North West Swindon Link December 2022

No 486 December 2022 GPS-tracked, door to door delivery to over 42,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 105,000

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

North & West Edition

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Wildcats break the ice with sponsorship of Swindog for charity p8

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Wroughton woman delivers ambulances to Ukraine and teaches war zone first aid

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk Lifesaving battlefield first aid techniques are being taught by a Swindon woman in Ukraine.

The woman, who asked only to be referred to as Kelly, works with Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership.

The organisation has so far sent hundreds of tonnes of aid, ranging from medical equipment to food, and from bedding to clothing, to the embattled nation as it fights to repel the invading Russians.

Kelly, who has training in emergency first aid through work in event security, is of British and Ukrainian heritage, has delivered several ambulances and also trains Ukrainians in war zone first aid techniques such as the use of tourniquets.

The techniques are vital as Putin's forces continue to attack not just military targets but civilian ones indiscriminately.

Kelly and a fellow aid worker

Kelly became involved with the humanitarian aid partnership after being put in touch with its chair, Mike Bowden.

He said: "We discovered that she was involved with an organisation which bought ambulances, serviced them and filled them to the gunwhales with aid.

"That's pretty dramatic. I'm proud of all my colleagues but that puts it at another level."

Kelly, who has family in Ukraine, became involved in aid work shortly after the invasion.

She said: "I watched the news and I could not get hold of my family. I feared for my family."

Kelly managed to get somebody to visit her loved ones' village. Later, she was asked through a friend whether she wanted to take part in aid convoys, and became involved with the Rapid Aid organisation which refurbishes and delivers ambulances packed with aid.

Kelly also delivers vehicles as part of her work with Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership.

She passes on her first aid skills so people will have a better chance at saving lives -

their own and other people's when Russian forces attack.

Kelly, like Mike Bowden, wants to keep the invasion and Russia's ongoing war crimes in the public consciousness as much as possible.

Kelly said: "It's still happening - they're hitting civilian buildings, so the people getting hurt every day are civilians."

Recently Russia has been targeting power stations, which Kelly and Mike warn has potentially horrific consequences as the harsh winter closes in.

Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership particularly welcomes donations of medical supplies such as bandages, sleeping bags and sources of heat. There is also a need for mobile generators, whether powered by conventional fuel or solar panels.

Further information can be obtained by emailing mike@ phoenixenterprises.co.uk

Looking after the vulnerable and homeless this festive period

By Jamie Hill Jamie@positive-media.co.uk I love a bit of Christmas.

For a lot of us, it's one of the only times we can take a well-earned break for some proper family time ending up in a food coma during a Pixar movie by 4pm.

And Swindon always does the festive period very well with the Christmas lights, the

Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Barrie Hudson Reporter: Jessica Durston Sales: Dave Stewart and Rosy Presley Accounts Manager: Karen Randall Contributors: Tyler Ody, Becky Cox, Maurice Spillane and Alfie Howlett

Santa-themed events across the town, and the panto, which is always second to none.

But for some it is an especially hard time of year and we do need to spare a thought for those less fortunate especially during this cost of living crisis.

Fortunately the town is full of charities who lend a hand over the Christmas period, providing shelter and food for ADVERTISING Call 01793 644540 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for January adverts and editorial: 9 December January edition published: 28 December Our Statistics Est. Readership of 105,000 in print & c.50,000 monthly online visitors.

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those who need it, as well as other support.

These include Threshold Housing Link, Christmas Cares, and The Samaritans, who are there to help out those in need but they all need your help over this period, whether it is your own time or through donations of food or money.

As Tesco is always keen on telling us, 'Every Little Helps', and especially this year every

little bit of help will go a long way for those who need it.

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Positive Media Group Limited cannot be held responsible for goods or services or the copyright of content supplied by our advertisers.

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The Eco Briefing

Five actions to reduce your energy bills this winter Using energy efficiently over winter not only means saving money, but helps contribute to the collective efforts being made to address climate change.

That’s why we’ve listed five actions households can take that will have a meaningful impact on their energy usage, according to The Behavioural Insights Team.

Around half of UK households can save up to 8% of their gas use, around £100 per year, by reducing the flow temperature of their combi boiler (the temperature that your boiler heats the water to before it goes to your radiators). Boilers are often set by default at 7080 degrees. Households can also save an additional £26 or 2% off their gas bill per year by changing the hot water temperature on combi boilers to 42 degrees, which reduces

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the amount of fuel needed to heat water.

But moving thermostat settings from 20 to 18 degrees is by far the most effective measure most households can take when looking to lower their gas bill. This could save a UK household over 25% on gas, which is equivalent to £313 per year. Going down just one degree to 19 degrees can also save 13% your gas bill, which is about £157 per year.

Even without changing the thermostat, lowering the settings on radiator valves can save over 5% on an annual bill which works out around £70 per year for a typical household. Bedrooms or other occasional rooms have no need to be heated all day if they are not being used.

Turning radiator valves down completely in them throughout

the day will save an additional 4% or so, or around £55 per year.

Efficient shower heads can also reduce hot water usage by an astonishing 40%. Given that around 20% of household gas consumption in the UK is used for heating water for showers and washing up, this action could result in a typical saving of around £84 a year. Every minute cut from your shower

saves about 15 litres of water and if the water is turned down while lathering, that’s another 30 litres per shower saved. This tip is still relevant for electric showers as heating water with electricity can be very expensive.

Visit the Be the Change webpages for more resources to help you on your way: www. swindon.gov.uk/bethechange

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Council vision of exciting future for town centre

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk

"Swindon has now got its first brand new office building in the town centre for over 30 years," said Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard.

"We have cranes on the skyline, we've got diggers as we speak undertaking works.

"Things are happening in Swindon town centre when for many years they didn't. The proof's in the pudding."

Cllr Renard agreed to give Swindon Link readers an insight into what to expect once the massive redevelopment of the Fleming Way area is complete.

Asked what people will experience at the end of the three-year project, he said: "What you'll see is a tree-lined boulevard which is primarily designed for buses and cyclists.

"It will be a place where you can change between forms of public transport because the railway station will be nearby "There will be both local and regional buses coming down Fleming Way. There will be cycle ways with appropriate storage facilities, and it's going to be a much nicer place for pedestrians as well.

"It will be easier for them to make their way from the

Swindon Borough Council leader Cllr David Renard outside the recently completed Zurich building, Unity Place

station, through the Tri Centre, past the new Zurich building Unity Place - and straight into the town centre."

The improved Fleming Way will complement the 20-acre Kimmerfields project, which will include a cultural quarter with a media arts centre and pavilion, green space, commercial space and new homes.

The recently completed Zurich office building is part of the project.

Some critics say the era of town centres has passed, thanks to online commerce and out-oftown big box retail parks, but

Cllr Renard disagrees.

"I think what we're seeing is a return to town centres in terms of what they used to be many years ago," he said.

"They were places for people to live, work, shop and do other leisure activities. For many years we saw town centres as a place for retail, to spend money.

"Times have changed. We don't need as much physical retail space - a lot of it is done online - but even so, people want to come into town centres.

"There are some things that perhaps you can't source, look at, feel and touch online in

the way you can in the shops, so there will still be call for retail shops and people want experiences.

"They still come for food, they still come for leisure activities, so we'll see the town centre of the future very much like it was in the past, with multiple uses."

Cllr Renard added that the revitalised town centre would also make Swindon more competitive against rivals such as Reading and Bristol when it came to attracting more businesses to the area, and draw more custom for shops and other businesses already established there.

Warm spaces for people struggling this winter

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk Warm and Welcome Spaces are existing spaces that are being promoted across Swindon this winter.

They are available to anyone who might be struggling during the cost of living crisis.

So far, 10 Swindon Borough Council-run and community venues have been confirmed as being part of the scheme Visitors won’t be asked why they’re there and there will be no obligation to take part in any activities which might be on offer, but if they want to chat and get to know some 6

other local people, then they’ll be equally welcome.

A full list of the current venues, which will be updated regularly, is on the Council’s website at www.swindon.gov. uk/warmandwelcome.

Venues include Gorse Hill Baptist Church, the Swindon Hub in the town centre, Wroughton Library and some of the libraries and community centres across the borough.

At some, staff will be on

hand to provide guidance and support to those in need of further help with the cost of living crisis.

The council is looking for volunteers to help out at the Warm and Welcome Spaces and people can find out about opportunities by emailing volunteer@swindon.gov.uk or calling the Live Well team on 01793 465 513.

The council also welcomes enquiries from organisations and businesses interested in registering as a Warm and Welcome Space. Full details of what this entails and grant aid are available from costofliving@swindon.gov.uk

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Inspiring Swindon woman promotes free thinking and wellbeing

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk A woman from Swindon has won the praise of countless influential people by organising a series of supper gatherings promoting arts education, free thinking and creativity.

Old Town-based Carole Bent is the driving force behind STEM to STEAM, which adds the arts to the world of STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

She has worked throughout the country with people ranging from entrepreneurs to artists, and from academics to filmmakers.

Carole, whose own background includes a successful career in a senior role with a major store chain, believes many influential people either do not generally think of themselves as being creative, or else need help in identifying and harnessing their creativity.

Carole Bent

She recalls one session attended by a man who described himself as the least creative person present, but who had helped to tackle an outbreak of deadly disease Ebola, and who had been instrumental in building a barrier to protect a village.

Carole said: "To me that was the most creative thing.

"I think if people can open their minds and feel able to think creatively, then almost

anything is possible.

"It's the thing of being able to bring people together to share the other sides of themselves for the aim of more good."

The many people who have praised Carole's work include Aardman Animation co-founder David Sproxton CBE, who said he relished the opportunity to have conversations which crossed the widely perceived divide between the sciences and the arts.

Wildcats sponsor Swindog

The Wildcats are sponsoring their very own super-sized Swindog sculpture for the UK’s first balloon dog art trail, taking place across Swindon in aid of children's hospice charity Julia’s House.

Players for the ice hockey team had the opportunity to meet the first painted Swindog on the ice at the GLL Better Swindon Ice Arena, where they play their home games.

The Wildcats’ balloon dog sculpture will be decorated by a local artist and feature along 8

with 31 other sculptures on The Big Dog Art Trail next summer.

The spectacle will create a free walking trail through some of Swindon’s best-loved and historic parks, landmarks and streets. The Big Dog Art Trail will run from 15 July - 3 September 2023, and end with a grand finale when all of the two-metre-high Swindog sculptures will be brought together under one roof.

Further information about the event can be found at www. bigdogarttrail.co.uk/sponsors

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Tizzy the Elf app here in time for Christmas

By Jessica Durston | jessica@positive-media.co.uk The festive elf app created by Swindonians Keith and his son Ben will now be live from 24 November.

Once downloaded, families will be able to enjoy a visit from Tizzy the Christmas Elf. The app allows users to make Tizzy dance, take 'elfie selfies' and also play festive games.

As well as this, families will receive a welcome from Tizzy when they first open the application. She will walk through an animated door and into their home.

Keith says Tizzy the Elf is

perfect for children, and for the whole family.

The Tizzy team have also announced that Swindon residents will be able to get their hands on Tizzy before anyone else.

The idea for the app came to Keith when Ben and their household were being visited by the Elf of the Shelf.

Keith explained: "I kept thinking, it would be so great if there was an app like Elf on the Shelf for families to use throughout the festive period of the year."

Prior to its final launch, the Tizzy team also had the help of Swindon families, who tested the app and shared their feedback.

Keith said it was important for him to receive reviews and new ideas to help make the app the best it could be.

Tizzy the Elf will be priced

App user Rhian trying out Tizzy the Elf

at 79 pence until 9 December.

People can find the app for their smartphone or iPad via the app store.

Those interested in downloading Tizzy can visit linktr.ee/ tizzyswindon to choose the correct app link for their device or scan the QR code on this page.

The team are also open to having Tizzy sponsor community events, such as school discos.

Members of the public can get in touch with Keith through facebook. com/tizzytheelf to discuss sponsorship or any other enquiries relating to Tizzy the Elf.

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Grant means extra help for unpaid carers in Swindon

Swindon Carers Centre has been awarded £40,000 to employ a specialist mental health practitioner.

The charity says unpaid carers are reporting increased anxiety, stress, depression and loneliness following the pandemic.The grant, from RUHX (the official charity of the Royal United Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) and NHS Charities Together, is funding an adult support practitioner for two years.

Launch of Swindon business programme

The Mayor of Swindon and South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland were among the VIPs at the official launch of The Foundry.

Based at The Workshed, the business centre based at the former Brunel Carriage Works, The Foundry is a free programme designed to support ambitious entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.

Entrepreneurs are offered office space, advice, mentoring, inspiration and the opportunity to network with like-minded people.

Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology opens

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk

The official opening of the new Swindon & Wiltshire Institute of Technology (IoT) brought VIPs to New College.

Dignitaries, stakeholders, employers and partners were in attendance for the showcase event, with the formal ribboncutting ceremony performed by South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland KC. Also present for the ceremony were North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, Swindon Borough Council leader Cllr David Renard, Paul Moorby, Chair of the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, College Principal and CEO Carole Kitching and technology journalist and Gadget Show presenter Georgie Barrat.

Visitors enthused over the new facilities and world-class hightech equipment, which include engineering workshops, science laboratories, a film studio,

From left: Georgie Barrat, Paul Moorby, Sir Robert Buckland MP, Justin Tomlinson MP, Cllr David Renard, Carole Kitching

recording studio, conference area and E-sports lab.

Sir Robert said: “We need to inspire our young people, and indeed those at a later stage in life, to get those all-important higher education qualifications that lead to higher wages and higher-skilled jobs and make our economy a resilient economy for the future.

"I am genuinely excited to be here at this opening today.”

Carole Kitching said: “This marks the biggest ever investment in skills training in the region and one that others

have termed ‘a revolution in skills training'.

"We know that Swindon is a higher education coldspot, with no university and a lower percentage of young people progressing into higher education than nationally, and we also know that our employers need a pipeline of highly-skilled young people and adults to drive economic prosperity."

She added that the IoT was the solution to meeting workforce skills needs now and into the future.

Young artist wins Swindon firm's Christmas card competition

GWH prepares for a busy winter

The public are being called on to help protect hospital services for those most in need this winter.

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is expecting services to be extremely busy, and the trust is calling on local people to help protect the urgent and emergency care services.

Minor injuries and illnesses can often be treated more quickly outside of Swindon’s Emergency Department and Urgent Treatment Centre, or with the right self-care, and NHS 111 can also signpost to the most appropriate healthcare setting.

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A Year 6 pupil at Lawn Primary School will see his Christmas card design printed.

Every year Swindon and Wiltshire accountancy firm AMS Accountancy Ltd holds a card competition to help celebrate the Festive Season.

This year's winner is young artist David Orororo, who submitted a design called 'Santa's Workshop'.

David won a £25 Amazon voucher and AMS donated £250 to the school.

An AMS Accountancy Ltd

spokesperson said: "Thank you to Emma Jelley, Deputy Head Teacher, for allowing us to run this competition again this year."

The AMS Accountancy Ltd website is www.amsaccountancy.co.uk

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Swindon Concert Band to hold Christmas show next month The Swindon Concert Band are inviting members of the public to join them for a Christmas concert in Royal Wootton Bassett on 10 December.

The concert will be held at the Memorial Hall and will begin at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, with under 16-yearolds going free.

More information about the event and tickets can be found by calling 01793 813095 or emailing tickets@ swindonconcertband.co.uk

World Championship bid for Swindon bowlers

Swindon bowlers were victorious at the UK Visually Impaired Singles Championship.

Keith Brenton, (Haydon Wick and the Lyndhurst club, Newcastle) was crowned the England and UK Men’s B1 Champion.

Nigel Morgan (Haydon Wick and Swindon Manor) was also awarded a gold medal. The pair will compete for the World title in Australia.

Jeanette Maisey (Haydon Wick Bowls Club and Swindon Manor) won the Bronze medal for England in the B2 ladies competition. Richard Ball (Stratton Churchward team), also won a bronze medal.

Major improvements coming at GWR Park

South Swindon Parish Council, Historic England, the National Trust and Swindon Borough Council have joined together to deliver a programme of improvements at GWR Park.

New cherry blossom trees and seating are among the planned improvements.

The total investment in the park is approx £130,000.

The green space and former cricket pitch for GWR workers is in Swindon’s historic Railway Village.

Works started this November and are expected to continue until April.

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Swindon volunteers and key workers honoured with special royal tree planting has lost over

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk Swindon's key workers and volunteers who helped out during the pandemic have had two trees planted at Coate Water in honour of their lifesaving efforts - including a tree from the Buckingham Palace Jubilee sculpture.

Steve Maddern, Director of Public Health for Swindon, opened the ceremony officially with a speech. He said: "These trees are for all the key workers and volunteers that helped Swindon through the pandemic. The Queen’s Canopy Tree acknowledges the dedication and hard work of volunteers who supported the covid-19 vaccination efforts.

I am delighted to open the ceremony and welcome all that are here this morning.

"Since the first case of covid in March 2020, Swindon has seen over 75,000 cases of covid and unfortunately

Sarah Troughton helps to plant the Queen's Green Canopy Tree

of Wiltshire.

The four dignitaries took turns to help plant the first tree - a Tulip Tree - which can be found outside the Ranger's Centre at Coate Water.

After the first planting and plaque unveiling was finished, the ceremony's attendees were guided towards a green space that can be found just upon driving into the Park's entrance.

A star-shaped flower bed had a hole dug especially for the tree from the Queen's Green Canopy's Tree of Trees sculpture that was unveiled during the late Queen's Jubilee celebrations.

Sponsored walk in aid of suicide prevention charity raises over £7,000

Swindon resident Tracey Boxall and a team of over 20 people tackled a 20-mile sponsored walk in aid of suicide prevention charity CALM. The group took part in 'The Lost Hours' sponsored walk for the organisation. CALM stands for Campaign Against Living Miserably. The charity aims to help those affected by suicide, or suicidal thoughts, and offers help to those struggling with their mental health.

CALM runs an annual fundraising event called The Lost Hours Walk. The walk usually takes place late in October, to coincide with the clocks changing, and the UK experiencing a 'lost hour.' People who have been affected by suicide, or have themselves felt suicidal, can join together and walk to raise money and awareness.

The total raised from the 20mile walk around Swindon (with gift aid) stands at £7,300.

The walking group were

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450 Swindon residents. The town’s response from key workers and volunteers has been phenomenal and essential to protect the lives of those most vulnerable in our communities.

“I wish to say a sincere thank you for all you have done and all you continue to do. We know these trees will represent a wide range of efforts and organisations across Swindon, to help people feel connected, safe, cared for, and not alone. On behalf of Swindon, a heartfelt thank you for all that you have done.”

Alongside Mr Maddern, other dignitaries present included Mayor of Swindon Cllr Abdul Amin, Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr David Renard, GWH Chief Executive Kevin McNamara, and Sarah Troughton, the Lord Lieutenant

dressed in yellow and orange as they are the charity's colours.

Tracey was joined A group photo - Tracey is pictured sitting in the centre at the very front by friends and group, and all the young supporters who travelled from people for taking part, and Suffolk, London, Burton-on-Trent for the support I have received and other UK locations as well from the people of Swindon. as Swindon.

Thank you for the JustGiving Tracey has a personal donations and the cash connection with the charity donations given to us on the as she lost her son Alex back walk. I would also like to say in November 2019. He was thank you to all the people we 19. She had a special t-shirt met along the way on our walk, printed with a photo of her son that were waving at us and on the front. cheering us on."

Tracey said: "I have had a Tracey's JustGiving page can staggering amount of support be found at www.justgiving. from strangers finding me on com/fundraising/tracey-boxall Facebook, had local companies More information can be donating, and other parents found at swindonlink.com/ who had lost their children to charity/tracey-boxall-lastsuicide reaching out to me. hours-walk-2022/ "I would like to thank my

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A focus on funeral care Families can find bereavement to be one of the, if not the most, traumatic event that they will encounter in life.

Worrying about the costs of the funeral service, and organising everything that goes along with it after someone close has passed away, can cause stress and uncertainty at an already delicate time.

Arranging a funeral and choosing the right option for a lost loved one can be difficult. In this feature, we will look at the various options for funeral care and will writing available in Swindon, and the organisations offering these services.

Hillier Funeral Service moves to new Old Town location Hillier Funeral Service - a family run and independent funeral business - is pleased to announce its move from Victoria Road to Kinsghill House in Old Town.

The family team said they had outgrown the office on Victoria Road and after looking for a number years, finally found Kingshill House which matched all their requirements.

A spokesperson for the business said: "It has been a two and half year project from the offer being accepted to finishing the renovations. We are so pleased with the final result, our dream was to create an inviting and relaxing space for our clients to arrange funerals, visit their loved ones and even hold the funeral service. We’ve given the building a new lease of life and opened it back up to the community."

Kingshill House,an iconic building in Swindon, was a maternity hospital for a number of years. The Hillier team will be holding an open week from Monday 28 November – Friday 2 December for anyone who wishes to come and have a look around. During this week there will be a Christmas tree so visitors can place a message for their loved ones.

The Hillier team will have two arrangement offices, three peaceful chapels of rest, a grand service room to hold funerals with up to 40 mourners, parking and two caretaker's flats. The service room will give families another venue option if they want an intimate funeral, hold a service before a burial or simply do not wish to attend the crematorium. The team say they will be the only funeral service in Swindon to offer this.

More information about Kingshill House or the open week at: www. hillierfuneralservice.co.uk or 01793 522 797.

A word from Matt Finnegan, owner of Swindon Memorials: Swindon Memorials are a family run stonemasons who enjoy an excellent reputation serving Swindon, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Berkshire.

Swindon Memorials works in partnership with Hillier Funeral Service as Matt Finnegan the company director is part of the Hillier family.

At Swindon Memorials we offer a personalised service offering creative and beautiful memorials that reflect the uniqueness of your loved one.

We help every step of the way. We also offer a grave tending service, which gives peace of mind that your loved ones' graves remain maintained, respectable and dignified in your absence.

At Swindon Memorials we supply, clean, fix and repair memorials from simple tablets to large monuments.

Find out more about Swindon Memorials online at www.swindonmemorials.co.uk

A word from Dignity Funeral Directors: The teams at AE Smith and Son and G & L Evans have many years of experience of providing a valuable service to the community of Swindon and surrounding areas.

We keep our clients at the heart of our business and strive to offer exceptional care to you and your family.

Whether guiding you through the process of purchasing one of our Pre-Paid Plans or taking the time to show you the extensive options available to personalise a loved one’s funeral, we are here to help and understand.

The team consists of Jeff, Nicola, Ellen, David, Craig, Frank, Penny, Andy, Kirsty, Kate, Shaun, Paul, and Matt, who come from quite diverse backgrounds and occupations. Our offices are in Swindon, Covingham and Highworth and open during the week, if you wish to pop in meet us and talk about anything funeral related.

We have social media pages allowing us to update you on what is going on, giving you the option to ask us questions from the comfort of your own home or you can simply call us to arrange a time to sit with a member of staff.

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Information around Will services Richardson's Wills explain what will happen to your loved ones if you do not make a Will:

Many people are of the belief that if they die without making a Will, any assets they own including property, money and any savings, will automatically go to their spouse and children.

Unfortunately, this is simply not the case.

If you die without making a Will, your estate will be dealt with according to the laws of the intestacy.

If you die intestate leaving behind a spouse or civil partner and children, then your estate will be distributed as follows: Estate under £270,000: • Your spouse will inherit everything.

Estate over £270,000: • The spouse will receive all personal chattels (these are ‘tangible movable assets’ such as jewellery and furniture), a legacy of £270,000, and half of what remains of the estate.

• The children will receive the other half of the estate.

This may not be appropriate and loses the inheritance tax benefits afforded to married couples. It may also be inappropriate to you if you and your spouse have informally separated.

If you die intestate leaving behind an unmarried partner and children, your children will inherit your entire estate. The rules make no provision for an unmarried partner or cohabitant.

If you are not married to your partner they will be left with no provision from your estate unless they apply to the courts for provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants Act) 1975.

The team say making a will is the best way to avoid any unintended and unfair consequences.

For a free review of an existing Will or to make a Will call 01793 251260 or email hello@richardsonswills.co.uk

Asset Guardian Wills: Asset Guardian Wills Ltd is a locally based family firm of Will writers and estate planners with over 27 years’ experience.

The majority of their appointments are conducted in the comfort of the client's own home at a time that is convenient.

Asset Guardian are members of the ‘Society of Will Writers’ which is a governing body for its profession.

Asset Guardian Wills Ltd say they can not only help people with their will, but other services include preparing and registering Lasting Power of Attorney documents and probate services.

For more information or to book an appointment, people can get in touch via 01793 737246 or visit the website at www.assetguardiancompany. co.uk

Bower and Bailey Solicitors:

Bower and Bailey have specialists available to offer comprehensive advice on inheritance tax planning and to prepare appropriate Wills, whether simple or more complex.

A spokesperson from the team said: "We advise on the suitability of trusts and draw up Deeds of Family Arrangement to maximise any tax planning advantages which may be available."

Alison Hill is a private client and residential property solicitor based in the Swindon office. She qualified with the firm in 1986 and became a partner in 1992. She has the skills and experience to help clients deal with the legal process in circumstances that are often very difficult and emotional for them.

Alison can be contacted via 01793 610466 or ahill@ bowerbailey.co.uk

Local funeral director discusses what it takes to help arrange a funeral and look after families

A column from John from Pearce Funeral Services.

Being a funeral director my vocation, not a job.

Being a funeral director requires empathy, compassion and understanding. It is our duty to respond to the needs of our families both emotionally and practically, no matter what day of the year it is or time of the day or night. If someone passes away at 4am in the morning and the family request our presence, then we will be there to offer guidance and support.

Our families are always our first priority. Their needs come before anything else. We will do our utmost to reassure them and to give them the guidance and support that they need to get through what can be a devastating and heartbreaking time.

If no wishes have been discussed with your loved one before our initial conversations, we will be able to advise and guide you with options that help you in the direction that you feel is right for you and them.

Every funeral is individual and we bespokely tailor every funeral to reflect your loved one. It is really important to us that we understand you as a family and your loved one to ensure we arrange the funeral that you want. During arrangements we find out more about your loved one. What they were like, any hobbies, interests etc. What was their personality like, what did they do for a living? All of these little details help us to tailor a funeral that is individual to both them and you.

Paying for a funeral can often become an added stress. We make sure that families are aware of all costs upfront. We do not ask for pre-payment. All of our fees are on our website to ensure full transparency.

Our support also continues after the funeral through our professional trained bereavement support.

For those who are struggling with losing a loved one, our doors are always open and we are on hand to give guidance for those who might want to seek further support.

More about Pearce Funeral Services can be found at www. pearcefuneralservices.co.uk or via 01793 832 072.

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Welcome to Orchid Vale!

Orchid Vale is an exciting place to learn.

Families are warmly welcomed into the school community and we firmly believe that, as your child’s first educators, you continue to have a significant role in your child’s school journey.

Following our visit from Ofsted in March 2020 and subsequently becoming part of the Park Academies Trust family of schools, significant collaborative work has taken place to develop and strengthen the quality of teaching and learning.

The Trust is investing heavily in our school environment— enhancing IT provision, the library and the Early Years outdoor learning provision.

We benefit from a wide range of shared facilities and expertise.

School Values: We have worked closely with pupils, parents and staff to establish our core values of: • Respect • Honesty • Kindness • Perseverance • Responsibility • Individuality We share these common values through the way that we work as a school and with our local community.

From September 2023 Orchid Vale is a named feeder primary school in the admission arrangements for Abbey Park School, one of the most popular secondary schools in Swindon. www.abbeyparkschool.org.uk

School Profile: Orchid Vale Primary School Get to know the schools in your area This issue: Orchid Vale Primary School Address: Torun Way, Haydon End, Swindon, SN25 1UG Contact: (01793) 745006 Website: www.orchidvaleprimaryschoolswindon.co.uk

We are proud to: • Offer children a welcoming and inclusive environment where individual strengths are recognised, celebrated and nurtured.

• Lay secure foundations to grow as aspirational life-long learners, preparing our pupils for the next steps in life.

• Foster a love of learning, encouraging independence, curiosity and creativity through a wide range of opportunities

Our Curriculum:

'Inspiring lifelong learning' Pupil Leadership At Orchid Vale, every pupil has a voice that is heard through our Pupil Leadership Programme.

Our groups include Antibullying ambassadors, Reading Champions, EcoCouncil, Sports Leaders, Community Links Committee and Cultural Diversity Committee.

Our broad curriculum is designed to give children a passion for the full range of subjects but yet be able to find their true strength in subjects that they might choose to pursue to the very highest level.

Our curriculum is built around engaging experiences and practical activities that enable the children to make sense of the key knowledge that they need in order to be prepared for the next stages in their school life.

Reading at Orchid Vale: Phonics and reading are central to our curriculum, from our classes which are all named after successful children’s authors to a variety of activities that foster reading for pleasure.

We’d love to show you our school. Please contact our school office to arrange a visit.

We are a two form entry school with 60 children in each year group, organised into two classes per year group. swindonlink.com n December 2022

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Swindon's Festival of Tomorrow boosted by Arts Council England grant Swindon’s successful Festival of Tomorrow will be back for its fourth year, after receiving a grant from the Arts Council of England.

As a result of this support from the Arts Council, the festival will return early next year.

It will again combine science and the arts, teaming up with artists and Swindon arts organisations to find new ways to help people explore the science, technology and discoveries that will shape the future.

The festival, which takes place every February, will include a dedicated programme for Swindon schools, free halfterm activities across town, and a two-day hybrid event at The Deanery CE Academy in Wichelstowe on the 17 and 18 February.

Rod Hebden, Festival of Tomorrow Director said: “We’re delighted that Arts Council England are supporting Swindon, by getting behind the festival. The links between

science, technology and the arts are greater than the divide between them. Scientists and innovators are naturally creative, and the arts provide a powerful lens to see the world and its possibilities in new ways."

Ian Larrard, Director at Business West Swindon and Wiltshire Initiative said: “We’ve been proud to support the Festival of Tomorrow since it launched in 2020, so we’re pleased to see its impact being recognised. Science, arts and culture are critical to the future of Swindon.

"Innovative and exciting programmes like the Festival of Tomorrow have the potential to drive economic growth and attract great employers and a skilled workforce to the town, so we’d encourage all of Swindon to get behind it!”

Whilst organisers are keeping quiet about what is in store next February, they are said to have a big job on their hands to top the events of the last year.

The 2022 Festival saw mammoths, robotic dogs, climate scientists and rocket shows for Swindon families to explore.

Organisations including Swindon-based UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the UK Space Agency, The James Dyson Foundation, and the Science Museum Group and several leading universities will be supporting the festival yet

again, with hands-on science, talks, shows and workshops to give people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to share in the latest discoveries and technologies which will help shape the future.

To be the first in line for tickets and to hear the latest announcements, people can sign up for updates by visiting www. festivaloftomorrow.com

Swindon & District Samaritans and Supermarine FC supported by Swindon Amazon team The Amazon fulfilment centre in Swindon has made a £1,000 donation to a charity working with a local semi-professional football club to help make change that saves lives.

The Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide.

The charity provides support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide, every hour of every day of the year.

The charity’s Swindon branch also works with Swindon Supermarine FC to help promote connection and raise awareness of the charity so people know they have somewhere to turn to when they need it most.

The donation from Amazon in Swindon will go towards increasing awareness of the Samaritans 24/7 listening 18

service for anyone struggling to cope, as well as assisting with the provision of upgraded facilities.

David Tindal, General Manager at Amazon in Swindon, said: “We’re pleased to support a charity as vital to our community as Samaritans.

We hope this donation lends its volunteers a helping hand to be there for those who need them.”

Susie Higgs, Volunteer Branch Director, from Swindon & District Samaritans, added: “Our thanks go to David and the Amazon team for this donation. Every 10 seconds, we respond to a call for help, so your support will help us give people time, undivided attention and empathy to help reduce feelings of distress and despair.”

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The Politics Page A new home is found for beloved Swindon Museum and Art Gallery A column by Swindon Borough Leader David Renard Delivering a new home for Swindon Museum and Art Gallery has been a top priority for the council ever since it became apparent its previous base at Apsley House in Old Town was no longer fit for purpose.

As many of you may know, the council’s Cabinet agreed to dedicate the entire first floor of the Civic Offices in Euclid Street for the new facility and work has been taking place ever since to get the plans drawn up and the necessary permissions in place to enable the conversion of the offices into gallery space.

At the time of writing this column, I’m delighted to confirm that we have just received Listed Building consent to make the alterations to the 1930s Art Deco Grade II listed building.

We have already put tenders out for the work and we expect the first of our contractors to be on site

before Christmas.

One of the benefits of having the Civic Offices as the new home of the museum and art gallery is its accessibility.

We want to make sure that everyone has a chance to see our fantastic collections and one of the most important pieces of refurbishment work will be to install a brand-new lift so those with mobility issues

There will also be improved working conditions and additional areas for staff, volunteers and researchers.

This will give us the chance to restart the museum and art gallery’s volunteer programme.

We will be creating a school learning and lunchroom, which will also be used to host museum events, especially those aimed at families

or families with buggies and prams have easy access to the first floor of the building.

The new museum and art gallery will create extra space for permanent and temporary exhibitions - around 40 percent - and this will enable us to provide formal and informal learning programmes for schools.

and focusing on the museum and art gallery’s extensive collections.

As it is close to the town centre, it will make the new facility easier to get to and we will also have dedicated coach parking, which will make it more convenient for school children to see the collections.

The temporary home would

be used as a medium-term solution for the museum and art gallery while plans to build a purpose-built facility as part of Swindon’s proposed Cultural Quarter come forward.

My Cabinet colleague, Matty Courtliff, is extremely passionate about delivering the best facility possible for local residents, and I know he was really pleased to be able to present the plans for the new museum and art gallery to members of the public at a special session a few weeks ago.

The feedback to the plans and what we aim to achieve has been really positive and we will update you on how the work is progressing over the coming months.

Swindon Labour leader Jim Robbins considers environmental crisis Most councillors have spent time this month doing Carbon Literacy training.

It has been really interesting and pretty scary making sure that we understand the latest climate change science and its impact and trying to identify the ways that we can move to being a Net Zero Council, which we have committed to doing by 2030, and then making sure the whole town hits Net Zero targets as soon as possible after that.

Those of you following COP27 will have seen that countries across the world aren’t doing enough yet to stop the rise in average temperature that if unchecked will be catastrophic.

We are determined that Swindon will play its part and want to get ideas and advice from members of the 20

public to make sure we move to a net zero environment in a measured and sensible way, creating jobs and making sure that we are not disadvantaging people on the journey.

We need to ensure that the town has the infrastructure in place to support people to make the change to electric cars.

We need to set ambitious targets for home builders to deliver solar panels, ground source heat pumps and electric car charging points for new developments, as well as expecting them to deliver safe cycle-to-school routes.

It will be trickier to try to retrofit the existing housing in the town, but we need to look at ways to do this to ensure we hit the target and some residents aren’t left behind.

The Labour group will be following the lead of ambitious Labour councils to find new ways to do this, such as following Manchester’s lead on using their procurement processes to prioritise carbonefficient businesses and Lewisham’s lead of working with residents to invest in projects that have a steady payback over time.

When we take control, we’ll be working on ways to have residents feed in their ideas and plans for greening the town and we’ll work with residents to make them happen.

The powers of local authorities are limited so together with other LAs we will put pressure on central government to move much more quickly towards a sustainable economy.

We know that the town needs to have a more sustainable and reliable public transport network to encourage people onto buses, and it seems pointless to spend millions of pounds on a Bus Boulevard if we don’t have the efficient bus network to use it.

I hope that interested residents will use the Labour councillors’ social media accounts to make their views and ideas known to us or email me at jrobbins@swindon.gov. uk to let me know what you think!

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Swindon author West End and circus stars join forces to will take you out ofbring thisSwindon worldThe Greatest Show

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FEATURES

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk It's time to step into the light and escape to a world where musical theatre meets jawdropping circus spectacular.

Cirque – The Greatest Show is coming to Swindon's Wyvern Theatre on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 24 and 25, starting at 7.30pm The acclaimed performance combines showstoppers from everyone’s favourite West End and Broadway hits with breathtaking aerialists, incredible contortionists, and thrilling trapeze artistes.

The award-winning production is the latest from concert show specialists Entertainers.

According to company director James Taylor, Cirque – The Greatest Show is the brand new phenomenon everyone is talking about for 2023.

“It’s a smash-hit circus musical, guaranteed fun for all the family,” he said. “It takes you on a truly wondrous journey as a monochrome life bursts joyously into kaleidoscopic colour.”

Uplifting musical theatre hits are delightfully woven into the story of Cirque – The Greatest Show, and stars of the West End combine with circus performers on the biggest hits from the greatest musicals of all time.

“From The Greatest Showman to Moulin Rouge, Hairspray to Rocketman the Musical, there’s

something for everyone,” said James, “all brought to the stage in unique, spellbinding style.”

James describes Cirque – The Greatest Show as “a cracking new spectacular suitable for all ages”.

“It’s aimed equally at families and fans of musical theatre. . . in fact anyone who wants a great night out,” he said.

“The evening’s theme is that by taking a chance to step into the light you can achieve your heart’s desire. In the world of Cirque you can be whoever you want to be – and live life to the fullest.”

Boasting an all-star cast and promising the very best of musical theatre, mesmerising

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aerialists and circus stars, Cirque – The Greatest Show invites theatregoers to enter the world of the extraordinary.

Tickets are on sale now from the theatre box office, which

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can be reached on 0343 310 0040 and via swindontheatres. co.uk/Online/tickets-cirque-thegreatest-show-swindon-2023 Prices range from £20 to £33.

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What's On: Festive fun to be had in Swindon this December Beauty and the Beast: The Wyvern Theatre Pantomime

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CULTURE

This year's pantomime at the Wyvern Theatre is Beauty and The Beast, and will feature The Chase's Anne Hegarty as Fairy Flutterby.

The show will run from 3 December to 2 January.

Anne will be joined on stage by Britain’s Got Talent finalist Paul Burling, who caught the world’s attention in 2010 with his comedy impressions and reached the final.

Wyvern Pantomime favourite David Ashley will also be back on stage for the seventh time at the theatre, playing Dame Fifi.

Beauty and the Beast marks the first partnership between Imagine Pantomimes, one of the UK’s Biggest pantomime providers and Trafalgar Entertainment (TE), who operate the Wyvern Theatre.

Tickets are on sale now via swindontheatres.co.uk and imaginetheatre.co.uk

12 Band of Christmas at the Victoria The 17th annual event 'The 12 Band of Christmas', will be returning to the Victoria this year on Saturday, 17 December.

The evening will start at 7pm and run until 11.30pm.

There will be 12 local bands each playing a set where they will cover well-known hits in an unusual and unexpected style.

A spokesperson from the Victoria said: " The results are often funny and surprising, sometimes jaw dropping, but always entertaining!

"Who remembers last year's special guest Martin Mucklowe from the BBC hit comedy THIS COUNTRY? Who will be this year's surprise guest?"

The line up for this year's event is to be confirmed soon.

Tickets are priced at £7 (plus booking fee) and can be purchased at www.seetickets.com/event/12-bands-of-christmas17th-year-running-/the-vic/2443535

The Tuppenny Big Fat Quiz of the Year: in aid of Team Link's Sahara Trek A festive quiz looking back on 2022 will be held at the Tuppenny on Devizes Road on 19 December at 7.30pm.

The quiz is inspired by the popular Channel 4 annual panel show hosted by Jimmy Carr.

The funds raised from the quiz will go towards the Team Link Sahara Trek, which is in aid of Prospect Hospice.

A spokesperson for the event said: "Time to get out from under that rock you've been hiding beneath and answer all things 2022."

Entry is priced at £2 per person and registration will be at 7.30pm for the quiz start at 8pm.

The Sahara Trek will take place in the Moroccan Sahara where the Link team members will experience the vast and diverse landscapes including the Atlas Mountains.

The trek will span over 60 kilometres and takes place from 1926 March 2023.

More information at www.prospect-hospice.net/saharatrek.

To donate to Team Link's Sahara Trek people can visit www. justgiving.com/team/linksahara 22

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POETRY

Planning for a safe and joyful Christmas celebration church, we got the blame.

Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

Christmas last year was memorable for all the wrong reasons.

We had our regular event, 'Carols and Poems', in the Church Hall. For several years we’ve had fabulous singers from Bristol University, students year on year then gone.

We’ve a formula that works.

I recruit young poets to read Christmas poems – which is a

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joy. I read a few poems, have a Swindon guest and each year present a personalised poem to one of our villagers.

It’s great fun.

There we were last year, bathing in the aftermath, the glory of song and rhyme until the word got about that the villagers had covid.

Most of the carol singers got it, then myself and all the young poets. As we had projected our voices in the

In another century we might have been burned at the stake. Many of the villagers are of a certain age so there was genuine concern.

One cheeky bloke offered to open a book in the pub on how many would survive. So much for singing the praise of angels. Everyone had been vaccinated so there was no collateral damage.

We’ll be back again on Friday 16 December at 7:30pm. This time with open windows, and a promise that the carol singers will be facing the back wall.

I’ve been researching African poems and came across a fabulous Christmas

carol, “Sizalelwe Indodana.”

Listen on YouTube. This African poem made me laugh: The sound of “Merry Christmas” Drifts all around this day, Music on the radio, The same songs always play.

“White Christmas” makes me giggle As the sun rays dance about, The whitest clouds drift lazily Where the children play and shout.

Africa in summer pride The golden sun aloft White frosting on the Christmas cake The impact completely lost. www.mauricespillane.co.uk

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Christmas Children's Bike Appeal Monthly column with Becky Cox of Swindon Cycle Campaign.

Have you got any children’s bikes sat in the garage or not being used?

Children grow out of bikes so quickly and a once dearly loved bike can easily be forgotten about.

That pre-loved bike could make a local child’s Christmas this year.

Matt Jones, a local bike mechanic who runs bike repair business ‘Run & Repair’, is once again asking for donations of children’s bikes for his Christmas bike appeal, which is in its third year.

Over 200 local families, many of whom were not in a position to afford a bicycle for their children, have benefitted from the scheme so far.

The gift of a bike can open up so many opportunities for children, from giving them a chance to let off steam and Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

To most people the month of December brings Christmas shopping, mince pies and appalling television.

But for the football fan it provides one of the game's greatest spectacles. The festive football period.

While the majority of Europe will fall silent, the English game will continue its 134 year love affair with Christmas and football.

This season's schedule will witness Swindon play three times in the space of seven days, starting at home to Walsall on Boxing Day and ending away to Colchester on New Year's Day. No matter what the outcome it will arguably be the most wonderful time of the year.

Since I last wrote it feels as if very little has changed.

Swindon are steadily picking up points and remaining ever

get some exercise with friends to helping them develop their independence and making journeys without relying on parents or public transport.

Matt’s Christmas Bike appeal is aimed at struggling families and bikes are passed on at no cost.

He wants to help those who are perhaps unable to afford something for their children this Christmas.

No proof of hardship is required, he’s just happy knowing that a child will have the joy of receiving a bicycle this festive season.

If you have a bike (or two!) that you’d like to give to a new home, then please get in touch with Matt via the contact towards the end of this month's column.

SPORT

Some of the donated bikes from last year's appeal

Bikes can be from toddlersized all the way up to those for adults.

All he asks is that the bikes are in a reasonable condition to be repaired (i.e. not rusty bikes that have been sat in the garden all year).

Bikes can be dropped off at Run and Repair’s base at Bizspace, in Cheney Manor Industrial Estate.

Alternatively, if you know a family in need this festive

Cautious optimism beginning to build at SN1 present in the top half of the table. The only outlier would be Town's outstanding victory at Mansfield in late October.

The 5-2 victory opened up far more questions than answers. You ask yourself does such a performance warrant Swindon as serious promotion contenders? It was only the second time that the Stags had lost a home league game in 13 months, and the first time in six years they had conceded five at home in the league.

Surely this result meant that Swindon had to be taken seriously. But then on the other hand you could argue that Town's opponents were reduced to 10 men, therefore taking the gloss out of the scoreline.

Any optimism which had been built was quickly dashed a week later, as Town were thrashed 4-0 by Stockport in the FA Cup. It was a result

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which handed the Robins a stern reality check. Perhaps the victory over Mansfield was a fluke, a one off, a flash in the pan, or perhaps it was the start of something. Only the remainder of the season will tell but it's a reminder of something which most Town fans will approach with cautious optimism.

As the season develops it's pleasing to see some of Town's summer acquisitions return the investment. One name which springs to mind is Remeao Hutton.

The 24-year-old, who joined from Barrow, has caught the eye with his rampaging runs down the right wing. In addition the majority of his runs accumulate into good chances with his crossing ability. So far, at the time of writing, he has three assists to his name.

The full back, who earned the club's October player

season, please get in touch with Matt on Facebook: www. facebook.com/runandrepair or email run_repair@hotmail. com.

Matt also offers good value bike services, repairs and cleans.

Follow Run & Repair on Facebook or get in touch via Matt’s contact details above if you’d like to book your bike in.

LINK FOOTBALL of the month award, has developed into one of the first names on the team sheet.

In my opinion the full back is one of our most pivotal attacking threats. Another name would be that of Saidou Khan.

The midfielder, who arrived from Chesterfield, has performed so well he has kept Louis Reed out of the team. The Gambian has shone with his tough tackling and impressive dribbling.

It's fair to say that he has provided the back bone of the midfield.

2022 has been a year of highs and lows but for Swindon a good festive period could see it end on a high.

Despite the performances the results have been satisfactory. Let's see what 2023 has to offer!

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AGONY

GIRL

From the pages of Swindon Link's sister publication The Ocelot comes Agony Girl in the form of nine-year-old Amy. We read her the questions and she tells us the answers. To ask Agony Girl a question yourself email us at publisher@ swindonlink.com with 'Agony Girl' in the subject line.

Dear Agony Girl, It's my birthday in two weeks time.

What can I do to celebrate?

Karen, Ridgeway Farm How old are you? As I think you should throw a frat party. Wear clothes you would wear when you were younger and lots of drinking. You should burp as well. You should go to your house and throw it there and go to Tescos or Waitrose and buy loads of party decorations. I recommend Tidworth Tesco. And then you have to just be cool when you get there and invite over 60 people or if your house is small do it at my school hall. Or ask your friend who is rich and has a mansion? Or just invite under 20 people.

Dear Agony Girl, I have to plan a Christmas party for my office this year. Could you give me some ideas on how to put together the best Christmas do, ever?

From Jane in Toothill No. You have to do it from your heart but personally, since I’m a nice person, I will help. And also buy some Christmas

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decorations from Tidworth Tesco because it’s massive. I don’t care that the Swindon one is bigger. Tidworth is better.

Dear Agony Girl, I’ve heard that you’ve got into party planning. Would you be able to pop over to Hollywood and organise next year’s Oscars and a ‘slap-up’ meal?

And what theme do you think we should go for?

Tom Hanks, Hollywood Are you the real Tom Hanks? You should go for an Amyworld theme. My dad will send you a picture of my face and then you can print it up and make some lovely dubbly decorations. You should also go to Tidworth Tesco.

Dear Agony Girl There is nothing I like more than to settle down in front of a classic Japanese monster film featuring my favourite character, Gamera the giant rocket-powered turtle. However, my wife insists that I watch such things on my own, and that when we are

together we should watch more conventional films. Must I watch my favourite films alone forever, or can I persuade her of the joys of viewing cities being blasted to bits by a skyscraper-sized reptile?

Yours confusedly, A Gamera fan That’s just sad because you like watching gory heads being blown into pieces and cities destroyed. I can understand your wife. Ew! Dear Agony Girl, I feel like writing a relaxing story but don't know how? Do you know any relaxing stories and have any advice?

Tyler, North Swindon Yes. Never ever ever ever scream whilst you’re making it as it will ruin the vibe.

BE RELAXED. Remember to add the inspirational quotes from me to show that I was the person that inspired you.

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