Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Memory Café had good reason to throw a party with ponies in October.
After receiving the news that a recent National Lottery Community Funding grant bid for £10,000 was successful, attendees celebrated the cafe’s first birthday with a special cake and visit from some Shetland Therapy Ponies from Dinky Ponies.
Visitors enjoyed grooming and stroking the ponies, and
some happy memories were said to have been sparked. The day's celebrations did not end there. Haydon Wick Parish Council was proud to announce that the Memory Cafe, just one year old, had won a Local Council Community award for the ‘Most Innovative New Project’ from Community First –a charity working with service providers for communities across Wiltshire and Swindon.
The award was received at the charity’s Annual Meeting and Award Ceremony and was collected by the council’s Chief Officer Georgina Morgan-
Denn and Jo Newman, Memory Café Coordinator, who were accompanied by two of the cafe’s regular volunteers, Patsy Brinkley and Keren Price.
The future of the cafe has been secured by the National Lottery funding which will help to pay for staff costs, refreshments and entertainment.
The council said feedback from all those who attended the cafe confirmed the importance of the service which provides vital support for those living with dementia and their care givers – helping to reduce any feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Cllr Rebecca Ross, Chair of
the Community Development Committee, said: “Thanks to the National Lottery, this grant means that we can continue with this particularly important project. This will make an enormous impact on people’s lives.
"The award was the icing on the cake as we are so proud of our cafe and how it helps the community. We are incredibly fortunate to have amazing volunteers, councillors and staff who such pride in the design and delivery of the service”.
A gallery can be accessed at swindonlink.com/news/haydonwick-parish-council-memorycafe
These last few years have
We are definitely living in interesting
not something
for
which
have
been one thing after another from a
the Prime Minister has just resigned so I don't know where we'll be by the time this magazine comes out.
It's all a bit chaotic but what can we do but just keep on carrying on with all of us trying to do the best we can.
Swindon is a town which is good at that. We might have political differences but at its heart Swindon has always been a town with its community at its core. And it shows when times are tough as that is when we all come together to look out for each other.
And that is what the Link is about. Highlighting the good within our community. This
month we focus on care. It should definitely make you proud to be a Swindonian.
With temperatures dropping, there’s a double incentive to think about how we heat our homes efficiently this winter.
An average household gas boiler annually emits greenhouse gases equivalent to driving from Land’s End to John O’Groats (1,347km) 13 times in a new petrol or diesel car.
So anything we do to use less gas heating our homes makes a contribution to the climate crisis as well as reducing our energy bills at a time of very high prices.
As part of the ‘Be the Change’ climate change campaign, Swindon Borough Council is encouraging Swindon residents to take up the ‘Money Saving Boiler Challenge´ organised by Nesta, the UK's innovation agency for social good.
Many combi boilers are
burning more gas, generating more carbon emissions and costing households more than they need to.
People could be saving energy and money simply by making sure their boiler is running as efficiently as possible. But many people aren’t aware they can change their boiler settings.
If you’ve got a combi boiler at home - one that produces your heating and hot water - you could save up to £112 a year on your gas bill by changing a single setting.
The 'flow temperature' is the temperature your boiler heats up water to before sending it off to your radiators. Combi boilers work best when they heat radiators to 60°C or below. But this ‘flow temperature’ is often set much too high, between 70°C and
80°C.
It only takes a few minutes to lower your flow temperature, and it can be changed back instantly. There’s nothing to lose by trying it.
Search ‘Money Saving Boiler Challenge’ online or visit www. moneysavingboilerchallenge. com to find out more on how to do this.
If 10 million households turned
down the flow temperature on their combi boilers to 60°C or below this could wipe £1billion off UK energy bills and save 1.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions – the equivalent of nearly six million transatlantic flights.
Visit the Be the Change webpages for more resources to help you on your way: www. swindon.gov.uk/bethechange
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of Abbey Farm Educate Together in North Swindon. It was performed by two pupils with the help of Sam Nowak, CEO of Educate Together Academy Trust.
Abbey Farm joins four other schools run by the trust at locations including Bath and Bristol. Head teacher Emma Lindsay said everybody at the school was looking forward to creating a thriving educational environment.
North Star Nursery held a celebration to mark National Grandparents Day, inviting not just grandparents but also North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson.
The nursery is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary and a recent Ofsted rating of 'Good' in all areas.
Mr Tomlinson said: "It's fantastic to come and visit this very popular nursery, especially when they have opened the doors to the families to share in the joy and fun."
The Platform Project held a black-tie fashion show to support the services it provides for young people in Swindon.
The evening, sponsored by Intel and other local organisations, raised £8,000 and saw businesses and supporters from in and around the town head to MECA for the evening.
There were performances by The Wilkes Academy, live music and a DJ. Visitors were also invited to shop until they dropped at a range of Swindie Makers Market stalls and the Platform Project’s own evening dress sale racks.
By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk
SevenCapital has submitted a Listed Building Application which it says aims to, as best as possible, restore the Oasis dome.
A spokesperson for the leaseholders said: "Our team of professionals have been working tirelessly to bring about the reopening of the Oasis in a manner that is compatible with its listed status.
"Extensive consultations have been carried out and continue to be carried out with Swindon Borough Council, the Twentieth Century Society and Historic England.
“The latest listed building consent is to establish the principle of restoring the dome to as close as is possible to its original design.
“This we believe will be seen as a positive by everybody.
“We are currently considering what the internal features of
the pool area will be. However it is also important to note that we face a particular challenge with regards to how we make the building sustainable for the future in line with targets for public amenities.
“In the coming weeks we will be beginning investigative works, for which building consent has been granted.”
The move, which has the backing of Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard, came only weeks after
campaign group Save Oasis Swindon reacted with horror at the announcement of a bid to de-list the Oasis, which would have potentially allowed the demolition of the dome.
Save Oasis Swindon reacted with delight to the news that an attempt was instead to be made to restore the iconic feature, which was opened in 1976. The organisation said that this was what it had wanted all along, and it hoped the bid was successful.
By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk
Swindon's newest cafe has officially opened its doors. Cafe Mobility, open from 8.30am to 3pm on weekdays, is accessible to all, environmentally friendly and sells only ethically-sourced items.
The money it raises helps to support the Shopmobility service for people with mobility issues, and also people experiencing
homelessness. Cafe Mobility is in the Sanford House car park behind Tesco Express in the town centre, and can be reached via the nearby passage.
Steam has announced that tickets are now on sale for its Christmas extravaganza, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, 3 and 4 December.
Hand-crafted items on offer are so far set to include textile gifts, greetings cards, jewellery and cosmetics, home furnishings, artworks, Christmas confectionery and decorations.
Visitors will have the chance to buy festive treats and discover unique gifts as they browse over 50 artisan market stalls displayed among the museum's award-winning exhibits and iconic locomotives.
Festive admission prices for Christmas at Steam are £3.50 for adults and £1 for children aged three to 15.
Father Christmas will be making an appearance over the weekend with the return of his popular story-time sessions
The sessions cost £8.00 per child in addition to event admission.
People are asked to book in advance, and this can be done via the Steam website at www. steam-museum.org.uk
Members of the Royal Wootton Bassett & District Rotary Club have donated funds from a pig roast to local charity Prospect Hospice. John and Valerie Hicks held the charity gathering, braving the hottest day of the year in August, at their farm on behalf of Club.
The aim was to raise muchneeded funds to gift to The Prospect Hospice.
The charity's representative Elaine Pickford was also invited to the Rotary Club's lunch meeting in September at Basset Down Golf Club, where a cheque for £1400 was presented to her.
Peatmoor Primary delighted with Ofsted inspection
Staff from Peatmoor Community Primary School in West Swindon were pleased to receive another 'Good' rating from their most recent Ofsted inspection.
Highlights of the report included the comments: "The school’s motto ‘enjoy learning, enjoy life’ is certainly true, and is expressed in the way the pupils talk about their school" and "The curriculum is designed to enable all pupils to achieve well."
Sixth form bake sale raises over £100 for cancer charity
Royal Wootton Bassett Academy's Sixth Form students raised £112 for Macmillan Cancer Support through a bake sale.
A group of aspiring chefs from the academy honed their baking skills to produce an array of cakes and biscuits to sell during the morning break to the general school community. The students, who included Ariana Shafie, Cheuk Tse Koon, and Aaron McNeill, said they were thrilled to raise funds for the charity.
By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.ukSwindon residents Keith and his son Ben have been working hard to get their festive elf app ready for Christmas.
The new Tizzy the Elf app will be re-launched on 24 November.
Prior to its second release the Tizzy team have been working like elves in Santa's workshop, to add new features and update the app ready for the festive period.
There are a number of features that can be accessed through the app already, including:
- A welcome from Tizzywhen you open the app and use it for the first time, Tizzy walks through an animated door and into your home.
- Music and dancing function allows you to make Tizzy bust various different dance moves.
- 'Elfie selfie' function allowing
users to take their photo with Tizzy or place her in the shot.
Swindon families have already been helping the Tizzy team to perfect the app by testing it and providing feedback.
Keith said: "Our testers are so important to us, and have been helping us to figure out what works well, and what features people enjoy the most. We want to get to a stage where there is something different happening every day – just like with Elf on the Shelf.
“We love getting feedback and receiving new ideas from parents in Swindon.”
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."
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 leave ideas or feedback for the app.
The app can be found by searching 'Tizzy the Elf' in your device's app store.
The first Swindon Paint Festival was held across the weekend of 14 to 16 October.
Its aim was to showcase and initiate murals and street art into the town centre and beyond, as part of the town’s regeneration, and bring a positive change in people’s perception of Swindon.
The event was organised by artists Caryn Koh, Sally Taylor and organiser Helen Salter on behalf of Artsite - an artistled self-funded charity, in partnership with inSwindon BID.
A host of local artists took part in live painting sessions as well as hosting workshops, and exhibiting their artwork for the
Swindon public to see.
There were also pop-up shops and an artist sharing session hosted by Artsite and the Swindon Hub.
A spokesperson for the Swindon Paint Fest team said: "The event has been a resounding success! It was indeed more than I could have imagined as it was our first street art festival in Swindon. However, it was undeniably down to the community rallying together to make this event work, and the amazing artists who graced us with their talents."
The Paint Fest team also had a long list of people and organisations to thank for the success of this first-ever event,
which can be found in the full article online at swindonlink. com/news/swindon-paint-festa-success.
The team say the painted boards will be kept safely for now, as they will have conversations and discussions with inSwindon on the best place to have them displayed, and the next step forward, as they would require to obtain permissions in making that happen.
Those interested can find more information about Swindon Paint Fest via Instagram at www.instagram.com/ swindonpaintfest and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ swindonpaintfest
Tizzy the Elf will be back and better than ever this NovemberLive painting at Wharf Green - The Hass Tony Hillier with Ken White sharing a session at Swindon Hub
Swindon Borough Council say residents are often surprised to learn that the costs of providing social care for adults and children across the borough make up 80% of the council's annual budget.
Social care is often broken down into two broad categories: ‘short-term care’ and ‘long-term care’.
Short-term care refers to a care package that is time-limited with the intention of maximising the independence of the individual using the care service and eliminating their need for ongoing support.
Long-term services are provided on an ongoing basis and range from highintensity services like nursing care to lower-intensity community support.
Both long and short-term care would be arranged by a local authority and could be described as ‘formal’ care.
Recent statistics from the council show that £71m has been spent on adult social care services, which is 46% of the council's general fund budget.
Job opportunities:
Swindon Borough Council are currently recruiting for Support Workers (for days and nights), Care Assistants and Reablement Support Workers. Those interested can find out more online at www.jobs.swindon.gov.uk.
Accessing help or advice around adult social care: More information about how Swindon residents can access adult social care and support can be found on the council's website at www.swindon.gov.uk/ info/20011/adult_social_care_and_support.
The White Horse Care Trust has been delivering a range of services to adults with learning and other disabilities across Wiltshire for 30-plus years.
Our service portfolio includes Residential, Nursing, Supported Living and we are now delivering services direct into the community through our outreach arm. As a registered charity, we ensure that all allocated funds are invested into the services and staff who are key in ensuring that everyone receives care aligned to their individual support plan.
Staff training begins with a seven-day induction programme where individuals meet and learn from our senior managers, including our executive team. The Trust’s training and induction programmes are designed to ensure that staff will promote independence, life skills and support informed choices in accordance with individual support plans. To also act with integrity and ensure that dignity and respect are promoted at all times. To identify opportunities to celebrate achievements to allow a positive, respectful, and trusting relationship to grow. Along with supporting people to improve their confidence and self-esteem. We support our staff to continue to develop and grow with organisation, to seek relevant qualifications, or promotion opportunities. If you are considering a career in care, either transferring from another sector or even straight from education, we welcome your application. www.whct.co.uk
Staff say when moving to a brand new Churchill Retirement Living development, residents get a whole new lifestyle.
At St Andrew’s Lodge in Chippenham - or Orchard Lodge - coming soon to Calne - individuals are said to have a comfortable, secure place to live independently, with the option to socialise with other owners as much or as little as they like.
A spokesperson said: "Fewer worries about maintenance means you’ll have more time on your hands for the people and things you love, so you can enjoy your retirement.
"If you own a large house and garden the maintenance can be a real burden when you’d rather just relax and make the most of your time, and the costs can really add up.
"With a brand new Churchill apartment, all the stress of keeping things in good order is looked after by a Lodge Manager, who is there to oversee the day-to-day running of the building so you don’t have to.
"Churchill’s award-winning customer service team is also on hand to respond quickly to anything that needs fixing or adjusting, and to keep everything warm and comfortable for you."
To find out more, those interested can call 0800 327 7816 or visit churchillretirement.co.uk.
Both are in quiet residential areas of the Old Town and benefit from onsite parking and transport links.
Purpose-built to meet residents' needs at the care homes, they are different in character, but each is said to place the same emphasis on offering the people the highest quality residential, nursing, and dementia care.
A spokesperson said: "Our teams benefit from ongoing training and are selected for their dedication and passion to caring. This ensures the people living with us and their families receive the support they need.
"Our teams always talk to the people that live with them and their families about ideas to make living in a Maria Mallaband home engaging and fun, with something for everyone."
In each home, the bedrooms are en-suite, some with a wet room, and are decorated and furnished. There is a choice of lounges, dining rooms and a hairdressing salon. The gardens are accessible to all and are said to be a hub of activity, hosting many events during the warmer months.
The Lifestyle teams offer a social and activity calendar, and individuals can choose to be as involved as much as they wish. Those interested can call or visit www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk
- Kings Court Care Home, Kent Road, Corner of Bath Road, Swindon, SN1 3NP ( 01793 393918 )
- Princess Care Home, 17 Curie Avenue, Swindon, SN1 4GB (01793 398112)
Information around other care services
Hear Clear is a small, Swindon based, independent business offering expert advice and treatment in a relaxed environment.
Teresa, a qualified nurse and ear care microsuction practitioner, aims to provide a flexible and friendly service.
She is fully insured, DBS checked, and uses NHS recommended ear microsuction equipment.
Teresa said: "It has been an exciting and successful first twelve months and I am pleased to say that it has been great to have a mix of new and returning clients."
For a friendly, informal consultation people can email: hearcleartt@gmail.com or call 07882625290.
From standard nutritional requirements including feeding and meal preparation through to personal hygiene and domestic chores, Care247Solutions says its team's experience and expertise enables it to provide all the benefits of professional care without disrupting everyday life.
Within any residential or retirement environment, Care247Solutions staff say they can provide essential support and assistance over long or short terms contracts.
The Care247Solutions team says its network of care and support workers boast a wealth of individuals who are highly experienced in working with people with learning disabilities or mental health issues who are ready and waiting to support those in need.
Helping Old Friends has expanded into the Cirencester area.
Staff say that for many elderly people living alone is an isolating experience which can affect mental and physical health.
Helping Old Friends aims to combat this by providing companions who visit people at home and offer friendship, support and practical help with everyday tasks.
Manager of the Cirencester branch, Lauren Flannigan, said: “There is a need for a service that provides, more than anything, companionship to people who, for whatever reason, find themselves living alone and isolated."
Helping Old Friends first opened in Swindon in 2021, and already has more than 20 customers and 15 companions, and delivers 600 hours of help a month. The Cirencester business will operate as a franchise, and will cover the town and surrounding villages.
Lauren is looking for new companions to join her in Cirencester. Companions will not be delivering personal care or assistance with medication, but just need their own vehicle. She said: “We’re looking for caring and compassionate people with life experiences, and skills to join us, who can relate to the ageing process. No experience is necessary but lots of heart is required.”
For details call 01285 701801 or 07919 034754, or email lauren.f@helpingoldfriends.co.uk or via helpingoldfriends.co.uk.
The organisation was founded on the fundamental belief that giving love and care to those people who cannot help themselves not only improves the quality of life of those it supports, but also for everyone involved.
A spokesperson said: "From Home Care support workers through to ad-hoc Nursing and Residential support, our Nursing Agency workers can provide the level of service required to ensure each of our clients’ live their lives to the fullest.
"We truly believe that the contribution you make today, will come back and reward you when you need help yourself, which is why we are so dedicated to providing the very best service to everyone we support.
"Our friendly but professional team of fully trained healthcare assistants and support workers are ready and willing to provide full home-care support and ad-hoc services whenever you need them. We are fast, efficient and are available around the clock. 24-7-365, we are always on hand to do the job, and we will do it well."
To enquire about Care247's care services or recruitment vacancies, people can call 0330 1330782 or email info@care247solutions.co.uk.
Companionship service expands into Cirencester
Did you know Swindon is home to two Maria Mallaband Care Homes?
Swindon Academy has two friendly primary schools serving the Penhill and Pinehurst communities.
Both schools share the same admissions process, uniform and curriculum, and although Alton Close (Penhill) and Beech Avenue (Pinehurst) are both part of the Swindon Academy cluster, the Headteachers are passionate about their own school.
Alton Close is a spacious school with two large halls and lots of outdoor space.
Beech Avenue is a modern school forming part of the Swindon Academy campus. The Headteachers ensure that every pupil can flourish academically with the highest quality education.
Pupils attending either Alton Close or Beech Avenue are eligible to take a place at Swindon Academy Secondary in Year 7.
Get to know the schools in your area
This issue: Swindon Academy Primary Schools
Addresses: Beech Avenue, Pinehurst SN2 1JR & Alton Close, Penhill SN2 5HF Website: www.swindon-academy.org/primary
The Headteachers, Emma Howarth-Barnes and Charlotte Beckhurst say: "Every child feels a sense of belonging and achievement at Swindon Academy. We're so proud to lead our wonderful teams of staff. Teachers and pupils follow three Values which we keep in mind every day at school: I am Kind; I Work Hard; I am Responsible."
Alton Close Primary School, Penhill SN2 5HF
- Talk & Tour Friday 4 November at 1:30pm
Beech Avenue Primary School, Beech Avenue, Pinehurst SN2 1JR: - Talk & Tour Thursday 10 November 8:45am and 1:30pm
Keep an eye on the website for more events: www.swindonacademy.org/primary Individuals can scan the QR code below to go straight through to the website.
Did you know that if you lost mental capacity, your family would not automatically be able to manage your finances or make decisions regarding where you live or the care you receive?
If you begin to lose your mental or physical capacity and you’re no longer capable of making your own decisions, the Lasting Power of Attorney ensures that your affairs are looked after by someone you trust. There are two types of LPA; one that deals with your financial affairs and one which covers your health and wellbeing.
Many people are put off making these important documents by the cost involved in having them prepared. However, if they find themselves in a position where they lack mental capacity and they do not have LPAs in place, an application to the Court of Protection would be required, costing far more than the cost of creating LPAs, plus there would be
no guarantee that the person or people they would have chosen to represent them will be appointed by the court!
For a limited time only, we are offering buy one get one half price for Lasting Power of Attorney but this is only for a limited time.
Each LPA document is £199.00 plus VAT. However, until the 31st December 2022, we will provide a 50% discount on the second Lasting Power of Attorney.
If you would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01793 251260 or email hello@richardsonswills. co.uk.
Your local Will writer is Brian Phillips. Richardson’s Wills was founded by Nicola Richardson in 2013. Brian is a Member of the Society of Will Writers and adheres to their code of conduct.
Specialising in Will Writing and Lasting Power of Attorney, he provides a professional, affordable service. Brian’s friendly and uncomplicated approach makes a sometimes difficult subject easy to understand.
Richardson’s Wills provide a quality service, where the client comes first. That is why we offer a free initial consultation and then if happy to proceed, work is completed to a pre-agreed fixed fee.
If you would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01793 251260 or email hello@ richardsonswills.co.uk
What would happen to you and your loved ones if you lost mental capacity?Brian Phillips A column from local Will writers, Richardson's Wills
Lovers of all things festive have plenty to look forward to in Swindon this Christmas, with both Old Town and the town centre pulling out all the stops.
The centre, recently rebranded Town Centre inSwindon, will be transformed between 17 and 20 November for what is promised to be a perfect Yuletide celebration.
There will be a traditional Cotswolds Christmas Market by the Crossroads, a magical light trail, Santa’s Grotto, stiltwalkers and singing around a 43ft Christmas tree.
The Christmas light trail, with illuminations and light projections, will take visitors on a spectacular journey around
the town centre, featuring characters and displays along the way.
Parents and children will be able to visit Santa’s Grotto in the Community Hub and receive a gift and photo.
Visitors are assured of a perfect atmosphere combining beautifully decorated stalls with handcrafted gifts and tasty food and drink, accompanied by live music with choirs merrily singing carols around the Christmas Tree in The Parade, to raise money for local charities.
inSwindon BID Executive Director Anita Bellinger said: “For four magical days, you can visit our traditional Cotswold Christmas fair, with local crafts and decorations, artisan food and tasty treats, in
the festive setting of the Town Centre in Swindon.
"There will a delightful Santa’s Grotto, singing by our 43ft Christmas Tree and a captivating and accessible light trail for every age to enjoy. This free event will bring a healthy dose of Christmas cheer and start the seasonal festivities in the town centre.”
In Old Town, the Christmas lights switch-on is back in its traditional in-person form following last year's virtual event.
As ever, the venue is Wood Street, and the celebration is scheduled for Sunday, 27 November from noon to 5pm.
The free-to-enter outdoor gathering, held by Old Town Business Association in partnership with South Swindon
Parish Council, is billed as a celebration of Old Town achievements, businesses and local heroes and will include food and drink stalls, Santa's Grotto, a live stage show and children's activities.
Further details will be released as the day approaches, and people can keep up with the latest announcements by visiting www.thisisoldtown.com
The days are getting shorter and there’s a chill in the air, so the team at Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts are looking forward to working with the local community to light up the dark winter nights.
The Lantern Parade, Outdoor Christmas Market and Indoor 'Makery' market - at the Corn Exchange - will run on 25 November.
The Makery will continue on the following day, giving people extra time to find a unique handmade gift.
A DOCA spokesperson said: "With plenty of opportunities to get crafty, we will be ‘spreading the love’ with this year’s theme, “Hearts”, celebrating our loved people and places and the warmth they bring us through the cold winter.
People who would like a workshop delivered to their school or community group should email info@ docadevizes.org.uk. They can also pick up lantern kits to use at home from the museum and a few other locations in the town.
DOCA also wants as many people as possible to take part in Window Wanderland. It’s free, and people can either decorate their own window or get creative with neighbours. People can sign up at www. windowwanderland.com/ area/devizes/ so others can find their window, and can check out everyone’s displays from 24–27 November from 5-9pm.
"For inspiration, find out more about “Hardy’s Hearts” – the places and people Thomas Hardy loved – in the Wiltshire Museum, Devizes."
There will be public lantern
A column by Thamewood Vets
You brush your teeth so what about your pets'?
Dental disease is something that all pets can suffer from, with 80% of pets developing chronic and severe symptoms in later life.
The good news is that it's possible to manage and sometimes prevent symptoms through diet, chews, food and water additives and best of all good old-fashioned toothbrush and toothpaste. Plaque begins to build up on your pet’s teeth after each meal; if left plaque begins to firm and forms a rough hard surface known as tartar. This rough surface makes it easier for more plaque to form, carrying on the cycle. Untreated, this can lead to further oral problems including oral pain, infections, tooth loss and the most common symptom, halitosis (bad breath).
Dogs and cats will often start to accumulate the first signs of dental problems by the age of five and even earlier if predisposed dental decay e.g toy breeds such as Yorkshire Terries and Jack Russells from the age of two.
Your pet should have an annual dental check, which is usually performed at the time of their vaccination. If, however, you notice any of these common signs of dental issues then you can get them checked by one of our trained dental nurses - free to those on our Health plan.
Common signs include:
• Bad Breath
• Broken or loose teeth
• Discoloured or tartar covered teeth
• Abnormal chewing or drooling
• Reduced appetite or a reluctance to chew hard food
• Bleeding or swelling surrounding the mouth
making workshops at the museum on 29 October, 6 November and 20 November, which people can sign up for on the DOCA website, www. docadevizes.org.uk.
DOCA will also be decorating The Shambles with heart baubles made by the people of Devizes from 11 November.
At Thameswood we are able to help maintain your pet’s teeth in good condition by offering value for money scale and polish procedures carried out by our trained dental hygienists.
These procedures involve a short anaesthetic to allow full access to your pet’s mouth. When conscious only around half of your pet’s teeth are visible so an anaesthetic allows access to fully clean the teeth alongside assessing the gum line as dental disease starts under the gum line and around the roots.
Keeping your pet’s teeth healthy also helps prevent long term health issues including gum disease, chronic pain, tooth or bone loss alongside other problems such as Kidney and heart disease.
Dental checks with our nurses also allows you to get the best advice tailored to suit your pet, however naughty they are!
