North West Swindon Link July 2022

No 481 July 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

Introducing Agony Girl - here to answer all your problems p30

swindonlink.com

The changing face of Swindon town centre p10

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Swindon mum decided to honour memory of friend with 78-mile hike for hospice

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk A Swindon woman has spoken of her determination to complete a three-day hike for Prospect Hospice.

Aurelie Soulier was due to set out in late June and cover 78 miles across Swindon and Wiltshire.

Aurelie, a learning technologist, decided to walk in memory of Judith Hall, who died in December of 2020 from a rare form of leukaemia.

The mum of two was set to cover a route equivalent to just over three marathons, from the northernmost point in Wiltshire near Meysey Hampton to the southernmost point near Nomansland, passing some of the county’s most famous landmarks.

She said: "The walk is a chance for me to honour Judith's memory and fundraise and raise awareness for the great professional care

Prospect Hospice charity hiker Aurelie Soulier

Prospect Hospice provides to support patients like Judith with home care and also at the Wroughton hospice.

"It makes sense to undertake a walking challenge in honour

of Judith, who inspired me to take on more challenging hiking trips such as walking the Thames Path on my own, in the last year."

Judith loved hiking and is an

inspiration to Aurelie for all her challenges. Judith hiked in locations all over the world and used to lead groups of Duke of Edinburgh award students in expeditions to many local sights including the Ridgeway and other beauties of Wiltshire.

Aurelie began planning her walk across Wiltshire during the pandemic and chose to keep the walk fairly local due to the limitations of various lockdowns.

She found it a great opportunity to demonstrate how naturally, historically and culturally rich Wiltshire and Swindon are. Unfortunately, due to an operation and ill-health in 2021, she had to postpone the three-day hike.

Her route was set to take in landmarks including RAF Fairford, Mouldon Hill Country Park, Steam, the Oasis Leisure Centre and Avebury. Donations can be made at www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ waws22

Enjoying a glorious summer in sunny Swindon's parks

By Jamie Hill Jamie@positive-media.co.uk One of the things that I love most about Swindon is the town's plethora of glorious parks.

It's definitely one of the things that Swindon does exceedingly well and they all come into their own during the summer months.

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, Leigh Robinson, Becky Cox, Maurice Spillane and Alfie Howlett

Sometimes they feel like the town's best kept secret if you venture outside of the borough boundaries as they aren't exactly something the borough shouts about.

They are a must for Swindon residents' mental and physical health and give us a much needed green escape when the urban landscape becomes a bit much.

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During lockdown we all managed to appreciate them that little bit more as we left our household prisons.

Each of Swindon's parks and green spaces has its own unique set of quirks and characters that will always leave a smile on your face, whether it's the majesty of Lydiard Park and Coate Water, the beauty of Queens

Park and Stanton Country Park or the nature filled lovelinesses of Mouldon Hill and Shaw Forest.

Sometimes, I feel, Swindon is unfairly maligned by people who do not live here but if there's one thing I always shout about without fear of contradiction it is the town's glorious parks. They are something to be proud of.

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The Eco Briefing

Thousands register for solar panel scheme Over 10,000 residents across Swindon and Wiltshire registered for Solar Together Wiltshire - a solar panel group buying scheme that is being run by Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Council and independent experts iChoosr.

Strong interest in the scheme was driven by rising energy prices, the removal of 5% VAT previously payable on solar installations and the need to address climate change by switching away from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

The core principle behind Solar Together is harnessing the buying and bargaining power of bringing together a group of residents.

This allows the scheme to offer more competitive pricing than residents might get if entering the market alone.

The Energy Saving Trust estimates that a typical domestic solar photovoltaic system could save around one tonne of carbon

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per year, depending on where you live in the UK. Over 20 previous Solar Together schemes run across the UK resulting in over 8,400 installations of solar panels and batteries to store the energy generated.

Those residents who have registered their interest in the scheme will begin to receive a costed recommendation from 4 July

onwards.

The price will be based on the outcome of a reverse auction held by iChoosr on 17 June and appointment of the winning installers.

Any queries in relation to Solar Together Wiltshire can be emailed to iChoosr at wiltshire@solartogether.co.uk or calling 0800 048 8113.

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Swindon group sends aid directly into Ukraine

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

A Swindon organisation has begun sending aid directly into Ukraine after teaming up with drivers and charity workers from the war-torn nation.

Since the Russian invasion, Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership has sent lorries containing 550 tonnes of aid ranging from bedding to medical supplies. Until recently, those supplies could be taken

only as far as the border between Poland and Ukraine, where aid workers arranged for further distribution, but a new initiative sees them taken directly into the most needed parts of Ukraine.

Courageous local drivers have volunteered for the perilous missions, many of which involve navigating areas where roads have been destroyed by Russian attacks.

Mike Bowden, who chairs the aid partnership's committee,

said that in hard-pressed eastern parts of Ukraine, aid had either been sparse or not arriving at all. He added: "We thought we had a moral duty to do something about that, so we have lined up with Ukrainian drivers. It's not been easy. Many have funded themselves. We're looking to continue that model because we think it's better to get aid into the country directly."

The partnership has been given a base in Swindon's Railway Village by Swindon Borough Council. In addition to sending aid to Ukraine, it helps Ukrainian people who have been forced by the invasion to leave their country and have arrived in Swindon.

One volunteer, Natalia Suhoveeva, came to Swindon five years ago but is originally from Kyiv. She recalled a family with a little girl who wanted to take only a small hand-knitted woollen doll from among the many items.

Ms Suhoveeva said: "It is

Volunteers in Swindon help to load the first truck bound directly for Ukraine

something made with love; maybe some granny did it. The girl didn't take any fancy stuff.

"Ukrainian people who have come here, they have not just received something - every day I have some help from Ukrainian people. They come here and they volunteer and they try to help each other."

The partnership welcomes donations, particularly of small generators, batteries, chargers, toiletries, nappies, food, medical supplies and tourniquets. It also welcomes inexpensive small vehicles, preferably open-backed ones such as pick-up trucks, for carrying aid. For further information email mike@ phoenixenterprises.co.uk

Can you help support young people aged 8-18 in Swindon and Calne?

Next Step Independence provides children and young people aged 8-18 in the South West of England, with a place they can call home.

This is achieved through two types of services; Registered Children’s Homes and SemiIndependent Homes.

The children and young people NSI supports have often experienced high levels of trauma, neglect and crisis in their young lives, resulting in them experiencing complex challenges. This can leave them feeling unsettled, scared and often unwanted.

The NSI team believe that through the support of resilient, professional team members and in the right home environment,

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every child and young person can thrive and reach their full potential.

The organisation's beautiful homes are based in the Swindon and Calne areas and are designed to feel warm and welcoming and provide an accepting, non-judgemental environment.

All NSI team members receive a detailed induction and fully funded training programme.

Through on-going training, team members are encouraged to develop and broaden their skills and experience.

The business is expanding and it is developing its existing homes and opening new ones across Wiltshire.

NSI say they are always looking for like-minded individuals to join the team.

Those looking for a new career can contact Louise Barrett at careers@nextstepindependence. co.uk.

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Thousands in Swindon marked Platinum Jubilee

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk The Queen's Platinum Jubilee was marked with celebrations in and around Swindon.

Events were held throughout the four-day Bank Holiday, ranging from elaborate extravaganzas to street parties organised by neighbourhoods and gatherings held by charities and care homes.

The bigger celebrations included one at Lydiard Park, whose three-day Pimms in the Park event included music,

Ellendune Entertainers at Wroughton's Vintage Afternoon Tea

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family entertainment and food from throughout the world.

South Swindon Parish Council organised a popular Jubilee lunch at Queen's Park, with people invited to bring food, listen to live music and take part in art and craft sessions.

The location was especially significant, as Queen's Park was officially opened by Her Majesty in 1950, when she was still Princess Elizabeth.

Events in Wroughton included a Jubilee picnic as well as a vintage-themed afternoon tea including appearances

Posing for a picture at Swindon Interactive Arts Service

by local musical and theatre groups and a display stand put togther by local historians.

About 300 people attended a Jubilee celebration at Eastcott Community Centre in Savernake Street, which was organised by Eastcott Community Organisation, and hundreds flocked to Wood Street for an outdoor celebration which included music and an array of food and drink from local businesses who set up stalls.

Swindon Interactive Arts Service, which offers weekly arts, crafts and drama sessions for people with learning disabilities, was one of many local organisations to stage their own celebrations.

Several care homes in the Swindon area also held gatherings for residents and loved ones, with food, party games, music and memories of Her Majesty's seven decades on the Throne.

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Lottery funding for Swindon arts group Jubilee film

Swindon's Revolution Performing Arts has secured £10,000 of National Lottery funding for its Jubilee film project.

The film, which was due to premiere in late June, features all 32 of the group's classes.

Each was asked to choose a well-known theatre show from the 70 years of the Queen’s reign as inspiration for a piece of theatre, circus or dance, and the performances were then filmed.

Swindon 'Samarathon' is announced

Swindon & District Samaritans are invitng people to sign up to Samarathon, the charity’s annual virtual marathon.

The challenge involves walking, jogging or running the equivalent of a marathon distance during July.

Participants can choose how, when and where they complete their marathon – and can sign up to complete the challenge solo or join a team to complete it alongside their colleagues, friends and family.

Details can be found at www. samaritans.org/samarathon

Charity swimmers raised about £4,500

The Rotary Club of Swindon North & Thamesdown raised around £4,500 from sponsorship for a Swimathon.

A total of 74 entrants swam a collective 5,676 lengths of a 25-metre swimming pool. The Rotary team estimate that this is roughly the distance from Highworth to Bristol and back again.

The money raised will be shared between Swindon Food Collective and other good causes chosen by the swimmers.

Completion certificates and medals were presented

by Swindon Food Collective manager Cher Smith MBE.

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Broadway star heading for Malmesbury Abbey date

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

A choir leader brought up in Purton is heavily involved in a concert which will see Broadway star Rebecca LaChance perform at Malmesbury Abbey.

The concert on 2 July is hosted by the popular Malmesbury Community Choir who will be joined by the Bath Welcome Chorus, a combined choir of over 100 voices.

This will be something of a family affair as the Malmesbury Choir conductor is Laurie Jones and the Welcome Chorus Choir is led by his father, Grenville Jones.

Grenville Jones, who was raised in Purton, is an acclaimed choir leader and organiser whose work has included founding the GoldenOldies charity, which uses community singing to combat social isolation.

The charity, more commonly

Rebecca LaChance

known simply as Goldies, is now in its 15th year.

Its sessions are run by freelance leaders in libraries, community rooms and church halls throughout the country, and full details of its work can be obtained by visiting www. golden-oldies.org.uk Malmesbury Abbey concert soloist Rebecca LaChance is an acclaimed American actress who relocated to the UK after performing opposite Michael Ball in the title roles of Mack and Mabel at the Chichester

Festival Theatre and on tour throughout the UK. She has performed on stages across the world including on Broadway and in the West End. Her appearances include Patty in School of Rock (West End), Anne Vaux in Treason (Cadogan Hall), and the lead role of Carole on the 1st US National tour of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Rebecca has also performed in cabaret venues in New York and London.

Laurie Jones said: "It is going to be a very special evening and we are delighted that Rebecca is our guest.

"Both choirs have been rehearsing for the concert these past few weeks and I’m looking forward to sharing conducting duties with my father on the night.”

Tickets are priced at £18 and can be obtained from choir members, online via www.grenvillejones.biz and by calling 01761 472468.

Town centre regeneration work under way Swindon Borough Council is highlighting projects designed to help regenerate the town centre.

While some are still in the design phase, there is visible work to help bring more footfall.

One of the key projects being led by Swindon Borough Council is the work to transform Fleming Way into a new bus interchange, while also improving the wider public realm.

The initial phase of work has already begun with the closure of the Cheltenham Street car park at the western end of the road.

Once complete this section of the scheme will be home to national bus services travelling to locations such as Oxford and London.

Elsewhere in the town centre, work is continuing on the construction of the Premier Inn on Regent Street.

The £17m investment from

owner Whitbread will feature almost 200 rooms in eight storeys and include a 214 cover ‘Bar+Block’ steakhouse restaurant on the ground floor.

The council says this redevelopment will provide more footfall to the top end of Regent Street as well as Commercial Road, which will benefit from what will become a much improved pedestrian route on Temple Street.

Council leader David Renard

said: "All of these projects are designed to regenerate our town centre and work together to encourage more footfall and investment into the area."

He added that the Fleming Way improvements were an important part of the future of the town centre because they would bring in new commercial, residential and business opportunities as investment in the new Kimmerfields site continued.

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Live at Lydiard music festival cancelled Organisers of this year's Live at Lydiard Music Festival have announced its cancellation.

They have promised that the festival, whose acts were to include Rag'n'Bone Man, Blu DeTiger, Example and Jack Jones, will return next year.

Refunds will be processed automatically to the payment method individuals used to originally purchase the tickets.

Anybody with queries regarding the cancellation is invited to email info@ liveatlydiard.co.uk

Could Great British Railways be headed to Swindon?

Swindon is awaiting the result of its bid to be home to the new national rail body HQ. The town submitted a firstclass bid to Government in March, as part of a national competition, competing against 41 other towns and cities across the UK. The Government is expected to announce a shortlist of locations soon, before organising an online poll to give the public the opportunity to support and vote for their preferred location from the shortlist.

Individuals can find out more about why Swindon ticks all the boxes at www.swindon. gov.uk/destinationGBR

Arkell's Brewery open new pub just before Jubilee bank holiday weekend

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk Arkell’s Brewery’s new pub The Strawberry Thief, in Tadpole Garden Village opened in time for the Jubilee weekend on 2 June.

The new pub has long been awaited by the residents of Tadpole Garden Village.

The brewery hosted a low-key opening weekend event with a limited food menu during the Jubilee weekend.

Managing Director George Arkell said: “It was important for us to throw the doors open to the public for the Jubilee celebrations as we knew the community of Tadpole Garden Village would be excited to be able to meet family and friends there and celebrate together.

"The pub is looking fantastic and all of our locally brewed draught beer is available on the bar with the new pizza

oven up and running as well as barbecue food on offer.”

The team are led by hosts Tom and Mairead Titcombe.

Tom said: “We both started our careers in Arkell’s pubs and have been with the brewery at various venues since. We met in The Kingsdown Inn, and never looked back.

"Now we have the honour of becoming the first ever licensees of The Strawberry Thief. It’s set in the wonderful Tadpole Garden Village. The pub itself looks absolutely stunning and we feel so proud."

The brewery celebrated the

official opening on 16 June.

However, over the first two weeks of June, the pub has been open to the public for drinks.

Bookings and a limited food menu have been available since 9 June, as the pub has been building up to a full menu gradually each week.

The Strawberry Thief, was named as a nod to a William Morris textile design from 1883, which features thrushes that Morris found stealing fruit in the kitchen garden of his countryside home at Kelmscott Manor in Oxfordshire.

The Chase's Anne Hegerty among Wyvern panto stars

Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre and producers Imagine Theatre have announced first casting for their 2022/2023 panto.

TV Personality and star of ITV’s The Chase Anne Hegerty joins Beauty and the Beast as Fairy Flutterby, alongside comedy impressionist Paul Burling.

The show will run from 3 Wroughton Carnival team December to 2 January.

Anne Hegerty is best known looking for volunteers as ‘The Governess’ on ITV’s The Wroughton Carnival multi-award-winning teatime Committee are looking for game show The Chase and volunteers ahead of the annual Channel 7’s The Chase event that will take place on Australia, as well as presenting 9 July.

Britain’s Brightest Family, also In particular, volunteers are for ITV. needed to help close and In 2018 she was a contestant open the roads during the on a record-breaking series parade procession, and to of I’m A Celebrity: Get Me collect donations at the gates Out of Here! and she has also of the Weir Field. appeared on Ant and Dec’s Those interested can get Saturday Night Takeaway, in touch through Beverley Sunday Night at the London Margerison on 07824398516, Palladium, Loose Women, or via email at beverley.

This Morning, Lorraine, and margerison@gmail.com.

Celebrity Juice.

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The Arkell's team outside The Strawberry Thief

She said: “I love panto.

Beauty and the Beast is a firm family favourite and I know all of the magical pantomime ingredients will be included for the best night out for the whole family, so I am so pleased to be creating some of that magic as The Enchantress.”

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

Following this success, Paul could be seen in his own TV show on ITV It's Paul Burling.

He has appeared on many TV programmes including Channel 4's The 5 O'Clock Show, CBBC's The Slammer, Dick & Dom’s Hoopla!, ITV2’s Britain’s Got More Talent and Channel 4's Whatever Happened to Harry Hill? He has also appeared in his first feature film as Harry

Hill’s dad in The Harry Hill Movie.

Paul still enjoys performing live across the UK and recently supported Joe Pasquale on his summer stand-up tour, and with fellow BGT, The X Factor and The Voice stars, performing in theatres all over the UK in the Talents of Britain tour.

Local pantomime favourite David Ashley will also be back on stage in his seventh panto at the Wyvern Theatre, playing Dame Fifi.

Tickets are on sale now via swindontheatres.co.uk

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Cost of Living The Business Brief

Swindon Borough Council discusses what support is available to help with the cost of living Many families in Swindon and across the country are feeling the pinch right now, which is why it’s important to know what help and support is available.

Swindon Borough Council and Citizens Advice Swindon have joined forces to signpost the help available to Swindon families struggling with living costs.

It has been estimated that £15bn in benefits go unclaimed each year, including from one million

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pensioner households that could be missing out on Pension Credit. This tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £182.60 a week for single pensioners or £278.70 for couples.

A checklist signposted at the top of each page of the council’s website lists 16 things that might benefit you, a family member, a friend or a neighbour, including: - Use a benefits calculator to check if you’re one of up to 7 million people in the UK missing out on incomerelated state benefits - www. gov.uk/benefitscalculators - If you’re of State Pension age, call 0800 99 1234 to check your eligibility

for Pension Credit or use the online Pension Credit calculator - www.gov.uk/ pension-credit-calculator - Households earning below £16,480 can apply for a 50 per cent discount on their water bill by searching online for ‘Thames Water’s WaterHelp scheme’ or call Thames Water’s Extra Care Services Team on 0800 009 3652.

- Check to see if you’re one of over a million families missing out on up to £2,000 a year towards childcare costs - www.gov.uk/childcarecalculator Citizens Advice Swindon provide one-to-one advice and help to apply for benefits and other support.

Check their website for opening times, www. citizensadviceswindon. org.uk or call 0808 278 7813.

Take steps now to mitigate the impact of October’s energy price cap rise Energy regulator, Ofgem warned in late May that the typical household energy bill is set to rise by about £800 a year in October.

The energy price cap, which limits how much providers can raise prices, is expected to increase to £2,800 a year, due to continued volatility in gas prices.

The financial incentive has never been greater to find ways to make your home as energy efficient as possible and reduce energy use where possible. It’s also the case that the UK’s 30 million buildings - most of which are homes - account for more than 23 per cent of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Of that, 79 percent comes from our heating systems that are largely powered by fossil fuels.

People living in Swindon can benefit from for free and impartial energy saving advice from the Warm and Safe Wiltshire Advice Service part-funded by the council. It also offers free visits to eligible residents in Swindon to help lower bills and keep homes warm. Between April 2021-March 2022, Swindon and Wiltshire households accessed over £140,000 worth of energy bill savings.

Visit www.warmandsafewiltshire.org.uk or call 0800 038 5722 (9-5pm, Monday to Friday).

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The Politics Page Going all out to make Swindon Borough Council carbon neutral Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard's monthly column We have recently had two positive pieces of news as we continue our drive to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Back in July last year, councillor colleagues approved our Net Zero Emissions Action Plan, and this sets out a series of actions to help us reach net zero emissions within the council by 2030 and a much more ambitious target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions for the whole borough by 2050.

It is estimated that local councils like our own are directly responsible for between two and five per cent of their local areas' emissions, but we also have a role to play in helping our local residents reduce their own

impact on the environment.

Over the last few years we have built huge solar farms in the borough, we have almost finished converting 26,000 street lights to more efficient LED bulbs and we are continuing to expand our electric vehicle fleet as well as our on-street electric vehicle charging points.

But we want to go even further. A few weeks ago, construction began on a huge 12MW/24MWh battery at our Waterside Innovation Hub at the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Cheney Manor Industrial Estate.

It is a unique development, being the first project to be part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It is being delivered

by EV fleet and battery storage specialist company, Zenobe, and our whollyowned company Public Power

Solutions.

The battery is part of the new zero carbon electricity infrastructure at the Innovation Hub, which also includes a 2.5MW solar farm at the nearby former Barnfield landfill site, eight new doubleheaded electric vehicle charging points, and later this year a solar canopy will also be installed.

The project will supply power to over 3,000 local homes for two hours.

While this will help us in our council net zero target, local residents have also been playing their part in exploring how they can benefit from clean energy.

You may recall we recently launched a solar panel groupbuying scheme in partnership with Wiltshire Council and independent experts iChoosr.

We have had a fantastic response with more than

10,000 residents across the county registering their interest.

The scheme will offer more competitive pricing than residents might get if entering the market on their own.

If you have registered your interest in the scheme you will soon receive a costed recommendation from 4 July onwards. The price will be based on the outcome of a reverse auction held by iChoosr which will appoint the winning installers.

Any queries can be emailed to iChoosr at wiltshire@ solartogether.co.uk or calling 0800 048 8113.

Swindon Labour leader Jim Robbins says community engagement vital It has been a busy start to the municipal year, with several introductory meetings of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committees taking place, lots of local groups getting in touch with me to ask for meetings in my new role as the Leader of the Labour Group, the publication of a big report into how the council is performing (spoiler alert: not great) as well as the start of the Labour Party process of selecting our Parliamentary candidate for South Swindon.

The Overview & Scrutiny meetings are a key part of how we as opposition councillors hold the Conservative administration to account. We have been

pushing for the meetings to look at the big issues facing Swindon residents at the moment, such as the Conservatives' cost-of-living crisis, the ongoing roadworks issues with projects routinely going over-budget and running late, issues caused by the installation of new broadband cables by companies such as City Fibre and the challenge of getting a doctor’s appointment.

I’ve been really pleased by the amount of local groups that have taken the time to get in touch and ask for meetings as I start the process of creating the Labour plan for when we take control of the council Engagement with local groups was a key criticism of the

Conservative administration in a big report just published. The Local Government Association has recently carried out a peer review of the council, with councillors and officers from around the country spending time in Swindon reviewing how the council operates. There was also criticism about how the council works with its staff and how it uses data.

The criticism about engagement certainly fits in with the feedback I’ve been getting from local groups talking about how hard it is to get meetings with the council and how defensive they are when given feedback.

We’re always looking for more people who are

keen to take on a role as a representative for their local area, so if you have ever thought about being a councillor, either at borough or parish level, do please get in touch. You can find me on twitter @jimrobbins or @ LabourSwindon, via facebook as Jim Robbins or at Swindon Labour Councillors page or via email at jrobbins@swindon. gov.uk

First Swindon poll win for Green Party at St Andrews by-election Swindon Greens' Bradley Williams won the recent by-election for a place on St Andrews Parish Council.

Cllr Williams secured 766 votes in the poll.

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This was 130 more than Rahul Tarar, the Conservative candidate and the only other candidate in the election.

Cllr Williams became the first person in Swindon to be

elected as a Green parish councillor, following on from other Greens who have been co-opted onto parish councils or who have sat on a nonparty basis.

He follows Steven Pipe in being the second Green to sit on St Andrews Parish Council.

Cllr Williams said he was looking forward to working with fellow parish councillors.

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O b D y

LINK t e g o t n w o T y d M Ol y b r e v o d e l d bow n o c e s r o f s ' d Da g n i n n u r year

The popular My Dad's Bigger Than Your Dad Festival is back at The Old Town Bowl on Saturday 16 July from noon to 10pm and this year they've put together a stellar line-up.

The festival held its inaugural event in August 2021 in tribute to local music legend Dave Young who died of cancer in June of that year.

Like last year the festival will

be raising money for Prospect Hospice, who provided care for Dave in his last few months.

So far the festival has announced some of the main stage and acoustic stage draws with amazing acts like Stay Lunar, Rave Against The Regime, All Ears Avow, The Lost Trades, Concrete Prairie, Joli & The Souls, Si and Matt Hall, The Shudders, Mick

FEATURES

O'Toole, Kicking Edgar and Canute's Plastic Army.

The main stage is in the Bowl itself whilst the acoustic stage is the the bandstand during the day.

There will also be a plethora of market stalls and rides for kids during the packed day out as well as a bar and food outlets.

Tickets can be purchased

online via the festival website at www. mydadsbiggerthanyourdad. co.uk Children aged 10 and under still go free and the organisers would like to remind members of the public that children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Come and meet Team Link at My Dad's!

As one of the festival sponsors Swindon Link will have a stand at My Dad's Bigger Than Your Dad Festival and is promising to be adding to the family fun with games galore for you to get your teeth into.

In March next year, a team being run in association with

Swindon Link, including the editor Jamie Hill, will be crossing the Sahara Desert in aid of Prospect Hospice.

The foursome are currently raising as much money as possible to help the charity and any money raised at the Link stand will be going towards The

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LINK FOOD & DRINK

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LINK FAMILYE

Sahara Trek.

So come and say hello to us and take part in whatever shenanigans we have got going on the stand.

To find out more details about the trek or to donate visit www. justgiving.com/team/linksahara or use the QR code on the right.

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LINK PETS & NATURE

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Swindon & Cricklade Railway to provide plenty for families to do this Summer The Swindon & Cricklade Railway have kicked off the summer months in style, and will be offering a whole host of events for the family to enjoy.

The Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend saw the return of the annual Real Ale and Cider weekend that was said to be very well attended, even though there were so many other local events running.

A spokesperson from S&C Railway said: "We’d like to express our extended thanks to Hop Kettle Brewery for supplying us with many of the beers and ciders!"

The railway team's next event will be the annual Diesel Gala - with an extensive diesel fleet that will be in action on a special timetable on 2 and 3 July.

Following the diesel gala is the Past and Present Family festival which takes place on 13 & 14 August.

This event will feature vintage vehicles of all varieties as well as

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some very special modern vehicles. Those interested in exhibiting are being asked to get in touch with the S&C Railway team soon to book a space.

Hot on the heels of the Past and Present Family Festival is everyone’s favourite blue Tank Engine, Thomas.

Thomas the Tank Engine joins the S&C Railway for A Day out with Thomas on the August Bank holiday (27, 28 and 29).

Families are invited to come and see Rusty, Dusty, Sir Topham Hatt and the No 1 Blue Engine himself.

Tickets to see Thomas are available at www. dayoutwiththomas.co.uk Tickets are available for all other events at swindoncricklade-railway.org.

Those wishing to exhibit at the Past and Present Family Festival are asked to email events@swindon-cricklade-railway.org.

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Thameswood Puppy Youth Clubs!

A column by Thameswood Vets

We know that dragging your dog to the vets with his paws dug in is the image most people think of when taking their dog to the vets.

Not at Thameswood! Dogs that have attended Youth Club cannot wait to bound in the door for fusses and treats.

They also benefit when they have to come and stay with us as they are surrounded by the sight, smells and people they know, making life better for both your dog and the clinical team.

Youth clubs are monthly appointments with your pet's own nurse who checks weight and development, advises on training, administers worming and flea treatments, clips nails, advises on neutering, dental care, behavioural issues or any of the other countless issues your young dog will give you!

They are there to support you through the early months when you are learning about your pup as well as through the often troublesome and sometimes frustrating adolescent months.

You can ask any questions and our trained nurses are always there to help or can advise what to do, and because every visit is full of fun and treats your puppy will love coming back and with bonus freebies along the way!

We are also strong advocates of `Fear Free Clinics ` which our youth clubs support.

Fear free clinics aim to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety and stress in our pets through positive reinforcement.

Socialisation visits are always recommended for any dog

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PETS & NATURE but are especially important for nervous dogs and these can simply involve popping in at quieter times of the day to sit in reception or consulting rooms and have lots of positive reinforcement (treats, toys, cuddles) and leave again.

This can be progressed to include weighing, walking in and out of the kennel and gentle handling to mimic a health check without any injections or medication being administered.

We want your pets to be a comfortable as possible when they visit, benefitting them yourself and our team.

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Free, fun, guided rides with Let’s Ride Swindon

CYCLING

Monthly column with Becky Cox of Swindon Cycle Campaign.

Do you want to build confidence getting around your local area by bike? How about discovering more of the hidden gems of Swindon?

British Cycling volunteers like me organise regular, free, guided bike rides across Swindon.

We’re all fully trained and have first aid qualifications so you’re in safe hands.

Let’s Ride is a nationwide programme to help people rediscover (or discover for the first time) the joy of cycling.

Many of the routes we use are completely traffic-free, exploring the ever-growing network of cycle paths in Swindon. You really don’t need to travel far to see some beautiful local greenspace.

I often lead short social rides using traffic-free cycle paths and quiet streets on my Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

‘shopper’ bike, usually with my co-pilot on the back in his child seat.

All my rides are family friendly and designed with new and novice riders in mind.

This summer I’m leading a monthly 6-8 mile ride to enjoy some live music and cream teas in the beautiful garden of the Richard Jefferies Museum.

I also lead a monthly ‘Wheels for All’ ride. These are short, traffic-free rides designed specifically for disabled cyclists. These rides are open for anyone to join, whether you’re riding a standard bicycle or want to try out an adapted cycle for free at the County Ground Athletics Track.

The rides take place on a Monday lunchtime and are generally flat and of around four miles in length.

There’s also a catalogue of

risk-assessed local rides avaliable to check out yourself on the ‘Let’s Ride’ website, under ‘routes’. It’s a great place to find rides to do with the family or if you’re just looking for a nice local loop to complete on your own.

Let’s Ride is supported by Swindon Borough Council and British Cycling as an initiative to help encourage more

people to get out cycling.

If you fancy joining in on one of the rides, do keep an eye out on the Let’s Ride website and Facebook Page - we’re always adding more rides so keep checking back if you haven’t seen one for you yet: www.letsride.co.uk

Let's Ride Swindon group members on their way to the Richard Jefferies Museum

A change-up for STFC's next season

If my 10 years of supporting Swindon has taught me anything it's that there's no such thing as a quiet summer at the County Ground.

What should be a time of rest and recuperation often turns into a time of uncertainty and change. Unfortunately the summer of 2022 will be no different.

After the heartbreak of the play-offs, all attention at SN1 quickly turned to going one better the following season.

With Ben Garner at the helm for pre-season, Swindon could build upon their already solid foundations. And with the transfer embargo lifted, director of football Ben Chorley could work his magic. The start of pre-season couldn't have come soon enough.

Fast forward a few weeks and in typical Swindon fashion it had all fallen apart.

Ben Garner - poached by Charlton Athletic. Ben Chorley departed. And once again just like this time last year and so many other times, Swindon had a blank canvas to start again from.

As I'm writing this Swindon's search for a new gaffer is ongoing. It's looking as if the new man will be a young, hungry coach with a lot to prove in the game.

Whoever finds themselves in the hot seat, for the first preseason match at Supermarine, will find themselves with a tough task. A tough task that could prove highly rewarding.

The new gaffer will find a stable football club rather than a broken football club.

Thanks to Clem Morfuni, off the pitch Swindon are in a good place.

The new manager will inherit a competitive playing budget

with the debt clearing and the embargo lifted. This will be crucial for Town with certain areas requiring strengthening.

None more so than defensively.

With Swindon scoring the most goals in the league last season it tells you all you need to know regarding where the problem is.

If Town are to come again next season then it's imperative that they have two solid and experienced centre halves to call upon.

However, fortunately for Town, they will have the services of top scoring talisman Harry McKirdy to call upon.

Last season was the best of McKirdy's career with the 25-year-old bagging 23 goals and providing several champagne moments. And after missing his penalty in "that" shootout, Swindon's main man will have that fire in his belly to right his wrongs and go from

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FOOTBALL

strength to strength.

Although it ended sourly I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Ben Garner for his time at the helm. Under Garner Swindon had a memorable season that they never expected, with it ending one spot kick away from a place at Wembley.

However, in my opinion, his greatest strength was undoubtedly his greatest weakness.

Garner admirably believed in his philosophy of playing attacking football. However, when it didn't work, his stubbornness to change often cost Swindon.

Nonetheless Swindon will begin pre-season without Garner and once again a new chapter. It just wouldn't be the Swindon way if something drastic didn't happen. And that's why I love this club. swindonlink.com n July 2022

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TRADE PAGES

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TRADE PAGES Est 2002

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TRADE PAGES

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Tel 01793 940096 Email info@dgds.co.uk www.dimensions.org.uk swindonlink.com n July 2022

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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, My boss keeps telling terrible jokes and it’s getting on my nerves at work – what should I do? And do you know any good jokes yourself?

Jessica, Wroughton You should teach him some new jokes.

Search up on safari or something and tell him to those jokes. I do have one joke – Why’s the giraffe’s neck so long? Because it doesn’t want to smell its feet.

Dear Agony Girl, My cat keeps creeping up on me when I’m not looking and biting my knees.

Should I change his food or give him more?

A cat lover with sore knees, Old Town You should feed him some more food. Do you have Dreamies? You need to give him some Dreamies. If he comes to nibble on

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your knees. Grab the Dreamies and make a trail to the food bowl.

play it. Don’t bang them on the head with a hammer as that doesn’t help.

Dear Agony Girl, I struggle to sleep at night what is the best way to get relaxed?

Tyler, Redhouse At my mum’s I usually let my teddy Minnie Mouse tell me how her day was for five minutes and usually I’m asleep when she tells me. At my dad’s I swap teddies and I do breaking news every night about my day with the teddy. That always sends me to sleep.

Dear Agony Girl, I’m trying to organise a party but I can’t think what games and what theme to have. Can you help?

Boris, Westminster I would have a trampoline party at my house with a massive birthday cake. You should play ‘Dead man, Dead man, come Alive. When I count to number five. One, two, three, four, five. Dead man Dead man come alive!’ It’s a game where you have to pretend to be dead and you lay down in the middle of the trampoline and then people will jump around in a circle and count to five and then the dead person has to get up and tag one of the other people on the trampoline who would then become the dead person.

Dear Agony Girl My nephew is currently going through the terrible twos – I need help on how to deal with the tantrums?

Karen, Haydon End Play a game that they want to play and

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