite Marvel characters in detail.
www.facebook.com/groups/wincooltoys
www.facebook.com/groups/winfunkpop
Christmas Toy Feature Sponsored by American Dream Comics. www.americandreamcomics.co.uk
Asiana Anything Swindon Nov 14.pdf
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PAGE 20
Food Review
“The renovation could place you in any city or High Street” For our starter we chose Chicken Potstickers, (fried chicken dumplings, served with a Soy Chilli Sauce).
This Month myself and Ian visited the new Giraffe Restaurant at Tesco Ocotal Way for our Monthly food review. Despite watching this great new location appear over a period of eight weeks from what was once the Magazine and Stationary section inside the Tesco Store, The renovation could place you in any city or High Street. The transformation has been amazing, on entering the restaurant we were welcomed by great décor and a friendly face. The shift manager Ashley welcomed us and seated us in one of the larger booths asking immediately if we had experienced Giraffe before today.
For His Main Meal; Ian ordered a Farmers’ Market Burrito (soft tortilla filled with roast veggies, black beans, feta & herby rice topped with smoked cheddar, adobe sauce & tomato salsa with iceberg wedge & jalapeños salad in tequila-lime dressing).
Compliments go out to the kitchen team who make every dish fresh to order, also offering to create dishes to accommodate any dietary requirement it really is a restaurant where everyone can enjoy a great meal.
I chose a Giraffe Burger with Smoky Bacon & Mature Cheddar topped with Jalapeños.
Myself and Ian had never been in a Giraffe restaurant before, and Ash explained the menu and the speciality dishes available to us. I must say the menu was very well balanced and was extremely impressed with the amount of Vegetarian dishes available. When you are married to a vegetarian, it’s good to know a restaurant offering a wide choice of dishes. Firstly we ordered our drinks from a huge amount of cocktails and regular bar drinks. I chose a cheeky Shandy, and Ian decided to give the non-alcholic Strawberry Smash a go. ANYTHING SWINDON
experiences of both food and service we had experienced in any of our previous reviews, Emma our waitress was very good and checked on us between each dish ensuring everything was okay often giving recommendations to the perfect follow up to the current dish, Emma certainly knew the menu and made us feel very welcome adding to the already great experience at Giraffe.
Giraffe was acquired in March 2013 by Tesco Uk as part of its strategy to utilise some of the space in their larger stores, creating retail destinations that offer customers. In particular families, a compelling experience outside of their weekly shopping trip, Families are welcome with activities and very affordable dishes for the kids. Following the success of its first restaurant at Tesco Extra Swindon, Giraffe is already planning a new restaurant at the Swindon Designer Outlet. We give Giraffe a huge thumbs up and would recommend everyone a visit to see for themselves,
So far the food had been beautiful and with two empty plates we pondered with the idea of a dessert. I selected the Vanilla frozen Yoghurt with Crushed nuts and Orange Blossom Honey and Ian went for Key Lime Pie served with Tangy lime marmalade. Feeling rather bloated and over indulged we agreed that this was one of the best WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
Décor 5* Service 5* Food 5* Would we go again? 100%
Giraffe @ Tesco Extra Ocotal Way, Swindon, SN1 2EH.
01793 430840 www.giraffe.net
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 21
Guest Interview So how does your gift actually work for you? The easiest way to explain it would be to say that it is just like a thought process; I trust the thoughts that are coming into my head and then pass them on in sentence form. When I was younger my family used to call it my “knowings”. Luckily people can understand what I am talking about! The ability never stops amazing me; it’s very rewarding to see people receiving comfort from what I do.
Psychic Sally Morgan - Q and A interview. When did you first realise you had special abilities?
What made you decide to become a medium full time?
At a very, very young age. As far as I’m concerned it’s something that’s always been with me, but it seemed to be random when I was a child. Of course I now realise that when you’re young you’re not very articulate and you can’t always understand what is happening to you. But when you have it from such an early age, it’s becomes normal to you. It doesn’t faze me, it is just who I am.
Throughout my teenage years I began giving readings to a few friends here and there and eventually through word of mouth my client base grew. I cannot pinpoint a specific time but my one-to-one readings become more frequent at the age of about 22. I originally worked as a Dental Nurse but eventually started to work full-time giving readings in my front room. My daughter started to take my bookings and before long I had a diary jam-packed full of appointments. I converted my garage into an office and gave readings from there; this became my life for many years.
Do you remember your first psychic experience? What happened? The first ‘experience’ I remember clearly was when I was four years old. I was at nursery and I asked my teacher why my granddad couldn’t be with me. My teacher told me that no one was allowed their granddad in the class with them and then I pointed at a girl in my class and asked why she was allowed. I could see as clear as day an old man dressed in a full length coat stood next to this girl. The teacher asked me where this man was and so I went right up to him and pointed. The man smiled at me and then just disappeared. No one else in the room saw him. PAGE 22
I never did any advertising for my services; my bookings grew through word of mouth, which was very humbling. I loved the feeling of being able to help others on such a personal basis. Although my work can obviously at times be extremely emotional, the fact that I could talk to people who were in spirit world amazed and fascinated me. I knew that I had been given this gift for a reason and felt that I needed to use it in a positive way.
Do you think there is another side? If so, what are spirits doing there? Can they escape it and pass somewhere else? As a medium I of course believe there to be an afterlife; what I do is all to do with trusting the information I receive in my head from spirit world. It’s tricky to put into words but spirit world to me is another dimension, it is an energy form where we move onto for the next stage of our journey. Spirits are, as I would put it – resting. They are in heaven surrounded by love and peace – why would they want to escape from that? What are your thoughts on ghosts? Firstly I believe that spirit or what people commonly call ghosts, have right of way so to speak! By that I mean people so often want to rid their houses of spirit when the spirit that is there is harmless. Spirits can appear as a mist or vapour and very occasionally have the ability to use their energy to move objects – I’ve seen this myself! I always say that everything has to be perfectly lined up, the energy, the time of day etc for you to see a ghost. This is why it is not a regular occurrence for most people and very special if you do spot one. It’s interesting as animals often sense spirit / ghosts first,
Movie News you may find your dog or cat staring at what you believe to be thin air but often this would be spirit. My dogs at home have occasionally have started barking at thin air and I believe they were barking at a spirit.
MOVIE NEWS
What do you think are signs from spirit? I am always asked by people whether or not they will receive a sign from their loved ones in spirit are around us but we have to be in tune with ourselves in order to notice them. In my experience signs come in many forms such as a smell that reminds you of your loved one like a favoured perfume, a white feather or even a visit from a loved one in a dream.
Family Film of the Month! Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey?
What spurs you on to continue?
This Christmas the pupils of St Bernadette’s and their muchloved, madcap teacher Mr Poppy (MARC WOOTTON) are back for their biggest adventure yet
Meeting the amount of people that I do on a daily basis that are so interested in my work inspires me to continue. Everyday people tell me that I have changed their lives and that means the world to me. Being able to speak to spirit world and pass on messages to people from their loved ones is an amazing gift. I also like to continue as my ability continues to grow all the time.
Rating: U Release: 14 Nov ’14
Tell us about the tour? I have been touring all over the UK for over six years now. I absolutely love life on the road as it has really enabled me to explore my ability in a new way. My live shows are completely unpredictable and with so many spirits waiting in the wings so to speak, you just never know what is going to happen! I get a real buzz from being on stage, the atmosphere can be electric and the way the messages move around the audience is fascinating. Obviously at times it can be difficult as with so many messages it is like having 10 radios playing and trying to tune into one of them. It is also hard when a spirit comes through and no one in the audience claims the message. I get countless people contact me either at my signing or through my website saying that a message was for them but they were too scared to stand up and take it. This is such a shame as this opportunity is lost. It would be impossible for me to give an individual message to everyone who comes to see me at my signing, could you image, the theatre would lock up and leave us all there! Overall the tour is about sharing the thought of an afterlife and showcasing how these moments of connection can be utterly astounding. My hope is that people can take comfort from just witnessing this if they do not get a message themselves.
Action Film of the Month! The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 The Hunger Games continues to set the world on fire with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, which finds Katniss Everdeen in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever.
Rating: 12A Release: 21 Nov ’14
Adult Film of the Month!
Sally is busy on tour at present, Please visit her website for dates and venues. www.sallymorgan.tv ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
The Drop THE DROP follows lonely bartender Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) through a covert scheme of funnelling cash to local gangsters – “money drops” – in the underworld of Brooklyn bars.
Rating: PG Release: 10 Sep ’14
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 23
Whats On?
8th November 2014 Christmas Craft Fayre and Fun Day at Stanton House Hotel Leave the children entertained while you browse our stalls and have a bite to eat. The Avenue. Stanton Fitzwarren Swindon, Wiltshire, SN6 7SD. Tel: +44 (0)843 5071388
14th November 2014 Talon - The Best of the Eagles Now in their seventeenth year together Talon have been recognised by the ‘Agents Association of Great Britain’ at the ‘National Tribute Awards’ as the ‘Official Uk No. 1’ Eagles tribute show. Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square Swindon, Wilts, SN1 1QN. Tel: +44 (0) 1793 524481
14th November 2014 Christmas Fair: Take the hassle out of Christmas Shopping and come to our Fair where over 40 stall holders offer unique and unusual gifts to delight your loved ones. Kidson Trigg Auction Rooms Swindon, Wilts, SN6 7PZ.
Saturday 15th Nov 2014 70 years of Music in Swindon - a celebration of the life of Gordon Crabbe Organist and Choirmaster at Christ Church from 1955 to 1995. 7pm at Christ Church. Old Town. An evening of music featuring organist Ian Crabbe, the combined choirs of Christ Church and Immanuel URC and members Swindon Gilbert & Sullivan Society. There will be a retiring collection in aid of Leukemia and Lymphoma Research. Christ Church, Cricklade Street, Swindon, SN1 3HG
From 28th Nov 2014 Swindon and Cricklade Railway Santa Specials Bring the children to ride on a steam train and meet Santa in his Grotto! Meet the engine before you see Santa! Presents to suit all ages from toddlers up to early teens. Just a short journey out of Swindon to our free car park at blunsdon station. Indoor café and refreshments on site.
28th November 2014 Chiseldon House Annual Christmas Fayre Lots of stalls selling great Christmas gifts for friends and family. Chiseldon House Hotel New Road, Chiseldon Swindon, Wilts, SN4 0NE. Tel: +44 (0) 1793 741010
Sunday 30th Nov 2014 The Commonweal School Christmas Craft Market Time: 11 am - 4 pm Contact details: 01793 432373 or manilb@virginmedia.com Attractions/activities: A variety of crafts, gifts and produce stalls, Santa’s Grotto, cafe, festive music, raffle and tombola. Organised by the Commonweal School PTA. Address: The Commonweal School, The Mall, Old Town, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 4JE
Blunsdon Station Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN25 2DA. Tel: +44 (0) 1793 771615
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The seventh Charity Christmas market takes place at Christ Church on Saturday 22 November from 10am – 3pm. It has a simple and sound formula, to give local charities the opportunity to raise their profile and fundraise. It also facilitates the friendship between charities, church-based groups and the local community. The event makes use of two contrasting buildings. Christ Church is one of the few (possibly the only) Grade 2* listed building in Swindon which, after 163 years, is still being used for the exact same purpose for which it was originally designed. By contrast the new Community Centre@Christ Church was only opened earlier this year by Nick Hewer. It is already proving popular with families and community groups. Father Christmas will open the Market at 10am. Refreshments including mulled wine will be available. Visitors will be able to climb the bell tower and ring the bells made famous by Sir John Betjeman. The awardwinning Christ Church choir will sing carols at 2pm, and their 3 CDs will be on sale. The event is organised by the Friends of Christ Church, a charity dedicated to preserving the building of Christ Church for future generations. Since its inception in 2000, the Friends have helped to repair the church spire, which can be seen for miles around, landscaped the grounds and also provided useful items for the church and Community Centre.
ANYTHING SWINDON
Christmas Market
Saturday November 22nd CHRIST CHURCH, OLD TOWN 10 am - 3 pm Participating charities retain all their proceeds
To be opened by
Father Christmas at 10 am • Free admission • Many Charity Stalls • Games • Refreshments • Bell tower open 11 am - 2 pm • Christ Church Choir sing at 2 pm
The Friends welcome membership from all interested parties: membership is only £5 per year for singles and £10 for families, and membership forms will be available on the day or go to www.christchurchswindon.co.uk/friends
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 25
PAGE 26
Sports and Fitness
Swindon College Old Boys continue to go from strength to strength with the 1st XV maintaining their unbeaten run across all competitions and the 2nd XV progressing well in the cup competition and starting to secure convincing wins in the league. Throughout October SCOB 1st XV scored 178 points with only 15 in reply with the sheer dominance of the forwards allowing the talented backs to tear opposition teams apart. The reformed centre partnership of Josh Haynes and Matt Allen has been firing on all cylinders with Haynes becoming a vital playmaker in the Old Boys set up and Allen becoming the clubs key finisher. With interchangeable Fly Halves in the form of Ross Saville, Liam Spillane and Joe Gill the club has a strength in depth that was, perhaps, missing last season. In addition the 2nd XV has come together with a consistent squad of 25 available every week and veteran players Greig O’Brien, Alex Hill, Andy Longmore and Dave Seru adding over 100 years of rugby knowledge between them to a squad that is only ever gaining in confidence under the
guidance of Sean O’Rourke and Gary Bandy. Throughout November SCOB RFC face tough clashes at home to Marlborough RFC in the cup and away to Reading Abbey RFC the only other unbeaten team in the league.
2nd XV PLAYER OF THE MONTH
“Martin Stewart”
SCOB PLAYER OF THE MONTH
“Tommy Farr” Honourable mention goes to Martin Stewart who has stepped up to dominate the second team lineouts. His dedication has been unequivocal and paid off as his lineout ball dictated play in the 49 – 26 win over Melksham.
Players of the Month Sponsored by This month the SCOB RFC Player of the Month goes to Tommy Farr. Tommy has shown the grit and tenacity required to play in leagues well above the BBOP and has led from the front with his play and support of the team. He has shown where this club can go with the right attitude and determination, most recently taking his play to another level in the away win to Littlemore.
Anyone interested in joining Swindon College Old Boys please visit www.scobrfc.org or head to Wroughton Leisure Centre, 18:30 Tue and Thurs. Special thanks to Jade Williams for the photography.
On November 16th SCOB RFC will be supporting the annual Prospect Hospice Barbarians vs. Nationwide RFC match at the Nationwide Pavilion. The match is played in memory of all who have lost their lives to cancer and this year adds the memory of a special little boy, Seb Murtough, who sadly passed away at the age of just two-and-a-half years old. Kick Off will be at 14:30 and all donations go to the prospect hospice.
“Swindon College Old Boys RFC Proudly Sponsored By”
Feature
Swindon Lions Club Swindon Lions Club has been established in Swindon for 50 years and in that time it has raised over £300,000 for good causes, a high percentage of which has been given to worthy causes in Swindon. The money has been raised by many different ways, but mainly by it’s Firework Night at the Polo Ground, Christmas Collections at local Supermarkets and Easter Egg Competitions in Local Pubs, as well as attending various fairs etc. in & around Swindon.
Swindon Lions Club is one of over 500 clubs in the UK and part of the world wide Lions Club International, who are established in over 200 countries with 1.4 million members. The Club’s welfare section, works with local social and welfare personnel, in trying to help individuals and families to become more established in the community. The Club, in recent times, has helped many local charities like GWH Party and Pantomime, Women’s Refuge, SEQUAL, Hop Skip and Jump, Twigs and Open Door. The Club is involved with a local senior school for
its Peace Poster Competition, which is part of a nationwide competition. We are also involved every year with World Sight Day and organising a free Diabetic Screening with trained nurses at a local supermarket, this year resulting in 10 people being referred to their doctor for further tests. We carry out collections for Children in Need and Marie Curie.
We also have involvement with local youth organisations with the established Community Service Award and the Worldwide Lions Young Leaders in Service Awards. Swindon Lions try to be as active as possible helping the community, where and when ever it can. To enable us to ‘Spread our Wings’ even further we need more members, male or female to expand our club, currently we have 23 members. We meet every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 8pm at the Village De Vere Hotel, Shaw Ridge. We have a very active social section, with dinners, outings, bowling, quiz’s etc. Why not give us a try and come along to a meeting, talk to our members to see what Swindon Lions Club is all about. Swindon Lions Club is all about. Take a look at our website www.swindonlions.org or contact Maurice Watson at mauricewatson44@yahoo.co.uk or tel: 01793 881308, we look forward to hearing from you.
Only Smart Guys Go To JENSONS Jensons of Gorse Hill Ltd 124 Cricklade Road Gorse Hill Swindon SN2 8AG Phone 01793 642211 :www.jensonsofgorsehill.biz PAGE 28
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PAGE 31
Education Feature
Churchfields Celebrates 50th year Birthday! Churchfields now an Academy opened its doors in 1964. It was built on land occupied by the ancient Church farm which was originally owned by the Goddards which is where the name comes from. It was originally called Lawn Secondary Modern up until 1966. The school crest of today still incorporates the traditional Crest taken from the arms of the Goddard family.
Over the last 50 years there have been very few head teachers, during my time at the school Ian Taylor was headteacher and he did a fantastic job keeping the school in order for 16 years from 1983 to 1999.
Headteachers were: •
Ralph Owen 1964-1980
•
George Gleed 1980-1983 (was Deputy since 1964)
•
Ian Taylor 1983 - 1999
•
Lyn Dunford 1999 - 2002
•
Steve Flavin 2002-2013 (was Deputy Head since 2000)
•
Sharon Kirwan 2013 - present
“Very few headteachers for 50 great years”
PAGE 32
Staff have been very loyal too, several staff have long service including several teachers including John White who completed 5 decades at Churchfields, Paul Jones and Helen Green both started in the 80’s and are still here.
It was wonderful to meet and share so many great memories of Churchfields and celebrate the achievement of the thousands of students who have passed through in the last 50 years.
Support staff who have had long service include Valerie Goulding whose time spanned over 3 decades and left last year. Lin Howcroft the Business Manager has been here since the 80’s also and has been supporting the celebration efforts for the 50th birthday event! The event which was held on the 13th September and was organised by Esther Newman was a great success, former and current students and teachers enjoyed looking back through the many archived materials whilst reminiscing on the years gone by and visiting the various stalls and activities that were available.
Churchfields is now an Academy, there aim is to provide every student with a curriculum that best meets their needs. They encourage independent thinking and students who understand how they learn and think best.
Stalls selling jewellery, cakes, sweets, also available were stalls offering beauty products and advice. There was even a bouncy castle for the younger visitors.
They also care deeply that students develop the personal qualities and characteristics that lead to them being happy and constructive members of the community they live in.
In the afternoon Esther had arranged tours of the school, over 100 ex-students enjoyed refreshments and a slice of celebratory 50th birthday cake before taking the tours of the buildings. One of our current students on the tour realised when she was touring a group that her dad went to school with the group.
We believe that students come to us to be taught by specialist teachers with a love of their subject and a deep knowledge which comes from teaching across a range of abilities and age groups. For more about Churchfields Academy check out their website. www.frog.churchfields.org
Esther said: “We raised over £500 at the Fete and the students will decide how to spend the money on something to commemorate the 50th. Ideas include a round tree bench which would create a place for students and also hold a laque to celebrate the 50th”
Education Feature 1.
2.
3.
Churchfields Academy A Passion for Excellence
Churchfields Academy is looking to recruit Community Governors and would like to hear from anyone who has: * an interest in the performance of the school * finance, HR or business skills * an enquiring mind * confidence to ask questions and join debate Community Governors are important to the strategic management of the Academy as they broaden the experience and skill base of the Academy Board. Being a Governor can be very rewarding and enjoyable. Enthusiasm and interest are more important to start as full training and support would be available. If you are interested please call Churchfields on 487286 or email: clerk@governors.org Prospective Parents can call to arrange a tour during any school day on 427742
Graded Good Ofsted 2013
www.churchfields.org ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 33
Swindon Will writer receives National Award Nigel Schofield, the senior consultant at Farsight Wills of Swindon has taken 1st place in the Newleaf Will Writers Federation national awards ceremony for business levels achieved in 2014. The ceremony was held at Southend on Sea with over 200 delegates in attendance. Nigel said “I achieved second place last year and was determined to go one better this time. The competition was very tough but I am over the moon at gaining 1st.” The company provide a range of Estate Planning services including, Wills, Trusts and Lasting Power of Attorney. Nigel went on to say “I think what sets Farsight Wills apart is the little extras we offer, such as free home visits and explanations in plain English. A big part of our success this year has been from past client’s recommendations.”
To find out more about Farsight Wills you can contact them on 01793 433705 or view their brand new website.
www.farsightwills.com
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Park Lane or Museums Every Saturday and Sunday!
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Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park) Every Saturday and Sunday 22 November - 4th January
Westfield Shopping Centre 26 October, 1, 9, 15 November plus every Saturday and Sunday 22 November - 4th January
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