South East Swindon Link June 2022

No 68 June 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

South & East Edition

This burger will help Team Link cross a desert p26

swindonlink.com

Swindon goes all out for the Jubilee p8

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Wheelchair tennis star becomes charity ambassador for Wiltshire Air Ambulance

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk British sportsperson Louise Hunt has become an ambassador for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Louise, who is from Wanborough, has pledged to support the lifesaving service after recently visiting the airbase in Semington to meet pilots, paramedics, doctors and the charity team.

The 30-year-old said: “I am honoured and proud to be an ambassador for Wiltshire Air Ambulance. The work which everyone undertakes at the charity is astounding and makes such an important difference to the local community.

"When I learnt more about the real-life stories and how many lives the crews have saved it made me feel passionate about supporting the charity in any way I can.

I’m excited about what’s ahead

and encourage people to donate and support to such an incredible organisation which one day could save their own or a loved one’s life.”

Louise was born with Spina Bifida, which is a development congenital disorder, meaning she has been in a wheelchair her whole life.

At the age of five she began participating in many sports, including swimming, basketball and fencing, but soon found a love for wheelchair tennis.

She achieved a lifetime goal of qualifying for the Paralympic Games in London 2012 and also competed four years later in Rio. Louise has more than 100 titles in singles and doubles competitions.

Louise also works as an athlete mentor, commentator and motivational speaker, sharing her stories and experiences.

Barbara Gray, director of income generation and communications at Wiltshire

Louise Hunt pictured with members of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance crew

Air Ambulance, said: “It’s great to have Louise supporting our charity and we’d like to thank her for becoming a Charity Ambassador.

“As a Wiltshire person she understands the importance of our lifesaving service and we hope her involvement in the local area and throughout the county’s schools will help raise awareness and the funds we need to secure to continue saving lives.”

Wiltshire Air Ambulance is a charity that provides Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS)

across Wiltshire, Bath and the surrounding areas.

It costs £4 million a year to keep the air ambulance flying and saving lives - the equivalent of around £11,000 a day.

The charity receives no regular direct Government funding or National Lottery support, and relies on donations from the people and businesses in Wiltshire and Bath to fund its lifesaving work.

More information about the charity can be found at www. wiltshireairambulance.co.uk

We can't let The Oasis Leisure Centre go to rack and ruin

By Jamie Hill Jamie@positive-media.co.uk We've not had the best month here in Swindon as far as the much-loved Oasis Leisure Centre is concerned.

This comes after the owners of the site, SevenCapital, admitted that they were finding it difficult to incorporate the now listed

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

dome into any plans that would be viable.

The council, as well as campaign group Save Swindon Oasis, have all vowed to do all they can to ensure that the site doesn't simply become more and more derelict.

But with the quite negative air coming off the developers it doesn't fill anyone with any great hope for its future.

ADVERTISING Call 01793 644540 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for July adverts and editorial: 10 June July edition published: 24 June Our Statistics Est. Readership of 105,000 in print & c.50,000 monthly online visitors.

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It'll be a real shame for the whole of Swindon if the site is left to go the way of The Mechanics or The Locarno.

It is a place close to all of our hearts and whatever happens we need to keep applying pressure to the powers that be that will ensure its future, as the last thing this town needs is another blot on the landscape.

Full story page 10

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The Eco Briefing

Solar panel group-buying scheme open for registrations until 14 June

By Jamie Hill jamie@positive-media.co.uk

Swindon residents have the opportunity to come together to invest in renewable energy through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.

The scheme, called Solar Together, is a partnership involving Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Council and independent experts in groupbuying, iChoosr Ltd. The bargaining power created by coming together as a group is the core principle behind Solar Together. This enhanced buying power allows the scheme to offer more competitive pricing than individual homeowners might get if entering the market alone.

All Swindon residents (and in wider Wiltshire) who own their own house, or have permission

from the landlord to install solar panels, have until 14 June to register for the scheme.

It is free to register, without any obligation to continue. The scheme offers solar panels with optional battery storage and electric vehicle charge points, as well as retrofit battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate as well as increase their independence from the grid. There is also the

chance to discuss options to divert solar energy to power the immersion heater in your hot water tank if you have one.

How does Solar Together work?

• Registration: you can register online at www. solartogether.co.uk/Swindon by providing details about your roof, such as its size and orientation (a roof’s position relative to the sun, for example south facing). The more people that register, the better the deal should be for each

household • Auction: on 14 June a list of pre-vetted solar installers will bid for the work and the most competitive offer wins the auction • Personal recommendation: from 4 July you will be emailed a personal recommendation for your home • You decide: you will have six weeks to decide if you want to accept the recommendation • Installation: if you accept, the winning installer will contact you to survey your roof and set an installation date The above website has lots of information to help residents consider whether solar panels are right for them. The independent Energy Savings Trust also provides a comprehensive guide to solar panels on its website. Search ‘Energy Savings Trust Solar Panels’ online.

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Go-ahead for repair of iconic Coate diving board

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk Swindon Borough Council has been granted permission to refurbish the Listed Coate Water diving board.

The council said it was pleased to share the good news about one of the borough’s iconic landmarks.

The Art Deco structure has been in place since the mid1930s and is one of the most striking features of Coate Water Country Park.

Its top platform is more than 30 feet (about 10 metres) above the surface.

Historic photographs show diving competitions, but the board has not been in official use since the late 1950s, when the public were banned from swimming in the artificial lake.

It has since become a roost and vantage point for birds.

The council's planning team has secured permission to

revitalise the board, which has been ravaged by the elements.

A spokesperson said: "We are now finalising a programme of work with our contractor and hope to carry out the work in the near future.

"We will share further details of when the work will take

place as soon as we have them."

The refurbishment is among a series of improvement projects planned by the council for the coming years.

The others include creating a new accessible children’s play park, and providing new and

accessible toilets for children, young people and adults.

Coate Water was created 200 years ago, and was initially used mainly as a reservoir to provide water for the Wilts and Berks Canal.

The arrival of Brunel's railway in the mid-19th century spelled doom for the canal, which fell into disuse a few decades later.

Coate Water became a leisure facility in 1914 and has remained one ever since.

The site is home not just to the lake but also a variety of plant, animal and bird life and the latter includes rare visitors from overseas. Local organisations based there include Swindon Model Boat and Engneering Club and a much-loved miniature railway.

Further information about the Coate Water plans can be found by searching for 'Coate Water Park' at www.swindon. gov.uk

Swindon's free bandstand concerts in Old Town are back

By Jessica Durston | jessica@positive-media.co.uk Free concerts at the Town Gardens and Queen's Park are back by popular demand..

Following the success of the line-up in 2021, South Swindon Parish Council say they are delighted to announce the return of this much-loved fixture of the summer events season in two of their public parks, Town Gardens and Queen’s Park.

The council say the whole community is invited to experience live music in the open air.

These concerts are completely free, so members of the public can just turn up on the day.

Performances will start at 3pm and finish at 4.30pm.

Sunday, 1 May saw a special launch concert from the North Swindon Big Band in the Town Gardens Bowl.

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Parish Council’s recently launched season of theatre and music events at the Town Gardens Bowl, which is set to include live music from Opera Sulis and Voodoo Room, as well as the return of the popular My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival.

More information on these events can be found at www. theatreatthebowl.co.uk and www.musicatthebowl.co.uk The free music concerts still to take place are as follows: 29 May – Cirencester Band – Town Gardens 5 June - Big Jubilee Picnic Queen's Park 12 June – Big Brunch Band – Queen’s Park 19 June – Kennet Accordion Orchestra – Town Gardens 26 June – Central Southern Area Fellowship Band – Town Gardens 3 July – Wroughton Silver Band – Town Gardens

A bandstand concert

10 July – Cricklade Band 17 July – Malmesbury Concert Band – Queen’s Park 24 July – Saxophonics – Town Gardens 31 July – Highworth Silver Band – Town Gardens 7 August – Ramsbury Silver Band – Town Gardens 14 August – North Swindon Big Band – Queen’s Park 21 August – Highworth Silver Band – Queen’s Park 28 August – What The Pluck – Town Gardens 4 September – Sweet

Nightingale – Queen’s Park 11 September – Royal Wootton Bassett Brass – Town Gardens Members of the public can also follow South Swindon Parish Council on Facebook and Instagram for the latest information about upcoming concerts at the Town Gardens Bandstand and Queen’s Park.

More information about South Swindon Parish Council can also be found at www. southswindon-pc.gov.uk

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Celebrating the Jubilee in and around Swindon

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk There is no shortage of choices when it comes to celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in the Swindon area.

Many of the planned gatherings are free to attend, although there will be charges in some instances. Full details of each are available online.

Events over the special fourday Bank Holiday Weekend starting on Thursday, 2 June include: - The Mechanics' Institute Trust Jubilee Celebration on Friday, 3 June from 11am to 3pm at the Central Community Centre in Emlyn Square. www. facebook.com/swindonccc/ - Wroughton Parish Council's family picnic event at the Weir Field, Saturday, 4 June, 12.30-4.30pm. Live music, face painting and entertainers. wroughton.gov.uk - The All British Brunch at

Boom Battle Bar, Swindon, Saturday, 4 June, 2-6pm.

Games and live events bar will celebrate with a bottomless 90-minute brunch offer. boombattlebar.com - South Swindon Parish Council's Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday, 5 June from 11am to 2pm at Queens Park. southswindon-pc.gov.uk/event/ big-jubilee-lunch/ - Stratton St Margaret Parish Council Jubilee Event, Sunday, 5 June from noon. A

traditional street party feel with marquees and tables and chairs. strattonstmargaret.gov. uk - Old Town Street Party, Sunday, 5 June, noon to 5pm.

Organised by Old Town Business Association and will include live music throughout the day. www.thisisoldtown. com/events/queens-jubileeparty - Queen's Jubilee Fun Day, Stanton House, Sunday, June 5, noon-5pm. Bouncy castles, face

painting, games, live music. stantonhousehotel.co.uk/upcoming-events.html - Cricklade Leisure Centre fun day, Sunday, June 5, 11am4pm. Featuring Cricklade's Got Talent, a funfair, go-karts, dog display, performances and other attractions. www. crickladeleisure.com - Swindon and Cricklade Railway Beer festival, Friday to Sunday, 3-5 June. swindoncricklade-railway.org/event/ real-ale-and-cider-festival/ - Pimms in the Park, Friday to Sunday, 3-5 June, Lydiard Park, noon-10pm Friday.

Saturday and noon-8pm Sunday. Live music, classic cars, Star Wars characters and other attractions. fb.me/ e/2kMoNjjKR - Highworth's Jubilee celebrations, Saturday and Sunday, 4 and 5 June. Two days of events including parade and pageant. www. highworthtowncouncil.gov.uk

Hospice needs a lot more donations

New Quarry Road play area

Prospect Hospice says that without an extra £600,000 a year it will be forced to help fewer local people.

The Wroughton-based charity says it will no longer be able to support as many patients and families who desperately need its specialist end-of-life care unless the money is found.

It costs Prospect Hospice around £7.5m per year to provide the care that patients and families in Swindon and north east Wiltshire depend on.

Three quarters of that sum £5.5m – comes in the form of donations from the community, while the remaining quarter comes from statutory sources such as the NHS. Charity sector finances were hit hard by the pandemic.

Irene Watkins, chief executive of Prospect Hospice, said the combination of the pandemic and a long-standing freeze on statutory funding had severely

South Swindon Parish Council has installed a new play area at Quarry Road.

Earlier this year the parish councillors agreed that the old climbing structure should be removed, as it was deemed to be beyond repair.

They decided it would be replaced by a new activity centre.

In addition, they decided that a new basket swing would also be installed. The latter feature was chosen because it would be particularly accessible to

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affected the charity’s income.

“Like all charities, we saw a sharp decline in income from March 2020 as our shops closed and fundraising activities were cancelled," she said.

“This decline in funding and growth in services cannot continue.

"We have now reached the point where we know there are already people we are unable to help and, unless we can raise the additional £600,000 a year, we will have no choice but to reduce the number of patients and families we can support even more."

People can support Prospect Hospice by setting up a monthly donation. A donation of £5 a month could pay for three home visits by a specialist, while £10 a month could pay for a nurse’s shift on the inpatient unit.

Further information can be found at www.prospecthospice.net

children with disabilities, and therefore in line with the parish council's policy of making its play facilities as inclusive as possible.

The parish council inherited 21 play areas from Swindon Borough Council when it began work in 2017.

Since then it has been carrying out a gradual improvement which has so far seen it refurbish a dozen of the locations, often involving extensive replacement.

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Swindon's newest GP surgery opens Tadpole Surgery in the newlydeveloped Tadpole Garden Village was officially opened

by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson.

The new practice, which is able to register up to 8,500 patients, promises a more local GP service to people living in one of the fastest growing areas of Swindon.

A total of 11 clinicians, as well as eight administrative staff, are based at the new site, which has joined the other Swindon surgeries – Highworth, Taw Hill, Blunsdon and Hermitage – that make up the Westrop Medical Practice family.

More information about Tadpole Surgery, as well as details of how to register as a patient, can be found online at www. westropmedicalpractice.nhs. uk

Amazon staff help community projects Teams from the Amazon fulfilment centre and delivery station in Swindon have taken part in a series of tree planting events.

The workers teamed up with Stratton St Margaret Parish Council and members of the public to help with planting at Meadowcroft Field.

The volunteers worked together to plant native broadleaf trees with the aim of helping to offset carbon emissions, stimulate wildlife and give back to the community in a sustainable manner.

A total of 900 trees were planted, which Amazon says will offset 225 tonnes of CO2 emissions in their lifespan.

Amazon also made a £6,000 donation to Swindon charity IPSUM, which helps people in the town and surrounding areas to address issues such as mental, psychological, and emotional health through a range of therapeutic work including music and art.

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New mural by acclaimed Swindon artist is unveiled

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

inSwindon BID says a unique mural will help enrich the Regent Circus complex in the town centre.

The Local Business Improvement District (BID) company commissioned acclaimed Swindon artist Tim Carroll, to create an exciting mural display to enrich the complex.

He had been introduced to the organisation by arts showcase Artsite.

Using money from the Government’s Welcome Back Fund, the mural re-imagines a recently discovered lost work by another acclaimed artist, Harold Dearden.

Tim Carroll said: "I have very much enjoyed the whole project and am pleased with the result.

Everyone has been marvellous to work with and a great help.

I have really appreciated the opportunity to work on such a

A section of the large mural

large scale." inSwindon BID Co Director Anita Bellinger said: "Congratulations to Tim on creating such a stunning piece of artwork. We have been delighted to manage this new initiative as one of the many projects inSwindon BID have lined up to encourage visitors back to the Town Centre.

"The mural is very special and unique to Swindon. We are now excited to share this fabulous piece with all

our visitors. Wonderful art, accessible to all."

Swindon is no stranger to public murals. In the 1970s its artists and arts administrators were a pioneering force in delivering vibrant public art on a large scale.

Subjects, often on the gable ends of houses and other buildings, ranged from scenes of railway history to a recreation of Paolo Uccello's Saint George and the Dragon.

Future of Oasis cast even further into doubt Uncertainty over the future of Swindon's Oasis Leisure Centre has become more pressing than ever.

Campaign organisation the Save Oasis Swindon Steering Group says owner SevenCapital is unable to state whether the iconic structure will ever reopen.

The steering group, which last year celebrated the Grade II Listing of the building's dome, announced that it had received a response from SevenCapital (7C) to its request for an update.

The leisure centre has been closed since October of 2020.

A steering group spokesperson said: "SOSSG is shocked and disappointed that SevenCapital has today stated that despite having spent 'many hundreds of thousands of pounds thus far' in searching for a solution that complies with Listing requirements, that the scheme is unviable for SevenCapital.

The pool and its iconic dome are Grade II Listed

"Furthermore, SevenCapital went further to say that it was unable to say whether or not [the Oasis] will reopen."

Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard said: “We recognise the challenges SevenCapital face in reopening the Oasis.

“Clearly the listing of the building has made that process much more difficult as SevenCapital has to ensure certain parts are maintained

and protected - that also comes at huge additional cost.

"It will also take time to find a solution and the building needs to be made sustainable to ensure an operator can be secured for the Oasis’s longterm future.

“I would like to assure everyone we are fully committed to working with SevenCapital so the difficulties in reopening the building can be overcome.”

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The Swindon Model Boat and Engineering Club celebrates its 90th anniversary with post-pandemic open day

By Jessica Durston | jessica@positive-media.co.uk Members of the Swindon Model Boat and Engineering Club held an open day at Coate Water Country Park in celebration of its 90th anniversary.

The club technically celebrates its 91st year in 2022, but due to covid, the members decided to hold their 90th anniversary celebrations this year.

An open day event was held in the harbour area of Coate Water, and the Swindon club were joined by members of the Cwmbran Modelling Society.

Model boats were on display for the public to view and enquire about, and members of each club held in sailing sessions together.

The Swindon Model Boat and Engineering (SMBEC) club was established in 1931 and the current members sail their model boats at Coate Water to this day.

Sailing sessions take place every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon at the harbour section of the park. In addition the club's 'Lake Days' take place on the fourth Sunday of every month (between March and October).

Club president and chairman, George Kirkham, first joined

George Kirkham and his battleships

the club in 1946. He took on the role of the chairman in the 1970s and then after 20 years passed on the mantle. He returned as chairman again in 1997, due to his predecessor falling ill.

George is pleased with the increase in club member numbers during and following the pandemic.

He said: "Since we had the covid lockdowns, our group has grown. We have nearer 50 members now. Last year we had around 54 or 55 members, with three juniors on top of that. Before the pandemic we had around 25 to 30.”

Richard Beck, Chairman of the Cwmbran Modelling Society, said: “It's great to have been invited to this special day of celebrations.

Congratulations to the SMBEC 90 years is amazing!

"I’ve just become chairman for the CMS, and we had lost touch with other model boat clubs around the UK. Now in this new role, my aims are to promote our club and get our name out there, and also get other clubs communicating.

“We’ve recently been to Bristol as we were attending the South West Ship Show, and we met the Swindon Model

Members of the SMBEC and Cwmbran Modelling Society gathered at Coate Water Country Park

Boat and Engineering club there. We invited them to our 50th anniversary celebrations which will take place on 4 September, and they invited us to attend their 90th celebrations this month.”

SMBEC members also meet on the first Tuesday of every month at the Coleview Community Centre, at 7.30pm.

There are no age restrictions for joining, and no experience or expertise in model boats is required - individuals only need to possess a keen interest for the hobby.

Members will need to bring their own boats, but can share them amongst one another, or with guests they may bring along.

The types of vessels built and sailed by SMBEC members are radio controlled scale boats, radio controlled fast boats, radio controlled yachts, hydroplanes and straight running boats Having been involved with the club for 76 years, George spoke about his memories of when he first joined.

He said: “My interest in model boats started in 1939 just before the war. I went down to Cheney Manor lakes (Plaum's Pit back then), as a little kid of 10. I saw a boat launch – it was a steamboat on the water.

It fascinated me. I was too young to join the club as you had to be 16. Then the war came along and waylaid the club.

“The club went into hibernation and then started to pick back up in the December of 1944. I remember the window in the sports section of

what was McIlroys back then, was full of boats. I saw these boats and that sparked my interest again."

George added that club members are known to help one another and offer advice or guidance with the building of model boats.

He said: “If anyone wants advice or guidance, our club members are more than happy to help. That’s one of the reasons to join the club. You get the social side with us, as well as the knowledge and guidance.

"A lot of us here at the club are also members of the MPBA (Model Power Boat Association) They cover us for insurance and everything. They also arrange model boat competitions that members can enter."

The club says options for those interested in model boats are varied now in this modern age. Individuals can build a boat from scratch, purchase a kit, or buy a 'ready to run' boat with a transmittor.

More about the Swindon Model Boat and Engineering Club can be found on its website smbec.co.uk/ or at swindonlink.com/sportand-leisure/smbaec-90thanniversary/ Those interested in joining the club can contact its membership secretary Brian Young on 01285 652624 or via young_ brian4@sky.com More information about the Cwmbran Modelling Society can be found at www.facebook.com/ groups/886116571775001

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Swindon and District Talking Newspaper turns 40 Four decades of recording news for blind and partially sighted listeners have been celebrated by a Swindon charity.

The Swindon and District Talking Newspaper, affectionately known as STAN, marked its 40th birthday with an afternoon tea for both listeners and volunteers.

It was held at the Blunsdon House Hotel and was enjoyed by all..

STAN currently records fortnightly news from the Swindon Advertiser as well as sport and local history before distributing it to its listeners, both on a memory (USB) stick which is sent directly to listeners and online. Boom boxes to listen to the physical recordings are also provided by the charity.

People interested in volunteering can call 01793 522511 or email stan@ swindontalkingnews.org.uk

The Harbour Project welcomes over 30 new visitors from Ukraine Swindon charity the Harbour Project says it has recently seen 37 new visitors from Ukraine.

Together with Swindon Borough Council, the charity has produced a guidance document called 'Ukraine How can we help?'

The document aims to help hosts and families navigate their way around the various processes they will be currently undergoing. People who would like a copy can email info@ harbourproject.org.uk The charity also wishes to remind Ukranian visitors and the hosts that they are welcome to visit their team if they need help with anything.

Pattern Church have also hosted the first weekly dinner for Ukrainian arrivals and host families. The dinner is available every Tuesday, 5 7pm.

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Free Pride community picnic to take place this Summer

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk The Swindon & Wiltshire Pride team will be hosting a free 'Pride Picnic' for members of the public this August.

The event will take place instead of the annual Pride event this summer.

It will be held at Queens Park on Saturday, 13 August.

The event aims to bring the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies together, promoting equality and diversity.

Phoenix Stewart, the charity’s Community Engagement Manager, said: “We were sad to have cancelled Pride this year due to a lack of people coming forward to fill vital committee roles.

"As a committee we thought that while we can't hold a big scale event like our usual pride event, we are able to hold something smaller that still brings people together and

gives the community a place to make connections, raise awareness and a place to feel comfortable.”

The event will kick off at midday and attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch, a blanket, chairs and a Pride flag.

There will also be music, a Pride stall and a giant Pride deckchair. Formed in 2008, Swindon & Wiltshire Pride celebrates the diversity of the county, and the team say all are welcome to this picnic event.

Sarah Mason, the charity’s Vice chair Manager said::

“Our events have always been inclusive, happy and vibrant, and our Pride Picnic will be no different. What better way to kick-start summer than with a picnic, and being a Pride event you can expect great company, and fabulous fun.

"Dig out your best summer outfits and start preparing those hampers. We'd also like to thank South Swindon Parish Council for their support with hosting the event at Queen's park."

Individuals can download a free ticket at swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk/ pridepicnic

Major backing for Swindon's Great British Railways HQ bid Nationwide and Zurich are among the signatories of an open letter backing Swindon's bid to be home of new national organisation Great British Railways.

Sent to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, the letter is also signed by other organisations including Swindon Borough Council, Steam, Swindon Chamber of Commerce, Voluntary Action Swindon and New College.

Last month, Swindon submitted its bid in the national competition to find the new home of Great British Railways, which will be in charge of railway infrastructure.

One of the key judging criteria is demonstrating public support, so Swindon needs as many local organisations, businesses and individuals as possible to show their support.

The open letter says, in part: "We strongly urge you and your team to consider the standout merits of Swindon's

bid to host the new national headquarters of Great British Railways.

"You will already know that Swindon is one of England's most important historic railway towns. In the 1840s a greenfield site near the market town was transformed by the Great Western Railway (GWR). At its height, the GWR works in Swindon was one of the largest railway engineering complexes in the world.

"But, while we are immensely proud of our railway heritage, Swindon's bid is about looking forward not back. Swindon will support GBR by establishing a national centre of excellence for the railway sector, building on the wealth of rail organisations and businesses

already thriving here."

The letter adds: "With its superb connectivity, we believe Swindon is the ideal place for Great British Railways to forge the future of our railways, which is why we are all backing the bid."

A shortlist of locations was due in late May followed by a vote to help determine the successful location.

Further information can be found by searching at www. swindon.gov.uk

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The South Swindon Parish Council column

By Cllr Chris Watts Chair of South Swindon Parish Council

Shaftesbury Lake Wildlife Discovery Day Over the last four years it has been a pleasure to work with the Friends of Shaftesbury Lake to improve the Shaftesbury Lake.

The parish council is proud to have invested the best part of £60K into the Lake area, including new inclusive dipping platforms, paths, bins and a noticeboard, including the lake as a start/finish point for the South Swindon Green Trail.

This commitment to the lake culminated in the parish council and the Friends of Shaftesbury Lake running a Wildlife Discovery Day in late May. This event aimed to raise awareness about the local wildlife and plant life, and celebrate the improvements made to the lake area over the last four years.

Broadgreen Community Centre Consultation After two years of being successfully run as a testing centre, the Broadgreen Community centre has been returned to the Parish Council.

Before we reopen the centre, we are interested to hear the views of the local community about what they would like to see at the centre.

South Swindon Parish Council has created a questionnaire for residents to complete which will help us understand what the community wants to see from Broadgreen Community Centre in the future.

Please follow the link below and let us know what you want from your local community centre. www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/6MD6CVQ If you have any queries, please feel free to contact us at: broadgreen@southswindonpc.gov.uk.

Big Jubilee Lunch in Queen’s Park To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Parish Council is hosting a Big Jubilee Lunch on the 5 June.

This event will be at Queen’s Park, the park the Queen officially opened when she was

Princess Elizabeth in 1950.

We have brilliant live local music from Zambo Lando, games, competitions, and crafts on the beautiful Queen’s Park glade. Bring your friends, family and a picnic for an afternoon of entertainment from 11am-2pm.

Family Fun Day brings Swindon’s fostering community together Last month foster families from across Swindon, as well as staff from Swindon Borough Council, came together for a day of fun and laughter to celebrate the amazing work they all do to support children looked after in the community.

The annual Family Fun Day was a chance for children looked after and their foster carers to come together to meet other families like them and enjoy some time together.

Prime Theatre, a theatre group for young people in Swindon, hosted games and drama activities, while Swindon’s library service brought books and made a special story corner for the children. An inflatable assault course was a hit with the older children and adults, while sweet stalls and a plant your own sunflower area were enjoyed by all ages.

One of the special things about the fostering service at 14

the council is the relationship between foster carers, who are like a family themselves. As a local foster care service, foster carers live close to each other and have a great support network. The annual Family Fun Day is just one of the many times they come together to catch-up and enjoy time together, along with welcoming new foster families to the

service. Many of the council’s foster carers value this, as local support is one of the most important parts of fostering.

Last month saw Foster Care Fortnight, which celebrates those involved in foster care and their commitment, passion and dedication to caring for children and young people.

‘Fostering Communities’ was this year’s theme, which is what

fostering in Swindon is all about. Building a supportive community of people who are focused on providing safe and happy homes to children who need them.

To find out more about fostering in Swindon, visit www. swindon.gov.uk/fostering or call 07917 503447 to talk to the friendly team.

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The Business Brief

Mamas Sweets Treats & Fudge celebrates its second birthday with dessert bar expansion

Swindon software development agency undergoes a number of positive changes this year

Mamas Sweet Treats & Fudge a local business in Covingham-is celebrating its second birthday this year.

Founder Hannah has been trading at local events, on her website, and from her home for two years.

After scoring a five star hygiene rating at the beginning of the year she decided to apply for Deliveroo and uberEats (to which she has been accepted and also delivers through during the week.)

This year, Hannah and her husband have also been working hard converting a horse trailer into what will be called ‘Mamas Desserts’ by Mamas Sweet Treats & Fudge.

The dessert bar will be launched the weekend of the 11 - 12 June at the Wiltshire Steam and Vintage Rally, held at Lydiard Park.

Fluff Software have seen a number of changes this year including a new name, new premises and a new addition to the business.

The business have recently completed a name change, (they were previously known as Fluff Digital), added to their team, and celebrated moving into shared workspace The Workshed in Swindon.

The changes come at an important time for the company, as they enter their third year of trading, and are looking to expand further and take on new clients.

Being situated in central Swindon, alongside many other tech-driven and creative businesses that operate from the Workshed, Fluff are now well placed to thrive and grow. New addition Alban Hampton has been hired with a strategic focus for the year on social media. He will

They will be providing Bubble Waffles, Crepes and milkshakes Mamas Sweet Treats will also have a stall at the event, serving pick & mix and fudge.

Hannah said: "I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for my amazing customers and following in and around Swindon and for that I am so thankful. I put my heart and soul into my company and I’m just so thankful everyone seems to love it as much as I do!"

also be delivering software development for Fluff’s clients.

With technology being high on the agenda for many companies, Fluff is helping many to implement their own custom software and mobile apps.

Scott and his team have also developed an online recommendation tool that allows businesses to discover where they are on their software journey.

The Fluff team say that whether you’re a startup with an idea or an experienced CTO, you can find out what you’ll need with their recommendation tool.

Businesses can try the tool at www.fluff.software/ recommendation More about Fluff Software can be found at www.fluff. software

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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 About 18 months ago, we signalled our intention to make the council carbon neutral by the end of the decade, and to support our town to do the same by 2050.

This followed a council-wide motion to reduce the local authority’s carbon emissions and we have taken a number of steps over the last few years to lead on low carbon interventions and improve the local environment.

This has included investing more than £15m in building solar energy farms, installing electric vehicle charging points, converting the vast majority of the borough’s streetlights to LEDs and replacing our own vehicles with electric alternatives once they reach the end of their life.

But local authorities are only responsible for between two and five per cent of their area’s emissions, which is why our Be the Change campaign is encouraging all of us to do our bit, however small, to reduce the effects of climate change.

One way people can reduce their own emissions, while saving money on their energy bills, is through having solar panels on their homes to generate their own electricity.

We have teamed up with Wiltshire Council and independent experts iChoosr to make a group-buying scheme for solar panels and optional battery storage available to local residents.

The scheme will offer more competitive pricing to residents than they might get if they decided to buy the panels on their own. If you own your own home, or have permission from the landlord

to install solar panels, you can register your interest in the scheme up until 14 June.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (non-domestic) and Commonhold Associations meeting this requirement can also take part. It is free to register and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation – you can decide once you’ve had your personal recommendation through.

The initiative offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points, as well as offering battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate and increase their independence from the grid.

You can even discuss options to divert solar energy to power the immersion heater in your hot water tank if you

have one. There have been a number of really successful Solar Together schemes over the last few years, with more than 7,000 installations saving 130,000 tonnes of lifetime carbon emissions.

To find out a bit more about how the Solar Together scheme works I would encourage you to visit www.solartogether. co.uk/swindon You can also contact iChoosr at wiltshire@solartogether. co.uk or 0800 048 8113. If solar panels are not for you, there are other ways you can contribute to tackling climate change outlined at www. swindon.gov.uk/bethechange

New borough council Labour leader Jim Robbins writes for The Link I really want to thank all of the Swindon voters who supported the Labour Party at the local elections.

It was great to have such a positive set of results and amazing to win so many seats, especially the ones we won in areas where we don’t usually win such as Haydon Wick, Priory Vale and St Margaret & South Marston ward.

The results clearly showed our positive message for Swindon is gaining ground, as well as highlighting the concern people have around the Conservative’s Cost-of-Living crisis which is really impacting people and their family finances.

Following the elections, I was delighted to be elected as the

Leader of the Labour Group, and I’m determined to build on the excellent results of my predecessor Cllr Jim Grant.

I’m planning to make the argument to Swindon residents that the Labour Group are an administration in waiting, and that we are ready to take control of the council and deliver the changes that Swindon needs to thrive.

We know that local authority funding has taken a battering during the years of austerity, and we aren’t going to make promises to you that we can’t keep. What we will do is have a relentless focus on delivering the core council services as well as we can, with a focus on doing things

once and doing them right, whether it is collecting your bins, resurfacing roads to get rid of potholes, doing repairs on council housing, looking after our elderly residents or fixing a streetlight. Alongside this, we will be looking to learn from the best ideas from other councils around the world, such as using the successful model developed in Cleveland in the US and Preston in the UK, to prioritise local spend through procurement and keep as much money as possible circulating in the Swindon economy supporting local business.

We also want to rebuild the relationship that the council has with residents and make you real partners in what we are

The most recent local elections left the Conservatives still in control of Swindon Borough Council.

Of the 57 council seats, exactly a third - 19 seats were contested.

By the end of the count at Steam, the Conservatives had 34 seats to Labour's 23.

There were four Labour gains - Priory Vale, Haydon Wick, St Margaret and South Marston and Lydiard and Freshbrook -

while the Conservatives gained Central.

The Conservatives had needed to win only two of the 19 seats in contention in order to retain control of the authority.

doing. We want to stop the feeling that the council does things to your local area, and make it a relationship where you feed in your ideas and priorities and we do things together to create better neighbourhoods.

I’m really looking forward to keeping you updated with our progress and working with you to build a Swindon we can all be proud of.

Conservatives retain control of council in borough elections

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Counting of the votes began early on the morning after the poll, and the Tories' retention of overall control soon became apparent.

A council spokesperson said voter turnout was 33 percent.

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Swindon author Original Manfred Mann frontman headline will take toyou out Summer Jazz ofSwindon this world & Blues concert

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk This July, the Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival team present a standalone concert with a special headline performance from Paul Jones.

Paul is best known as the original frontman of Manfred Mann.

He is a singer, harmonicist, radio personality, actor and television presenter.

Manfred Mann were at the forefront of the 60s pop revolution alongside The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Animals.

They enjoyed many millionselling records before Paul left to pursue an acting career in 1966, that saw him appear in films, on TV and on the theatre stage.

Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival held its second successful event on 9 April this year, after a two-year break due to covid restrictions.

Later this July, a unique headline concert will be held to raise funds for the 2023 Festival.

The concert - held at Swindon's Christ Church - will see Paul perform with a specially put together group playing jazz and blues classics.

Festival Director Evie Em-Jay said: "We are so proud to present the legendary artist Paul Jones in the stunningly beautiful Christ Church.

"This concert is part of

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Paul Jones, original frontman of Manfred Mann

building the 3rd Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival which will be in April 2023.

"The evening will also include a Trio performance led by 15 times UK Jazz award winner, pianist David Newton."

Paul Jones co-composed many of Manfred Mann's hit records including the theme for 'Ready, Steady, Go!' After pursuing acting, Paul returned to music in the 1970’s. He formed The Blues Band, a group which has, so far, released 17 albums and toured the world up to the present day. Along with Mike D’Abo, Paul also continues to front The Manfreds with many members of the original Manfred Mann lineup.

Paul was also the presenter of BBC radio’s long running The Blues Show.

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In addition, The Manfreds frontman has recorded and worked with many music icons such as Tina Turner, Percy Sledge, Memphis Slim, Katie Melua and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

His songs have been recorded by artists as diverse as Steppenwolf, Helen Shapiro and Ten Years After.

A spokesperson for the artist said: "Paul Jones’ passion for, and knowledge of Blues and Jazz history is legendary and both his vocals and virtuoso harmonica playing demonstrate this deep understanding when he takes the stage."

For this special concert on Saturday, 30 July, Paul will be accompanied by Denny Ilett (guitar), Dave Newton (piano), Joe Pettitt (bass) and Pete Cater (drums).

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Members of the public can find tickets online at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ paul-jones-in-concerttickets-325087634867 Those wishing to find out more information can email jazzknightswiltshire@gmail.com More information about the Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival can be found on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ SwindonJazzAndSoul Additionally for fans of the genre, Evie Em-Jay also holds weekly free entry Jazz sessions at the Royal Oak public house in Old Town.

More information about these upcoming jazz sessions can be found online at www. jazzknights.co.uk/venuesevents/royaloak

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What's On: Time for a Tribute?

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Dury Duty: A tribute to Ian Dury at the Victoria Dury Duty will be performing the hits of Ian Dury live at the Victoria on Friday 3 June.

The show will start at 8.30pm, with curfew at 11.30pm.

The six-piece band say they are dedicated to the songs and performance of Ian Dury, and play songs from his solo output, his work with the Kilburns, the Blockheads and other side projects.

A spokesperson for the band said: "Along with the expected big hitters such as 'Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll', 'Reasons To be Cheerful (Pt.3)', 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick', 'What A Waste' and others forming the backbone of any set, you will find lesser known but equally entertaining nuggets to whet the appetite of any long-time Ian Dury aficionado."

More information about the tribute band can be found on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DuryDuty.

More information about the Victoria and its upcoming events can be found on its website at thevicswindon.com.

Rammlied: A tribute to Rammstein at Level 3 Words by Jessica Durston

Rammlied will be performing at Swindon's Level 3 on Saturday 4 June. The show will run from 8.30pm - 11.30pm.

A spokesperson for the band said: "The UK’s number one Rammstein tribute act have developed and refined their incredible live show with over ten years of touring across UK and Europe.

"Incorporating the bold electro-metal sound, unique industrial look and the unrivaled stage production of the original “Neue Deutsche Härte” band, Rammlied are as close as you can get, just on a smaller stage!"

Tickets are priced at £8.80 (inc booking fee) and can be purchased at www.seetickets.com/event/rammlied/ level-3/2310279 More information about Rammlied can be found on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RammliedUK

The Carpenters Story at the Wyvern Theatre This tribute show to the Carpenters will visit the Wyvern Theatre on Wednesday 22 June, at 7.30pm.

A spokesperson for the show said: "This brand-new show for 2022 once again features the outstanding vocal talents of Claire Furley, with Musical Director Phil Aldridge leading The Carpenters Story Orchestra as they re-create Richard Carpenter’s original orchestral arrangements.

"Featuring all of the Carpenters hit songs including (They Long To Be) Close To You, Yesterday Once More, We’ve Only Just Begun, Superstar, A Song For You, Rainy Days & Mondays, Goodbye to Love and many more!"

Tickets for the show are priced at £29 (not including booking fee), with concessions and Friends of the theatre receiving £2 off the full ticket price.

Individuals can book tickets online at swindontheatres.co.uk/ Online/tickets-the-carpenters-story-swindon-2020.

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My Dad's Festival reveals superb line-up for 2022

The popular My Dad's Bigger Than Your Dad Festival is back at The Old Town Bowl on Saturday 16 July from 12pm 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 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.

Organiser Ed Dyer said: "This year's line-up is something we are really excited to be able to announce. Last year's event was such a success and so well received that we haven't messed with the formula, so expect the same entertainment-packed day from some of the best local musical acts around. The committee has also recognised that the current rise in the cost of living is causing a lot of people to struggle so we are very pleased to be able to announce that we have frozen our ticket price to 2021's level."

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.

Future Planning announced as headline sponsor for this year's My Dad's Festival

Old Town-based Future Planning has been named as this year's headline sponsor for the My Dad's Bigger Than Your Dad Festival.

Future Planning, based in Devizes Road, specialises as independent financial planners and mortgage advisers with clients based across the country and overseas.

The team pride themselves on their passion for helping every client to lead a more fulfilling life, taking the time to understand what’s important to you, to understand your situation and what your future could look like.

Future Planning Managing Director Sanjay Badhan said: "We’re quite passionate about helping our local community.

We’re very focused on community and Prospect Hospice is a great cause. We were happy to get involved.”

Festival organiser Ed Dyer said: "We are really excited 24

to be partnering up with Future Planning as headline sponsor, as they are an Old Town based business set up and run by Swindonians.

It is humbling to have a business like this recognise what this event does for the local community and want to invest and share in that.

Sanjay Badhan of Future Planning We cannot run this event and raise such large sums of money for Prospect Hospice without the support of local businesses and groups."

For more information on Future Planning visit their website at www.futureplanningwm.co.uk Other sponsors so far for this year's festival are Swindon Link, Leightons Opticians, Gastech and Magnet Sales.

The event itself is run in conjunction with South Swindon Parish Council.

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‘Heaven on earth’: Kelmscott Manor, the Cotswold Retreat of William Morris Kelmscott Manor was the iconic country home of William Morris, poet, designer, craftsman, socialist and founding father of the Arts and Crafts movement.

This Grade I Listed house was said to have been loved by Morris as a survival of traditional craftsmanship in harmony with the nearby village and surrounding landscape, which lies towards the very upper reaches of the Thames, inspiring many of his most important designs and writings, including the worldfamous Willow pattern.

Today, visitors will find an outstanding collection, from early 17th Century furniture to a unique collection of furnishings chosen by Pre-Raphaelite painter-poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti and pieces from each of Morris’ London homes, including several designed especially for the iconic Red House.

Morris’ wife Jane and daughter May also have a vivid presences at Kelmscott Manor.

Many examples reflect their beautiful and accomplished needlework; much of this was designed by May, a significant and accomplished designer in her own right.

The Manor has so many intriguing stories to tell; its collections span over 300 years and reflect the lives, ideas and creative legacy of those who lived and stayed there.

Perhaps the most famous portrait of Jane Morris by Rossetti is The Blue Silk Dress which was completed in 1868, currently hanging in the White Room.

The domestic charm and ambience of the house is still retained, despite having influenced Pre-Raphaelite art and design and the Arts & Crafts Movement, a legacy still very

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much treasured today.

Kelmscott Manor also boasts enchanting riverside gardens and the River Thames is located just a few hundred yards away.

Beyond the walls of the formal garden stand the impressive farm barns – two of them house the tearoom and shop. The tearoom is said to be a must-visit, with its friendly staff and home-made meals and cakes, while the shop is packed with decorative and unusual items ideal for gifts or mementoes.

After major restoration and improvement works, the team are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Morris’ “heaven on earth”.

The Manor is open to the public from Thursday to Saturday, April to October. People can visit www.sal.org.uk/ kelmscottmanor.org.uk for more details and to book tickets.

On covid false alarms and the thoughts of Terry Pratchett The only thing to do in a situation like that is to find poems on the subject. Robert Service, who wrote “The Shooting of Dan McGrew,” had a gem:

Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

I got covid for a second time recently. Well, a slight exaggeration as I’d had it for only two hours.

My wife and I helped a close friend the day before her wedding. We started a bit late so missed breakfast, worked through lunch and in late afternoon I headed home to walk the dog. I felt really ill in the car and being anxious about mixing at the wedding, I took a covid test.

To my horror, I saw the red

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line displayed along the bottom.

I couldn’t go to the wedding but decided my wife shouldn’t miss it. I disinfected everything I’d touched and took my PC and books to the guest room to isolate.

Then I phoned a hotel and booked a room for my wife so she wouldn’t have to come home. She said she’d clear it with the bride but would come home anyway for her wedding clothes. I had WhatsApp buzzing to garner

Terry Pratchett

sympathy from the extended family. When my wife came home, she phoned from the kitchen, saying I should come down and see the tester.

I should’ve gone to Specsavers! I’d incorrectly read the tester upside down without my glasses. Needless to say, the waves of hilarity that weekend drowned me. I did feel stupid.

Stupidity, woe's anodyne, Be kind and comfort me in mine; Smooth out the furrows of my brow, Make me as carefree as a cow.

Terry Pratchett had a few poetry lines in his novel, Monstrous Regiment: The enemy isn’t men, or women.

It’s bloody stupid people and no one has the right to be stupid.

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Pick Up Point lends a helping hand for Link Sahara Trek

By Jamie Hill | jamie@positive-media.co.uk

Swindon Link has assembled a team to cross the Sahara Desert in March 2023 in aid of Prospect Hospice. The team of four, including Link editor Jamie Hill, have been busy fundraising but now local businessman and chef Josh West has pledged that for every sale of his popular Seoul Surviver burger at his restaurant The Pick Up Point on Devizes Road, Old Town, a pound will be donated to Team Link's fundraising efforts.

If you've ever been to the Pick Up Point in Old Town, you'll know that it's something special, serving the best burgers, steaks and wings in town bar none, courtesy of chef Josh West.

So when he approached us to say he wanted to donate a pound for every sale of his amazing Seoul Surviver

burger to Team Link's Sahara Desert Trek Challenge in aid of Prospect Hospice, we bit his arm off (not literally but we did take a rather large bite of the delicious burger instead).

So from 1 June every time you pop to The Pick Up Point and order a Seoul Survivor burger, which is a delicious chicken burger served with

Josh's own fantastic Korean hot sauce with kimchi, you will be donating £1 to help us lot in Team Link cross a desert in aid of Prospect Hospice.

The Pick Up Point opened its doors in October 2021 and has been one of Old Town's most popular eateries ever since.

It's a great and very stylish independent restaurant with a cool Americana-type vibe.

It also serves some of the best burgers to have ever passed the lips of a mortal human being.

If you're a meat fan you'll be in heaven as this Josh West fella, who was professionally trained in Paris having worked

his way up from being a ceramic hygienist, knows exactly what he's doing when it comes to chicken, beef, pork or lamb.

He's also not bad when it comes to his delicious sides as he applies the same quality and attention to detail to everything he cooks.

The menu is always changing so there's a new taste adventure every time you visit.

The cocktails are also worth a good try as they really do know how to pack a punch.

The restaurant can be found at 52 Devizes Road and you can book a table by visiting the website at thepickuppoint. com

Help Team Link cross the Sahara Desert for Prospect Hospice Team Link are a four person team comprised of Kieran McCarthy, Amy O'Reilly, Laura Johnson and Jamie Hill.

The team has already started its training, going on walks around the Swindon area to prepare them for the trek that will take them more than 60 kilometres over the sands of

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This is all in aid of Prospect Hospice who have organised the trip and provide end of life care for Swindon and the surrounding area.

To donate or find out some more details of the trek visit www.justgiving.com/team/ linksahara

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Bikes for Ukraine

CYCLING

Monthly column with Becky Cox of Swindon Cycle Campaign.

The people of Swindon have been doing their bit to help support the people of Ukraine through the Swindon Welcomes Ukraine project.

The project helps new arrivals from Ukraine find community and fulfilment in the local area.

Within this project a ‘Bikes for Ukraine’ scheme was set up reflecting the requests of new arrivals wanting to find their way around and reach local services in a cheap and accessible way.

Providing refurbished bikes to new residents of Swindon has been a long-established programme for the Harbour Project, the Swindon-based charity which has long supported asylum seekers and refugees to rebuild their lives in the town.

After sending out a plea to the Swindon community, the Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer As I sit down to pen this latest column, Swindon currently find themselves in the midst of a play-off campaign.

But instead I'd like to focus on the journey which took them to the play-offs. Or should I say fairytale?

If someone had offered a film director a script of how Swindon's season would pan out in July, it would have been thrown away for being too unrealistic.

The script would've started with the crisis. The club just days away from the brink of nonexistence, unpaid staff and a handful of senior players.

The future looked bleak.

Cue the introduction of Clem Morfuni, Rob Angus and Ben Garner. When Clem and Rob arrived at the club, the task that they entrusted Ben Garner with was an obvious one.

Survival. But even at the time 28

Bikes for Ukraine scheme has received 35 offers of bikes.

Local businesses such as Run and Repair, Recycles (social enterprise) and Swindon Cycles have been busy volunteering their time to safety check and fix 13 donated bikes to date.

Over the last couple of weeks local volunteers from Swindon Welcomes Ukraine have passed on 12 preloved bikes to new residents from Ukraine, who have very happily received a bike along with accessories such as locks, helmets and a Swindon cycle map.

My mini co-pilot and I enjoyed showing Sofiia (Chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine), her mother and her sister the beautiful trafficfree route from the Orbital Shopping Centre to Lydiard Park at the weekend.

They hadn’t cycled for years but were so keen to practice and to improve their confidence and skills.

There’s still plenty more to do. So far, 48 loving homes are awaiting a refurbished bike, a shortfall of 13 bikes at present, and there will almost certainly be more requests over the coming weeks and

Enjoying exploring Swindon on bikes donated by Swindon residents

The endurance of Swindon Town FC with pre-season fading and a transfer embargo in full force it looked like a tough ask.

I'll always remember when I first took my seat this season in a 3-2 defeat to Carlisle.

I felt happy to firstly even be back in a stadium after the pandemic.

But most of all I felt relieved that I still had a club to support.

My expectations were low until a 2-0 away win at league leaders Forest Green. The victory was part of a nine game unbeaten away record.

After dismantling the leaders in their own back yard, I realised that against the odds Town had assembled a special group of players. And perhaps simply surving would be an underachievement.

Swindon would welcome in the new year with a 5-2 thrashing of Northampton before a dream FA Cup tie

months.

So, if you’d like to find out more about this great project or if you have a pre-loved bike in good condition that you’d like to donate please go to Bikes for Ukraine — Swindon Welcomes Ukraine (ukraineswindon.com)

with the champions of England.

In the third round for the first time in ten years Swindon did themselves proud against a star-studded Manchester City side.

Not to mention Harry McKirdy writing his name into Swindon Town folklore. However the script would soon throw up Swindon's first mini crisis.

With Town enduring suspensions, recalls and injuries everything looked as if it was falling apart.

The early season optimism was quickly being overshadowed by a wretched five-game winless run seeing Town fall out the play-offs.

Perhaps it was a step too far.

The Robins would work their way back into the promotion picture. Until an injury to talisman Harry McKirdy coincided with just one win in five. With the season entering

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the final straight a home defeat at the hands of Richie Wellens really did look like the final straw.

I as a fan had accepted that next season would be another one of league 2 football at the County Ground. However fortunately Ben Garner and the players didn't see it that way.

In mid July 2021 it looked as if the football club was finished.

In mid April 2022 it looked as if the season was finished.

But no, four wins in the final four games saw Swindon secure a sixth place finish. A position that looked impossible in April, let alone in July.

Miracles really can happen.

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