South East Swindon Link May 2022

No 67 May 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

Bringing the railway home p20

swindonlink.com

Swindon aid effort for Ukraine stronger than ever p7

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Return of Swindon Open Studios set to delight town's art lovers

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

The committee behind Swindon Open Studios have announced the return of the much-loved event.

Swindon Open Studios is an annual community exhibition during which artists invite members of the public into their studios and pop-up galleries.

The visitors have a chance to see where and how their art is made over two consecutive weekends.

A spokesperson said: "Swindon Open Studios are delighted to announce that it will be returning in September after a two-year break.

"This popular event has been greatly missed by artists and art enthusiasts alike and will be a fantastic showcase for lockdown creativity."

Swindon Open Studios is organised by a committee of

Examples of work from a previous Swindon Open Studios

volunteers who are passionate about art and keen to publicise the artwork being produced in Swindon.

The first Open Studios was in 2004. It was followed by another in 2006, a third in

2008 and subsequently one every September until the pandemic lockdowns began.

Artist registration will open soon, but in the meantime people are asked to save the dates - the weekends of

17 and 18 and 24 and 25 September.

They are also asked to follow the Swindon Open Studios social media feeds and website - www. swindonopenstudios.org

Time to get out and about and enjoy all that Swindon has to offer

By Jamie Hill Jamie@positive-media.co.uk Although coronavirus seems to have become an everpresent reality of our daily lives, things are definitely happening in Swindon again.

It's actually a good time of year to get out and about and this month you'll be able to really get stuck in to

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

the town's cultural and leisure activities.

One of the highlights of May is the Swindon Festival of Literature which features such big names as AC Grayling and explorer Benedict Allen as well as Swindon Link photographer Richard Wintle celebrating his new book.

And then, if you head just down the road you can rock up

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at Lechlade Festival towards the end of this month and get your jig on to none other than The Boomtown Rats and Alexandra Burke.

If that isn't enough, you can get your walking boots on and walk South Swindon Parish Council's new Green Trail.

With the weather warming up there's no excuse not to get out and about.

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Train to teach in Swindon at a top performing school Swindon Academy (which is an all-through school catering for pupils aged two-18) and Nova Hreod Academy (for secondary pupils aged 11-16) are part of United Learning, a national group of schools, working to bring out the best in everyone.

Their Teacher Training programme, ‘United Teaching’ brings an exciting opportunity to train to teach in one of their Primary or Secondary schools.

Training to teach on site at school enables trainees to get the qualifications they need without going back to university and without delaying the start of their teaching career.

The programme allows

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candidates to train for a PGCE as well, earning 60 Masterslevel credits along the way.

By training with United Teaching you will: - Be able to achieve the professional qualifications necessary for a career in teaching - Enjoy high quality training led by great schools, with sessions delivered by national educationalists - Receive individual support and mentoring from our teachers of excellence - Gain a wide range of experience at your choice of primary or secondary schools - Have access to continuous professional development beyond your initial training

period Current trainee Paige says “I - Enjoy a structured like it here and I wanted to stay pathway throughout local. You start to teach from day your career at United one, and the support is brilliant.

Learning I used to be really shy, but I’m a - Have access to a different person now. bursary or a loan to fund "I’ve learned to build rapport your training year with the kids. I love this Ruth Robinson, Executive programme.”

Principal at Swindon Academy said: “At take the education and Swindon Academy and Nova safeguarding of our young Hreod we are looking to people very seriously." appoint committed, enthusiastic Contact Daria Minczak about and talented teachers who training to teach with United relish the opportunity to be Learning: daria.minczak@ involved in a fast-paced and swindon-academy.org innovative environment, making You can find out about the a significant difference to the national United Teaching lives of our young people. programme at www.

"We are a strong and unitedteaching.org.uk hardworking team who

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The Eco Briefing

Public join parish councillors for inaugural South Swindon Green Trail walk

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

Walkers gathered in spring sunshine for the inaugural completion of the South Swindon Green Trail.

Created by South Swindon Parish Council, the trail covers more than eight miles and roughly follows the boundary of the parish.

Parish council chair Chris Watts and Vicar of Christ Church Rev Simon Stevenette were among about two dozen who turned out to tackle all or part of the route.

Another walker was parish councillor Linda Kasmaty, a major driving force in creating the path.

Unveiling a map of the route at the edge of Shaftesbury Lake, between Parks and Eldene, Cllr Watts revealed that the idea for a path came to him after he lost a shoe

Parish council chair CLlr Chris Watts, far left, with some of the first trail users

nearby while running nearby in 2019.

He added: "When I got home I was quite angry but then I started thinking, 'Why can't we do something with this route? We're a parish council, we're in place and we can do something with this route and get it up and running again.'

"But then I thought, 'Why stop there? We've got the railway track, we've got the canal why don't we start joining all

this up?'

"So I went along to the parish council with a route that was pretty much this route that joined up the parts of the parish council and was an opportunity for volunteering."

In addition to the area around the lake, the route includes locations as diverse as Coate Water, the town centre, the Magic Roundabout and parts of Swindon which sprang up during the rapid expansion

of the town after World War Two. Scenery ranges from beautiful countryside to historic buildings.

The path is divided into six sections and people are welcome to walk as many or as few as they wish.

Covering the whole route at an average pace takes about three hours.

The first walkers were delighted by the trail.

They included local woman Kathryn Castree, who said: "Congratulations to the parish council for making this such a nice area to walk."

Another participant, Dr Lauren Wallis, said: "I really enjoyed discovering parts of Swindon I'd never been to before, despite living here for most of my life."

Cllr Watts described the opening of the route as one of the parish council's proudest moments.

Launch of new solar panel group buying scheme

With the steep rise in energy prices, many people are starting to explore the merits of harnessing renewable energy, including solar panels.

A new scheme called ‘Solar Together Wiltshire’ will open for registrations on 9 May to help residents across Swindon and Wiltshire access highquality solar panel installations at a competitive price.

The scheme is being run by a company called iChoosr, working in partnership with Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council.

To participate in the scheme, people have to be the owner of the roof on which they want to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system or have the explicit approval of the owner.

The scheme also offers the option of having battery storage installed (or retrofitted if there are existing solar panels) allowing people 6

to save the unused energy generated by panels to use whenever they want. The scheme also offers the option to have electric vehicle charge points installed.

Solar PV systems generate electricity during the day, as soon as there is daylight.

The more light there is, the more electricity is generated.

This means a solar PV system produces more electricity on sunny days, but will also work

on cloudy ones. It is free to register for Solar Together Wiltshire and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation.

People can register online can register online between 9 May and 14 June for free and without obligation at www. solartogether.co.uk/swindon.

They need only provide details about their roof relative to the sun, for example south facing.

The more people register, the better the deal should be for each household.

On 14 June a list of prevetted solar installers will bid for the work in a reverse ‘auction’, a type of auction in which the traditional roles of buyer and seller are reversed.

Thus, there is one buyer and many potential sellers. The most competitive offer, from these pre-vetted installers, wins the auction.

From 4 July, people will be emailed personal recommendations for their home, based on details provided during the consultation.

It will then be entirely up to to the individual as to whether they wish to accept this recommendation. There will be no obligation to continue, and people will be given six weeks to decide - and invited to an online information session.

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Swindon aid effort for people of Ukraine more determined than ever

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk Swindon-headquartered MAN Truck & Bus UK got together with hauliers Wilmotts Transport and social enterprise Phoenix Enterprises to transport aid lorries to help people caught up in the Ukrainian conflict.

For Ukrainian Taras Pavlik, 38, who currently lives in Freshbrook, Swindon's response to the conflict happening in his homeland has been exceptional and he has been volunteering to give as much help as he can.

He said: "The generosity of the people of Swindon has been fantastic but we need more.

"My parents and my sister and her children live in Kyiv and I have been beside myself with worry on a daily basis.

Every morning I speak to them and it has been a frantic time. They are safe so far fortunately.

"My sister is a keyworker so she is staying where she is but I would love to get my parents over here. Just to get them out of harm's way. They say they are doing all they can to fight the Russians and I'm to do all I can to help from where I am. That is why I've been volunteering."

Recent aid operations saw a 44-tonne lorry leave Swindon filled to the brim with essential goods for Ukraine.

The plan was for it to tavel 2,000 miles to Lublin in Poland, where charities on the ground get the aid to where it is needed most.

The journey was thanks to volunteers like Taras and Phoenix Enterprises, an independent social enterprise whose commercial activities support training and employment opportunities for people in the Swindon area with mental health issues.

Phoenix Enterprises has acted as a hub for the dropping off and sorting of donations to be sent out to help.

Representatives from MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, Wilmotts Transport and Phoenix Enterprises join Taras Pavlik and South Swindon MP Robert Buckland to see off the aid lorry

Mike Bowden, of Phoenix Enterprises, said: "We need to be doing as much as we can to help the situation in Ukraine and we are so grateful to everyone that has donated as well as the companies that have come forward to get the aid to where it is needed. But we still need more. Soon we'll hopefully have a new sorting station to help so watch this space."

Two companies who have stepped forward to help in the relief effort are MAN Truck & Bus Ltd, who are headquartered in Blagrove, and Willmotts Transport, who are based near Bristol.

Simon Wood, the press and PR Manager of MAN Truck & Bus Ltd, said: "As a business headquartered in Swindon when the war started in Ukraine we knew we had to do something.

"And with the help of Phoenix Enterprises and Wilmotts we are going to be able to directly help people within Ukraine. For us it was about doing all we could and we're so glad that we've been able to provide monies for and set up this much-need relief trip from Swindon.

"We are also working with RAF Brize Norton, helping them with transport solutions too when it comes to aid, as well as funding other transport runs from the UK to the Poland/

Ukraine border. We've also had another four vehicle convoy helped by haulier JAD Trans Scotland which carried over 25,000 litres of bottled water as well as baby boxes, sanitary ware, food and prams."

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland popped to the MAN offices in Blagrove to talk to them about the set-up of the aid trip.

He said: "I have been delighted to see the community effort of volunteers like Taras and the companies that have come together to put this

Lee Rayfield, members of the business community and veteran sports stars including Swindon Town hero Don Rogers.

The new organisation, whose partners include MAN Truck and Bus Ltd and RAF Brize Norton, is ready to handle aid not just from Swindon but from surrounding communities as far afield as Berkshire and Bristol if collectors lack transport.

Mike Bowden is a co-chair of the aid partnership.

He said "The momentum is with us. We can offer people in Bristol, Avon, Newbury, Berkshire, Wiltshire - if they've got aid but no wheels, we will take it into our new building at the Carriage Works.

"We will box it, palletise it, put it on trailers, and everything will get to where it needs to go to."

Another speaker at the launch was partnership board member Ieva Delininkaityte, a Swindon-based actor and singer-songwriter who is a graduate of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre.

She said: "I'm so proud to be part of this beautiful thing we are trying to create to help as

The launch of Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership

extraordinary relief effort into motion."

The MP was also a guest at Phoenix Enterprises for the launch of the Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership.

In addition to Sir Robert, those present included Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard, Bishop of Swindon

many people as we can.

"All this support that I see Swindon people have given so far gives me hope back that we can do it. We can win."

Further information about the aid effort and how people can help can be found at www. phoenixenterprises.co.uk swindonlink.com n May 2022

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Change from mud running for Team Link trekker

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk Next year's Team Link Sahara Desert Trek for Prospect Hospice will be a radical change of terrain for member Kieran McCarthy.

He said: "I'm normally quite stubborn, to be fair. I do quite a lot of mud runs as well, with my brothers, and that last one we did was called Spartan down near Gatwick.

"That was, I think, just over 15 miles, and I twisted my ankle probably four miles in. I sat down for a couple of minutes but then I thought, 'Nah, just run!' I have the mindset of just keep putting that one foot in front of the other."

In March 2023 Kieran, an IT specialist, will join fellow team members Amy O'Reilly, Laura Johnson and Swindon Link editor and owner Jamie Hill for a walk of 60km over the sands of Morocco.

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Mud runner Kieran McCarthy is no stranger to strenuous sports

The goal of the quartet is to raise as much money as possible for Prospect Hospice, the Wroughton-based charity which provides end-of life care and has brought comfort to countless patients and their loved ones.

Toward the end of May

this year Kieran will run the Edinburgh Marathon to help raise money for the cause.

He said: "We're looking to fundraise as much as possible for Prospect Hospice, and during the next year there will be events we're looking to do, including me running the

Edinburgh Marathon.

"It's nice and hilly, and a lot of it is cobbled. I don't actually know the exact route because I've never run a marathon before. I've done the Swindon Half-Marathon, but Marathonwise it's a new field for me.

"I used to play football five times a week as well as other sports. Running wasn't really the kind of sport where I thought, 'I'm going to go for a run.' But fitness-wise we used to play at a fairly high standard, so the cardio was always there and it's quite easy to transfer across."

He heard about the Sahara Desert Trek from Jamie, and although he confesses that he wonders whether his drunker side agreed, he is determined to succeed.

People can donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/ team/linksahara or www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ Kieranmccarthy1

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Swindon images in historic archive Historic England's new online Aerial Photograph Explorer tool includes many images of Swindon.

More than 400,000 images from 1919 to the present day have been added to the tool, covering nearly 30 percent of England, or about 15,000 square miles.

Areas in the South West featured include Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The platform allows people immediate digital access to Historic England’s collection of aerial photographs.

The platform is at HistoricEngland.org.uk/ AerialPhotos

Much-loved Old Town Beer Festival returns Tickets for the ninth Old Town Beer Festival are on sale.

The festival will be held at Christ Church on Friday and Saturday, 13 and 14 May, and the doors will be open from 6pm to 11pm on the Friday and from noon to 10pm on the following day.

Tickets are available from Magnum Wine in Wood Street, The Hop Inn in Devizes Road and online.

The festival's website is oldtownbeerfestival.com

Funding bid for Health Hydro future Swindon’s Health Hydro could be about to get a £6.5m facelift if a funding bid to the Government is successful.

Swindon’s Towns Fund Board has just submitted what the council describes as a robust business case to obtain £5m.

The money would be used to help deliver the first phase of a major refurbishment programme at the iconic Milton Road facility. It is hoped that the first phase will act as a catalyst for future funding bids allowing restoration to be completed.

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Swindon Festival of Literature programme announced

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

This year's Swindon Festival of Literature will run from Monday to Sunday, May 2 to 8.

The diverse array of authors set to appear includes philosopher AC Grayling, travel writer Sue Birley, Professor of 18th Century history Abigail Williams, explorer and filmmaker Benedict Allen and photographer Richard Wintle.

Mr Wintle, who lives in Swindon, is in the midst of releasing a series of books showcasing work which has been published in countless newspapers and magazines, much of it dealing with life in and around Swindon.

The festival will feature not just author appearances but also a series of attractions and activities ranging from dance performances to a children and families day at Lower Shaw Farm in West Swindon.

Much-loved Swindon

Festival organiser Matt Holland at the launch of last year's Swindon Festival of Literature

Festival of Literature event the Dawn Chorus returns at 5.30am on Monday, 2 May, with participants welcome to come along and experience birdsong, circus skills, poetry and performance.

Festival organiser Matt Holland said: "Ours is a Festival, which, to only slightly paraphrase T S Eliot, ‘boldly assumes the existence of a public . . eager to be kept in touch with current good reading, writing, and ideas.’

"We expect enjoyable, interesting, challenging, informative, unpredictable, funny, and even memorable things to happen this year.

"There will be events daily, at midday, teatime, and in the evening, carefully spaced and placed to enable you to attend as many as your own timetable and stamina allow."

Full details of this year's festival events, venues, dates and times are at swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk

signed routes, and pedestrian routes across Fleming Way will remain open at all times throughout the project, enabling access between the town centre and the rail and bus stations.

The bus station will also remain open throughout and buses currently stopping on Fleming Way will be redirected to other bus stops around town, including some new ones to be provided by

the council. More details will follow about these in due course.

Further details about the scheme can be found at www. swindon.gov.uk/busboulevard.

Regular updates from the project will be provided by way of a dedicated Fleming Way Improvements newsletter.

Anybody wishing to sign up to receive this can do so by visiting www.swindon.gov.uk/ newsletter

Fleming Way improvement work under way The transformation of Fleming Way has stepped up a gear with work beginning on the western end of the key town centre road.

Members of the public were warned they might experience some disruption, as the Cheltenham Street car park was due for permanent closure from Tuesday, 19 April.

Swindon Borough Council’s contractor for the new bus interchange and associated public realm, Colas UKP, will be working in the area until February 2023, and some diversion routes will be in place throughout the work.

The main part of the scheme will get under way from September this year with Fleming Way closed to all traffic between the junction of Milford Street and the Whalebridge junction. The overall scheme is scheduled to be completed in Autumn 2024.

Motorists will be directed around the town centre along

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Swindon Seniors Forum Spring Open Meeting

The Swindon Seniors Forum will be holding an open meeting for members and non-members to attend.

It will be held on 10 May between 2 and 4pm at the Gorse Hill Community Centre.

Registration is at 1.30pm, and there will be information stalls, refreshments, a raffle and more. People can register on the Contact Us page at swindonseniors.uk or call 07828446672

Week of activities to make Swindon more dementia-friendly Swindon Dementia Action Alliance - a group of local businesses and organisations - is planning a week of dementia-related activities to raise awareness and understanding.

The activities will take place from 16 to 20 May, during Dementia Action Week.

The free activities include an expo event on 16 May and an afternoon tea with entertainment on 19 May. More information can be found by calling calling 01793 988537 or visiting www.homeinstead.co.uk/ swindon/

Arkell's celebrate Jubilee with treeplanting and new beer After joining The Queen's Green Canopy initiative and conducting a tree planting, Arkell's Brewery release a new ale in honour of the Platinum Jubilee.

The beer, brewed by James’ son Alex Arkell, Head Brewer, is called the Jubilee Ale, and is available in 500ml bottles at 4.2% ABV and later in the year, in cask.

Alongside the new beer, the Prunus 'Pink Perfection' now graces the green, on site at Arkell’s Brewery in Swindon, as part of The Queen's Green Canopy tree planting initiative.

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Sounds Like Women raise over £1,700 for Ukraine with charity concert Swindon-based non-profit Sounds Like Women held a charity concert to fundraise for the people of Ukraine and raised over £1,700.

Local music social enterprise Sounds Like Women partnered with Swindon Libraries for Sounds Like Ukraine - a fundraising afternoon of live music.

The concert saw performances from Basia Bartz, Marina Avetisian, Tracy Graham, Will Lawton, Bob Heath, Jaybirds, and the organiser Luiza Staniec-Moir.

The Swindon group Sunshine Singers then took over from 6pm - 8pm with a pop-up choir event.

All the money raised from the event will be transferred to the charity helping people at the Polish/Ukrainian border - Polska Akcja Humanitarna (PAH)

The concert boasted full-house attendance, and the Sounds Like Women team said cakes and raffle tickets sold out.

The team at Sounds Like Women said they would like to give thanks to the Swindon Libraries & Information Service for hosting the event and co-organising, the Educational and Cultural Centre - Swindon, to the volunteers, and to all the artists who performed. The Sounds Like Women team received support from the Scouts, from Polska Szkola Sobotnia im, Marii Konopnickiej w Swindon and the Polish community in Swindon. Cakes were also provided by Delikatesy

Smaczek.

Sounds Like Women founder Luiza Staniec-Moir said: "It was an absolutely unforgettable afternoon that will hopefully help many people fleeing from the war in Ukraine.

"There was an amazing spirit of togetherness and kindness, with the beautiful music. The venue had a warm atmosphere, and plenty delicious cakes."

More about Sounds Like Women can be found at soundslikewomen.com

Swindon u3a overcomes challenges of pandemic and celebrates its 40th anniversary

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk Swindon's u3a branch has continued to provide its range of social, academic, and sporting activities for the public despite covid, and celebrates its 40th year.

The u3a is an international non-profit organisation that offers a range of groups and activities for members of the public to join. It was set up in 1982, and this year will celebrate 40 years.

Current annual membership costs in Swindon are £35. An individual can join many free activities with u3a, although some groups come with additional costs to cover the hire of the venues they are held in.

Although there are no age limits, the u3a mainly attracts those who are retired.

Swindon u3a Trustee Christopher Ockwell said: “We have so many different groups and activities that people can

join. The u3a strapline or motto is 'Learn Laugh & Live' and this really encapsulates the aims of the organisation.”

Fellow trustee Gillian Brain said: “One of the things the u3a offers people is the opportunity to share interests and hobbies with like-minded people. This in turn leads to the forming of new friendships. This can be especially important for older people who often find themselves lonely or socially isolated.”

Like most organisations, Swindon u3a had to adapt to get through the pandemic. Precovid, the branch had around 2,220 members.

During lockdown, activities for the Swindon u3a ground to a halt although some groups and members continued to communicate through Zoom.

The restart post-pandemic, began from July 2021, and

A group of u3a members who belong to one of the walking groups

membership numbers have now increased to around 1,750.

About 180 new members joined in the last year. Prepandemic, Swindon's u3a was running 180 different groups.

Currently, they have 150 still running.

The activity group categories include: Active, Arts & Crafts, Discussion, Games, Health & Wellbeing, History, Languages, Literature, Monthly Meeting, Music, Natural History, Science and Technology, Social, and Travel & Trips Find out more at www. swindonu3a.org.uk or swindonlink.com/news/swindonu3a-group/ or on Facebook.

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The Old Town Residents Association Column

The future's bright - the future's green for Old Town

By Judith Randell-Sly of Old Town Residents Association

South Swindon parish have been busy promoting their green agenda, starting with a volunteers’ day at the end of March.

This was held in the lovely gardens of TWIGS, on a beautiful March day and was well attended. It gave volunteers a chance to share their experiences and to discuss ideas for future projects, with a view to some collaborative working.

As a result of this a number of volunteers from across the parish descended on Cambria Bridge to dig and plant some new beds, on 14 April and on 19 April a new bed was dug at Shaftesbury Lake. A list of

further projects is currently being collated.

The parish have launched a new Facebook page (and an up-coming Instagram page), South Swindon in Bloom, which highlights volunteer and green events. One of these is a front garden competition, which any resident can take part in.

You do not have to have a large front garden, or any garden at all, as hanging baskets, pots and window boxes are included, but the aim is to get more people making the most of whatever outside space they have. For this competition you can pick the moment that your display is at its best and then photograph it and send your entry to admin@southswindon-pc.gov. uk by Friday 1 July. The Co-op

have donated £250 worth of prizes.

The Green Trail, approximately eight miles in a circular route, was officially opened on 9 April and can be walked in sections, all of them with plenty of interest.

Also on the website are details of the summer programme at the Bowl in the Town Gardens, which include an eclectic mix of music and drama to suit all tastes and age groups.

Unfortunately, neither the Old Town Festival, nor the Pride event will take place because of a lack of volunteers. Such events take months of planning and a great deal of work, but they also need a number of volunteer marshals to ensure safety throughout the event

and unfortunately there were just too few volunteers.

It is good to note that Swindon Borough Council has now applied for permission to carry out alterations and repairs to the first floor of the Civic Offices to make them suitable to house the museum and art gallery collections. We look forward to hearing about the progress of this project, so that we can soon see more of the collection.

A date for your diary – on Saturday 25 June the OTRA gardens group will be holding a plant sale at St Margarets Road, from 2pm – 4pm.

Details on the OTRA Gardens Facebook page. www.facebook.com/ oldtownresidents

The South Swindon Parish Council column

By Cllr Chris Watts Chair of South Swindon Parish Council

On Saturday 9 April I was very proud to officially open and launch the South Swindon Green Trail - Swindon’s newest walking trail.

The South Swindon Green Trail is a circular walking trail, which is approximately 8.5 miles (13 km) long. The route goes via Shaftesbury Lake, Coate Water, Croft Wood, East Wichel, Rushey Platt, Cambria Bridge, the Town Centre, Fleming Way, Magic Roundabout and Marlowe Avenue.

To mark the launch of the South Swindon Green Trail we have installed two information boards that shows a map of the route- one at Shaftesbury Lake and the other at Cambria Bridge Recreation Area.

We have also set up a webpage that contains lots of information about features of the route and its history.

You can visit the dedicated webpage here: www.southswindon-pc.gov.uk/southswindon-green-trail In March the parish council organised a Volunteer Day to celebrate volunteering inside the Parish and plan future 14

Launching the South Swindon Green Trail

environmental projects. The parish council is keen to mobilise and support volunteer projects that improve the environment within the Parish.

Two such projects include planting up the raised beds in Cambria Bridge Recreation Area and digging for a new flower bed at Shaftesbury Lake.

For people interested in supporting the Parish Council with environmental projects, we will be highlighting our environmental projects on facebook and on the Volunteer page of the Parish Council’s website.

If you would like to register your interest in volunteering, contact us at admin@

southswindon-pc.gov.uk Now the warmer months are upon us, we have some fantastic events that are free to attend coming up. Free Easter events have been taking place at Queen’s Park, Town Gardens and Buckhurst Field.

The Brass Band Concerts season will be starting this year from 1 May. We also have free to attend Park Yoga lessons taking place at Queen’s Park every Sunday morning starting at 10.30am Keep an eye on the Events Page of the parish council website for more details and information.

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How to go flying with your feet on the ground Swindon Model Aero Club is based at Sandhill Farm Airfield in Shrivenham and has an 85 year history.

Novices and experienced veteran pilots alike are promised a warm welcome.

Honorary chairman Derek Russell said: "From a very early age I have always had a fascination and interest in all things aviation.

"As a young lad I made rubber powered models made of balsa wood, covered in tissue and dope [sealant].

Invariably they crashed, as at that time I did not have the understanding of balancing and trimming a model aeroplane.

"I was also fascinated watching older lads fly control line models on a local sports field which further fuelled my interest. Some 32 years ago I took up the hobby again when a friend of mine started flying radio controlled model aircraft.

He had joined the Swindon Model Aero Club which at that

Derek Russell

time operated from Wroughton airfield.

"Back then I was very impressed with the controllability of model planes with the latest radio control equipment, and my interest was immediately rekindled.

"Within weeks I had bought a radio control package, built a small trainer plane with an engine and joined the Swindon club. I soon learnt that a club is by far the best route to go, as you have the benefit of many experienced members who can help, advise

and teach you to fly and if necessary take over flying your model plane if you get into trouble."

The Swindon Model Aero Club has around 50 members and is affiliated to the British Model Flying Association (BMFA), providing members with appropriate insurance and compliance with the Civil Aviation Authority - Drone/ Model Aircraft Regulation & Education Scheme.

During the winter months the club has monthly social evenings at a local community

centre.

These includes talks, demonstrations and videos up to March.

In 2014 the Swindon Model Aero Club had to vacate the Wroughton site due to the installation of solar panels and now flies at Shrivenham.

The site, shared with Vale of White Horse Gliding Club, at Sandhill Airfield, has the benefit of a long grass strip to fly from and also a clubhouse.

Flying is conducted safely over open farmland.

Mr Russell said: "Young people can certainly learn a lot from the hobby, not just aeronautics and flying but modelling skills, understanding plans and instructions, as well as how the radio control equipment works."

Anyone with an interest in model aircraft flying who would like further information can obtain it from the club's website at - www.SMAC2000. org.uk - and on its Facebook page.

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The Business Brief

Need help with your skin?

Cotswold Surgical Partners can help For those with concerns about their complexion, fine lines, pigmentation, scarring or lumps, bumps, tags and moles, Cotswold Surgical Partners can help.

The Cotswold team say they acknowledge it can be hard to know who to turn to when you have a skin condition.

Therefore, the surgical team aim to make what can be a hard time easier for those looking for answers.

Cotswold Surgical are a partnership of skin care specialists working together to provide a range of services and products to keep their clients' skin healthy.

They are currently operating from a brand new practice, located in Royal Wootton Bassett.

A spokesperson for the business said: "We understand that every patient has unique circumstances and requirements.

"It is our commitment to you, to take the time to listen and understand what you would like support with, and what your ultimate expectations are."

For over 10 years, Cotswold Surgical have worked alongside the NHS across Wiltshire and Gloucester, as well as with private patients,

with conditions such as skin cancer, scarring, acne and benign moles.

The team say no concern is ever too small and they will treat you with the care and support you need.

Their services, provided by Consultant Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons are regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

Cotswold Surgical's Aesthetic Clinic is provided by a qualified Aesthetic Nurse and is accredited with Save Face for your peace of mind.

Cotswold Surgical Partners can be found within Unit 13 of the Interface Business Park in Royal Wootton Bassett, SN1 3EP. For more information, or to discuss a skin concern, people can get in touch and speak with a member of the Cotswold team.

Cotswold Surgical can be called on 0808 280 3560.

People can also visit its website at www. cotswoldsurgicalpartners. co.uk

Beating prostate cancer one mile at a time on ride to Amsterdam A Wroughton man plans to cycle 145 miles in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. Trevor Salter has decided to take part in the charity's Football to Amsterdam ride.

The challenge will take participants on a gruelling two day journey to the Netherlands' capital, starting on 10 June.

Mr Salter, who also took part in the event in 2019, aims to raise at least £1,250 before beginning the event, whose participants represent their favourite football teams. His is St Albans City FC. He says on his JustGiving page: "Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It’s a disease which kills one man every 45 minutes – that’s two men during a football match.

"But Prostate Cancer UK know that we can turn it around.

Their aim is to make this a disease the next generation

need not fear."

The first day of the event will see riders make their way 80 miles to ferry ports from London and Yorkshire before the crossing to the Netherlands.

The second day will see them cover the remaining miles to Amsterdam.

The charity says on its website: "Prostate Cancer UK has a simple ambition - to stop men dying from prostate cancer.

"Through shifting the science over the next 10 years to focus on radical improvements in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and support, we will stop prostate cancer being a killer."

People can donate at www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ trevorsalterf2a2020 More information about Prostate Cancer UK can be found at prostatecanceruk.org swindonlink.com n May 2022

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Swindon’s bid to become the home of Great British Railways

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk Swindon is hoping to become the home for the HQ of the Great British Railways (GBR) - the new body responsible for running Britain’s railways – after a first-class bid was submitted to Government last month as part of a national competition.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps launched the initiative in February, which attracted bids from 42 towns and cities across the UK, giving Swindon some healthy competition.

The Government will announce the shortlist of locations in May before organising an online vote to give the public the opportunity to support and vote for their preferred location.

Each of the entries is being measured against six criteria, including the railway heritage and links to the rail network,

how connected and easy to get to the location is and the level of local public support.

When it comes to railway heritage, Swindon is already in a leading position as one of England’s most important historic railway towns. At its height, the GWR Works in Swindon was one of the largest railway engineering complexes in the world.

In terms of location, Swindon is ideally positioned, with extensive GWR routes, making it a ‘hub’ location for the South West. Swindon is also home to multiple national and international headquarters, with strong links to regional offices across the UK. But in the run up to the shortlist announcement, the community across Swindon

can play their part in backing the bid and helping to demonstrate the level of local support. Then, should Swindon make it on to the shortlist, they can offer support by voting for the town online. People wishing to get involved in helping to promote Swindon’s bid can email Swindon Borough Council at communications@swindon. gov.uk

There is still time to apply to hold a Platinum Jubilee street party

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk People thinking about holding events to commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee are being reminded by Swindon Borough Council of some important deadlines in the application process.

To celebrate the Queen becoming the first British monarch to reach the historic milestone of 70 years on the throne, a wealth of special events are taking place or scheduled to take place throughout the UK and the Commonwealth.

The programme of these events, which range from street

parties to charity fundraising gatherings, is set to run throughout the year.

However, most are planned for the special extended Bank Holiday which will run from Thursday, 2 June to Sunday, 5 June.

Although those four days are still several weeks in the future, there are still some crucial deadlines for people to bear in mind if they are planning an event where alcohol will be sold.

Rules also apply if they are planning to provide entertainment such as music, dancing or indoor sports, or serving and selling hot food and drinks at any time

between 11am and 5pm.

Organisers are reminded that the deadline beyond which a street closure application can no longer be submitted is Friday, 13 May. In addition to this restriction, the deadline for applying for a Temporary Event Notice for licensed activities application is 19 May. A Swindon Borough Council spokesperson explained that the deadlines had been put in place to make sure that anybody who submitted an application had the highest chance of it being approved in time for the extended June Bank Holiday Weekend.

To find out how to apply,

Swindon residents can visit Swindon Borough Council’s dedicated Jubilee website at www.swindon.gov.ul/ platinumjubilee.

The site also has extensive information about the Big Jubilee Lunch, a speciallydesigned event which encourages communities to come together to celebrate their connections and get to know each other better.

Various local activities to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee are currently being organised.

The council says that further details will be released when they become available, and that people should look out for announcements.

Council urges voters to make sure they are ready for elections Swindon Borough Council has sent a message to voters, urging them to make sure they know where their local polling station is.

On Thursday, 5 May, the electrorate in various parts of 20

the borough will be asked to choose the new occupants of 19 seats.

In addition, a number of parish council seats will be contended.

Polling stations will be open

from 7am until 10pm on polling day, and before going to vote, residents are advised to make sure which polling station is theirs.

The information can be found on poll cards and by looking

on the council's website and using the 'Find my Polling Station' feature.

Further information about the elections can be found at www.swindon.gov.uk/ forthcomingelections

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Macmillan Castles Bike Ride returns this year and will celebrate its 25th anniversary

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk

This year marks the return of the Swindon Macmillan Castles charity bike ride and also marks its 25th anniversary.

The charity bike ride will be taking place on Sunday, 3 July at 10am.

Starting at Croft Sports centre, the ride is expected to attract around 200 to 300 mountain bikers of all abilities - from novice to very experienced. Participants will be riding on three routes around Barbury Castle and then returning to Old Town via Coate Water.

A spokesperson for the event said: "None of the routes are completely flat so everyone can get the satisfaction of completing a challenge suitable for them. We have a family ride of about 10 miles and our standard route suitable for those with a bit

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more experience and energy is 20 miles."

The very experienced riders have the option to take on some technical challenges as they ride the 32 mile long routes.

At the end of the charity ride, refreshments will be provided for all, and there will also be refreshments stops and water bottle fills on the standard and long routes.

Members of the public can find out more and register at www.castlesbikeride.co.uk.

On-line entry is £15 for adults and £5 for children.

Families - which must consist of two adults and at least one child - can enter for a fee of £30.

Participants can also set up a fundraising page once entered, or perhaps choose to make a voluntary donation to MacMillan Cancer support.

Both are optional.

Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the largest British charities and provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer.

It also looks at the social,

emotional and practical impact cancer can have, and campaigns for better cancer care.

More about Macmillan can be found at www.macmillan. org.uk

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Swindon author will take you out of this world Geoff Matthews, who grew up in Wroughton, writes fantasy novels under the name GR Matthews and his latest novel Seven Deaths of an Empire, which has had rave reviews, is out now in paperback and available in Waterstones. Jamie Hill caught up with for a chat... The full (and much longer) interview is available on our website

How did you get into writing?

Both my parents encouraged me to read and I think I really started off with Sci-fi books.

Anyway, I got into a Dungeons and Dragons at a club in Swindon which met in a community hall every Sunday and I just loved that exercise of imagination.

Later on, after University and getting my career underway, I went back to University (Open) and studied Creative Writing.

During that course I learned the tips and tricks to writing, but mostly (and this cannot be underestimated) I learned the discipline needed to write. It's like any muscle, any skill, you have to practice and keep on practicing every day. It's a journey with no end, but every new day is one of discovery.

Tell us about your previous work?

Before Seven Deaths, I selfpublished a fair number of books. I hadn’t wanted an

agent and the pressure of a book deal (and imposed deadlines) because I had young children and a busy career in education.

The Stone Road was my first book, and I am still mightily proud of it. It was set in Ancient China with martial arts heroes, dragons, magic, and multiple realms to traverse.

Two sequels followed.

Alongside those, I’ve written a series of books set in the future where we’ve been forced to retreat from the surface and live in cities beneath the waves.

Tell us about Seven Deaths of an Empire?

The Emperor is dead and it's from two vastly different points of view of a general and an apprentice magician in amongst all the intrigue of succession. I’ll give you a clue to help you get started on the book, there are seven important deaths which the whole novel hinges upon. The Emperor’s is the first, and it’s up to the reader to count

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What is it about fantasy that gives you inspiration?

I grew up in the 70s and 80s. The threat of Nuclear war hanging over our heads. And though there was hope for our future, there was also an undertone of dark realism and greed. Sci Fi shows offered hope on the TV, but for a boy with more imagination than common sense (still mostly true) it wasn’t enough.

I went to Swindon College and walked through town at the end of every day. That walk took me past Waterstones, and I’d stop in there two or three times a week.

This is where I picked up Magician by Raymond E Feist and Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings. And that was it…

I was hooked on heroes, on magic, on new worlds where anything was possible.

How does it feel to have one of your books on the shelves of Waterstones and other good book retailers?

When the hardback came out and I went into bookshops, it was very strange. I didn’t quite

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cry but I definitely felt a moment of pride and success.

What are you working on right now?

Well, the sequel to Seven Deaths is written and with my agent along with the synopsis to the third book.

Right now, I am about 40,000 words into a new book based on an idea that’s been in my journal for about two years scraps of notes, character sketches, world notes. Now it is time to write it and explore that new world.

What advice would you give to other aspiring authors?

Write. Write some more.

Don’t stop. Keep at it.

Read. Read some more.

Read the full interview at swindonlink.com/lifestyle/ seven-deaths-interview

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Festival fever to hit Lechlade this May

The popular three-day Lechlade Music Festival returns again this year, from Friday 27 - Sunday 29 May. The multi award-winning, family-friendly festival has bounced back for 2022, after the pandemic kept the event out of the calendar for 2 years.

The Boomtown Rats and Alexandra Burke will be the glittering headline acts for the tenth anniversary of the much-anticipated festival.

Both acts will headline the Renishaw Main Stage on the Sunday night, closing the show on what is described as a 'stupendous line-up of live music.'

Over 100 artists will perform across five stages during the three days.

This year sees the addition of a new second arena, a silent disco and a cabaret stage.

The cabaret stage will be graced by a host of internationally acclaimed artists along with local talent.

Friday serves as tribute night with performances from Guns or Roses and JK as Robbie Williams.

In addition, across Friday and Saturday, the introduction of the Music Lab Open Mic sessions will give would-be performers the chance for a slot at the festival.

Included in the ticket price are Lechlade's free family workshops. This will give people the chance to try samba dancing, arts and crafts and even a taster session on a variety of music instruments.

There will also be a wide variety of stalls, serving food and real ales, sweets, festival accessories, handmade clothes, jewellery, vintage and retro items, guitars, and body art, to

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Alexandra Burke

round off the festival experience.

Local businesses and organisations have stepped in to support and sponsor the event, including engineering giants Renishaw, Swindon-based GS Yuasa Europe, Zapp Active, and Edward Bays Ltd. Sponsoring the family workshop tents, is The Royal International Air Tattoo.

Tickets can be purchased online via the festival website at lechladefestival.co.uk/tickets/buy-tickets.html or at the Lechlade Post Office (incurring no booking fee).

Children 16 and under still go free and festival organisers would like to remind members of the public that children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The festival team deem those over the age of 25 bearing a valid adult tickets to be responsible.

People can find out out more at www.lechladefestival.co.uk or by finding the festival on Facebook & Instagram.

The Boomtown Rats

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Swindon & Cricklade Railway steams into 2022 with a whole host of events The team at Swindon & Cricklade Railway say they are looking forward to bringing the public some fantastic events this year, and sharing some good news.

Allan Bott, Vice chairman of S&C Railway, said: "We’d like to thank everyone for their support in 2021 and we can’t wait to welcome you in 2022.

"Cricklade draws ever close to us thanks to our hard-working Permanent Way team who have been battling the wind and rain of the winter to reach the end of 'Phase one' of the 'Return to Cricklade Project.'"

The current rail head now rests at the cutting just before Farfield Lane, where staff need to rebuild a road bridge that was demolished in the late 60s.

Allan adds: "It's not just the track though – there's also much infrastructure and clearance work still to be achieved. But hopefully when the summer months grace us, we’ll be able to run trains all the way to Farfield Lane, giving our customers a longer journey in the lush Wiltshire countryside."

S&C Railway will hopefully celebrate the completion of the overhaul of Ex-GWR Locomotive 0-6-2t “6695” in the later summer months. It is a member of the 66xx class and although a Swindon design, it was one of the 49 examples to be built at Armstrong Whitworth of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1928. After a long and busy life it covered over 620,000 miles in service and was withdrawn in 1964. Volunteers have been working to get it back in good workable condition.

Events are said to be jam packed for S&C Railway this season.

Its Jubilee Celebration Real Ale & Cider Festival will run over the

Hypertension in Cats A column by Thameswood Vets Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure.

As with humans it is common in cats especially as they get older, and is often known as the ‘silent killer’ as it often goes unnoticed for months or even years.

Unfortunately, prolonged high blood pressure often results in damage to organs including a cats eyes, kidneys, heart and brain.

It is also often associated with other diseases such as chronic kidney disease or hyperthyroidism so it is important that any changes are caught early.

Catching hypertension early makes it possible to manage the condition preventing future complications such as damage to the eyes.

When hypertension is discovered as a ‘secondary issue` i.e. it has already caused a visible health issue which the pet was presented for, management of the illness will depend on the severity of the disease it has caused.

From the age of seven its recommended that blood pressure checks are carried out once or twice a year.

It is a simple non-invasive procedure that cats tolerate well; it is very similar to how doctors will take a blood pressure reading from us, with a small inflatable cuff being placed on the tail or limb.

During April, our hypertension ambassador nurses are

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holiday weekend from Friday 3 June - Sunday 5 June.

August is set to be another busy month starting with the Past and Present Family Festival. Those with classic or American Muscle cars can also exhibit with S&C Railway on 13 & 14 August.

Later in August, a famous steam locomotive is coming to visit.

S&C Railway's 'Day out with Thomas' takes place on 27, 28 & 29 August and will star the Number 1 Blue Engine himself. Organisers urge members of the public not to miss out on Thomas the Tank Engine's first visit to Swindon in over a decade.

More information about the events can be found at swindoncricklade-railway.org

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offering free blood pressure checks.

These can either be carried out at our Royal Wootton Bassett clinic or at our new cat clinic on selected days.

For more information or to book an appointment please contact the clinic on 01793 230266.

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A look inside Helen LINK Browning's Organic Farm FOOD & DRINK

By Jessica Durston | jessica@positive-media.co.uk Swindon Link was invited to visit Helen Browning's Organic Farm in Bishopstone to take a tour of the land and hotel rooms, meet the animals, and eat at its Royal Oak restaurant.

Helen Browning's Organic (HBO), based at Eastbrook Farm in Bishopstone, has been organically producing for over 30 years.

The farm specialises in dairy, beef, pigs and cereals.

Helen's produce can be found in a variety of supermarkets including Sainsbury's and Ocado.

As well as the superstores, her products are sold through Abel & Cole, Amazon Fresh and anumber of whole food markets.

Aside from meat produce, the farm sells homemade beverages and honey. The HBO team are also working towards releasing gin.

Those interested in finding out more about Helen Browning's Organic produce and its food subscription boxes can visit helenbrowningsorganic.co.uk/ shop/ Over time, the HBO team have looked at different ways to improve animal welfare, to produce sustainably, and to provide delicious organic food.

The family farm has been passed down over time and with Helen's children now involved, it is now third generation.

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Helen said: "When I took over Eastbrook at the age of 24, I was pretty convinced that organic farming had a lot to offer.

"After researching, I didn’t come back to my team straight away and say we’re definitely going to go all the way – I wanted to experiment with the techniques and things.

“I had a very strong interest in organic farming and having done some trials in the first year, I became convinced it would work for the whole farm.”

As well as overseeing the farm, Helen is Chief Executive of the Soil Association, and has served on the Curry Commission into the Future of Farming. She was also awarded the OBE for her services to farming in 1998.

The farm boasts a wide range of wildlife including the cows and pigs that HBO are famous for, but also the other animals the farm draws in.

The forward-thinking rewilding approach that Helen Browning takes with the farmland has attracted all five species of British owl, corn buntings, buzzards, and a whole host of insects. In

addition, 30 species of UK birds that appear on every conservationist's 'red list' have also been spotted on site.

When asked about the key to her farm's success, Helen said: “I think we have been very agile in terms of trying to explore what will work at what times. I think having a really clear sense of direction but being flexible with how we achieve has been the secret of our survival.

“Also attracting really fantastic people who want to help has been key. You can have all these wonderful ideas but unless you’ve got an amazing team of people around you, you cannot make it all happen."

Helen's business partner Tim Finney, who owns the farm's Royal Oak pub, added: "Ultimately, we have a responsibility here to create interesting jobs, and to constantly look at different ways to improve the welfare of our animals and the health of our soil."

The farm is open for visits from members of the public and there are events that are held on site. People can enjoy a farm safari, courses in photography, guided walks, birdwatching tours, and spaces for picnics and camping.

For those that do not wish to spend their evenings outdoors, HBO offers twelve hotel rooms at its Royal Oak pub that is located adjacent to the

farmsite. Visitors can enjoy a meal inside the rustic pub, enjoy the gardens and deck, and visit the farm shop that is right next door.

Helen said of the farm's open door approach: "We always want to be as accessible to as many people as possible. We want people to come and have a look at our farm, to touch and explore and understand it – warts and all.

"I think people want to have fun, enjoy nature, and good food. Quite often they may come to eat with us and wonder why the food tasted so great, and then will be inclined to explore the farm. We’re so keen that more and more people have a deeper and more fulfilling and enjoyable understanding, and connection with nature, farming, and their food."

Helen is considered by many to be a pioneer in organic farming and uses many innovative methods to create her produce. More information can be found on the Swindon Link website at swindonlink. com/lifestyle/helen-browningvisit In addition, more information about Helen Browning's Organic Farm can be found at helenbrowningsorganic.co.uk/ HBO are also offering an online coupon for Swindon Link readers. The code SWINDLINK can be used at checkout for £10 off an individual's first Meat Box order.

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The shared joy of telling stories to one another meeting friends after thirty years, a university student on the Tube spoke about a bullying incident and took some advice, a guy in the British Library with a breaking marriage had no solution. Strangers with stories are a poet’s harvest.

Here are a few lines from Walcott:

Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

I booked a hotel in Paddington Basin recently.

I came out of Paddington Station and looked it up on Google maps.

An hour later it took me back to Paddington. A Jamaican man saw me struggling and said: “You lost, Bro?” He said he lived in the area and would pass my hotel.

It was a slow walk as he carried a bad leg. I wish it had been even slower.

It turned out he was married to an Irishwoman and we explored that, then swapped stories of grandchildren. He complimented me on my age.

“You look good, Bro, could be an honorary Black. Blacks don’t crack.”

He meant black faces don’t get wrinkled like white faces as they age. Every face on the Tube confirmed his statement. We moved on to the Caribbean and politics, Jamaica and then St Lucia.

I said I’d been there looking

Derek Walcott

up places where the poet, Derek Walcott, based his poems. He quoted one of Walcott’s poems and we were off, two old boys quoting lines to each other. I’m really sorry I didn’t get his email or phone. I’ll get lost again next time I’m in Paddington.

It was like that over the days: a woman in a lift anxious because she was

The time will come when, with elation, you will greet yourself arriving at your own door, in your own mirror, and each will smile at the other’s welcome, and say, sit here. Eat. You will love again the stranger who was yourself. www.mauricespillane.com

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Reflections on going car-free Monthly column with Becky Cox of Swindon Cycle Campaign.

With the cost-of-living crisis we are all being forced to look more closely at our finances.

We decided to go car-free around four years ago, after finally admitting to ourselves that the costs of repairs, insurance and services just weren’t worth it.

It has saved us hundreds, if not thousands, each year since.

We’d gone from being a twocar household down to one car after moving back to Swindon and getting more local jobs.

We live in walking distance of most of our daily needs and we can easily get around the wider urban area by bike. For longer journeys we take the bus or train.

We joined the Co-Wheels car club for those occasions where a car was the best option, and we’re on my parent’s car insurance if we need wheels Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

can be very affordable.

A cheap but reliable old town bike is perfect for getting from A to B. However, invest in a good quality lock (ideally a D-lock or chain lock). I have a 30-year-old Raleigh, with 3 gears, mudguards and chain guards built in.

Mountain bikes or road bikes are designed for sport and not ideal for getting around on, however any bike can be adapted.

I lock mine out the front of the house with a rain cover so it’s easily accessible when I need it.

I’d advise fitting a rear pannier rack and bags as they are handy, and it’s surprising how much you can carry on a bike (you can get a pannier rack to fit almost any bike).

A basket can be useful too,

Transformations in store for County Ground

As I sit down to pen this latest column, Town find their season hanging by a thread after a defeat to Newport County.

However, instead of second guessing where Swindon will currently lie I'd like to focus this column on matters off the pitch.

In previous years this topic has been shrouded with negativity.

However, now thanks to the fantastic work of Clem Morfuni and Rob Angus, this topic is nothing but positive.

There's no better marker of the progress than the recent plans to redevelop the County Ground. Swindon's home since 1896 is set for a radical £22.5 million makeover.

The exciting new plans include a 5000-seater Town End, a club museum, and a hotel.

It's not the first time that Town have revealed plans to transform their home, but this time it feels different. Already 28

for quick getaway.

But, the thing is, when you have a car on the doorstep you are more likely to use it for short trips which could be walked or cycled (helping save money on a gym membership!).

We’ve found that getting around by foot or bike to be more social – we often bump into friends and neighbours and feel more connected with the community.

Rather than just travelling from A to B as quickly as possible we find new parks and greenspaces, which are great for boosting mood and mental health.

At a gentle pace it only takes around 20 minutes to cycle 3 miles, so it’s a great replacement for short car journeys and parking is always free.

Buy second-hand and cycling

under Clem Morfuni we've seen that if he says something then it will happen.

With the stadium lacking years of investment the plans couldn't have come at a better time.

Not only will it suit a higher level of football, but the extra additions will also add some much needed revenue. The County Ground could certainly become a pillar of the community for years to come.

Another marker of the progress would be recruitment.

It must be said that despite having his hands tied behind his back, director of football Ben Chorley has done a remarkable job.

Gone are the days when Swindon found themselves scrapping around the loan market on deadline day with no real plan.

This season the statergy is

clear - a focus on young players who have potential to develop under Garner in order to be sold on for a tidy profit. There's no finer example than midfielder Ricky Aguiar.

The 21-year-old was plucked from Isthmian League outfit, Worthing FC. Aguiar was thrown in at the deep end, midway through the season due to an injury crisis.

After a promising spell at Chippenham the youngster made an immediate impact at Town, netting twice against Walsall.

Although inconsistent at times the future certainly looks bright for Aguiar. As well as youngsters, Town have also managed to pull off big name signings in Jonny Williams and Louis Reed.

With the embargo lifted the

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next transfer window could be one of great excitement as Chorley and his team get to flex their muscles.

It's fair to say that the foundations of a successful club have been set in stone.When Morfuni first took over the aim was the championship, but more crucially the objective was survival.

As football fans we can all be prone to short-sightedness as we crave quick success, but this Town project was never scheduled to finish overnight.

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