LINKSwindon No 483 September 2022 GPS-tracked, door to door delivery to over 42,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 105,000 Your Community Magazine North & West Edition swindonlink.com A message of hope through baking from Ukrainian refugee Victoria Bratchuk p6 School Open Day Guide p15-17
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An image of the stained glass A front view of St Andrew's Church
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By Jamie Jamie@positive-media.co.ukHill some Cost of Living Tips for you to take a look at on page 12. All of them are really useful.Butone of the main things we need to do, just like we did in covid times, is to look out for onePeopleanother.are going to be suffering out there, especially the most vulnerable who might not be able to afford to put on the heating at all this winter. The rising prices will be plunging lots of us into poverty and businesses are suffering as well (and that isn't a dig at printers to stop raising their prices exorbitantly every three months like they are doing right now... honest.)
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By Jessica jessica@positive-media.co.ukDurston
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This cost of living crisis is affecting us all but some will be more affected than others and we need to be aware of that. So Swindon, do what you do best and keep an eye on each other as together we can get through this.
We seem to be living in a bizarro world at the moment where you have to take out a small mortgage if you want to drive 10 miles down the road or even to heat your house.Sowhat can we do? Swindon Council has released With sky-rocketing energy costs we all need to look out for each other
St Andrew's Church in Blunsdon St Andrew will be opening its doors to members of the public and giving them the chance to learn more about its history. The church in North Swindon, will be taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days event. The church will be open from 2-4pm on Saturday 10 September, with local experts on hand to answer public questions.Therewill be talks about the church and churchyard at 2pm and 3pm, and about the stained glass windows at 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Tea, coffee and cake will be served, and the church team say donations to their funds will be gratefully received. St Andrew’s is a small Grade 2 listed building, dating back to the 13th century, but largely renovated by architect William Butterfield in the 1860s. A spokesperson from the church's team said: "It contains some excellent examples of Victorian and 20th century stained-glass windows. "Although it is now surrounded by modern housing estates, being set off the main road down a track, it retains a prayerful tranquillity and is surrounded by a spacious churchyard where many generations of local families areTheburied."church team say they are delighted that local experts on the history of the church and churchyard and in stainedglass windows will be joining them to give talks on the day. Additionally, the team says it would also love to hear stories about St Andrew’s from local people.Thechurch is not just a historic building, but continues to be a place of worship serving the parish of North Swindon. Worship is held every Sunday at 10am, and at other times during each month. The St Andrews team are also looking forward to the licensing of Karen Vermeersch as a lay minister in October, and the confirmation of Sally Robertson as vicar in November. More details of these events can be found at www.nschurch. org.uk, by calling Sally Robertson on 07588 594410, or messaging the Church team through its Facebook standrews.northswindonpage: Andrews Church to hold Heritage Open Day event
Swindon steps up a gear to Be The Change
The Eco Briefing
4 swindonlink.com n September 2022 People and organisations across Swindon are taking action on climate change, and Swindon Borough Council is playing its part too. In July last year, the council agreed an initial set of actions to help achieve net zero by 2030 –which means balancing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated by its operations with the amount removed from the atmosphere. The council is also taking action to support Swindon to reach net zero by 2050, in line with the Government’s UK-wide target. Using solar power at Waterside The council’s operations depot and recycling centre at Waterside Park is already partially powered by renewable energy from a nearby solar park at Barnfield, which is built on a former landfill site. But now a 500kW/832kWh lithium-ion battery has been added onsite at Waterside Park to store electricity so it can be used whenever it’s needed, not just in real-time when it’s generated. The battery will also help power 16 electric vehicle (EV) charging points installed at Waterside earlier this year, to power the council’s existing 27 electric vans and those that follow.Meanwhile, plans are underway to install a standalone 12 MW/24 MWh battery energy storage system on brownfield land near Waterside, directly connected to the national grid at Brindley Close. This could potentially store enough energy to help power 3,000 homes. Creating new woodlands in Swindon Trees play a vital role in our ecosystem – storing carbon, stabilising soil, providing habitats for wildlife and supporting life on our planet. So it was great news that the Government announced last month that Swindon has been awarded £1.1m to plant new trees and create new woodlands.Aspartof managing and protecting trees over the coming years, the council will use this funding to purchase and plant new trees and create new woodland paths. This is the third year the council has received funding from the Government’s Nature for Climate Fund, with 37,000 trees already planted across 15 locations. The tree planting season runs between November and March, and the council is currently developing planting plans for this period. For tools, tips and advice on how you can play your part to address the climate emergency visit: BetheChangewww.swindon.gov.uk/
By Barrie barrie@positive-media.co.ukHudson
Message of love and hope after escaping horror
Victoria Bratchuk with a cookie incorporating the UK and Ukraine flags
6 swindonlink.com n September 2022 A Ukrainian mother forced to leave her wartorn homeland with her son has settled in Swindon - and begun working as a Victoriabaker.Bratchuk specialises in gingerbread cookies whose intricate designs are created with the help of a special printer she managed to bring withSheher.can put any picture on her cookies, but a particular favourite with her customers at Wroughton Country Market is a heart-shaped treat incorporating the flags of Ukraine and the UK. The country market is held on Friday mornings at the Ellendune Hall. "I'm trying to start my business with the cookies," she said. "It was my business in Ukraine. I brought my printer with me to make the pictutres." Victoria and her son, Denys Sova, were forced to leave Ukraine in the spring of this year, leaving Denys' doctor father to do essential work. Having secured refugee visas, the mother and son left their homeland and arrived in Swindon in early April. They settled into an apartment in Park South, owned by their host, Elly. Denys had started a Computer Science degree in September of last year.
Mother and son then heard of the work of the Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership, which helped with many phone calls to British universities and an application to admissions organisation UCAS. A chance meeting between partnership chair Mike Bowden and a recent graduate, Eva Lovejoy, led to a short series of English lessons to help Denys, already an English speaker, meet the language requirement.InSeptember Denys will resume his studies, having been accepted by the University of York.Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership is a volunteer organisation which, in addition to helping Ukrainian people reaching the Swindon area, has gathered and transported well over 500 tonnes of vital aid to Ukraine. Mr Bowden said: "Swindon may not be the most beautiful town in the country, but when the chips are down, when things need to be done and people need support, the people of Swindon always, always step forward."
Because of covid, his first months of study were done from his home - but then the Russian tanks rolled into his country.Onarriving in Swindon he was able to continue studying from his new home, but feared that his ambition of obtaining a degree would not be achieved.
When the project is complete, a new bus interchange will be in place, replacing the ageing bus station, while new cycle and pedestrian routes will make the centre of Swindon easier to access and move around.Aspart of the work, the current Fleming Way underpass will be removed and trees and bee-friendly plants will be added to create a welcoming route from the railway station into the town centre.
The new no-audition North Swindon Good Afternoon Choir holds its first meeting on Thursday, 8 September from 1pm to 3pm at St John’s Haydon Wick. A warm welcome is promised to anybody who goes along to find out more. Further information can be found at goodafternoonchoir.orgwww.
New gardencommunityproject Garden project GAP Swindon is bringing volunteers together to grow, tend, and share produce with the community. It is based on land behind housing in Carstairs Avenue, in Park South, on an abandoned allotment site. It can be accessed through a gap between houses opposite Lawton Close, SN3 2DE. Further information can be obtained by calling 01793 529938 emailing SWINDON'orthegapswindon@yahoo.comsearchingfor'THEGAPonFacebook.
An artist's impression of the completed FlemingprojectWay
By Barrie barrie@positive-media.co.ukHudson
Fleming Way soon to close for two-year upgrade
The rebrand will include a new name - Town Centre inSwindon - along with a new logo and a high-tech website giving a more cohesive approach as well as enhancing the customer experience.
The £33m scheme was given the green light by the Government after a business case was submitted for the majority of the funding, as it will act as a catalyst for further investment in the surrounding area and wider town centre.
Swindon Borough Council has announced the closure of Fleming Way for a twoyear upgrading project from Sunday, 4 September.
to reveal itself as being home to many remarkable makers, designers, artisans and pioneers, displaying iconic art murals, outdoor theatre performances and interactive trails, accessible to all. "With support from the community and welcomed visitors all our independent and national businesses, and dedicated services, will have a platform for their business models to shine from and a town centre brand to be proud toAtuse.”the time of writing, stage one of the new website - www. swindontowncentre.co.uk - had been launched, with stage two due to follow shortly. Once it is complete, users will receive a bespoke shopping experience with a filtering system for businesses and services, up to date news and offers and events tailored to the customer’s needs.
The Fleming Way upgrade was one of the reasons why Zurich opted to build its new offices nearby, and the council says the upgrade will also play an important role in bringing forward investment in the adjacent 20-acre Kimmerfields brownfield site, paving the way for new homes, offices and a new theatre and cultural facilities.Residents can stay up to date on the Fleming Way improvements by signing up to the dedicated newsletter at newsletterwww.swindon.gov.uk/ . To find out more about the projects to rejuvenate Swindon town centre, visit useFleminguk/towncentreregenerationwww.swindon.gov.DuringtheclosureofWay,allbuseswilldifferentbusstops.Bus passengers can find the locations of the temporary stops by visiting Swindon’s Bus Company’s website: bus-stops-are-movingswindonbus.co.uk/town-centre-www.
Major rebranding for Swindon town centre
inSwindon BID have announced a rebranding for the town centre to give the BID area its own refreshed visual identity.
10 swindonlink.com n September 2022 New North Swindon choir welcomes all who just love singing People who love to sing and always wondered what being in a choir is like have a chance to find out.
Swindon parking permits go digital Swindon Borough Council has introduced digital parking permits for residents. If people apply for a new permit, they will not receive a paper permit and will not need to display a physical permit in their vehicles. Once a resident has applied, their digital permit details will be visible to the council's Civil Enforcement Officers via their handheld devices. People looking to renew a paper parking permit will now need to register a digital permitFurtherinstead.details of the changes can be found at ow.ly/5zpi50KeGbe
The aim of the initiative by the Local Business Improvement District (BID) company is to modernise the look and feel of theinSwindondestination.BID says it wants to get people thinking differently about the town centre and all it has to offer.
inSwindon BID Director Anita Bellinger said: “The new branding has several different audiences to consider, from our local community, to businesses and"Wetourism.hope it will be an integral part of the exciting new chapter for the town centre in Swindon, which is just starting
The Swindon Open Studios exhibition will once again welcome members of the public into the homes and studios of localAfterartists.atwo-year break due to the pandemic, Swindon Open Studios is back this September.Itisafree community exhibition, which aims to celebrate the talents of local artists, during which they invite members of the public into their studios and homes for a chance to see where and how their art is Themade.Open Studios event will also give people a chance to buy original and affordable pieces from the local artists. The exhibition is now 23 years old, and has grown into a major public art event in the town. A spokesperson from the Swindon Open Studios team said: "This event provides a great opportunity for many of our local individual artists to raise awareness about what they do and provides a chance for them to connect with others through their creative pursuits."Withover 50 artists taking part this year, the studios are as eclectic and individual as the makers, and there is a tremendous choice for visitors, so please do go along and support the creativity in your local neighbourhood." This year's Open Studios will be taking place across Swindon and the surrounding areas over two weekends in SeptemberSaturday 17 and Sunday 18 September and Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September. Some of the artists participating this year are:
Royal BassettWoottonRotary Club to hold car boot sale
Work by these artists can be seen in the collage above. People can browse the Open Studios website for specific times, artists, and venues
swindonopenstudiosSwindonOpenStudiosInstagrambewww.swindonopenstudios.orgatMoreinformationcanalsofoundonFacebookandat:www.facebook.com/www.instagram.com/
Gardening groups to hold autumn shows
5. Installing thermostatic radiator valves and using them with your thermostat allows you to control the temperature room by room. You could save almost 6% -about £118 - a year on average for a typical home, although an initial outlay is needed.
12 swindonlink.com n September 2022
Swindon Borough Council has listed tips for cutting down the cost of energy bills. In a typical household, over half of the energy bills are spent on heating and hot water. Here are some things that the council say could help people push back on the October rise involving the energy price cap: 1. For combi boilers, adjust the hot water temperature that comes out of your hot water taps. Octopus Energy recommends that setting your flow temperature to 50°C for heating and 55°C for hot water can save on bills. For a boiler and a hot water cylinder, it recommends setting the flow temperature on your boiler to a few degrees over 60°C for heating and hot water.
Swindon Open Studios to return after two-year break
Swindon Allotments and Leisure Gardens Association will hold an autumn show on Saturday 3 September. It will be held at Pinetrees Community Centre, Swindon SN2 1QR, at 2.30pm. A second show, on Saturday 17 September, is planned by Wroughton and District Gardners’ Society at the Ellendune Community Centre, Wroughton from 2pm. Further details can be found at www.salga.org.uk and at WandDGS/www.facebook.com/
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7. Cutting a minute off your shower time could save £115 a year in energy bills, and a further £105 a year in water bills if you have a meter –£220 a year for an average four-person household. Contact your energy supplier as soon as you can if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills or are in debt. Your supplier has to help – usually via an affordable payment plan.
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Local ofthankedhousebuilderforsponsorshipWroughtonCarnival Bellway South West have been thanked for their donation towards the Wroughton Carnival event which happened inTheJuly.business donated £500 to the Wroughton Carnival Committee for this year's event. The group have voiced gratitude to the housebuilder, who are building a range of three and four bedroom homes in the village, off Marlborough Road.
4. Washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers account for 14% of a typical energy bill. Washing clothes at lower temperatures can help reduce energy consumption. Also, try to avoid washing half loads to save water. The same advice goes for dishwashers: use the eco setting if it has one and set it off when full.
• Ken White • Tim Carroll • Deborah Battaglia Sheryll Fox • Peter Edwards • Jacquie Primrose Eastcott Studios
By Jessica jessica@positive-media.co.ukDurston
The RWB & District Rotary Club are inviting the public to attend a car boot sale to buy or sell at this SundaySeptember.4September will see the club hold the event at Lower Hook Farm (SN4 8EF) in Hook, Royal Wootton Bassett. The sale will open to sellers at noon, and to buyers at 1pm.For buyers, car entry costs £2 and pedestrians will pay £1. For sellers, car and small van entry will cost £6, large vans £10, and for trailers an added £2.More information can be found by emailing carBoot@ rwbRotary.club or calling 07710 082085.
2. According to Octopus Energy, condensing combi boilers should be set to about 50 degrees to max your boiler's efficiency. You can set this with the control that usually has a radiator symbol next to it. If you set the temperature too high, the boiler won't be able to operate in condensing mode, so you're wasting money.
6. For each degree you turn down the thermostat, expect to cut bills by around 4%, or about £78 a year on average for a typical home.
Council release tips to cut down on rising energy bills
3. Most modern combi boilers have a 'pre-heat' function, so the hot water in your pipes is set at a certain temperature to make sure you don't have a long wait for your water to heat up. It’s inefficient from an energy saving perspective, particularly in homes with people out at work all day. To save money, check your boiler manual for instructions on how to turn the pre-heat off (it varies per model).
Swindon Academy Primary Open Days Alton Close Primary: 12 October Beech Avenue Primary: 5 October admin@swindon-academy.orgwww.swindon-academy.org01793426900
Abbey Farm Educate Together School tour dates for 2023 Reception and Pre-School: 23 & 30 September - 9.15 - 10am 7, 14 & 21 October - 9.15 - 10am Limited tickets can be booked through Eventbrite. The link and details can be found on the school’s website. 01793info@abbeyfarmet.org.ukwww.abbeyfarmet.org.uk251109
Catherine Wayte Primary School Open Evening: Wednesday 28 September 6.30pm 01793admin@catherinewayte.swindon.sch.ukwww.catherinewayte.swindon.sch.uk727405
Orchid Vale Primary School enquiries@orchidvale.org.ukco.ukwww.orchidvaleprimaryschoolswindon. Headteacher Tours: 8 November, 11am 1 December 2pm Call to book via the number below 01793 745006
The inspection involved scrutiny of documentation and safeguarding, alongside indepth questions to a variety of school and Trust members.AbbeyFarm ET Primary, is due to open this September, offering places to pre-school children (aged 3 years plus) and reception class. More details can be found at www. abbeyfarmet.org.uk. More about Educate Together Academy Trust at www.educatetogether.org.uk or info@ educatetogether.org.uk
Red Oaks Primary School Headteacher Tours: 10 November, 11am 21 November, 2pm Please call to book 01793admin@redoaks.org.ukwww.redoaks.org493920
New Swindon primary school given the green light by Ofsted Educate Together Academy Trust have confirmed that the new Abbey Farm Educate Together primary school has been approved by Ofsted and is ready to open its doors this year.
Open Evening: 21 4.30pmSeptember-6pm Open Evening: 19 4.30September-6pm
15swindonlink.com n September 2022
Haydonleigh Primary School Open Day: 1 No10amOctober-1pmappointment necessary. admin@haydonleighschool.co.ukwww.haydonleighschool.co.uk01793700443
The essential guide to School Open Days in Swindon Primary Schools:
Art classes at Orchid Vale Primary
Brook Field Primary School Open Mornings: 1 October, 9.30am - 10.30am or 11am -12pm 10 October, 9.15 - 10.15am 7 November, 9.15 - 10.15am Please call or email to book your place. www.brookfieldprimary.org office@brookfield.swindon.sch.uk 01793 874582
Shaw Ridge Primary School Open Days: 26 September, 9.30am 4 October, 9.30am 11 October, 4.30pm 1 November, 11am 11 November, 1.30pm 23 November, 11am Call or email to book 01793lwestlake@shawridge.swindon.sch.ukwww.shawridgeprimary.org.uk871601
In early June, the team at Abbey Farm ET welcomed the Ofsted inspector, who was said to be impressed with the new building and the team’s planning for the coming opening to pupils.
16 swindonlink.com n September 2022
Highworth Warneford School Open Mornings: 10, 11 & 12 October Please contact Mrs Lewis to book an appointment via warnefordschool.orgllewis@or01793 767083 Open Evening: 6 October, 5 - 7.30pm Headteacher presentations at 6pm & 7pm llewis@warnefordschool.orgwww.warnefordschool.org
Open Morning: 1 October, 10am - 12pm Tours can also be booked by contacting 01793 487286 or emailing admin@lawnmanor.org. Open Evening: 22 September 6 - 8pm Headteacher presentation at 6pm 01793 525231 01793 762426 01793 487286 01793 874224 01285 640994
Secondary, Sixth Form, and Colleges Great
‘Book a Tour’ Mornings: 20, 22 & 27 Sept 4, 6, 11 & 13 Oct at 9am, 10am & 11.15am enquiries@dorcan.co.ukwww.dorcan.co.uk Open Evening: 29 Sept 6-8pm. Presentations at 6 & 7pm Bradon Forest School Open Mornings: 26 Sept - 3 Oct, 9.15am Book online: BradonForestEventswww.tinyurl.com/ Open Evening: 22 Sept, 6-8pm. 6.15 & 7.15pm: Headteacher presentation enquiry@bradonforest.wilts.sch.ukwww.bradonforest.org.uk01793770570
Lawn Manor Academy admin@lawnmanor.orgwww.lawnmanor.org
Textiles at New College Ukraine appeal at Nova Hreod Academy Engineering students at Swindon Academy
Cirencester College student.journey@cirencester.ac.ukwww.cirencester.ac.uk
Commonweal School Year 5 & 6 Open Evening: 21 September, 6 - 8pm Presentations at 6pm & 7pm Sixth Form Open Evening: 4 October, 6.30 - 8.30pm Presentations at 6.30pm & 7.30pm 01793admin@commonweal.co.ukwww.commonweal.co.uk612727 AcademyWestern Open Evenings: Year 7 Starters 15 5.30September-7.30pm Sixth Form 13 5.30-7.30pmOctober www.gwacademy.co.uk office@gwacademy.co.uk 01793 209700 Abbey Park School Open Mornings: 28 & 29 September 9.15 - 11am Open Evenings: 13 & 14 September 5 - 7.30pm 01793admin@abbeyparkschool.org.ukwww.abbeyparkschool.org.uk705400
The AcademyDorcan
Open Day: 15 10amOctober-3pm at Main College Campus Bookings open from 1 September Lydiard Park Academy Open Mornings: 5 & 6 October, 9.15 - 11am Open Evenings: 13 & 14 September, 5.30 - 8pm ask@lydiardparkacademy.org.ukwww.lydiardparkacademy.org.uk
New College Open Day: Saturday 8 October 10am - 3pm For both campuses, and all courses Online booking is essential 01793info@newcollege.ac.ukwww.newcollege.ac.uk611470
Wiltshire College & University Centre Chippenham Open Day: 5 October, 5 - 7pm Lackham Open Day: 8 October 10am - 12pm 01225 350035 www.wiltshire.ac.ukinfo@wiltshire.ac.uk Kingsdown School Open Day: 22 Sept, 5pm 01793 www.kingsdownschool.co.ukhead@kingsdownschool.co.uk822284
Nova Hreod Academy Open Mornings: 4 October & 13 October 9am - 11am www.novahreodacademy.org.ukadmin@novahreodacademy.org.uk Open Evenings: 15 September 6pm - 8pm
Oxford Brookes University Swindon Campus Open Days: 15 October & 19 November Book place online 01865 741111 query@brookes.ac.uk www.brookes.ac.uk
01793 528800 01793 841900 01793 714200
The Parks Academy Trust Sixth Form Open Evening: Thursday 3 November 5.30pm - 7pm 01793ask@theparkacademiestrust.comwww.tpatsixthform.org.uk874224
Sixth form Open Evening: 12 ContactOctobercan be made via 01793 841905 or sixthform@rwba.org.uk
17swindonlink.com n September 2022
The Deanery CE Academy Open Day: 26 Sept, 6 - 8pm 01793 www.dcea.org.ukadmin@dcea.org.uk236611
The Brunel Academies Trust (BAT) are currently recruiting new employees across a number of schools. The multi-academy trust focuses on special educational needs and disabilities, and primary education sectors.Theorganisation covers Uplands School, Horizons College, Brimble Hill School, ARC All Aboard Nursery, Basis, Churchward School, The Chalet School and Westlea Primary School. The Trust says it is looking for flexible, patient and creative people to join its team.TheBAT says it can offer term time hours, competitive hourly rates, free parking and benefits packages. Those interested can find more information online at www.eteach.com/ careers/brunel Brunel Academies Trust contact information: Tel: 01793 426900 Website: www.brunel.org.uk
Brunel Academies Trust open recruitment for new staff
Open Evening: Wednesday 28 September 6 - 8pm
More events in the area
Year 6 Open Evening: 14 September 5 - 7.30pm
UTC Technical(UniversityColleges) Open Day: Saturday 17 September 10am - 1pm 01793info@utcswindon.co.ukwww.utcswindon.co.uk207920
St Joseph’s Catholic College www.stjosephscollege.netinfo@stjosephscollege.net
Swindon Academy Grammar Stream Open Evening: 19 September at 6pm ‘Have A Go’ Secondary Open Evening: 21 September at 6pm United College Sixth Form Open Evening: 6 October at 6pm 01793admin@swindon-academy.orgwww.swindon-academy.org426900
Royal Wootton Bassett Academy admin@rwba.org.ukwww.rwba.org.uk
Ltd
profession.body-ofofarethem.convenientaownofinareappointmentsitsconductedthecomforttheclient'shomeattimethatisforThebusinessmembersthe‘SocietyWillWriters’agoverningfortheAssetGuardian Wills Ltd can not only help you with your will, but other services, including Preparing and Registering Lasting Power of Attorney documents and probate services.Formore information or to book an appointment, members of the public can contact 01793 737246, or via mobile on 07795 250297, or via email: co.ukassetguardiancompany.rob.young@orthewesbite: assetguardiancompany.co.ukwww. Local business aims to help ensure public have their wills in place Rob Young from
According to experts, over 60% of the population in England and Wales do not have a will in place. Asset Guardian Wills Ltd believe this is quite a scary statistic - that all those people have not told their loved ones what their wishes are once the inevitable comes. When making your will there are several things to think about, who you want to benefit from your will, who would look after your children if under 18, who is going to sort out your estate and carry out your wishes after your death, however these are just the basics. What do you do if you share a property with someone who isn’t your husband, wife, or civil partner? What do you do if you want to leave money or property to a dependant who can’t care forForthemselves?somefamilies it is not as straight-forward, for example having children from previous marriages without a will in place could mean your children could miss out on their inheritance. Asset Guardian is a locally-based family firm of will writers and estate planners with over 27 years experience.of The majority of Asset Guardian Wills
20 swindonlink.com n September 2022 Link Business
24 swindonlink.com n September 2022 The Politics Page
New candidate praised by Labour group leader Jim Robbins
The response to her selection has been overwhelming and we are certainly keen to get out and speak to as many voters as we can ahead of the nextWeelection.havehad Labour leader Keir Starmer visit the town this summer.Hewas really keen to listen to local businesses explain the challenges facing them in Swindon, asking how they had fared during the pandemic and committed to doing all he can to support them through the tough times that are yet to come.Asthe Labour leader on the council, I’m committed to doing the same, and will be trying to steer Swindon Borough Council to offer as much support as they can to local residents through the cost-of-living crisis.
South Swindon constituency Labour Party held their selection meeting recently and overwhelmingly chose Heidi Alexander as the Labour Parliamentary Candidate for South experiencepolitician,HeidiSwindon.isanexperiencedwithyearsofinParliament as well as having front bench experience from being the Shadow Health minister. She left Parliament to take up a role as the Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, working for Sadiq Khan, and was tasked with keeping London moving during the pandemic.
The closure will inconvenience many bus passengers who will have to use alternative stops as the area is transformed but, when complete, I can promise them it will be worth the wait. Not only will they benefit from a new and improved bus interchange, but the public open spaces will be unrecognisable.Newcyclelanes will join up the main cycling routes across the town and new trees and bee-friendly plants will help create an attractive and welcoming environment for shoppers and visitors alike. These will all help to create Swindon’s town centre as a place for people to socialise, shop, work and live. If you’d like to stay updated on the progress of the Fleming Way improvements please do sign up to our newsletter at: swindon.gov.uk/newsletterwww.
The new Premier Inn has been slowly taking shape behind the purple hoardings that have enveloped the derelict site opposite The Savoy. Up until now, the £33m redevelopment of Fleming Way has focused on moving utility pipes and cables and preparing the western end of the road, which used to house Cheltenham Street car park. But all that will change from Sunday, 4 September, when the road is completely closed to traffic to enable the major work to get underway.
Swindon Council leader David Renard's monthly column Getting ready for a massive town centre improvement project
In a couple of weeks’ time the next phase of a muchanticipated regeneration project will get into full swing.
Heidi was keen to move back to Parliamentary politics, and as a proud Swindonian jumped at the chance to represent South Swindon, where she was born and raised.
27swindonlink.com n September 2022
The Great Western Brick Show will return to Swindon’s Steam Museum on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 October for its 20th year.Set alongside some of the iconic GWR locomotives and historic exhibits, this year’s event also takes place as The LEGO Group celebrates its 90thMartinanniversary.Long,co-organiser
Swindon’s Great Western Brick Show celebrates 20 years of the original LEGO fan event in the UK LINK FEATURES CULTURELINK 29 30 LINK PETS & NATURE 31 POETRYLINK 33 CYCLINGLINK 33 SPORTLINK
of the show on behalf of Brickish - the UK club for adult LEGO® fans - said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating twenty years of amazing shows by Brickish members this year. "The very first public LEGO® fan event in the UK was held at Steam in February 2002 with just a handful of members who brought a LEGO® train display to the museum. "Over 200 people came to see the models, and were amazed by what adult fans could build with the LEGO® bricks.”Martin added that since 2002, the Great Western Brick Show had grown yearon-year and this year the team expected to welcome over 6,000 people through the doors over the event weekend. Members of Brickish have worked tirelessly to create incredible models and inventions to inspire children and adult LEGO® fans. The event will also feature a giant LEGO® mosaic that visitors can help build. In addition, visitors will also be able to visit the official LEGO® shop and market place.Tickets are priced at £12.20 for children (aged between 3-15 yrs); £12.20 for seniors and students, and £14.50 for adults.Children aged under three years old will go free, and family tickets are also available.Thosewishing to attend must book their tickets in advance. This can be done online
Brickishwww.steam-museum.org.ukatMoreinformationaboutcanbefoundonline at brickish.org
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Slagerij performing at last year's Swindon Shuffle - Picture by Chris Clark
29swindonlink.com n September 2022 The Swindon Shuffle has been a fixture in the diaries of local music lovers for the last 15 years, celebrating all that is good about the Swindon music scene.The2023 event (the 15th edition technically as 2020’s festival was online) runs from Wednesday 14 September with an opening music quiz event at The Beehive. Festivities continue until Sunday 18 September, with over 60 acts featured across five main venues in Old Town (The Beehive, The Castle, The Hop, The Tuppenny and The Victoria) alongside fringe events at venues like Baristocats, the Eastcott Community Centre and more. The event will be raising funds for Prospect Hospice. The cream of the local musical crop are taking part from across the musical spectrum, with the focus firmly on artists who write and perform their ownThismaterial.year'sline up has been widened by the inclusion of sessions curated by local promoters Bandit Music, Sheer Music, The Swindon Folk Club, and the team behind the Swindon Electronic Music Club alongside the regular Shuffle team.Acts as diverse as ex Noah & The Whale member Matt Owens with his Americana band The Delusional Vanity Project and Alt Rock bands Aniimalia and Nervendings headline along with Blues Rock duo Bone Chapel, Indie-pop band Reuben’s Daughters, electro-dance lunatics Fort Boyard and roots troubadour JolTheRose.event will also feature the much anticipated return of the hotly-tipped Carsick and a headline set from Jamie R Hawkins and Phil Cooper from The Lost Trades, plus much more.Organiser Ed Dyer said: “We're really excited to be able to put on the 15th running of the Swindon Shuffle, despite the challenges the year has thrown up, and to continue to raise money for Prospect Hospice."Wehave a really exciting programme of live music in store, and this year are very excited to have worked with other local promoters to broaden the scope and appeal of the event. As always we are indebted to our amazing venues and sponsors for enabling this all to happen.” All sessions are free of charge with full details available at www. swindonshuffle.org.uk. Swindon Shuffle returns for 2023
A column by Thameswood Vets LINK PETS & NATURE
Laparoscopic Spay, what is it? Laparoscopy is commonly referred to as keyhole surgery. Instead of making a midline cut into the abdomen, operations are carried out through very small 5mm holes with the aid of an endoscopea camera that allows us to look inside the body. How is it different to a normal spay?
30 swindonlink.com n September 2022 Laparoscopic Spays (Key Hole)
So, the benefits include; - Small incision size -less discomfort and scarring - Tissue is removed without tearing or traction meaning less pain/trauma - Good visualisation of surgical procedure – minimises -complicationsYourpet’srecovery time is Forshortermore information, prices or availability contact us on 01793 526780.
Traditionally a spay requires a 3-4 inch incision, which itself is a source of post-operative pain. The uterus is taken up and pulled through the wound, and the ovarian ligaments are taken away from their attachments on the body wall. This can cause some trauma and bruising - another source of postoperative discomfort. The blood vessels are ligated and both ovaries are Laparoscopyremoved.enables us to remove the ovarian attachments with no tearing and substantially less trauma and bruising. The operation requires only very tiny incisions so wounds are much less painful, and better visualisation reduces the chances of complications. What are the benefits?
Yes - but not as much as you might think! Equipment for laparoscopy is expensive and we use the same equipment as a human surgeon (and pay the same price for it as the NHS!). We do therefore charge a small additional fee for this type of surgery, but this is outweighed by the benefits of a happy pain free recovery. Will my pet still have stitches? Usually not, since the wounds are very small, they are usually closed with a special skin adhesive so no stitches are necessary. We like to check our patients a few days after the operation just to make sure that your pet is comfortable and healing well. Do you remove the ovaries and the uterus? Research in Europe and the USA over the past 36 years has shown that removing the uterus (womb) is usually unnecessary and increases post-operative discomfort. We just remove the ovaries, unless we have any concerns over the condition of the uterus. This has the same effect as a traditional spay in stopping seasons, and preventing pregnancy and reducing mammary cancer.
You may have had keyhole surgery yourself – if so, you will know that recovery times are much shorter after this type of surgery and there is much less post-operative discomfort. There is also less scarring and since wounds are much smaller there is less likelihood of postoperative infection. Does it cost more?
You’ll hear about Philip Larkin in the coming months. It’s his anniversary. Like most people, I loved his lines: "They f*** you up, your mum and Theydad.may not mean to, but they do." There was something wild about quoting that to teachers and parents and saying: “It’s a poem, you can’t blame me.” Larkin was a major influence, his poetry accessible, dour but witty, the outpourings of a sad man. He made me wrestle with the nature/nurture argument. He’d a difficult relationship with his parents and blamed them for his misery. I could empathise as I’d a bad relationship with my father.Ittook me years to realise that the behaviour of parents isn’t in our DNA, that you can nurture a road for yourself.
I came to a stage where I thought Larkin should’ve been grateful for a miserable childhood as it gave him material for poetry. And then, he should have got on with it. Unlike Larkin, I didn’t let my relationship with my father define me. It helped that I’d five sisters who were having none of it either. We probably saved a fortune in counselling by supporting each other, a support that started in the weeks it took my father to die while in a coma. When we were alone, I read Larkin to him, spoke to his silence, and even touched him for the first time. The salutary outcome was realising his problems were his. They needn’t be mine. When I throw back my head and Peoplehowl(women mostly) say But you’ve always done what you want, You always get your own way. A perfectly vile and foul Inversion of all that’s been. What the old ragbags mean Is I’ve never done what I don’t. Listen on BBC Sounds: “Larkin www.mauricespillane.co.ukRevisited” thanks to Larkin Spillane:Maurice Of
Comfort amid sadness
SwindonPoetry LINK POETRY
31swindonlink.com n September 2022
It's a marathon, not a sprint for STFC LINK SPORT
It was a life-changing and proud moment for him, and for us as Withinparents.30minutes he was confidently cycling alone, turning and manoeuvering around with relative ease. If you’re keen to help a little one get on a bike, here are three things that really helped: 1. Starting with a balance bike (or a bike without pedals) 2. Having a good quality, lightweight children’s bike. We picked ours up second-hand on Facebook Marketplace. These are worth investing in as they make cycling easy and fun; buy second-hand and you can usually sell on for a similar price.3.Involving them in your own cycling trips as a passenger, watching us negotiate around the streetscape, and developing their spatial awareness.Tips:Typically children’s bikes start from age 3-4 with 14” wheels - however all have slightly different geometry, some much bigger than others. We have a long-legged tall toddler who was able to fit his Isla CNOC at aged 2-anda-half . Some high quality children’s bike brands to look out for are: Isla, Frog, Squish, Hoy, Woom etc. Other resources for learning to cycle and family cycle include: Family Cycling UK Facebook Page, Cycle Sprog website (www.cyclesprog. co.uk) and British Cycling Ready Set Ride website (www. readysetride.co.uk).
Learning to Ride a Bike!
I felt before the season started that Swindon would finish mid table, and looking at the transfer business, it appears the club mirror that ambition.
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The key to the ignition of the new season may well have been turned but Swindon are yet to click into gear. In the earliest ever start to a football season it's been a slow start. three games, no wins. It's worth mentioning that league titles have never been awarded in August - the hare and the tortoise. In Swindon's case they'll be hoping they're the tortoise. But where is it going wrong for Scott Lindsey's side?The game is simple, goals win games. But for Swindon the goals just aren't there. If Harry McKirdy isn't on song you really do ask where the goals are coming from. So far, the most likely source appears to be Jacob Wakeling. The 20-year-old joined Town this summer from Leicester City. After spending a short period on loan with Barrow last season Wakeling has already impressed me. Not only has he looked the brightest in a Town shirt but his work ethic is impeccable.Aswellas that, his intelligence is admirable for a player of his age. I can already see comparisons to former Swindon striker Jerry Yates. Nonetheless if you have ambitious of promotion it's a lofty ask for a 20-year-old to be the main man.The other critical issue is the lack of creativity. Last season Jack Payne was the go-to guy for unlocking the opposition. This season, in his absence, Town lack that spark. In addition, with Harry McKirdy now playing further forward Swindon lack someone to run at a back line. When playing three at the back it is obvious that the extra defender restricts the team going forward and that the wing backs just don't offer enough going forward. One player who I feel could fill the creativity void is Ronan Darcy.
Monthly column with Becky Cox of Swindon Cycle Campaign.
33swindonlink.com n September 2022
Becky Cox's son learning to ride his bike
Alfie Howlett: TownSwindonFCwriter
Recently our little person passed a huge milestone and learnt how to ride a bike of hisUnlikeown! my generation, who mostly learnt to cycle using stabilisers, many children nowadays have what’s known as a balance bike. You can either buy a specific balance bike or just take the pedals (and stabilisers) off an existing bike.Afew months after his second birthday, our son started taking an interest in his balance bike. Soon he loved it - realising he had the freedom to get around a bit quicker. He especially enjoyed visits to the local BMX track off Maunsell Way in Wroughton. We then bought a secondhand pedal bike and took the pedals off, using it as balance bike. Letting him get used to using brakes to stop was key for his development. Then, a couple of weeks ago, we were at the County Ground Athletics Track- a perfect environment to learn to cycle. I asked him whether he wanted to try using pedals like mum and dad. He was keen to try so we went for it. I helped him get started with his feet on the pedals and guided him along with my hand on his back. He soon started to see how moving the pedals around propelled him forward. After a couple of laps I started taking my hand off his back for a couple of seconds, then a bit longer, until I was counting out loud and he was shouting ‘mummy I’m cycling by myself!!’
The midfielder arrived from Bolton this summer. Having featured for The Trotters in League 1 Darcy has pedigree behind him. When I've seen the youngster I've been impressed with his passing as well his footwork. I believe that if utilised correctly Darcy could provide the missing link from midfield to attack.
The majority of incomings have been investments for the future based off the club's new data driven recruitment. However you can't help feeling beenUnderstandablyunderwhelmed.Townhavetightwiththepennies yet this window feels worse than last season where we were under an embargo. In addition this season's start is a complete contrast to last. Despite having a full preseason and early signings the start does not reflect last season's having had a week's pre-season. There certainly is a concern that by aiming for mediocrity Town leave themselves little margin to fail. Now is certainly not the time to panic. There have been many teams who have started slowly but ended the season quickly. In fact one of those was once Swindon. They had a poor start under Paulo Di Canio only to win League 2. But unfortunately in my eyes Scott Lindsey will be no Paulo Di Canio.
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36 swindonlink.com n September 2022 42 • paintingInterior/exterioranddecorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen & bathroom refits • Shower wall board installation • Internal alterations No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations Call Andy: 01793 729354 or 07900 andysweeney1@virginmedia.com835116 DECORATINGCARPENTRY& LINK TRADE PAGES 57204333482301793Callor07788 INTERIOR & ESTIMATESFREEOAPFORREDUCTIONSEXTERIORsPRIDEPainter&Decorator Tel: 01793 827248 Mob: 07976 885203 WHITE VAN MAN SINGLE ITEMS MOVED ANYWHERE IN SWINDON FOR ONLY £35 • Full house removal • House clearance • Disposal of unwanted items • Any distance long/short • Fully insured MAKE UP FLAT PACK FURNITURE Call for a FREE quote Mobile: 07796 236436 Electrical Automation • Up & Over • Roller • Sectional • Repairs • Unit 8, Central Trading Estate Signal Way, Swindon SN3 1PD Tel 01793 940096 Email www.dimensions.org.ukinfo@dgds.co.uk Custom Decorating Services Interior and exterior painting 07876202574Reliabledecoratingandandprofessionalor01793272636www.customdecorator.co.uk
37swindonlink.com n September 2022 www.jelectricalswindon.co.uk junab74@outlook.com www.jelectricalswindon.co.uk junab74@outlook.com LINK TRADE PAGES ❖ Fences, gates & sheds supplied and erected ❖ Landscaping ❖ Trees pruned and felled ❖ Rubbish removed ❖ Patios and shingle laid ❖ Wood chip & compost supplied ❖ Turfing and grass cutting ❖ And all aspects of garden maintenanceTel:01793 875451 or 07940 www.freethfencingandgardenservicesltd.com247152 FREETH FENCING & GARDEN SERVICES LTD Est. 1990 35 Spencer Close, West Swindon • Extensions • Driveways • Conservatories • Patios • Garden Walls • Fencing All general building and landscapingundertakenprojects NO JOB TOO SMALL Call Stewart on 07841 826390 for a Free Estimate
The best way to keep cool in the summer is if you put a fan in front of where you're sitting and you have an ice cream every four hours except when you're asleep and you're fed up of eating ice creams. Dear Agony Girl, My cat is so troubled by the heat that he has taken to sleeping in the guest room sink with all four legs in the air. However, this causes great alarm to guests who think he is dead and great alarm to the cat when they forget he's there and turn the taps on. How can I discourage him from these sleeping Cheers,arrangements?
Dear Agony Girl, What is the best way to keep cool in the summer and do you have any tips?
Hayley, South Swindon Make him watch TV instead or go out on family day trips every single day or just take his phone away and put it in the bin. I'm not on my phone all the time because I'm not an obsessed person. Last night I did painting and drawing a lot instead. But I do listen to music through my phone but that doesn't count.
Dear Agony Girl How can I get my teenage daughters to put their dishes in the dishwasher instead of leaving on the side?
AGONY GIRL
Tyler, Redhouse
38 swindonlink.com n September 2022
You need to buy him a cat bed that doesn't have any fur and a mini-fan that you should put in front of him and don't put him in a warm area. Dear Agony Girl, I really want a pet giraffe but I live in a really small house with low ceilings. Do you think I should get rid of the upstairs entirely just so the giraffe would fit in?
A perturbed cat owner of Old Town
James, Wroughton Take their phones if they don't do it because then they'll be really annoyed at you for taking their phones and then you give them back after doing the dishes. So they get what they want and you get what you want.
Dear Agony Girl, How do I get my husband off his mobile phone as he's on it all the time?
Gary, Freshbrook No. You should build underground and make it a little bit more of his own height and then he will have his own room and can come upstairs when he likes but when he comes upstairs he needs to duck.
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.
